Jenny gets ideal

I studied abroad in Florence through the Gonzaga-in-Florence program.  I was very excited and eager to see Europe and after spending 10 days touring Sicily and Rome I realized the more places I saw in Europe the more places I wanted to visit.  I formulated a long list of everywhere I wanted to go and didn’t even come close to checking all the places off.  I realized more than ever the importance of planning ahead, 4 months abroad is definitely not nearly a sufficient amount of time to explore the countries of Europe.

Even though I traveled a lot, I wasted a lot of time and didn’t properly plan therefore missed out on experiencing many places due to lack of time and money.  Thankfully I’ve been given the chance to come back to Europe after to college through working for Bus2alps and travel for my job! Living in Rome has been a life changing experience and I couldn’t be happier traveling to all the hot spots in Europe every weekend.

I wish I knew what I know now when I studied abroad after living, working, and becoming a European travel expert. Therefore, if I could go back and do it all over again this is how I would plan my travels while studying abroad:

January 26: Interlaken, Switzerland

Get your nature fix here! I have skied in some of the best places in the US and Canada, but nothing compares to skiing in the Swiss Alps.  This is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity you can’t miss out on. To make it the most epic weekend of all time I’d ski one day and party it up in the hot tub and Metro Bar at Balmer’s hostel, go cliff jumping the next day and night sled that night (fondue dinner after), and then end the weekend at Seilpark (high ropes course) on Sunday.  Having the Bus2alps wristband gets you hooked up here all weekend!

February 2: Naples Day Trip

Day trips are a fun and easy way to see Italy.  With train tickets running upwards of 45 Euro one way, its smart to take a bus! Not only is it cheaper than the train but you also get a guide to show you the hot spots of Naples! I mean it’s where pizza originated…everyone has to check it out! 

February 11: Venice Carnival

Venice Carnival is crazy, definitely a must! When it came down to it I was not about to throw down 76 Euro ONE WAY for train tickets to Venice for the day.  Instead I would have bought Venice Carnival along with 2 other trips to get an extra 7% off and have a guide.  It’s definitely more economical and an overall better way to travel.

SPRING BREAK February 23: The Northern Loop (Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris)

Spring break already?! Yeah haven’t even put a dent into seeing Europe.  But now is the time to take full advantage of not having class and letting loose!Staying in 1 or 2 countries is just lame.  Europe is literally at your finger tips why not go as many places you can in the 10 days you have.  The Northern Loop is the dopest trip Bus2alps has to offer. Starting off in Prague then hitting up Berlin, Amsterdam AND Paris.  By spending 2 days in each places, there’s not a whole lot of time to pish posh with planning,  it’s definitely a smart idea to have guides with you who whats up with each city so you can take full advantage of your time there.  

March 1: London

London is an incredible city, but it’s huge.  When I went there independently I didn’t see nearly enough of the city due to to insufficient time for planning.  This is a great city- you don’t want to miss out.

March 8: Rome

Never a bad idea to get to know Italy while you’re in Italy! Why not take the weekend to visit Rome or Florence (depending on where you studying of course…).  Hit up us Bus2alps guides and we can show you a guide time in our respective cities.  

March 15: IRELAND ST. PATTY’S

Hostels will be booked or overpriced, this weekend will be crazy.  Don’t over pay for your last minute planning, that’s what we’re here for!

March 29: Scotland

Castles, sights, whiskey, golfing, good times and good vibes.  I made the terrible mistake of not visiting Scotland abroad and if I could do it all over again I would definitely fit it in my schedule in anyway possible.   

April 5: Greece Easter Weekend

What happens in Greece, stays in Greece. Enough said.

April 12: French Riv

Get to know another side of France! Be a high roller in Monte Carlo, Eze, and Nice!! Nothing beats getting some real beach time in in the south of France. 

April 19: Croatia

Europe’s best kept secret. Beach time, island hopping, pub crawls, being on boat. This is an impeccable weekend you’ll never forget. Definitely one of my top destinations as a student.

April 26: Amalfi Coast

ABSOLUTE MUST. After living it up in the big cities of Italy you owe it to yourself to check out the beach scene! It would be a mistake not to go with Bus2alps- it’s our most popular and award winning trip!

May 3: MUNICH SPRINGFEST

My favorite. Happiest place on earth. Beer, dirndls, sausages, pretzels, rides, life long friends and memories. What an amazing way to end a successful semester abroad.  I’m sure you heard about Oktoberfest, this is the same thing but in the Spring! 

Final Weekend: Chillin’ in your study abroad city!!  

Swimming in the green grotto in Capri, Amalfi Coast

Paragliding in Interlaken!!! Unforgettable experience!

Having fun at the IAMSTERDAM sign in Vodel Park!

The Northern Loop.

In Prague with my Bus2alps girls!