Europe 2022
My Solo Backpacking Adventure Through Europe (2022): Returning to the Place That Felt Like Home
In October 2022, just a few months after graduating from college, I finally did something I had been thinking about ever since returning home from studying abroad—I went back to Europe.
During my junior year, I had spent three unforgettable months studying in Siena, Italy. Leaving Europe at the end of that semester was incredibly difficult. I knew I wasn't finished exploring it, and after graduation, I decided there was no better time to return. Armed with a backpack, a camera, and a one-way ticket, I set off on a two-and-a-half-month solo journey across Europe.
Florence, Italy – Returning to My Favorite City
On October 26, 2022, I landed in Florence after flying from Medford, Oregon, with a layover in Paris. Stepping back into Italy immediately felt familiar. Florence has always been my favorite city—not just in Italy, but in all of Europe.
Everything about it captivates me: the Renaissance architecture, the incredible food, the centuries of history, and the relaxed atmosphere that seems to exist around every corner.
One of the best decisions I made was traveling in late October. The weather hovered around a perfect 75°F, and unlike the crowded summer months, the streets were comfortably busy without feeling overwhelming.
I didn't have a strict itinerary. My goal throughout the entire trip was simple: walk everywhere.
I wandered through narrow cobblestone streets with my camera in hand, photographing anything that caught my attention. Whether it was the magnificent Duomo rising above the skyline, locals enjoying coffee at neighborhood cafés, or sunlight reflecting off centuries-old buildings, Florence constantly rewarded me with beautiful moments that couldn't be planned.
Bergamo and Lecco – Reconnecting with Friends
After Florence, I boarded a train north to Bergamo.
A close friend I had met while studying abroad had moved there for work, and seeing her again after several years made the visit especially meaningful. She introduced me to her new city, which had a completely different personality than Florence.
Bergamo felt quieter and more intimate. The historic upper city, with its massive cathedral and medieval walls overlooking the valley below, offered incredible views and a fascinating glimpse into northern Italy's history.
One of the highlights of my time there was taking a day trip to Lecco, a beautiful town on the southeastern branch of Lake Como.
The lake looked almost unreal. Crystal-clear blue water stretched toward the mountains, creating one of the most peaceful landscapes I had ever seen. We spent the day walking along the waterfront, taking photos, enjoying incredible Italian food, and simply appreciating the scenery.
One thing I learned during my time in Italy is that it's genuinely difficult to find a bad meal. Everywhere seemed to serve amazing food.
Milan – An Unexpected Setback
My next destination was Milan.
Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, I became incredibly sick. I'm still not sure whether I picked something up during one of my train rides, but whatever it was left me confined to my room for nearly a week.
It wasn't the experience I had imagined for one of Italy's largest cities, but travel doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes the unexpected becomes part of the story.
Paris – Exploring the City of Light
Once I recovered, I flew to Paris.
A friend of mine was working there in the fashion industry, so although she spent much of the day at work, she gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the city on my own.
I wandered through the Louvre, admired the Eiffel Tower, relaxed in the Luxembourg Gardens, and simply walked for miles through Parisian neighborhoods.
I even tried escargot for the first time—a meal I never imagined myself ordering.
By this point, autumn had fully arrived, and I quickly realized I had packed far too lightly. Paris was much colder than Italy, and I spent much of my visit bundled up and wishing I had brought a heavier jacket.
Still, my favorite memories came after sunset.
Walking through Paris at night is unlike anywhere else. The city glows under thousands of lights, cafés remain lively, and seeing the Eiffel Tower illuminated against the night sky is something I'll never forget.
Berlin – History by Day, Nightlife by Night
From Paris, I continued east to Berlin, where I met up with my longtime friend Corinne, who was studying abroad there.
She showed me around the city, introducing me to both its historical landmarks and its famous nightlife.
Experiencing Berlin's club scene was definitely memorable. Clubs didn't even begin filling up until around two in the morning, and I remember standing in line half asleep wondering how everyone else still had so much energy.
Beyond the nightlife, I was surprised by how modern and diverse Berlin felt. English was spoken almost everywhere, making it easy to navigate, and the city's blend of history, contemporary architecture, and culture made it one of the most unique stops on my trip.
London – A Blend of History and Modern Life
Next came London.
The city moved at an entirely different pace. Everywhere I looked, people were rushing somewhere.
I spent my time visiting iconic landmarks including Westminster, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and several museums. I continued my favorite travel routine: walking for hours with my camera, photographing historic buildings and soaking in the city's atmosphere.
London beautifully balances centuries of history with modern city life.
If there was one disappointment, it was the food. After weeks of eating in Italy and France, British cuisine simply didn't compare. Thankfully, there were plenty of international restaurants that made up for it.
Manchester – A Dream for a Football Fan
Before leaving England, I made one final stop.
As a lifelong Manchester United supporter, visiting Old Trafford had always been on my bucket list.
After taking the train from London to Manchester, I transferred to a tram and then walked—lugging all of my bags—for what felt like forever because I accidentally chose the wrong stop.
To make things even more interesting, a major rugby event was taking place nearby, so I found myself weaving through massive crowds while carrying everything I owned.
Eventually, I reached Old Trafford.
I sat outside the stadium for nearly half an hour, taking it all in. After watching Manchester United for years from across the world, finally seeing the stadium in person made every step worth it.
That evening, I returned to the airport, only to discover there wasn't a comfortable place to spend the night, so I booked a nearby hotel before catching my early morning flight.
Lisbon – Color, Warmth, and a Reminder of Home
After the cold temperatures of Berlin and London, arriving in Lisbon felt like stepping into spring again. The weather was perfect—warm enough to spend entire days outside—and it immediately lifted my spirits.
What surprised me most about Lisbon was how colorful everything was.
The city seemed to glow. Bright orange rooftops stretched across the hills, while many of the buildings were decorated with beautiful blue-and-white ceramic tiles that gave every street its own personality. Everywhere I looked, there was color, character, and life.
Being a coastal city, Lisbon also introduced me to some incredible seafood. Nearly every meal felt fresh, and there was something special about eating while overlooking the water after weeks of traveling across Europe.
I spent my days doing what had become my favorite part of traveling: walking without a destination. I wandered through neighborhoods, watched the historic yellow trams climb the city's steep hills, admired the old buildings, and photographed anything that caught my eye.
Since my trip happened during Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from my parents back home wishing me a happy holiday. For a brief moment, I felt homesick. It was strange celebrating Thanksgiving thousands of miles away from my family.
But at the same time, I realized how lucky I was to be experiencing a completely different part of the world. The feeling passed quickly as I continued exploring the city.
One of my favorite photographs from the entire trip actually came from Lisbon.
I spotted an older man sitting outside his apartment in a bright red chair, quietly snacking while enjoying the afternoon. I tried to discreetly capture the moment, but he noticed me immediately and wasn't thrilled about it. After apologizing, I continued on my way, but the photograph perfectly captured the everyday life that made Lisbon feel so authentic.
Seville – Spain at Its Finest
From Portugal, I headed into southern Spain to visit Seville.
If I had to describe Seville in one word, it would simply be breathtaking.
The weather was nearly perfect, the streets were clean, and the people were incredibly welcoming. The slower pace of life made it easy to settle in and enjoy every day.
One destination I had been looking forward to was Plaza de España, famous for appearing in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. Standing there in person felt surreal after seeing it on screen for so many years.
Of course, no visit to Spain would be complete without trying the local food.
The tapas quickly became one of my favorite meals of the entire trip, especially when paired with a glass of fresh sangria after a long day of walking.
Seville became my favorite destination for solo travel. It was relaxed without ever feeling boring, lively without being overwhelming, and beautiful around every corner. If someone asked me for one city in Spain that they absolutely had to visit, Seville would always be my answer.
Madrid – New Friends and Unforgettable Memories
My next stop was Madrid.
The city looked completely different from what I had imagined. It was much hillier than I expected, with grand buildings, wide boulevards, and a vibrant energy that filled every neighborhood.
While staying at a hostel, I met a group of travelers from around the world. One of the best parts of solo travel is how quickly strangers can become friends, and that's exactly what happened in Madrid.
We cooked meals together, explored the city, shared stories from our travels, and enjoyed Madrid's nightlife.
Traveling alone can sometimes feel lonely, so finding people you genuinely connect with makes those moments even more meaningful.
I still think about those friends today and hope life has treated them well.
Barcelona – A Different Side of Spain
From Madrid, I continued east to Barcelona.
Barcelona immediately stood out because of its unique architecture and colorful streets. The city had a completely different personality than Madrid or Seville.
Although it was cooler than I expected, I still spent time walking along the beach and exploring the waterfront. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were fantastic, and I could easily imagine how alive the city must become during the summer months.
It was one of the busiest cities I visited, constantly buzzing with energy from morning until late at night.
Returning to Florence
As my journey slowly came to an end, I realized there was one place I couldn't leave Europe without visiting one last time.
Florence.
Returning felt less like visiting another destination and more like coming home.
This time, I wasn't rushing to see attractions or searching for the perfect photograph. I simply slowed down, enjoyed the cafés, wandered familiar streets, and appreciated everything the city had given me over the years.
Sometimes the best way to experience a place is to stop trying to capture every moment and simply live in it.
One Last Night in Paris
My trip ended where my flight home began—Paris.
During my final days there, the FIFA World Cup was in full swing, and France was making an exciting run through the tournament.
One evening, while walking through the city with a friend, we passed a crowded bar overflowing with French flags and passionate fans watching the match. The chants echoed through the streets, and the atmosphere felt less like a neighborhood bar and more like a stadium.
It was one of those unexpected travel moments that you could never plan but never forget.
Looking Back
When I first boarded my flight from Oregon, I thought I was simply returning to Europe.
Looking back, I realize I was doing much more than that.
Over two and a half months, I explored cities that each had their own unique personality. I reunited with old friends, made new ones, got lost more times than I could count, battled illness, celebrated victories, experienced homesickness, and discovered places that completely stole my heart.
Florence. Paris. Seville.
Those cities will always mean something special to me.
More than anything, this trip reminded me why I love to travel. It's not only about famous landmarks or checking countries off a list. It's about the unexpected conversations, the quiet mornings with a camera in hand, the meals you still think about years later, and the memories that stay with you long after you've returned home.
Travel has a way of changing you. It broadens your perspective, teaches independence, and fills your life with stories you'll tell forever.
To this day, I still think about this trip almost every day.
And I know one thing for certain:
I'll always find my way back to Europe.
