Travel, writing and coffee

15/3/2025

Travel Reads - Storytelling ■
People often tell me I live a luxurious life because I travel so much. Right now, I’m in the Black Forest on an invitation, staying in a hotel that makes me feel like a German Emperor. And sure, I’m not complaining—who would? But what people don’t see is that these trips come with long days, and here I am, way past midnight, squeezing in a piece like this.

BY HANAN, 4 minutes read

Like at the most press invitations, my days start at the crack of dawn and don’t slow down until late at night. Tourism boards and press agencies cram every minute with activities, leaving barely any time to breathe. By the time I get back to my hotel—usually after 11 pm—I still have work to do. Sometimes it’s an article that needs to go online, a batch of photos to sort through, or a sudden urge to spill my thoughts into a piece like this. Other times, it’s emails that need answering about an upcoming article. And let’s not even talk about the mountain of brochures and press packs I collect throughout the day. There’s no way I can fit all of that into my luggage, yet somehow, tourism offices haven’t figured out they could just send this info digitally. They’re a few years behind on that one. So yes, it’s often past 1 or even 2 am before I finally crawl into bed.

And yes, if I get an hour or so of free time before dinner, I might take a quick dip in the pool or enjoy a sauna in one of these way-too-fancy hotels that I’d never afford on my own budget. And guess what? Those are the photos that stand out. But hey, can you really blame me?

"My wealth lies in the experiences. When I travel on my own budget, I go full-on budget mode. And honestly? I love it even more."

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Of course, I chose this path—I chose to write, just like you chose whatever fills your days and pays your bills. And I have zero regrets. A few years ago, I decided to fully commit to this, and I enjoy every single moment of it—even if I see it more as a runaway hobby. From the moment I wake up—usually around six—I indulge in an over-the-top breakfast buffet before heading off to the first museum, city tour, or historic site of the day. And then the next one. And the next. And the next. Until I find myself back at a dinner table around 10 or 11 pm, stomach bursting at the seams. Then it’s back to my laptop for a few more hours. Though, I’ll admit, on rare occasions, I might end up lingering at the hotel bar—it depends on the company. But from start to finish, I soak it all in.

The only thing that can ruin my day? Not getting enough coffee. That black gold works miracles on me. The moment I get to let that liquid heaven slide down my throat, my day is made. It’s my ultimate source of happiness.

So yes, in a way, I do have a luxurious life. But not because of money—far from it. My wealth lies in the experiences. When I travel on my own budget, I go full-on budget mode. And honestly? I love it even more. Give me that sagging hostel mattress in a shared dorm with ten sweaty strangers, the sound of snoring bearded men who scratch themselves in their drooping underpants before stomping off to the communal toilets—where their morning routine echoes like a bear growling in a cave. Or the communal showers, decorated with the suspicious remains of previous guests.

"Travelling is just in my blood—it’s a passion I chase, a choice I make, and a risk I take. That choice means I don’t own a car and rent a simple house instead of owning a house."

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I thrive on grabbing a croissant from a tiny bakery and eating it on a park bench while hungry birds eye my crumbs. I love devouring a takeaway pizza straight from the box at midday or sitting by a trickling river, surrounded by chirping birds and buzzing insects—while accidentally parking myself right on top of an ant nest. Even when I’m trudging through the rain with a backpack far heavier than I’d like (because I never learn to pack light), wondering if I’ll find a bed for the night—I’m in my element.

I don’t have a luxurious life because I travel. Travelling is just in my blood—it’s a passion I chase, a choice I make, and a risk I take. That choice means I don’t own a car and rent a simple house instead of owning a house. My real luxury? Getting to do what I love. Every single day. Every hour. Every minute. Every second.

Well… except when there’s no coffee.

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