**Unexpected Lack of Windows Impacts Travelling Woman’s Stay in Germany**
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Monae Hendrickson, a traveller from the United States, recently shared her experience of booking a budget-friendly studio apartment while visiting Germany. What initially seemed like an excellent deal turned out to have an unforeseen drawback that significantly impacted her stay.


In her conversation with PEOPLE, Hendrickson explained that she made her reservation primarily due to the apartment’s affordability and convenient location. “I really didn’t think that deep,” she said. “I needed a place to stay. It was the right price and the right location.” However, upon her arrival, she quickly realised that the apartment came with a surprising feature: it lacked a window.
This revelation dawned on her when she instinctively tried to open a window to let in some fresh air. “The moment I walked in it felt like something was missing,” she recalled, noting the room’s dark and enclosed atmosphere. Her expectations had not prepared her for the stark reality of her new surroundings, which left her feeling somewhat disoriented.
Although Hendrickson’s stay was short-term, the absence of natural light had a notable influence on her daily life. She found it challenging to adjust, and her usual morning routine was drastically altered. As someone who typically enjoys waking up to sunlight, she struggled to get out of bed, remarking, “I noticed it was almost impossible to get out of bed.”
In an effort to combat the dimness of the apartment, Hendrickson devised a creative solution. She began watching YouTube videos featuring serene landscapes and virtual windows while preparing for her day to simulate the experience of natural light. This unconventional method allowed her to cope with the oppressive darkness that surrounded her.
Her experience went beyond affecting just her mornings; it also altered her sleep patterns and overall mood. “It really shocked me how instantly it affected my sleep pattern and overall vibe,” she stated. As a result, she found herself venturing out later in the evenings, preferring to stay outside rather than spend time in the darkened apartment.
Hendrickson took to TikTok to share her experience, highlighting the peculiar nature of her rental choice. The video resonated with viewers, prompting many to respond with suggestions on how to recreate the feeling of daylight. “When I first posted this, I had a few people DM me links to artificial windows,” she recounted, adding that if she were the owner, she would consider such an addition to enhance the space regardless of the length of stay.
This incident serves as a reminder for travellers to consider important aspects of accommodations, especially when choosing budget options. While low prices can be appealing, risks are often associated with such deals, such as unexpected features that may detract from the overall experience.
Hendrickson’s story highlights the essential role that natural light plays in our daily lives, promoting both well-being and productivity. As she navigated her stay, it became clear how closely our surroundings can influence our mood and lifestyle. For those planning similar trips, her experience serves as a cautionary tale with a valuable lesson about prioritising comfort alongside cost.
