Last year I studied abroad in London, England and it was an amazing experience for me. Although I loved being in London, a huge part about studying abroad is traveling to other countries. Here are my top 5 favorite places I went to in case you’re looking for some travel inspiration.
1. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos was the first out of the three islands we visited while in Greece and it absolutely exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with this little island and it’s white cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and restaurant/bars on the water. Mykonos has the textbook island aesthetic with both a relaxing and party atmosphere which puts it at the top of my list.
2. Paris, France
This magical city of lights is one of those cities that is on most people’s bucket list (including mine). The romantic atmosphere, history, and the food are all reasons why people flock to Paris. My Paris bucket list included visiting The Louvre, The Palace of Versaille, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Love Lock Bridge. One of my favorite things I did while in Paris was picnicking in front of the Eiffel Tower, and also going to see it after midnight when the lights sparkle white. I also highly recommend taking the time to just wander the streets. Paris is a fantastic city with cute shops around every corner and by wandering you never know what you’ll come across next!
3. Portugal – Lisbon and Lagos
Lisbon is the coastal capital in central Portugal that reminds me of a combination between San Fransisco, California and the Almafi Coast. This lovely city is right on the water making it the perfect combination of coastal and city life. Lagos, on the other hand, is a town in the southern Algarve region and is strictly known for its stunning beaches. Portugal is not one of the typical destinations amongst study abroad students but it absolutely should be with its lively nightlife, rich culture, and fantastic beaches.
Sintra, Lisbon
Lagos
4. Venice, Italy
Going to Venice/ going to Italy, in general, has always been a dream of mine. With its whimsical gondolas and picturesque canals, how could you not want to explore this magical place? There’s absolutely nothing compared to seeing gondolas wade through the water against a backdrop of stunning architecture. I also went on a boat tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. After the tour and fun island hopping, we decided to grab some dinner and dessert which of course was pasta and gelato. To finish off this perfect day we headed to St. Marks Basilica and watched the sunset on the grand canal.
5. Seville, Spain
Traveling to Seville was a great experience thanks to its stunning architecture, beautiful language, fabulous weather, and delicious food. We decided to ride around on bikes to tour some of Seville’s famous spots like la Giralda (the cathedral), Metropol Parasol, and my favorite, Plaza de España. These are three places I would definitely recommend going to if you’re ever in this lovely city. These endless narrow streets lined with restaurants and quaint shops was one of my favorite parts of Seville.
If you’re studying abroad and want to learn more about my abroad adventures, check out my blog Ariel Across the Pond!