6 Countries in 2 weeks
Maybe we should just go together? A stranger suggested this to me when we both mentioned solo traveling after the semester. This conversation would change the trajectory of both our lives. Eva, my good friend, and I met on our study abroad trip through our university, despite growing up twenty minutes away from each other unknowingly. Our paths crossed in a strange way, but if you believe in fate that’s what it is!
We should go together! And so the planning began. We started planning in February or early March for our trip in late April. The plan: go to as many places without sacrificing too much comfort or money but experience what we can. And so we did. Our travel started the day after our classes ended in Florence, Italy. We both had too much stuff for a backpacking trip and ended up sending home our big suitcases with some friends who lived close and hoped they kept them safe. After we downsized extremely, we were ready and nervous for our trip. We were leaving the safety net of having our University in Florence with advisors we knew and trusted for the vast unknown, this truly terrified me. Before the trip I thought “is this really what I want to do or just what everyone is expecting me to do”. But I knew it was something I had to do. Despite missing home, it was an important and fun experience I couldn’t pass up.
We said goodbye to our friends as they went to the airport. But, we’re going to the train station so we have to go another way. When Eva and I made the turn around the corner, we couldn’t hear them anymore. It was just us. Two new friends about to take on a challenge most long term friends wouldn’t even try: two weeks alone with just each other. Will they make it? We did! But it wasn’t easy. Traveling with someone shows you their true colors as well as your own. I learned I’m too unorganized to plan something this big alone, Eva, being very type A, was perfect for this and taught me valuable planning and organizing tips throughout. She learned it’s okay to ease up from a plan if something goes wrong. We would always figure it out. And most of all, we valued our alone time even though we didn’t get much of it.
We stayed only in hostels and traveled the continent by train alone. We did this with a Eurail pass and app that, although confusing at first, ended up being very helpful. We decided to take the train to save money so we didn’t have to fuss in any airport until we were on our way home. We mainly used HostelWorld to book and TikTok for recommendations. This one pack way of traveling isn’t the most luxurious and at points isn’t fun, but it is SO worth it.
Our first stop: Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is such a special place to me because this is where we were initiated into the traveling lifestyle. At the hostel we stayed at we met countless travelers who told us their stories and we listened intently. Most of those visiting the hostel were from The UK, so we spent most of our nights wandering the streets and contemplating which culture is better. The hostel itself played a huge role in our likeness for Lake Como. The staff was helpful and responsible in the mornings. In the evening, the lobby of the hostel would switch to a restaurant/bar that the staff ran. They always ensured everyone was happy, fed, and a little drunk.
Lake Como’s natural beauty is something astonishing. It was cold when we went in late April. The enormous lake is in the valley of some of the alps, between the border of northern Italy and Switzerland. We were barely cold on our days there. But, far up into the mountains, we could still see the snow caps atop of them.
Next up: Interlakken, Switzerland
Then, the picturesque Switzerland. I can, without a doubt, say it is the most breathtaking natural sight I have ever seen. The alps look as if they were sculpted by hand and painted to be put before me. I’d say I was more attached to the natural beauty than the city of Interlakken. The city being between two lakes was the perfect look into the alps lifestyle while not going somewhere as busy or expensive as Zurich.
Then Nice, France
The biggest change in culture I’d say was from high in the Swiss Alps to way south to the French Riviera. This sunny change boosted our spirits as we rode the train in. I remember the train’s path being parallel with the sea and after an extremely long train ride we had endured. As an American going to France, the #1 rule you need to follow is to not be so sensitive. I had a bad experience in Paris which led me to believe all of the French hated Americans when in reality that is not true (most parisians do though). But here in the south of France we were greeted with kindness and again, more travelers. This hostel wasn’t the best but the stories we came out with were amazing. Although it was a beautiful town we quickly ran out of things to do on a budget. I would say if it is your dream to travel here save extra to be able to afford more excursions.
Where to next? Barcelona!
Up until this point we hadn’t run into any travel or booking errors and considering our spontaneity at times this was surprising. Upon arriving in Barcelona we planned to stay two nights then on the third day take the longest train ride of my life from Barcelona→ Amsterdam. However upon arriving to book our train ticket to Amsterdam we were told the train was booked and we’d be losing a night in Amsterdam for a night in Barcelona. At this point in the trip we’re getting tired, we aren’t the party machines we were during our study abroad so all we could do was saunter around the city and eat food which we did. Outside of anything Italian, Barcelona was a close second with food. Paella, croquettes, patatas bravas, and Fideuà I could go on! I can’t think about the food experience because I will be sad I can’t get this in America. Spain also had to offer alot of heart, I will say Barcelona was alive and everyone wanted to have shared experiences. Definitely would go again, but bring your walking shoes this city is spread out!
Amsterdam Finally!
After a long train ride that wasn’t very scenic we arrived in Amsterdam very late. Shocked by the cold that hit us as we walked out of the train station, we had sunburn underneath our coats. It was a very strange experience. We stayed at the Bulldog Hostel which is a famous brand in Amsterdam most people will run into when they are there. Something we noticed immediately in Amsterdam was the streets were lit, and there will always be someone out later than you. Usually arriving in a new city in the middle of the night we were on alert and high anxiety, but here it was eased just by the air seemed more friendly. Amsterdam was a place I was hoping to experience more but we had so little time, we did get an opportunity to go to the tulip gardens and that was unmatched in color and vibrancy. I’d say Amsterdam is my city that got away, because I didn’t get to experience it long enough and as soon as I left I wanted to go back.
