In LESS THAN ONE MONTH, I will be moving to Spain. Now seems like a fitting time to reflect on all of the things I’d like to do here in the USA before heading out. However, when I try to make that list in my mind it mostly ends up being about all the different foods I want to eat one last time before I leave…. So, yea. I won’t put you through that.Instead, I decided to make a quick list of all the places I hope to visit in Europe this year. I’m being super strategic about this. Like, looking at a map of Europe off Google and choosing whatever sounds interesting to me for whatever arbitrary reason. Must be the scientist in me.
Spain – I want to explore as much of Spain as possible. I mean, I’m going to be there for nearly a year! If I had to list places I surely intend to go: Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Segovia.
Morocco – I’ll be so close to it, and have heard rave reviews!
Paris, France – I have been to Europe three times, once directly in France. Yet I somehow managed to skip Paris every time. Not for long!
Italy – I’m not over it. Not only do I want to return to Rome and Naples (for some more Eat, Pray, Love pizza!), I also want to hit Venice, Milan, Verona, Tuscany, Florence, Pisa, Sicily. If I get a long enough break at some point I’m contemplating just backpacking through Italy.
Netherlands – Amsterdam (because why not), Belgium (because chocolates and waffles, right?)
Denmark – Because I remember reading it’s about the happiest place on the planet, and who doesn’t want that?
UK – Scotland. Oxford. And London – I loved it and vowed to be back in warmer weather. Plus, Harry Potter.
Dublin, Ireland – Just as I was fascinated with Italy and felt it drawing me in for years, I am now drawn toward Ireland. Dublin sounds like the place for me to check out in Ireland.
Budapest, Hungary – ‘Paris of the East’ (right?)
Prague, Czech Republic – I hear great things about this one
Greece – Athens and Santorini. Obvs have to go now that the Kardashians have been there. (I only hate myself a little for saying that). Seriously though, I’d love a week to relax in beautiful Greece.
Well, there you have it. My very ambitious travel aims for the year. Did I leave anything out that you think should not be skipped? Is there anything on my list not worth the visit? Let me know!
Balancing Act 
Girl you have to visit Portugal it is such a beautiful country with nice weather, friendly people who talk so loud your eardrums burst and YUMMY food! However if you do go to Paris there is a Portuguese Restaurant in ST Cloud (i think) which is called ‘Pedra Alta’ be sure to go in the early afternoon because it is a QUEUE just to go and eat it is lovely
-You definitely can’t miss Paris this time it is the best city ever be sure to visit- Chatelet, Saint michel and the tower of Montparnasse! Also don’t waste all your time just visiting the eiffel tower/champs elysée there’s more to Paris than just that!
🙂
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I think I can make Portugal happen! I’m worried about the language barrier though. I’ve read they prefer it if you don’t speak Spanish there. Is that right? If I can get by with English I’ll be good!
And I will certainly try to branch out the experience in Paris. Thanks for the tips 🙂
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YAY! Good on you. Don’t worry all the young people can speak really god English there so you will be fine. Well some Portuguese people don’t like the Spaniard BUT if you are really in a pickle and you find no one that doesn’t speak English then by any means say it Spanish at least they will be able to understand you!
And p.s don’t fall for the little over priced souvenirs that are sold on the streets!
enjoy your trip! 🙂
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How lovely you will be living in Spain! 🙂 Visit whole Europe, it is great. I love your wanderlust and blog. I am following you!
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My wife and me are going to move to Sicily in October and we plan to do a lot of hiking there and in the rest of Italy. You are welcome to stop by or join us! Here’s my Couchsurfing profile: https://www.couchsurfing.org/people/andreas_lawyer/
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I will surely keep this in mind, thank you!
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Portugal and Morocco are by far the easiest countries to get to and will be worth the trip! if you want to know more about where you can visit in Spain, I highly highly recommend sevilla! all the Spanish stereotypes are alive and well there and then when you’re done with that, head to Barcelona! Granada is a close one too, because of Alhambra.
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I definitely would like to check out Sevilla as well – have been reading so many good things about it!
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