This past year I was lucky enough to do a semester abroad on exchange to Milan, Italy, and it was an absolute blast! Being my first time in Europe, I definitely took advantage of how easy travelling around the continent was and managed to visit 20 different countries and 31 cities (yes, my wallet isn’t doing so well but my heart is happy!). Even though they were all amazing in their own way, I figured I’d put together a list of some of my favourites that I think are worth going to based on what you want to see!
If you’re looking for Kool-Aid-blue water…
You have to visit Malta! This tiny country/island South of Italy was recommended to me by a friend who had just come back from exchange and raved about it to no end as being hands-down his favourite spot. I definitely had high expectations going into it, and was not disappointed! It’s really easy to get around in Malta because of how small it is, and you can easily see everything in a weekend trip, so I definitely recommend checking it out.
If you’re looking for views that will take your breath away…
Layover in Iceland! Europe is far and long plane rides are not my favourite thing in the world to say the least, so when I found out that I had to layover in Iceland, I figured I’d make the most of it by extending my stop for two days and exploring Reykjavik for a bit. It turned out to be one of my absolute top places out of everywhere I visited, and I wish that I stayed longer! In my short time there, I went to the Blue Lagoon and explored the inside of a glacier, and the views were unreal and unlike anything I had ever seen before.
If you’re looking for the best of both worlds…
Take a stop in Budapest, Hungary! This underrated European city is quickly becoming one of the most popular places to visit in Europe, and there’s a good reason for it! I loved my time in Budapest because it’s a great mix of a charming old town with a modern flare – one minute you’ll be walking through cobblestone pathways and the next you’ll be strolling along a shopping district with some top-name retailers.
If you’re looking for a quaint little town…
Take a day trip to Sirmione, Italy! Going to school in Milan, I had the luxury of making the most of Italy’s extensive train network by going on a bunch on day trips. One place that will always have a special place in my heart is the town of Sirmione. Surrounded by water, I found that each part of this little town reminded me of a different place in Europe which was impressive considering how tiny it was!
If you’re looking for a night under the stars…
Go on a desert tour in Morocco! Never would I have imagined that I would end up in Africa at one point, but I’m glad I did. My friends and I ventured to Morocco where we travelled through Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and spent a night in the Sahara Desert. You’ll probably spend a lot of time in a car/train on this trip, but it’s well worth it when you’re lying down in the sand dunes in the pitch black and looking up at all the stars.
If you’re looking to travel solo for the first time…
Make your way to London, England! Travelling alone was something that I knew I wanted to do but was a little hesitant about. One of the best places to do it in for the first time is London because you won’t have to deal with a language barrier, their transit system is great, and there’s so much to do! From typical tourist spots, to finding my way around “the Tube”, and discovering some amazing restaurants, I had the best time perusing around by myself.
If you’re looking for some cheap eats…
Head off to Prague, Czech Republic! Not only is the traditional cuisine absolutely delicious, but you can find nearly any type of food that you’re craving at stellar prices here. As an avid foodie, I can confidently say that I had some of the best food on my exchange in Prague! Make sure to try Trdelnik, which is a cone of dough sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar goodness, and get it freshly made for extra goodness!
*all photos taken from @adelightfuldilemma