Jumped in a car with two people who I have little in common with, except for the fact that we all enjoy a nice drink and a good laugh. Decided to try to be easy-going and spontaneous and follow my Instagram mantra “travel by any means”.
From Prague to Budapest by car is quite a ride (6 to 7 hours approximately). For a person with car phobia, I am just glad I survived, breathing exercises and listening to Buena Vista Social Club really helps to calm the small panic attacks I had to endure.
This is not a tip or recommendation post, we have Tripadvisor for that. This is just me sharing my experiences and living la laif.
What I did:
Budapest is backpackers paradise or so they say. The home of thermal baths and paprika. In a nutshell, it was a 2 1/2 day trip that was worth my time and money. Mind you, I have already been to Budapest 4 years ago, and to be honest that was one of the worst trips I have ever experienced. Note to self: Choose your travel buddies carefully, or go ALONE!
Lucky for me it was European Heritage Day and also the Sweet Days Festival so missing going to the thermal baths (again) was not such a miss after all, because there were still loads to see, drink and eat.
Ate the nicest “Silver Carp Fisherman’s Soup” at this local joint, – that if we did not have a local with us we would never find it kinda place – and it tasted like home. So satisfying! I have to say this was the highlight of the whole trip!
Ezüstponty Vendéglo is the name of the place, Google them.
How I did it:
Traveled by car, staying at a reasonably priced 3* hotel (doesn’t kill you to have friends in the hotel industry; got me a sweet deal for a 2 nights stay under 50€). Kept my expenses low, by taking snacks with me for on the road, refilling my bottle of water at the thermal fountain, walking A LOT, and by a lot I mean I clocked in 20 KM in one day. Skipping the whole guided free tours (that are not free anyway) and eating at local restaurants. In total, I spent about 160€, which included petrol, highway stickers, hotel, food, beers, and souvenirs. #winning
Why I did it:
The main reason why I joined on this trip was because I have had this huge appetite for traveling and getting out of my daily routine. I work 8-5 and spend my weekends usually binge-watching Netflix. I figured, let’s break the routine!
I wanted to try to get rid of my car phobia by just doing it and seeing what would happen. If I can manage to be easy-going and open-minded, I would actually enjoy the trip this time.
What I learned:
The interesting thing I found out about myself during this trip was, how relaxed I can be if I really want to. I have no problem getting lost, and enjoy quiet walks even when I am in a group. No, I do not need a jam-packed itinerary (anymore….for now….) just go as la laif goes.
I have learned to count to 10, 20 if necessary, and just go with it. I made no real plans, I just wanted to visit one particular flea market, which in the end because of the rain, I couldn’t find in the park, so instead, I sat in a beer garden and had a couple of beers. It didn’t even bother me, and that is a big achievement for me.
I will be least likely to go on a road trip for that many hours, because of the amount of stress it caused me. But in the end I enjoyed myself and if you haven’t gone on a road trip yet… just go for it!
For more photos go to my Instagram account … yes, you guessed it LIVELALAIF, find and follow me! ❤
#solotraveler
Just Live 