independent, intentional travel
A great view from spending Christmas in Salzburg
While we traveled around Germany, Austria, and Italy for almost 2 weeks around the holidays, we spent Christmas in Salzburg. And I learned that being away from your “home” on Christmas definitely comes with some unique challenges. If you’re traveling somewhere that celebrates Christmas, most of the things that might be considered typical tourist destinations will probably be closed.
First things first… [Read more…]
Despite many prior trips to Germany, the ever-elusive Munich was one major city I’d never visited. But when you think of Germany, many people imagine Oktoberfest, beer steins bigger than your head, and lederhosen. All of these are images of traditional Bavaria, a region in Germany’s southeast, of which Munich is the capital.
So when it came time to plan a holiday trip for me and Matt, and I found out that we could fly from Madrid to Munich for $22 each, it was a no-brainer. Germany’s always going to have a special place in my heart, and Matt had always wanted to visit. It was perfect! [Read more…]
Neuschwanstein from Marienbrücke
Back in 2011 — during my very first trip abroad — my boyfriend at the time and I took a road trip. We went from Stuttgart, Germany, where he lived, to Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps. I remember being amazed at the palace, teetering above the foot of the mountains. It seemed like we had to hike for quite a while to reach it, but it paid off.
More than eight years later, it was the first stop of my trip with Matt through Germany, Austria, and Italy. We were visiting Munich, which is only a couple of hours away from Neuschwanstein, so we decided to make a day trip out of it. We also opted not to join a tour group; instead, we did it on our own, renting a car in Munich for the day.
Here’s how to plan your own trip from Munich to Neuschwanstein.
Over Christmas break in 2019-2020, I undertook my most ambitious Eurotrip I’d planned in years! I think the only other one that had come close at that point was when I visited Dublin, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam with friends over 10 days while studying abroad. This time, while Matt was visiting me in Madrid for the holidays, we spent nearly two weeks traveling through Germany, Austria, and Italy. [Read more…]
Vieux Lyon and River Saône
Back in December 2019, my friend Hanna and I visited Lyon, France, for its famous Festival of Lights. (I’m excited to say that I’m planning to attend again later this year!)
Besides that, Lyon is a beautiful city with plenty else going on — even if you aren’t there for the festival! So check out the best things you should do during your visit. [Read more…]
Une toute petite histoire de lumière at Place des Terreaux
Each year in December, a special festival takes place in the French city of Lyon — the Fête des Lumières. Or Festival of Lights, if you’re like me and your French isn’t up to speed. (Unfortunately, a week of half-hearted Duolingo wasn’t as helpful as I’d hoped.)
Fortunately, one of the puentes — 4-day weekends — in Spain coincided with the festival during my second year in Madrid, 2019. Which also happened to be the same time that my best friend Hanna was visiting me! And since it’d been 8ish years since my last trip to France, and because the two of us make really good travel companions, we decided to attend the festival. [Read more…]
One of the best views of Madrid.
I’m always looking for scenic views. Not only do they make great pics for Instagram, but there’s just something about seeing a place from a different perspective. Especially in a big city like Madrid, it’s hard to fully appreciate the sheer size of the city when you’re simply walking the streets. So, if you like good views like I do — and assuming you’re not afraid of heights — I’ve put together a list of the 5 best places for scenic views of Madrid. [Read more…]
Plaza de Arzobispo, Valencia
Hi, friends! Do you ever lay in bed, late at night, when you’re supposed to be sleeping… and decide to creep on your own Instagram? Like scroll way back? Well, I was doing that a few days ago — looking through all my posts since I got to Spain. And I came across a post from Valencia! And then it hit me… I never wrote a post about my time in Valencia.
It was in April, on the same trip I went to Palma de Mallorca with my friend Morgan, but it’s not hard to remember! Valencia was a great city, so I thought it would be fun to finally write about it now. Better late than never, right?
So… here are 5 of the best things to do in Valencia. [Read more…]
One of San Sebastián’s islands
When I visited Bilbao for the first time in November 2019, it wasn’t the only place I went. At the suggestion of friends — and the fact that I always want to visit more places in Spain — I decided to spend a day in San Sebastián. Though this city is relatively small, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit a coastal city in the north. And it’s only 15 miles from the French border! I was curious if/how that would factor into the city’s culture.
I arrived in San Sebastián in the evening and spent the night so I’d have all of the next day there. But if you have a little less time, I think you could arrive early in the morning and leave late at night and still have a good experience. Anyway, if you want to go from Bilbao to San Sebastián, here’s what you need to know!
After living in Spain for a year and visiting lots of different regions, I finally made it up north for the first time! I had always heard from others that País Vasco — Basque Country — was different from the other parts of Spain that I was used to, so I was really excited to visit. I based my trip in the largest Basque city, Bilbao, with a day trip to San Sebastián.
So after my time in Bilbao, here are 7 things you have to do when you visit! [Read more…]