You Don’t Have to Quit Your Life to Travel Europe

The lie I believed about “real travel”

Have you ever thought about traveling, only for reality to crash in and remind you that on Monday you have work, and by Saturday you’re expected to be out drinking with friends before Sunday anxiety kicks in again?

For a long time, I thought that meant travel wasn’t really possible for me.

Instagram makes it feel like there’s a huge gap between “real travel” and normal life — when honestly, there isn’t. I’m a firm believer that travel can look so many different ways. From a one-day bus trip to the next city, to months or even years on the road. From buses and planes to boats… or even rockets if that’s your thing.

There is no single right way to travel.

If you want to explore, rest, escape, or chase adrenaline — it all counts. Travel is still travel.

I think the social hype around traveling (which I love, don’t get me wrong) sometimes makes it feel like it’s long-term or nothing, exotic destinations or nothing. And that creates a gap — especially for younger travelers, people on a budget, or anyone who can only afford a bus ticket right now.

So today, I want to bring it closer.

Every type of travel is valid. As long as you’re happy with it, that’s what matters. Let’s get inspired by others — without letting their version of travel limit ours.

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What my life actually looks like right now

Okay, let’s be honest. I’d rather be messy and chaotic — because this lifestyle still brings me joy, and I wouldn’t trade it.

Right now, I’m living in a city in the Netherlands (I’ll name it after I leave — safety first 😉). I’m volunteering in a hostel and working in a warehouse at the same time. That means limited free time and definitely no long-term travel at the moment.

And if I’m completely honest? I already get the itch to roam again.

I miss the movement. I miss the feeling of being somewhere new. But I also need the money — and that’s the reality right now.

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How I travel anyway (short trips that still feel big)

This is where life gets exciting again — if you’re willing to look for the small joys.

I found work that pays weekly, which means I can plan 1–2 day trips around Europe without waiting months. And honestly? That changed everything.

I’m a very type-B traveler. Bookings happen last minute. Plans are loose.
(Thank you, ADHD — my chaotic little travel partner.)

Some very rough ideas for this month:

• Scotland → cows. Just cows.
• Spain → cheap tobacco and long beach walks.
• Greece → gyros. More gyros. And then more gyros.
  (Yes, I would take a flight just for this!!)

Being based in Europe makes short trips easier and more affordable — especially on a budget. I’ll be sharing how I travel, what I use, and how much each trip actually costs in future posts.

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Why short trips helped my anxiety more than long travel

I’ll keep it real.

When I’m working, I miss roaming. I miss the irresponsibility. I miss the adrenaline and the “fuck it” energy of long-term travel.

But knowing that my work money isn’t just for some distant future — it’s also for now — keeps me motivated. I work harder because I know that by Thursday, I could take a €40 bus to Germany or catch a random €20 flight using Skyscanner.

Short trips remind me that life doesn’t have to be on pause just because I’m working.

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If you’re scared to leave, start like this

Look at your week.

If you work full-time, find one day.
If you work part-time, find one to three days.

Open Skyscanner. Click “Explore everywhere.”

That’s it.

I always found a €15 flight to anywhere in Europe.

Book it.

Then open Google. Choose one thing you want to see.
For me? Highland cows.

Find where they are. Go see them. Get back on the plane. Go home.

You don’t even need accommodation if you don’t want it. Pack a backpack — or don’t. Book a hotel/hostel — or don’t. Do what works for you.

You return to your routine, but you wandered. You roamed. You explored.

That’s travel.

How I Actually Get Around Europe (My personal Tips)

I don’t travel Europe full-time right now — I work, volunteer, and save money for the next long-term destination.
But when I need a quick escape, I keep it simple and cheap.

🚍 FlixBus — my go-to for slow, easy trips

Most of my short trips around Europe happen by bus. FlixBus is usually the cheapest option, especially if you book a few days ahead.

I like it because:

• It’s budget-friendly
• You can travel overnight and save on accommodation
• It connects small cities and random towns, not just capitals

Perfect for 1–3 day trips when I just want to leave, breathe, and come back.

Visit FlixBus here.

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✈️ Skyscanner — how I find the cheapest flights

When I do fly, I always check Skyscanner first. I will book blindly, anywhere in the world as long as it’s cheap and affordable — I use it to compare prices and dates.

What I love:

• You can see the cheapest month, not just specific dates (always choose flexible dates)
• It helps me decide where to go, not just how to get there
• Great for spontaneous trips when I don’t care about the destination

This is how I will decide when to end up in places like Spain for a weekend or Greece just for a gyro.

Visit Skyscanner here.

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🛫 Ryanair — chaotic, but unbeatable for short trips

Ryanair is not luxury — but it is cheap. If you pack light it’s perfect for quick European trips.

Why I still use it:

• Flights for the price of dinner
• Great for nearby countries
• Ideal when you just want to go, walk, eat, and come back

I treat Ryanair like public transport — no expectations, just movement.

Visit Ryanair here.

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This post isn’t sponsored — these are just the tools I personally use when traveling around Europe.

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You don’t have to disappear to feel alive.

Wonder. Explore. Live.

Till next time,
💫 Wander Woman Quest