07/19/2026
I don’t even know where to begin.
This past week took me through Spain, France, and Italy, and I’m coming home with so much more than passport stamps and a camera roll full of beautiful places.
I wandered through cities I’d dreamed about for years, stood in front of landmarks I’d only ever seen in pictures, admired architecture that made me stop in my tracks, and found myself constantly thinking, How is this real? Everything was bigger, grander, and more breathtaking than I ever imagined. Pictures truly don’t do these places justice.
But if I’m being honest, this trip also taught me a lot about myself.
I learned that I absolutely can travel solo… but I also learned it may not be my favorite way to travel. I love people. I love sharing meals, talking about the day’s adventures, laughing until my stomach hurts, and making memories together. There were moments when the anxiety of navigating unfamiliar places on my own caught me by surprise.
Then something I never expected happened: people kept showing up.
Every tour I joined, complete strangers welcomed me in, started conversations, and made sure I wasn’t experiencing things alone. I ended each excursion with new friends and a reminder that the world is full of genuinely kind people.
And then there was Kelly.
I met her at the solo meetup on the very first night. I wasn’t looking for a new best friend… but somehow that’s exactly what I found. We ended up having dinner together almost every night, sharing stories, plenty of laughs, and even a few tears as we helped each other navigate this solo adventure together. I truly can’t imagine this trip without her.
I booked this trip to experience Spain, France, and Italy, but I came home with something even more valuable. This journey reminded me that while beautiful places can leave you speechless, it’s the people who leave the biggest mark on your heart.
To everyone who crossed paths with me on this adventure, thank you. Your kindness made this trip unforgettable.
And Kelly… thank you for becoming the friend I didn’t know I needed. ❤️
Europe, you exceeded every expectation I had. Until next time. ✈️🌍
