h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Recently I have been reminiscing about the fact I want to travel Europe and nobody is sure that they want to go with me. Also I've been wondering what do people do when they want to take a breather and get away from the stresses and strains of all life throws at you? I cant keep running away to places on my own to do sports etc its too expensive so what can i do? and to get to the bottom of this question I think its necessary to take a look at what others do please spill thanks love opti ... oh and what does residential groups mean? can i still go on these alone if i want?

If I'm just a bit fed up I engage in all sorts of escapism, books, games, roleplaying etc. Anything distinct from the real world. Fairly obvious solution.

If I'm really fed up I voulantarily induce hallucinations, which contrary to what people will tell you does not require any sort of chemical substance. Not very obvious solution, people think you odd if they see you doing it and it's kind of hard to describe how it's acheived. The best I can think of is I make a place in my mind and go there. As a psychology student I think it's probably unhealthy but as a person it works for me.

I don't like holidays. I've never had any that I've really enjoyed, in fact the best I've managed is one's which I have not disliked.

I don't like holidays either, but I don't think you're talking about a holiday... I too want to travel but have no- one to go with. I often fantasize about just grabbing my passport and stepping out of my door... I guess I just want to be somewhere else- the idea of just going /somewhere/ and then just moving on before I get bored really appeals to me.

I guess if money's a problem (lets face it- are there many people for whom it isn't?), then you could possibly get the odd job washing dishes in a diner, or doing anything else you may have the skills for just to tide you over.

To be totally honest, I have no experience whatsoever, but I'd like to hear the responses from other people who have...

TK[1]

My old (As in from last year) housemate used to like going places to get away from it all. She would take her backpack, some food and a tent go to the airport and get on the cheapest last minute deal that got her out of the country. Of course she also ended up living on the streets of america for a couple of months. Still she says she enjoyed it all so I guess it could work

I wish I had the guts to do that...

TK[1]

I haven't met anyone else who has.

I've been travelling alone, I interailed around Europe on my own for three weeks, and it was the most confidence building experience of my life. I was never short of company because I always met people in hostels. Unlike AO's housemate I did some planning had some money and travel insurance and it all went smoothly, I've travelling alone since, and it's always been far less stressful that travelling with other people.

Just do it! Though money is probably needed first, and a rough guide to Europe, and a supply of books.

Ooh and read my guide entry on interrailling first A899896

Thankyou so much for telling me Z I am desperate to do the same as you

I never thought I could do it until I did it, I was planning on going with a friend but her mum went into hospital the day before we were due to go. I was feeling really depressed about not going, and I had all the money to go saved up. So I just went to my local travel agent and brought a ticket, at about 3.40 pm. I then went home, packed, and went, I knew I had to get the next train from New Street to Dover before I changed my mind. I was only 18 at the time. I think it's something I'm fairly proud of doing!

I hope the mother is ok now...and well done on having the courage etc to do what you did

I wish i could have done something similar when i was 18... I reckon being a female its a bit different and I ought to take my bf with me ... problem is just saving up the money after xmas in USA.

I was female too.

ooops sorry

S'OK!

(Just note the past tense if you ever meet me)

So are you up for a Midland meet soon? (23rd/24th of October?)

I think I may have met you before at one of the London meets ... not sure about a midlands meet its a possibility ... will have to talk to the bf