The Day Before 30 day train trip
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I am so excited about my AI generated 30 day train trip through Europe that starts tomorrow!! For the past few weeks I have been debating whether to stay in Spain (I love it here SO, SO much) or to maximize my far too fast 90 days in Europe by exploring different countries. Exploring won, as it usually does!
Starting tomorrow I will be jumping on a train from Malaga, Spain, which is just north of Marbella where I have been hanging out enjoying the gorgeous beach for the past two weeks, to Marseille, France via Barcelona, and visiting 5 countries, 11 cities in 30 days.
How I Got Here
Last year I thought I would move to Bali for a year and have my own little “Eat, Pray, Love” moment, but the universe (and my personality) had very different plans. I ended up traveling to 3 countries in 5 months and absolutely falling in love with the discovery, adventure and personal growth that I experienced. I have always loved traveling, but this was/is entirely different from a 1-2 week bucket list trip.
Fast forward to 2024: My intention when I set out in February for South America was to explore each country at a slow, thorough pace while simultaneously learning to speak Spanish (I’ll get there eventually!). BUT when I invited my son to celebrate my 50th birthday with me he suggested Japan and the same day a new friend I met earlier that morning in Rio de Janeiro (I love my new life!) said “Do it, I’m celebrating my 50th in Japan next year!” I decided the universe is talking to me and I need to listen – Japan here we come!
And now I am in Spain thanks to a travel conference I signed up for at the last minute (of course!), meeting wonderful new friends and enjoying all that life and the world has to offer. My travel experiences the past year have had such a profound and positive impact I want to share my stories with the world in the hopes of inspiring others to travel the world and/or take the leap into whatever their heart’s desire.
It is now the day before I leave on my AI generated 30 day train trip through Europe and I am feeling excited and nervous. Already over budget 😩😁 but optimistic I can make up the difference with a few tweaks here and there.
TRANSPORTATION
There are a few things that ChatGPT did not take into consideration…
the bus from Marbella to Malaga is around €11, but it’s a 32 minute walk to the bus station, with luggage – yeah, that’s not happening!
so… add another €13 for an Uber to the bus station and now the # just jumped to €24. My thought is of course immediately, if I’m paying €24 for an Uber and a 45 minute bus ride (not including the time to wait for a bus), then what’s the price of just taking an Uber to the Malaga train station.
an Uber direct is €36, only €12 more but SO much less hassle. Done and done!
ChatGPT suggests a total transportation budget of €870. I chose to buy a 1st class Eurail ticket so I would have the option between 1st & 2nd class making finding a seat easier, plus I need wifi, which is free in 1st – and a bonus, complimentary snacks. My 1st class Eurail ticket was €906 ($972 USD).
Total transportation before the trip begins:
€870 ChatGPT
€906 + €36 = €942 ($1010 USD) in reality
€72 ($77) over budget
Off to a great start! Ha 😂
My walk to the Marbella bus station from my hotel.
Uber cost from my hotel to Marbella bus station.
Price for a direct Uber from Marbella to the Malaga train station.
Direct link here to the Uber app in case you don’t have it yet.
PACKING, NERVES & EVERYTHING ELSE
There are never enough hours in the day! Especially when the previous day one splurges on a luxurious dinner in the cutest alley in Marbella, Spain with more than one glass of vino (SO not divulging how many glasses 😉).
Leaving tomorrow for Marseille via Barcelona. Clothes are packed. Check ✔️ Website ready to share with the world? Not really, so partial check ✔️ish. Hotels booked? Nope. Activities planned? Not even a little. Many people right now would be worried they aren’t ready as all the little details are not perfectly aligned, but it’s me, I’ve got this! “Fun” little surprises always pop their frustrating little head’s up along the way – but that’s half the battle, I mean fun. 🥰🤩😘
MY GOAL DURING MY AI GENERATED 30 DAY TRAIN TRIP
First and foremost, this 30 day train trip is all about having fun, meeting amazing people, and diving into new cultures. Plus, you get to see how good ChatGPT is at crafting travel itineraries and budgets!
This journey promises excitement and new experiences, and I am so excited to share it with you. Follow along and get inspired to embark on your own adventure!
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xo, ChaCha
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