So when even my friends send me facebook messages asking where I am at the moment, I knew I had to slow down. Nah, who am I kidding? I at least had to make it more obvious where my travel plans had and would lead me. It’s true that I am constantly on the go. Even as a travel blogger that does not necessarily mean being in a new city every day (though that’s exactly how I sometimes travel, such as in my latest literature trip through England). That, my friends, is terribly exhausting.
Some Truth about Travel
Not only does your travel brain have to deal with an onslaught of a thousand new impressions but did you know that the first night in a new bed, your brain is only half asleep (yes, like that of a dolphin) so as to monitor your surroundings in search of potential danger? And then all the terribly delicious looking food during your travels and the misleading thought of city walking = staying super active while travelling.
Well, no wonder travel is a drug. It makes you high on endorphins, challenges you so you grow strong and at the same time it slowly drains you, turning you into a zombie-like state floating from one place to another. Maybe we should all stop dreaming of unicorns and think about the possibility of dolphin zombies instead? Think about it.
And there I go rambling on. Even I go WTF at myself sometimes. And to stay (at least remotely) insane I decided I’d try my hand at monthly roundups now. Let’s see if I keep writing those or not. Of course you decide if you prefer the regular travel tips and disaster stories. But let’s give this a try, shall we? So here it is: my behind the scenes/monthly roundup #1.
Travel Itinerary
July started out with a trip up North. I roamed the capital of Germany’s north-western most state, Schwerin before setting off to the Baltic Ocean. If you’re following me on instagram, you would already have seen my ocean shots and the iconic ‘Strandkörbe’ (beach chairs). And yes, I visited a castle or two as well. With a few days inbetween to pack for colder climates, I jetted across Germany on four terribly chaotic flights (all four had delays due to storms and one landed as I was supposed to board at the other end of Frankfurt airport) to land in Austria. My story on that will follow soon, so stay tuned!
Travel Inspiration
I actually got to read and finish (!) two books this month. That is craaaaaazy, my friends. I am so busy with everything that I rarely get to indulge in one of my favourite hobbies (booknerding, that is) and since I had no wifi on Germany’s east coast (for shame!!), I had to actually have a digital detox and opted for books. And writing on my own (but pssssht – sign up for my travel newsletter to hear about news first). Here are my current book and film tips for you to enjoy as well.
Some of the following links are affiliate links, which means I might get a tiny commission if you click on them and purchase something from Amazong. The money will help cover blogging costs – because keeping a blog costs money.
Bill Bryson – The Road to Little Dribbling
Bill Bryson – A Walk in the Woods
My Travel Essentials
I would like to take this moment for a minute of silence. My old and trusty phone friend has decided to part ways with me and go into retirement. It has been quite stubborn as of lately and preferred to play trick or treat whenever I tried to push a button. It might open the correct function or might do nothing at all. And so I went ahead and replaced it. And I am absolutely over the moon with my new phone, so it gets a special mention.
For beach and travel – light and dries super fast
For beach and travel – light and dries super fast
My trusty Hiking Shoes for the mountains (use water proofing spray, though)
My new Huawai P9 (I’ve got the lite version for half the price, though)
My Travel Favourites
Even as I travel the world, I still scroll through my endless pinterest boards and instagram feeds for more. MORE!! (Didn’t I tell you, travel addict?) And this month I am absolutely loving these three insta accounts with their glossy and bright images of tropical places. Europe isn’t exactly tropical and I actually never had a tropical holiday, so it’s still high on my list. (Travel blogging isn’t exactly holidaying. Well, it’s no holiday at all, come to think about it.)
So these have been my July favourites. What has inspired your wanderlust this month? I’d love to know. Let’s share some inspiration!
William @ Passport Out says
Loving these “updates” kind of article! Enjoy your travels!
Annemarie Strehl says
Hi William, thanks for letting me know. It’s my first time doing it so I appreciate the feedback. :)
Pauline says
Thank you so much for featuring my instagram account here Annemarie <3
Just though I'd let you know that you wrote an extra "l" at the end of my username, it's paulinelrld ;)
Sending you much love from Colombia xxx
Annemarie Strehl says
Oh hi, Pauline! So happy you have found my little blog. I am totally in love with yours and your amazing ig photos! Will fix the typo. Greetings to Colombia!