Lessons from my 100 Day Europe Trip

After travelling to 40 different cities in 100 days in Europe, I’ve learnt so much more about myself and the world. Although I’ve been fortunate to travel a lot before this trip, I have never solo travelled until recently. This trip has had a profound impact on me in both the way I see the world and the reassessment of many values I naively held before. Here are the most important lessons I’ve learnt:

1. Stepping outside the comfort zone

One of the most profound lessons I learned was the power of stepping outside my comfort zone. Solo travelling forces you to rely on yourself, make decisions, and embrace uncertainty. It’s in these moments; navigating unfamiliar streets, trying to communicate in a foreign language, or joining a group of strangers that you grow the most. Every time I pushed myself into an uncomfortable situation, I walked away more confident and capable. It’s empowering to know that you can face challenges and thrive.

Exploring Scotland Highlands

2. Always be flexible; Overplanning leads to rigidity

Some of the best experiences come from the unexpected. For instance, I left the second half of my trip unplanned, which allowed me to return to my favourite city, Stockholm. There, I reconnected with a friend, and we had an incredible time exploring the local parts of the city. This led to one of my highlights of the trip, attending a university party in a nearby town called Linköping; a truly authentic Swedish experience that felt worlds away from typical tourist activities. This flexibility to adapt and embrace spontaneity led to moments that were far more memorable than anything I could have scheduled in advance.

Nacka, Stockholm

3. Indecision is a killer

There isn’t enough time to see all the tourist attractions in every city, given that I was only there for 2-3 days most of the time. The more time I wasted deciding what to see, the less I actually saw. Action is the best solution to indecision. I learned to prioritize and make peace with not seeing everything, focusing instead on making the most of my limited time. Action always trumps deliberation.

Prague

4. Not everything is going to go to plan

Sometimes, tour groups and flights can get cancelled at the last minute. Even though it’s not your fault per say, you still have to deal with it. At every point in time, you should look at the “chess board” and think about the best move you can make under the given circumstances. Problem-solving under time-pressured conditions became a valuable skill. Accepting that you’re 100% responsible for your response, even when things aren’t your fault, builds resilience and adaptability.

Amsterdam Stock Exchange

5. Gratitude. 

The world is much bigger than you think, and being from Sydney, I’ve always viewed the world from such a privileged position. Not everyone in the world lives in the same conditions. Travelling opened my eyes to different ways of life and made me appreciate the opportunities and comforts I often take for granted. Gratitude became a constant theme, and it’s something I’ll carry with me long after this trip.

Krakow

6. Speak to strangers

Speaking to strangers allows you to learn so many things you otherwise wouldn’t have about local cultures. You could learn the most niche bits of history about a country, and it can lead you to local spots that tourists might miss. Some of the best conversations I had were with locals who shared stories, traditions, and insights that added depth to my experience. These interactions are reminders of the connections that transcend language and cultural barriers.

Rome

7. Independence and enjoying your own company

I learned to enjoy spending time alone and doing things independently. Exploring cities solo, eating alone at restaurants, or reflecting in quiet moments taught me to be comfortable with myself. However, I also realized that meaningful connections make experiences richer. The memories I have with the people I’ve met on this trip are what truly make it memorable and unique. It’s a balance between independence and community that creates a fulfilling life.

Snowboarding in St. Moritz

8. Experiences last forever

Experiences, in and of themselves, are invaluable. Material things often fade from memory, but experiences stay with you forever. The things I’ve seen, done, and learned on this trip are etched in my mind, shaping who I am. These memories are priceless, and they remind me that investing in experiences is one of the best ways to spend your time and resources.

Copenhagen Christmas Markets