6 years later….
After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my travel plans, I finally had the opportunity to prioritize my long-awaited Europe trip to reunite with my exchange friends. Since then, I’ve successfully completed college and begun settling into my career, but I felt the need for a much-deserved break from my daily routine. It was during the planning phase, after deciding to postpone my visit to Greece until after graduation, that I realized how close my exchange friends were living to one another.
The geographical proximity of their countries, most of which share borders, made it feel as effortless as traveling between neighboring states. To ensure cost-effectiveness during my four-month journey, I strategically purchased one-way tickets for entry and exit from their respective countries. I discovered that by booking transportation tickets well in advance, I could secure reasonable prices for travel to various destinations within Europe.
During my journey, I discovered that trains in Europe also run internationally. I learned that many Europeans prefer this mode of travel not only because it saves travel time, but also because there are no extra fees for luggage.
(images below are with familiar faces reuniting in unfamiliar places)
In the first two weeks of my trip, I had the joy of visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands, followed by Budapest, Hungary, and Kosice, Slovakia. Reuniting with my friends felt like no time had passed. We seamlessly continued our bond by exploring their cities, meeting their loved ones, savoring their favorite foods, and delving into their current careers. Despite the challenges of adulthood, whether starting businesses or entering serious relationships, we maintained a strong connection.
Slovakia felt like a second home, while the backdrop of ancient castles and towering mountains was awe-inspiring. Budapest’s architectural wonders like Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, Parliament, and St. Stephen’s Basilica left a lasting impression. And in Amsterdam, the canal trip, biking through picturesque streets, and indulging in a Stroopwafel in downtown were memorable experiences.
From there, I embarked on a journey with my family to Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. Over the course of ten days, we enjoyed the stunning beaches, national parks, road trips, cliff jumping, zip-lining, cave exploration, and kayaking in Croatia. September proved to be the perfect time for our adventure.
My mom and I, accompanied by my sister and a close family friend, commenced our journey to Greece.
This leg of our trip was the longest, spanning three weeks out of our two-month adventure, and it truly felt like a dream come true. Our Greek exploration began with island-hopping, taking us to some of the most renowned destinations, including Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Skopelos, Naxos, and Crete. Among these beautiful islands, Naxos emerged as my absolute favorite.
The local ambiance proved to be captivating, and the culinary offerings were exceptionally delectable. Remarkably, price levels remained reasonable, contributing to a truly immersive experience in which exploration often yielded delightful surprises within the city center. Notably, the city escape was characterized by uniformly white buildings, and our selected Airbnb accommodations boasted highly convenient locations, all within a short stroll from the beaches.
It’s essential to note that the sole means of accessing this island is via ferry transport. While we had the foresight to pre-purchase our tickets, it’s worth highlighting that the boarding procedures vary, occasionally leading to departure delays. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure you have the relevant ferry company details documented or downloaded in advance to mitigate any connectivity issues upon departure.
My sister and I said our goodbyes to each other in Crete, the largest Greek island in terms of both land area and population. In my perspective, Crete stood out for its vibrant and diverse architectural styles, in contrast to the prevalent white buildings with blue accents. During our time there, we strolled along the bay, made leisurely stops for window shopping, and indulged in wine tasting on our final day together.
Subsequently, my mom and I continued our journey to one last island up north, Skopelos. In early October, we hopped over to Istanbul, Turkey, where we spent a few days residing on the European side of the city. Additionally, we made arrangements for a food tour on the Asian side, given its proximity and the high recommendations it had collected. We also treated ourselves to a traditional Turkish bath experience and arranged for a photo shoot against the backdrop of the city.
Continuing the last leg of my travels with my mom in Spain, we arrived in Barcelona. Unfortunately, our first day was spoiled by continuous rain, posing a weather-related challenge. Nevertheless, we persevered, seizing the opportunity to upgrade our travel backpacks and procure packing cubes from an equipment store.
The subsequent day brought better weather, which we optimally utilized by renting electric bikes to explore iconic sites like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, the Cathedral, and Ciutadella Park. As our time together dwindled to less than 72 hours, we efficiently managed our itinerary, making a visit to Park Guell via public transportation before departing for Madrid.
In Madrid, we maximized our sightseeing with the convenience of a hop-on and hop-off bus tour, which provided comprehensive insights at every stop. From the second level of the bus, we captured unobstructed photos, ensuring a satisfying exploration of the city.
The morning after my mom and I parted ways, she embarked on her journey back to the US while I remained behind to continue my solo adventure. At the train station, we exchanged swift goodbyes to avoid getting emotional. I couldn’t help but feel immensely grateful for the time we had spent together during our travels. Our shared interests and similar life experiences made it remarkably easy for us to make the most of every place we visited.
