It’s summertime, so naturally, everyone has started traveling and posting on social. If you’re like me, you’re happy for them but are experiencing major FOMO. I can’t help but daydream about some of the cities I’ve been to. Certain places get under your skin. You’ll always want to travel back or maybe even move there. I’m very lucky to have had the opportunity to travel growing up and study abroad. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. It’s always an adventure. You never know what you will encounter, what foods you’ll try, or who you will meet. Traveling provides us with the chance to have all kinds of new experiences. I’ll share some details of my favorite cities I’ve gotten to visit so far.
Paris, France
Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities in the world. I’ve visited three times and would love to live there one day. The sights and neighborhoods are truly romantic. It’s all so artistic and inspiring. Paris has this magic that shows people how spectacular and beautiful life can be. There are endless possibilities. No wonder it has inspired so many people to its streets. I could spend hours wandering through them. In the summer of 2023, my friend and I ran into Selena Gomez as she was leaving her hotel. (View TikTok Here) We had no idea she was still in Paris, and it was such a cool sighting. She stopped and took as many pictures with fans as she could. I really appreciate the insanely kind French girl who pushed me to the front so I could see her. You’re a real one, don’t ever change. The food is absolutely amazing. Paris possesses the creamiest of cheeses, flakiest of pastries, silky hot chocolate, and desserts that look too perfect to eat. Angelina’s has gorgeous food and desserts to pair with your hot chocolate. The restaurant has a fabulous atmosphere with its pink and white china. There aren’t enough words to describe how heavenly French hot chocolate is. Readers and writers must visit Shakespeare and Company, a one-of-a-kind bookstore, which is like a portal to the 1920s & “Midnight in Paris.” I loved exploring the store and purchasing a few books. It is worth it to book activities like a croissant-making class or a secret food tour. They really do help with getting to know the city and culture. I look forward to returning to this lovely city and discovering more of its magic.
Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the cities that makes you think you’ve time-traveled. It has the perfect mix of modern-day life mixed with carefully protected ancient ruins. It’s a very walkable city and easy to navigate. I don’t think I took a taxi unless I was heading to the train station or to the airport. I visited with my family and got to study abroad there. I got to experience living in the Trastevere neighborhood while I studied Communications at John Cabot University for 6 weeks. I fell so deeply in love with this neighborhood. The people are very friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to walk to. There’s live music at night during the summertime weekends in the square on the way to the campus. One of the coolest things about Rome is that you can walk into a small market and find delicious wine, cheese, and other foods for a small amount of money. Pasta is sold on every corner in all kinds of shapes. One of the most beautiful views of the city can be seen from the Spanish Steps. Be careful when climbing them, especially when it rains, as they can be very slippery. A study-abroad friend and I joked about how falling would be considered a hiccup, and every hiccup can be a great story. The Coliseum is a must-see. The fact that it still stands to this day is truly remarkable, and the history it holds is massive. It’s also easy to travel from Rome to other parts of Italy, like Florence and Venice. Until we meet again, Roma.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Fans of Game of Thrones, outdoor activities, and delicious food with Italian & Mediterranean twists will love Dubrovnik. The city is right on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by castle walls. The people here are very friendly and excited to share recommendations for restaurants and more. I was there with a friend for a few days, and we both wish we had stayed a little longer to enjoy the city. We went on a Game of Thrones Tour, kayaked on the Adriatic Sea, and visited the island, Lokrum during our time here. The Game of Thrones Tour takes you to multiple filming locations and will even give a volunteer the chance to walk down the stairs in shame. It gives everyone a good laugh, and we even got to see replicas of some of the props from the show. Kayaking the Adriatic Sea at sunset was magical but tiring. The currents demand that you use your upper body strength to paddle through. It was totally worth it to see the sights and enjoy a gorgeous sunset. Lokrum was fun to explore, especially with adorable critters around like rabbits and peacocks. There are plenty of walking trails around and places to grab a bite. It is a nice place to go to escape the hustle of the city. The food here is so fresh, and the perfect combo of Italian and Mediterranean coming together. We were also treated to complimentary shots and cocktails a couple of times. Dubrovnik is truly charming and welcoming. I hope to make my way back there again soon.
London, England (UK)
It’s such a large city that you have to go multiple times to see it all. I’ve been on holiday twice and spent an entire semester abroad in London. London has something for everyone, whether it’s high fashion, history, entertainment, or exploring the city. The Tube is your best friend. Ubers and taxis can be expensive. However, it is worth experiencing a Black Cab ride at least once. It’s an iconic symbol and experience of the city. Londoners are very friendly and always willing to help you find your way. I’m thankful for those kind people who helped me out when I was learning to navigate during my semester abroad. Exploring the city is always such a pleasure, from shopping at Harrods, walking across London Bridge, visiting Buckingham Palace, strolling down Bond Street, and checking out local finds down at Covent Garden. London has all kinds of historic sights to visit. My favorites are the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. Hampton Court Palace allows you to look into the life of Henry VIII and see what life was like during that period. The palace seems to still hold his presence along with his family’s. The Tower of London holds so many dark pieces of British history and is worth seeing with its numerous artifacts and reenactments. It can be a little pricey, but High Tea at the Ritz is such an elegant way to experience this lovely British tradition. It usually takes place late afternoon, early evening, which also gives you time to catch a show at the theatre. The foods and teas provided are exquisite, as well as the service. The hosts are happy to inform you of which teas are available and the food that you will be served. Going to the theatre to see shows like: Come From Away, The Six, Mamma Mia, or Phantom of the Opera is a must-do. London contains many theatrical productions with such incredible talent that will leave you talking about the show for days. My friend and I still talk about Mamma Mia. We were blown away that some of the actors were understudies. With its unique neighborhoods and global charm, London is a city that I will always want to visit again.
Each of these cities has its personality and captivating presence. I do believe it is worth it to visit them more than once because each time is a new experience with opportunities to learn more. You never know what could be around the next corner, from a celebrity sighting to fantastic street music.
Livvienitup 