Ten Day Road Trip in Europe

One of my favorite traditions is the annual trip I take with my brother. We started this tradition in our early adulthood as a way to bond, reconnect, and create space to nurture our relationship as we navigate life. Growing up, we were close—especially because my older brother rarely had the chance to do anything without me tagging along. But as we got older, our chosen life paths made it harder to stay connected. Thankfully, a lot has changed since then, and I couldn’t be more grateful that we’ve found our way back into each other’s lives.

For years, we’ve made it a point to go camping or rent a cabin in nature for these trips, but this year, we decided it was time for something new. We finally made our dream of a "Bro Trip" to Europe come true, and we’re incredibly thankful to our families for their support in making it happen. This trip will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy reading about our short but action-packed 10-day adventure exploring Europe. Here is a brief summary of where we went:

Day 1-3: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Days 4-5: Rhomantic Rhine, Germany
Day 6: Baden-Baden, Germany
Day 7: Switzerland
Day 8: Patsch, Austria
Days 9-10: Munich, Germany

The trip

Days 1-3:
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Highlights: Rijksmuseum, Kokopelli, Canal Tour, walking around the old town, train to Cologne (Germnay)
Accommodation: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark (Booked through Hostelworld)

Arrival

Our journey began in Amsterdam, where we decided to spend the first few days. It had been nearly eight years since I last visited, and I was happy to find that the city still had its same unique charm. The biggest challenge in planning this leg of the trip was finding affordable accommodation. While Amsterdam is a large city, most people picture the “Old Town” when they think of it—where the iconic canals, beautiful architecture, and rich history come together. Naturally, staying close to these attractions comes with a higher price tag, so it was important for us to find a place within walking distance that didn’t break the bank.

My favorite area to stay in is the Museum District. It’s quieter with less traffic, but you’re still just a 20-minute walk from most major attractions. If you’re comfortable sharing a room, hostels are the best budget-friendly option. Otherwise, be prepared to pay double or triple the price for a private room. If you’ve never stayed in a hostel, the idea might seem a bit daunting, but I can confidently say that Amsterdam’s hostels are clean, well-organized, and comfortable. I always use Hostelworld to find good hostels, and for this trip, we stayed at Stayokay Amsterdam.

Once we landed at the airport, our first task was to find bus tickets to get to the Old Town. Surprisingly, it was difficult to locate the right terminal inside the airport, but we eventually found a booth just outside the building that sold them. The bus fare was only 6.5 euros per person, and after a short ride, we were in the Museum District, heading to our hostel to drop off our gear. The location was perfect—right next to Vondelpark, with a convenience store just a block away.

As for the hostel itself, I wasn’t kidding when I said the infrastructure here is top-notch. They provided free lockers large enough to store all our belongings, operated by a self-serve system where you set your own code. This allowed us to securely store our gear before check-in, giving us the freedom to start exploring right away.

Day 1

With our gear safely stored, we decided to take a stroll through the nearby Vondelpark. It was a cloudy day with occasional bursts of rain, but being in Amsterdam, it’s hard for the weather to dampen your spirits. As we wandered through the park, we found a cozy café/bar nestled in the middle and decided to relax there until it was time to check into our room. On our way back to the hostel, we made a quick stop near the Rijksmuseum to purchase tickets for the following day.

When we returned and grabbed our things, we headed to our room, which was clean and simple, furnished with four bunk beds, individual lockers, and a shared bathroom and shower. After unpacking, the next item on our agenda was a much-needed nap to recharge and transition from afternoon to evening.

Feeling refreshed, we let our appetites guide us toward The Old Center. We spent the evening wandering the charming streets, admiring the canals, unique storefronts, and lively atmosphere while searching for a place to eat. We eventually landed at Burger Zaken on Oudezijds Voorburgwal. The food was decent, and the service was what you’d expect in Europe—efficient and not overly attentive—but the real perk was its proximity to our next stop: The Bulldog coffee shop.

At The Bulldog, we enjoyed some lemon poppyseed space cakes and soaked in the relaxed vibe before continuing our nighttime stroll. My favourite discovery of the night was Kokopelli, a quirky shop tucked into a narrow building, filled with vibrant plants and cool mushroom-themed decor. The store was surprisingly spacious inside, offering a wide assortment of souvenirs, books, and typical smart shop products. In the back, they had a cozy room with a canal view and a small table with a chessboard.

After picking up a gift, I asked if we could settle in and play a round of chess, and the friendly staff gave us the go-ahead. We played for a while, and it quickly became our go-to pastime for the rest of our time in Amsterdam.

We eventually headed back to the hostel to wrap up the night. After a quick game of foosball, we decided to call it a night early, eager to rest up for the adventures awaiting us the next day.

Day 2

While it was technically our second day of traveling, I always feel like the first full day waking up at the destination is when the adventure truly begins. The hostel offered a solid buffet-style breakfast for 10 euros, which was an affordable way to fuel up for the day ahead. Our main destination, and the highlight of the day, was one of my all-time favourite museums—the Rijksmuseum. After a short walk, we scanned our tickets and stepped into what would be a marathon of history and art.

Everyone moves through museums at their own pace, but mine involves reading every plaque and savouring every detail. The Rijksmuseum spans 4-5 floors, offering a fascinating balance of art and artifacts from the Dutch Colonial Empire. We ended up spending around six hours exploring everything it had to offer.

As a hobbyist woodworker, my favourite part of the museum was the collection of the royal family’s furniture. Everyday objects were transformed into works of art, crafted with a level of mastery that’s hard to find today. It’s incredible to think about how these artisans achieved such precision with the limited tools of their time. The paintings throughout the museum also gave us a glimpse into daily life during the colonial era, as well as stunning portrayals of distant lands like Indonesia. For much of its history, the Dutch empire had the most advanced naval fleet in the world, which helped them dominate trade routes in Asia and accumulate vast wealth. The museum’s collection of cannons, muskets, and other instruments of war was a testament to the power that secured their empire for centuries.

After the museum, our schedule was wide open, except for a quick stop at the train station to buy tickets for our next destination. But first, we were ready for lunch, and I had my sights set on Wok to Walk. I’d had a great experience there during my last visit to Amsterdam, and I’m happy to report it was just as good as I remembered. It’s like Subway but for stir-fry—you get to customize a meal that’s affordable, filling, and delicious.

With full bellies, we made our way to the train station, taking in new views of the Old Town along the way. We discovered that buying train tickets online was cheaper than at the terminal, but we hit a snag with our eSIM. It didn’t support receiving text messages, which I needed to complete the transaction. After some back-and-forth with Rogers, I learned I’d have to pay for roaming if I wanted the ability to receive the code. While the eSIM was an excellent way to get data without paying Canadian carriers’ outrageous daily fees, this was an issue we hadn’t anticipated.

The rest of the day was a leisurely exploration of the Old Town, letting ourselves get lost in its unique streets. We stopped for coffee, battling a few persistent wasps, and eventually found ourselves back at Kokopelli for another round of chess. On our way back to the hostel, we made a pit stop at The Bulldog for a while before wrapping up the evening with more chess and great conversation in the hostel’s common area.

Day 3

We felt the effects of all the walking from the previous day with a slower start to the morning. Since it was our last day in Amsterdam, we packed up and stored our bags in the hostel’s main locker area before heading out. We missed the cutoff for the hostel’s breakfast buffet, so we found a nearby restaurant called Eggs Benaddicted and enjoyed a hearty meal to kick off the day.

I was especially keen to explore the Jordaan district, known for its peaceful streets lined with charming restaurants, cafés, and picturesque scenery. After wandering around for a bit, we settled into Kafenion Amsterdam for coffee and spent a few hours journaling and reflecting. The atmosphere was perfect for quiet conversation, with the peaceful view of the canal reflecting the sky and trees creating a tranquil setting.

To wrap up our time in Amsterdam, we took a canal tour that conveniently launched near our hostel. This is an experience I highly recommend to anyone interested in the city’s history—it offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam from the water, with a chance to learn about its rich past. Our guide was engaging and made the stories easy to follow, and because we chose a smaller boat, we had more personal interaction and a better view along the canals.

After the tour, we focused on getting to our next destination: Cologne, Germany. We retrieved our bags and took an Uber to the train terminal to save time. Once there, we ran into some confusion trying to find our platform, and with departure time approaching, the stress started to build. There were no terminal staff near the platforms, so we had to backtrack quite a bit before finally finding someone to help. As it turned out, our train’s final destination was Zurich, and Cologne was just one of many stops along the way—this made it harder to spot on the route displays. Fortunately, we boarded just in time, found our seats, and enjoyed a smooth ride to Cologne.

We arrived later than expected—just past midnight, instead of the scheduled 11:00 PM. Despite the delay, our Airbnb host, Joost, was kind enough to stay up late to welcome us, making the late-night arrival much easier.

Day 4:
Location: Romantic Rhine, Germany
Highlights: Cologne Cathedral, Eltz Castle
Accommodation: Airbnb

We got up early to start the first leg of our European road trip. One of the things I love most about Airbnb, aside from the convenience, is the chance to connect with hosts. Joost, our host, stopped by for a cup of coffee and some conversation before we set off. After bonding over our morning brew, we walked to Enterprise to pick up our rental—a spacious VW Touran that served us perfectly for the remainder of our trip. With the car sorted, we took Joost’s suggestion to visit his wife’s coffee shop, Meramanis, for another round of coffee. The coffee was top-notch, and it felt great to support a local entrepreneur. Properly caffeinated, we grabbed a bite at Haus des Döners to fuel up for the day ahead.

Cologne wasn’t a major stop on our itinerary—it was mainly a launching point for our journey along the Romantic Rhine. However, no visit to the city would be complete without a stop at the Cologne Cathedral. Towering over the skyline with its massive spires and intricate Gothic architecture, the cathedral is a breathtaking sight. Inside, the stained glass windows, mosaics, and numerous altars were nothing short of stunning. It's an absolute must-see for anyone with an appreciation for history and architecture.

With city life behind us, we hit the road toward our first castle of the trip—Eltz Castle. After paying for parking in cash, we set off on a scenic walk through a lush forest, with rolling hills and dense greenery all around us. As we rounded a bend, the castle suddenly appeared in the distance, nestled among the trees, looking like something straight out of a fairytale. What makes Eltz Castle particularly special is its history and authenticity. Built in the late 1100s, it’s still owned by the same family that constructed it centuries ago. The tour took us inside, where everything remains in its original form, offering a rare glimpse into how a wealthy medieval family once lived. Photos weren’t allowed inside, so it’s one of those places you really have to experience for yourself. For a medieval history enthusiast like me, it was pure magic.

Before the tour, we visited the estate’s private museum, which displays family treasures and medieval weapons. Afterward, we explored the castle grounds, walking down to a nearby stream to take in the beautiful surrounding landscape. I could easily see myself coming back here—it was an absolute highlight.

With a good portion of our afternoon spent at Eltz Castle, we made our way to our Airbnb in Bruttig, a charming village nestled along the banks of the Moselle River. On the way, we stopped at a grocery store and picked up a spread of food that became our go-to for the rest of the trip—meat, bread, cheese, fruits, veggies, and, of course, beer. That evening, we sat by the river enjoying our meal and some great conversation, sheltered under a canopy as a thunderstorm rolled in. The storm’s intensity added a dramatic backdrop to what was already a perfect end to the day.

Day 5:
Location: Romantic Rhine, Germany
Highlights: Cochem Castle, Ehrbachtal hike, drive to Baden-Baden
Accommodation: Airbnb

There’s something special about waking up to nothing but the sound of birds, with an open window framing the peaceful countryside. That morning, we rose early, as we would for the rest of the trip, packed our things into the car, and headed to the local bakery for coffee. It was then we realized we’d made a rookie mistake—not bringing enough cash. I hadn’t had time to exchange Euros before the trip, but fortunately, my brother had some, allowing us to get our coffee and be on our way. The plan for the day was to do some castle-hopping.

Our first castle took us through narrow streets and tight turns, only to discover that the parking required coins, which we didn’t have. Laughing it off, we moved on to our next destination, hoping to find a place to get some change. This brought us to the charming town of Cochem, a picturesque spot that felt like a hidden gem slightly off the beaten path. The town’s skyline is dominated by the impressive Cochem Castle, a true masterpiece even if not as historically significant as the one we’d visited the day before. Reconstructed in the late 1800s by a wealthy businessman, Cochem Castle was used as a private family estate before being opened to the public by the town. The tour offered stunning views and a fascinating history, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good story paired with incredible scenery.

After the castle, our legs were starting to feel the effort, and we worked up a healthy appetite. We wandered through the town, eventually settling on Ellis Schnitzel-Haus for lunch. The food was decent, the beer better, and with the river view and good company, it was hard to complain. Our grand castle-hopping plans shifted when we decided instead to head out for a hike to get deeper into the countryside and see more of Germany’s natural beauty. We set our sights on Ehrbachtal.

One thing about self-guided travel is that getting a little lost is almost inevitable—and whether it feels stressful or fun really comes down to your mindset. Our “detour” turned into a long, winding drive through small villages as we tried to locate the trailhead. Google Maps kept insisting that the start of the trail was in the middle of a wheat field, leading us down dirt roads and earning some puzzled looks from locals. But instead of frustration, it felt like an adventure. We were treated to stunning views of the German countryside and shared plenty of laughs along the way. Eventually, we found the trailhead.

We geared up lightly and set off down the trail, not entirely sure what to expect. Aside from knowing there was a hiking path, the internet hadn’t provided much information. I had found a few photos of smaller waterfalls, though in hindsight, I’m not quite sure what initially drew me to this place. The trail started downhill for a while, eventually leading us onto a wide gravel road that turned out to be a farm road. Sure enough, as we continued, we passed by secluded farmhouses with livestock grazing in their yards, all while following a stream winding through the mature forest.

At one point, we came across a small bridge crossing the creek, and there was such a peaceful atmosphere at that spot that we couldn’t resist sitting down by the water to take it all in. Several groups of hikers passed by us with enthusiasm, but we were content to just enjoy the moment. Soon enough, the sky turned gray, and a gentle rain began to fall, softening the colors of the forest around us. For the first time on the trip, I had left my rain jacket behind, which unfortunately cut our enjoyment short. We started the trek back, and by the time we were halfway there, the rain had turned into a full downpour. Our uphill ascent became a slippery challenge.

As often happens with these kinds of experiences, it’s fun to recall in hindsight, but at the time, I was completely soaked—everything except my shoes. Once back at the car, I changed into dry clothes, and we cranked the heat, deciding to press on to Baden-Baden rather than find a place to stay nearby.

It took only a few hours to reach Baden-Baden, but it was a joy to return—especially since I had last been there the previous summer with my wife. I knew parking would be a challenge, but to my surprise, the city had implemented a parking app that made it much easier to find a spot and pay. The previous year, we had struggled with this and ended up parking quite far from the city center. Even with the app, though, we circled the area several times in the pouring rain, watching as the reflections of lights bounced off the slick, polished stone streets, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Finally, we found a nook to park the car. It felt great to reach our Airbnb, dry off, enjoy a meal, and unwind after such an adventurous day.

Day 6:
Location: Baden-Baden, Germany
Highlights: Friedrichsbad, drive to Escholzmatt (Switzerland)
Accommodation: Aribnb

I woke up excited for the day ahead — an early but unhurried start, with the main plan focused on a visit to Friedrichsbad. After packing up, we moved the car to the underground parking connected to the spa. Finding a spot was easy, but all the payment machines seemed to be out of service. After about ten minutes of running around trying to figure out how to pay, we decided to roll the dice and leave the car parked where it was.

Friedrichsbad offers a truly unique and liberating experience for around 35 Euros. Built in the late 1800s atop the remnants of ancient Roman baths, the spa invites you to unwind in natural thermal springs through a series of rejuvenating steps:

Rinse
Warm dry room
Hot dry room
Steam room
Thermal bath (36°C)
Thermal jet pool (34°C)
Temperate pool (28°C). This one is a particular highlight, as you get to hang out in a big, round pool with a tall dome ceiling that lets in light at the top.
Rinse
Cold plunge (18°C)
Dry off with warm towel. A lotion station is available and complimentary.
Sleeping room. You get cocooned by one of the attendants in a big, domed room that has spectacular air circulation, low light, and perfect atmosphere for a nap.
Relaxation room. Complimentary tea is available as you relax on the loungers while slowly come-to after a nap, feeling reborn.

It's worth noting that Friedrichsbad is a traditionally nude spa — something that definitely required some open-mindedness as a Canadian, where nudity in such settings might be considered uncomfortable. Having gone there the previous year with my wife, and now again with my brother, I can honestly say that it felt perfectly normal. Everyone keeps to themselves, and both times, I left feeling more comfortable in my own skin. It made sense why Europeans generally seem to have fewer body image issues. If you’re less comfortable with the idea but still want the thermal spa experience, you can visit in a swimsuit on Wednesdays and Saturdays. However you choose to go, I highly recommend it — people come from all over the continent to relax here. You can find more information on their website.

Naturally, relaxing is an exhausting affair, so we were more than ready for a meal afterward. Amadeus Restaurant - Hausbräu was the perfect spot. There’s plenty of seating both inside and on the patio, which overlooks an open square that’s great for people-watching. We each ordered a delicious burger and a local draft beer. After fending off some persistent wasps, we moved inside to finish with a slice of Black Forest cake — a must-try, especially since Baden-Baden is in the northern part of the Black Forest.

The rest of the day was spent driving toward our Airbnb in the heart of Switzerland, a four-hour journey with a brief detour. I was eager to introduce my brother to authentic Swiss cheese, so we stopped at the first grocery store we could find and stocked up on our usual spread. My heart skipped a beat when I was reunited with Appenzeller cheese. As we continued our drive, we realized we were running low on fuel and were surprised at how difficult it was to find a gas station. Google Maps kept directing us to random small towns, buildings, or fields with no pump in sight. Luckily, we had enough gas to make it to a station before reaching our Airbnb. It made for a fun little adventure as we took one detour after the next. By the time we arrived, it was dark, so we had a quick bite and called it a night.

Day 7:
Location: Canton of Bern, Switzerland
Highlights: Lauterbrunnen, Iseltwald
Accommodation: Aribnb

It was hard to fully grasp how beautifully situated our Airbnb was until I looked out the window in the morning. We were surrounded by towering mountains, with horses grazing on the lushest green pasture just below our building. It was almost surreal to think that some people call this place home. Despite having visited Switzerland before, that awe-inspiring feeling has never left me.

We started the day with a cup of coffee, gearing up for the big adventure ahead. Day seven was dedicated to our main hike, set in the mountains above Lauterbrunnen. This scenic little town draws flocks of tourists, many of whom enjoy the views from the comfort of patios and balconies. Naturally, parking is scarce, but we lucked out when a spot opened just as we arrived. The energy of this place is hard to put into words, and it felt good to be back.

It took about an hour to reach Stechelberg, where we hopped on a gondola to Mürren to start our hike along the Lauterbrunnen Panoramaweg. We grabbed a trail map at the station and set off, eager to feast our eyes on the majestic mountains around us. The hike itself was fairly easy, though at times the trail wasn’t always clear. We managed and made plenty of stops to soak in the stunning views over the course of about two hours. There is a more challenging version of this hike, involving several hours of switchbacks to reach the trailhead — but since we were short on time, we didn’t feel too guilty about opting for the easier route this trip. At the end of the trail, we took the gondola back down to Lauterbrunnen, retrieved the car, and headed to our next destination — Iseltwald.

A quick thirty-minute drive later, we arrived at one of my favorite spots for a swim. Iseltwald is a peaceful little town on the shores of Lake Brienz, offering incredible views of turquoise water, blooming gardens, and a perfect chance to take a dip. The water was noticeably colder in September compared to my visit the previous August, but that didn’t stop us from repeatedly jumping off the diving board and enjoying the invigorating plunge after our hike. We were impressed by the resilience of the locals, watching an older woman take her time entering the icy water before swimming a few wide laps, while we had to periodically warm up on the shore.

Our journey back to the Airbnb turned into an yet another unexpected adventure. We followed Google Maps' suggested route without much second thought, which led us off the highway and over a mountain pass. Like most mountain roads in Europe, it was just wide enough for one car, despite being a two-way route, with occasional pull-off spots to let oncoming traffic pass. The sharp corners, steep cliffs, and the race against the setting sun gave the drive a thrilling, adrenaline-filled edge. But we made the best of it, soaking in panoramic valley views, passing isolated towns, and listening to good music.

After finally arriving back at our Airbnb, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved feast of hearty sandwiches, fresh fruit, and apricot pie to close out the night.

Day 8:
Location: Patsch, Austria
Highlights: Drive to Patsch (Austria), Epic balcony
Accommodation: Airbnb

Day eight was the only one where we had no concrete plans. We had a general direction—heading toward Munich—but with the long drive ahead, fitting in a hike didn’t seem practical. I had stayed up late the night before, narrowing down where we might stay, and put together three options for us to choose from in the morning. I’d always wanted to explore the region around Innsbruck, and one of the options was in that area. It offered a good view and wouldn’t break the bank, so we settled on it, packed up, took a moment to soak in the view outside our window, and hit the road.

The drive to our destination was beautifully scenic as we made our way east through the countryside. We only made two stops along the way—once at a gas station for fuel and food, and later at a grocery store in Austria to stock up for the evening. When we reached the town of Patsch, we had to pay a toll to enter. Once we got access to our room and stepped onto the balcony, it was clear we had made the right choice. The balcony offered a sweeping panoramic view of dozens of mountains, a small town scattered among the hills, with a church tower standing as a landmark in this storybook setting. I found myself once again in awe, wondering how some people are lucky enough to call a place like this home.

The rest of our day in Patsch was both magical, and perfectly uneventful—we spent most of it on the balcony, watching the sunset and soaking in the peaceful energy this place had to offer. It was the perfect spot to relax, reflect, and slow down after a week full of adventures. We had dinner later in the evening and went to bed at a reasonable hour.

Days 9-10:
Location: Munich, Germany
Highlights: Drive to Munich (Germany), Partnach Gorge, Old town, Brewhouse
Accommodation: Airbnb (Listing Unavailable)

Day 9

We started our day a bit later than planned, cutting it close on the Airbnb’s breakfast buffet. For around twenty Euros, they offered a spread of meats, cheeses, scrambled eggs, fruit, bread, and just about anything you could wish for. The hosts were kind enough to let us in with only ten minutes left before they closed things down. Although we kicked ourselves for not getting up earlier, it was hard to be upset with the stunning view from the dining room and the quality of the meal. This would have been a fantastic area to explore further—we could have easily stayed a few more days—but we needed to head toward Munich.

Our first destination of the day was Partnach Gorge—a scenic hike through a series of paths and tunnels running along a canyon with a milky-blue river. Parking was conveniently nearby, though it took about fifteen minutes of driving around before we found a spot. After parking, we walked toward the information booth near the entrance to buy our tickets. The park itself was lovely, with tidy paths and gentle hills surrounded by trees and low mountains. However, the path through the canyon was tight, narrow, and absolutely packed with people. It was hard to stop and enjoy the view due to the constant flow of foot traffic in both directions, leaving little room for personal space. While I’m not in any hurry to return, it was an interesting spot to check off the list.

The drive to Munich from the gorge was relatively short—about an hour. Soon, we were dealing with the logistics of settling into our final destination. First, we dropped off our gear at the Airbnb before returning the rental car. Options within our budget were limited, so we booked the best place we could find within walking distance of the old town. The stay turned out to be a bit unusual, but it served its purpose. Our host wasn’t there to greet us, and after waiting for a response, we were advised to ring the neighbors’ intercom to see if someone could let us in. Eventually, someone reluctantly let us inside, and we had to hunt for the hidden key. Once we got into the room, we discovered that other rooms were being rented, and our door didn’t have a lock. The towels weren’t clean, the mattress was on the floor, and the pillows felt like hardened loaves of bread. Thankfully, this was more of an exception than the norm with Airbnb, and we spent most of our time out in the city anyway.

With our gear dropped off, we set out to return the rental car. The instructions from Enterprise weren’t entirely clear, and the specified address didn’t seem to have a designated area for returns. After running up and down the stairs of the building we were directed to, we were no closer to figuring it out. Eventually, after driving a few laps around the area, we spotted an Enterprise sign, found the correct parkade, and successfully returned the car.

The rest of the night was wide open, leaving us plenty of time to explore Munich’s old town. This was easily the highlight of our stay in the city—a lively area with a variety of restaurants, bars, and a safe, inviting atmosphere for wandering. After exploring for a while, we decided to settle down for dinner at Hofbräuhaus München, a popular brewhouse I’d seen in one of Rick Steves’ videos. It was everything I hoped for—a proper, authentic German brewhouse with live music, big steins of beer, and a simple menu. We stayed for a few hours, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying a good meal.

To cap off the night, we took our time walking back to our Airbnb, exploring more of the old town along the way before calling it a night.

Day 10

We woke up in good spirits for our final day before flying back home. The sun was shining, and it was the perfect day to be out and about. We kicked things off with breakfast at a nearby restaurant. The area we were staying in was supposedly a “hip” neighborhood, known for its trendy cafes and clean streets. This reputation held true, and we thoroughly enjoyed our meals and coffees at Cotidiano Gärtnerplatz—aside from the persistent wasps that seemed determined to claim their share of our food.

On our way to the Old Town, we stumbled upon a bustling farmers’ market, where we grabbed a few snacks. It was fun weaving through the aisles, seeing all the fresh produce and artisanal goods on display. We spent much of the afternoon exploring the Old Town, wandering through beautifully decorated cathedrals and meandering along charming streets. After a while, our feet felt sore from the cobblestone, so we made our way to the nearest park to enjoy some greenery. We rested in the shade of a stone gazebo, when our day started to take an unexpected turn.

It was time to check in for our flight home, but only my ticket had an assigned seat. My brother was placed on standby. Neither of us had experienced this before, so after some searching, we discovered that "standby" was the airline’s way of saying he didn’t have a seat on the plane—despite booking well in advance. We tried emailing and calling Air Canada, motivated to find a solution, as missing the flight would have been a serious problem. After getting nowhere with the online services, we decided to head to the airport early to see if we could talk to someone in person. It also gave us a chance to practice the commute, since we’d need to return early the next morning for the flight.

After a quick lunch in the Old Town, we made our way to the subway and headed to the airport. Once there, we bounced between different staff members, trying to locate the Air Canada desk. Unfortunately, we learned that Air Canada wasn’t operating that day, and our only option was to try our luck with them last-minute on the day of the flight. Disappointed but having exhausted all our options, we decided to get back to enjoying the rest of the evening and make the most of our final day.

Back in the city, we stopped at a beer garden for a relaxing drink. One thing I really appreciated about Munich was the abundance of outdoor seating options, perfect for socializing and soaking in the lively atmosphere. After our drink, it was time for dinner, and we stumbled upon an East Indian restaurant with great reviews. The food at Bindaas was delicious, and we ended up lingering there for a while before heading back to the Airbnb to call it a night.

The End

Having figured out the route to the airport the night before proved to be helpful. With an early morning, it allowed us to get up and hit the ground running without any extra navigation stress. However, the issue with the tickets remained unresolved until boarding began. We had hoped for better service in person, but Lufthansa was operating the flight in partnership with Air Canada, and the individual we dealt with was unfortunately unhelpful and offered no reassurance.

Thankfully, my brother was assigned a seat just before the plane took off, and all the stress melted away in that moment. This was a valuable lesson to leave a bigger buffer on future trips to avoid the stress of last-minute issues, and a reminder that airlines don’t always have our best interests at heart.

It’s funny how we often remember trips by how they start and how they end. In this case, the middle was so good that it overshadowed the hiccup towards the end. Even though this trip was over a year ago, my brother and I still reminisce about the memories we created together. It brought us closer, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.