Although I am young, I am a seasoned traveler. This blog is about the international trips that shaped me. My parents were the kind of people that thought you should travel far and often. Because of those beliefs and their hard work, I have been to most of the US and some international countries. All my travels have impacted me and made me who I am today.
I believe everyone should have my parent’s philosophy, “Travel as far as you can and as often as possible.”
I genuinely mean it when I say international travel is a must for everyone. Here are my stories so far.
Where I Have Traveled Internationally
And What Was My Favorite Country
England
My first actual international trip. The one that made me fall in love with it all. I have family in England, and when my dad was given the chance to go for work, my mom and I went with him. I was supposed to be going into my first week of middle school, but my parents knew I would get more out of traveling, so I skipped it.
We stayed in a tiny town named Marlow, about an hour and a half out from London. It was quaint and just about as long as a downtown street for the most part. Think of it like the town from Gilmore girls. I have dreamed of living in a small town like it ever since.
England is exciting and calming, all put together. The mix of modern and classic buildings in London reminds you of how long the city has watched over people and cultures as they’ve grown and changed.
London is a must-see location because of how well-known it is, and there are many great shops, parks, entertainment, and history to explore and learn about firsthand. Pro-tip if you ever go to Europe and see an ice cream or sweets shop get a vanilla ice cream cone with a chocolate Cadbury flake stick in them. You won’t regret it!
However, if you want to find more than just the big cities, please go to the countryside. The rolling green hills, the little towns, and the atmosphere are what I know the real England is like. Not the tourist sites, but where the people live and thrive, is where you will truly feel like you have been a part of England.
Below are some pictures from my second journey to England in 2016.
France
Paris is gorgeous and moody (but in the best way), but it was scary initially. The architecture has remained prominent for decades, making you feel like you are a part of history somehow.
Speaking of history, make sure to spend a whole day at the Louvre. I am not the biggest art gallery person, but I was absolutely enamored with the Louvre museum and wish we could’ve stayed all day instead of only a couple of hours.
You might think you can explore the whole city within a couple of days, but as soon as you think that’s all, you’ll find something new. On the last day of our trip, we thought we had seen everything, but we found a brand new side of Paris, a little up the street from us. Look for the side streets; they can lead into a maze of stores and restaurants you never would’ve known existed without journeying off the beaten path.
So Katie, why did you also say Paris was Scary?
A few areas can be sketchy, but there are plenty of ways to resolve those fears. For example, the Paris Metro can be worrisome, but if you adopt the look of I don’t care and just have a resting mean face, you’ll be left alone. Which, by the end of the trip, will make you feel proud and able to be completely independent.
Pickpocketing and theft is a real problem in Paris, so always be wary of this. One tip, especially if you’re American, NEVER leave your phone in your back pocket. Locals will yell at you for this if they see a phone in your back pocket. But, whether or not Parisians think tourists are dumb, they will help you when you need it, whether you know you are in trouble or not.
My favorite part of Paris was how bright everything was, lots of simple but loud colors, and the open-minded community. As well as the interesting street art, which yes, is actually art. My time in Paris, France, was brief, but I am so excited to go back one day to explore more of its beauty.
Below are some pictures from my adventure to Paris in 2016.
Ireland
Ahh, Ireland. Now, this was the trip that changed it all. This trip is why you are reading this sentence!
Ireland is a great country to go to if you want/can only take a few days off for vacation. It only takes 13 hours to drive around the country, but it is a place you will want to devote multiple days to, if not more.
I spent nine days there and still only saw around five towns, and I wish I had spent more time in each. One of my major goals in life is to go back and live there for at least a month.
Ireland is one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever visited. I went in late August and early September and was blessed with the most incredible weather. The number of times my breath was taken away by the culture and the land was unreal. The cities, the cliffs, the beaches, the grassy knolls, and more are a sight to behold.
Everyone is so lovely and warm. Every night was a party with music, laughter, dancing, and alcohol at the local pubs. Talk to a native, and they might try to mess with you about Leprechaun stories or find out where you’ve been, but they will be kind and help you with whatever you might need.
Below are some pictures from my trip to Ireland in 2022.
What Was My Favorite Country?
So far, it’s Ireland, but I might be biased because it was my first solo trip. I made so many friends and went out of my comfort zone. I came back with a knowledge of what I wanted out of life and what I had to do to get what I wanted. However, Ireland’s beauty and culture will be hard to beat.
International Wrap Up
All of these countries are well worth the trip. They’ve all changed me to be more open-minded and curious. Adventure takes you out of your comfort zone; sometimes, that’s how you make the best memories and meet your forever people. I’m forever grateful for my international travel experiences so far and excited for the ones I will go on in 2023.
If you want more tips on international travel, follow along and subscribe to get notified of all the blogs I post.
