Words and photos by Zach Moeller
Have no plan: Or at least keep the ones you have open-ended. Buy a one way ticket, that way you can stay as long as you want (or dip early if things don’t work out). A loose itinerary means you can fully go with the flow; half the places I ended up, I didn’t expect to go when I left the States.
Don’t sweat things too hard: I can be an anxious person, but on this trip I really tried to avoid letting anything worry me more than it needed to. If anything fell through I tried to just keep it moving, and quickly discovered that things (almost) always work out exactly how they should. From sleeping in the rain on the beach to staying in a mansion in Berlin, I always woke up the next morning grateful for the experience.
Hang with the locals: This one should go without saying, but too many people just book an Airbnb and stay in their own little bubble when they travel. Not only will you meet some killer people, but you’ll also get a true taste of what life is like wherever you are. Don’t hesitate to make some friends and you will soon have instant access to good food, cheap beer, spots, and tons of great local knowledge. Some people might even let you crash at their spot. Most importantly, you have a chance to make some lifelong homies. I know I certainly did.
Eat and drink cheap: In theory, you can make the trip last a very long time if you don’t run out of money. A great way to do this is to spend as little as you can when it comes to food. Either hit the fruit stand or market and you can have food for a week for next to nothing. If you’re craving some fast food, always check for the hidden cheap menu. It’s typically on the last page hidden from the more expensive stuff. Shoutout to Theo for sharing that knowledge, it definitely saved me a lot of money. Alcohol can also drain your wallet, but buying six packs to drink in the streets is pretty cheap compared to sitting in the bar. This is especially wise in cities like Paris where things are more expensive. Hit the Spätis if you’re in Berlin. They have huge selections of brew and are cheaper than deli prices. Huge shoutout to Spritz in Barcelona for their €4 Aperols.
Camp or sleep outside if you need to: Most folks want the comfort of a mattress and a roof over their head, but don’t let the lack of a place to stay keep you from going where the wind will take you. This can be tricky in cities, but spending the night under the stars can be very pleasant, and by getting a tent and sleeping bag you can save a lot of money. The first couple of weeks we road tripped through Basque Country and Northern Spain and realized a lot of places you can set up camp without being bothered. It’s an excellent way to save some bread and see some pretty places. Just make sure you bring a portable charger.
Keep an open mind: This should probably also go without saying, but it’s crucial to try some new things. Even if you’re bad at it, try to use the language of whatever country you’re in. The locals probably speak English, but not everyone will, and they will appreciate the effort. Don’t hesitate to try some new cuisine or to stray from the beaten path. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Whether it’s just for directions or a ride to the next destination (thank you Max!) It doesn’t hurt to ask, and most people on the road are willing to give a helping hand.
Cherish every second: Soak up every moment, even the bad ones. Going on this trip was one of the most incredible things I’ve done, and it’s an experience I’ll carry with me until I die. Throughout high and low points I continuously couldn’t believe how blessed I was to be doing what I was doing. Seeing new places and revisiting old ones is amazing, but it was the new friends I made along the way that made this trip as incredible as it was. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you can travel for an extended time, seize the opportunity and do it. It will change your life.
