Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
It’s not everyday that dreams come true. I had always wanted to backpack in Europe, but with my financial challenges and the difficulty in getting a visa, I thought that it would remain just a dream forever. That is, until early this year.
My travel to Europe was not as straightforward as it seemed. I had been engaged to K, a Belgian, and I initially applied for a Schengen visa to visit him in the first quarter of 2012. When our relationship ended in January, I was faced with a dilemma: should I push through with my Eurotrip, or just stay at home? I thought that with my planned travel of 70 days without a sponsor, my travel fund would not be enough.
I backpacked solo for 70 days in Europe, covering nine countries and 25 cities.
Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to decide: I would push through with my trip rather than stay home and wallow in self-pity. I had my travel fund, and I was going to find ways to travel cheaply in Europe. I can make it. I will make it.
It was easier said than done. I had no problems with money; with my strategies to travel cheaply, my travel fund was more than enough. The challenge was in mastering my feelings. I was fine when I stayed with K in Belgium; I had learned how to control my emotions.
However, at several points during my journey, I felt so dragged down emotionally by my failed relationship that instead of going out, I just stayed indoors. I got depressed in Berlin when I saw all the people going around were in pairs or with their loved ones, I didn’t like beautiful Vienna because he wasn’t there to share it with me, and I shunned Hungary for not being Belgium.
I found myself again in Santorini, Greece.
It was only when I arrived in Santorini, Greece that I learned to come to terms with my experience. Yes, I spent almost half of my backpacking trip moping, but I can’t say that my time has been wasted. I’ve seen so much, and met so many people, that despite the trip being bittersweet, I would never regret it.
I’ve been to nine countries and 25 cities in Europe. Here are some of my memories there.
Belgium
The lovely canals of Bruges, Belgium.
When I decided to push through with my trip, I thought that I wouldn’t be able to stay with K in his hometown in Olen, so I used Couchsurfing to find my first hosts in Europe. Gerd and Pol from Herentals accepted me with open arms, and though I’m sure they were confused why I was still seeing K when I was there, they were too kind to ask me about it.
From Herentals, I spent a weekend with Hazel in Mollem-Asse, a friend I haven’t seen in over a decade, then spent a week with K. I went around Antwerp with him, ate at a beer restaurant in Mechelen, and visited Napoleon Bonaparte’s Waterloo. I spent Valentine’s Day with him in Bruges, the most romantic city in Belgium, where I pretended that everything was as it should be.
I’ve stayed the longest in Belgium, partly to be with him, and partly to enjoy the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen (yeah, okay, I’m biased). Even until now, Belgium remains my favorite!
Denmark
The colorful Nyhavn (“New Harbor”) in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen, Denmark was also memorable in other ways. I stayed with a friend in his house in Christiania, a “commune” ran by what used to be called “hippies.” It used to be an abandoned military barracks which “squatters” took over in 1971. Just recently, after a long, protracted legal battle, the residents won the right to purchase the land.
My host, whom I’ve met only once in the Philippines through the organization I worked for, was a prominent person in the Danish gay movement, and thankfully for him, I got to experience what it was like to stay in Christiania. He also took me to the venue where I talked about children’s rights to a group of women—my first speaking engagement outside of Asia!
It was also in Copenhagen when I wrote Date a Girl Who Travels, a heartfelt post addressed to K. Unfortunately, it didn’t work 
Germany
Detail of a fountain in Nürnberg.
From Denmark, I went down to Germany. I liked the country; I liked its efficient government, clean streets, and well-organized transport system—all so different from the Philippines. I liked my host Tomke in Hamburg with whom I shared so many similar (frustrated) experiences in love; I liked quiet Bremen and Nürnberg, and I also liked beautiful and unassuming Dresden. In fact, if I were asked where I would like to live in Europe, it would be in Dresden, Germany.
Berlin, on the other hand, was not enjoyable for me. It was too big, too chaotic, too different. I saw punks drinking and fighting each other in the subway, my host warned me against going home late because of the neo-Nazis, and I got propositioned by a German guy in the train station. It was memorable, yes, but I would rather have stayed longer in Dresden than in Berlin.
Czech Republic
A view from the historic Charles Bridge in Praha.
If you’re planning to go to Europe, never miss out on Prague. It’s such a beautiful city that I spent my four days there just walking around, from historical Charles Bridge and the charming Old Town Square to the very interesting Zizkov. It’s easy to forget time there, lost as you are with so many things to do and so many places to see. Staying four days is definitely not enough!
Austria
The uniquely designed Hundertwasser House in Vienna.
Vienna is also another beautiful city, full of historical buildings and interesting places. If I didn’t use Couchsurfing, I would have looked for hotels here because they have a lot of options for good value (plus, the site seems easy to use too). As it was, my CS hosts were very nice; the husband, Peter, had been to the Philippines and couldn’t stop talking about how much he loved it. Their baby Julia was also adorable. I also met up with the Austrian friend of my colleague, and he took me around Vienna at night.
Unfortunately, though, I didn’t do justice to it, probably because I was feeling melancholic again. Too bad, I would have wanted to listen to the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Maybe someday I will get another chance to surrender to the charm of this lovely city.
Hungary
View of the Hungarian Parliament across the river Danube.
Budapest is another highly recommended European city. I liked its pub ruins, the Buda castle, and the numerous remnants of its long past. I liked the fact that the city’s name is a combination of the names of two former cities separated by the river Danube: Buda and Pest. However, what I liked most was staying indoors and playing with my host’s cat, Dormi. I felt so down at that time that going around seemed pointless. It was a combination of homesickness and the sadness I felt whenever I thought of K.
It was in Budapest, though, where I learned about trust. My host, Maria, had to leave town before I arrived, and instead of just refusing my request for a place to stay, she asked a friend to give me the key to her house and let me stay there by myself, even without having met me first. It’s people like her who renew my faith in humanity!
Greece
A back view of the Parthenon in the Acropolis, Athens.
I couldn’t wait, though, to leave Hungary for Greece. I was tired of being melancholic, and the thought of seeing the Greece I’ve only read about when I was in school filled me with so much excitement. I stayed with a CS host in his apartment in Exarcheia, a neighborhood in downtown Athens known as a den of Greek anarchists. I certainly know how to choose my hosts!
I walked my host’s dog twice daily, and unlike in Budapest, I tried to see as much as I could in Athens, from the Acropolis where the famous Parthenon is, to the Roman marketplace, Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, Agora, and Plaka. I also saw a lot of cats on the streets, which lifted up my spirits considerably. I would have stayed longer, if my host didn’t encourage me to go visit Santorini.
At first, I didn’t want to go to Santorini. I thought it was expensive and a place best reserved for a honeymoon. I was glad I went, though; the island is indescribably beautiful and so peaceful. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought either, since I stayed in a hostel (found it through Hostelworld). I had the best time walking around, taking a nap on the benches, talking to the hostel owners, and most importantly, coming to terms with my loss.
Italy
Second only to Belgium, I loved Italy. I was amazed to see places I’ve only read and dreamed about. The people were very nice, too! My Roman host cooked breakfast and dinner daily, so in exchange, I bought him Belgian beer and yoghurt, and taught him a few things regarding free movies.
Because I left the house with him every morning, I had more time going around Rome. I went to the Vatican and admired Michelangelo’s work at the Sistine Chapel. I ate a lot of pasta (of course) and risotto, and met so many Filipinos who were working there.
From Rome, I went to Florence, where I met the sweetest European cat ever. Cincinna, my Firenze host’s black cat, slept beside me every night. I also went to see the leaning tower of Pisa, got lost in the streets of Venice, and paid homage to Juliet in her house in Verona. In Padova, I slept in the same room with three Pakistani guys and cooked them spaghetti with spicy sardines the next day.
Best of all, I was also in Italy when I received a call that CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg wanted to interview me. It’s certainly an honor for such an established person like him to know my blog!
Yes, 2012 was really good for me, travel-wise. Despite starting out as unfortunate, it ended up quite well, and I’m glad I took the chance of embarking on the journey that helped heal my broken heart.
Do you dream of solo backpacking in Europe? Check out my posts to guide you in preparing for your Eurotrip!
This is part of “2012: This Year In Travel,” the Blog Carnival of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers hosted by Gay Mitra-Emami of Pinay Travel Junkie.
This is also a part of Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Check out the other entries there!
Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you! Share and Enjoy
naglalaway ako! hahahahaha
Ron recently posted..the long road to pokhara
Wow, I can only imagine how much of a challenge it must’ve been to balance your negative emotions with your positive experiences, but you’ve managed to word it well and in a way that helps us to see what you really got out of your experience. I’m glad you found a way to look past your circumstances and live in the moment!
JRinAsia recently posted..Trek Through the Wilderness, Chapter 4 | Corcovado, Costa Rica
@ Ron: Plan your Eurotrip na! hehe
@ JRinAsia: Thank you. It wasn’t easy.
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
I could feel the emotions contained in this post, and it’s nice (though sad) to finally know the story behind “Date a Girl Who Travels”. At least, the heartbreak led to something wonderful.
Cris | Pinay Thrillseeker recently posted..Baguio After 24 Years: Burnham Park
Oh, Aleah, I love how you turned an unfortunate situation into an opportunity to see the world and meet new people. You are THE girl! I’m sure you’ll find someone who deserves an amazing girl who travels.
Cheers to a better 2013!
@ Cris: Yeah, it did. Who would have known, eh?
@ Reiza: I wish haha
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Wow!!! Backpacking in europe! That’s everybodys dream!!!
very challenging to travel with a broken heart! at may pinangalingan pala ang Date a Girl Who Travels. sometimes we write best when sad. i hope you’re ok now
amillah recently posted..Strength and Fragility: Lessons from Japan
I feel you, Aleah. And I’m glad you made this write-up personal – it’s more real and beautiful. =)
Travel does cure a broken heart – and take you beyond that brokenness. =)
And wow – you started finding yourself again in Santorini! That and Barcelona are my top dream destinations in Europe. =)
Claire recently posted..How to Travel (Cheaply) This Christmas Without Going Out of Town
@ Jherson Jaya: Yup, yup, yup. And it’s doable!
Happy new year!
@ Amillah: I am, thanks
@ Claire: Thanks, Claire. Want to go to Spain, too, someday. Hope we’ll achieve that dream!
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Hi Aleah, wonderful trip! That is absolutely amazing! Would you be so kind to share how much is your budget for the entire trip?
I hope that 2013 will be even better…
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Kuwata Keisuke – White Love
@ Benjamin: I don’t have the exact amount, but less than 3,000 euros, including airfare ($1,200).
@ Muza-chan: Same to you.
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Sounds like the old saying, “When one door closes, another opens” certainly held true for you this last year! Great photos, especially Greece.
Jackie Smith recently posted..In Pursuit of Passion: Those Who Dare
I’ve solo backpacked through Fiji, NZ and Australia – but without the sad encumbrances of a failed relationship. I hope 2013 brings more wonderful travel…and love. This was a wonderful post to read.
Leigh recently posted..Highlights of My Year (2012) in Photos
@ Jackie Smith: Thanks. It’s nice to believe in sayings, but nicer still to live them
@ Leigh: Thank you. I hope I get to backpack in Aus and NZ too, without the heartbreak this time
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Oh Aleah, I wish I could give you a big hug. Everyone is right, you have certainly come out victorious for turning a heartbreaking experience into a life-changing one by pushing through with your Euro trip. I can only dream of embarking on a journey like this—visiting beautiful places, meeting different kinds of people, and just living each day to the fullest.
As 2012 comes to a close, I’d just like to say I’m very glad to have connected with you and that we’ve sustained our friendship all throughout. Keep traveling and inspiring others!
- Stef G.
Stef Gonzaga recently posted..My 2012 Holiday Schedules
This is the kind of post which sets you apart from other bloggers, Aleah. Thanks for baring it all for us to absorb, reflect and be inspired.
Razlan recently posted..The One With Gardens By The Bay – World Building Of The Year
@ Stef: Thanks, Stef. It’s really nice to have friends like you cheering me up
@ Razlan: Wow, thanks. This is a form of catharsis for me.
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
wow!!!! dream come true!! cheers to more travel in 2013. Aleah you are blessed!!
Happy new year! 
Riz recently posted..2012 Travel Round up: A Good Year
Fantastic year, Aleah!
What will you do in 2013 to top Peter Greenberg?
InsideJourneys recently posted..My Year of Travelling Jamaica, Part I
@ Riz: Same to you, Riz! Happy new year!
@ Inside Journeys: Thanks, Marcia. I don’t know how to top it, it wasn’t planned haha
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Italy is still my favorite country in Europe, although the food in France is hard to beat, as are the pastries in Germany (sorry, Vienna, yours aren’t as good). Pretty cool that you were interviewed by Peter Greenberg!
It must have been a challenge at the very beginning emotionally more than financially. But you sure have made the right decision to travel. Some travel therapy is good to get over a broken heart. You probably will never forget this experience because of all the emotions involved.
Salika Jay recently posted..Weekend Family Getaways
@ Dick Jordan: Yeah, it was cool. My 15-min of fame haha Loved the food in Italy and Belgium!
@ Salika Jay: It was a huge challenge. I’m glad I was trained in psychology. I put it to good use!
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
You were brave and worked through your emotions on the road. Well Done. What wonderful experiences you have had. Something to look back on with pride.
budget jan recently posted..Elephant Rocks near Oamaru New Zealand
The first time I went to Europe was a time of healing for myself and my parents. My sister had died a few months earlier after a lengthy illness, and all of us needed to get away and be distracted. Walking among cultures and cities that are centuries old reminded me of how each person’s time here on earth is fleeting but that we each leave a legacy behind. It sounds like your backpacking trip was a transformative time for you, and I’m glad that you emerged with a healed heart. I’d love to hear more about Christiania in Copenhagen and your experience there. P.S. The Philippines may be on my list for 2013.
@ Budget Jan: Thank you. Yes, I was proud of myself for handling my emotions well!
@ Malaysian Meanders: Thanks for sharing your own healing story. I hope to see you and talk about our travels when/if you and your family make it to the PI in 2013
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
You are a survivor! You will be successful in life, if you are not already. I cannot imagine myself traveling solo, with a heavy backpack, mending a broken heart, feeling so alone with miles still to go to an uncertain, unfamiliar destination. If I were you I’ll probably just find myself a cozy place, get drunk and hope it will be a different tomorrow, if not, I’ll drink again and keep on hoping. You are a gutsy girl, I’m sure you’ll find the man that truly deserves you.
It’s always during the hard time that you learned the most about life and yourself. I admire how you turned a bad love story into a wonderful travel experience
ann recently posted..Happy Friday! (and weekend plans)
@ BertN: Thank you, Kuya. If I liked drinking, I would probably have drunk myself senseless too. Good thing I like traveling
@ Ann: Thank you
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Beautifully written, Aleah. I’m sorry you were dealing with such melancholy in Europe but I’m glad you still met some wonderful people and made lifelong memories. Great collection of photos! I was only in Belgium for a day so I’d love to see other parts of it. Walking through Christiania was a bit disturbing with kids but to each their own. I’ve told you I admired how you went solo on such a long journey but knowing the raw emotions you were suffering then makes me so happy how you survived this trip. Loved meeting all the Filipinos in Rome too who were more than happy to give us discounts and tips
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..A Year of Travel Memories and Adventures in 2012
A loss, whatever kind will always be painful. Losing someone you loved dearly is heartbreaking. But I’m sure you also know that when “you lose some, you win some.” You gained a heck of an experience tapos sa Europe pa! No doubt, you will find someone more worthy of your love — that person will surely experience the whole of Europe with you, this time around.
Mai Flores recently posted..2012 Travels: Looking Back, Looking Forward.
@ Mary: Thanks, and yeah it was actually the people I met on my solo trip that helped me. Of course, there were times when they made it worse (like couples, etc.), but as a whole, I was happy I got to know them. Met a lot of Filipinos in Athens and Rome too. It was a great experience!
I will certainly be back in Europe. So many beautiful countries and cities left to explore!
@ Mai: I hope so
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Haba pero sarap basahin Aleah! parang naikot ko na rin ang Europe
traveling morion/jeffrey rilles recently posted..PostCard Series| Three Hours before Christmas
I am very sorry to hear about your broken heart. I once went to my partner’s (far away) country, and we broke up when I was there, which means there were many days where I just wanted to stay in my hotel…but I still travelled and have very fond memories of the trip, in the same way you have beautiful memories about yours.
Happy New Year!
Denise recently posted..My Best in Travel 2012
@ Jeffrey: Thanks. Happy new year!
@ Denise: Seems we had a similar experience. It wasn’t easy, was it? But totally worth it
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
Dear Aleah: I enjoyed reading your travel account, although there is sadness to be read all through the text – but hey: you made it, you traveled Europe with a broken heart and still managed to enjoy most of it!
I’m happy to have been one on the parts you liked. Come and see me in Argentina, where I will be moving to in March! Hugs and kisses, and a happy 2013!
@ Tomke: I can’t believe you’re finally moving to Argentina! Did you reconcile with your boyfriend? Are you bringing Pedro and Tamiro with you? Wish I could go there and visit you!!!
Aleah recently posted..Travels of 2012—Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe
[...] And when you go visit during spring when there are not so many people, the villages of Oia and Fira are a study of serenity. There are no hordes of tourists taking turns making a jump shot. It’s just you and the occasional wanderers walking around Oia and Fira’s sharp corners and meandering alleys. It was the perfect place for me to take a rest on my 7th week of solo backpacking in Europe. [...]
What a fantastic collection of cities, Aleah! And I really do admire you for not giving up under those difficult circumstances.
All your photos are fine, but the special one for me is the Copenhagen harbour shot with its wonderful colour contrasts.
All the best to you for 2013. You’ve accomplished so much already. May your unfulfilled wishes come true, too!
Andrew Graeme Gould recently posted..Sunday afternoon in Santiago
That does sound bittersweet. I remember reading your post ‘Date a Girl Who Travels’, but I didn’t realize the whole story behind it! But it sounds like you got to meet some incredible people and stay in some really amazing places (a hippie commune?!).
Audrey | That Backpacker recently posted..Resolutions for the New Year
@ Andrew: Thank you for your wishes. I hope I accomplish mine this year too!
Glad you’ve read it!
@ Audrey: The hippie commune of Christinia was wonderful! And yeah, I only wrote about the back story of that post now
Aleah recently posted..The 12 Best Stories of 2012
[...] to Prepare for Your First Euro Trip 26 September 2012 3,241 views 43 Comments 43You want to backpack in Europe. Who doesn’t, right? Travelers in developed countries treat the Euro trip as something of a [...]
That’s quite a journey and it is admirable of you pushing through despite your heart not always being in it.
Glad I found your blog (thanks to Jeremy at Budget Travel Adventures) and am looking forward to reading it in 2013!
Erik recently posted..The Dark Horse Brewing Comany
[...] (Simple) Ways to Build Your Travel Fund 13 June 2012 7,391 views 38 Comments 38You have plans to backpack in Europe someday. Like a lot of people you know, you have a bucket list, and the Eurotrip is one [...]
[...] I went on a 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, for example, I gave a file of my rough itinerary to my parents, containing the dates, places, [...]
[...] I’m not a long-term traveler (yet). I’ve been on the road for over a month, and I’m only backpacking for 70 days in Europe. However, as a solo traveler, I do know about loneliness. Another solitary traveler in Berlin, [...]
[...] Bittersweet Memories of my Solo Backpacking Trip in Europe. Serving as a year-ender, this post tells of stories of heartbreak and redemption, of meeting people and seeing places I’ve only dreamed about before. [...]
Sorry to hear that your heart got broken during your Europe trip. Maybe, there’s someone better waiting for you kaya hindi nagwork. Malay mo sa ibang continent pala.
Santorini!! Kahit yun lang okay na sakin!
joan | the backpack chronicles recently posted..HONG KONG | A date with Giant Pandas at Ocean Park
@ Erik: Yeah, it was
Thanks for dropping by!
@ Joan: Hopefully nga, hehe
Aleah recently posted..The 12 Best Stories of 2012
Aleah, you could have visited me while I was in Madrid around the time you were backpacking Europe! Sayang. I would have cooked adobo and sinangag for you
Lifeisacelebration recently posted..WORDPRESS FIREWORKS IN 2012
While reading, I hoped that something happened in between the sheets that separated you from K during your stay. hahaha!
You are one kickass lass Aleah! Hope to see you soon and let’s talk about this?
Missy recently posted..Wuthering 2012 – Compilation of the Most Audacious Escape
@ Lifeisacelebration: Too bad nga, Tita Lili, that I wasn’t able to visit Spain! Hopefully next time.
@ Missy: Between the sheets?? *censored* hahahaha
Aleah recently posted..The 12 Best Stories of 2012
An inspirational post. And some wonderful photographs, that brought back many mixed emotions for me too! Here’s wishing you all the best for 2013!
Thomas recently posted..London’s Roman Amphitheatre: An Unexpected Highlight of 2012
@ Thomas: Thanks, and wishing you the best this 2013 too!
Aleah recently posted..Going Solo for Archaeology Travel
Seeing women travelling solo is just heart-warming. To the courageous.
God bless on more trips!
ManilaCitizen recently posted..EL NIDO: Pre-nup in El Nido is not a bad photo affair
Honest and moving post! I like it because it’s so real and unpretentious.
Thanks for sharing this and Happy 2013!
All the best!
@ Manila Citizen: Thank you! Hope to see you back on my blog soon
@ Bianca: Thanks so much. Happy new year to you too!
Aleah recently posted..The 12 Best Stories of 2012
Sounds like an amazing trip despite the emotional hurdle of the first part. I’m glad you enjoyed Prague so much and spent the whole time walking around (the best way to experience the city!), and I agree that 4 days is really not enough. A lot of people give it about 3 days and move on, tired of the crowds. All the best to you in 2013!
Jenna recently posted..30 Things to Do in Florence
*hugs & kisses* for the not so great start of the year and more hugs for pulling through it with grace and aplomb! hehehe It was such a shame that our travel plans wouldn’t sync whilst you were here and we just kept missing each other! Oh well. I’m sure there’d be a next time!
You didn’t like Germany that much? Naku. I’m looking forward to visiting that country as I seem to have quite a number of German friends! lol
Happy happy new year Aleah! I wish you all the happiness in the world darling!
Catherine recently posted..2012: Exploring Europe
@ Jenna: It was an unforgettable trip for sure, one I will write about for years to come
Enjoyed Praha very much, I still have to write about it!
Hope to receive that postcard soon! haha
@ Catherine: I didn’t like Berlin, but I loved the small cities like Dresden. Actually, if given the choice, I’d want to live in Germany.
Aleah recently posted..Going Solo for Archaeology Travel
[...] Denmark 1 June 2012 2,215 views 10 Comments 10Denmark was the second country I visited during my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, and although it was quite cold at that time (-10 deg Celsius), I never regretted visiting [...]
I think this is one of the posts anyone could ever dream of. Europe is so love, romantic place indeed! I wish you happiness in love and life and will be looking forward for more of your travel stories this year, where’s your next destination na?
C.A. | Adventurous Feet recently posted..Adventurousfeet’s Best of 2012 Travel
wow!9 countries! i’d be fine if i got to visit even just 4 of those countries.how come you didnt go to france?
[...] (January 2012): I’ll be using Couchsurfing a lot in my 70-day solo backpacking trip to Europe next month. Thanks in advance to my CS hosts! Without you, this trip wouldn’t be possible, as [...]
@ CA: Thanks, I love Europe too. Can’t wait to go back. My next international one is in March, backpacking in India for 3 weeks
Will save it for the next time I’m going there 
@ Melvin: I wanted to go, but I got sick with cough and colds
Aleah recently posted..Snapshot Sunday—A Day at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Hi Aleah, I didn’t know the background of your backpacking trip, but it looks like a lot of good came out of that. Solo backpacking for 70 days in 9 countries sounds amazing. Your photos are proof of that. Best wishes in 2013. Will be waiting for your next viral post!
Am so jealous of all the beers you tried in Europe!
Wow – this brings back memories of the two times I backpacked across Europe.
Best wishes for 2013!
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..The Best of (Strux)Travel 2012
@ Kara: It was amazing, but it’s already in the past. Will make new memories in 2013 hehe Yeah I miss those Belgian beers too. Can’t buy them here, they’re too expensive!
@ Michael: Happy new year to you too, Michael!
Aleah recently posted..Snapshot Sunday—A Day at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
same here. i love – LOVE – belgium. between the three cities though (brussels, bruges, ghent) i love ghent most. it’s a quaint little town about an hour out of bruges. very pretty.
i hope 2013 is better for you in terms of romance!
candleboxcindy recently posted..my dad’s home province
Your eurotrip is always my inspiration. Wishign and hoping ill be able to pursue that dreaam soon. best of 2013 for you Aleah!
Wander Shugah recently posted..Dreaming of Paris
@ Candleboxcindy: We only passed by Ghent on the way to Brugges. Too bad
Actually, there are so many small towns in Belgium that I would have wanted to explore first. Someday, I hope to be back!
@ Wander Shugah: Thanks much! Someday you’ll find yourself there, and someday I will be back too! Happy 2013!
Aleah recently posted..Confessions of a Sometime Solo Traveler
Missed you last Saturday! Go to France while Winston is there, although I’m sure you’ll be able to find a good or even better place even if he isn’t.
[...] going to be different for me as a traveler. A reader once asked me how I was going to top 2012. I backpacked in Europe for 70 days, wrote the viral post Date a Girl Who Travels, and was interviewed by CBS News Travel Editor Peter [...]
[...] I was undergoing personal issues when I arrived in Santorini. I didn’t expect much in this place; I even thought I’d get more depressed. After all, a lot of people have told me that it was the perfect place for a honeymoon. Being newly single, I didn’t expect Santorini to offer me refuge. [...]
Awww Aleah…..
Now, I completely understand those excuses you had about not seeing more of of a place because it was too cold…..
And now I completely appreciate the courage you had to push yourself through the trip and eventually making the most out of it. It wasn’t an easy situation but you pulled it off.
Thanks for sharing this touching and vulnerable post.
Marisol@TravelingSolemates recently posted..Photo Pick: On Safari, Kruger National Park, South Africa
[...] my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, however, I never had a massage. Not once! I couldn’t afford it! Here in the Philippines, I [...]
@ Sharon: Too bad I didn’t see Winston. Hope to see him if/when I get to go back to Europe!
@ Marisol: Thank you. This was a post that begged to be written
Aleah recently posted..Remembering the Unforgettable Beauty of Santorini
[...] love cats; everybody who knows me know that. When I backpacked solo in Europe for 70 days, I had to pay my neighbors for almost three months to feed my three cats at home. I have to admit I [...]
[...] going around at all. I remember thinking at that time: is this how I’m going to spend my backpacking trip in Europe, huddled in front of the proverbial fireplace and looking out at the snow-covered and white-colored [...]
[...] was nearing the end of my 70-day backpacking trip in Europe, and was just chilling out in a friend’s home in Belgium. I had over a week left, so I was [...]
[...] month, but it was okay, since they granted me the exact days I applied for—70 days! My dream to backpack in Europe was really coming true! It was the perfect gift for the new [...]
Great post Aleah…your talent for writing with melancholy is unbeatable..wish u all the best for 2013…
@ Koen: Thank you. All the best to you too, and hope you find what you’re looking for.
Aleah recently posted..Reflections on Solo Travel
[...] my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe last year, I came across several of these statues. In some instances, nobody told me they were [...]
Hi Aleah,
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon. Hope you can share your itinerary with us for your Europe trip. We will just use it as a guide for the cities and countries to visit.
Thank you in advance and thank you for sharing all your wonderful experiences with us!
Xoxo,
Beth
@ Beth: Following was my itinerary in my 70-day trip to Europe. I was supposed to go to France and the Netherlands on April 5th but I got sick, so I just stayed in Belgium.
6-20 February
BELGIUM–Herentals, Olen, Brussels, Asse, Brugge, Antwerp, Waterloo
21-24 February
DENMARK–Copenhagen
25 Feb-05 March
GERMANY–Hamburg, Bremen, Nuremberg, Berlin, Dresden
06-09 March
CZECH REPUBLIC–Prague
10-13 March
AUSTRIA–Vienna
14-17 March
HUNGARY–Budapest
18-25 March
GREECE–Athens, Santorini
26 March-04 April
ITALY–Rome, Florence, Pisa, Padova, Venice, Verona
05-15 April
BELGIUM
Hope that helps! Don’t forget to check out my other Europe posts. I still have so much to write though!
Aleah recently posted..Taking The Plunge in Danao, Bohol
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