Winter Dash around Europe

Travel Itinerary

Stop 1: London, England

Stop 2: Paris, France

Stop 3: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Stop 4: Venice, Italy

Stop 5: Munich, Germany

Stop 6: Heidelberg, Germany

Stop 7: Amsterdam, Netherlands

7 countries in 11 days!

Brace yourselves, fellow wanderers, because here's the scoop: I've pulled off this whirlwind journey before on a different tour. Now, for all you fearless solo travelers, Europe is like the ultimate playground. Backpack your way through, meet a plethora of fascinating souls, and throw yourself into the world. You'll return home transformed, having mastered the art of enjoying your own company, navigating the unexpected twists like a boss, and forming friendships that last because, let's face it, you'll need someone to chat with eventually!

But, my dear comrades who find solace in the company of others, fear not! If the thought of planning your own odyssey seems as daunting as deciphering ancient hieroglyphics, or if the safety of a group sounds like music to your ears, hop on a tour! Sure, not everyone in the group might be your cup of tea, but hey, you might just stumble upon lifelong pals (or maybe even a partner – oh la la!) during your escapade. So, buckle up, buttercups, and let the laughter and friendships flow like the finest wine on this journey of epic proportions!

My Trip Highlights

LONDON, ENGLAND

London, oh, my dear chaotic love affair! Rain or shine (or that weird 3pm sunset in winter), this city is a bustling with endless excitement. There's always something to do, and I mean ALWAYS. London is like that friend who's always up for a wild time, no matter what your hobbies are. There are endless museums, Harry Potter shops and Sunday roasts finished with a Yorkshire pudding. It's a vibrant place where culture and history throw a party, and day trips are basically mandatory!

Now, let me spill the tea on the must-dos:

Sightseeing (even if you're not into the touristy stuff):

• Buckingham Palace – catch the Changing of the Guards at 10.45am (it lasts 45 minutes)

• Big Ben

• Tower Bridge

• Tower of London

• St Paul's Cathedral

• Hyde Park

• Westminster Abbey

• Trafalgar Square (for pigeons with attitude)

• Oxford and Regent Street

• Covent Garden

• Sky Garden

• Wander along the River Thames and get lost in the maze of pubs, alleys, and different districts!

• Must-do lunchtime adventures and market scavenger hunts:

• Camden Market

• Borough Market

• Leadenhall Market

• NOTTING HILL! By far my favourite area to walk around the houses and browse the shops (I couldn't afford anything but if you have the $$ spend away!)
  

Sightseeing in London

Now, for day trips that'll make your London adventure an epic saga:

• Brighton

• Bath

• Cotswolds

• Cambridge

• Stonehenge

• Seven Sisters

• And, just for kicks, why not jaunt off to Paris for a day? London's just a hop, skip, and a Eurostar away!

Day trips outside of London (Brighton, Cotswolds and Cambridge)

Even if you're not a public transport enthusiast, the train system is your magical carpet, ready to whisk you away to every nook and cranny. Google Maps is your genie – it tells you which train to catch, when it's coming, and even tracks your journey. Pure wizardry, I tell you!

If you are lucky enough to go in the winter season - explore the magic of Christmas, the Christmas markets and the decorated malls! The lights on each street will warm your heart and make the 3pm sunset worth it!

Christmas lights on Regent Street

PARIS, FRANCE

Ah, Paris – the city of love, history, and some seriously questionable driving (looking at you, Arc de Triomphe roundabout). Whether you're head over heels or toe-curlingly skeptical, the charm of this city is undeniable. So, channel your inner Emily in Paris for a day and brace yourself for a whirlwind of baguettes, cheese, and more berets than you can shake a croissant at.

Now, full disclosure: I'm not the Parisian president of the fan club, but on this trip, I decided to ditch the trains and strut my stuff through the city on foot. Why? Because the designer shops, unique stores and cafes are like a siren's call to any unsuspecting traveler!

Here's the lowdown on the must-see Parisian gems:

• Louvre Museum: A treasure trove of art and history. Just a heads up, you won't conquer it all in a day, so pick your artistic battles wisely.

• Cruise the Seine at night: a baguette, cheese, a bottle of wine, and the Eiffel Tower doing its sparkling disco thing. Pinch yourself, it's real.

• Arc de Triomphe: Marvel at its grandeur and try not to get run over in the world's most chaotic roundabout.

• Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris

• Tuileries Garden

• Musee Rodin

• Basilique du Sacre-Coeur

• Latin Quarter of Paris

• Moulin Rouge
  

Hot tip: what they say is true - learn some French and about their customs to avoid offending anyone (here are some):

• Never take wine to a dinner party as the host has chosen the perfect wine for the meal

• Double kiss on the cheek as a greeting

• Always say hello and goodbye (even when you're in a store)

• Enjoy a long lunch - The French value their leisure time and often take longer lunch breaks and enjoy more vacation time compared to some other cultures

• The French are known for their fashion sense so dress to impress.
  

So, whether you're sashaying down the Champs-Élysées or trying not to get lost in the Louvre (good luck with that), Paris will charm your socks off.

Paris Views

LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND

Get ready to dive into the land where the cows are the happiest on earth, the mountains have taken up modeling, and fondue cheese performs acrobatic feats that would put Cirque du Soleil to shame. Yes, we're talking about Switzerland – where the air is as crisp as a fresh baguette and the chocolate is, well, a whole different level of divine.

My Tips:

1. Cheese Fondue: When in Switzerland, consider it a civic duty to have fondue. It's not just a meal; it's a full-contact sport. Dive into that bubbling cheese like you're searching for hidden treasure, and remember, no survivors – I mean, no crumb left behind!

2. Take the Cable Car to Murren: Forget regular transportation; here, we ride in style. Hop on a cable car to Murren and marvel at the scenery. Pro tip: Bring sunglasses; the views are so bright, you might need to wear shades.

3. Ride the Glacier Express: All aboard the Glacier Express, the Swiss Alps' version of a rollercoaster for thrill-seeking mountain enthusiasts. Hold onto your chocolate – it's going to be a wild ride (not really it's a really slow train)!

4. Eat All the Chocolate: Forget counting calories; in Switzerland, we count cocoa percentages. There's no such thing as too much chocolate. Your mission, should you choose to accept it: indulge until you turn cocoa-colored.

5. Buy a Cow Bell or a Swiss Army Knife: Because nothing says "I conquered Switzerland" like a cow bell serenade or fixing all your life problems with a Swiss Army Knife.
   

Warning: The Price Tag Reality Check. Yes, Switzerland is a magical wonderland, but it comes at a cost – literally. The scenery might be priceless, but your wallet might feel like it's been on a bungee jump without the rebound. So, budget wisely, my friends, because those mountain views come with a VIP ticket.

If you can't afford a personal helicopter tour, fear not! Switzerland's magic is accessible by foot. Strap on those hiking boots, hit the trails around town, scale the mountains, and dance under the waterfalls – you're in for an adventure so epic, even the cows will give you a standing ovation (or a standing moo-vation).

Views of Lauterbrunnen

Shop out Miss Daisy Collection inspired by the happiest cows on earth!

Shop Miss Daisy

VENICE, ITALY

Prepare to be transported to a realm where every street is a canal, every corner a picturesque marvel, and where getting around involves a boat, not a bus. Yes, dear readers, Venice is not just the sinking city – it's a floating masterpiece, a watery wonderland that left me utterly enchanted.

This city surprised me in ways I never imagined. Did you know that police, construction crews, and basically any service that wishes to grace Venice needs to navigate the winding waterways by boat? It's like a nautical ballet of everyday life – how cool is that?

My insider tip? Venture to Venice in winter. The streets are serene, devoid of the bustling crowds, and you can genuinely embrace every nook and cranny this city has to offer without booking months in advance. It's Venice like you've never seen before – yours to explore without the summer swarm.

Venetian Must-Dos:

1. Eat Pasta and Drink Aperol: Because when in Venice, you're practically obligated to indulge in the rich pasta dishes and sip Aperol like it's liquid gold. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary symphony.

2. St. Mark's Square: Splash around as the water gently floods the square. Pro tip: Invest in some stylish boots to protect your shoes – you'll thank me later.

3. Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal: Iconic, breathtaking, and a sensory overload. Stroll the Rialto Bridge, cruise the Grand Canal, and let the architecture serenade your soul.

4. Libreria Acqua Alta: A book lover's dream! Books in bathtubs, bridges made of books – it's like stepping into a literary wonderland.

5. Gelati: Ice cream in Venice is practically an art form. Sample the flavors, savor the sweetness, and indulge in frozen perfection.
   

For first-timers, throw the map away and just wander (but take note of where you're heading because phones don't work too well in the alley ways). Let the labyrinthine streets guide you. If you've been before, catch a boat to one of the islands at sunset – witness Venice draped in the warm hues of dusk, a view so beautiful, even the Venetians themselves would applaud. Every canal tells a story, where each bridge is a piece of art, and where even getting lost becomes a part of the adventure.

Wandering Venice

MUNICH, GERMANY

Beers, beers, beers! Guten tag, beer enthusiasts and welcome to the hoppy haven, the malt mecca, the land where the brews flow like water – yes, we're talking about Munich! If you've ever dreamed of a place where beer is practically a second language and pretzels are currency, well, you've stumbled upon the promised land.

Pro Tips:

1. Beers and Brats: a frothy beer, a juicy bratwurst, and a hearty chuckle - the holy trinity.

2. Hofbräuhaus: the Disneyland of beer gardens, where the mugs are bigger than your face, and the oompah band plays the soundtrack to your hoppiest dreams.

3. Beer Festivals: Because One Oktoberfest Isn't Enough: Munich takes its beer festivals seriously. From Oktoberfest to Frühlingsfest, it's like the city is in a perpetual state of merriment. Forget a year – Munich operates on a beer calendar.
   

Beer-Soaked Must-Do's in Munich

1. Beer Gardens Tour: From the iconic Englischer Garten to the lesser-known gems, embark on a beer garden tour. Pretzel in one hand, beer in the other – you're officially a Munich local.

2. Beer Purity Law Crash Course: Dive into the rich history of beer at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. Spoiler: Beer purity laws are more complicated than your last relationship.

3. Beer-Infused City Views: Scale the Olympiaturm for panoramic views of Munich. Bonus points if you count how many beer gardens you can spot from above.

Stein-worthy Germany

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY

If you've ever fantasized about stepping into a real-life storybook, Heidelberg is the enchanted city that'll make you feel like you're auditioning for the next Disney princess role. Spoiler alert: There are no evil stepmothers, but there might be a wicked uphill climb involved.

The real adventure begins with the uphill pilgrimage to Heidelberg Palace. The burn in your thighs? Consider it the price of admission to the kingdom of epic views and historical wonders. Once you've scaled the heights, Heidelberg Palace unveils itself like the grand finale of a Disney fireworks show. The Old Bridge stretches before you like a magical pathway, and the views are so Instagram-worthy that even Snow White would consider a career change to social media influencer.

Must Do's of Heidelberg:

1. The Castle Waltz: Take a stroll through the castle grounds, where history whispers from every stone.

2. Old Bridge Gazing: The Old Bridge isn't just a bridge; it's a poetic masterpiece.

3. History Buff Heaven: Dive into the rich history of Heidelberg.

Views of Heidelberg

While I didn't spend too much time in Heidelberg, the mere glimpse was like flipping through the pages of a magical pop-up book. So, dear traveler, if you find yourself on a Heidelberg stopover, lace up those hiking boots, embrace the uphill challenge, and prepare for a fairytale adventure that will leave you with not just memories but also buns of steel.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Welcome to the city where anything goes, the windmills twirl, and clogs are more fashionable than a tulip in spring – yes, we're diving headfirst into the wacky wonderland of Amsterdam! Buckle up, folks; it's going to be a ride wilder than a canal boat in a tulip storm.

My must do's in Amsterdam:

1. Anne Frank's House: Book well in advance as this books out any time of year.

2. Canal Cruise: Forget luxury yachts; in Amsterdam, we cruise in cozy canal boats. It's the best way to see the city without breaking a sweat (unless you count all the cheese tasting).

3. Museum Marathons: The museums here are like a cultural Olympics. Choose what you want to learn about and dive in.

4. Biking Bonanza: Rent a bike, they said. It'll be fun, they said. Little did I know, biking in Amsterdam is no leisurely ride.

5. Zaanse Schans – Visit the windmill village in Holland

6. Clog Crafting Spectacle: Watch in awe as artisans turn chunks of wood into the most stylish footwear known to mankind – the legendary Dutch clog.
   

For the uncharted wonders that Amsterdam hides, I'll leave you without a roadmap. Just remember to stay safe, be as wild as the windmills, and if you find yourself in a clog shop at midnight, blame the magic of Amsterdam. Happy adventures, you wild tulip!

Amsterdam

So there you have it! Europe travels in under 2 weeks!