Have you ever wanted to travel by yourself? Are you someone who does it often? Is it your dream, or do you feel like you could never?

Let me tell you a little about my experience, who I think solo traveling is for, and what I would recommend to make it a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip.

So far, I have been to Barcelona and Paris alone, and I鈥檝e also had the opportunity to travel all around the world with my family. However, for me, solo traveling is not only about being completely alone somewhere far away. It can also mean flying alone or traveling longer distances on your own. I would also say that I consider my study abroad experience, coming all the way from the middle of Europe, a form of solo travel in its own way.

Are we ever really alone when we travel? In most cases, we end up meeting people along the way. Conversations just happen. At the airport, with a driver, with someone next to you on the metro, or even just standing in line. These small interactions become part of the trip.

I think traveling becomes much more enjoyable when kind gestures and words are shared along the way. Helping someone who seems lost, exchanging a smile, or having a short conversation can completely change the feeling of your day.

At the same time, it is very important not to ignore your instincts. If something feels off, don鈥檛 go closer to that person or place. Trust yourself. Stay alert and aware, especially as a young woman. You can be open and kind, but you also have to stay sharp; that鈥檚 why, usually when I am walking, I do not look super approachable (fast walk, confident face, not necessarily always super friendly until someone would actually need my help), and it is necessary.

I will tell you about my trip to Barcelona, what I learned from it, and what I would recommend. Keep in mind this is from a solo budget traveler perspective, not expensive tourism.

So, Barcelona.

I had wanted to visit that city for so long. It was just one of those places I truly wanted to see. Also, I speak the language, which helps a lot. Knowing the language of the country makes everything easier, especially if not everyone speaks English. At the same time, I don鈥檛 think language is everything. Some people are very good at communicating without it, through body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.

When it comes to budget, you have to decide on your objectives when you travel. What matters most to you? Is it food, culture, history, architecture, nature, museums, or shopping?

For me personally, food is not my main priority, mainly because eating in restaurants can get expensive very quickly. Also, many international foods can be found or even recreated at home. Of course, there are local dishes that are impossible to replicate, so I still try to experience at least one or two more special meals, but I don鈥檛 base my whole trip around it.

What I do prioritize more is art. Anything related to art, museums, exhibitions, artist streets, and small creative shops. I also love buying local clothes or small objects as souvenirs. I adore the idea of having things from everywhere I鈥檝e been. I honestly prefer buying things during travel instead of shopping at home, because they feel more unique. I like having original pieces and things that stand out.

And as an artist myself, I get so inspired by this.

Barcelona felt like another world. Seeing Gaud铆鈥檚 art and imagination everywhere was just incredible. It felt like imagining the ocean on dry land and then actually seeing the buildings, streets, and even bricks on the road out of that idea. I remember just thinking, “How is this even possible?鈥�

I was mesmerized by the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batll贸, Park G眉ell, and the Moco Museum. I even went to the Bubble Museum, which was fun. Palau de la M煤sica was also beautiful. I did some shopping at Desigual because they had more colorful and original pieces than what I usually see in my country. I found this amazing candle shop, Cereria Subir脿.

Palau de la M煤sica

A small chaotic moment also happened. I arrived early in the morning at Park G眉ell, showed my ticket, and they told me it was not valid there. I was shocked, as you can imagine. It turned out I had bought a ticket for Palau G眉ell instead. I didn鈥檛 even realize there was a difference when I booked it, so at that moment, I was just a few seconds of 鈥渨hat am I going to do now?鈥�

I had to be spontaneous. I quickly bought a ticket for the park if I was already there, went in, and spent some of the most incredible hours there. It was so beautiful that I completely forgot about the time while I was also drawing down what I was seeing.

The next day, I went to Palau G眉ell, explained what happened, and asked if I could still use my ticket. Because it was January and not crowded, they were kind enough to let me in, and what an amazing surprise, the palace was flabbergasting. That鈥檚 why we also have to allow life to bring us where it wants us to be.

This is also why I would recommend not traveling during peak tourist seasons if you want to see a lot. Yes, it might be colder, windy, or even rainy, and you might not go to the beach, but in exchange, you get no lines, no crowds, and a much more peaceful experience.

Before going out each day, I made sure to have a general idea of where I was going and how close places were to each other. I also checked transportation and what kind of tickets to buy beforehand, because tourist tickets are often more expensive than what locals use, especially for students.

At the same time, I always left space for spontaneity. I found amazing places, galleries, and shops I would have never planned. You should also let go of the idea that you will do everything. Time feels different when you travel, especially when you follow your intuition. Sometimes reality is different from what you see online. Places can be closed or not what you expected.

When it comes to safety, especially if you want to go out at night, I would not recommend going alone to places you have never been before. What I would recommend is going with groups or meeting other travelers. Being in a group, even with people you have just met, is safer than being completely alone. Also, always choose places where there are people around.

If you drink, drink only to the level where you feel fully in control. If something happens, you need to be able to react and leave.

Yes, I am saying this from a young woman鈥檚 perspective. It is just a reality that you have to be more aware. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave confidently. Try not to draw unnecessary attention; just remove yourself calmly.

Be careful with your food and drinks. If there is even a small chance that something was added to what is in front of you or if something feels wrong, do not risk it. Just get a new one. It is absolutely not worth it to get drugged or sick.

About your phone, bags, and bank cards, I recommend using a strap for your phone and a bag that cannot be easily opened or cut. Even smaller bags can be opened quickly if you are distracted. Sometimes I even use a very simple backpack and avoid wearing expensive jewelry, just to not stand out. I also keep my wallet secured inside my bag.

I am saying this because I have seen things happen in front of me or to people I know, and you also hear the stories.

When walking in less crowded areas, I try to stay aware of my surroundings and think about possible ways to leave if needed. Even walking close to a group can sometimes make you look less alone.

Confidence matters. If you look lost, people notice it.

At the same time, don鈥檛 close yourself off. Being kind, asking questions, talking to people, or helping others if you can, can lead to nice and unexpected connections. You just ought to keep a balance between being open and being aware, and always make sure you can leave a situation if you need to.

So yes, solo traveling is not just about the places you visit, but about how you experience them. It teaches you independence, confidence, and how to trust yourself in completely new situations while exploring facets of the world as well as yourself that you would not have otherwise.

Safe travels, guys, and do not let fear keep you away from places that could change your life for the best! Prepare and be aware so that you can let go, have fun, and follow the flow when you are already there!

Photos by Alexa Bandura

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When people imagine the perfect Mediterranean getaway, most think of the obvious options: a weekend on the French Riviera, driving down the Amalfi Coast, island hopping along the Adriatic Sea, or swimming in the Aegean. But what most travelers seem to overlook sits just south of Turkey and west of the Levant. 鈥淭he Island Love鈥�, Cyprus, is a gem that hosts all the beauty and history of the Mediterranean, packed into one divided island.

I had the pleasure of spending three incredible days on its western coast between Paphos and Pegeia, in a little beach town called Kissonerga. Cyprus, where the winds blew strongly, waves caressed saw-toothed beaches, and every village had a piece of history or an anecdote to go with it, which my tour guide proudly announced at every stop we made throughout the island.

Here鈥檚 a condensed history of Cyprus (before we get into the good stuff). In antiquity, the late Bronze Age brought waves of settlement by the Mycenaeans, attracted to the island鈥檚 mineral wealth in copper and its essential location at the crossroads of three continents. Over the next couple of thousand years, Cyprus was conquered by a multiplicity of empires. The Assyrians, Egyptians, Persians, and Macedonians all took power one after the other. Then came the Ptolemaic Empire, followed by the Classical and Eastern Roman Empire, Arab caliphates, the French Lusignans, Venetians, and the Ottomans, who held the island for three centuries, and finally the British, who held the island until its independence in 1960.

Today, Cyprus is split between two contesting communities in a conflict sparked after independence. A two-state solution of sorts has been reached, with “Greek Cyprus” inhabiting the southern half of the island, and the Turkish Republic in the north. The two sections are divided by the United Nations Buffer Zone, which is kilometers wide in some sections and only divided by a wall in its capital, Nicosia (or Lefko艧a). Seemingly untroubled by their history of violence, conflict, and occupation, the kindness and welcoming spirit of the Cypriot people could be felt in every village I had the privilege of visiting.

We spent the first day settling in, ready for the excitement the trip would bring. The second day consisted of walking 5km to the nearest fruit stand, where we bought a cornucopia of fruits grown on the island. The agriculture industry of Cyprus was once the backbone of its economy, but as more tourists began flooding the island year after year, the service industry became dominant. Agriculture continues to be a stable and profitable industry, where over 40 different fruits are grown year-round (thanks to its subtropical Mediterranean climate). My favorite was a small yellow-orange fruit called Loquot (in Cyprus it’s called Mespila), which is a stone fruit native to southern China and tastes like a mix of an apricot and a pear 鈥� absolutely delicious. We also checked out a couple of restaurants in the area, eating delicious hummus and seafood fresh from the sea.

On our last day, we booked a bus tour of the Greek side of Cyprus (as most tour companies only operate on one side or the other). My family was the first to be picked up, and as we made our way to pick up the rest of the eager passengers from their respective hotels in Paphos, we passed colorful orchards of orange trees, banana farms, and potato fields. Once the bus was full of conversations in a medley of languages, our guide, a Finnish woman named Ula, began the tour.

Our first stop was at the Rock of Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite was born from the sea foam after the Titan Cronus severed his father, Uranus鈥檚, genitals and threw them into the sea. The rock, which is more of a boulder, upon which she supposedly appeared, sits behind a much larger rock, which, according to legend, was thrown into the sea by the Byzantine hero Digenis Akritas to stop Saracen invaders, creating the formations seen today.

Next, we drove through the mountains to the small village of Lofou. Since we came during the weekend of Greek Orthodox Easter, most restaurants and stores were closed, and the streets were relatively empty besides the stray cats (they were everywhere). Lofou sits on the side of a mountain and has a beautiful church built in 1852, adorned with ancient paintings and frescoes. The village was surrounded by barren hills, which Ula said were because the Limassol wildfires had devastated the olive groves that once covered the terraced mountains. Nevertheless, the village was beautiful, and the locals in the few open shops and bakeries were welcoming and friendly.

After a brief stop at the famous Millomeris waterfall at the foot of Mount Olimbos (the tallest mountain in Cyprus), the tour continued to a winery up in the mountains where the wine tasting began. The two lions flanking the entrance welcomed our group as we entered the building. One lion鈥檚 face was frozen in anger, and the other was peacefully asleep. Ula motioned to the angry lion and said, 鈥淭his is you when you enter,鈥� then pointed at the other, 鈥渁nd this is you when you leave鈥� (hinting that the wine is so good it鈥檒l put us into a tranquil slumber).

The wine was accompanied by fresh bread with olive oil made from the nearby olive groves. The grand finale was an exclusively Cypriot wine called Commanderia. The rich, amber-colored, sweet dessert wine can only be produced in the Commanderia region of Cyprus, where it has been in production since its first documentation in 800 BC. The wine had a rich bourbon smell and tasted like a sweet, spiced syrup. After two more glasses, I had a wonderful nap on the ride down the mountain back to Kissonerga.

Cyprus is only a three-hour flight from Budapest, and if you鈥檙e looking for the perfect summer getaway, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting. It鈥檚 an island full of history, beautiful mountains and rocky cliffs, and incredible people.

Photos by Julius Hendricks

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Along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea lies one of Croatia鈥檚 most underrated cities: Zadar. Known for its ancient streets, crystal-clear water, and laid-back atmosphere, Zadar provides a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and lively at the same time.

Just outside the city is the small coastal village of Suko拧an, a quieter destination where locals and visitors enjoy a slower pace of life surrounded by beaches, boats, and traditional Croatian culture. Together, these two places show what everyday life in coastal Croatia is truly like.

Life in Zadar blends history with modern living. Walking through the city feels almost like stepping into a different period because Roman ruins, medieval churches, and old stone streets are everywhere, and they create a fantasy feeling. At the same time, caf茅s, restaurants, bars/clubs, and busy markets keep the city feeling modern and energetic. One of the most famous attractions is the Sea Organ, an art installation that creates music from the movement of the waves. Nearby is the Greeting to the Sun, a solar-powered light display that glows at night and attracts people watching the sunset. In fact, sunsets in Zadar are considered some of the most beautiful in the world, with locals often gathering in the evenings just to relax and watch the sky change colors.

The lifestyle in Zadar is much slower and calmer than in many large cities. People value spending time outdoors, whether it is swimming in the sea, sitting at caf茅s for hours, or walking along the promenade. Family is very important in Croatian culture, and many businesses close earlier on Sundays so people can spend time together.

Food also plays a major role in daily life. Fresh seafood, olive oil, grilled meats, and local cheeses are common dishes, while bakeries and coffee shops are always busy throughout the day, and let me just say it鈥檚 some of the most delicious food I鈥檝e ever had, just because of its freshness. Coffee culture is especially important in Croatia because meeting friends for long conversations over coffee is considered part of everyday social life rather than just a quick stop.

Only a short drive from Zadar is Suko拧an, a small seaside village that gives an even more relaxed look into Croatian coastal life. Unlike larger tourist cities, Suko拧an feels more personal and quieter. Many people know each other, and life revolves around the marina, beaches, and local restaurants. The village is famous for having one of the largest and most beautiful marinas on the Adriatic coast, making it popular for sailing and boating. During the summer, tourists arrive from all over Europe, but even with visitors, Suko拧an still keeps its peaceful charm.

Living in Suko拧an often means spending most of the day outdoors. Residents swim, fish, bike, or simply enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate. The weather is another major reason why people love the area. Summers are hot and sunny, while winters are mild compared to much of Europe. Because of this, outdoor dining and evening walks are common throughout most of the year.

There are also a few things visitors should know before traveling to Croatia. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger people, making it easy for travelers to communicate. Croatia uses the euro as its currency, and tourism is one of the country鈥檚 biggest industries, especially during the summer. Despite the popularity of tourism, many smaller towns like Suko拧an still hold onto strong local traditions and a close-knit community feeling.

Overall, Zadar and Suko拧an represent the beauty of everyday life in coastal Croatia. From the historic streets and waterfront sunsets of Zadar to the peaceful beaches and village atmosphere of Suko拧an, the region offers a balance of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. For many people, life there is not about rushing but about enjoying the moment, appreciating family and community, and staying connected to the sea that shapes daily life along Croatia鈥檚 Adriatic coast.

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

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Within the world, there are many different facets of nature that are beautiful and helpful in their own ways. One of the most common types of beauty from nature that humans interact with is flowers. The estimated number of different species of flowers is somewhere between 250,000 and 400,000. Obviously, there is no guaranteed way to measure every single different type of flower, as they grow in all corners of the world, which is why this estimated range is the closest guess. With the hundreds of thousands of flowers come many different cultures using flowers for different religious, medical, social, and traditional reasons. For this reason, flowers have always had an importance within society.

In different ancient cultures, different types of flowers were used to symbolize different things. In Victorian England, society used Bluebells to show kindness to their loved ones or even strangers meeting for the first time. Lotuses were used to show new creation and rebirth in Ancient Egypt. Similar to today鈥檚 society, in Ancient Greece, roses were used to show love to the recipient.

Along with their symbolism, flowers were heavily used in ancient times for medicinal purposes. For example, the Early Purple Orchid was grown and turned into a traditional medical beverage called 鈥渟alep.鈥� This medicine drive was used to soothe coughs and dull stomach aches. Like that, primrose was used for basic first aid. The flower petals were turned into an ointment to dress and heal wounds. To enhance mental abilities and health, rosemary has been used for centuries. However, the best flower/herb being used to heal people for many centuries is sage. According to the Lindley Library, 鈥渟age aids in digestion, helps wounds heal, can relieve period cramps, fights colds, kills unwanted bacteria, and can aid in the reduction of inflammation and swelling. In simple terms, sage does everything to heal people.鈥� Flowers and plants have been doing so much for cultures all over the world for centuries. From being able to tell someone how you feel to being able to heal, flowers were very important to ancient cultures. Then, what about today鈥re flowers still as highly regarded as they were centuries ago?

The simple answer is yes; flowers are still very important in many different cultures all over the world. In ancient times, flowers could be used to show love; this is why they make the best gifts.

Another reason they are highly regarded in society is that they can immediately boost one’s mood. Flowers are colorful and vibrant; because of this, we immediately feel less tension and more happiness when seeing flowers in our vicinity. 鈥淎ccording to scientific studies, the presence of flowers in and around hospitals can help with patients’ stress levels and reduce anxiety,鈥� says Floweraura. Even more than that, receiving flowers can be the biggest mood booster for everyone because they can make the recipient feel loved and appreciated. 鈥淎ll study participants expressed 鈥榯rue鈥� or 鈥榚xcited鈥� smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude.鈥� This reaction did not only happen for men or only women, or only certain age groups- the true excitement occurred in everyone.

Overall, flowers have long-standing traditions and medical purposes in many cultures, even ancient ones. They have been used to show the way one can feel about people in their lives. My favorite example is the Bluebells being used to show kindness to strangers or loved ones. Along with that, flowers can instantly boost the mood of most people because of their bright colors, aromatic presence, and the belief that if you are receiving flowers, it means you are appreciated. All in all, flowers have always been something that, as humans, we have admired. Flowers are beautiful, and they can heal us, why wouldn鈥檛 we adore them.

Photos by Riley Moore

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Switzerland is one of those places that almost doesn鈥檛 feel real. You鈥檝e got mountains that look like wallpaper in the background everywhere you look, super clean cities, and everything works in unison. Right in the middle of all that is Zurich, a city that mixes nature, culture, and everyday life in a really effortless way.

Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland, but it doesn鈥檛 feel stressful or crowded like other big cities, like Rome or Paris, for example. It鈥檚 very calm, organized, and honestly just easy to be in. It鈥檚 the kind of place where you can explore a lot without feeling overwhelmed.

One place that also adds to Zurich鈥檚 cultural side is the Kunsthaus Z眉rich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. It features a huge collection of artwork ranging from classic European paintings to modern and contemporary pieces. Even if you鈥檙e not into art, the museum itself is beautiful and worth visiting because of the atmosphere and architecture alone. It gives the city a more creative and artistic feel and shows that Zurich is not just about business, shopping, and nature, but also has a strong cultural identity.

One of the best things about Zurich is how balanced it feels. You can walk through the Old Town (Altstadt) with its small streets and old buildings, which still keep the city’s older characteristics, and then five minutes later be in a very modern area with shops and caf茅s and so much to see.

Bahnhofstrasse is the main shopping street, and it鈥檚 known for being one of the fanciest in all of Europe. Even if you鈥檙e not buying anything, it鈥檚 fun to walk around and see the vibe (I personally love window shopping there).

If you鈥檙e into culture, you can check out places like the Swiss National Museum, but honestly, just walking around the city is already an experience that allows you to learn a lot.

And then there鈥檚 the lake. Lake Zurich is where everyone hangs out, especially during the summer. People swim, sit by the water, talk with friends, or even boat around! It’s relaxing and probably one of the best parts of the city, not only because of the view that speaks for itself, but it also cools down the air when it’s hot.

At night, Zurich has a fun but not crazy nightlife. Areas like Zurich West have bars, music, and places to just hang out, but it’s never overly crowded or too overwhelming.

Transportation in Switzerland is honestly next level and very modern. Everything is on time, clean, extremely simple to use, and cool. Most of it is run by Swiss Federal Railways, which connects basically the whole country and even trains to neighboring countries in a very short amount of time.

In Zurich, trams are the main way to get around, and they come often, so it’s not too difficult to figure out that having a car is not necessary if you live next to any form of public transport. They do take checking tickets very seriously, though, so make sure to have one if you go on them!

The main station (Zurich HB) connects you to everywhere, like other cities, lakes, and even the mountains. You can wake up in Zurich and be in the Alps not long after. It is a huge benefit and keeps you refreshed with new views in a short amount of time.

Switzerland is pricey. But here’s a quick breakdown of the most common things bought. Public transport is about CHF 3鈥�5 (鈧�3.28-5.47) per ride or a day pass, which is around CHF 8鈥�15. Meals at restaurants range from CHF 20鈥�40+, but cheaper options are fast food spots ranging from CHF 10鈥�15, and a coffee run can go from CHF 4鈥�6.

It can add up fast, but there are ways to save, like if you travel around often, get a travel pass, buy food from supermarkets instead of eating out all the time, which is also healthier, and since Zurich is a walkable city, walk where and when you can.

Zurich isn鈥檛 loud or flashy, but that鈥檚 kind of the point. It鈥檚 clean, beautiful, easy to explore, and everything just runs smoothly. It鈥檚 a place where you can chill by the lake, explore cute streets, hop on a train, and see mountains all in the same day. Even though it鈥檚 expensive, the overall experience makes it worth it.

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

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Each second year in New Brunswick, Canada, members of the听Hungarian American听community gather for a cultural event: the Hungarian Scout Ball, organized by the Hungarian Scout Association. The ball serves as both a formal social event where Hungarian traditions are practiced and celebrated, and a meaningful fundraiser supporting Hungarian scouting programs across North America.听

The Hungarian Scout Association was founded after World War II by Hungarian refugees who听sought听to preserve their language, traditions, and identity while living abroad. Today, the organization works with scout troops throughout the United States and Canada, focusing not only on outdoor skills but also on cultural education, folk traditions, and leadership development. The ball plays a key role in sustaining those efforts.听听

At the center of the evening is the welcoming of debutantes. Young women, often active within the scouting community, are formally introduced to society in a tradition rooted in European customs. Accompanied by escorts, they perform rehearsed dances, most notably the听palot谩s, a 19th-century Hungarian court dance that has become a defining feature of the event. The choreography reflects elegance and discipline, symbolizing both cultural continuity and the transition into adulthood.听听

Beyond the debutante initiation, the program usually includes a formal dinner, live music, and open dancing. Traditional Hungarian melodies often blend with classical ballroom selections, reflecting the dual identity of the community: rooted in Hungarian heritage while shaped by American life. 鈥淩econnecting with old friends from Hungarian school makes the experience even more meaningful for many attendees. Seeing everyone dance with听tradition听sometimes听without even realizing it creates a beautiful sense of community that is impossible to ignore,鈥� said Julius Hendricks, a participant. Guests range from local supporters to attendees traveling from other states,听demonstrating听the ball鈥檚 wider regional significance.听

Financially, the event serves听an important role听for scout camps, educational programming, leadership training, and the publication of Hungarian-language materials used within scouting circles. Maintaining heritage abroad requires consistent effort and funding, and the ball provides both community visibility and practical support for those initiatives.听听

The choice of New Brunswick as host city is also notable. The area has long been home to a strong听Hungarian American听presence, with churches, cultural organizations, and community centers forming an established network. Holding the ball there reinforces the region鈥檚 historical connection to Hungarian immigration and settlement in the United States.听

While the evening is defined by formal attire and structured tradition, its broader significance lies in preservation. Culture survives not only through memory but through events, institutions, and shared experiences that keep language, music, and customs active rather than symbolic. The Hungarian Scout Ball fulfills that role by creating a setting where heritage is not only displayed but practiced.听

In this sense, the ball听represents听more than elegance or ceremony. It reflects a community鈥檚 long-standing commitment to identity, education, and intergenerational connection. Through dance, fundraising, and shared celebration, the New Brunswick Hungarian Scout Ball continues to sustain a tradition that extends far beyond a single evening.听

Photos by Viktoria Kiss

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An internship, some travel, and a surprisingly eye-opening learning experience, all in one. Through a youth mobility project in Georgia, I myself got to explore how CO2 emissions can be reduced in a more efficient and productive way, using an interactive simulator through collaborative activities.

It actually started with a message from the 91影视 College Budapest administration presenting an opportunity provided by the Proteus Foundation to join an internship in Georgia.

So, what was this training I was part of about?

It was an Erasmus+ 鈥淭raining for Trainers鈥� program focused on environmental education. The project, called Environer, aimed to equip youth workers with digital tools for teaching sustainability in more engaging ways. It took place between 24 and 28 March in Bakuriani, Georgia.

Around 20 of us participants joined from Slovenia, Georgia, and Hungary (our team members were also from Pakistan and Tunisia), while we also connected with people from Italy and Malta听during听our stay. A big part of the program was learning how to use the En-ROADS simulator, which shows how different decisions can influence global emissions over time.

Interestingly, the experience went far beyond just learning a tool. We worked in teams, took part in interactive sessions, and even explored how AI can connect to environmental topics. There was also space to experience the local culture, whether through conversations, shared activities, or exploring Borjomi鈥檚 thermal bath and natural mineral water that has historically cured multiple illnesses. One of the highlights was a hike in the mountains, along with tasting the typical food such as khinkali, khachapuri, and phali.

The internship did not stop there! Viktor J贸sa (Co-Founder of Proteus and former alum of 91影视 College) and I brought the knowledge into the room. Quite literally, we brought the simulator, a presentation,听and interactive scenarios where the students of the Environmental Problem-Solving class taught by Professor Cox could explore the topic and come up with excellent ideas and solutions.

Thanks to whom听did the event take place?

The project was organized through the cooperation of Umbrella Youth Organization (Georgia), IZO Institute (Slovenia), and the Proteus Foundation (Hungary). Their focus is on developing practical thinking around environmental challenges and sustainability. Furthermore, thanks to the full funding of the project by the European Union鈥檚 Erasmus+ program and support from the Hungarian National Agency, this could not have happened.

Looking for similar experiences?

It鈥檚 worth checking your 91影视 email regularly. You can also look into the Proteus Foundation鈥檚 work or browse Erasmus+ programs to see what upcoming projects you can apply for.

Can anyone join?

These projects are open to a wide range of people,听including听students, volunteers, educators, and anyone interested in working with young people and engaging with topics like sustainability and climate change, and many more.

Takeaway

The biggest realization for me was that progress is possible, but only if we understand which actions actually make a difference. Tools like En-ROADS help make that clearer by showing the real impact of decisions.

I enjoyed the experience so much that I鈥檝e already signed up for another program in July, this time in Slovakia. If something like this comes up, I鈥檇 definitely recommend giving such detoxing and inspiring projects that call to action a try.

Photos by Alexa Bandura and Tomaz Gorenc

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Recounts of pop鈥檚 prince return to the stage for the first time in years

Harry Styles is arguably the only true male听pop star听out there today. With audiences collapsing at the sound of his voice, fan girls buying concert tickets like madmen, and pop music that makes people feel good – it鈥檚 no surprise he鈥檚 the current prince of pop. 听

He got his big break from music all the way back in 2016 on X-Factor and became a part of the world-famous boy band, One Direction. His band was much like any other boy band, a worldwide phenomenon for fan girls. Only lasting听five听years before their 鈥渉iatus,鈥� the听five听boys put out听five听albums and did听five听world tours, pushing the limits of their abilities and pushing fan girl culture into another dimension. When the band went on hiatus in 2015, they effectively disbanded, with all members going on to release solo projects and further develop their fanbases.

Of the听five听members, Harry Styles has gone on to be the most commercially successful, with chart-topping hits like 鈥�Watermelon Sugar鈥�听and 鈥�As It Was鈥�听and an extremely successful听two-year听world tour. Following his global domination with his albums and tour, he took a long break. Completely disappeared from the spotlight, leaving devoted fans distraught and leaving the pop world a little duller. During this time, he took about听three听years away to recharge himself and find the music he wanted to make. Needless to say, his fans were missing his presence and his musical style.听

Just when pop culture needed back its prince of pop, Harry Styles announced his fourth album,听Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.听released March 6th. Along with the album, Styles announced a One Night Only concert for the day of the launch, where he would play the album for fans in his hometown of Manchester. Receiving tickets for this concert was much different than anything I鈥檇 ever experienced. Due to the extremely high demand for Harry Styles, his tour dates sold out like crazy, with prices being sky-high. With this show, I think his team wanted to do a different approach, so people were only able to receive tickets via raffle. Fans could answer one question only: whether they wanted to be seated or standing, and then put in their bank card information to get two tickets at 20听pounds each. If they happened to be chosen, they would receive an email with their ticket confirmation and soon be heading to the ONO (One Night Only) show.听听

My mom, quite literally the luckiest person I know, got chosen! Soon we鈥檇 be heading to Manchester for this concert! A lot of people call us crazy for that, but it鈥檚 just something that my mom and I do. Concerts have always been a connection point for us, and because it鈥檚 just us two, we’ve always been able to make them a fun time. As I鈥檝e gotten older and moved abroad, our range of concerts has just expanded. Call us crazy, but it鈥檚 a good way to see a new city and plan it around something fun. Her coming听from the United States, she had more of a travel to Manchester, but we finally met up on March 5th. Excited to hear Style鈥檚 new album and see him on a stage for the first time in听three听years!听

The Concert听

听My mom and I got to the Co-op Live Arena at 6:20 pm for a 7 pm doors opening, and the line was already wrapped around the building. I wasn鈥檛 too shocked because I knew it was going to be crazy busy, but it just continued to evolve into madness. My mom and I were probably about 40 people away from where the line formed with actual barricades, and from the time we got in line, the line continued to spread all the way down. Wrapping itself around the parking lot and gardens, and people wrapping themselves around each other. I think there definitely could have been better planning here. I mean, they knew exactly how many tickets were sold, so the lack of queue planning felt odd. Ultimately, I was grateful for our position because we lucked out in getting in line just before it devolved. From where we were standing, we could see the doors open and security start moving at 7 pm, but our place in line didn鈥檛 start moving until 7:15 pm. Once we got through security,听the听staff听scanned our tickets, and then we went to the next set of people.

Styles had made a deal with Netflix, so this ONO would be recorded and put onto the streaming platform as a way to memorialize this night. Netflix wanted the wow factor, so fans had to place their phones into plastic baggies that made it impossible to record on the camera. Because fans had their cameras taken away, Styles鈥� team offered each pair of tickets one disposable camera so fans听could capture memories of the night. For the first time, I鈥檇 get to experience what a concert was like before cellphones were a thing – and I seriously loved it. Without the worry of trying to get the perfect picture or video of your favorite song, I could just live in the moment and fully experience the music in the way it was intended.听听

Harry Styles came on stage around 9 pm, and the arena absolutely erupted. He walked through crowds of fans, as I tried to look at the big screens to see him. He took his steps up on stage, and if I thought the screams were loud before, now they were amplified tenfold. The tension in the room was palpable; everyone was so excited to be a part of this monumental moment. 听

On stage, he wore wide-legged, banana-yellow pants and a royal blue jumper on top. Underneath the jumper, he had on a black buttoned-up shirt听with white flowers printed randomly, and a big pink tie. Seemingly a wacky outfit, but Styles pulls it off- as he does with everything.听听

Without speaking a word into the microphone, he begins crafting a beat on what seems to be a small DJ stand. He plays around with different notes, tones, and sounds for a few minutes before finally settling on the correct one. He begins tapping out the beat to 鈥�Aperture鈥�- the first track of his album and the only single released before the album drop. The lights begin to flicker along to the beat of the song, creating a sonic world for the audience to fully be a part of. The rest of his band has now joined in to add musical texture to the beat. Once they all find the groove of the song, Styles approaches the mic to sing the first verse.听

As he takes his steps into the spotlight, the crowd erupts into screams once again. We can鈥檛 contain the energy. We鈥檙e all about听to hear Harry Styles sing live for the first time in years. From where I am in the crowd, his back is more to me, but I can see him take a deep breath and grab onto the microphone.听

His voice begins to sing 鈥淭ake no prisoners for me, I鈥檓 told you’re elevating. Drinks go straight to my knees, I鈥檓 sold, I鈥檓 going on clean.鈥� My entire body is covered in goosebumps as he goes into the next verse. He goes into the next part of the verse, and when he gets to the line 鈥渋t鈥檚 complicated,鈥� there鈥檚 a part in the song where his voice alters to exaggerate the 鈥渆d鈥� part for a听few beats. The crowd took it upon themselves to do that part of the song, and we all screamed out 鈥渁ye, aye, aye, aye, aye鈥� to the beat of the song. Seriously, it was one of the coolest parts of a live crowd I鈥檝e ever been a part of. Without even taking a beat or planning it, we completed a part of the song that wasn鈥檛 necessarily able to be translated live – and as the crowd, we made that happen. There鈥檚 another part in the second verse where he does the same thing with the word 鈥渃adence,鈥� and as the crowd, we did it again. Immediately, the crowd felt connected to each other and to Harry.听

As the first song finishes, Styles steps away from the microphone to take a 30-second breather. He takes a few large sips of water and a few deep breaths before the beat of the next song kicks on.听鈥淎merican Girls鈥�, a song mainly driven by the kick-drum beat, allows Styles an opportunity to dance to the song’s intro before stepping up to the mic.听

Going into the concert, this track was probably my favorite of the album, so it makes sense it’s one of my favorites of the night. This track is a bit livelier, with more flowing melodies, and that definitely translated well into the live version. This might have been a favorite of everyone, because this is one of the songs I remember everyone really dancing to. People screamed the lyrics, raised their hands to the lyrics, and dropped them to the beat. We all jumped up and down until we could no longer.听

After song two wraps up, Styles finally takes a few minutes to address the crowd. He thanks us all for being here tonight and extends his thankfulness to the fans who waited and stuck around while he disappeared from the spotlight. He tells us that he needed a break in order to find out who he was now as a 30-year-old performer, and he felt it necessary to find the music he wanted to make. As he continues to speak, I can feel the gratitude oozing out of him as he thanks the crowd one last time and encourages us to听dance our hearts away!听听

Sad as I am to say it, a lot of the songs from there blended, but I still remember distinct moments from each track. 鈥�Ready, Steady, Go鈥�听was an extremely lively song, with Styles running around basically doing laps on stage while still effortlessly singing along. In this song, there is a different microphone (almost like autotune on his voice) on the chorus, and in the live version, Styles brought a sort of radio mic on stage to sing that bit. It was a cool thing to experience, and on the Netflix special, they captured that moment very well.听

Similarly, 鈥淎re You Listening Yet?鈥� had Styles running around like a madman while pointing the microphone to the crowd when we would all scream the question 鈥渁re you listening yet?鈥� over and over.听听

The first slower, more melancholic song on the album is 鈥�Taste Back,鈥� which gave Styles and the crowd a chance to simmer down while still enjoying the music. Towards the end of this song, in the bridge, Styles begs the question 鈥淒id you鈥� repeatedly, and hearing this bit live is where I got the full experience of the drums bringing the beat back in, the synths livening the tune, and the backing vocals take this song to the next level. Finally, the music comes together in a serendipitous symphony, and Styles belts out the last chorus. Truly a wonderful experience that elevated the song to new heights.听听

The next song, 鈥�The Waiting Game鈥�, I quite literally do not remember at all鈥ops. Funny enough, when Harry talked to the crowd before this song he thanked us for spreading joy听with him, saying 鈥淵ou鈥檙e the greatest group of people I鈥檝e ever met in my life,鈥� then announcing the next song played would be 鈥�Season 2 Weight Loss鈥�听for a moment then actually remembering the next song should actually be 鈥�The Waiting Game.鈥� So maybe even Harry felt the song was a little forgettable…overall I think the song felt a little bland, and the live experience didn鈥檛 really heighten it for me.听

However, the song after that -听鈥淪eason 2 Weight Loss鈥�听was an undoubtedly beautiful experience. Styles brought out a choir on stage, as this song relies heavily on backing vocals. From my place in the crowd, I hear the loud synthesizers begin, and Styles moves his arms in a conductor-like manner, then the overwhelming drum beat kicks in, and he transforms into a rockstar. He鈥檚 got this demeanor that comes over him that really drives his stage presence, and specifically this song. Styles and the choir take on this song and make a good song into a great one as Styles begs the crowd to still love him even as he goes through changes, 鈥渉oping that love will come around.鈥澨�

Following pleas for love, 鈥�Coming Up Roses鈥�听is the next song played, and here Harry sits down at the piano to deliver this ballad in a beautifully intimate way. On stage, Styles sits at the piano, and behind him are violin players who really transform this song into a beautiful symphony.听听

Straying away from the softer side of the album, Styles pushes the audience into the pop world with his song,听鈥淧辞辫.鈥� I remember this song being an enormous amount of fun. Maybe the crowd was ready to relinquish all those sad songs and start the fun again, because this song truly took the crowd to another level. Along with Harry, we danced and jumped and sang along until the song was over. The chorus of the song says, you guessed it, 鈥減op鈥� with a beat drop, and every time that would happen, all the hands in the crowd would go up in the air. This song I could really tell connected with the crowd and gave us a chance to听dance along to a true 鈥減op鈥� song.听

Keeping it in a lively world, Styles delivers his dance-pop track off the album, 鈥�Dance No More.鈥� From the title, one might think we wouldn鈥檛 be dancing to this song, but in fact, this is one of the grooviest songs on the album. Using a lot of call-and-response, Styles tells the crowd that 鈥淒Js don鈥檛 dance no more, but we want to dance with all our friends.鈥�听

The last two songs to be played are more downbeat but are truly at the heart of the album’s themes. In 鈥�Paint by Numbers,鈥�听the audience sees how fame has impacted Styles and him trying to deal with it while still being grateful. A very intimate song with an equally intimate live performance.听听

Lastly, 鈥�Carla鈥檚 Song鈥�听is an integral part of the album and this night. Styles shares with the crowd that while he took time away from the spotlight, he made wonderful, healthy, normal friendships that have really helped him have different views on life. He shares a story on Carla, a newly made friend of his, and how they听were together, and she brought up a song by Paul Simon how she had never heard of him or any of his music before. Harry recounts how he grew up with Simon and Garfunkel vinyls in his house, and how he was so excited to be able to share that music with a new friend. He puts on 鈥淏ridge Over Troubled Water鈥� and watches as Carla has a listening experience that leaves her in shock and awe. Styles tells us in the crowd that watching her listen to this piece of wonderful music for the first time reminded him why he is even making music. It helped him resonate with an inner experience of himself, and now he has a passion again for making music that leaves listeners with true starstruck feelings.听And听鈥淐arla鈥檚 Song鈥� does just that.听

As a nod to his friend, the song starts with the line 鈥渢here is a bridge that leads to troubled waters. If you know, then you know. If you don鈥檛 then you don鈥檛- it鈥檚 heavenly.鈥� And that is a wonderful synopsis of the song. He implores listeners to grab life by the hands, but also take their time because 鈥渋t鈥檚 all waiting there for you.鈥� And as the crowd can go out and chase their many glorious dreams, Styles will be the soundtrack as he says, 鈥淚 know what you like, you can hear it anytime.鈥� Needless to say, this is a wonderful song, and an even more powerful album closer. I know that I was certainly very moved by this song, and from the crying faces and screamed lyrics around me – I could tell this one was a crowd favorite.听听

Styles exits stage along with the band, and just when you think he鈥檚 done – he鈥檚 coming back for an encore. With the original part of the concert, Harry told us that they would be following the album order track by track, so there wasn鈥檛 any surprise with the set list. However, Styles had some crazy song surprises up his sleeve for the encore.听听

The Encore听

For the first song, it was just Harry and long-time guitar player Mitch Roland on stage. Roland plays听three听chords of the song, and the arena screams louder than they have all night. Styles is playing 鈥�From the Dining Table,鈥� a song off his debut album and one that hadn鈥檛 been played live in nearly six years. From all the songs we heard that night, somehow that felt like the most special one. Styles then goes on to play his classic hits听鈥淕olden鈥�, 鈥淲atermelon Sugar鈥�, and 鈥淎s It Was.鈥� I mean, seriously, just absolute pop bangers back-to-back, rarely giving the crowd a chance to collect our bearings.听听

He wraps up the concert with thank yous to his family, his new friends, and us fans. Styles reflects and tells the crowd how 鈥渋n a world like we have today that feels so chaotic, it’s easy to become hopeless. But I look at these rooms and what you have created, and there is just so much hope in here.鈥� Thanking us for being a part of this wild ride for nearly 20 years, and 鈥渂eing a light in his life.鈥� He encourages the audience to 鈥渂e the change in the world that you wanna see,鈥� as the piano plays 鈥�Sign of the Times鈥�. He delivers what might just be his best song on paper, in a truly spectacular way. This song is filled with an enormous amount of hope, and it truly rings home with the speech he has just given us.听听

The song wraps up, but the house lights don鈥檛 come up. I remember looking around the crowd, and everyone seemed a bit confused. I mean, it just didn鈥檛 feel over quite yet; something felt missing. At this point, my brain starts racking what songs he could even play. I mean, he鈥檚 literally played all his new songs and nearly all his most popular ones. Styles, being a little cheeky, starts the beats to 鈥�Aperture鈥� one more time. The crowd fully delivers and exceeds my expectations. Similar to the first time this track was played, the crowd has fun with the beat and dances around. This time, however, I can tell Harry is performing this differently. The first time, he was a bit more poised, putting on a show. Now it feels like he鈥檚 dancing and singing as if he鈥檚 one of us in the crowd. For a moment, we all felt like equals, just people in a room that were all dancing to the same tune. For one last song, all of听us give it all we鈥檝e got to make this dance floor rock and disco until we drop.听听

From my very lengthy description, you might be able to tell this was one of my favorite nights of my life. I had seen Harry Styles in concert before, but this one was seriously on the next level. This performance felt special to all of us. He, his band, the crowd, the crew – we all felt connected in a way that I鈥檓 not sure I鈥檝e felt before. Maybe it鈥檚 that we all knew we were a part of something entirely unique, or maybe Harry鈥檚 right and it鈥檚 just fun to dance with your friends. All concerts are special within their own right, but this one was in an entirely different realm.听

Maybe there鈥檚 something to be said about putting your phone away to truly experience a live moment. I think it鈥檚 fair to say that this is one of the reasons this concert felt so intimate and powerful. Whenever Styles would come onto my side of the arena, it wasn鈥檛 phones shoved in his and our faces – it was all about being able to savor a special and fleeting moment. I鈥檓 so grateful that I got this chance based purely on luck, and I鈥檓 very grateful I was able to experience a concert in another, phone-free way, and just let myself dance and enjoy the music. And enjoy the music, I certainly did, for my feet ached and my knees hurt from the dancing and jumping around, but I wouldn鈥檛 have changed it for the world.听

Photos by Riley Moore

The post Harry Styles – One Night Only concert for Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. appeared first on 91影视 College Budapest.

Whether you鈥檙e a full-time student or just at 91影视 Budapest for a semester, you have the unique opportunity to take a quick bus or train ride to some of Central Europe鈥檚 most beautiful cities at unbeatable prices.

Budapest is undeniably one of the most captivating European capitals, but if you鈥檙e itching for something new or if you just want to cross another country听off听your bucket list, take advantage of Europe’s fantastic public transportation and embark on a weekend trip to Prague, Vienna, or Bratislava.

Travel

The first question you need to ask yourself before you go is, how am I getting there? RegioJet is the best train to take to any of these cities because it has the best value, is student-friendly, and offers free coffee. RegioJet trains primarily depart from Budapest-D茅li P谩lyaudvar (train station) with a stop at Budapest-Kelenf枚ld. From there, the trains make stops in various towns and cities on their way to your final destination. Typically, the RegioJet train to Prague will make a stop in Vienna. This is the perfect opportunity for you to hop off, take a stroll around the beautiful streets of Vienna, and catch the next train to Prague.

Another transportation option to take is FlixBus, which operates daily between Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. FlixBuses often run more frequently than the trains and offer free Wifi and charging ports at every seat. If you want the best view on your journey with FlixBus, book a seat in the front row for a panoramic view (and a little extra leg room). It will run you a couple more Euros than the regular seats, but I think it’s worth it for a ride with great views.

Vienna

RegioJet train tickets are the most affordable for students, typically running from 鈧�9-13 when booked in advance, or 鈧�20-44 for last-minute tickets. Once you arrive at Vienna鈥檚 train station, take the U1 metro to Karlsplatz. Here you鈥檒l be surrounded by beautiful views everywhere you look. Vienna has a kind of charm that’s hard to put into words.听听The streets are clean, calm with just the right amount of buzz, and effortlessly eye-catching. Once you get to Karlsplatz, you鈥檒l find yourself in one of the most striking parts of the city. The colossal Karlskirche stands in front of you at the edge of the square with its green dome and imposing columns. From there, it鈥檚 an easy walk to the Vienna State Opera, where you can catch a glimpse of the city鈥檚 legendary music culture without ever buying a ticket. Just a few minutes away, the Secession Building stands out with its golden dome, offering a contrast to Vienna鈥檚 classical architecture.

Prague听

For Prague, tickets with RegioJet will run you between 鈧�19-56 for last-minute tickets, but if you book in advance, you can expect to pay between 鈧�20 and 鈧�30. Prague feels like a city pulled straight out of a fairytale, but once you spend a little time there, you realize it has much more depth than just its postcard-perfect views. Cobblestone streets wind through neighborhoods that feel untouched by time, and nearly every corner seems to have a story attached to it. There鈥檚 a heavier sense of history in Prague than in many other European cities, and while it鈥檚 incredibly beautiful, it also makes you pause and think. It鈥檚 a city that rewards wandering. Getting a little lost in Prague often leads to the best views, the quietest caf茅s, or a bridge you didn鈥檛 plan on crossing.

Most first-time visitors end up near the Old Town, and for good reason. Walking across Charles Bridge, especially early in the morning or late at night, is an experience in itself, with views of the river and the castle looming above the city. From there, it鈥檚 an easy walk toward Old Town Square, where the Astronomical Clock draws crowds every hour, or up the hill to Prague Castle, which offers some of the best views in the city. Prague is perfect for a longer weekend trip鈥攊t鈥檚 a bit farther from Budapest, but the mix of history, atmosphere, and sheer beauty makes the journey more than worth it.

Bratislava

For traveling to Bratislava, I recommend using FlixBus, where tickets usually cost between 鈧�12-21 for rides to and from Budapest. I consider Bratislava the most underrated city out of the previous, but that鈥檚 exactly what makes it so charming. Compared to its larger neighbors, the city feels relaxed and approachable, making it perfect for a low-stress day trip. The pace is slower, the crowds are smaller, and everything feels close together. I like how Bratislava doesn鈥檛 overwhelm you with grandeur and breathtaking architectural marvels everywhere you look. Instead, it invites you to explore at your own speed and enjoy the simplicity of being somewhere new without the pressure of seeing everything.

Once you arrive, most of the city鈥檚 highlights are within walking distance of each other. The walk up to Bratislava Castle is short but worth it for the views overlooking the Danube and even into Austria on a clear day, which is only a stone鈥檚 throw away. Below the castle, the Old Town is full of colorful buildings, small caf茅s, and quiet squares that are perfect for wandering. Bratislava might not demand a full weekend like Prague, but that鈥檚 part of its appeal. It鈥檚 an easy, spontaneous trip that still lets you cross a new country off your list and be back in Budapest by the end of the day.

Photos by Julius Hendricks

The post Three quick weekend trips from Budapest appeared first on 91影视 College Budapest.