Sophie Streleoff recently traveled to Adelboden, Switzerland to represent Girl Guides of Canada at the Helen Storrow Seminar at Our Chalet. Sophie has been traveling from a young age throughout Canada, the United States and Cuba. This trip to Our Chalet was her first trip to Europe. This is the second of a four-part blog series about the joys of the various stages of traveling! Don’t forget to read Part I: Tips, Tricks and the Unexpected While Packing
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Keep Calm and Travel On
When traveling anywhere there is always stress. But when traveling to another country, that stress can be multiplied by a hundred (at least!).
This past March, I traveled by myself from British Columbia to Our Chalet in Adelboden, Switzerland. This was the first big trip I had taken on my own – and it was to Europe!
There were many things I did before and during my travels that seemed to help reduce the stress of traveling.
First, I researched, researched and then researched some more about all sorts of things. I looked for information on Our Chalet; airplanes, trains, buses as well as the customs of traveling in Switzerland and Europe in general. I learned many interesting and helpful things; such as from noon until 2 p.m., all the stores in Adelboden, close; that pick-pocketing can occur so I took measures to prevent that by investing in a money pouch that can easily be hidden under clothes and a neck pouch for my passport and other cards and tickets. Researching ahead of time will not only prepare you for the unexpected but will make your journey just a bit easier!
While traveling it is very important to remain aware of your surroundings. Not only do you want to take notice of land marks in case you get lost (or take the long way) and need a reference point, but it is also important to observe the people around you. Just by watching the people, I found it was easy to figure out what to do in some places like the airport, train and bus stations. This was very helpful especially since there were few signs to follow in English.
And finally while traveling, remember to BREATHE! Anything can happen on your journey and it is best to take things as they come and think how this could be a story to tell when you get back!
By guest blogger Sophie. Sophie is a young Guider in British Columbia for a multi-Unit of Pathfinders and Rangers. Recently, she represented Girl Guides of Canada – Guides du Canada at the Helen Storrow Seminar at Our Chalet, discussing different environmental issues and making a change. Read Sophie’s other posts for GirlGuidesCANblog, including A Young Guider’s Advice, Hand prints Instead of Footprints, Part I of her Traveling series: Tips, Tricks and the Unexpected While Packing.
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Might be summer, but the Guiding year is just around the corner! Is there a story or experience you’d like to share with other Members or families? We’d love to hear your ideas!
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