Letting go of plans can lead to unexpected adventures. 🧭

The main destinations of our train adventure were Northern Italy and Western Slovenia. I struggled when my friend suggested changing the itinerary to stay in Italy due to non-stop rain at our chosen destinations in Slovenia. I kept refreshing the weather app, hoping the forecast might change. Even though I knew staying in Italy was the right decision, I went to bed annoyed. However, after sleeping on it, I finally admitted she was right. We ended up exploring parts of Italy I hadn’t considered, and it turned out to be a great decision (with great weather).

We have 24 hours a day: stop rushing. 🧭

It took me a few days to fully switch from my work mindset to a vacation one. At first, I felt like I had to hurry to do everything, whether it was catching the first train or ticking off items on our itinerary. But gradually, I realized there was no rush—if we missed one train, another would come. There’s no need to chase time. Instead, I learned to slow down and savor the moments.

People are inherently good. 🧭

For the first time, I hitchhiked—something I’d always wanted to try but never quite had the courage for. Both times we stood on the roadside, thumbs out and smiles on our faces, we were picked up by the most incredible people. One time, we even got a ride up the mountain on the back of a quad, which was an unforgettable experience. Each time, we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm and kindness of our drivers, who even shared local tips with us along the way.

You don’t need to travel far to have ‘authentic experiences’. 🧭

I don’t need to travel to the other side of the world—there’s plenty of adventure waiting right here within our borders, or not too far from them. While far-away destinations are undoubtedly exciting, I’ve realized that I can find equally enriching and authentic experiences on the continent where I am from, often in places I hadn’t even considered.

Traveling is a privilege. 🧭

This trip reminded me of the true depth of that privilege. The ability to explore new places, try new food, make unfortunate choices when abroad, and immerse myself in unfamiliar landscapes is something not everyone has the chance to do. Travel is more than just personal discovery—it’s a chance to engage with the world thoughtfully and sustainably. As more people have access to global travel, we also have a growing responsibility to ensure the destinations we love are cared for, so they can be enjoyed by future generations.

Unfortunately, people still don’t know how to ‘leave no trace’. 🧭

Even though there might be good intentions, I’ve realized that not everyone knows how to truly ‘leave no footprint.’ I don’t claim to be perfect either—I’ve had to learn a lot to travel more sustainably, and I’m still learning every day. But honestly, I thought some things were just common sense, like taking your trash with you. It’s shocking how often I still saw things like toilet paper, food scraps, and cigarette butts left behind. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it belongs in nature. It’s a reminder for me to keep preaching: we all have a responsibility to leave the places we visit as untouched as possible.

Public transport isn’t only expensive in Belgium. 🧭

I used to complain about the cost of public transport at home, but this trip gave me some perspective. I’ll try to complain less… I promise!