Getting the most out of my semester in Europe

By: Tom DeFeo

The spring semester I spent in Florence was the most exciting 4 months of my life but it also left me broke at the end of my program and unable to backpack around Europe like I had originally planned. The one regret I had when I got home was my failure to explore more of Europe while I had the chance, especially since I didn’t know if I would ever have the opportunity to come back for extended amount of time. Now that my job with Bus2Alps has brought me back over here to Barcelona it’s time to create my ideal travel schedule for the spring semester.

1/28     MONTSERRAT

One of my favorite parts about studying in Tuscany was exploring all of the little hill towns around the region. A day in the scenic mountain town of Montserrat with a free cava tasting and lunch sounds like the perfect way to kick off the spring semester.

2/9     INTERLAKEN

Passing up the chance to ride the best powder in the world in the middle of the Swiss Alps simply isn’t an option. Hearing my friends talk about how much fun they had canyon jumping, skydiving, night sledding and eating Swiss cheese fondue in Interlaken was torture and I won’t let it happen again. 

2/19     SITGES CARNIVAL

While I was in Florence I visited Venice for Carnevale. That was a pretty crazy scene but I here it’s nothing compared to the bizarre party that goes down in Sitges every year with strange people in stranger costumes. 

2/23     LONDON

London is one of the biggest cultural hubs on earth. Home of some of the most popular figures and city scapes in history. Not to mention it boasts one of the biggest nightlifes in the world. Exclusive discounts and a top notch hostel make this trip a must. 

3/15     DUBLIN-ST. PATRICK’S DAY

I figure there’s no better time to check out Dublin then during one of the wildest parties in Europe. I may not sleep the entire time I’m there, I may end up not remembering all of it, but I’m positive I’m going to have a grand time.

3/19     LAS FALLAS FESTIVAL

Having spent the past summer getting weird at music festivals all over the USA I’m interested to see what Valencia has to offer. Lighting a bunch of statues on fire and dancing the night away while they burn to the ground sounds like it’s right up my alley. 

3/30     NORTHERN LOOP

Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris in 10 days, I think that pretty much speaks for itself. There is no other way I’d want to spend my spring break than checking out 4 of the world’s most famous cities. Cancun may have a beach and some fruity drinks but it doesn’t come close to any of these cities in terms of art, history, food and of course, partying.

4/12     MOROCCO

This is a trip that wasn’t running while I was abroad a few semesters ago or else I would have booked it the second I saw it. There’s no doubt that this will be the most convenient and best opportunity I’ll have to explore a part of the African continent. With day trips, a camel ride and lunch with a local family this will definitely be a weekend I’ll never forget.

4/19     PORTUGAL

Come April it’s going to be time to take advantage of the warm weather. I’ll have to see how the nightlife in Portugal compares to the nightlife in Barcelona, which is absolutely chaotic if you didn’t already know. The Rising Cock is one of the most popular hostels in Europe and how could it not be with a  name like that? I’ll also get the chance to go surfing and mountain biking along the coast.  

4/26     MUNICH SPRINGFEST

You’ve heard of Octoberfest, well this is her hotter younger sister. Smaller crowds and a seemingly unlimited amount of beer makes for a raucous weekend in one of Germany’s coolest cities. This is another trip, I still to this day, have to hear my friends talk about.

5/3     AMALFI COAST

The only trip I would repeat and once you see its scenic coastline you’ll know why. Bus2Alps does the Amalfi Coast better than anyone else can, even Diane Lane (semi obscure reference). Seven hostel is one of the best hostels in Europe, Capri and Positano are two of the most beautiful places on earth and the fresh seafood in Sorrento doesn’t even know how to be anything but delicious. Boat rentals, cliff jumping and a trip to Pompeii to boot and you have one of the top rated tours in Europe.