Barcelona, Spain

Ya'll, Barcelona is the most relaxing, fun, magical place. Barcelona marked the end of my European trip and it was everything I needed. After visiting cities that hold many "must do" sites and activities it was so refreshing to end in a city where the beach was the "must do." It feels like there is no time or schedule in Barcelona, everything moves at a slow pace. Meals can last hours as you are present with your food and friends rather than watching the time to move on. Siestas are a gift of God. Tapas are the food of God. 

Stay

I stayed in the Generator Barcelona, a hostel, hotel, and lounge all in one. It was budget friendly, so clean, and perfect for instagrams. The hotel/hostel combo allows for any age guest to stay and the lounge and restaurant below makes sure you can always get food and always have something to do. The lounge isn't a popular place for locals, but I met many other travelers there which provided a perfect setting for swapping stories. It is also located in close proximity to the fashion district, holla. 

Do

Take a bike ride along the Mediterranean. I signed up for a bike tour along the Mediterranean and it is one of the greatest adventures I have ever gone on. Guys, I didn't even really know how to ride a bike before going on this. It was incredible. And a lot of people can't say that they have biked along the Mediterranean. The tour itself lasted for about two and a half - three hours with a mid bike swimming break. My tour guide was so interesting and fun and I also got a discounted rate on bike rental after the tour - so I just kept riding. Definitely a can't miss. (Check it out at ibikedbarcelona.com

Can't Miss

Parc de Guel 

Montjuic Cable Car 

Sailboat Cruise

Magic Fountain

La Sagrada Familia

Eat

Mercat La Boqueria  - open market, beautiful fresh food!

La Roseta - super cute cafe, perfect for breakfast

La Cholita - tapas!!

La Ciel de Sarria - little pricey, but so worth it! Great seafood!!

Paris, France

Motto for this trip: treat yo' self

What a dream Paris was. Before leaving for the city of love I heard nerve wracking stories of gypsies and pickpockets and how dirty the city is - don't believe...well do, but don't. I woke up every morning in this city feeling like I was living in a fairytale. I found all the locals I met to be wonderful, kind people who loved life to the fullest. You'll see people sharing their lives over a bottle of fine wine, slow dancing in the streets, drooling over elegant window displays, and savoring decadent food. Paris is the dreamiest. 

Stay

I stayed in a IBIS Budget hotel in Saint-Ouen, five minutes from the Garibaldi metro station. It wasn't a great location and I do not recommend it if you are traveling by yourself, but it was clean, cheap, and provided a good breakfast. This area is pretty poor and very, very dirty. But, there are some kick butt bakeries right by the hotel. 

Do

Get a lock for your purse and don't talk to gypsies!!!! Seriously. I just bought a plain lock from Walmart and strapped it on my purse zipper and around my strap. Gypsies are out there and they want to take all of your money. Don't sign any petitions either. If someone asks you if you speak English fake your best French accent and say "No" hurriedly and walk away!

Can't Miss

Seine River Cruise

Eiffel Tower at midnight

Palace of Versailles

The Louvre 

Fragonard Perfume Museum

Notre Dame 

Shopping on Champs Elysees - Go to Tiffany's. 

Eat

Just eat everything. Everything is good. But definitely...

L'Escargot - When in France 

Crepes - you'll see stands everywhere!

Hot dog on buttered baguette - right behind the Notre Dame there is a little lady with a cart, get one from her, maybe two...probably three. Incredible. 

Ladurée Macarons - treat yo' self.

London + Oxford, England

When I thought about stepping off the plane at Heathrow I imagined swimming in a world full of crisp button downs, beautiful accents, and a lot of rain. While, I was right about two of those things, London surprise me by being almost identical to Washington D.C. with the exception of the accents, currency, and driving on the left side of the road. My time in London was a whirlwind between exploring, Harry Potter tours, and even a pub crawl my time in London went by way too fast and I cannot wait for the day that I step back into the Burberry catalog. 

Where to Stay

I highly recommend, if you are a young traveler like me, to stay at the Astor Hyde Park Hostel. Not only is it a beautiful and grand Victorian era town house, but it is located in a great neighborhood and within a five minute walk to Astor Hyde Park, Natural History Museum, and the metro. The hostel has a great common room and houses all young travelers. I loved every second of staying there, just beware that there are no elevators. So if you stay on the top floor and overpack like me find a boy. 

Do

Do go to Stonehenge and Oxford!! It's a little bit of a bus ride, but SO worth it. Trust me, Stonehenge is so much better in person than as your screen saver. And if Harry Potter and beautiful architecture are your thing then you will love Oxford. I just went for the day, but I would highly recommend doing an overnight!

Can't Miss

Astor Hyde Park

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace 

The London Eye

London Harry Potter Tour & King's Cross Station

Big Ben, obviously

Eat/Drink

Poppies Fish and Chips - you have to

Ruby Blue  - super cool and more upscale, awesome balcony

Bar Soho - more causal, very quirky and hip