Last Updated: 01/23/20 | January 23rd, 2020
My life as a backpacker began in Prague. I arrived there two months into my trip. however those two months were spent staying with pals as well as driving across the US. It wasn’t spent in hostels or satisfying travelers. Up until that time, the trip had felt like an extended vacation.
But all that changed in Prague.
This was the very first location I stayed in a hostel as well as had to make pals with strangers in dorms, navigate on my own (no one was there to satisfy me at the airport), figure out signs in a different language, as well as truly get by as a traveler.
It was the very first location where I was genuinely a complete stranger in a unusual land.
I was on my own, as well as I loved it — from the hostel pleased hours with the huge four-deck game of kings, to the craziness of being in a 20-bed dorm room, to that cute Aussie girl, to the pals I met who I stay in touch with to this day.
Prague showed me the wonders of hostel life as well as backpacking, as well as I was hooked.
Then, a few days later, I was gone. I was off to Milan to continue my adventures.
I hadn’t been back since, however with my Europe excursion starting in Prague, last week I flew back to reacclimatize myself to the city, get the lay of the land, as well as link with the regional operators I’m working with.
After having been away for eight years, I was anxious the city may have changed too much, as well as the memory of my very first check out would be so powerful that today’s Prague might never online up to it.
Thankfully, I was wrong.
Prague is different (and much more expensive), however the essence of what makes it terrific is still there.
When I checked out in 2006 on my very first round-the-world trip, I fell in love with a city steeped in history, gorgeous medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, captivating cafés, gorgeous women, as well as inexpensive beer. Prague seemed to have it all.
And it still does.
Time changes places, particularly ones so prominent with travelers — in some cases not always for the better. numerous things certainly have changed in Prague —some good, some bad. There are much more tourists, prices are much higher, English is much more widely spoken, as well as there’s much more worldwide food, including a great deal of vegetarian options (be sure to check out the country Life buffet!).
But what makes Prague special as a city is still there, as well as that made me happy.
There was still Letenské sady (Letna Park), where I stared out across the city from a lookout as couples posed for photos as well as an art trainee drew the skyline. I likewise slowly meandered through Královská zahrada (the royal Garden), where the urban noise fell away as the spires of St. Vitus Cathedral increased above the trees, as well as all that might be heard were the whispers of travelers talking about the area’s beauty.
As I wandered cobblestone streets, walked across the Charles Bridge, traipsed up as well as down the riverside, as well as plotted out walking routes for my tour, I fell for Prague when again. I remembered what made this city so special to me the very first time: the feeling of being lost in time as well as in someplace genuinely different.
I’ve written about chasing travel ghosts before. It’s a thought that haunts me throughout my travels.
Will a destination be as great as I keep in mind it?
Will each subsequent check out tire me out or renew my love?
Sometimes, like in Paris, returning renews my love.
Other times, like in Ko Phangan, it makes me recognize that it’s time to relocation on.
But on my return to Prague, my love was rekindled. as well as that’s something special.
Each check out anywhere is special in its own right, though it’s only natural to compare them. however when the essence remains the same, when that original spark is still there, you understand your connection to a location is deeper than just one great time.
And that’s a fantastic feeling. I can’t wait to come back in August as well as share this terrific city with my excursion group.
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Book Your trip to Prague: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner. This is my preferred search engine since it searches web sites as well as airlines around the globe, so you always understand no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as it has the greatest inventory as well as best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as hotels. My top two preferred places to stay are:
Miss Sophie’s
The MadHouse
If you’re trying to find much more places to stay, right here are all my preferred hostels in Prague.
Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it numerous times in the past. My preferred companies that offer the best service as well as value are:
Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)
Insure My trip (for those 70 as well as over)
Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)
Looking for the best companies to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I listing all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will do the exact same for you too.
Want much more info on Prague?
Be sure to check out our robust destination guide on Prague for even much more planning tips!