One of my favourite things about traveling is going somewhere and having an idea of what to expect, but never really knowing until you get there. Like when I whimsically booked a cheap trip to Ireland and had the best weekend of my life. Or when I went to Prague to celebrate my coming of age in Europe’s biggest nightclub and had the worst birthday ever. Or when I went to the wrong airport and missed out on Budapest altogether… I certainly wasn’t expecting that.

I definitely knew what to expect of my hometown in Germany, having lived there for a year already. But from myself, I expected to be apprehensive and homesick, to have forgotten most of my German and that the kids would have no idea who I was anymore!

To the contrary, I feel right at home here. My German is still surprisingly good and the kids were more excited than I was! Even the baker near my house who makes my one and only nougat croissant was excited to see me. I’m not quite sure what this says about my bakery visitation habits, but that’s neither here nor there.

My family have been as welcoming as ever, I’ve made myself at home and eaten my weight in German goodies. The only question is now, where to next?

Being as indecisive as I am, I’ve spent a good deal of time writing makeshift “to do” lists and inevitably accomplishing nothing. I did a lot of traveling last time, but they were quick weekend trips and I always returned to my home. This time round I am carrying a huge backpack, I have a German passport (hello freedom!) and I have to make my money stretch a LOT further. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to see and do as much as I can on this amazing continent. It should be interesting to say the least, and I’ve managed to narrow it down to a few options

Buying a car

There are a few obvious advantages to this. I can see a lot more, go off the beaten track and it would be a lot cheaper in the long run if I bought something semi decent.

However, it’s a big chunk of money to part with and I have zero sense of direction. I probably couldn’t find my way out of a wet paper bag. Plus, I would be by myself, and for a social butterfly like me that just won’t do. Which brings me to my next idea…

Find a travel buddy!

I don’t mean like, go and pick one out from the street and say “Hey! You’re coming with me Pal!”

There are actually several websites and forums dedicated to people who want someone to share their journey with. They are generally all looking for the same thing; someone fun, outgoing, easy to get along with who has a sense of budget and street wisdom. I’m thinking my ad would read a little something like this:

“Hello friends! Aussie girl seeks full time adventurer to galavant around Europe with. I’ll bring the car, you bring the common sense and itinerary. I’m fun, outgoing and easy to get along with, as long as you don’t chew too loudly, snore, tell me what to do or annoy the crap out of me, we will be a match made in nomadic heaven!”

Yeah, I always liked traveling by myself more anyway…. So moving on!

Buy a rail pass

Hey! I may actually be onto something here. I have experience in this field from dragging my sister around Europe with me for 3 weeks. And trains and buses are arguably the best way to get around without a car. This idea will definitely make the short list, as will…

Winging it

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having no idea what you’re doing! When I’m at home in Australia, I can’t even plan what to have for dinner, so this mentality suits me to a Tee. I always envied the people I met in hostels who had no plans, no restrictions and no worries! I thought to myself, “you know what, I COULD BE ONE OF THEM.”

I have a one way ticket and a passport after all, so the only restrictions I have are the ones I place on myself.

These are my options so far! I am beyond lucky to have a great host family who are happy to put up with my erratic ways until I finally get moving. Even if I do eat all their food and send their water bill through the roof.

Watch this space, you will be the first to know when I decide how this adventure will begin!

Kate