Iceland
Iceland is one of those out-of-this-world destinations where adventure is found around every corner. I’ve seen all stretches of this country from both above and below.
It all began the moment I boarded the flight—waking up to the northern lights dancing right outside my window. This is exactly why I always choose a window seat—you never know what kind of sky-bound surprises you might encounter. I was overcome with emotion, gazing at a sight so breathtaking it brought tears to my eyes. Upon landing, we picked up our van and hit the open road. After a long flight, a dip in a geothermal pool was just what I needed, so we headed to the Sky Lagoon, a more serene alternative to the Blue Lagoon.
From there, we explored countless waterfalls, walked along black sand beaches, took a glacier boat ride, snorkeled between tectonic plates, hiked up a volcano, and so much more. However, the trip wasn’t without its hiccups—getting sick, my phone dying completely, and losing my debit card and license. If I wasn’t about to embark on my first solo trip, these issues wouldn’t have been as big of a deal, but they certainly added some stress to the journey.
Despite those setbacks, Iceland remained a land of endless wonders. This week-long adventure was truly an experience I’ll never forget.
Spain
Spain had been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and finally being there felt like a dream come true. It was my first solo trip, and the excitement was overwhelming. I stayed in the charming town of Frigiliana, where I did a work exchange at a quaint hotel called Millers of Frigiliana. The town was absolutely magical, with its white-washed buildings and stunning views overlooking the sea. After work, I’d hop on a 15-minute bus ride to Nerja, the nearest beach town. Nothing compared to swimming in the crystal-clear waters and relaxing on the serene, hidden beaches.
I also explored nearby towns and cities like Almuñécar, Malaga, and Granada. Although I had planned to brush up on my Spanish, I quickly realized it was a bit more challenging than I had anticipated. A for effort, right? Haha! One month flew by far too quickly, and leaving was harder than I ever expected.
Albania
Whenever I tell people I traveled to Albania, they often ask, "Why Albania?" And I always reply, "Why not?" Honestly, I had no idea what to expect before I arrived, but Albania turned out to be a country full of unexpected gems. I spent a few nights in Tirana, the capital, where I delved into the rich history of the country. Then, I did a work exchange at a hostel in the picturesque town of Berat, also known as "The Town of a Thousand Windows."
At Maya Hostel, I had the chance to go on canyon tours, wine tours, and enjoy dinners with our guests. It was also during the 2022 World Cup, so our evenings were filled with passionate fans gathered around the TV, cheering on our favorite teams. When Thanksgiving came around, I decided to cook a traditional American Thanksgiving meal for the hostel staff and guests. With limited cooking supplies, I had to get creative. For example, there was no rolling pin, so I used a wine bottle to roll out the dough. It wasn’t easy, but it was an amazing opportunity to share my culture with others.
I ended up extending my stay in Berat for an extra week and never made it to the coast, but that just gives me a perfect excuse to return to Albania someday!
Balkans
I spent about two weeks exploring the Balkans, and hands down, it's one of the most affordable regions I've ever visited. My journey began in Kotor, Montenegro, and it truly felt like a dream. After hiking up to the historic fort, I was rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the town. I wandered through the charming old city, which was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees and lights. This underrated gem is now on my summer bucket list so I can enjoy its water activities.
Next, I made my way to Croatia, starting with Dubrovnik. One thing I have to mention is that Dubrovnik is on the pricier side compared to other Croatian destinations. With the World Cup happening during my visit, watching the games became a top priority, and the Croatian fans were some of the most passionate I've ever encountered. After exploring the Old Town, we drove to Plitvice Lakes National Park. If you're a waterfall lover like me, this place is a must-visit. For a small fee, we hiked through the park, completely awestruck by its stunning waterfalls. We also stopped in Split and Zagreb, where we marveled at the beautiful, ancient architecture.
My next stop was Slovenia. We took a train to Ljubljana, and the artsy vibe of the city instantly made us feel at home. We stayed at a unique hostel, which had been creatively transformed from an old military prison. One thing I always try to do when I arrive in a new city is join the free walking tour. It's the perfect way to learn about the local history and get insider tips for the rest of my visit. Although I didn’t make it to Lake Bled, the main reason I came to Slovenia, I left Ljubljana feeling fully satisfied with my time there.
aUstria
After traveling for a while with a few friends I had met in Montenegro, I was back on my own, heading to Austria. When I woke up on the bus, I looked out the window to see snow falling heavily. As a South Carolinian who doesn’t get much snow, I was beyond excited. It was pretty late when I arrived and walked to my hotel, but I was already completely enchanted by Austria. I couldn’t wait to see more. After staying in hostels for so long, it was such a treat to finally have a private room. It was cozy, and I was able to rest up for my exploration of Salzburg.
I headed straight to the Christmas markets, and I was in awe. It was everything I had imagined—a true winter wonderland. The snow, the twinkling Christmas lights, the warm scent of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies in the air—it felt magical. I ran into some girls I’d met earlier, and we went cheese tasting together, then capped off the day with a small hike that gave us a stunning view of the entire city.
The next day, we took a day trip to Hallstatt, a picturesque lakeside village in Upper Austria. It didn’t take long to explore this charming village, but it was utterly breathtaking. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite spots.
My last stop in Austria was Innsbruck, the perfect destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Sadly, I didn’t have time to hit the slopes, but I still had a great time exploring the city and its markets. A walk along the river, with the colorful houses framed by snowy mountains in the background, was absolutely mesmerizing.
Germany
I hadn’t planned on visiting Germany, but when I found a cheap flight from Munich to Lyon, France, I couldn’t resist. I arrived in Munich a bit late at night, so I went to bed early to get some rest before my flight the next day. I headed to the airport first thing in the morning and spent the day there, waiting for my 10 p.m. flight. However, all flights that night were cancelled due to bad weather, and the airport was thrown into total chaos. The line for customer service was endless, and everyone was visibly frustrated.
Eventually, they arranged for everyone to stay in hotels, so I ended up spending an extra day in Munich. On the bright side, I had more time to explore the city and its Christmas markets, which were even more magical with the snow falling heavily. It was just like Austria—absolutely enchanting. That evening, I finally made it back to the airport and, after much waiting, caught my flight to France.
France
I was warmly welcomed to France by one of my best friends, Juliette, and her parents. The joy of reuniting with Juliette was overwhelming, but my arrival wasn’t without a hiccup. I waited and waited for my luggage at the baggage claim, until I was the last one standing there. Eventually, I went to customer service, gave them my home address, and arranged for my bag to be sent there once it was found.
After a few nights in Lyon, my days were filled with sightseeing and watching the World Cup Final. The streets were packed with passionate fans, all hoping to see their country win (unfortunately, France lost). Juliette and I then took a train to Paris, where we planned to spend Christmas with her family. Paris was even more beautiful than I imagined—perhaps because I had lowered my expectations, having heard so much about it. I quickly grew fond of the city and all it had to offer.
When we arrived at Juliette’s Aunt and Uncle’s house, I was greeted with warm smiles and open arms. The next morning, we started our day early at the Louvre. The museum was massive, and there was so much to see that I could have spent the entire day exploring. Afterward, we visited famous landmarks like Montmartre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.
On Christmas Eve, the rest of Juliette’s family arrived, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner, exchanged gifts, played games, and sang karaoke. Christmas Day was filled with quality family time, getting dressed up, and eating an incredible amount of food. One thing I can say for sure about the French is that they know how to cook!
The next day, the Baconniers dropped me off at the airport, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I said goodbye. They treated me like family, and their hospitality was beyond anything I could have imagined. France has a special charm, and I know I will always long to return.
Portugal
I could easily write a whole book about my experience in Portugal, but I'll keep it short and sweet. The moment I landed in Lisbon, I grabbed my backpack and hopped on the metro to the city center. I checked into my hostel, where I was immediately impressed by their hospitality. They greeted me with a refreshing glass of tea, sat me down, and gave me a rundown of the city, recommending the best spots to visit. I wasted no time and headed out to explore the lively streets of Lisbon, admiring the beautiful buildings and watching the iconic trams pass by. I stumbled upon the picturesque neighborhood of Alfama, which offered stunning viewpoints. Those hills in Lisbon are no joke, though! Later that evening, I joined the hostel group for tapas and Fado, the traditional Portuguese music.
The following day, I took a tour to Sintra, where I explored breathtaking castles. We also visited Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, and Cascais, a charming coastal town.
When I arrived in Porto, I was exhausted, and the rain just wouldn’t let up. We quickly toured the city, but we didn’t want to stay out too long in the downpour. We retreated to our hostel to rest before heading out for dinner. Oddly enough, my favorite part of Porto was the São Bento Station. It might sound strange, but it was the most beautiful train station I’ve ever seen. After soaking in what Porto had to offer, I boarded a train to the Douro Valley. At first, I was hesitant about going, but I didn’t want to regret not visiting—and it ended up being one of my favorite places. The Douro Valley is home to the world’s port houses, nestled between lush hillsides and endless vineyards. I stayed in the tiny town of Pinhão, with fewer than 700 residents. The landscape was so unique, and I couldn’t wait to explore. I stayed at a cozy bed and breakfast run by a sweet Portuguese couple who gave me great recommendations for hikes and wineries. After settling in, I hit the trails. The path wasn’t well marked, and I got a bit lost, but honestly, I couldn’t complain about getting lost in such beautiful vineyards. I thought one night in Pinhão would be enough, but it turned out there was so much more to do than I’d imagined.
After two incredible days in Pinhão, I headed back to Lisbon to meet up with some friends. I spent my days exploring Belem, the LX Factory, and soaking up the sun at Caparica beach. I lost count of how many times I extended my stay in Lisbon—everyone kept convincing me to stay longer (I'm an easy sell!). Every time I ran into one of my friends, she'd ask, "You’re still here??" It was hard to leave this amazing city.
Eventually, I pushed myself to leave Lisbon and experience somewhere new. The next day, I woke up in the stunning town of Lagos in southern Portugal. Everything about Lagos seemed too good to be true—its cliffs, its food, the whole atmosphere. I love watching surfers, and Lagos was the perfect spot for that. I also took a day trip to Ferragudo, a quaint fishing village about 30 minutes away. I wandered around the village, watched people fish off the pier, and saw them bring their catch to the nearby restaurants. Afterward, I headed back to Lagos. Unfortunately, I started to feel really sick, so I went to Albufeira to visit an international clinic. After spending three nights there, I gave up waiting for an appointment and returned to Lagos.
I spent my last day in Lagos enjoying the sunshine that had finally arrived after weeks of rain. I woke up early to watch the sunrise at Ponta da Piedade, swam at the beach, and spent the rest of the day hanging out at the marina and local coffee shops. I truly fell in love with Lagos. My time there came to an end, and I caught a bus back to Lisbon. You probably see a pattern by now—I always end up back in Lisbon. I spent one last night with my Lisbon friends before flying home the next day.
I never expected to love Portugal as much as I did. From the cities of Lisbon and Porto to the scenic Douro Valley, everything felt special. There’s nothing better than a fresh pastel de nata or a glass of port wine. Walking along the cliffs in Lagos made me feel like there were so many more places like it yet to be discovered. But above all, the hospitality in Portugal was unmatched. The people were incredibly welcoming and made sure I felt right at home. This country will always hold a special place in my heart.
