Black Girl in Istanbul

Call to Prayer

Now that I was on my own again I had no idea what to expect from Istanbul. I was already having some shady experiences in Athens and now I was going to a city where there is a lot of civil unrest. So I made sure to mentally prepare myself, plan the days and pick up a bottle of wine at the airport to calm my nerves. Being extra careful because of the terrorist attack that occurred the previous day.

 

I had the hostel set up my transportation from the Airport. As soon as I got to the airport arrival lobby there were tons of people with signs just yelling out names. I had to walk back and forth 3 times before I recognized mine. I waited for the car to pull up and it just so happened to be a Mercedes Passenger Van. Umm, Helllllo Istanbul! I was already feeling like VIP, hanging in my van solo and checking out the sites along the way. I got up to the hostel called Repunzel and the staff was super friendly and accommodating. Things were looking up!

Bosphorus

Yet I was exhausted. I poured a glass of wine and went to the roof top. I met some hostel mates and then decided to take my famous siesta. Gotta love those siestas! Later I went out to experience some Turkish food, alot of yogurt, alot of meat and alot of Baklava!!!! I walked through Galata in Beyoglu which is a downtown modern shopping area. The streets were live with performers, music, and kebabs cooking. I enjoyed the ambience and then headed in early to get ready for the next day.

In front of the Hagia Sophia

The next day I got up early and made my way to the The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and The Grand Bazaar. The weather was nice so I decided to walk into town.  I stopped and marveled at The Sophia such a massive structure, bigger than the Blue Mosque. I then began to walk up to the Blue Mosque, I stopped to read the sign outside about the dress code. A good looking young Turkish man began to talk to me, I was honestly not open to the conversation. He began to tell me that the Mosque was not open because they were praying inside. Again information that I didn’t ask for. At this point I wasn’t trying to be rude but I mean, Stranger Danger!

So walk  into the Mosque walls and he continued to ask questions like “where are you from?... Let me show you to the entrance for guest, follow me…” Because I began not to respond and felt uncomfortable he began to raise his voice. Now he was irately questioning “Why do you act like you’re from New York, Like you don’t you trust people! Why do you trust people!” By now the Turkish Muslim men who were washing their feet so they could pray in the Mosque, had all eyes on us! I could not get away faster. I sped to the help desk station, in which the attendant let me know that the Mosque was actually open to the public. I don’t know what the guy deal was, but my Mother did not raise a fool over here.

Blue Mosque

Nonetheless, I proceeded to the Blue Mosque. I had to place a head scarf on, making sure my shoulders and legs were covered, with no shoes. It was beautiful, just being in the Mosque created a since of serenity. As I was there 2 Muslim girls in full dress came up to me to ask to take a picture, in which I thought they wanted me to take a picture of them. But No, they wanted to take a picture with me.

So this opened the subject of race in Istanbul for me. Black People are a rarity there. Throughout my stay, I had people wanting to take pictures with me and the staring! Turkish men would just stare into my eyeballs, they would tell their friends in Turkish to turn and look at me. It was overwhelming. And they have no problem coming up to you asking you where you are from or are you married? I guess this was their way to flirt or just maybe pure curiosity, but it was a bit aggressive and intimidating. I was getting so annoyed by being stared at, I wanted to just be invisible sometimes. But I couldn’t hide my skin and not that I ever want to. But I really just wanted to explore Istanbul in a safe way and being stared at 24/7 on a solo trip was not the move.

I proceeded to the Grand Bazaar, and it is huge! Just a big ole shopping center, where you can barter for just about anything. People are calling you into their shops left and right. I was called Beyoncé, Chocolate and Where you from? from shopkeepers trying to get me in their shop. I didn’t purchase anything because I didn’t know where to start and where to end, too many selections. I was starved by now so I sat at a little side kabab place and the guys there were refreshingly sweet. They were curious but polite and courteous about it. As the heat started to get to me, I began to walk back to my Hostel. I literally thought I was going to pass out from the heat and the terrain of hills and stairs there. It is very hot there!




Kabab!!!

For my last day I woke up early and enjoyed the 360 view at the top of the Galata tower which use to be a prison. I finally got to do my souvenir shopping, and let me tell you the shopping is so affordable there. Handmade goods for the cheap and I love to bargain. I just spent the whole last day shopping and walking around town. During the evening I hooked up with some Hostel mates drank some Turkish wine, ate kababs and baklava. Nothing but laughs, girl talk, 2 shooting stars sightings and chatting about our travels.

Galata Tower by night

Istanbul is a lively youthful and cultural city. I haven’t been anywhere else in which I can compare it too. There is so much more to explore in Turkey, and I only got a taste of it.  But like Dorothy proclaims, There’s no place like home! And I was ready to go home. I packed up, waited for my flight and couldn't get back to my friends and family, so I can tell them about all I had experienced.

My double decker plane

I'm a Grown Woman!

God Bless Athens

We docked in Athens and began to head to our Air BnB. Yet as soon as I got on the train, I knew something was not right. I could literally feel the hardship that the country was experiencing. So, I prayed the whole train ride to our AirBnB apartment. We arrived to our destination and the surroundings look like NYC circa 1982, graffiti, polluted and suspect. The AirBnB was nice, a small studio apartment that was perfect for our 1 night stay. Very heavily secure with a patio gate and double locks on the apartment doors. Yet, I was still feeling very uncomfortable in our new environment.

 

As I begin to settle in and connect to WiFi, immediately I check my IG and my roomie from Ireland commented on my photos. Advising me to check the news about Istanbul before I travel there, it was my next stop. I began to do my research and the news was rampant with reports that there was a terrorist attack in Istanbul. The U.S. Consulate was bombed and 2 policemen were shot and killed. My heart sunk! I had heard so many great things about Istanbul and for this to happen was disheartening.

 

If I wasn't already feeling uncomfortable, I was now fearful. I started questioning if I should even go, what are my options, and if my trip was gonna end so abruptly. I called my airline to see if changing my flight was a possibility but of course the cost to change the flight was outlandish. And It seemed like more of a hassle than anything. I called the Hostel I was going to stay at in Istanbul just to make sure that all was safe, and they confirmed so. I got so wrapped up in my worrying, that I lost sight of where I was and the beauty that Athens has to offer. My friend suggested we should head out during the day, so we can head in early for night.Thank goodness for her because my nerves were bad!

 

We walk up to The Acropolis and The Parthenon. It was nostalgic to know that once the Great Greeks walked the same corridors. I could still feel the slippery marble floors beneath my feet. Later, we walked around Downtown to do some shopping. By now I calmed alittle and we stopped in this Knick Knack store. I love Knick Knack stores! We got up to the register and the handsome cashier started to make small talk with us. As he finished ringing us up, He just simple states that we should watch our belongings because you will get robbed. His statement was a little to definite for me, He didn’t say might or maybe. So, I was like “Oh Hell No!I”  I knew that he meant well but with that statement I was DONE with Athens. Such a beautiful city yet I couldn’t enjoy it because I was concerned for my Euros and my safety.

From then we decided to just grab a meal, a Mythos (Greek beer) and headed back to the apartment. We stop at a restaurant to take a look at a menu outside. The waiter approaches and began telling us about the specials. As he’s chatting away, A young lady bumps into my friend and I. My Spidey senses were already on 100! I looked back so quickly that she didn’t even get a chance to get her little grubby hands out of my friends tote. The lady stopped knowing that I seen her, walked up to the waiter speaking Greek and rushes into the restaurant. Immediately walking away, my friend says "She looks like the girl that was in the knick knack store earlier". Which only means that she was following us for the past 10 minutes. Further confirmation, we needed to take our asses back to the apartment.

I was scared, I was angry, I was confused and then I was gonna go to Istanbul 1 day after a terrorist attack. Lort! In my pictures I’m smiling but I was so bothered inside. But I knew I had to take this opportunity by the horns, get over it and explore. As we arrive to the apartment, I was in full panic mode. Like I felt helpless at this point and no one could take me out of it. I was in my thoughts, in my feelings and super vulnerable. For some reason this was really getting to me and more so I hated that I was letting it get to me. I just separated myself and went to the shower to have my moment.

 

This was my travel buddy's last leg of the trip. As we said our good byes, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed with Athens. I could feel the struggle and hopelessness in the country. We were right in the mist of the financial crisis and here I come with my cruise dress and sunglasses. It's so easy to disconnect from things that don’t directly involve you. Until, they do! Athens is completely beautiful and I don’t regret my stay, it was MY experience. Travel can be a bit glamorized but there are moments that just get challenging. As in life, learning how to go through those moments is what makes you untouchable.

Waiting for my flight, I just let go, prayed and prepared for my solo stay in Istanbul.

 

Next Stop, Black Girl in Istanbul...

The Secret Beaches of Milos

 

I didn’t know what to expect from Milos, I had never heard of it. My friend did some research and decided it was worth the stop. Looking back, I’m glad we did because it was my favorite Island of Greece thus far. It was nothing but rock formations, cave beaches and white canyons. A constant postcard, I felt like every picture we took was unreal.

Parafragas Beach

 

Our Hotel

We got off the bus and it was literally a scene from route 66. The bus dropped us in the middle of nowhere and tumbleweed stuck to our clothes and luggage. We stayed off the road in this little hotel called Moraitis Studios. We were next door to Parafragas beach, so we did some hiking and took in the sights. Somehow the secret to hiking is to think of it as just walking, Mind Blown!


                               

HitchHiking in Milos

Our Cat Friend during Lunch

Anyways, starving we went into town to Pollonia and enjoyed a delicious Greek spaghetti near the lake. Yet it took about 2 hours for us to get it. And it brought up thoughts about service and how different it is in other countries. European culture seem to be so patient and a "we have nothing but time" mentality. Where I, within the hour of waiting for the food asked the waiter for ice, if the food was ready, and again did you forget about us. At that point I had to remind myself that I’m being such an American right now! In America we have so much at our finger tips that I was unaware how annoying I was being. The wait definitely mad that meal that much better!  

Sarakinko Beach

 

With wine in tow, we went to the secret beach of Sarakiniko. Mouth dropping white salt formations which just glisten in the sunlight. The salt water spring was full of little fishes. We sipped on our wine, had some girl talk and tanned.  We later headed into town, walked around and settled in at the dock to of course watch our sunset. Which had become our thing in Greece. It’s crazy how often sunset happens but you never really pay attention to the beauty of it.  It had to be the most peaceful part of my vacation. Nowhere to be, nowhere not to be, just peace.  Our wine started to kick in and we had to stuff our faces with another round of Gyros and Chicken on a stick. Get in My Belly!

 

 

We only had one day in Milos but I suggest putting on your sneaker sandals, cargo shorts and sunblock and make an expedition through Milos. We left with our pastries and strong ass Greek coffees in hand and set seas to Athens.  

 

God Bless Athens Next…

Santorini Sunsets

From Mykonos, We got on the ferry for about 4 hours. The ferries are kind of cool, they’re situated like airplane seating but on a boat, A James Bond Boat. You can get food, watch the European Music Channel and walk on the deck. Certainly not like the Staten Island Ferry.

 

We got the port of Thira and grabbed the bus up the long coiling cliffs towards the town center, Fira. Literally Santorini is a big ole mountain, the road are nothing but cliffs. The only cities that has those luscious Blue Domes and White housing and shops are Fira and the more popular city of Oia. To be honest everything off of that is more like countryside, including our little hotel. We had these 2 Greek old married couple that had no business owning a business anymore. But we couldn’t complain because they were old and cute.

 I was so persistent on going to the jet black sand beach in Perissa.

“I'll put a string a pearls right in your hand
Make love on a beach of jet black sand
Outside in the rain we can do it all night
Out to tour the places he would not
And some you never knew would get you hot
Nothin' is forbidden when we touch..."

You guys know the rest…. Who knew Joe was trying to put us on geographically back then! Thanks Joe!

 

We ate on the beach and came back into town, bought our ferry tickets for the next stop and walked around Fira. So beautiful, the shopping is amazing, the sites at night are amazing. And I finally was able to have a Gyro, Pronounced Hero to the Greeks. You haven’t had a Gyro until you had one in Greece. Oh and the coffee forget about it. Straight addicted!!!! I was on a Gyro and coffee diet for the next remaining days.

The following afternoon we ventured to Oia. Its super clean, White architecture and a Honeymoon paradise. We enjoyed a traditional Greek lunch of Greek salad and Yogurt. We made sure to take lots of pictures and then we relaxed pool side. In Oia the sunset is the main attraction, We made our way to a rooftop restaurant early to confirm our seating and it was breathtaking. Later, I was able to enjoy a fish pedicure which feels like little electrical shocks. I don't know how to explain the sensation, It’s just weird. But my feet did feel soft.

 

 

The next day we prepared to catch the bus to the ferry into Milos and as we walked up the road with our bags in tow. 2 big ass dogs begin to bark and run towards us! I thought we were done! We had nowhere to run but we were running and screaming! Finally we looked back and the dog just stopped, I believe he was guarding his territory or protecting some pups or maybe it was just God. We were just relieved, we decided that a cab would be the best option at this point.We grabbed our bags in which we left across the street and hopped in a taxi.

Next Stop Milos!

Mykonos

 

I was so excited to go to Greece, definitely a check off my bucket list. Mykonos has the cutest little airport ever. I’m guessing because the airport is so small, they experience a lot of delays because our hotel was already expecting us to come later than scheduled.  Anywho we were escorted to a family run hotel called Hotel Nazos. So hospitable, clean with the traditional blue doors and terrace. Our hotel was near everything!

Our Hotel Manager Nick.
Everyone's name is either Nick or Anthony in Greece.

The night was young so we had to go out on the town! The city is so alive, right next to the Aegean Sea with lights glaring from the various bars and restaurants. We went from Jackie O’s, to a restaurant to another pumping club. By then I didn’t know what the name of the bars were.  I was having a great time!

 

 

 

Now with having a travel buddy I was able to let my hair down. Because we were of 2 different cultural backgrounds we kind of stuck out.  So, we had people come up to us and ask us how did we know each other? I have to say I was a bit naive to this because were from New York. We have friends of all different cultures, colors, and religions. It is truly a mixing pot. But elsewhere it’s almost like cultures stick together. Not much multicultural mixing unless you are a tourist.

The next morning we woke up and headed to Paradise. Yes, the freaking beach is called Paradise! We laid out and tanned for the Gawds, Honey. The water was crisp, blue, warm and salty! And it felt great. Later in the evening we went to the Cave which is this big ass club on top of Paradise beach Cliffs. Definitely a place to go if you like to party!

The Cave!

 I think everyone should do Mykonos at least once in their life. It brought me back to my college days and I didn’t even know I was missing them. What happens in Mykonos, stays in Mykonos. That’s for sure!  

Usies!

 Santorini and Milos Next!

Switz Francs!

Jet d'Eau... Big ass water jet!

I have to say, Switzerland is one of my favorite countries. I have been before in Lucerne and it’s truly is a romantic place. Its clean, It’s safe and best of all, Its Rich! The air is Rich, the landscapes are Rich, the people are Rich. And damn it, you start to feel Rich too! To be honest there isn’t much to do in Geneva, you just have to “BE” in Geneva. No expectancies, no expectations, no worries, Just being!

You could literally see the full town within a day. I linked up with my friend here whom lived there previously and showed me around the city. The first day we ventured to The U.N. then we went to this incredible lake that has 2 different streams within it and just laid out sunbathing. But I was so tired from all the previous traveling that I had to take a Siesta (aka the traveler’s way of saying nap) from the jet lag.

2 streams, 1 lake but never intermixing

 

Side note: It’s always good to keep in mind that you have to rest during backpacking trips, traveling from airport to airport, time zone changes and wanting to see everything in a tight time frame can put stress on your body. You will need time to relax and Switzerland is where I did this.



Chez Ma Cousine Restaurant in Old Town

Later on I was able to meet her friends that worked at a local Pub. Everyone spoke French and it was so soothing to the ear. The whole trip I thought I was French Bon jour, Merci, merci, Au revoir! I had time to walk around the city and felt completely safe. We used the trolly system to get around. Although the Franc is about 1 to 1 on the dollar, everything is overpriced. A simple plate of food could cost up to $20. I saved a lot of money having a travel buddy who knew the ends and outs of the city.

 



Pasta and a Tomato Basil Salad... Delish!

The coolest part of the trip was staying with a friend of hers that lived on the border of Switzerland and France. So during the day we were in Geneva but by night we were in France. The house was so cool very art deco style and we sat in front with an authentic Italian home cooked meal, sipping on beer and talking about love. I swear it felt like a scene from Eat Pray Love.

Shots at the Pub!



Switzerland is filled with huge mountains and we decided to hike up Mont Salève. We actually had to take a tram up the mountain and our trail ended at a panoramic view of the well known Mont Blanc.Some other sites are the Jet E'dau huge water jet, Old town which gives you a historically look at Switzerland and its founding Fathers' and luckily, I was there during The Geneva Festival. So there were bars, food trucks and carnival rides set up on the pier of Geneva Lake. (Checkout my FB page for more photos)

 

Nonetheless I highly recommend Switzerland. The views are magical, the tempo is relaxing and everything has a quality to it. I was just truly grateful that I had a partner in crime and Geneva was only the beginning of our adventures.The Greek isle were next!
 

 

 

Hanging in the U.K.: London

People of the World, Spice up your life! Every Boy, Every Girl, Spice up your life!

Come on now!  I’m an 80’s baby who grow up in the 90’s and what girl did not love the Spice Girls. I think the whole time I was there I secretly sang Spice Girl songs in my head. Like the first album was bomb!

London was great! I have to say I was a bit overwhelmed. There’s just so much to do and so many people there. It definitely deserves a second trip. I would highly recommend if you do go to London, just makes sure you have at least a week to venture around.

Although London is beautiful, it’s quite pricey. It literally is so disrespectful to the US dollar, it’s about double to the dollar. I found myself calculated in my head for the full stay. During a solo travel make sure you plan out funds for when things don’t go as planned. At the end of my stay, I ended up paying $100 (60 pounds) for a cab to the airport. It was planned and I was so annoyed but I got there safely and on time so I couldn’t complain.

The first day I stayed at a really nice hostel called Wombats. It’s very chic, clean and honestly you could stay inside the hostel the whole time and have all your needs met. I arrived at night and explored Tower Bridge. The next day I did a double decker bus tour, it was a great way to see the city and my form of transportation for the day. When visiting a new city, I always like to do a tour in the beginning of my stay. It gives you a visual map of the city, you see everything and it lets you know what you’re really interested in seeing up close and personal.

The Eye of London

 

Throughout the days I was able to go to Museum, where I saw the famous Sunflower painting by Van Gogh, Regency St. where all the high end shopping happens, and Camden market where there’s a punk rock culture. I used the Tube to get everywhere and the train system is super easy, affordable and fast. During the evenings I hung out with some great people at the Hostel. It was an eclectic group of Australian, Kiwi (People from New Zealand), Canadian, Finnish, and German travelers. We sat, enjoyed brews, talked about art, life and the hot topic about Race. A girl from Finland inquired about the issues of the confederate flag in America and from there the issues of all different countries began to open up.

Here’s what I got from it:

Australia has racial issue with the Aborigines, which are the natives of the continent. It seem to me that they are in some way treated like the American Indians here. The Aborigines are being forced to not live in tribal communities and are pushed into reservations.

Finland doesn’t understand what the big deal is about gay marriage. Since they were one of the first countries to legalize gay marriage years ago.

And Canadians are not happy with how their government is being ran. To be honest I’m not quite sure why, but there seems to be many reasons.

Local Artist drawing maps of the world.

 

At that moment, It dawned on me what travel was all about. We were beautiful representations of our cultures. We were able to exchange information and be the vessels to relay what we’ve learned. It seemed our differences were all the same. Traveling is not about finding yourself or becoming an entirely new person. Its about exchanging information, ideas and gaining perspective. In traveling you don’t change, your idea of the world does. Your scope of possibilities and your mind expands and therefore you can not react to the world as you once did. London made my world bigger yet a whole lot more intimate.

Next Stop: Switz Francs

The Luck of The Irish: Dublin

A friend of mine from England was surprised to hear that I was going to Dublin. If I remember correctly the statement she made was “They’ll call you a Ni**a in a heartbeat!” In her British accent. So already I was thinking, What did I get myself into?...

Yet when I got to Ireland, I experienced the complete opposite. Nothing but the kindest, most helpful and prideful people. A lot of people there are very knowledgeable about their Irish culture and history. As an American I forget how young of a country we are, but in Ireland they have buildings, artifacts, and stories from thousands of years ago. The Irish greet you with Hellos and have no problem giving you directions. Seriously just ask! 

Trinity College



The first day in I arrived at the Ashfield Hostel early. So I decided to check my bags in and just wonder around the city. It was freezing for August, I had purchase a scarf and sweater just to bare the cold. Clearly I didn’t check the weather before I went and I didn’t carry a Vitamin C with me. Both which were suggested by my friends before I left. But I’m stubborn…. I’m working on it.

 

 My first location was Trinity College which inhabits the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is one of the oldest and most illustrated Bible pieces written. The library that holds it is super old, there are books from floor to ceiling. It was some real Harry Potter type stuff.

 

My next stop was Guinness StoreHouse and let me tell you the Irish love their Guinness! I had Guinness Chips, Guinness Pot Pie, Ummmm the actual Guinness. Name it, they have Guinness in it. Don’t even mention to the bartender that you don’t like Guinness. I quote the Bartender, “Yeah because we sell crap batches elsewhere, and we keep the best for ourselves.” And this seems to be true because after 1 glass of Guinness, I was kind of buzzzzzzzzing. Beer is not really my thing but when in Ireland…. (You know the rest!)

Showing How to Pour the perfect glass of Guinness

 

Throughout the trip I visited The Archeology Museum of Ireland, The St. Patrick Cathedral and the Cliffs of Moher. I honestly felt safe enough to just wonder around Ireland. Transportation is affordable and easy. The pricing of food was fairly similar to New York pricing. Only 1 odd time when this guy walks up to me to ask if I spoke English. Which I found strange because English is the #1 spoken language there and #2 is their native language Irish/Celtic. So, I just shook my head "no" and kept it moving.

Anywho, I decided to do the Cliffs of Moher, just to get a taste of that greenery that I was dreaming about. And it’s AMAZING! It’s like stepping into a Irish Folklore. If you go to Dublin, You definitely have to visit the countrysides. It’s just amazing to see how Mother Nature creates itself. (Check out more photos on my Facebook Page)

Cliffs of Moher

 

In the hostel I met 2 young ladies who I was sharing a room with. One just leaving Romania from doing a Roman archeological dig and another traveling in between her conferences for her PHD in communications. Super cool and encouraging chicks. When I meet them I was blown away by the commitments and how effortless they made it seem. So during the 3 days we chatted it up, shared our life stories and did some Pub hopping in the evenings.

All in All, I would say Ireland opened up my desire to learn. In which way? I’m not quite sure. I am definitely not the one for conventional learning in a class room but I'm starting to think twice about it. I left Dublin with a thirst for wanting to know more.

One of the young ladies I meet whom was studying for her PHD was from Canada. She explained how College is already paid for there, so they just keep going!  Which I never thought about because that's not quite the deal in the states but it made complete sense.

Let me ask you, If your college was already paid for...Bachelors, Masters, on to PHD. Would you just keep going?

Coins...!

When I tell people I want to backpack through Western Europe. The first thing that comes to their mind is “Wow, that’s Cool!” and the Second is “You Got Moneeeeeeey….!” (Quinta voice)

I too am a reader of great traveling blogs, being immersed in those stories of people randomly quitting their jobs to live on a remote island for the rest of their lives. And I think “Who’s paying for this?!” Travel Blogs are great but they don’t really tap into the cost of travel or they present that cost, doesn’t matter compared to the richness of knowledge you’ll gain. True, but not realistic.

So I’m gonna tell you now, today that TRAVELING COST MONEY!  This is not to discourage you, there are ways in which you can manage your money and it’s as simple as planning. How did I plan?

This didn’t just happen overnight, nothing really does. This backpacking trip has been developing for a year now and the want to travel has been in me for a lifetime, therefore I make it a priority. I purchased bit by bit. I used my tax return, I used my weekly paychecks and whatever other cash that flowed my way.  First, having your starting point is important because I knew I wanted to start in Ireland I purchased tickets well in advance and to my amazement my ticket was only $500 one way. Yes of course there were lay overs and it took almost half a day to get there. But I stopped in some really great places. Like Toronto and Newfoundland. I mean who can say they ever been to Newfoundland…. I can! From then on bit by bit, paycheck by paycheck I would book another flight, another hostel and before you knew it my expedition was created. Below I took the liberty to break down my travel cost.

Time in Places	Destinations	Flights	Hostel/ Hotel
3 days	To Ireland	$525	$82
3 days	To London	$42	$153
3 days	To Switzerland	$117	$0                       (Stayed w/ Friends)
2 days	To Greece, Mykonos	$170	$319/$160        (Split cost w/ Friend)
2 days	To Santorini	$55 ( by Ferry)	$125/$63          (Split cost w/ Friend)
1 day	To Milos	$55 ( by Ferry)	$66/$33            (Split cost w/ Friend)
1 day	To Athens	$55 ( by Ferry)	$76/$38            (Split cost w/ Friend)
3 days	To Istanbul	$110	$103
	To Home NY	$700

     Travel Cost Total: $2,461.00       Spending Money: $2,000            Trip Total: $4,461

During the trip I allotted my money for meals, landmarks and transportation. Not for shopping, even though it was tempting and not for partying but trust I had some great nights. This trip wasn’t for that, it was to see what each city had to offer and immerse myself in different cultures.



Camden Market, U.K.



Greek Salad and Yogurt in Santorini

Enjoying a fish Pedicure: The most Bizarre feeling ever!

Money Mishaps:We bought the wrong bus tickets, no refunds...




 









The websites that were essential in my travel planning were Skyscanner.net and HostelWorld.com Skyscanner.net is really great in showing you the cheapest options to travel by airline. It also has an option where you can see which month is cheapest to travel for your destination. And an amazing feature titled “Everywhere”, which shows the cheapest destinations for those who aren’t quite sure where to start. From there you’ll notice once you’re in Europe travel and lodging becomes a lot more affordable.

HostelWorld.com is great to see the property, customer ratings of hostels, and the security level of each property. I know when you think of a Hostel, all of the scariest movies that you’ve watched about backpacking comes to mind! Centipede, Taken, Taken 2, Hostel, Taken 3 (And In that order). But it’s nowhere near that! It’s actually very common to stay in a hostel in Europe. Some are very Modern, Clean, and a great way to meet people from all over the world.

Another great option for first time travelers are Tours such as Contiki or Top Deck. They allow you to set up a payment plan and most of the accommodations and meals are included. Plus you may feel a bit more secure knowing that you are a part of group and being accounted for. My first solo gig was a Tour with Contiki through Western Europe. I meet some really great people and it only encouraged me to do it on my own the next go around.

Contiki 2014: On the French Rivera just kidding around

 

 

 

To sum it all up, Backpacking just takes time, planning and money. It’s not some secret formula to it, I’m not a millionaire, and I’m no different than you. Trust if I can do it, You can too. It may look a little different but as long as the goal is achieved, That’s all that matters! At the end of the day ask yourself is traveling important to you?  2. What’s your relationship with money? and 3. What can you do today to start your next Worldly Expedition?

 

Next Stop: Guinness on Everything: My Experiences of Ireland