Going home penniless is what it’s all about

My attempt at Spanish fluency led me to Salamanca. My love for travel led me throughout Europe, Africa, and the Czech Republic. Frequenting the Salamanca bus station on Friday mornings was a weekly ritual, usually en route to the Barajas airport to begin my weekend adventures.

Throughout these travels I learned a few things like the importance of choosing hostels based on ratings rather than pictures, to always travel with snacks, and the expensive repercussions of overpacking. But my best advice is to go home penniless, exhausted, and most importantly cultured. You may have spent your savings but it was well worth it….you have traveled the world after all. So here is my travel schedule revised…to fit my ideal itinerary for the spring semester:

February 2nd - Interlaken

Honestly one of my favorite places! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of canyoning Grimsel or skydiving over the Swiss Alps. Maybe it’s because I felt like it was the closest I’ve come to death: my body perpendicular to the canyon and seeing nothing but rock beneath me to cushion the fall….but I made it out alive! And so can you.

February 11th – Montserrat & Cava

So this is really for the Barcelona students (I figured I could add in a day trip from the city I live in). Experience the history and beauty of Montserrat and sip on some cava later? Doesn’t sound bad to me!

February 16th – Florence and Venice Carnevale

I didn’t make it to Florence when I was abroad and was so mad at myself. Now it’s one of my favorite cities. Pair that with carnevale? You have to go.

Camel riding in Morocco

February 23rd – Morocco

Morocco was one of my favorite trips. I learned how to surf and experienced an authentic bathhouse and got to eat AMAZING local food. And seriously when else will you go to Africa or get to ride a camel?

March 1st – The Northern Loop

4 amazing cities in one trip! Prague is uniquely beautiful with its medieval style architecture and streets and great night life. Berlin’s amazing history is a reason in itself. Amsterdam….words cannot describe my feelings on Amsterdam. Amazing city of canals, art, history, and well lets just say it : coffee houses. Last but not least, Paris. I honestly felt like I was in a movie: climbing the Eiffel Tower, visiting the Louvre, and eating crepes in front of the Sacre Coeur….

Prague

March 15th-Ireland St. Patrick’s Day

Maybe it’s my Irish roots but no other place will celebrate it better. Hands down.

Ireland – Cliffs of Moher

March 22nd- The French Riviera

I didn’t make it here when I was abroad but another great beach destination with super yachts.

March 29th – Barcelona

I live there. I love it. You have the beach, the city, and the infamous nightlife.  Spain meets South Beach meets NYC. It’s a must see.

April 5th – Greece Long Weekend

I never did Greece abroad and regretted it. Honestly I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Easter than a pink toga party on the island of Corfu.

April 12th- Amalfi Coast

Great beach destination I didn’t make it to when I was abroad….not sure what I was thinking.

April 19th – Budapest

Biggest regret. I’m living vicariously through you on this one.

April 26th – Munich Springfest

Oktoberfest was unreal. I can only imagine Springfest will be the same.

May 3rd – Croatia

My favorite beach destination and the best seafood. The fish was picked up from the market in the morning and cooked by the captains on the island hopping tour. The night life’s not too bad either…

And now you’ve officially been left penniless. Safe travels