My Passion for Europe
Europe is a continent that never ceases to amaze me. For the past twenty years, I’ve been lucky enough to call it home, and in that time, I’ve explored more than 20 countries across this incredible land of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether it’s a long road trip, a quick weekend getaway, or a journey by train, bus, or plane, every trip across Europe feels like walking through centuries of stories and traditions. From the wonders of nature and dramatic landscapes to the architectural masterpieces I once studied in textbooks, traveling through Europe has been a journey of discovery, inspiration, and pure joy.
My First Big European Adventure: England to Portugal
My love for exploring Europe began with an unforgettable road trip from Northern England all the way down to Portugal, a journey that lasted three and a half weeks and shaped the way I see travel today.
Along the way, my husband and I stopped in Cambridge and Dover, soaking in the charm of England before crossing into France. Paris was, of course, magical, and visiting the magnificent Palace of Versailles and its gardens was a dream come true.
We then explored the Loire Valley, which at the time was my ultimate French bucket list dream. Walking through fairytale castles like Chenonceau and Villandry felt surreal. France continued to surprise us with the beauty of Biarritz on the Côte Basque and the wonderful sight of Mont Saint-Michel rising out of the sea.
Driving through Spain, we wandered the charming streets of San Sebastián, admired the Gothic wonders of Burgos and Salamanca, and fell in love with the cultural energy of Bilbao. As an architecture enthusiast, visiting the iconic Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry was another dream come true.
Finally, we arrived in Portugal, where we journeyed from north to south: from the vibrant cities of Porto, Braga, and Guimarães, to the historic beauty of Lisbon and the fairytale palaces of Sintra, all the way to the golden beaches of the Algarve.
And because Portugal is so close to Spain, we couldn’t resist crossing back to explore even more. From the medieval charm of Ávila, to the vibrant streets of Madrid, to the soul of Sevilla and Granada, where my dream of seeing the Alhambra finally came true. Each stop added another layer of wonder to the journey.
That first road trip wasn’t just a holiday. It was the spark that ignited my passion for discovering Europe, a passion that still drives me today.
A Lifetime of Journeys Across Europe
Since then, my travels have taken me to so many corners of Europe, from the ancient sites of Rome to the Alps and peaks of Switzerland, and from the fairy-tale towns of Belgium to the vibrant cities of Germany. Each trip offers something new: a hidden gem, an unforgettable view, a meal that stays in memory, or a cultural encounter that warms the soul.
Whenever time allows, I find myself planning another road trip, because nothing compares to the freedom of the open road in Europe. Driving from one country to another in just a few hours still feels magical, no matter how many times I’ve done it.
Why Europe Will Always Be My Travel Heart
For me, traveling around Europe is not just about seeing places; it’s about living experiences. It’s about sipping coffee in an old town square, gazing at castles on hilltops, hiking in dramatic alpine landscapes, or admiring a cathedral that took generations to build.
It’s about being constantly reminded that beauty can be found everywhere, in history, in nature, in architecture, and in the stories that each city and village holds.
Europe is more than a destination. It’s a journey that keeps unfolding, and I feel grateful that I get to call it home.