Just winging it - Gran Canaria here I come

Current location: Arlanda Airport, Stockholm, 5.50 am

The side of the airplane is covered in colorful cartoons designed to appeal to children, and make the trip easier for the parents. I’m flying charter. Most that board the air-plane are wearing fashionable attire and are ready for sipping on drinks or terrorizing the pool. Me on the other hand, with my bulky walking shoes, fully packed backpack and a aluminum water bottle that bangs violently against my side when I walk, look out of place - to say the least. And to be fair, I probably am. I’m not going there to sunbathe. Having spent too much time in the city and crowded subway cars I decided yesterday to buy a ticket to anywhere, anywhere where I can surf or ski. It turns out that the Canary island Gran Canaria is a great alternative when you’re on a budget. I then said my goodbyes at the work place, bought a wetsuit, went out for beers, packed my bag in the middle of the night, and then got on the bus to the airport. So to all my students’ that asked me yesterday “how to you travel with no money?” Well, here’s what you do: You just buy a cheap ticket last minute, pack a sleeping bag just in case you wouldn’t find housing, and then you go. And you wing it.