Things To Know Before Traveling

Things I forgot:

• Our hostel proved bedding, and a bathroom with a shower. But nothing to dry off with. Bring a towel. 
• There are drawers under each bunk for your things and a way to lock them if you have your own padlock. Nothing of ours was stolen, but then most people don't appreciate the beauty of my dresses like I do, so I didn't really need to worry. But if you stay several days in a hostel and want to leave valuables under the bed, bring a padlock. 
• Always check the weather. Thankfully, I did that and brought umbrellas. But next time I'll also bring a rain cover of sort for my backpack, and also plastic bags for my phone and electronics as my phone was water damaged. 
• A hat for my cold ears (thankfully Kathlyn had one).

Things I'm glad I remembered to bring:

• Battery pack and charging cord
• Cash (most places in Germany don't take cards). 
• My passport. You never know when you'll be asked for it. 
• A water bottle. Hydration is always important, no matter where you're at, in rain and sun. 
• The train allowed me to take two bags, but I only took a backpack. Which I'm very glad about. Even though I didn't plan this originally, I ended up buying a duffel and filling it with gifts and I was able to bring it back with me as my second piece of luggage. 
• Something to do on the train ride. Usually, I beta read, but on the way back my phone was dead, so I embroidered. 

What your backpack should contain (female version because guys don't need anything except a little money and a passport, I hear):

• Photo ID/ passport
• Money (cash and card)
• Toothbrush
• Hairbrush 
• Bible/ journal/ ink pen
• One change of clothes, and maybe some extra socks and underwear
• Essential oil, deodorant, sanitizer
• Weather appropriate stuff if it's rainy or cold
• And nothing of excess. Unless it's embroidery. Because you will find time for that always. :) 
• Pocket knives are nice for cheese. Though I hear they are illegal here, so don't be like me. Which is totally crazy ... I mean, they say it's so dangerous for girls to travel alone, yet they won't allow us any means of protection ;0 That's the world for ya. 

Ways to make your trip less expensive and more enjoyable:

• Stay in a hostel. $12 a night is so much cheaper than $60. You still get your own bed, and you can choose to stay in a room of only women rather than a mixed room. I think guys don't have the option of mixed rooms. You can also get private rooms at a hostel, and I think they are still a bit cheaper than an actual hotel. 
• Don't eat out—bakeries and groceries are the way to go! Bread, fruit, and cheese are so reasonably priced and delicious. 
• Know a bit of German, and practice that German. Germans appreciate the effort. 
• You don't have to be a tourist to make the most of your trip ... thrift stores, flee markets, and antique stores sell more authentic German things than tourist shops. 
• Flixbus or flixtrain is a reasonable way to travel. I traveled for $80 round trip. My friend was able to do it for about $30 I think, but that's because she was coming from a smaller town than I. 
• Walk when you can ... you see more anyways, and those few extra dollars always add up. Only ride the subway/ bus when absolutely necessary. And I mean if you have more than two hours to walk type of necessary ;) 
• Bring the bare minimum. 
• Buy the bare minimum. 
• Laugh and don't sweat over anything. 
• If stress arises, as it will, handle it like the adult you are (or should be) and everything will work out somehow. And if it doesn't work out, hopefully, you enjoyed the bit of life God gave you. 

And if you're going to Berlin you must see Dietrich Bonhoeffer's house. Or even if you're just coming to Germany in general ;D 

What are some things you've learned traveling? Are there anythings I'm missing here that are absolutely essential?