Traveling in Europe during my college years was one of the most exciting and learning experiences of my life. It wasn’t just about seeing beautiful places and famous landmarks. It was also about learning, growing, and stepping out of my comfort zone. From navigating foreign cities to meeting people from all walks of life, every moment taught me something valuable.
In this post, I’ll share the lessons I learned during my trip, including a valuable lesson about safety. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or just curious about traveling, I hope my story inspires you to explore and grow.
Looking for a Fresh Start
During my junior year at The University of Texas at Austin, I was facing a tough time. and I felt lost about what to study. I had already changed my major six times, and graduating seemed far away. Eventually, I chose Sociology as my major and Spanish as my minor.
Unlike my siblings, who pursued medical careers, studying was always hard for me. To make things harder, I was also dealing with heartbreak from a recent breakup with my first boyfriend.
Looking for a change, I decided to study Spanish for the summer at the University of Salamanca in Spain. The exchange program offered the opportunity to stay with host families and immerse myself in a new culture. It was also my first time traveling in Europe, and the idea of exploring a new country was thrilling. It was exactly the fresh start I needed.
Life in Salamanca, Spain
After saving diligently from my part-time restaurant job, I finally signed up for a once-in-a-lifetime college trip to Europe. The anticipation was overwhelming as we landed in Salamanca, where I would spend six weeks with my host family. They were a young couple in medical school with a cute one-year-old son. Their small home in a charming town felt incredibly cozy, and their warm hospitality made me feel at ease right away.
I shared a room with my roommate, and our accommodation was conveniently close to the university, making it easy to walk to classes. The University of Salamanca, with its centuries-old buildings, exuded history and charm.
Life in Salamanca was a refreshing change from my usual routine. I spent my evenings exploring the town, enjoying the lively bars, and experiencing the local culture. Adapting to the Spanish tradition of siesta added an interesting rhythm to my day. This experience was unlike anything I had ever known, but it became a treasured and unforgettable chapter in my life.
Lesson Learned While Traveling in Europe
One weekend while traveling in Europe, I learned a tough but valuable lesson. My friends and I took a train from Salamanca to Madrid, Spain, and then switched to a bus to reach our destination. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. I soon discovered my wallet had been stolen, most likely during the bus ride. Being young and inexperienced, I was shocked and devastated.
Although the wallet didn’t contain much cash, losing my passport was a major problem. We reported the theft to the police in Madrid, who explained that thieves often toss unwanted items in specific areas after taking the money.
Once I returned to Salamanca, I contacted the police station. To my relief, they had found my wallet with everything intact except for the cash. Getting my passport back felt like a stroke of luck! This experience taught me an important lesson about being more cautious in busy tourist areas. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
Traveling Solo in Europe
After finishing my study abroad program in Salamanca, I decided to go on a six-week solo backpacking trip around Europe. Looking back, I didn’t have a set plan or specific destinations in mind. With just a Eurail pass and a sense of adventure, I started my journey in France, inspired by the idea of seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower.
When I arrived in France, things didn’t go as smoothly as I hoped. As I stepped off the train, a young man began following me and speaking French, which I couldn’t understand. Feeling uncomfortable, I quickly found a group of other backpackers to stick with until I lost him. This experience taught me an important lesson about staying cautious, especially as a young woman traveling alone.
From France, I continued my journey across Europe, meeting fascinating people along the way, like two Swedish brothers I met in the Netherlands. To save money, I mostly took night trains and stayed in budget-friendly hostels for backpackers. These experiences added to the charm of my trip, allowing me to explore countries like Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium while keeping my costs low.
Life Lessons from Traveling in Europe
After three months of traveling solo in Europe, I returned home with unforgettable memories and learned invaluable lessons about safety. Each country I visited offered unique experiences that pushed me to grow. Navigating challenges like language barriers and unfamiliar places helped me build confidence and resilience.
At a young age, this journey taught me so much about myself and the world, making it one of the most life-changing adventures of my life. Traveling solo in Europe showed me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown, leaving me with memories I will always treasure.
Check out my post about my recent solo trip across Asia, including unforgettable adventures in Vietnam and Cambodia!
