This trip wasn’t planned. Not even a little.
One minute I was deep in routine — working, saving, thinking about future plans — and the next, that familiar itch showed up again. The same one I’ve written about before. The one that doesn’t care if it’s practical, long, or just for a day.
Read my latest blog post here -> ‘You Don’t Have to Quit Your Life to Travel Europe’
I just needed to move.
Why This Day Trip Mattered
Germany happened to be close. And friends happened to be there.
Eight months ago, we met while volunteering — different countries, same temporary life. This trip wasn’t about sightseeing. It was about catching up over a beer, a coffee, and saying goodbye to one of them before she moved back to Mexico.
No promises of see you soon.
Just one more shared moment before paths drift again.
Crossing the Border (Or Not Really)
Crossing the border didn’t feel dramatic.
No clear moment of arrival.
Just a quiet continuation — which somehow made it feel even more like the point wasn’t the place, but the act of going.
Why I Chose the Bus
I chose the bus.
Not because it was fast — it wasn’t — but because it felt right.
I traveled by FlixBus, leaving from the Netherlands and heading into Germany, with a total travel time of around 14 hours round trip. It was the cheapest option available and also the longest — but for me, that’s part of the appeal.
As an introvert, long bus rides feel like a reset.
No security checks.
No flying anxiety.
Plugs to charge everything.
My own snacks.
Breaks along the way to grab a coffee or step outside for a smoke.
Slow travel, but gentle.
This is my favorite kind of cheap freedom.
Money, Time & Worth It
Money-wise, it felt completely worth it.
I paid roughly €60 return, which still feels unreal considering it took me to another country and back in a single day. Spending money for just one day felt different than when I’m long-term traveling — but this wasn’t about maximizing days.
It was about listening to the need to go.
Being Alone on the Road
Traveling alone felt exhilarating.
Even on the way back — tired, but content — I fell asleep easily. Being alone didn’t feel lonely. It felt calm. Familiar. Exhilarating. Empowering.
This day trip felt like catching up with friends and breaking the rhythm of only working for the future. A reminder that life doesn’t have to be paused until the next big trip.
Sometimes, it fits into one very long bus ride.
Traveling soon? Check out Flixbus for affordable day trips in Europe
Would I Do It Again?
Definitely.
Maybe with different transport depending on the destination— a flight for somewhere farther, an overnight stay if it makes sense. But still short. Still intentional.
Because this wasn’t about Germany.
It was about the journey — and listening when the itch shows up, even if it only leads you away for a day.
Practical Details (Without Overthinking It)
- Route: Netherlands → Germany
- Transport: FlixBus
- Travel Time: ~14 hours total (round trip)
- Cost: approx. €60 return
- Why the bus: cheapest option, no airport stress, plugs, snacks, breaks
- Trip length: same-day return
Wonder. Explore. Live.
Till next time,
💫 Wander Woman Quest
