Expectations Vs. Reality: Eurotrip Edition
Contiki is here to get you amped up for summer in Europe next year. Be first in line for 2019 travel and you’ll save those $$$.
Europe is just THE place to go when you’re young, isn’t it? You have the energy and the strength to stand and look at things for a very long time, and you also have the best metabolism that you’ll ever have, so it makes sense.
However, sometimes your expectations just don’t measure up to the reality – . So, we’ve compiled the following list to avoid any future disappointment or surprise.
#1 Expectation: Coach journeys are horrible. Reality: Riding on a coach through Europe is delightful.
We all remember the buses we took on excursions in high school. Someone is always sobbing up the front and your mate throws a pack of Sa-Ka-Tas out of the window, every single trip. But if you think coaches in Europe will be like that – think again. These are sleek, air-conditioned vehicles with Wi-Fi, and everyone on them isn’t your mortal enemy!
As an added bonus, you also avoid all the drama that inevitably comes with getting to the airport on time/in one piece, and instead get to enjoy the spectacular European scenery from ground-level.
#2 Expectation: Paris is a tourist hellhole. Reality: Paris is actually magical AF.
Anyone who swears that Paris is actually a snobby destination crawling with tourists is kidding themselves. As soon as that Eiffel Tower lights up at night, you’ll have tears in your eyes. The food, the Seine, the macaron shops: Paris is a delight and we won’t hear any differently.
#3 Expectation: You’ll see some mountains. Reality: THERE ARE ALL THE MOUNTAINS AND THEY ARE MAJESTIC.
Yeah, mountains – whatever, right? NO.
Put some snow caps on ‘em and give them little markets and wear a very cute skiing outfit, and suddenly you have never seen better mountains in your damn LIFE. You’ll be dancing through fields of yellow flowers like it’s The Sound of Music in no time.
#4 Expectation: The food will be nice. Reality: Help I’ve eaten my weight in tapas!
When you try to eat European food anywhere else but in Europe, it can be kind of meh.
BUT WHEN YOU GO THERE AND EAT IT, oh boy. Oh boy. You weren’t fully prepared for the actual magic that your tastebuds will be blessed with, and before you know it, you’ve smashed two pizzas and gelato every day and it is glorious.
#5 Expectation: The Mona Lisa is this amazing, grand artwork. Reality: The Mona Lisa is kinda small?
So, A4? That size. Plan your Insta Story accordingly and bear in mind that everyone (and we mean everyone. On the planet) wants to see it, so it takes like 15 minutes to get to the front of the crowd. Worth it for the ‘gram, though.
#6 Expectation: The Sagrada Familia will definitely be finished by the time I get there. Reality: It’s definitely still a construction site.
You know that essay you worked on for ages, and then kept coming back to it and tweaking it here and there but never really finished?
It’s the same principle with the Sagrada Familias, Gaudi’s infamous cathedral in Barcelona. It’s…a work in progress (136 years and counting, baby!), and it’s still bloody glorious.
#7 Expectation: You’ll never see everything you want to see in a four-week trip. Reality: You’ll do it, and then some.
“Four weeks? A whole CONTINENT? Sounds fake, but okay,” you thought.
It’s easier done than said, honestly. You push through, see some amazing sights, eat some delicious food, meet some incredible people and can have a truly immersive experience when you know the hot spots. And it will leave you with a bunch of stories to tell your mates when you get home.
#8 Expectation: You’re going to nail that Leaning Tower shot. Reality: You’re going to have 47 photos from the wrong angle, but the people watching will be worth it.
Leaning Tower? No problem. You’ll go with the most original pose of all time – holding it UP. Wait, what? It doesn’t look remotely like what you thought it would?
It’s okay. You can while away the afternoon watching someone’s nan make the same mistake, and it’ll be just as entertaining.
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(Lead image: DreamWorks)
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Contiki is ready to make all your expectations (and dreams) a reality. Travel with no regret next European summer. PLUS, 2019 trips are on sale now. Book early and save!