Okay, I didn’t actually hike the Matterhorn. That would require a lot of training and time. I’m not a mountain climber but I still wanted to get as close to the famous mountaintop as possible. For years, I had gazed at the replica of the Matterhorn and ridden the bobsleds while being chased by a yeti at Disneyland, but I always dreamed of seeing the real thing.
Don’t be fooled. That tiny peak on the left is not the Matterhorn. The real thing is towering over us from behind the thick clouds
My mom also had this at the very top of her bucket list. As a kid, she often when to Disneyland as well and the Matterhorn has long been one of her favorite rides, so when I asked her where she wanted to go on our big trip through Europe to celebrate my graduation, her first answer was the Matterhorn. So, I started planning all around Zermatt.
Zermatt is a small mountain resort town in the south of Switzerland, near the border with Italy. We arrived by train after our day in Verona and though we arrived late, it was easy to get a quick taxi to our hotel and check-in was simple. We stayed at the lovely Le Petit Charme-Inn and our room had an incredible view of the town around us. The mountains around us were filled with trees and the ground with covered in a thick layer of snow. It looked like something from a movie, a perfect little resort that was so different from anywhere I had been. The homes reminded me much of Triberg, Germany but the church spire overlooking the town was like those I saw in Zurich, Switzerland, and the mountains around us reminded me of childhood visits to Big Bear in California.
It felt as if we were in the Black Forest
In all the familiarity was still a sense of wonder and awe at this lovely place. Despite the cold January winter, the city was warm and friendly. While in town, you can do plenty of shopping. Whether you’re looking for sporting goods for your ski trip or need some new clothes or just want to stock up on souvenirs, you can find just about anything. I suggest stopping by a chocolate shop and sampling some amazing Swiss chocolate before you leave.
Who could resist Matterhorn-shaped chocolate?
But the thing you absolutely must do when you’re visiting Zermatt is get your tickets to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. As the highest cable car station in Europe, at 3,883 meters, you can see 38 peaks and 14 glaciers. The station is perfect for spending your day, with so many things to do. You can enjoy an informational film at the Cinema Lounge, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant with panoramic windows to view the mountain peaks, and visit the frozen statues at the palace. But the biggest spectacle is the viewing platform. You get to step out into the frigid air for a 360° view. Unfortunately for us, all we saw was a sheet of white. The weather was so bad that we could barely see more than several feet in front of us. I got a few glimpses of the mountainside below us, but that was about it.
White all around us as we reached the top
I would highly recommend that if you are the sightseeing type, go in the spring or summer to see the iconic peak. The platform has signs telling you which mountain peak you are looking at, so it’s better to go at a time when they are visible. Throughout our entire trip, we never got a clear view of the Matterhorn’s peak. We got a very brief, cloudy glimpse of it for about a minute but that was all. It was a shame that we didn’t get to bask in it, but it was still a dream to be there. We are definitely planning a return to see the mountain and will be spending more time there.
Even if you’re afraid of heights, the Matterhorn Express will safely guide you to Glacier Paradise
After you visit the station, you can enjoy a warm dinner in the town, and I cannot stress enough how integral a fondue dinner is for a Swiss visit. I had fondue for the first time in Zurich so I knew that we would have fondue for our one big meal in Zermatt. We went to Whymper-Stube, a lovely little restaurant with reasonable prices. Our dish came with the standard bread pieces and small potatoes to dip in the cheese, but we also opted for a side of pears. Everyone looks at us funny, but the Gruyere paired perfectly with the fruit. It’s definitely worth trying the various additions to your fondue they offer.
Fondue dinner from Whymper-Stube to warm up after Glacier Paradise
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I’ve only visited Zurich and Zermatt so far, but if you are looking for that lush greenery with picturesque mountains all around you, Switzerland is the place to be. And if you’re a mountain climber, the famous Matterhorn peak should be on your bucket list.
The Black Forest sounds like a haunting, spooky experience one takes on Halloween, where villains from fairytales lurk to lure innocent children from their parents. It invokes the scene of Snow White when the princess is fleeing through the forest and every tree is leering at her, branches trying to grab her. In reality, the Black Forest is a stunningly gorgeous stretch of forest that cuts through southwest Germany. The dense swath of evergreen trees run over the mountainous land and is filled with beautiful villages. Any trip to Germany should include a visit to this picturesque region.
A trail in the Black Forest
If you are a fan of the Brothers Grimm fairytales, the Black Forest is a must-see excursion. Stepping into a village of the Black Forest is like stepping back to the time of Rapunzel or Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood. When I visited Germany, I spent a week going from west to east, exploring different regions. I spent two days in the Black Forest, and it wasn’t nearly enough. I was only able to experience two towns here out of the many dotting the forest. I spent a night in Freiburg im Breisgau and a day in Triberg. I did return for a night in Triberg about half a year later because I fell in love with this town. This guide only gives you a tiny glimpse into the expanse of the Black Forest. There are many other places to see and each one offers unique experiences. Wherever you choose to visit, the Black Forest will be an unforgettable experience.
Freiburg im Breisgau is right at the edge of the Black Forest. It’s a university town so it’s a very busy and active town. It offers both the feel of the old village with the luxuries of modern city life. There is a lot of shopping here and even McDonald’s name is plastered on an old tower. It’s definitely a good option for those more comfortable in larger cities rather than more remote, smaller towns.
I stayed in the lovely Hotel Löwen just outside the city centre. Transportation in Freiburg was incredibly easy to navigate and took me where I needed to be, but for the most part, you can walk the city with ease. I really only needed the bus service to get to my hotel and the rest was walkable. There is a tram that runs through the city centre for a nice, picturesque journey.
I did have an embarrassing encounter with the transportation service on the morning I was departing and almost missed my only ride to the train station. I had the first train out that morning, so I had to leave incredibly early. The regular bus wasn’t running at that hour, but Google Maps said there would be a bus for me to catch. So, I waited, and a white van labeled TAXI suddenly pulled up and a man who spoke only in German beckoned me over. Now, we’ve all seen at least one true crime story so a man calling a young woman over to his white van should send off some major alarms. Luckily, a woman who could speak English told me this was the ‘bus’ service at this early hour and I eventually hopped inside. I’m still here to write this so clearly this was not a scheme to lure unsuspecting tourists. I write this to remind you to stay safe, but also, if you have an early train, maybe check with a local about transportation so you aren’t caught off guard.
Münsterplatz in Freibug im Breisgau
But onto the city itself. Like I said, Freiburg is a busy town. There were a lot of people bustling about though it never felt crowded. I was able to move about without any problems and enjoy the city without the overwhelming feeling that crowded places usually have.
I find that the biggest intrigue of Freiburg is sightseeing. The entire city looked like it came from one of Grimm’s fairytales, with colorful pastels and intricately painted murals and text. There are the two medieval gates that have stood since the 13th century. They each have a gorgeous clock tower with vivid blues and plaques and murals commemorating the history of the town. If you angle your phone correctly, you’ll get a photo of the larger gate without the horrid McDonald’s on the archway next to it which breaks the illusion.
As you make your way through the city, visit the old Freiburg Minster which towers over the city and see the beautiful stained glass of the cathedral. Be sure to stop by the market at Münsterplatz and the historical Merchant’s Hall in the square. And if you need more information about the city, stop by the Old Town Hall at Rathäuser for the visitor center.
Freiburg Minster
My favorite place in Freiburg was the Kanonenplatz, a lookout point right in the forest. It was easy to find and the hike wasn’t too arduous, but it is uphill so be prepared if you decide to make the trek. There is also a cable car in the mountain, Schlossbergbahn, and the tower, Aussichtsturm Schlossberg, for a more elevated view of the area. I personally didn’t get to experience either of these during my visit, but the views I did get were worth the small hike.
The entrance to Kanonenplatz
Freiburg only gives you a glimpse of a Black Forest village. It’s a beautiful city worthy of a day trip, but the real awe and beauty lies in Triberg.
Triberg is another tourist destination, but it doesn’t feel like one in the slightest. Even its main attraction didn’t feel crowded or overrun and I could just enjoy the quiet beauty of it all.
When you arrive in Triberg, you’ll notice three things. First is the sheer number of trees enveloping the mountains all around with tiny homes dotting the greenery. Second, you’ll notice all the ticking of cuckoo clocks. And third, you’ll hear the sound of water from wherever you are. These are what make Triberg so special.
Triberg, Germany
Triberg is right in the middle of the Black Forest and the town is surrounded by the thick trees overtaking the region. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and is absolutely stunning. I wish I could move into one of those little houses perched on the mountainside. It looks like the perfect, quaint little retreat for writing a novel inspired by the fairytales that live here.
While you’re visiting the village, stop by The House of 1000 Clocks, a giant souvenir shop where you can take home authentic German handicraft. The most famous of which are the stunning cuckoo clocks. They are intricately crafted with beautiful detail and would make the perfect gift from the Black Forest. Due to luggage space and budget, I only walked away with a cuckoo clock pin. I did, however, get a souvenir that I will cherish forever.
The House of 1000 Clocks
Ever since I was little, I have collected nutcrackers. I love the little soldiers and have amassed a little ‘army’ of them who assemble every Christmas. So of course, when I found a whole shelf of handmade German nutcrackers, I wasn’t leaving without one. There are many other pieces of woodwork at The House of 1000 Clocks, so you’ll be sure to find a souvenir that fits your needs.
But the biggest attraction of Triberg is the waterfall. It’s one of the highest in Germany with seven drops and the water continues running alongside the road. You can find the waterfall by hiking a short way up through the forest and experience the awe of it. I can see why so many tales were born from here, as the beauty of this forest is unmatched. I could envision a princess living in a cottage with seven men, or a witch lurking in a homemade of sweets, or a wolf dressed in grandma’s clothes to trick an unsuspecting young girl. I could believe that magic lived in this land because it was just so alluring and inviting.
You can visit just about every part of the waterfall. There are two bridges crossing it, one lower and one upper that requires a bit of a climb. I made my way to the upper bridge and the view was breathtaking. I truly wish I could live here for extended periods just writing and sketching. If there’s only one place in Germany you can visit, I can’t recommend Triberg enough.
Triberg Waterfall
After visiting the waterfall, you can continue hiking along the forest and visit the Bergsee fishing pond and down the road from here, you can see the Maria in der Tanne church where a tailor placed a figure of Mary in a fir tree. It was believed the water from a nearby spring cured his leprosy and a girl’s eye disease and so the spot was considered sacred. The church was built later, and you can visit the spot today.
Bergsee, Triberg
In the village, you can experience the history of the Black Forest at the Schwarzwaldmuseum. You can see things from old clothing to cuckoo clocks to street organs to mining tools.
When hunger hits, nothing beats schnitzel and Black Forest cake is an absolute must. When I visited in the summer, I ate at Schinkenstraße which is right at the edge of the entrance to the waterfall. If you sit outside, you can enjoy the sound of the water going by and look out at the forest. Hotel-Restaurant Pfaff sits across the street and is a popular dinner spot, though the prices are a bit steeper there.
My first visit was just a day trip, and it was easy to explore the town in the day. The train station offers locker rental for your luggage and there’s a bus, but the walk is easy enough. When I returned in the winter, I stayed at the Parkhotel Wehrle in the middle of the city. This was a lovely hotel and the room had an awesome view of the forest. Everyone was friendly and our stay included a little ‘meet and greet’ over a free glass of champagne.
The gates of the Parkhotel Wehrle
With it being off-season, the price was very reasonable and well worth the stay. If you do go in winter, you’ll find some places closed, like Schinkenstraße, and the upper bridge of the waterfall, as well as a majority of the trail. You can still appreciate the village in winter, but summer definitely offers more.
Triberg Waterfall at winter
I have only scratched the surface of the Black Forest. There are so many more villages to visit. There’s the spas of Baden-Baden and the UNESCO world heritage site of Kloster Maulbronn. Whichever one piques your interest, I highly recommend exploring the Black Forest at least once in your lifetime.
If you browse through Bucket List ideas, you’ll often see Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on there. The train station is a famous selfie spot as travelers pose in front of the longest name in the UK. It can be a quick stop that can be tacked onto any trip through the UK, as you can simply hop off the train, take your selfie, then hop back on.
But Llanfairpwllgwyngyll offers so much more than a train station stop, as does the Welsh country.
Ever since I was young and saw my first pictures of the United Kingdom country called Wales, it was at the top of my must-see places before I died. The lush, green countryside, towering mountains, and blue lakes captured my heart, and I was in love ever since. The land is also filled with myths and legends that I could believe in as I explored the beauty of it. I could even believe that the red dragon of Wales lurked somewhere in the highlands.
A vine growing on the ruins of Pembroke Castle
When I lived in London, I knew that I absolutely had to visit the country I had been admiring from afar for over a decade. But as I looked online for places to visit, I was stumped. Of course, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll was on that list, but all it really boasted was its train station. Two cities kept popping up, Cardiff – the capital of Wales – and Swansea, but they seemed like any other city in the UK. I wanted that lush countryside I had been fawning over. So, I delved deeper.
And I found a little town called Pembroke that lies near the southern coast of Wales. After a couple of trains and a bus ride, I arrived at this lovely place. It was a quiet town, perfect for a little getaway from the business of London. I stayed at The Middlegate Hotel, a small but cozy hotel above the Middlegate Café and Bistro. The room even came with a freshly made traditional English breakfast.
The Tiny Train that may or may not get you to your destination
Some of the sites that you can enjoy here include a street of pastel-colored houses, the massive Pembroke Castle, and Mill Pond. But the main attraction is the Freshwater West Beach a short bus ride from town. Harry Potter fans will recognize the beach immediately as the site of Dobby’s death in Deathly Hallows Part 1, but you don’t have to be a wizarding fan to fall in love with this place.
If you plan to go swimming or surfing, be aware that there are strong currents here and you should be an experienced swimmer/surfer before braving the waters. I simply went to enjoy the weather and the sun and had no problems exploring the spacious beach. I went in early July, prime beach weather, and I didn’t run into a heavy number of beachgoers while I was there. It was peaceful and quiet, the perfect place to pick up a book and enjoy some ice cream.
My entire trip to Pembroke was absolutely amazing. Everyone was incredibly kind and friendly. The hotel owner was very nice and cooked an awesome English breakfast and gave me plenty of tips for sightseeing during my short visit. The bartender at the Waterman’s Arms was welcoming to everyone who walked through the door, and the girl serving ice cream at the beach offered me a ride back to town as I was stressing about the bus delay and wondering if I’d miss my train. Given the opportunity, I would return in a heartbeat, and I highly recommend adding this lovely town to your UK itinerary.
My next venture into Wales took me to the Snowdonia region. Snowdonia is a famous mountain that makes its way on every Wales travel list, and for good reason. Whether you’re a hiker or prefer to sightsee via train, this area is captivating. I visited the city of Caernarfon in the northern part of Wales along the Irish Sea coast. What drew me here was the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway.
This scenic train ride takes you through the Welsh Highlands and offers several different journeys. Before the pandemic, they offered a snack and food service, which I hope will return as we slowly ease back to normalcy. I was able to catch one of the last trains of the season on the day before New Year’s Eve, which was a shorter ride from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu, with only a short stop for you to get off and get pictures of the train and Snowdon Peak in the distance. It was a foggy day when I went so, I couldn’t see the mountain too well, but I could feel the awe from the land. The legend of Merlin battling the Red Dragon was born here and I could easily envision that great battle happening before me, especially seeing the hill that looked like a sword cleaved down the middle of it. The Welsh Highlands are truly unmatched in their beauty and the 2-hour train ride was far too short.
If you’re interested in taking one of these wonderful train rides, click here to visit Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway’s website and book your tickets.
Caernarfon itself offers more to see. For history buffs, Twthill is a famous scenic point that is easy to climb. Here you can stand where Owain Glyndŵr stood when he laid siege to Caernarfon Castle in 1401. It was also the site of a battle during the War of the Roses in 1461. Standing atop this hill, looking over the city and seeing Snowdon in the distance makes you feel all at once powerful and yet so small. It’s truly a sight to behold. Fans of Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle series will also relish in Twthill, wondering if the sleeping king lay beneath any of the mountains before you.
Twthill, Caernarfon
Caernarfon from the Castle Tower
Once again, I felt so comfortable here. Every person I encountered was friendly and welcoming. It’s another quiet place to just enjoy yourself and soak in the countryside.
Following my stay in Caernarfon, I made my way to the iconic city of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for my selfie, but I saw so much more than the train station. Translated, the city’s name means “St. Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio.” I wanted to see the namesake of the city. With such an iconic name, it must be a sight.
And I was not disappointed. The church was very easy to find from the bus station I got off at. It was a bit of a walk but was very manageable. The church was a simple structure that wouldn’t necessarily turn heads, but if you walk just a bit further, you’ll come to the Menai Strait. The view here took my breath away and made the walk absolutely worth it. If you are someone who enjoys seeing the beautiful places of the world, then I can’t recommend it enough.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the gift shop by the station or run by the post office for an official stamp with the legendary name.
Don’t forget your selfie with the longest name in the UK
After getting my selfie, my final destination in Wales was the city of Conwy. Much like Pembroke and Caernarfon, it was another quiet town. Its main attraction is its castle. Like Caernarfon Castle, it was constructed by King Edward I in the 13th century.
I didn’t spend a lot of time in Conwy, and I spent most of it exploring the castle. It provided stunning views of the city and the Irish Sea on the horizon. You can walk along the old city walls all the way from the train station to the city centre and feel like you’re back in time. There are other museums and historical places of interest in Conwy to visit while you’re there.
Wales is a severely underappreciated country. I don’t hear it talked about often enough and it’s usually overshadowed by the other UK countries. Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland (and by extension, the Republic of Ireland) are all beautiful countries in their own right, but Wales has its own charm and uniqueness to it. You can feel the brevity of the legends born here and the strong Welsh pride. Everywhere you turn, you see something more beautiful than the last thing and it feels impossible to truly take it all in. To all those filling out their adventurous Bucket Lists, to all those who love to travel and find beautiful places in the world, I implore you to visit Wales. You will not regret it.
I am planning a visit back to Wales next year and I hope to see some of these beautiful places again, but I also look forward to seeing something new. I invite you to explore as well.
Traveling alone can incredibly intimidating. So many unknowns can happen, and you don’t have someone at your side in case something goes wrong. I can say from experience that traveling alone is also one of the best things you can do. When I lived in London, I knew I had the opportunity to see so many of the things I had always dreamt of seeing. Unfortunately, I didn’t have anyone to go with. If I had let my anxiety over the idea of traveling alone win, I would’ve missed out on so many incredible things.
Traveling solo is such an amazing experience. There is so much you can do and really take the time to enjoy yourself. In this post, I’ll share all the things I learned to keep yourself safe while traveling alone, how to make the most of your trip, and how to break out of your shell.
Don’t miss your departure for your next adventure
Always be aware of your surroundings
The simplest way to keep yourself safe when you’re traveling solo is to always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up and not buried in your phone, even if you need directions. Walk like you have a purpose and even if you’re lost, don’t let it show. To everyone else, you should look like you belong there. If anything makes you appear like an easy target, you are at risk of being mugged, pickpocketed, or worse. As long as you let everyone around you believe in your confidence, you have a much smaller chance of being targeted.
A few things to always keep in mind as you travel:
Carry a sturdy bag and keep it closed.
Don’t carry your phone/wallet/keys in your pockets, especially your back pocket.
Be wary of strangers coming up and asking questions. For example, in Paris, children will run up and ask you to buy something from them. While you’re distracted, someone else will pickpocket you. If you’re in a café in London, someone, usually a woman, will walk up and place a map or piece of paper on the table, hiding your phone. While asking you a question, they’ll take your phone off the table. Whatever the situation, always be aware of your belongings and if someone is making you uncomfortable, walk away towards a crowd or into a shop.
Never share a taxi with a stranger. Taken definitely taught us this lesson, but it’s one to always remember.
Be smart about accommodation
Just when you think you’ve found a great deal on your hotel, you realize that it’s not in the city center. That 10-mile distance on Expedia doesn’t seem that bad. Surely there’s a bus that can get you there. This is exactly the mistake I made in Germany.
When I was planning my trip, I booked a hotel just outside the city of Munich. It was a reasonable deal and was very budget friendly for my three-night stay. Unfortunately, while I saved on money, I took on a lot of hassle. I arrived in Munich around 9 pm and had to find a way to my hotel far in the distance. I attempted to take a train but with all the people around, the late hour, and the anxiety that had been plaguing me since the beginning of my trip, I was overwhelmed. I decided to take a taxi, which set me back about €30. The next day, after some rest and time to ease my mind, I managed the train. And still, it was not that easy. My hotel was a 20-minute walk from the station which isn’t bad until you’re rolling a suitcase all that way. Then, it was another 35 minutes on the train, so I had to spend nearly two hours on travel every day during my time in Munich.
So always check the map when booking your hotel and look for transportation to and from the city center to your accommodation.
Another option to consider when saving money are hostels. Personally, I was terrified to stay in one. I get really nervous around strangers and the idea of sharing a bedroom with them is terrifying. Eventually, I decided to chance it for the first time when I was in Denmark. Copenhagen is a very expensive place to visit and so a hostel was the only reasonable accommodation I could find. I actually found it to be not too bad. Though I will always prefer the comfort of a private hotel room, hostels are a reasonable option. People pretty much keep to themselves and are they are a very warm and welcoming environment, so even the shyest person won’t feel too out of place.
Schaan-Vaduz Youth Hostel in Liechtenstein
A few things to pack if you’re staying at a hostel
A lock to secure your belongings in the lockers. Some will come with locks, but many times, it’s on you to keep your things safe.
A towel if you can spare the luggage space. Hostels do offer towels at a small fee.
Shower shoes, as you’ll be using a communal shower.
Headphones if you need music to sleep.
A book light if you read before bed. Depending on the hostel, you may have a bed light but if you’re bunk doesn’t have privacy walls, your night light can bother your fellow roommates.
An open mind. Those you end up sharing a hostel with are just like you; travelers looking for adventure on a budget.
Be smart with your money
Exchange for the currency you’ll need beforehand to avoid fees. You can usually get a good exchange rate at the airport or train station, but usually the best rates will be from your bank back home. A lot of places will take cards, but each transaction will come with an exchange fee.
If you have a travel credit card, exchange fees may be waived, but always check with your T&C before traveling to see what benefits you get from using it abroad.
If you are carrying cash, never carry all of it at once. Divide your money so that if you get pickpocketed, you haven’t lost all of your money. Do the same with your cards so that you aren’t stranded with nothing should the worst happen.
Be smart with your time
Try and get as many trips as you can out of one. If you live in the US, you know just how astronomical flight prices can be. Even domestic flights between states can reach hundreds of dollars for the bare minimum. Not to mention you have to pay for parking, baggage fees, food and drink. Costs skyrocket quickly and when it’s international, it’s even more expensive. One trick I discovered is that, once you book the initial flight out of the US, flight prices drop drastically. Even flights between European countries are a fraction of the price of domestic flights in the US. I’ve found flights for under $100 from one side of the EU to the other.
So, if you plan a trip to Germany, consider also visiting the neighboring countries of the Czech Republic or France. Visiting Switzerland? Take a trip to the small principality of Liechtenstein. Trains offer an easy way to explore the many countries of Europe and you can visit many different places at a reasonable price. For my graduation trip, we visited eight cities in six different countries over the span of eleven days. We managed to get the most out of our days in each city and see so many different countries, all thanks to the amazing train system of Europe.
Trains will get you anywhere
Don’t sneer at lesser-known cities
Some of the most beautiful places I’ve visited are the lesser-known cities that don’t see heavy tourism that their neighboring cities do. Tintagel, United Kingdom is one of my favorite places I’ve ever seen. Triberg, Germany is the best place to experience the Black Forest, Caernarfon and Pembroke are two stunning Welsh cities, Colmar, France is a fairytale come to life. When you’re planning your trip, make sure to check out the small towns as well as the big cities.
Colmar is a real-life fairytale
Go off season
If you’re looking for another way to save on money, try going off season. I visited Venice in late January and experienced only a fraction of the tourists. When I went to Tintagel in early January, I got to stay at the gorgeous Camelot Castle Hotel for a reasonable price. There are of course some cons. A lot of the shops and museums in Tintagel were closed for the season and transportation was reduced. So, consider what you’ll be sacrificing and decide if going off season works for you.
Now that you’re ready for you trip, here are some things to make it as memorable as it can be.
Eat local
This seems obvious but I feel like I should mention it anyway. When I stayed in Paris for a month for French class, there was a group that ate at Chipotle every single day so clearly some people need to be reminded to eat the local food.
I developed a system when I was traveling as a way of trying the local cuisine while staying on my tight budget so I could do as many things as possible. When you travel in Europe, you’ll find that almost all hotels do not include a complimentary breakfast. Breakfast almost always comes at an extra charge, with some exceptions, so be sure to check your amenities when booking your hotel. So, for breakfast, usually I’d grab a local pastry or something I can eat on the go. When in the Czech Republic, I had to try a real kolache and compare it to the kolaches of West, Texas. Croissants are a must have in France and scones are necessary in the UK.
Kolache in Prague
This would fuel me for a day of walking through the city I was exploring for the day. Then by the late afternoon, I’d be ready for a dinner. This is where I would splurge for some good cuisine. In Switzerland, I couldn’t leave without trying fondue and in Barcelona, paella was mandatory. And what better place to have French onion soup than France?
Black forest cake tastes so much better in the Black Forest, and ice cream is always a treat on a hot day, especially in the special chimney cake of Prague. Even things I was scared to try, I forced myself to do so. I was an incredibly picky eater as a child and so I have a lot to make up for, though there are still some things I can’t bring myself to try. I’ve been to France a few times and I’ve yet to eat a single escargot. I highly recommend trying at least one thing you’re afraid of that is reasonable. You may end up finding something you love.
Climb for a bird’s-eye-view
One of my favorite things to do in any city is go somewhere high up and look over the buildings and the people below. Nothing puts it into perspective quite like seeing just how huge Paris is from the Eiffel Tower, the gorgeous rooftops of Prague, or the mountains in the distance of Zurich. You can walk the streets all day, but I think that looking down from above gives such a unique perspective that shows you another side to the city.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
There are many ways to get this view. The most obvious is a structure specifically made for this, like the Eiffel Tower and the London Eye. If the city you’re visiting doesn’t have this, look for a clock tower in the town center, or a cathedral with a tall bell tower. Many times, you’ll be able to go up these for cheap and you’ll get that awesome view. Cathedrals like Grossmünster in Zurich and St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna are gorgeous on the inside and offer stunning views. You can see the city of Munich from the clock tower of the New Town Hall or visit the top of Prague’s Astronomical Clock.
The view from Prague’s Astronomical Clock Tower
You can also get the views for free by climbing hills around the city if there are any. You can see the entire city of Vaduz, Liechtenstein from the hill where the castle sits. In Budapest, you can climb up Gellért Hill or you can see Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat, a hill next to the city. The most interesting tower I’ve climbed so far is the Freitag Tower in Zurich. Made up of old shipping containers, it serves as the store for Freitag, but you can also climb up to the top of the nine stacked containers and look over Zurich from the Industrial Quarter. There are endless possibilities and unique experiences so always keep your mind open for surprises.
This leads to my next tip.
Be spontaneous
No matter how much research you’ll do before your trip, you won’t know everything about the city you’re visiting before you go. Of course, you’ll see all the famous tourist sites and a few well-loved local spots that people share online, but the only way you’ll truly know the city is by exploring. As you navigate, Google Maps will often show you places of interest near you. Don’t be afraid to take a moment and check them out. Myself, I am very much interested in the old Roman architecture that still stands in Europe, as well as old castle ruins. Google helped me find these easily, often when I wasn’t even looking for them. I just find it so fascinating to see the small pieces of the past in the present and it helps me appreciate the city even more so.
Whatever interests you, make sure to keep your eyes open. You may find an experience you never would have otherwise.
Go at your own pace
The best thing about traveling solo is that you only have to worry about yourself. There is no compromise, except for those with time and money. You are allowed to see the things you want, eat at the places you choose, and you can go at your own speed. For me, I like to get the most out of my trip. I get up early, I walk all day to see all I can, and I return to my hotel after dinner. I take breaks when I’m ready and I keep going when I feel like.
You also get some time to yourself. I did my traveling at a really difficult time in my life. My depression hit a record low when I lived in London, and I found myself locked away in my room for many days at a time. But when I got myself together and out into the world, I was able to improve my mental health. I got to enjoy the moment and enjoy life again. Seeing the beauty of the world helped me more than I will ever truly know.
My fear of flights is miniscule compared to my love for travel
I truly believe that traveling alone can do so much for you. You will learn so much about yourself and the world and get a new appreciation for travel. As long as you pack smart, keep yourself safe and aware of your surroundings, and allow flexibility in your plans, you will have an amazing experience. I hope this little guide helps you to either take that leap and book your first solo trip, or it gives you something new to do on your next solo adventure.
When someone asks, “What is the most British thing you can think of?”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Living in London for a year and a half, I discovered many Britishisms. Grabbing a pint as early as your noontime meal, apologizing as you’re squeezing past strangers to get off the bus at your stop before the doors close, meeting up with your mates for a cheeky Nando’s (don’t forget the perinaise). But there is one thing so quintessentially British, something every visit to London should entail: proper afternoon tea.
Before my big move to London, my aunt took me to the Rose Tea Cottage in Pasadena, California to learn all the proper tea manners – always put the clotted cream on your scone before the jam. I purchased my own fascinator hat to feel like a real British lady and had a wonderful time preparing for the real thing.
The Rose Tea Cottage in Pasadena, California
I knew that the moment I got accepted in uni, I had to get a real British afternoon tea. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait too long. Barely two weeks into my life abroad, I joined my new friends for afternoon tea at the Swan Restaurant, right next to the Globe Theatre.
This was by far the best place to have my first experience of afternoon tea in London. The Swan’s special afternoon tea offering was themed after A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare and is currently offering a Romeo and Juliet theme. They served the delicious sandwiches and scones and sweets on the stunningly illustrated dishware created by Annika Wester. I got to bask in all the Shakespearean influence while looking out to the Thames and St. Paul’s in the distance. But more than that, I got to enjoy the company of newly found friends.
The Swan Restaurant Afternoon Tea
During this afternoon, I learned that one friend’s love of scones is unmatched, that another friend was kind enough to set up our reservation for people she’d met only a couple weeks before. I learned that I had found some of the most incredible people I will ever meet. It was during afternoon tea that I truly felt like I was home.
There are many other places to enjoy tea in London. With just a quick Google search, you’ll find hundreds of options all throughout the city. On my birthday, I splurged for afternoon tea on the Thames.
Afternoon Tea on the Thames
City Cruises offers many different types of cruise tours, including an afternoon tea one. You can spend a couple hours sightseeing many of the prolific sites London has to offer, including London Tower and Tower Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, etc. You do have to sacrifice quality, as the tea and food were not nearly as good as it was at the Swan, but it is definitely a really neat experience.
Afternoon tea at Number Twelve restaurant near King’s Cross is a reasonable price, though you aren’t going to have a glamorous experience like you would on the cruise, or something unique like The Swan. If you happen to be a UK local and eat a lot of Yeoken products, you can save up points and redeem for a Buy One, Get One deal on the afternoon tea. Of course, there are countless options out there that can fit any budget.
Afternoon Tea at Number Twelve Restaurant
After you enjoy your afternoon of freshly brewed tea, be sure to stock up before heading home. Whittard of Chelsea is my personal favorite, and I went through many tins of their special Afternoon Blend when I lived in London. They offer many seasonal teas as well and interesting flavors such as the Blueberry Rooibos, Dark Chocolate, and Whisky. Don’t like tea? Whittard also offers a large selection of coffee and hot chocolates of various flavors.
Whittard in Covent Garden
Harrod’s is another iconic tea shop to visit, especially if you’re near Hyde Park. The Harrod’s Department Store on Brompton Road is filled with amazing shops and is the place to go if you want to do some shopping in London. Twinings is another great place to stop for tea, but of course, you can find tea on every corner in London.
Harrod’s Department Store
If London is on your calendar, I highly recommend saving some time for afternoon tea. Whether your budget is big or small, there is somewhere for you to go and enjoy yummy finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and endless tea.
Be Bold 