Author: Brittney Johnson

  • Solo Travel in Scotland: My Week in Glasgow & Edinburgh

    Solo Travel in Scotland: My Week in Glasgow & Edinburgh

    When I was teaching English in Spain, we got a week-long Easter break for Semana Santa, or Holy Week. So in April 2025, I decided to use mine to finally explore Scotland.

    I’d already fallen in love with Ireland, and Scotland seemed like a natural next stop. The architecture, landscapes, history, and overall atmosphere reminded me of things I’d enjoyed about Ireland. Throw in the Harry Potter connection and I was sold! 🙂

    I spent three days in Glasgow and five days in Edinburgh, traveling completely solo. I expected cold temperatures, rain, and probably a little bit of suffering from walking around in the Scottish weather. What I got instead was surprisingly warm and sunny weather for most of the trip.

    I had packed a winter coat, scarf, gloves, a hat, and rain boots. I ended up carrying that coat around constantly and barely used some of the other things. And those rain boots? I returned them for a refund when I got home. LOL

    Apparently, Scotland decided to give me a break.

    First Stop: Glasgow

    Duke of Wellington statue with traffic cone in Glasgow

    I started my Scotland solo travel adventure in Glasgow, where I stayed at the Maldron Hotel.

    After getting settled, I went out to explore the city. One of the first things I encountered was something I had seen online before but never expected to see in person: the famous Duke of Wellington statue with a traffic cone sitting on top of his head. Apparently, putting traffic cones on the statue has become a Scottish tradition. Honestly, I kind of love it. LOL

    Right in front of the statue was the Gallery of Modern Art, so naturally, I had to go inside. One thing I immediately appreciated about Glasgow was that many of its museums and galleries offer free admission. As someone who loves museums and galleries, that was music to my ears.

    I spent about two hours walking around and looking at the different exhibits before heading back outside to explore more of the city.

    Hunting Down Glasgow’s Street Art

    Colorful street art mural in Glasgow, Scotland
    Colorful street art mural in Glasgow, Scotland
    Colorful street art mural in Glasgow, Scotland

    If you’ve read my other travel stories, you already know I have a thing for street art. When I’m specifically looking for murals, one of my favorite tricks is searching Instagram for the name of the artwork and then checking the Tags section. That’s often where you’ll find photos from people who have actually visited the murals, which can make it much easier to locate.

    Glasgow did not disappoint.

    Colorful street art mural in Glasgow, Scotland
    Colorful street art mural in Glasgow, Scotland

    I found some incredible street art throughout the city, and it became one of my favorite ways to explore. Instead of simply walking from one major attraction to another, I had another reason to wander down different streets and see what I could find.

    Sometimes the best parts of a city aren’t the things listed on the biggest tourist maps.

    Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis

    Glasgow Cathedral Gothic architecture and stained glass
    Glasgow Cathedral Gothic architecture and stained glass

    Of everything I saw in Glasgow, my favorite was probably Glasgow Cathedral and the nearby Necropolis.

    I’ve always been fascinated by old European architecture, so the cathedral immediately caught my attention. Even with construction taking place toward the back during my visit, the building still had an incredible Gothic appearance.

    And the inside? Absolutely beautiful. The high ceilings and stained-glass windows made the cathedral feel even more impressive once I stepped inside.

    But the part that really caught my attention was the cemetery behind it.

    Historic gravestones in Glasgow Necropolis
    Historic gravestones in Glasgow Necropolis

    The Glasgow Necropolis is exactly the kind of place that makes sense for me because, as I’ve mentioned before, I’m a self-proclaimed weirdo and I’m completely okay with it. LOL

    Halloween is my favorite holiday. Horror is my favorite movie genre. So spending two hours wandering around a Victorian cemetery admiring old tombstones felt perfectly normal to me. Some of the headstones had turned almost black over time, which made them look even more dramatic.

    I also noticed an area associated with Glasgow’s Jewish community. Seeing that history represented made me stop and think about the different communities that have been part of Glasgow’s story over the years.

    Another detail that stood out to me was the memorial connected to William Wallace. I knew the name because of Braveheart, but I honestly didn’t know much about the real William Wallace or even realize how much of the story had been based on an actual historical figure. Seeing that connection in person made me want to learn more.

    Sometimes traveling gives you a little history lesson when you aren’t expecting one.

    Second Stop: Edinburgh

    Scott Monument overlooking Edinburgh, Scotland

    After three days in Glasgow, I made my way to Edinburgh for the rest of my trip.

    I stayed at St Christopher’s, which you may recognize from some of my other travel stories. I’ve stayed at their hostels in several cities, and they’re one of my favorite places to stay when I’m traveling.

    One of the first things I noticed from outside my window was the massive Scott Monument. The monument was built in honor of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, and seeing it up close was quite a sight. Edinburgh has so much historic architecture packed into the city that even something as simple as looking out the window can feel like sightseeing.

    And I was just getting started.

    Free Museums and a Little Harry Potter Hunting

    Lewis chess pieces at the National Museum of Scotland

    One of my first stops was the National Museum of Scotland. Again: free admission.

    I spent time exploring the exhibits and came across a replica tomb associated with Mary, Queen of Scots. I also saw the Lewis chess pieces, which are often associated with the inspiration for the wizard chess pieces in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Naturally, my Harry Potter radar was officially activated.

    Once I realized how many places around Edinburgh were associated with Harry Potter lore, I started looking for them.

    Greyfriar's Kirkyard cemetery in Edinburgh, Scotland
    Colorful Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland

    One of those places was Greyfriars Kirkyard. The cemetery is said to have inspired some character names in the books, including Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall. Whether you’re a hardcore Potterhead or simply interested in Edinburgh’s history, walking through the cemetery is an interesting experience.

    Then there was Victoria Street. The colorful, curved street is often associated with the inspiration for Diagon Alley, and it was one of those places where I could immediately understand why Harry Potter fans would want to visit. I was basically on a mini Harry Potter pilgrimage. LOL

    There were still a few places I didn’t get to see on this trip. I’d love to visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Jacobite Steam Train a.k.a. Hogwarts Express, and the University of Glasgow, which primarily served as one of the filming locations for the Sorcerer’s Stone and Deathly Hallows films. The ancient architecture, with its Gothic spires, creates an atmospheric backdrop that feels like you’ve walked right into that magical world.

    I also didn’t make it to the Scottish Highlands during this trip because of my budget. I knew those adorable fluffy Highland cows were waiting for me somewhere up there. I’ll make it up to them eventually.

    A Scottish Pub Crawl With New Friends

    The Wee Pub, world's smallest pub in Edinburgh, Scotland

    One of my favorite things about staying in hostels is how easy it can be to meet people. During my Edinburgh stay, I joined a pub crawl with other travelers from the hostel. I don’t remember the names of the pubs we visited, but I definitely remember one of them being a karaoke bar. And let’s just say we were not winning any singing competitions. LOL We sang terribly, laughed a lot, and eventually moved on to the next pub.

    I met people from different parts of the world and had a genuinely great night. That’s one of the things I enjoy about solo travel: you may arrive somewhere alone, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll spend the entire trip alone.

    Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to a hostel activity.

    Exploring the Royal Mile

    Historic Royal Mile street in Edinburgh, Scotland

    The next day, I headed into Edinburgh’s Old Town and walked along the Royal Mile. The street is filled with shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of places designed to separate tourists from their money. In other words, tourist traps. But that’s the name of the game sometimes. LOL

    I enjoyed wandering around, looking through the shops, taking pictures, and soaking in the atmosphere.

    Fried Mars Bars, Fish & Chips and a Spice Bag

    Scottish treats in Edinburgh
    A bag of fries, fried chicken pieces, and spices with a side of curry sauce.

    One of my first food stops was the Clam Shell, where I ordered fish and chips.

    And because regular dessert wasn’t enough, I tried a fried Mars Bar. I’d honestly never even had a regular Mars Bar before this trip, so naturally my first thought was, “Sure, let’s fry it!” As someone from the Southern United States, I feel like I was uniquely prepared for this concept. We like to fry things. LOL

    I also tried a Cornish pasty while walking around Edinburgh, and it was delicious. For something sweet, I stopped at Chulo’s Stuffed Cookies and ordered a pistachio cream stuffed chocolate chip cookie. It tasted exactly as good as it sounds.

    But my favorite meal of the trip was actually a spice bag from Belushi’s, which was attached to my hostel. I’d never had a spice bag before. It’s essentially a bag of fries mixed with crispy chicken pieces, spices, and a curry sauce that you can dip into or pour over everything. It was simple, messy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. And since it was attached to my hostel, I didn’t even have to go very far to get it.

    Calton Hill

    View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

    I’d considered visiting Arthur’s Seat, but at the time, I decided that might be a little ambitious, so I went to Calton Hill instead. It was shorter, but I still got incredible views over Edinburgh. The weather was a little cloudy and drizzly that day, but nothing too terrible.

    And honestly, after all the stairs I’d encountered around Edinburgh, I was perfectly okay with choosing the slightly easier option. Because if there’s one thing Scotland taught me, it’s that I clearly have a complicated relationship with stairs. I don’t mind walking. I don’t even mind hiking. But combine uphill walking with stairs and suddenly I’m questioning every decision that brought me there. LOL

    Thankfully, the destination was always worth the struggle.

    Edinburgh Castle

    Standing outside of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland

    Another place I didn’t enter was Edinburgh Castle. Not because I didn’t want to, but because it cost more money than I was willing to spend at the time, so I took pictures from outside instead. There was even an ice cream truck nearby, so I got to take pictures of the castle and have ice cream.

    That’s a win-win in my book.

    This was also one of the realities of traveling during this particular trip. There were things I wanted to see that simply didn’t fit into my budget and that’s okay. Travel doesn’t have to mean doing absolutely everything. Sometimes you have to pick the experiences that matter most to you and let the others wait for another trip.

    Princes Street Gardens

    Ross Fountain with Edinburgh Castle in the background

    The day before I left, I joined some of my hostel roommates for a walk through Princes Street Gardens. The gardens felt like a nice break from the busy streets. There were different areas filled with flowers, and in the center was the Ross Fountain. The view of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens was beautiful thanks to another day of sunny weather.

    It was one of those moments where I was reminded that I didn’t necessarily need to spend money to enjoy the city. Sometimes walking around, taking pictures, and enjoying the scenery is enough.

    Traveling Scotland on a Budget

    My Scotland trip wasn’t luxurious, and I didn’t do everything that a traditional Scotland itinerary might recommend. I didn’t visit the Highlands. I didn’t go inside Edinburgh Castle. I didn’t make it to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. But I still had an incredible trip!

    One thing I appreciated was how many things I could enjoy without spending a fortune. Museums were free, walking around the city was free, the cemeteries were free, and some of my favorite memories came from simply exploring streets and taking pictures.

    For solo travelers working with a limited budget, I think that’s worth remembering. You don’t need to book an expensive tour every day to have a memorable trip. Sometimes a pair of comfortable shoes, a bus pass, and curiosity will take you pretty far.

    The People I Met Along the Way

    One of the sweetest parts of the trip actually came from the women I shared a hostel room with. We were all traveling and doing our own things, but we ended up connecting. At one point, they even paid for my dinner. And I let one of them borrow my belt. Women helping women. ❤️

    It’s a small thing, but moments like that stick with me. As a solo traveler, you never know who you’re going to meet or what kind of connection you’ll make. Most of the locals I encountered generally kept to themselves, but the people I actually interacted with were friendly and welcoming.

    That’s something I always appreciate when I’m traveling alone.

    Glasgow or Edinburgh?

    Between the two cities, I’d probably choose Edinburgh as my favorite from this particular trip. But that’s not necessarily because I think Glasgow is worse. I simply spent more time in Edinburgh, which gave me more opportunities to explore, visit attractions, meet people, try different foods, and simply wander around. Glasgow had some of my favorite individual experiences, especially Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, while Edinburgh gave me a larger collection of memories.

    So I’d absolutely recommend experiencing both if you have the time! 10/10, highly recommend.

    Would I Go Back to Scotland?

    Definitely. Absolutely. You can count on it! Scotland was pretty much everything I’d hoped it would be, with a few missing pieces that I simply couldn’t afford to experience during this trip.

    I originally chose Scotland because I had loved Ireland and wanted to experience another part of the British Isles with a similar combination of beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, and culture. The Harry Potter connection definitely didn’t hurt either.

    I would love to return and see the parts of Scotland I missed the first time: the Highlands, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, more of the countryside, and the places I simply couldn’t fit into my budget at the time. And yes, I still need to meet a Highland cow.

    That is non-negotiable. LOL

    Scotland Solo Travel: What I Learned

    Scotland solo travel on Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland

    My week in Scotland reminded me why I love solo travel.

    I arrived alone, explored two cities on my own, met people from around the world, joined a pub crawl, wandered through cemeteries, hunted down Harry Potter locations, ate fried candy bars, discovered new foods, and somehow survived what felt like approximately 900,000 stairs.

    And the funny thing is, I didn’t need perfect weather or an unlimited budget to have an amazing time. Some of my favorite memories were completely free. Scotland gave me Gothic architecture, street art, history, Harry Potter nostalgia, hostel friendships, beautiful views, and plenty of reasons to come back.

    I just hope the next time I visit, those fluffy Highland cows are ready for me. LOL

  • My First Los Angeles Trip: Harry Potter, Hollywood & More

    My First Los Angeles Trip: Harry Potter, Hollywood & More

    My first Los Angeles trip was in December 2021, when I flew out to visit my friend Hana, who was living there at the time. If you’ve read my San Francisco, New York, or cross-country road trip stories, you might recognize her. At this point, we’ve traveled together enough times that she deserves an honorary position as my unofficial travel coordinator.

    Since it was my first and only visit to Los Angeles, I wanted to see as much as possible. Between theme parks, beaches, nostalgic pop-ups, and some seriously good food, we managed to squeeze a lot into my trip.

    There was just one small problem: I apparently forgot that December is winter. LOL

    Yes, I knew Los Angeles was known for its sunshine and warm weather. In my mind, that meant I could pack a suitcase full of cute, summery outfits and call it a day. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. I ended up buying extra layers to stay warm, and some of the clothes I packed never even made it out of my suitcase.

    But despite the chilly weather, my first LA adventure was one I’ll always remember.

    Disneyland vs. Disney World: Finally Visiting the Original

    Being from Georgia, I’d already visited Walt Disney World in Florida, including a previous trip with Hana. So naturally, when I finally made it to California, we had to check Disneyland off the list.

    And honestly, I loved it!

    The biggest difference to me was the nostalgia. Disneyland is the original Disney theme park, and there’s something about walking through it that feels especially connected to childhood and Disney history. It felt a little more nostalgic and historic, and I loved getting to experience that for myself.

    Disneyland is also more walkable than Disney World, which makes sense because it’s smaller and has fewer parks. You’re not dealing with the same enormous scale as Disney World in Orlando. That made it a fun experience in its own right, rather than simply feeling like a repeat of a Florida trip.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love both. But visiting Disneyland for the first time felt like checking off a special little bucket-list item.

    Universal Studios Hollywood: My Ravenclaw Dreams Came True

    The entrance to Hogsmeade at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles
    The Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles
    The Hogwarts ride at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles

    If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m a Harry Potter nerd. And if we’re getting specific, I’m a Ravenclaw. So when Hana and I visited Universal Studios Hollywood, you can probably guess which area of the park stole my heart.

    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the entire trip. Walking through Hogsmeade and seeing the shops, buildings, and details from the movies made me feel like I’d stepped right into the Harry Potter universe. It was magical…no pun intended. LOL

    And remember how I said I was freezing?

    Well, Universal ended up getting some extra money out of me because I needed to buy things to keep warm. Of course, I couldn’t just purchase a regular sweatshirt. I came home with a Ravenclaw hat, scarf, sweatshirt, and wand. LOL Listen, if I’m going to be cold, I might as well be cold in house colors!

    We also explored some of the rides like Jurassic World, Transformers, and The Simpsons’ Springfield area. There was so much to see that it was easy to spend hours wandering around and discovering something new.

    On our way out, I even came across the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo. As a 90s kid, that was a fun little surprise to end the day!

    Behind the Scenes of Hollywood’s Biggest Movies

    Another highlight was taking a tour of the film lots and sets at Universal.

    We got to see locations associated with famous movies and television shows, including Bates Motel, Fast & Furious, and The Flintstones. It was fascinating to see how much work goes into creating the places and scenes we recognize from the screen.

    There were also demonstrations showing how disaster movies are filmed. Watching how filmmakers create dramatic effects and convincing destruction made me appreciate just how much goes into movie production. It’s one thing to watch a movie and believe what you’re seeing. It’s another thing to learn how those scenes are actually made.

    I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, especially in a city so closely associated with Hollywood.

    Eating at Margaritaville and the Leaky Cauldron

    Drink at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Los Angeles

    Of course, not every meal was a spontaneous street-food discovery.

    We also ate at Margaritaville at Universal Studios. Was it a little pricey? Absolutely. Was it a tourist trap? Probably.

    But sometimes you do it for the plot. 😂

    When you’re visiting a theme park, you might as well lean into the experience.

    We also ate at the Leaky Cauldron in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where I ordered fish and chips and a Butterbeer.

    As a Harry Potter fan, eating inside the themed area was a fun part of the day. Between the atmosphere, the food, and the chance to experience something I’d seen in the movies, it was another one of those moments that made the trip feel special.

    And yes, I was probably still wearing my Ravenclaw gear.

    Griffith Observatory: Views of Los Angeles From Above

    Outside of the theme parks, Hana and I drove through Griffith Park and took the road up to Griffith Observatory. We didn’t have tickets to go inside, but even just visiting the area and looking out over the city was worth it.

    The views of Los Angeles were beautiful, and it was so cool to see the city spread out below us. After spending so much time driving around LA, seeing it from above gave me a different perspective on just how large the city really is.

    I also loved knowing that inside the observatory, visitors can explore exhibits and see the stars through telescopes. I’m always fascinated by anything that makes you feel a little closer to the universe. Even without going inside, it was a memorable stop and a nice change of pace from the theme parks and busy streets.

    Hiking for the Hollywood Sign

    Hollywood Sign view during my Los Angeles trip

    Of course, I couldn’t visit Los Angeles without getting some pictures of the Hollywood Sign. Hana and I went for a walk through a nearby neighborhood to reach a viewpoint, and let me tell you, the uphill climb was no joke. The struggle was real! But that’s what we do…we walk uphill and we struggle LOL

    But once we got there, the views and photo opportunities made the trek worth it. We got some really good shots, and naturally, I had to make the occasion a little more personal. Being the petty Atlanta girl that I am, I showed up wearing my Atlanta Braves World Series Champions hat and T-shirt. And yes, this was absolutely intentional.

    For context, the Braves had beaten the Los Angeles Dodgers on their way to winning the 2021 World Series. So I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take pictures near the Hollywood Sign while representing my team.

    Was it necessary? No. Was I going to do it anyway? Absolutely. HAHAHA Nothing like a little friendly rivalry while sightseeing in LA!

    Santa Monica Beach: Still Waiting to Touch the Pacific Ocean

    A view of Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles
    A view of Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles

    As a Yellowcard fan, visiting Santa Monica Beach off Ocean Avenue was something I had to do. Elder emo millennials, you know what’s up. LOL I wasn’t about to visit Los Angeles and skip the beach, even if the weather wasn’t exactly cooperating.

    The area was pretty much what I expected: people walking, rollerblading, listening to music, shopping, eating, and enjoying the ocean views. There was a relaxed atmosphere, and it was fun to see everyone doing their own thing along the coast. The weather was mostly sunny with intermittent clouds, and although it was chilly, it wasn’t unbearable. The only problem was that swimming was definitely not happening.

    I was a little disappointed because I’d hoped to finally get into the Pacific Ocean. And here’s the funny part: over the years, I’ve visited San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and somehow the weather has failed me every single time. It’s either been too cold or it’s rained. At this point, I think I have a personal vendetta against West Coast weather. Or it has one against me!

    I’ve visited the West Coast multiple times, but I still haven’t properly touched the Pacific Ocean. That remains unfinished business, and I fully intend to correct it one day.

    The 90s Experience: A Nostalgia Lover’s Dream

    A giant pizza slice decoration for a '90s pop-up event
    A Fresh Prince of Bel-Air throne chair for a '90s pop-up event
    A payphone for a '90s pop-up event

    One of the most unexpectedly fun activities we did was visit The 90s Experience, a pop-up event dedicated to all things 1990s. As a 90s kid, I was immediately sold!

    The experience took us through a series of rooms filled with 90s decor, memorabilia, and details that brought back so many childhood memories. The attention to detail was incredible. It wasn’t just a few old toys thrown into a room; the entire experience felt like stepping back into the decade.

    There was a throne chair inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a payphone, a school hallway with lockers, and reconstructed bedrooms filled with posters, inflatable furniture, see-through phones, and all the things I remembered from growing up. As one does, I took a ridiculous number of photos and videos.

    I got to sit in the Fresh Prince throne, pose by the payphone, and walk through rooms that reminded me of the bedrooms and school hallways of my childhood. It was one of those experiences where every room brought back another memory.

    If you’re a 90s kid like me, you understand the appeal. Sometimes you just want to revisit the things that made growing up fun.

    Kura Revolving Sushi: My Eyes Were Bigger Than My Stomach

    A table with plates of sushi from Kura Revolving Sushi in Los Angeles

    Let’s talk about food, because Los Angeles did not disappoint.

    One of my favorite restaurant experiences was Kura Revolving Sushi. I’d never experienced a restaurant where the plates of sushi come to you on a conveyor belt, so the entire concept was new to me. And I loved it!

    There’s something so entertaining about sitting down, watching the plates move along the conveyor belt, and choosing whatever catches your eye. It makes the meal feel like an experience rather than just going out to eat.

    Hana and I shared a lot of sushi, and of course, we made room for mochi ice cream for dessert. Well, I say we made room. My eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach, but I regret nothing!

    The novelty of the restaurant, the food, and the experience made it one of my favorite meals of the trip. Thankfully, there appears to be a location in Atlanta, so I can go back anytime I want to!

    The Birria Taco Mission That Almost Didn’t Happen

    A plate of birria tacos and consommé for dipping
    A cup of fruit with chamoy and Tajín on top

    Now, if you know me, you know I’m serious about trying local food when I travel. One of my missions during this trip was to find a food truck serving birria tacos. The only problem? Finding one turned out to be harder than I expected. LOL

    Many of the food trucks we were looking for didn’t stay in one fixed location, and they weren’t always easy to find online. So Hana and I spent some time driving around, hoping we’d just randomly come across the right truck and it took us until the day before I left to finally find one.

    I wish I could remember the name of the truck because the owner absolutely deserves all the credit. But I can tell you the tacos were phenomenal! They came with consommé for dipping, and that rich, flavorful broth made the entire experience even better. The tacos were a little spicy so my nose was running like a faucet, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. After all that searching, those tacos absolutely delivered.

    We also stopped at a fruit cart on the side of the road. If you’ve never had fresh fruit covered in chamoy and sprinkled with Tajín, you’re missing out. The sweet, tangy, spicy combination is so good, and it was a refreshing little treat while we were out exploring.

    These are the kinds of food experiences I love most when traveling. Sometimes the best meal isn’t at a fancy restaurant. Sometimes it’s a random food truck you stumble across while driving around a city.

    Getting Around Los Angeles: Bring a Car or Plan Ahead

    One thing I quickly learned about Los Angeles is that it’s a very spread-out city.

    Thankfully, Hana was kind enough to drive me around everywhere we went. Having a friend with a car made exploring so much easier, and I was incredibly grateful that I didn’t have to figure out every route on my own. Coming from Atlanta, the traffic, tall buildings, parking struggles, and general city atmosphere weren’t particularly shocking to me. I was already familiar with navigating a large metropolitan area.

    But LA is definitely a place where you need to plan how you’re getting around. Don’t expect to walk out of your hotel and reach every major attraction within 20 minutes. The distances between neighborhoods and attractions can be substantial, and travel time can add up quickly.

    If you’re visiting, having access to a car can be helpful, but public transportation is another option to consider when planning your itinerary. Just make sure you account for the time it takes to get from one place to another.

    And if you have a friend willing to shuttle you around the city, appreciate them. Hana deserves a medal for putting up with my travel plans. LOL

    My Biggest Los Angeles Packing Mistake

    I can’t talk about my LA trip without returning to the biggest mistake I made: packing for warm weather in December. I knew it was winter. I really did…but I also had this idea in my head that Los Angeles was warm all year, so I packed a bunch of summery clothes that I barely wore.

    Instead, I ended up purchasing a Ravenclaw hat, scarf, and sweatshirt at Universal to stay warm. Which, to be fair, turned out to be a pretty good souvenir situation. Still, if you’re planning a winter trip to Los Angeles, don’t assume that the California sunshine means you’ll be comfortable in summer clothes. Weather can vary, and evenings can be chilly.

    Check the forecast before you pack, bring layers, and don’t make the same mistake I did. Your suitcase and your wallet will thank you.

    Is a Los Angeles Trip Worth It?

    Absolutely!

    I enjoyed my time in Los Angeles, and I’d recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime. Between the theme parks, film experiences, beaches, food, and pop-culture attractions, there is so much to see and do. I guarantee I’ve barely scratched the surface.

    For me, Universal Studios and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter were easily the highlights. The nostalgia of Disneyland and The 90s Experience also made the trip especially memorable.

    But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more time in nature. I enjoyed Griffith Park and Santa Monica Beach, but I would have loved to explore more hiking trails, natural scenery, and quieter outdoor spaces. That’s something I’d want to prioritize if I returned.

    And definitely bring money. Los Angeles can be expensive, especially when you’re visiting major attractions, eating out, and getting around. Planning your budget ahead of time can make a big difference!

    Los Angeles, I’ll Be Back…But I Need Better Weather

    My first and only trip to Los Angeles was a fun mix of Hollywood magic, 90s nostalgia, theme parks, delicious food, and time spent with a good friend.

    It also reminded me that traveling isn’t always about checking every single thing off your list. Sometimes you discover what you love about a place, and sometimes you leave with a few unfinished plans.

    For me, those unfinished plans include exploring more of California’s nature and finally getting into the Pacific Ocean.

    I’ve been to the West Coast multiple times, and somehow I still haven’t managed to enjoy a proper beach day in the way I’ve imagined. At this point, the Pacific Ocean and I have some unfinished business. LOL But until then, I’ll keep the memories of my Ravenclaw adventure, the birria tacos that made my nose run, the 90s pop-up, and all the fun I had with Hana.

    Los Angeles was worth the visit. I just need to pick a warmer month next time!

  • Why Colorado Is My Favorite Place to Visit in the U.S.

    Why Colorado Is My Favorite Place to Visit in the U.S.

    Of all the places I’ve visited in the United States, Colorado is the one that keeps calling me back. I’ve explored different parts of the state, traveled solo and with friends and family, celebrated a birthday there, hiked through the mountains, fed alpacas, soaked in a not-so-hot hot spring, and made plenty of memories along the way. My Colorado travel experiences have taken me from mountain trails to unexpected adventures, and no two trips have ever felt exactly the same.

    But honestly, it’s not one particular city or attraction that makes Colorado my favorite. It’s the feeling I get when I’m there. Something about being surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and wide-open scenery makes me feel grounded and at peace. Every trip has given me another reason to appreciate the state, even when things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

    Colorado Wasn’t Just One Trip

    Colorado travel through the mountains

    My Colorado experiences have happened at different times and with different people. I’ve visited Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Breckenridge, Morrison, Golden, Littleton, and Aurora, and each place gave me something different to remember.

    Some trips were solo. Others were with friends or family. Some were carefully planned, while others were more of a “let’s see what happens” kind of adventure. And honestly, some of my favorite memories came from the trips that didn’t go according to plan.

    That’s part of what I love about traveling. You can have an itinerary, but you never really know which moments are going to stick with you.

    Colorado Springs: Hiking at Seven Falls

    Colorado travel through the mountains

    One of my early Colorado trips took me to Denver, where my best friend, Faith, was living at the time. She basically became my unofficial tour guide, which was perfect because I got to experience the area with someone who actually knew where she was going. One day, we decided to hop in the car and ended up in Colorado Springs.

    One of our stops was Seven Falls. We went hiking and spent some time taking in the scenery, and it was one of my first real opportunities to experience Colorado’s landscape up close.

    Coming from Atlanta, I wasn’t used to seeing mountains like that. There is something completely different about hiking when you’re surrounded by that kind of scenery. Even when you’re tired and wondering why you decided to walk uphill voluntarily, you can look around and realize the view is worth it.

    Paying My Respects at the Columbine Memorial

    Another Colorado stop that stayed with me for a completely different reason was the Columbine Memorial in Littleton.

    The memorial is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with brick walls featuring quotes from family members and students, the names of the students and teachers who lost their lives, and a fountain in the center. Walking through it was both calm and incredibly sad.

    The tragedy happened years ago, but standing there and seeing the names made the loss feel fresh. I felt like it was important to pay my respects and remember the people behind the headlines.

    It also made me think about how short life really is. Experiences like that are part of why I want to keep traveling, trying new things, and making memories while I’m here. None of us are promised forever, so I want to see as much of the world as I can while I have the chance.

    Denver, Good Friends & a Free Flight of Beer

    Standing in front of the Denver wall mural in Colorado
    A beer flight at Oasis Brewing Co. in Denver, Colorado

    I’ve also spent time in Denver visiting friends, including one I hadn’t seen in years. One trip was pretty low-key. We did a short hike, enjoyed the views, and eventually ended up at Oasis Brewing Co. I’m not a huge beer drinker, but they offered a free flight of beers and a souvenir cup, and I’m not one to turn down free anything. LOL Unfortunately, it seems Oasis Brewing Co. has permanently closed since then.

    Not every travel memory has to involve a major attraction. Sometimes it’s just catching up with someone you haven’t seen in years, trying something new, and enjoying a relaxed afternoon in a different city.

    Denver also gave me one of my favorite food memories: Barcelona Wine Bar. There’s a location in Atlanta, where I’m from, so finding one in Denver felt a little like stumbling across a tiny piece of Spain while traveling through Colorado. The tapas were delicious, and the wine made me feel like I had briefly been transported back to Europe.

    A Day at Elitch Gardens

    A view of the Ferris wheel at Elitch Gardens theme park in Denver.

    Another Denver experience I can’t leave out was visiting Elitch Gardens theme park with my friend Faith. Since we’re both from Georgia, we’re pretty familiar with Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water. So naturally, Faith had a comparison in the chamber for Elitch Gardens. She called it the “poor man’s Six Flags.” HAHAHA I mean…I understood what she meant. When you’re used to having Six Flags as a staple back home, you can’t help but compare every theme park to it.

    Still, we had a good time exploring the park and getting on rides. The only ride I clearly remember was the Sidewinder. What I remember almost as vividly, though, was how ridiculously hot it was while we stood in line. After all, it was the middle of July! There is nothing like standing in a long ride line under the blazing sun, wondering whether the ride is actually worth sweating through your clothes for.

    Thankfully, the experience gave us another funny travel memory to look back on. Sometimes the attraction itself is memorable, but other times it’s the random comments, inside jokes, and little moments that make the day stand out.

    Elitch Gardens may not have replaced Six Flags in our Georgia-loving hearts, but it was still a fun part of my Colorado visit.

    When Our Ski Trip Turned Into a Hiking Trip

    Colorado travel through the mountains
    Colorado travel through the mountains
    Colorado travel through the mountains

    One of my favorite Colorado trips was a group trip to Breckenridge to celebrate my cousin’s birthday. We had around ten people, rented two cars, and stayed in an incredible Airbnb cabin with huge windows, lots of wood, multiple bedrooms, and a beautiful mountain view right in the backyard. There was even a lake nearby that was partially frozen. It looked like something straight out of a winter postcard.

    The original plan was to go skiing, but this was during the COVID era, and restrictions meant we couldn’t rent the equipment we needed. None of us had brought our own gear either, so skiing was officially off the table. So we did what travelers do when Plan A disappears: we made a Plan B. When in doubt, hike it out!

    We found a nearby hiking trail around Dillon Reservoir and went for it. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Literally. Colorado’s air is a different beast, especially while hiking. LOL Between the altitude and the effort, you definitely notice your breathing more than you might expect. But every time I felt tired, I’d look around and see the mountains and the water, and think, “Okay…this is worth it.”

    Because of the COVID restrictions, we spent a lot of our time at the Airbnb instead of going out. We played games, listened to music, drank, and just enjoyed being together. We also made it to Continental Divide Winery for food and wine.

    And in true Colorado fashion, it didn’t actually snow until the morning we were leaving!

    My 30th Birthday in Colorado

    A view of the sunrise over a city in Colorado
    The Sacred Heart of Jesus statue in Colorado

    Then there was the trip that probably made me fall even more in love with Colorado: my 30th birthday.

    I decided to take a solo birthday trip to Denver and rent a car so I could explore at my own pace. Turning 30 alone in another state wasn’t necessarily something I’d planned years in advance. It was more of a “why not?” decision.

    I’m a Taurus, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about myself, it’s that being surrounded by nature genuinely makes me feel at peace. So Colorado felt like the perfect place to celebrate a new decade. I woke up early on my birthday and headed to Lookout Mountain to watch the sunrise. The views were incredible, and starting my birthday surrounded by mountains felt like exactly what I needed.

    Lookout Mountain is also home to the Mother Cabrini Shrine and the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, which made the morning even more memorable. Standing there and looking out over the city, I remember thinking that this was a pretty great way to start 30.

    Yes, I Went to an Alpaca Farm for My Birthday

    Later that day, I headed to Morrison to visit the Smooth Alpaca ranch. Yes, I spent part of my 30th birthday feeding alpacas. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I got to pet and feed them hay and pellets, and they were adorable. There was also a goat who liked to head-butt my hand for more food. And really, who was I to deny him?

    But the funniest part was the alpacas’ names. My favorite was Pablo Picasso. I mean…how am I supposed to forget an alpaca named Pablo Picasso? LOL Impossible. It was such a random birthday activity, but that’s exactly why I loved it. I wasn’t doing what I thought I was “supposed” to do for a milestone birthday. I was just doing something that made me happy.

    Red Rocks Was Exactly What I Expected

    Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado
    Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado

    Since I was already in the area, I also visited Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

    I knew Red Rocks was famous, but I was still surprised by how red the rocks actually were in person. Sometimes you see something in pictures so many times that you forget it’s going to look different when you’re standing right in front of it!

    Seeing the natural rock formations surrounding an actual concert venue was such a cool experience. It felt like another example of what makes Colorado special: nature isn’t just something you drive past. It’s part of the experience.

    Meeting New People on My Birthday

    Brittney wearing a birthday crown

    That evening, I decided to use Bumble BFF to meet some local people.

    I always use common sense and stay cautious when meeting people I don’t know, especially while traveling alone. But this experience turned out really well. I met a couple of women, and we went out for dinner and dancing to celebrate my birthday. I even had giant number 30 balloons with me.

    The only problem? Colorado apparently has other plans for giant balloons because the wind was absolutely no joke. They were tied to my chair and whipping around all over the place, so eventually I popped them. LOL It wasn’t exactly the glamorous birthday photo moment I had imagined, but it was definitely memorable.

    And that’s something Colorado has taught me more than once: sometimes the imperfect moments become the best stories.

    The Hot Spring That Wasn’t Actually Hot

    A view of a hot spring in Colorado
    A woman sitting in a hot spring in Colorado

    The next day, I met up with one of the women I’d met for dinner and we headed to Radium Hot Springs. I’d always heard about natural hot springs and wanted to experience one for myself. Since Georgia isn’t exactly known for natural hot springs, I was excited to finally try one.

    The scenery was beautiful, but the water itself was…not what I expected. It was lukewarm at best. Not exactly the relaxing, steaming hot spring experience I’d imagined. But that’s on me for assuming simply based off the name. LOL

    Getting there was also an adventure. Because I didn’t know that we had to actually hike down to the water, (and because I apparently enjoy making travel harder for myself), I wore flip-flops. That was a mistake. Big. Huge. It took about 45 mins from where we parked to get down there.

    On the way back, we got lost trying to find the car. So the return trip ended up being even longer. By the time we found the car, my feet were covered in blisters. If there is one thing I hope you take away from this story, it’s this: don’t hike in flip-flops! Your feet will thank you.

    Colorado Travel Has a Way of Slowing Me Down

    Looking back at all of these trips, the memories that stand out most aren’t necessarily the biggest attractions. They’re the moments when I felt completely present.

    It’s watching the sunrise from the top of a hill. It’s hiking with friends and stopping because the view is too beautiful not to photograph. It’s sitting around an Airbnb playing games with family. It’s feeding an alpaca named Pablo Picasso. It’s meeting new people on your birthday. It’s getting lost on the way back from a lukewarm hot spring and realizing you’ll probably laugh about it later.

    Colorado has a way of making me slow down and actually notice where I am and I think that’s what I love most about it.

    Why Colorado Is My Favorite Place to Visit in the U.S.

    I’ve traveled to a lot of places across the United States, but Colorado continues to stand out to me because of how it makes me feel. The scenery is obviously a huge part of it. The mountains, lakes, hiking trails, sunsets, and wide-open spaces are beautiful in a way that’s hard to explain until you’re standing in the middle of it.

    But it’s more than the scenery. Colorado has given me some of my favorite travel memories: solo adventures, family celebrations, time with old friends, new friendships, birthday milestones, unexpected detours, and plenty of stories I still laugh about.

    Every trip has reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the ski trip becomes a hiking trip. Sometimes the hot spring isn’t hot. Sometimes your birthday balloons get whipped around by the wind so you pop them. Sometimes you wear flip-flops on a mountain and immediately regret your choices. LOL But you remember those moments.

    And when I think about the places I’ve visited in the U.S., Colorado is the one that makes me want to keep exploring. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that helps me feel grounded, peaceful, and fully present.

    Maybe that’s why Colorado is my favorite place to visit in the U.S. And honestly, I don’t think I’m done exploring it yet.

  • 8 Creative (& Unconventional) Ways to Document Your Solo Travel Adventures

    8 Creative (& Unconventional) Ways to Document Your Solo Travel Adventures

    Traveling solo is one of those experiences that can stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.

    The places you visit are only part of the story. There’s also the random café you discovered after getting lost, the person you met on a walking tour, the meal you still think about months later, the train you almost missed, and that one completely unplanned afternoon that somehow became your favorite part of the trip.

    Of course, you’ll take pictures. But your solo travel memories don’t have to live exclusively in your phone’s camera roll.

    If you’re looking for something more creative than the traditional travel photo album, here are eight fun—and slightly unconventional—ways to document your solo travel adventures.

    1. Turn Your Solo Travel Memories Into Postcards

    A hand holding a postcard for solo travel memories

    Yes, really.

    Buy a postcard from each destination you visit and write it to yourself. Instead of writing the standard: Having a great time! Wish you were here!

    Write about what’s actually happening. What did you do today? What are you feeling? What surprised you about the destination? What’s the funniest thing that’s happened so far? What’s something you never want to forget?

    Then mail it home.

    There’s something special about returning from a trip and finding postcards from your traveling self waiting in the mailbox. You’ll also have the stamps, postmarks, handwriting, and little imperfections that make each postcard completely unique to that moment.

    Put them in a box, scrapbook, or photo album. Years later, you’ll essentially have messages from earlier versions of yourself scattered around the world.

    How cool is that?

    2. Keep a One-Sentence-a-Day Travel Journal

    A travel journal with solo travel memories

    I love the idea of travel journaling. Writing five pages every night after walking 20,000 steps around a new city? Not so much.

    Instead, give yourself one simple rule: Write at least one sentence every day. That’s it.

    Your sentence might be: I ate the best croissant of my life today. Or I got hopelessly lost in Madrid and somehow ended up having the best afternoon of the trip. Or even: Everything went wrong today and I would like a refund.

    Your travel journal doesn’t need to sound profound. It needs to sound like YOU. Some days you’ll write one sentence. Other days that sentence will turn into three pages. The important thing is capturing the memory while it’s still fresh. At the end of your trip, you’ll have a chronological record of moments you might otherwise have forgotten.

    3. Create a “One Second a Day” Travel Video

    A phone set to record a sunset

    You don’t need to become a travel vlogger to document your trip with video.

    Take a tiny video clip every day. A street musician. Your coffee arriving. A train pulling into the station. The ocean. Your hotel-room view. A beautiful building. Your feet walking down a cobblestone street. The ridiculous dessert you ordered.

    Anything.

    When you get home, combine those tiny clips into one video.Suddenly, instead of hundreds of random videos sitting forgotten on your phone, you have a mini movie of your adventure.

    And don’t worry about making every clip Instagram-perfect. Sometimes the imperfect moments tell the better story.

    4. Save a Tiny Piece of Each Destination

    A collection of vintage stamps

    I’m not suggesting stealing a piece of the Colosseum. Please don’t do that. LOL I’m talking about the little disposable things we normally throw away.

    Save things like:

    • Train tickets
    • Museum tickets
    • Boarding passes, where available
    • Business cards
    • Receipts from memorable meals
    • City maps
    • Attraction brochures
    • Café napkins
    • Luggage tags
    • Stickers
    • Event tickets

    These objects might seem meaningless during the trip. Years later? That crumpled restaurant receipt could instantly remind you of the tiny restaurant where you had an amazing dinner.

    Put everything into an envelope labeled with the destination and date. Or turn the collection into something more creative when you get home. These little souvenirs can become physical reminders of your solo travel memories long after the trip is over.

    Which brings us to…

    5. Make a Travel Shadow Box

    A shadow box filled with pictures of people and landscapes

    Instead of putting every travel souvenir into a drawer and forgetting about it, display the memories. Create a shadow box for a favorite trip.

    You could include:

    • A postcard
    • A train ticket
    • A small map
    • A photograph
    • Foreign currency
    • A museum ticket
    • A handwritten note
    • A tiny souvenir

    Anything that reminds you of the experience.

    You don’t need expensive materials or professional design skills. The goal isn’t to make something worthy of a museum. It’s to create something that makes you smile every time you walk past it. If you travel frequently, imagine having a wall filled with little visual time capsules from different adventures.

    That’s a much better fate for your travel memories than disappearing into a box underneath your bed.

    6. Photograph the Same Thing in Every Destination

    Give yourself a personal photography challenge. Choose one thing you’ll photograph everywhere you travel.

    It could be:

    • Doors
    • Coffee cups
    • Street art
    • Sunsets
    • Bookstores
    • Your shoes
    • Public transportation
    • Windows
    • Desserts
    • Street signs
    • Hotel-room views

    Anything you find interesting. Then photograph that same category in every destination.

    After several trips, you’ll have a collection that’s uniquely yours. It’s also a fun way to create a visual collection of your solo travel memories without taking the same standard vacation photos every time.

    Imagine a photo book filled entirely with colorful doors from Spain, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Guatemala, and everywhere else you’ve traveled.

    Or a collection called: Coffee I Drank While Avoiding Going Home. I’d look at that photo album. LOL

    7. Record Voice Notes to Your Future Self

    An image of a voice note app on a phone screen

    This is one of my favorite unconventional ideas because it captures something photographs can’t: Your voice in the moment.

    At the end of an amazing day, open your phone and record yourself talking about it. Don’t script anything. Just talk.

    What happened? Who did you meet? What made you laugh? What scared you? What are you proud of? How does the destination feel? What can you hear around you? Maybe you’re sitting on your hotel balcony. Maybe you’re walking home after dinner. Maybe you’re waiting for a train.

    Record two minutes. Five minutes. Whatever feels natural. Months or years later, listening to your own excitement can transport you back in a way a photograph sometimes can’t. Solo travel can also be surprisingly reflective. You’re spending a lot of time with yourself, so capture what that version of you was thinking.

    Your voice may become one of your most meaningful solo travel memories.

    8. Write a Letter to Yourself at the End of Every Trip

    A woman writing a letter

    Before you go home, write yourself a letter. Not a travel guide. Not a list of everything you did.

    A letter.

    Start with: Dear Future Me…Then write about what the trip meant to you.

    What did you learn? What challenged you? What surprised you? What are you proud of? What do you want to remember? Did traveling alone change anything about how you see yourself? What would you tell the version of yourself who was nervous before leaving?

    Seal the letter. Write the destination and date on the envelope. Don’t read it for a while. Maybe six months. Maybe a year. Maybe five years. One day, you’ll open it and meet the person you were during that particular adventure.

    That’s a souvenir you can’t buy in a gift shop.

    Your Memories Deserve More Than a Camera Roll

    Your solo travel memories deserve to be experienced again, not forgotten in a camera roll. Take the pictures. Definitely take the pictures. Take way too many pictures. Photograph your food. Photograph the view. Ask the stranger to take your picture even though it feels awkward. Take the selfie.

    But document the rest too. The emotions. The funny moments. The mistakes. The sounds. The people. The things you learned about yourself. Solo travel isn’t just about collecting destinations. It’s about collecting experiences and sometimes discovering a version of yourself you didn’t know existed.

    So send yourself the postcard. Save the train ticket. Record the voice memo. Write the letter. Years from now, you’ll be glad you did. Because your favorite solo travel memories probably won’t be the perfectly posed photographs.

    They’ll be the little moments you almost forgot.

  • Living in Almería: My First Year Teaching in Spain

    Living in Almería: My First Year Teaching in Spain

    When I decided to apply for a teaching assistant program in Spain, I knew I wanted more than another vacation. I had already visited Granada and Madrid, but this time I wanted to experience what living in Almería would actually be like. And because Andalucía was the only region where language assistants could choose their placement, I had the opportunity to pick exactly where I wanted to go.

    I chose Almería. Not because it was the most popular choice. Actually, quite the opposite. I wanted somewhere that felt authentic, less touristy, and more like a place where I could experience everyday Spanish life. Living in Almería gave me exactly what I had been looking for.

    I ended up in a little beach town called Aguadulce, and that decision gave me one of the most impactful years of my life.

    Why I Chose Almería

    My choice was pretty simple: I wanted to see what else Spain had to offer.

    I’d already experienced Granada and Madrid as a visitor, but living somewhere is completely different from passing through for a few days. I wanted to wake up somewhere, go to work, grocery shop, make friends, figure out public transportation, and experience all the little things that come with actually living in another country.

    Aguadulce turned out to be a great fit for that.

    It was quieter than the major Spanish cities I’d visited, and my studio apartment was in a residential neighborhood filled mostly with families and older residents. I actually appreciated the peacefulness. But then there was something else I hadn’t fully appreciated until I got there: the cost of living.

    The United States is inexplicably expensive, and before moving abroad, I’d always lived with my parents or had roommates. Almería was the first place where I could afford to have my own apartment in my 30s! It took a lot of research and communication to find an affordable place, but with some understanding and patience, I was lucky enough to make it happen.

    That alone made the experience feel pretty significant.

    My Little Walkable Life in Aguadulce

    Living in Almería Spain near the beach

    I didn’t have a car while living in Aguadulce, but thankfully, I didn’t really need one.

    My school was about a 20-minute walk from my apartment, there were multiple grocery stores nearby, and the beach was literally about five minutes away behind my building. Most of what I needed was within walking distance, so I spent a lot of time on foot. By the time I went back home for the summer, I was probably in the best shape I’d been in for a while. LOL

    I hadn’t moved to Spain with the intention of becoming a walking enthusiast, but apparently that’s what happens when your transportation options are your feet and public buses.

    What It Was Like Teaching in Almería

    Teaching assistant experience in Almería Spain

    I worked at a bilingual primary school with children ages 3–5 and students in 1st through 3rd grade. My classes included English, Science, Art, and Physical Education.

    One thing I really enjoyed was having a rotating schedule. Instead of working with the same students and subject every day, I had the opportunity to work with different age groups and subjects throughout the week. The school environment was incredibly welcoming. The teachers were lovely, and the students were adorably eager to learn.

    I had already studied Spanish and had experience with the language, but working in a Spanish school gave me a completely different perspective. I wasn’t just learning about Spain anymore, I was participating in everyday life there and quickly became attached to the people around me.

    Making Friends as an Adult Abroad

    Making friends as an adult can be tricky enough when you’re at home. Moving to another country and trying to build a social life from scratch adds another layer to it.

    Thankfully, language assistants have one major advantage: group chats. WhatsApp is king overseas and 100% free!

    I joined several different chats where language assistants could connect, make plans, ask questions, and meet people who were going through the same experience. I also connected with local Spaniards, which gave me opportunities to socialize beyond the assistant community.

    At one point, I even joined a hiking group. As someone who enjoys being outdoors, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to explore the scenery around me. It’s an Earth sign thing. LOL

    Hiking Through Ohanes

    Ohanes village in Almería Spain
    Ohanes village in Almería Spain

    One of my favorite hiking-group outings took us to Ohanes, a small town surrounded by beautiful scenery.

    Almería is known for its production of olives and olive oil, so there were olive trees everywhere. We spent the day enjoying the scenery, exploring little shops and restaurants, and just taking advantage of a beautiful day outside. It was exactly the kind of experience I had hoped for when I chose Almería.

    I wasn’t looking for a packed tourist itinerary. I wanted to discover the smaller places, meet people, and experience what everyday life looked like outside Spain’s major cities.

    Ohanes gave me a little bit of that.

    The Food, Bars & Port Life I Loved

    If you ask me about my favorite restaurant in Aguadulce, there really isn’t much debate. It’s La Piedra, an Argentine restaurant that served some of the most delicious patatas bravas and steak I’ve ever had. I went there so often that eventually the staff started recognizing me. LOL

    Patatas bravas and steak at a restaurant in Aguadulce
    Patatas bravas and steak at a restaurant in Aguadulce

    Naturally, I had to go there for my 34th birthday.

    The restaurant was located along a road behind my apartment that had several other restaurants and shops. Keep following that road and you’d eventually reach a small port where boats docked. There were bars and clubs nearby, including Temple Bar, where I went for karaoke, and Mojito, a fun dance club for people of all ages and music types.

    My birthday was especially memorable because some of the language assistants I’d become friends with celebrated with me at La Piedra. Afterward, we went back to my apartment to eat the cake one of the girls had made for me. It was delicious! Then we headed back down to the port for darts, karaoke, and dancing.

    Not a bad way to turn 34.

    The Cultural Adjustments I Didn’t Expect

    Living abroad isn’t just about beautiful beaches, new friends, and inexpensive meals. Sometimes the smallest everyday things remind you that you’re living in a completely different culture.

    For me, one of the first adjustments was drying clothes on a line. As an American, the idea of not having a clothes dryer genuinely hadn’t crossed my mind before moving abroad. I assumed having a dryer was normal. I was mistaken. LOL

    I personally was not a fan of air-drying my clothes, so I eventually decided to spend the money at the nearest lavandería instead. You can take the girl out of the US, but you can’t take the US out of the girl!

    Another adjustment was the amount of staring I experienced. In the U.S., staring is generally considered rude, so it didn’t immediately occur to me that it could be perceived differently somewhere else. I didn’t enjoy it, particularly when it came from men. There were even occasions when men followed me around, which was extremely uncomfortable.

    Because walking was such a big part of my everyday life, those experiences made me more conscious of my surroundings. It wasn’t something I expected to deal with, and it definitely became part of my adjustment to living abroad.

    Spain Runs on a Completely Different Clock

    Then there was the issue of time.

    I was used to eating dinner around 7 p.m. In Spain, dinner at 10 or 11 p.m. is completely normal. Going out was even more of an adjustment. In the U.S., going to a bar around 10 or 11 p.m. would usually be a perfectly reasonable starting point. In Spain, that could be when people were just starting to get ready. 1 or 1:30 a.m. was a normal starting time for a night out.

    I went out maybe three times during my entire time in Almería because I simply could not stay out all night like that. My body said, Ma’am, we’re going home. LOL

    A Few More Almería Memories

    Sunset at Mirador Las Sirenas in Almería
    Sunset at Mirador Las Sirenas in Almería

    There were plenty of smaller experiences that made my year memorable.

    I had my first Spanish movie-theater experience, for example. I went to see Blanca Nieves (Snow White), and while I didn’t think the movie itself was particularly good, the experience was still interesting. Watching an English-language movie dubbed in Spanish was definitely different from watching it back home.

    I also visited the aquarium in nearby Roquetas de Mar. It was small but cute, and they even had a little pool where visitors could touch the stingrays. And finally, there was Mirador Las Sirenas. I went there with some of the teachers from my school, and we watched the sunset together.

    Beautiful sunsets became one of those things I never seemed to get tired of while living in Spain.

    The Beach Culture Was the Biggest Adjustment

    Of course, living five minutes from the beach meant I spent plenty of time around the coast.

    One thing that momentarily caught me off guard was Europe’s more relaxed attitude toward nudity at the beach. Seeing topless women and little kids running around without diapers was definitely a culture shock the first time. The shock lasted about 30 seconds and then I got over it. LOL

    I wasn’t confident enough to participate myself, but I quickly realized that what felt unusual to me was simply normal for other people. It’s one of those little cultural differences you don’t necessarily think about until you’re standing on a beach experiencing it firsthand.

    Living in Mainland Spain Opened Up Europe

    Another advantage of being based in mainland Spain was how easy it felt to explore other parts of Europe. During that year, I traveled to Copenhagen for Christmas and Amsterdam for New Year’s.

    Those trips deserve stories of their own, so I’m saving the details for separate posts. But being able to live in Spain while also having opportunities to explore more of Europe was something I really appreciated about the experience.

    I wasn’t just living abroad. I was building a lifestyle where travel became much more accessible.

    The Hardest Part Was Saying Goodbye

    I knew from the beginning that my year in Spain wouldn’t last forever. What I didn’t expect was how difficult leaving would actually be. No one warns you that working with kids will make you fall in love.

    By the time my last day at school arrived, I’d become incredibly attached to my students and coworkers. Some of the students didn’t even realize that it was my final day, and when they found out, they cried. Of course, that made me cry too. They drew me pictures and wrote me the sweetest little letters so I’d have something to remember them by.

    It was a sad day, but it was also filled with so much love and gratitude. Those kids had become such a meaningful part of my experience, and their reactions reminded me just how much the year had meant to me.

    Why Almería Made Me Want to Return to Spain

    Sunset in Aguadulce Almería Spain

    When I chose Almería, I wasn’t looking for the most popular Spanish destination. I wanted something authentic. I wanted to see what life looked like away from the major tourist cities I’d already visited and that’s exactly what I got.

    I lived in a quiet beach town, walked almost everywhere, had my own apartment for the first time, made friends from different countries, worked with Spanish children, joined a hiking group, ate entirely too much at my favorite restaurant, adjusted to Spanish schedules, traveled around Europe, and learned that living abroad comes with just as many awkward cultural adjustments as beautiful moments.

    Most importantly, living in Almería was the experience that made me realize I wasn’t finished with Spain. When that school year ended, I knew I wanted to come back. I just didn’t know yet that I’d eventually return for another year and that my next Spanish home would be on an island.

    But that’s a story for Gran Canaria.

  • Disney on a Budget: How to Save Money at Disney World

    Disney on a Budget: How to Save Money at Disney World

    Planning a vacation to Disney on a budget doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun.

    Between transportation, hotels, park tickets, food, souvenirs, and all the little extras that somehow add up, a Disney vacation can get expensive really quickly. But spending less doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip.

    If you’re planning a Disney World vacation on a budget, the key is deciding where you actually want to spend your money and where you don’t.

    Here are 13 practical ways to save money while still enjoying the magic.

    Disney on a budget at Walt Disney World

    1. Set Your Disney World Budget Before You Start Planning

    Before you start looking at hotels or buying tickets, figure out what you can realistically spend.

    Break your budget into categories like:

    • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Park tickets
    • Food
    • Local transportation
    • Souvenirs
    • Extras
    • Emergency or miscellaneous expenses

    Then decide which categories matter most to you.

    Maybe you’re perfectly happy staying at a less expensive hotel because you’d rather spend that money on food and experiences inside the parks. Or maybe having a nice hotel matters more because you plan to spend some time relaxing there.

    There isn’t one “right” way to do Disney. The goal is to spend intentionally instead of spending because something looks cute in the moment.

    2. Be Flexible With Your Disney World Travel Dates

    If you have some flexibility, compare different travel dates before booking anything.

    Prices and availability can vary depending on the time of year, holidays, school breaks, and other busy travel periods. If you’re flying to Orlando, airfare can also make a big difference in your overall budget. Don’t automatically choose the first dates that look convenient. Check a few different options and see how much the overall trip would cost.

    Sometimes moving your trip by a few days can make a noticeable difference.

    3. Compare Disney Resorts With Off-Site Hotels

    Staying at a Disney resort can be convenient, but don’t assume it’s automatically the best financial choice or that an off-site hotel will always be cheaper. Compare the total cost of each option.

    With an off-site hotel, remember to consider things like:

    • Rideshares
    • Rental cars
    • Parking
    • Resort fees
    • Transportation to the parks
    • Time spent getting back and forth

    A cheaper room isn’t necessarily cheaper once you add everything else. Look at the complete picture before making your decision.

    4. Don’t Automatically Choose the Fanciest Room

    Let’s be honest: how much time are you actually going to spend in your hotel room?

    If your plan is to wake up, get ready, hit the parks, come back exhausted, shower, and fall into bed, you may not need the fanciest room available.

    Of course, if a beautiful resort is part of the experience you want, go for it! But if you’re trying to save money, ask yourself whether you’re paying for amenities you’ll actually use.

    Sometimes a clean, comfortable room is all you need.

    5. Compare Your Disney World Ticket Options

    Tickets are one of the biggest expenses of a Disney vacation, so don’t automatically buy the most expensive option.

    Standard date-based Disney World tickets require you to select a start date and provide admission to one theme park per day. Disney also offers options such as Park Hopper, which allows you to visit more than one theme park on the same day. Think realistically about how you’ll spend your vacation.

    Do you actually need Park Hopper? Are you planning to visit all four theme parks? Would fewer park days give you enough time to enjoy the trip without rushing around?

    Also, don’t assume that you’ll need a separate theme park reservation. Disney currently says reservations are not required for date-based tickets, although some other types of admission may still require them. Check Disney’s current requirements when you purchase your tickets.

    Disney also periodically offers special ticket promotions. For example, limited-time 2026 offers have included date-based multi-day tickets. These offers change, so check Disney’s official website before purchasing to see whether a current promotion fits your plans.

    6. Bring Your Own Park Essentials

    There are certain things you already know you’re going to need at the parks, so why pay Disney prices for them once you’re there?

    Pack your own:

    • Sunscreen
    • Refillable water bottle
    • Portable charger
    • Sunglasses
    • Hat
    • Poncho
    • Small first-aid supplies
    • Snacks

    Florida weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden rainstorm is a lot less annoying when you already have a poncho in your bag.

    Just remember that Disney’s park rules can change, so check the current guidelines before packing. Some items have restrictions, and Disney’s rules should always take priority over an old packing list you found online.

    7. Save Money on Disney World Food

    Food can quietly eat up a huge part of your Disney budget. Before your trip, decide which meals or dining experiences are actually important to you. Maybe there’s a restaurant you’ve been dying to try. Great! Budget for it. But you don’t have to make every meal an expensive experience. You can mix in less expensive meals and snacks and save your money for the dining experiences you genuinely care about.

    Disney also offers dining plans for eligible stays, but don’t assume a dining plan is automatically the cheaper option. Compare the plan with what you realistically expect to eat and spend. Disney notes that dining-plan details, participating locations, and terms can change. The goal isn’t to eat as cheaply as humanly possible.

    It’s to avoid spending money on food you don’t even really want.

    8. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

    Florida heat and theme-park walking are not a cute combination when you’re dehydrated. Bring a refillable water bottle and use it throughout your day. It’s a simple way to reduce the number of drinks you have to purchase while you’re in the parks—and staying hydrated will make the whole experience more enjoyable.

    This is one of those small things that can save money without making you feel like you’re sacrificing anything.

    9. Set a Disney Souvenir Budget

    Disney merchandise is dangerous. You walk into a store “just to look” and somehow leave holding a $40 sweatshirt. Ma’am, we came here for Mickey!

    Before your trip, decide how much you’re willing to spend on souvenirs. If you’re traveling with kids, you can give them a specific amount so they know how much they have to work with. A souvenir budget also gives you permission to buy something you really love without feeling guilty about it.

    10. Buy Some Disney-Themed Items Before Your Trip

    If you know you want Disney-themed shirts, accessories, autograph supplies, or other items, consider buying some of them before you arrive.

    You can often find Disney-inspired items from retailers outside the parks for less than what you might spend once you’re surrounded by merchandise.

    And honestly, having your Disney outfit ready before the trip can make the whole experience even more fun.

    11. Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy Everything

    Disney social media can make it seem like you need to buy every souvenir, upgrade, special experience, themed outfit, snack, collectible, and limited-edition item. You don’t.

    Pick the things that actually matter to you. If you don’t care about collecting ears, don’t buy them just because everyone else has them. If a particular character experience means everything to you, prioritize that.

    Your Disney vacation doesn’t have to look like someone else’s Instagram or TikTok feed to be a great vacation.

    12. Give Yourself a Miscellaneous Budget

    Even the best-planned vacation can come with unexpected expenses.

    Maybe you need medicine. Maybe you forgot something at home. Maybe you decide you really want that snack everyone keeps talking about. Instead of pretending unexpected expenses won’t happen, plan for them. Set aside a miscellaneous amount as part of your Disney budget.

    And if you don’t spend it? Congratulations! You have extra money.

    13. Don’t Sacrifice Your Entire Disney Vacation Just to Save Money

    Saving money is important. But don’t turn your entire vacation into a financial obstacle course. If there’s something you genuinely want to experience, budget for it. Maybe that’s a special meal. Maybe it’s a character experience. Maybe it’s staying at a particular resort. Maybe it’s buying one ridiculously cute souvenir.

    The goal isn’t to spend as little money as possible. The goal is to spend your money on the parts of the trip that will actually make the trip memorable.

    You Can Do Disney Without Destroying Your Budget

    Let’s be honest: Disney World isn’t exactly a cheap vacation. But there’s a big difference between an expensive vacation and a financially chaotic one.

    Set your budget. Compare your options. Be flexible with your dates. Don’t automatically pay for upgrades you don’t need. Bring some of your own essentials. Be strategic with food and souvenirs. And most importantly, decide ahead of time what is actually worth spending money on for you.

    Disney doesn’t have to be about buying everything. Sometimes the memories you’re paying for are the rides, the laughs, the pictures, seeing a character you’ve loved forever, and walking back to your hotel completely exhausted because you somehow stayed in the park until closing.

    Those are the moments you’ll remember—just like the unexpected memories that come from a good road trip. Not the tenth souvenir you almost bought.

  • Tenerife for My 35th Birthday: A Road Trip Through Paradise

    Tenerife for My 35th Birthday: A Road Trip Through Paradise

    Turning 35 felt like a pretty good excuse to do something memorable. After spending eight months living and working in Gran Canaria, I knew I hadn’t seen nearly enough of the Canary Islands. So for my 35th birthday this year, I decided to take a Tenerife birthday trip and change that

    This trip ended up being the perfect combination of road-trip adventures, beautiful scenery, good friends, wildlife, and plenty of moments where I stopped and thought, Okay…Spain really does this?

    Wanting to See More of the Canary Islands

    Living in Gran Canaria gave me the chance to experience island life in a way a short vacation never could. But one thing I kept thinking about was how little of the rest of the Canary Islands I’d actually seen. So for my 35th birthday this year, I decided to change that.

    Tenerife seemed like the perfect choice. I wanted somewhere I could explore, take plenty of pictures, and experience something completely different from my everyday life in Gran Canaria.

    And because apparently turning 35 means renting a car and driving around an island with friends, that’s exactly what I did!

    A Reunion With a Familiar Friend

    One of the best parts of the trip was getting to see a familiar face again.

    I originally met this friend while traveling in Copenhagen, and somehow we kept running into each other in different cities afterward. Turns out it’s a small world after all! LOL

    For Tenerife, he and two other friends rented a car, and the four of us made our way around the island from north to south. We stopped constantly for pictures because, honestly, Tenerife made it very difficult to not stop for pictures.

    There was something especially fun about experiencing the island with people I already knew while still getting to explore somewhere completely new together.

    Puerto de la Cruz

    Our first stop was Lago Martiánez in Puerto de la Cruz, an outdoor seawater swimming pool complex right along the coast.

    Admission was €7, and it was a pretty great way to kick off the trip. After spending so much time surrounded by the scenery of the Canary Islands, getting to actually enjoy the water felt like the right way to start my Tenerife adventure. Lounging in a chair by the pool on a nice, sunny day with a cold drink was the picture of relaxation. After that, we were officially ready to hit the road.

    From there, we continued exploring the northern part of the island, making frequent stops at the miradors whenever something caught our attention.

    Garachico

    A beautiful sea view of Garachico
    A woman sitting in a giant square overlooking the sea in Garachico

    Next up was Garachico. We walked around, grabbed some ice cream, and took pictures while enjoying the scenery. It was one of those stops that didn’t need a complicated itinerary. Sometimes you just need a pretty place, something cold to eat, and enough time to wander around.

    But as beautiful as Garachico was, the next stop ended up being one of my favorites.

    Masca

    If I had to choose one place from the road trip that really stood out, Masca would be it.

    The drive itself was an adventure. The roads wound through the mountains, and at one point, fog made it difficult to see much of anything around us. Then we drove through it.

    Sunset in Masca, Tenerife for my birthday
    Tenerife birthday trip with friends

    Suddenly, the sunshine came back, and the views opened up again. The trees and mountains were incredible, and there were moments when it genuinely felt like we were above the clouds. We stopped to take pictures and eventually stayed to watch the sunset.

    The sky changed into those pink and orange colors that make you wonder how something can look that unreal without being edited. It was the perfect way to start my birthday trip.

    Playa de las Américas

    A black sand beach in Playa de las Américas

    After exploring the northern and mountainous parts of Tenerife, we made our way toward the southern part of the island. We stopped in Playa de las Américas, which felt much more touristy than some of the places we’d visited earlier. There were black sand beaches, plenty of people, and lots happening around us.

    We grabbed some food before heading to our hostel for the night, Los Amigos Nest Hostel. After a full day of driving, sightseeing, and stopping every five minutes because someone wanted another picture, we were definitely ready to call it a night.

    A Funny Visit to the Monkey Park

    The next day brought one of the more entertaining stops of the trip: Monkey Park.

    We walked through the different exhibits and got to feed the monkeys. There were also guinea pigs, turtles, birds, crocodiles, and other animals to see.

    But the funniest part involved one of my friends. One monkey in particular happily took food from everyone else. Then it was his turn. He tried to feed it. The monkey basically said, Absolutely not. He tried again. Still ignored.

    At that point, we were all laughing because apparently this monkey had already decided he wasn’t worth the effort. LOL It was definitely one of those random travel moments that you remember long after the trip is over.

    Whale & Dolphin Watching in Los Cristianos

    Bottlenose dolphins in Tenerife

    After Monkey Park, we headed to Fisherman’s Wharf at the Port of Los Cristianos for a whale and dolphin-watching tour. The tour lasted about two hours, and while tours like these are usually hit or miss when it comes to actually seeing something, we were lucky enough to see multiple whales and dolphins that afternoon.

    There’s something completely magical about seeing these animals in the middle of the ocean rather than behind glass or in an enclosed space. Watching these huge creatures move freely through such a massive body of water really makes you feel small!

    It was one of those experiences where I didn’t need to do much other than sit there and take it all in.

    Mount Teide

    For our final day, we headed to Mount Teide National Park.

    I want to make one thing clear: I did NOT climb Mount Teide. LOL We explored the area, walked around, and took plenty of pictures.

    The landscape immediately reminded me of the American Southwest. The colors and rock formations gave me flashes of places like the Grand Canyon and the desert landscapes I’d seen in the United States.

    But then the sun started going down. We stayed to watch the sunset, and the sky turned pink and orange until it looked almost like a painting. By the end of it, the temperature had definitely dropped, and I was feeling the chill. I was also not appropriately dressed for this. LOL

    One of my friends had the great idea to stargaze for a bit and adjusted his phone to capture the stars and our silhouettes against the night sky. It was a pretty incredible way to end the trip.

    A view above the clouds on the way to Mount Teide
    A view of the Mount Teide rock formations
    A woman in front of the Mount Teide rock formations
    Gorgeous sunset at Mount Teide National Park
    Stargazing in Mount Teide National Park
    A silhouette of four friends holding hands under the starts at Mount Teide National Park

    What My Tenerife Birthday Trip Gave Me

    Looking back, this Tenerife birthday trip was exactly the kind of experience I wanted for my big day. I wanted something special. What I got was so much more than a night out at a club or a dinner with awkward singing.

    I got winding mountain roads, unexpected stops, sunsets, black sand beaches, monkeys with questionable opinions about my friends, whales and dolphins in the open ocean, and landscapes that looked like they belonged on another planet. I also got to explore another part of Spain with people I genuinely enjoyed being around—which, after spending so much time living abroad, made the experience even better.

    After living in Gran Canaria, I already knew the Canary Islands had a way of making everyday life feel a little more beautiful. But seeing Tenerife for the first time reminded me that every island has its own personality, scenery, and surprises. I got to celebrate another year of life by doing something I’ve always loved: going somewhere I’ve never been and seeing what happens.

    And if this is what 35 looks like, I’ll take it!

  • New York, Four Times Over: What Keeps Bringing Me Back

    New York, Four Times Over: What Keeps Bringing Me Back

    My New York City travel story started in January 2019. Eight degrees. A Jesse McCartney concert. And my first-ever trip to New York City.

    Looking back, I’m not sure what was colder…the weather or my determination to never visit New York in winter again. LOL

    I had never been to New York before, so luckily, I had the perfect tour guide: one of my friends from Atlanta who had moved there. This is the same friend I visited in San Francisco and traveled with during my cross-country road trip. She showed me around, introduced me to some of her favorite places, and made sure I got the full first-time-in-New-York experience.

    That first trip ended up being the beginning of a pretty long relationship with New York City. My friend moved back to Atlanta for a while, then moved to New York again, which gave me a reason to visit a few more times.

    Four trips later, I’ve experienced New York in very different ways: from freezing January temperatures and Broadway shows to summer beach days, sunset views, incredible food, and being caught in a sea of people during the 2026 World Cup.

    And somehow, despite my complaints about the prices, the crowds, and those confusing numbered streets, I keep coming back.

    My First Trip to New York Was 8 Degrees

    My first New York City trip was in January 2019, and the main reason I went was a Jesse McCartney concert. Yes, Jesse McCartney. Don’t judge me! If you know, you know.

    The problem? It was eight degrees. I don’t do well with cold weather under normal circumstances, so being in New York in January was definitely an experience. I remember being bundled up and trying my best to enjoy myself while also wondering why I had voluntarily traveled somewhere this cold.

    I made a promise to myself that I would never return to New York in the winter and so far, I’ve kept my word. LOL

    Sitting on the steps of the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York
    Sitting on the steps of the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York
    A woman holding on to a lamp post in Central Park, NY.

    Since it was my first visit, my friend took on the role of official New York tour guide. We spent most of our time exploring Brooklyn and Manhattan and checked off plenty of the classic New York sights. We visited Central Park, Times Square, Macy’s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

    We were also huge Gossip Girl fans at the time, so visiting The Met was especially fun. It was one thing to see these places on television, but seeing them in person made everything feel a little more real. XOXO

    My Friend Became My Personal New York Tour Guide

    One of my favorite things about visiting New York with my friend is that I never had to figure everything out myself. She already knew the city, so I could just follow along and enjoy the experience. We walked around Manhattan, explored Brooklyn, wandered through Chinatown, and stopped at some of the places I’d seen in movies and television shows.

    We even went to a rehearsal taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which was such a cool experience. I’d never been to a television taping before, so getting to see how everything worked behind the scenes was a fun addition to the trip. Also, I’ve loved Jimmy Fallon since his days on SNL 🙂

    And because my friend knew I loved movies and TV shows, she also made sure to include some stops that felt like little pop-culture pilgrimages.

    New York Through Movies and TV Shows

    Giant floor piano at FAO Schwarz

    One of my favorite stops was FAO Schwarz. I’m a huge fan of Big starring Tom Hanks, so naturally, I had to see the famous giant piano.

    Getting to recreate that little movie moment was such a cool experience. It’s one of those things that might seem small to someone else, but when you’ve loved a movie for years, actually standing in a place connected to it makes the experience feel special.

    We also visited Logos Bookstore, the small bookstore in New York that was used as Mooney’s bookstore in the Netflix series You. (Hello, Joe!) The bookstore itself was small and quaint, but that was part of the charm. Of course, I had to go inside. We also made a stop by the apartment building featured in the popular show, Friends. Kind of a must!

    Between Gossip Girl, Big, You, Friends, and The Tonight Show, these trips made me realize just how much of New York City I’d already experienced through a screen before ever visiting.

    There’s something really fun about recognizing a place you’ve seen in a movie or show and suddenly realizing, Wait… I’m actually here.

    My First New York Subway Experience

    Another first from that trip was taking the New York City subway.

    Coming from Atlanta, I’m familiar with MARTA, but I’m much more accustomed to seeing the train above ground. New York was a completely different beast because so much of the city happens underneath the streets. At first, I wasn’t sure what I was doing.

    Eventually, though, you realize that the system isn’t quite as intimidating as it seems. Follow the signs, pay attention to where you’re going, and eventually you’ll figure it out.

    The streets were another story. I understand the logic behind the numbered streets, but I’m still personally not a fan. LOL You’ll hear something like “16th and 24th West blah blah blah” and I’m standing there thinking, Okay… and where exactly am I supposed to go?

    I’m also from the South, where we’re generally pretty friendly and smiley, so I’d heard the running joke that you have to “look mean” when you’re walking around New York, especially as a woman. That’s not exactly my natural personality. I’m used to smiling at people and saying hello. New York definitely taught me to be a little more aware of my surroundings while navigating a huge, unfamiliar city.

    Come Hungry: Pizza, Cheesecake & More

    Food is a huge part of the New York City travel experience. You can’t talk about New York without talking about food.

    Everyone has their favorite pizza spot, and while Joe’s Pizza is one of the popular choices, my personal favorite was actually L’Industrie. That pizza was so good.

    New York City travel includes L'Industrie pizza

    And then there was the cheesecake. Junior’s. Also delicious. Between the pizza and cheesecake alone, I understood why food is such a big part of the New York experience.

    On my most recent trip, I also got to try something completely new to me: an omakase-style dinner at Tsumo Omakase. I’d never experienced omakase before, so watching the chef prepare the different types of sushi right in front of us was part of the fun.

    And yes, it was delicious.

    We also stopped at Pop Up Bagels, because apparently I was determined to eat my way through New York one iconic food at a time. LOL

    The New York Sights That Stayed With Me

    Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline
    Manhattan skyline at sunset

    Some of the places I’ve visited over my four trips are the kind of attractions you expect to see when visiting New York, but that doesn’t make them any less memorable.

    The Brooklyn Bridge was one of those places. There’s something surreal about seeing the New York City skyline while standing on the bridge instead of just looking at pictures of it.

    On my most recent trip, my friend and I also visited the Manhattan Bridge and arrived just in time to watch the sunset behind the Manhattan skyline. If you’ve been following Travel Britten for a while, you already know I have a thing for sunsets. LOL

    And this one did not disappoint. The sky, the skyline, the water, and the city all coming together at the same time made for one of those simple travel moments that sticks with you. We also spent some time at Hudson River Park, which gave us another chance to slow down and take in the city without constantly rushing from one attraction to the next.

    Visiting the 9/11 Memorial

    The 9/11 Memorial was a very different experience from the rest of the trip.

    For New Yorkers, and Americans in general, September 11th is a day we’ll never forget. Even if you weren’t in New York when it happened, the events of that day are part of American history that most of us remember in some way, shape, or form.

    9/11 Memorial visit in Manhattan, New York.
    9/11 Memorial visit in Manhattan, New York.
    9/11 Memorial visit in Manhattan, New York.

    Visiting the memorial felt like an important stop to make. Seeing the names of all the people who lost their lives that day was difficult. Standing there and seeing so many names together made the scale of the tragedy feel much more personal.

    It was one of the most memorable parts of my first trip to New York, but also one of the heaviest. Not every travel memory has to be fun to be meaningful.

    Stranger Things on Broadway Was Incredible

    Stranger Things Broadway play bill

    One of the biggest surprises from my most recent New York City trip happened on Broadway. My friend surprised me with tickets to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow. If you know me, you know I love Stranger Things, so I was very excited.

    And honestly? It did not disappoint.

    The cast and crew were fantastic, but the special effects were what really stood out to me. The lighting, smoke, sound effects, and set design were incredibly well done. You could tell that a lot of thought went into making the production feel like the world of Stranger Things rather than simply putting the characters on a stage.

    The transitions between the real world and the Upside Down were especially impressive. The lighting and sound made it immediately obvious which world you were in, and seeing those transitions happen live was completely different from watching something like that on television.

    There was so much attention to detail that, for a moment, it almost felt like I wasn’t watching a play at all. I was inside the show.

    10/10 highly recommend! *NOTE: The show is set to close on January 3rd, 2027, so get your tickets while you can!*

    A Beach Day in Queens? Yes, Really.

    My visit this past July gave me another side of New York that I hadn’t really experienced before: Rockaway Beach in Queens.

    We took the train out to the beach, and even the ride there was part of the experience. I got some great views of the water along the way, and as we got farther from the city, everything started to feel a little less hectic. Once we arrived, it almost felt like we weren’t in New York anymore.

    Almost.

    There were beach bars playing music, people watching World Cup games, groups hanging out, and plenty of people enjoying the summer weather. So it definitely had a party atmosphere.

    We grabbed some snacks and drinks, brought a speaker to listen to music, and eventually found a quieter spot where we could put down our towels and actually relax. It was such a nice change of pace from spending the day surrounded by skyscrapers and crowds.

    Sometimes you need a little beach break in the middle of a city trip.

    New York Was Expensive… Especially After Living in Europe

    One thing I definitely noticed during my latest visit was how much more expensive New York felt after living in Europe for the past two years.

    I had just come from Gran Canaria, and let’s just say Europe had gotten me a little too comfortable with lower prices and not having an extra tax magically appear when I reached the register. LOL

    No matter where I am, I’ll probably always complain about prices in the United States. But New York? Yeah… I noticed. I honestly don’t remember exactly how much I spent on the trip because my friend was incredibly generous and paid for a lot of things. But the difference in prices was still noticeable.

    It was a funny little culture shock coming back to the U.S. after spending so much time living in Europe.

    The World Cup Made New York Even More Crowded

    My July visit also happened during the FIFA World Cup, which added another layer to the city’s already busy atmosphere.

    The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was held at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, so the city was full of international visitors and football fans around that time and you could definitely feel it. There were people everywhere.

    New York is already crowded, but when you’re walking through a sea of people and can barely move, it can become a little overwhelming. At the same time, there’s something fun about seeing so many different people and cultures coming together in one place.

    It just wasn’t necessarily the peaceful summer vacation atmosphere I might have imagined. I’m also not a soccer fan, so the event itself meant nothing to me. LOL

    What Four Trips to New York Taught Me

    After four visits, I still don’t think I’ve experienced everything New York has to offer. Honestly, I’m not sure that’s even possible. But I have learned a few things:

    New York is expensive. Maybe that seems obvious, but living in Europe for two years definitely changed my perspective on American prices.

    New York is crowded. Sometimes that’s part of the fun. Other times, you just want everyone to move approximately three inches to the left so you can breathe. LOL

    The subway is manageable. It might seem overwhelming at first, but once you follow the signs and understand where you’re going, it’s much easier.

    The numbered streets are still confusing to me. I’m sorry. I said what I said.

    And perhaps most importantly, New York can feel completely different depending on where you are.

    Manhattan, Brooklyn, Chinatown, Hudson River Park, and Rockaway Beach all gave me different impressions of the city. That’s probably part of what makes New York so interesting. You’re not really experiencing just one city. You’re experiencing a bunch of different neighborhoods, cultures, environments, and personalities all packed together.

    Would I Visit New York Again?

    Manhattan Bridge view through chain-link fence

    So after four trips and plenty of New York City travel memories, would I go back? Yes. But there’s a catch.

    To visit my friend specifically? Absolutely. She’s been the common thread through all of these trips, and having someone I know and trust in the city makes the experience completely different.

    To fly to New York by myself for no particular reason? Probably not. LOL New York isn’t necessarily a destination I feel like I need to check off my list again just for the sake of saying I’ve been there.

    But that’s okay. Some places become special because of the people you experience them with.

    My multiple trips to New York have given me a pretty random collection of memories: an eight-degree January night at a Jesse McCartney concert, exploring Central Park and The Met, recreating a Big moment at FAO Schwarz, eating amazing pizza and cheesecake, seeing the 9/11 Memorial, watching Stranger Things come to life on Broadway, catching a sunset over Manhattan, relaxing at Rockaway Beach, and navigating a city that somehow still confuses me with its numbered streets.

    Four trips. Four very different experiences.

    And maybe that’s what keeps bringing me back!

  • I Didn’t Choose Gran Canaria. It Chose Me.

    I Didn’t Choose Gran Canaria. It Chose Me.

    I didn’t go to Gran Canaria for a vacation. I went there to live.

    After spending my first year in Spain as an English language assistant in Almería, I applied to renew my contract for another school year. I’d already visited Spain several times since 2017, so choosing Spain again was an easy decision.

    There was just one problem: a change in Andalucía meant language assistants could only stay in the region for one year. When it was time to submit my preferences for my second year, I put the Canary Islands at the top of my list. I didn’t specifically choose Gran Canaria. The program placed me there. Yet somehow, it ended up being exactly where I needed to be.

    I had been ready to get out of the U.S. for a while and experience something different. By the time I arrived in Gran Canaria, I wasn’t nervous about moving abroad or starting over. This was my second year living in Spain, so I already knew the basics—finding an apartment, figuring out transportation, grocery shopping, meeting people, showing up for the first day of school, and generally figuring out how to make a new place feel normal.

    I just didn’t know yet what living in Gran Canaria for eight months would actually feel like.

    What It Was Like Working With Spanish Children

    Teaching English while living in Gran Canaria

    One of my favorite parts of living in Gran Canaria was working with children. I worked at two bilingual primary schools in the southern part of the island, mainly with children between the ages of 6 and 12. Occasionally, I also worked with younger children between 3 and 5.

    Because the schools were bilingual, English was a big priority. My job was largely about getting the kids comfortable actually speaking English, not just memorizing vocabulary or completing worksheets. That meant games, activities, conversations, and plenty of opportunities for them to use English in a way that felt natural.

    I also got to bring a little bit of American culture into the classroom. We talked about holidays, traditions, food, sports, music, and everyday life in the U.S. Honestly, I loved it!

    There’s something special about watching a child suddenly understand something you’ve been trying to explain. And of course, working with kids also means there were plenty of funny moments that probably wouldn’t happen in an office job.

    Teaching English was a big part of my experience living in Gran Canaria, and it gave me a completely different perspective on what everyday life on the island could look like.

    Why I Didn’t Live in Las Palmas

    When people hear “Gran Canaria,” they may immediately think of Las Palmas.

    I actually lived in the southern part of the island and stayed much closer to my schools. That was a decision I was very happy with because, after spending the day working, the last thing I wanted to do was spend hours commuting just to get home. I could walk around my town for most of my everyday errands, which made life pretty easy.

    Las Palmas was about an hour and fifteen minutes away by bus, while Maspalomas was roughly thirty minutes from where I lived. So while I didn’t make it to Las Palmas constantly, I still had plenty of opportunities to explore and spend time there.

    And sometimes staying close to home was exactly what I needed. Not every weekend abroad has to involve an itinerary. Sometimes you work all week, go home, eat something good, watch TV, and enjoy the fact that you’re living in Spain.

    Making Friends While Living in Gran Canaria

    Making friends while living in Gran Canaria

    Moving somewhere new is exciting, but let’s be honest: making friends as an adult can be awkward. Thankfully, I wasn’t completely on my own.

    There were group chats and other language assistants around the island, and every once in a while we’d meet up in Las Palmas for a girls’ day. We’d grab food and drinks, play games, hang out at the park, and just enjoy each other’s company.

    One of the girls I met during that time ended up becoming a real friend. She eventually moved to Atlanta for graduate school, which meant we were able to see each other again after leaving Spain. That thought still makes me laugh a little. You can move halfway across the world and somehow end up making a friend who eventually moves to the same city you’re from.

    Maybe the world isn’t quite as big as we think it is!

    Carnaval in Las Palmas Was Something Else

    If there is one thing I will never forget about living in Gran Canaria, it’s Carnaval.

    It was honestly otherworldly.

    I’ve experienced Mardi Gras in the U.S., so I had something to compare it to, but Carnaval in Las Palmas had its own completely different energy. The streets were packed, businesses closed, roads were shut down, and we even had days off from school because of the celebrations.

    And it wasn’t just one big event happening in one place. Different cities around the island had their own celebrations at different times, so Carnaval seemed to keep going.

    One of the highlights was seeing Ozuna perform at an outdoor stage that was free to the public.

    Ozuna performing at Carnaval in Las Palmas

    And when I say packed, I mean PACKED. There were so many people that moving around was practically a group activity. But it was fun!

    The only downside to the night was my friend and I discovering that taxis apparently were not going to be running for some reason. So instead of hopping into a cab, we walked almost an hour back to her apartment. Uphill. In the rain.

    That was NOT fun. LOL

    The Food I Kept Going Back For

    Living in Gran Canaria definitely taught me something about myself: When I find a restaurant I love, I don’t necessarily need to keep looking for somewhere new. I’ll just go back.

    TKO Tacos was one of those places.

    Good Mexican food can be really difficult to find in Spain, so when I discovered a place serving €1 tacos, I was sold. I ate there often and pretty much had my order memorized.

    My usual combo was the Alambre de Pollo taco, a Cochinada taco, and a Calabacín taco. To drink, I’d go with a guava Jarritos or a margarita. And yes, I realize that’s a very specific order. But when you find something that hits the spot, why mess with it?

    I also loved Hatuey Buffet Cubano, where I would usually get carne mechada, yuca, congris rice, and fried plantains. That meal hit the spot every single time. I don’t believe in pretending I tried the entire menu when I clearly found my favorites and stuck with them. LOL

    The Night My Apartment Flooded

    Not every Gran Canaria memory involves beaches and Carnaval. There was also the night my apartment flooded.

    It happened after a huge tropical storm. Nothing serious happened to me, but water managed to get under my front door and through my kitchen window. I had thought the window was completely closed, but apparently it wasn’t as secure as I thought. I woke up the next morning to water covering a good portion of the floor. It had even made its way underneath my couch.

    Thankfully, there was no carpet, so at least I wasn’t dealing with that particular nightmare. I grabbed my mop and the couple of towels I had, and my neighbor brought over more towels to help. After that, whenever there was heavy rain, I started putting towels along the bottom of the front door.

    Was it slightly dramatic? Maybe. Did I care? Absolutely not. Once you’ve woken up to water creeping across your apartment floor, you become a towel-under-the-door kind of person. LOL

    The People Who Made Gran Canaria Feel Like Home

    If I had to choose the biggest surprise from my time in Gran Canaria, it wouldn’t be the beaches or the weather. It would be how genuinely kind people were to me. From the moment I landed, I felt welcomed and supported.

    The director from one of my schools picked me up from the airport. My Airbnb host gave me suggestions for places to see. A potential landlord showed me around the town and continued checking in with me even after I decided to rent somewhere else.

    When I moved into my apartment, my new neighbors helped me move in and even made me lunch. My landlord also lowered the rent to make it more affordable. At school, the teachers were kind and helpful, and I never felt like I had been dropped into a completely unfamiliar environment without anyone to turn to. Even walking around by myself felt comfortable.

    That feeling of being welcomed is something I don’t take for granted.

    Speaking Spanish While Living in Spain

    Moving to Spain wasn’t my first experience with Spanish.

    I graduated from college with a degree in Spanish, so I already had a pretty good foundation before I moved to Gran Canaria.

    But there’s a difference between the Spanish many Americans learn in school and the Spanish spoken in Spain.

    Some words, expressions, accents, and pronunciations were different from what I was used to hearing in Latin American Spanish. Every once in a while, I’d hear something and think, Okay…I know Spanish, but what exactly did you just say? LOL

    Still, communication was never a major issue. One thing I found especially endearing was how often locals wanted to practice their English with me. I’d be ready to use my Spanish, and sometimes the other person would be just as eager to practice English. So we’d basically meet somewhere in the middle!

    My Favorite Places Around Gran Canaria

    I didn’t spend all eight months constantly sightseeing, but there were a few places around Gran Canaria that really stood out to me.

    Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés

    Maspalomas lifeguard stand at the beach
    Sunset in Maspalomas

    Maspalomas was only about thirty minutes away from where I lived by bus, so it was one of the easier places for me to visit. My favorite beach there was Playa del Inglés. In general, I prefer sand beaches compared to pebble beaches (which is what I had closer to me), so I didn’t mind the commute .

    The biggest attraction, of course, is the famous nature reserve sand dunes that span over 1000 acres.

    Famous sand dunes in Maspalomas

    The area is very touristy, so I generally preferred staying closer to the beach rather than spending a lot of time shopping or wandering around the restaurant areas. Sometimes I just wanted to sit by the water and enjoy the fact that this was my life for a while.

    Puerto de Mogán

    Puerto de Mogán was another favorite.

    It’s a beautiful little seaside town nicknamed “Little Venice” because of its canals and picturesque waterfront.

    Canals in "Little Venice" Puerto de Mogán
    Sunset in "Little Venice" Puerto de Mogán

    I went for the scenery and stayed for the sunset. The weather was perfect, the town was beautiful, and it was one of those days where you don’t need to do much for it to feel memorable.

    What Living in Gran Canaria Was Really Like

    After eight months of living in Gran Canaria, I can honestly say that everyday life felt much more normal than I expected. Of course, I was still living on an island in Spain, so there were beaches, beautiful weather, Carnaval, and plenty of places to explore. But most days weren’t some nonstop vacation.

    I had to go to work. I grocery shopped. I cooked. I did laundry. I caught the bus. I dealt with apartment issues. I had lazy weekends when I didn’t feel like going anywhere. But that’s actually one of the things I loved most about living in Gran Canaria. Eventually, the island stopped feeling like somewhere I was visiting and started feeling like somewhere I lived.

    I had my favorite restaurants, places I knew how to get to without checking Google Maps, people I could call, routines I recognized, and a neighborhood that felt familiar. That’s the difference between traveling somewhere and actually living there. You stop asking, “What should I see?” and start asking, “What do I feel like doing today?”

    For me, that was when Gran Canaria really started to feel like home.

    Would I Recommend Living in Gran Canaria?

    Absolutely! And that’s probably the simplest way I can put it.

    I went to Gran Canaria because a program placed me there. I stayed because I was having an amazing experience. I loved working with the children. I loved the weather, the food, Carnaval, the friendships I made, and the feeling of being able to walk around and feel comfortable on my own.

    Of course, living abroad isn’t perfect. There were rainy days, long bus rides, apartment problems, homesickness, and the occasional What exactly am I doing here? moment. But that’s part of the experience.

    The hardest part was eventually having to say goodbye to the people I’d met and built relationships with. At the same time, I left knowing that goodbye didn’t necessarily mean forever. I can always go back. And honestly, I hope I do.

    Gran Canaria Chose Me

    I didn’t choose Gran Canaria. I chose Spain. I put the Canary Islands on my preference list. And then a program basically said, Surprise! You’re going to Gran Canaria.

    Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful they did.

    My eight months there gave me experiences I couldn’t have planned, friendships I didn’t expect, memories I’ll always have, and another reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones you carefully plan.

    They’re the ones that happen because life makes the decision for you.

  • My Solo Trip to Málaga: Tapas, New Friends & Caminito del Rey

    My Solo Trip to Málaga: Tapas, New Friends & Caminito del Rey

    When I visited Málaga in February 2025, I expected a few days of exploring another Spanish city (after previous trips to Granada and Madrid), eating good food, and hopefully spending a little time near the Mediterranean.

    The Mediterranean part didn’t exactly cooperate. February brought enough rain to ruin my beach plans, but the rest of Málaga more than made up for it.

    I stayed in one of the nicest hostels I’ve experienced, ate an unreasonable amount of delicious tapas, made new friends I still talk to today, explored one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, and took an unforgettable day trip to Caminito del Rey.

    Oh, and I got left behind by my tour bus! We’ll get to that…LOL

    If you’re considering Málaga solo travel, especially during the quieter winter months, my trip was a pretty good reminder that the experiences you remember most aren’t always the ones you planned.

    Staying at TOC Málaga

    One of the best decisions I made in Málaga was staying at TOC Málaga.

    I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels over the years, and this was easily one of the nicest. It had the kind of atmosphere that made staying in a hostel feel less like choosing the budget option and more like somewhere I genuinely enjoyed coming back to at the end of the day.

    But the best part of staying in a hostel wasn’t the building itself. It was the people.

    I met several other travelers while there, and what started as those temporary travel friendships—the people you meet over breakfast, while hanging around the hostel, or when somebody asks what you’re doing later—turned into actual friendships. I still talk to some of them today!

    That’s one of the things I wish more people understood about traveling solo: solo doesn’t necessarily mean alone. Some of my favorite travel memories have happened because I arrived somewhere by myself and ended up meeting people I never would have encountered otherwise.

    Eating My Way Through Casa Lola

    If you ask me where to eat in Málaga based on my trip, I already have an answer. Casa Lola. Hands down.

    There were so many tapas to try that choosing what to order was half the fun. Add a delicious glass of wine, good company, and that lively Spanish dining atmosphere, and I was very happy.

    One thing I love about tapas is that you don’t have to commit to one enormous meal. You can order a few things, share, try something you’ve never had before, realize you need another plate of whatever you just ate, and somehow convince yourself that ordering more food is actually cultural research…because it is. HEHE

    Casa Lola became one of those restaurants I associate with the destination itself. When I think about eating in Málaga, that’s the place that immediately comes back to me.

    Tapas and wine at Casa Lola in Málaga Spain

    Visiting Málaga Cathedral

    Food wasn’t the only thing that impressed me in Málaga.

    Málaga Cathedral was another standout.

    The cathedral is commonly known as La Manquita, which roughly translates to “the one-armed lady,” a nickname connected to its famously unfinished second tower. Construction began in the 16th century, and the building’s long, complicated history has left it with the distinctive asymmetrical appearance visitors see today.

    There’s something fascinating about standing in front of a building that’s been part of a city’s landscape for centuries and is still, technically, unfinished.

    Rather than making it less impressive, I think the missing tower makes the cathedral even more memorable.

    Málaga solo travel near the cathedral in Spain

    Travel Britten Tip: Historic buildings are exactly where I like checking the official website before visiting. Restoration work, access areas, opening times, and ticketing can change, especially when you’re dealing with a building that’s hundreds of years old.

    When Málaga Beach Weather Says, “Not Today”

    Of course, Málaga sits on Spain’s Costa del Sol, so naturally I had visions of spending some time near the beach. But nope! The weather had other plans.

    I visited in February, and my trip ended up being rainier than I’d hoped. It wasn’t exactly the weather for stretching out on the sand and enjoying a Mediterranean beach day.

    Was I disappointed? A little. But this is also one of those travel expectations I’ve learned to let go of. You can choose the destination, book the flight, plan the itinerary, and pack the clothes. You cannot negotiate with the weather.

    Fortunately, Málaga gave me plenty to do without the beach and one particular excursion was about to make the trip much more interesting.

    My Caminito del Rey Adventure

    One of the things I was most excited about was visiting Caminito del Rey.

    I booked a guided excursion from Málaga, and before reaching Caminito del Rey, our group made a short stop in the small town of Ardales along the way.

    It was a nice little break in the journey. We could get off the bus, walk around for a bit, grab a snack, use the restroom, and stretch our legs before continuing.

    Simple enough. Or so I thought.

    Beautiful white houses in the city of Ardales
    Beautiful white house in Ardales with sunflowers on the windowsill
    Orange trees in the city of Ardales

    That Time My Tour Bus Left Without Me

    At some point, there was apparently a miscommunication about what time everyone needed to be back at the bus.

    I returned to the meeting spot only to discover one tiny problem: My bus was gone! Not running late. Not parked somewhere else.

    Gone.

    The rest of my tour group was already continuing toward Caminito del Rey while I was still standing in Ardales. This was not part of the itinerary. LOL I had to figure out how to catch up with them, which ultimately meant getting a taxi and taking it the rest of the way to meet my group.

    Was this how I planned to arrive at Caminito del Rey? Absolutely not.

    Did I make it? I sure did.

    And that’s one of those moments when traveling alone really tests you. There’s nobody automatically there to solve the problem for you. You can panic—which, totally fair—or you can figure out what your options are and keep moving.

    I found a solution. And, most importantly, I found my tour group!

    Travel Britten Tip: On organized excursions, especially ones with intermediate stops, confirm the exact meeting time and meeting point before wandering off. If there’s any confusion, ask twice. I learned that one personally.

    Walking the Caminito del Rey

    Once I finally reunited with everyone, I could concentrate on the reason I’d booked the excursion in the first place and whoa baby! Caminito del Rey was worth the drama.

    The route takes you through an incredible landscape of steep rock walls, gorges, elevated walkways, and views that photographs don’t completely prepare you for.

    After the taxi situation, getting onto the trail and finally being able to enjoy where I was felt especially satisfying. There were moments when I just stopped and looked around.

    This was exactly the kind of experience I travel for—being somewhere completely different from my everyday surroundings and wondering how a place can possibly look like this.

    Caminito del Rey walkway through the gorge near Málaga Spain
    Caminito del Rey walkway through the gorge near Málaga Spain

    And Then There Were Mountain Goats

    As if the scenery wasn’t enough, we also encountered mountain goats. Adorable mountain goats.

    I don’t care how impressive the landscape is. If an animal appears, there’s a very good chance it’s getting some of my attention. Seeing them out there among the mountains was one of those small, unexpected moments that made the excursion even better.

    Mountain goat along the Caminito del Rey in Spain

    Between the cliffs, walkways, enormous views, and surprise wildlife, Caminito del Rey easily became my favorite excursion from Málaga. The fact that I had to chase my tour group across Andalusia in a taxi first just makes the story better now.

    What I’d Know Before Visiting Málaga Solo

    Looking back, Málaga was a great example of why I don’t want every solo trip planned down to the minute.

    Yes, there are things worth arranging ahead of time, especially an excursion like Caminito del Rey. But some of the best parts of Málaga weren’t items I could have scheduled. I couldn’t have planned the friendships I made at my hostel. I didn’t know Casa Lola would become my favorite place to eat. I definitely didn’t plan on being stranded in Ardales while my tour bus drove away. And I couldn’t control the rain.

    For a Málaga trip, I’d give yourself a combination of structure and flexibility. Book the experiences that really matter to you, but leave room for meals that turn into long conversations, people you meet along the way, and weather that forces you to change your plans.

    I’d also pack for the actual season rather than the version of southern Spain you have pictured in your head. Costa del Sol does not mean guaranteed beach weather every day of the year. February made sure I understood that.

    Is Málaga Good for Solo Travel?

    Based on my experience, absolutely!

    Málaga gave me something I particularly value as a solo traveler: opportunities to be independent without feeling isolated.

    I could explore on my own when I wanted to, socialize at the hostel, go out to eat with people I’d met, and book a group excursion when I wanted a bigger adventure outside the city. And sometimes the friendships you make while traveling last longer than the trip itself.

    I think that’s what stands out most when I look back at Málaga. Caminito del Rey was incredible. Casa Lola was delicious. The cathedral was beautiful. But I also left Málaga with people in my life who weren’t there when I arrived.

    That’s pretty special.

    Málaga Didn’t Go According to Plan but That’s Okay

    If I could go back and change one thing about Málaga, I’d obviously tell myself exactly what time that bus was leaving Ardales. Other than that? I’d let the trip unfold pretty much the way it did.

    The beach didn’t happen because of the rain. My day trip included an unexpected taxi ride. And some of my favorite memories came from people I hadn’t even met when I landed in Spain.

    Málaga wasn’t a perfectly executed itinerary. It was better than that!

    It was tapas and wine at Casa Lola. It was making friends in a hostel. It was standing beneath a cathedral that’s been part of Málaga for centuries. It was looking across the enormous landscape at Caminito del Rey and spotting mountain goats along the way. And yes, it was getting left behind by a tour bus and figuring out how to catch it.

    Because apparently even when I travel solo, I still have to remind the group not to leave without me. LOL