My Minimalist Journey to Europe: Leaving it All Behind

Everything I owned was reduced to what you see in the picture above. A carry-on and a backpack were all I brought on this trip to Europe. I planned on buying things as I traveled, but I wanted to start off as light as possible. So light, in fact, that the hat and sweater you see in this picture didn't make the cut.

Embracing the Reality:

It didn't hit me until three days before departure when my furniture started disappearing. That's when it dawned on me that I had a one-way flight to France, and I got rid of everything I own, lol. The mix of emotions took over as the departure day approached – I was worried, a little scared, but above all, excitement overwhelmed me. My concerns centered around a few things: Do Europeans really hate Americans as much as people say? Will the language barrier be unbearable? And will the time difference be grueling and ruin the experience? Honestly, only the last one had the potential to cut my trip short; I was confident I could push past the other two issues.

Essential Preparations:

Before traveling abroad, I recommend you take care of a few things. Some will depend on the length of your trip, some are mere suggestions, and others are absolutely necessary.

1. Get a Revolut Account: I highly recommend downloading and opening an account with Revolut, regardless of your travel destination. It's a free prepaid account that allows you to deposit money like Venmo and then transfer between currencies without any fees. With an ATM network, you can withdraw cash, and it comes with a card that you can add to Apple and Google Pay. Whether your credit card has no foreign exchange fees, you have a limit on that card without foreign transaction fees, or you simply need cash, Revolut can save you from unnecessary fees and headaches.
2. Invest in a Power Converter/Travel Adapter: A power converter or travel adapter is imperative for your electronic devices. Without it, you won't be able to charge up anything. The one in the link provided covers multiple countries, making it a practical choice.
3. Bring a Reusable Bag: Depending on the duration of your stay in Europe, consider bringing a reusable bag. Many grocery stores don't provide plastic bags, and some are strongly against their use. Having your bag will prove very helpful for carrying items from the store.

Conclusion:

While preparing for my journey to Europe, I learned the importance of traveling light and embracing a minimalist mindset. By reducing my belongings to a bare minimum, I found the freedom to explore without the weight of unnecessary possessions. Remember the practical essentials, like financial preparation and power adapters, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. With the logistics taken care of, all that's left is to immerse yourself in the wonders of Europe and create memories that will last a lifetime.