Europe
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A 2-month Backpacker’s Plan for Europe
When I first started planning my European trip, I wondered how I would fit everything I wanted to see into two months. The very real truth is that it is impossible. Europe is massive and each country is so different from its neighbor that you need to spend some actual time at each spot! For each country I went to, I visited the major cities and left the smaller ones on the “next time I’m here” plan. From towering mountains to iconic man-made metal structures, Europe has it all. Euros and Zlotys, kabobs on the street and crepes cafes, each country in Europe offers a new experience. I had just…
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Krakow, Poland: The City That Has No Curfew
Krakow, Poland: Whether you consider it early mornings or late nights, Krakow has them. Leaving bars and clubs at 5 a.m. is just another typical trip adventure for any traveler. I haven’t done an all night event since a lock in during the 7th grade. Regardless, I took on the city of Krakow and its lengthy nightlife just to see what the buzz was all about. If there are any errors in this post, it may just be from sleep deprivation. I’m still recovering from the hours I lost. Day 1: After an overnight train from Prague, groggy and irritated, I stumbled into my hostel that graciously allowed me to check…
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Destination: Prague
From Berlin, this 5 hour bus ride was a piece of cake. The 40 minute walk to our hostel felt far longer! One thing that requires a big adjustment is the KofC to USD ratio. For instance, looking at the menu, I gasped in surprise when I saw the price of a chicken kabob lunch was 158. Currently, the ratio is .04 KofC = $1 USD. It took my brain some time to register this adjustment every time I saw prices! My blonde hair had nothing to do with this difficulty, I solemnly swear. Our walk to the Airbnb was far from boring. We saw a huge tower with large…
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Berlin, Germany: City of Street Art
Welcome to Berlin, a city built on history but still very modern. Taking an overbooked train and overheating in the back of the car with 20 other passengers wasn’t my favorite mode of transportation. However, it definitely beat walking. Unfortunately my train troubles wouldn’t end there. After mistakenly hopping on the wrong train I wound up on the wrong side of town and had to wait 40 minutes to go to my actual destination. Being blonde is a curse some days. So, besides the my plunders and pitfalls with trains, Berlin was a very lovely city. This is especially true if you enjoy history or want to make your own…
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Time in Amsterdam, Netherlands
From Bus to Bike to Paddleboard… Tackling several different forms of transportation, I happily took on Amsterdam. There were several rocks I left unturned only because there were red curtains and questionable women behind them. However, I think I was offered many one-of-a-kind chances, such as driving a boat in the canals that make up for it. Hopefully, I sound like someone who knows what they’re talking about in this post. If not, it’s back to the windmill for another craft brew and a quick visit to a coffeeshop… Day 1: Having just arrived on a 9 hour bus and quick train ride, I hunkered down with my overflowing backpack and…
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Paris, France
The Place I Walked Among the Dead I’m not entirely sure how some people dislike France. The people were incredibly welcoming and always smiling. There’s something about the smell of fresh crepes and being surrounded by breath-taking architecture that sits well with the soul. With so much to see and do, I loved my time in Paris! Day 1: One our first day, my friend and I decided to tackle the famous Notre Dame Cathedral. It was also FREE! My advice is to get there early, we arrive before the 2 hour line-up started and were ushered in within 20 minutes. There were rows of pillars and the room itself was not…
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Andorra: The Small Country
Don’t Stop Until you Hike to the Top Having successfully traveled through Portugal and Spain, I looked forward to visiting France. However, before I made that happen, I did a volunteer program in the small country of Andorra. Never heard of it? You’re not the only one. Before seeing this trip online, I realized I hadn’t either. So much for 8th grade social studies coming to the rescue. Nestled in the mountains between Spain and France, is the beautiful country of Andorra. Even though it is the 16th smallest country in the world, it’s definitely not a country to overlook! There were no hostels or Airbnb stays for this girl. I went straight…
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Pamplona, Spain
Pamplona: Where the Bulls Run Wild Only a 5-6 hour bus ride from Barcelona, Pamplona can be the highlight of your trip to Spain. The San Fermin festival, which features the Running of the Bulls, was a main highlight of my time there. My AirBnB host said that Pamplona, outside of this festival, is relatively quiet. However, during the festival, this town is absolutely overflowingwith people and fun! Day 1: After a hot bus ride into Pamplona and a trek to our AirBnB, my companion and I ditched the backpacks and found some dinner in the winding streets enclosed by looming buildings. A quick German beer and discussion with other American…
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Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona: The City of Sunshine and Stairs For a larger city, Barcelona has a very relaxed feel. It mixes the beach with a booming downtown shopping area. Mix in gelato on every street, and it literally has it all. My time in Barcelona was very relaxed and unstructured. Instead of planning everything out, I slept in, leisurely hopped onto busses and subways, and wandered into local restaurants for food. It was very different from Madrid! Day 1: After hustling off of our bus and up 4 flights of stairs to our AirBnB, we walked around this bustling city. Soaking in the sights really works up an appetite, so we wandered…
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Andorra: The Small Country
Destination: Prague
Berlin, Germany: City of Street Art
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Madrid, Spain
Take the Rojo line to Madrid… I need to get one thing straight before I even discuss Madrid, Spain. When you do not book sleeping rooms on an overnight train, they are simply and without a doubt, the worst thing you will ever experienced in your life. I preferred my 24 hour flight to New Zealand, which was filled with crying children, to my 6 hour train ride to Madrid. NEVER BOOK AN OVERNIGHT TRAIN WITHOUT A SLEEPING CABIN. It is worth the extra cash! Day 1: So, after a 4 hour bus ride from Lagos to Lisbon, we caught a night train into Madrid, Spain. Madrid is not a…
