I’m so excited! Next Wednesday I’m heading back to Europe for 18 days! I’ve haven’t been to mainland Europe in over 7 years so this trip is long over due. My timing couldn’t be any better either as the exchange rate is high (although the dollar has fallen slightly) making Europe a bit more affordable for this budget backpacker. I originally booked this trip last November and I have changed it slightly over the months. I knew the main highlight of the trip was going to be Greece, but after that I was completely up in the air about my second week of travel. As someone who wants to go everywhere it’s hard for me to make choices and pinpoint my next destination at times. Paris? Stockholm? London? Prague? Yes to all!
My original plan was to spend a week in Greece and then fly to Paris and then work my way up to Amsterdam and fly out of AMS on June 7th. But that all changed about two months ago and I have since changed my flight to fly out of Brussels to ensure I have enough time to eat all the chocolate and drink all the glorious Belgian beer, which happens to be my favorite type of beer! I’m pretty sure I’m going to gain about 20 pounds on this trip! So without further ado, here’s my Summer 2015 Europe Trip:
Greece
Back when I left Italy over 7 years ago, I told myself the next time I go back to Europe it was going to be Greece. I’m not 100% why I was so fascinated by Greece at the time, but I’m sure it had something to do with its history, architecture, and the Greek isles. I find it ironic that 7 years later as I return to mainland Europe for the second time, I am heading to Greece. Although I did “cheat” on Greece by going to Portugal last November. I’ll be spending a couple days around Athens taking in all the sights and filling up my tummy with amazing Greek food on a Athens Walking Food Tour with Tinggly.

By K beard (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Natalia [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bloggers that inspire my travels:
The Magical Monasteries of Meteora – Journey of Wonders
Meteora: Greece’s Best Kept Secret (And Why You Should Go Now) – Curiosity Travels
All Aboard for Athens – Alex in Wanderland
Budapest, Hungary

By Dirk Beyer (Own work) [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons
Bloggers that inspire my travels:
48 Hours in Budapest – A Dangerous Business
The Ruin Bars of Budapest – Nomadic Matt
Budapest: The Low-Down – The Road Forks
Vienna, Austria and/or Bratislava, Slovakia

By Murdockcrc [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bloggers that inspire my travels:
Alternative Vienna: The Imperial City Through Hundertwasser’s Eyes – Girl vs. Globe
A Day Trip to Charming Bratislava, Slovakia – Travel Addicts
Vienna is for Architecture Lovers – Adventurous Kate
Prague, Czech Republic

By Valerii Tkachenko [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bloggers that inspire my travels:
How to Spend Four Days in Prague – Nomadic Matt
Prague in One Day – Home is Where Your Bag Is
Things to Do in Prague – yTravel Blog
Brussels, Belgian

By Wouter Hagens (Own work) [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Bloggers that inspire my travels:
Brussels Hipster City Guide – Travels of Adam
8 Hours in Brussels: Ready, Set.. Eat and Drink! – Farsickness
7 Must-See Highlights in Brussels – A Luxury Travel Blog
As you can see, my 2.5 weeks are going to be very busy, which is how I like to travel. As much as I am excited about sailing in the Mediterranean Sea, I’m also a wee bit nervous as I have a hard time relaxing. At least I’ll be prepared with several books and podcasts. I can’t wait to come back with new stories of my adventures and about a million photos! Keep up with my travels in real-time via my Facebook page, Twitter, or Instagram!
Comments
Bratislava over Vienna. We spent a week in Vienna which was about 6 1/2 days too much and only 1 day in Bratislava, which was about 4 days too little. Although, to be honest, we were there in the middle of the winter. I think our experience in Vienna might have been a little better if we could have spent more time in the parks and gardens. Enjoy your trip. Look forward to reading about your journey.
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Thanks Lance! That’s what I’m leaning towards so I’m glad to get your opinion. 🙂
Your trip sounds like it’ll be so much fun!! I’m leaving for Europe soon too with my best friend (we’re both originally from Maine, too) and we’ll be hitting a lot of the same places as you!
Budget-wise, I’d stay away from Vienna and explore more of Bratislava and Budapest. There’s a crazy price difference between them for being so near each other!
From one Mainer to another, have a great trip! 🙂
http://www.saraseestheworld.com
Hi Sara! Yay for another Mainer! Especially one that loves to travel too! Thanks for the advice on Vienna. I’m definitely leaning more towards Bratislava so I’m glad my instincts have been confirmed. Safe travels to you and your friend!