Since March of 2019, the thought of traveling was nothing more than a dream. Borders closed, vacations were canceled, and the world shut down due to COVID-19. If you told me I would be traveling around Europe in less than two years, I would not have believed it. Yet, 2021 came around and I was accepted to a study abroad program in London for the first semester of my junior year. As the world was not yet back to normal, various precautions were necessary. Some major European events, such as Octoberfest, were canceled. Nevertheless, I managed to experience seven countries in four months and gained a lifetime’s worth of memories.  

1. First Stop: London, England 

From the end of August to the beginning of December, I attended Queen Mary University of London. When I was not in class, I could be found wandering about the city, discovering new things each day. Every corner of London offered something different. In addition to the classic landmarks London is known for, I explored various museums, markets, and department stores to engage in experiences only London can provide. 

Museums

The Victoria and Albert Museum, in my opinion, is the city’s most impressive museum. It is filled with millions of artifacts. While their fashion collection is my preferred exhibition, the museum offers something for everyone, from sculptures to furniture. The British Museum allows the visitor the ability to roam through the antiquities of the historically significant civilizations that advanced humanity. The museum delivers a distinguished array of relics, including the Rosetta Stone. 

Shop ‘Til You Drop

If shopping is of interest to you, the shops and markets in this city are endless. While my top markets include Borough Market, providing high-quality foods, and Old Spitalfields Market, showcasing a variety of food, fashion, and art, London’s department stores are some of the best I have ever seen. Harrods is one of the world’s most iconic luxury department stores and is home to thousands of brands. Their food court is equally as magnificent. Selfridges also provides an equally high-end department store experience. I found myself wondering about their nine floors for hours. 

Oh So British…

While living in London, I immersed myself in their culture and enjoyed afternoon tea when friends and family visited. Beyond the traditional sandwiches and various sweets, I discovered my fondness for Earl Gray tea, which I later discovered is one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorites. While I was unable to tour the Queen’s home due to COVID-19, I was able to experience the Changing of the Guard outside the gates of Buckingham Palace. Individuals gather to witness this formal ceremony accompanied by a marching band, horses, and several soldiers all dressed in the traditional red uniform and tall bearskin hat. This particularly symbolic occurrence takes place between Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Wellington Barracks.  

As listed and discussed above, London has a wealth of experiences to enjoy. However, the city can be quite overwhelming, thus come prepared with a plan and be willing to adjust those plans when necessary. Even after spending 4 months exploring London, I still feel as if I barely scratched the surface of what this truly international city has to offer.  

2. Ooh La La: Bordeaux, France

Located in Southwestern France, Bordeaux is rich with monuments and beautiful Gothic and Romanesque-style buildings. If you enjoy a glass, or two, of red wine this city is for you, as it’s known as the world capital of wine. Bordeaux is particularly famous for its blends made of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. 

Take a Tour

The best way to experience this world-renowned wine-producing region is through a wine tour. My friends and I booked a private, half-day wine tour, visiting two wineries, Château Marquis de Terme and Château Siran, in the Margaux appellation of the Bordeaux region. As we toured each vineyard, we learned about the properties’ history and the generations of winemaking. Château Marquis de Terme sold in the 1960s, creating one of the largest wine estates in Bordeaux. Like many properties in this region, this estate was originally established through marriage dowry gifts. Château Siran, on the other hand, is said to be one of the oldest estates in Margaux and holds a richer history, dating back to 1428. My friends and I received the opportunity to explore this winery’s bomb shelter which was built in the 1980s. Originally intended to resist nuclear forces, this shelter is currently used as a wine cellar. At each vineyard, we tasted the grapes and witnessed each step of the winemaking process from harvesting the grapes to the aging techniques used. At the end of each tour, we analyzed the wine as we tasted two glasses of red wine and one glass of rosé. Driving to and from the wineries, our tour guide educated us on the region’s history and wine by playing games in the car. One of these games included passing small-scented bottles around, of which we were to guess the smell. Each of these bottles contained aromas used in wine, from cinnamon to peaches and pencil shavings. 

Day Trip

The day following our vineyard tours, we took a train to the old town of Saint-Émilion. Though we did not book any tours in advance, we found ourselves well engaged as we wandered about, taking in the surrounding land and exploring the exquisite small town. We stopped in a petite bistro for lunch and enjoyed a classic charcuterie board and glass of rosé. Some of the more notable features we visited were the Eglise Collégiale et le Cloître and the bell tower of the Monolithic Church. The top of this bell tower provided the most magnificent view Saint-Émilion has to offer. On our journey, we also stumbled across an immense underground wine cave. Since red wine is not the only popular product of Saint-Émilion, we helped ourselves to the famous Cremant de Bordeaux, a sparkling wine, from Les Cordeliers Cloister. The estate’s wine bar offered picnic baskets with wine glasses and a bottle of their sparkling wine, which we enjoyed in their beautiful outdoor gardens. We ended our day trip exploring the numerous markets and shops where we purchased lattes, chocolates, and little memorabilia to forever remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience. In this instance of not having a set plan, Saint-Emilion certainly delivered its beauty, history, great food, and exceptional wine. 

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

As you explore the streets of Copenhagen and come across endeavors, such as the trampolines built into the sidewalk by the canal, you will soon understand why they call it the happiest city in the world. The most popular mode of transportation in this city is by bike. Bicycles can be found everywhere you look and are available for rent with a click of a button. The network of bike paths across the city makes for the most enjoyable way to get around. 

Greenery Enclosed 

With over thirteen thousand plant species and its historical glasshouses, Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is a must-see. As you enter each house you will encounter various climates specific to each plant’s environment. Throughout my life, I have been told repetitively by my mother that plants can positively impact my mental health. Yet, I had never fully experienced these effects until entering these glasshouses. Encapsulated by the surrounding greenery, I immediately felt a sense of mental clarity and relaxation as my stress decreased. A feeling of calm overtook me while I continued through the gardens. Of the many houses, I found the Palm House most memorable. Consisting of various palm trees and other tropical species, this glasshouse has a cast-iron spiral staircase that allows you to view the top of the trees and lush foliage below. There are several other activities offered here such as guided tours, a flower shop, and the butterfly garden. In front of the observatory lies a long lawn, perfect for picnics, relaxing, and taking in the magnificent nature.   

Art First, Then Lunch

At one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights, Nyhavn, you will find colorful buildings lining the canal. Next to this popular spot sits the Kunsthal Charlottenborg, an art gallery at the Charlottenborg Palace. This gallery displays the works of both Danish and international contemporary artists, such as Mohamed Bourouissa and Jeanette Ehlers. Many of the exhibitions are collaborations, for example, the exhibit I encountered was, The World is in You, curated by Medical Museion and developed in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. Though the displays are often changing, the art exhibits are a treat to experience and will certainly please the observer. After a walk around the gallery, Apollo Bar, a seasonal bistro, cafe, and restaurant, is the perfect place to grab a bite. Located in Kunsthal Charlottenborg’s courtyard, this museum cafe’s sourdough bread served with whipped butter, on a seashell, is a delight not to be missed. 

Picnic Boats

For a vast variety of foods and a cultural experience, the Torvehallerne market is a must. Offering more than 80 shops, you can sit down for a meal, grab a juice to go, or shop for groceries and market goods. A few of my friends and I rented a small motorboat, bringing Torvehallerne market snacks and drinks aboard. We were the captains of our vessel, as this required no prior experience or license. We explored the Copenhagen canals at our own pace. This was the perfect way to end our trip as we took in the sights one last time while enjoying our snacks and each other’s company around the boat’s picnic table. 

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Landing in this coastal capital city, you will immediately be absorbed by the warm air and sunshine. The beach vacation vibe hits you as soon as you exit the airport as we were surrounded by cars with surfboards tied to their roofs. Everyone appears to be venturing out to ride Lisbon’s waves. Many of my friends rented boats for day trips during August and September. I didn’t arrive until October and though the temperatures were still warm, there was a cool breeze blowing off the ocean. We decided to stay on land to eat, relax, and explore this hilly city filled with unique restaurants and notable sights. 

Hills, Hills, and More Hills

No matter your destination, you will encounter at least one hill to get there. Some hills are steeper than others and can deliver somewhat of a workout. Elevador da Bica, one of Lisbon’s funiculars, is used by locals and tourists as it climbs a dramatic hill connecting Largo do Calhariz to Rua de São Paulo. While this funicular provides a memorable view of the pastel buildings and ocean, it also comes in handy when your legs just can’t take climbing another hill. Along the water, you will find flatter streets, including Pink Street. The name comes from the street being painted a bright pink color. Decorated with rainbow umbrellas floating above, Pink Street is a popular tourist attraction and is lined with numerous bars and restaurants.  

Castle Views 

As most of Lisbon does, the Castle of São Jorge requires a hike up numerous hills. Towering above the city, the magnificent views from this historic castle makes the strenuous walk worth it. To skip the long line, purchase tickets off the Castle’s website and enter immediately upon arrival. The view from Praça d’Armas of the Castle of São Jorge allows you to look over central Lisbon to the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, which closely resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. As you continue your walk up towards the castle you will spot ruins of the former Royal Palace and walk-through various arches under canopies of trees. Upon entering the castle, peacocks wander the surrounding gardens, fanning out their large, brilliant tail feathers. Once inside, you are able to explore the defense walls and take in the history as well as the surrounding views.   

Food

The majority of my trip consisted of exploring the city’s restaurants. For breakfast, we typically found a small café or bakery nearby for a quick bite before starting the day. Comoba, a chic café, was the perfect spot for a sit down-brunch. Serving a range of healthy and vegan foods, the dishes were beautifully presented and tasted remarkable. You may have heard of Time Out Market as there are many locations from New York to Dubai. We found ourselves enjoying lunch at the venue here in Lisbon. Offering numerous options, we ate sushi one day and created our own charcuterie board the next. For dinner, we enjoyed Italian cuisine at Provincia and more unique, yet delicious, food at Dito Cujo. Both restaurants were extremely tasty and were exceptionally personal, creating amazing dining experiences. Throughout our time here in Lisbon, we went out for drinks during the day and at night. The most memorable was Pharmacia Felicidade. This pharmacy-themed restaurant and bar provided cocktails with apothecary-type names, as in Ibuprofeno, served in unconventional glassware such as beakers and test tubes. This was a fun and family-friendly spot to relax with friends as you are served on the restaurant’s lawn. If you are looking for a more sophisticated atmosphere, Mini Bar – José Avillez is for you. This restaurant and bar is found within Bairro do Avillez, a space home to many José Avillez restaurants. Mini Bar is the last restaurant in this multi-venue space and is located inside a former cabaret. You are pulled into the era through the environment, decorations, and live music. 

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s lively nightlife is what drew me, and thousands of other study abroad students, to this city for Halloween. With its popular soccer team, sandy beaches, stunning architecture, and known to many as one of the world’s greatest party cities, Barcelona has plenty to offer for the early risers and night owls.   

Sun Up

During the daytime, my friends and I explored the gardens of Park Güell and took in the unique architecture. While the Serpentine Bench is a popular tourist attraction, the beautiful mosaic tile paired with a panoramic view of the city is worth the crowds. A visit to the Moco Museum provides an interesting experience with a wide range of modern, contemporary, and street art. To beat the long lines, it is in your best interest to purchase and download tickets on your phone. This museum displays works from the famous Banksy, Andy Warhol, and numerous other well-known artists. 

Sun Down

Once the sun began to set, we dressed up and prepared ourselves for a long night out. My sorority pledge class rented out the downstairs of Las Cuevas de Los Rajahs, or what we called ‘the skull bar’. This intimate underground space was full of energy and allowed us to bond as a sorority as we sipped the signature Rajah Rum Punch, served in large skull glasses. We then made our way to Opium, a nightclub and restaurant located on Barcelona’s Barceloneta beach. While this nightclub is quite popular and, due to COVID, has a limited capacity, purchasing tickets weeks, even months in advance is necessary. Some of the greatest DJs from around the world play here and the tickets sell out fast. During our final night in this city, we dressed up one last time and enjoyed one of Barcelona’s largest nightclubs, Sala Razzmatazz. Walking through this club’s five concert halls, you will experience a variety of live music including pop, rock, and electronic, to name a few. As these clubs open at 1 am and close at 5 am, Barcelona’s extreme nightlife will keep you up into the early morning and leave you exhausted. 

6. Paris, France

Paris is an extremely lovely city to visit at any time of year. Yet, visiting during the winter months leads to a truly magical experience. In late November Paris begins to transform, as it prepares for the holiday season. 

Holiday Spirit 

Various Christmas markets pop up across the city bringing in the holiday joy. Next to the Louvre, within the Tuileries Garden, you will find Paris’ largest Christmas market stretching along Rue de Rivoli from Rue des Pyramides to Place de la Concord. This market, called La Magie de Noël, or The Magic of Christmas, has everything from carnival rides and an ice-skating rink to mulled wine and chocolates. The high-energy market, full of laughter and Christmas music will certainly put you in the holiday spirit. 

Movie Set or Real Life?

During my time in Paris, I visited your typical landmarks including the Louvre Museum and the outside of the Notre Dame Cathedral. While my friends and I were nothing but underwhelmed by the famous Eiffel Tower during the day, I found that the landmark lived up to my expectations once the sun had set. As the tall tower shines in the darkness, revealing its curved silhouette, and sparkling on the hour, the sight appears as if it were a scene taken straight out of a movie. On a Sunday after brunch at Café de Flore, my friends and I took a stroll along the Seine River stopping to ponder the books, posters, and other items being sold. Throughout my four days in this city, I discovered a recurring theme. Every journey through the streets felt as if I was on the set of a movie.   

7. Interlaken, Switzerland 

Located in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland, lies the small town of Interlaken. Due to there being no airports within this town, you must fly to a nearby airport and, ideally, travel by train to get there. Landing in Zürich, my friends and I took a quick detour to take a tour of the Lindt Factory, where we ate and received enough chocolate to last a lifetime. We then hopped on the train for two hours, as we made our way through Switzerland’s lush green hills and into the bright white mountains. 

Winter Wonderland

This trip was extremely relaxing, for we had no reservations to rush off to nor clubs to dance in throughout the long hours of the night. We spent our days bundled up sipping the world’s best hot chocolate and exploring the areas around us. We walked along the Aare River until we reached the land’s end arriving at Lake Brienz. The snow fell lightly as white swans stood out in the icy blue waters, a picture-perfect scene. We took the train to Grindelwald where we ate rööschti and drank more hot chocolate. We traveled to the highest train station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, also known as “Top of Europe”. The panoramic view of the Swiss Mittelland and the Aletsch Glacier transported us to another world. 

Sledding in the Moonlight

Most nights we met up with friends and cooked dinner, watched movies and enjoyed each other’s company by the warmth of the fire. On our last night in Interlaken, we signed up for night sledding. Once the sun set behind the tall mountains, we were driven into the alps and handed sleds as we rode a small gondola to the top. We were taught how to steer and stop the sleds before we took off down the mountain. As we made our way down the trail, through woods, snow-covered meadows, and by frozen waterfalls, the only visible light came from the moon. Once we reached the bottom of the mountain, we were driven to Hirschen, a restaurant within a 16th-century landmark building. Here we ate a traditional Swiss winter meal that consisted of cheese fondue served with bread cubes and a glass of red wine. 

What’s to Come

As we are college students with limited amounts of money, upon our arrival to Interlaken, we chose to go skydiving over skiing. It snowed throughout our entire four-day stay. Therefore, our plans of skydiving 13,000 feet up were delayed and eventually canceled on our last day. With that being said, I anticipate returning to this small cozy town, ideally to both ski and skydive as well as enjoy the unparalleled taste of Swiss hot chocolate once more.