Off to the city
The human practice of living socially, and thus with other people, dates back to the very beginning of humanity. Humans are herd animals. Individuals have always lived together, forming communities, then villages, and finally cities – and from these grew metropolises like Tokyo, the largest city in the world, with around 37 million inhabitants. Nowhere else do so many different people and cultures converge as in the world's modern cities. Venture into a new city this summer and embark on a journey of discovery. The following tips will help you on your next city trip.
Good preparation
A great trip starts with packing. Think carefully about what you really want to take with you and what you can leave at home. We usually end up packing far too many clothes. Is a suitcase even suitable for the trip, especially when the streets in Amsterdam are often cobbled anyway? Find out about the local climate and the current weather. Is there a lot of rain in Marrakech? Do you really need three pairs of long pants on your trip to Rome? Instead, save the space in your bag for souvenirs you can bring back for your loved ones. Learn about the country's currency, get some cash, and ideally, a credit card. These days, you can pay by card almost everywhere. By the way, don't forget your student ID or similar—you'll get cheaper entry to many museums and attractions this way. In summer, when it gets even hotter in the cities, you should always drink plenty of water—our TreeBottle is perfect for this. It keeps its contents refreshingly cold for up to 24 hours.
Avoid hot spots and walk or use public transport
Every city has its tourist hotspots, which these days are probably more often viewed through screens and then quickly posted on Instagram stories. Exploring a city on foot offers so many unique experiences. Sure, you shouldn't miss the most important sights, but keep it brief and instead embark on an adventure through the smaller, lesser-known neighborhoods around the city center. There you'll experience culture as it really is, not as it's been specially prepared for tourism. In narrow alleys you'll often discover charming cafés and bars, unusual little shops, and maybe even strike up a conversation with a real local. You can also experience pure culture on public transport. In a metropolis where millions of people travel every day, you'll see quite a few faces. Every journey can thus become a special experience. However, find out in advance which neighborhoods you should avoid for safety reasons. If you're going to be walking a lot, be sure to get good shoes specifically designed for long walks. This will prevent blisters and joint pain, and you won't lose any time exploring.
Discover new culinary worlds
With a sandwich or a meal from a fast-food chain, you know what you're getting. But why not try something new and immerse yourself in the local cuisine? Do some online research to find out what delicacies the city is known for and what you absolutely must try while you're there. Look around for recommended restaurants and bars, but even there, try to avoid the hot spots. If you don't have an international cell phone plan and constantly rely on Wi-Fi, there are numerous apps that work offline. For example, you can mark the places you want to visit later on the digital map in your hotel, eliminating the need to run from Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi.
Of course, this list isn't exhaustive, but we hope these tips have inspired you for your next city break. Be sure to check out our packing guide for your beach vacation !
