Why am I going to Europe for almost four months? The simple answer is why not, which is my only answer. As soon as Amazon announced, we would not have to be back in the office until January; that day, I decided to buy a ticket to Munich, leaving at the end of September. I love to travel, and I have been to Europe for months at a time before but never for almost four months. So I am just as excited as I am terrified. The weeks leading up to my departure have been very stressful; there is a lot of planning involved on all accounts.
My itinerary of cities I will be visiting (in order). I will be spending 1-3 weeks in each location.
Munich, Germany
Salzburg, Austria & Vienna, Austria
Berlin, Germany
Split, Croatia & Hvar, Croatia & Mostar, Bosnia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Rome, Italy, Capri, Italy & Florence, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
Prague, Czech Republic
Nuremberg, Germany
Is anyone coming with me?
I am doing this trip 70% solo, which is precisely what I wanted, for the most part. However, I am thrilled with my couple of visitors along the way! My first visitor will be one of my very close friends, Amy, and we will be doing Salzburg and Vienna together. Then my mom will be meeting me in Italy and will be doing all of Italy together. So again, I’m excited to do this alone for the most part; it will challenge me.
What and how am I packing for almost four months?
When I first thought of this, I was going to do it all in one carry-on. That was a funny thought; this has probably been the most stressful for me, I would say (besides covid). I have decided to go with one regular checked bag and carry-on. My suitcase is already packed to the max; I know I will buy things while I’m over there, so I have to pick and choose what the essentials are and what I can forgo. It isn’t easy because I have to pack extra items you wouldn’t have to on a regular vacation. Like nail care, laundry detergent, full-size bottles, and shoes for all weathers. Also different climates, from warm to snow, winter coat to sundresses. Living on only 50 pounds for four months is proving to be challenging.
What about Covid?
Covid is changing every second; I don’t have to explain that one. However, bans and requirements are changing daily. Today, I am allowed to enter all the countries on my list due to being vaccinated. I am keeping a very watchful eye on restrictions and requirements.
I have to explain myself to those who think this is selfish and unproductive to society. Since I am going the majority of the time alone and vaccinated (including my visitors) and will be tested just about every week, I do not feel like I will get covid as cases are much lower in Europe than in the USA. Also, I am fully vaccinated with the booster, and I will not be breaking any laws nor finding any loopholes to continue with my trip. I will not be infecting anyone with Covid by going. I will be getting a PCR test 24 hours before my flight to Munich, even though it is not required. I will then do a rapid test when I land three days later, again not needed. After that, I will be taking a rapid or PCR test weekly. It is my reasonability to keep myself healthy and the others around me, and I believe anyone can travel safely and reasonably during covid.
On this trip, I am keeping as flexible as possible and just going with the flow. If I need to change a country due to their requirements, then that is precisely what I will be doing.
Why the places I picked?
Well, you will have to read each post after each city! I will be posting tips, tricks, and recommendations for each city. All the cities have a meaning behind them. I am excited to share this adventure with everyone; I have to use my top-tier EA skills to organize and plan all of this, so there are no hiccups along the way (we all know there will be, already has).
The Life of Sarah 