London, Paris, & Barcelona in the Spring- My First Time Traveling Internationally & Solo (Part One)

Welcome back, my fellow adventure seekers, 

Have you been inspired to Go Moore Abroad as the Spring Season approaches? 

Let me provide you some inspiration for your next trip to London, Paris, or Barcelona! In part one of this blog, I will cover my adventures in London. (Helpful reminder: Custom brochures for each of these locations are available in the “travel toolbox” for free ☺️.)

Ten Days to cover three countries sounds easy, right? Well, looking back at it, this was one wild adventure! Now, I cannot take all of the credit because EF Ultimate Break planned the entire trip from flights & transfers to tours, making my first solo trip seamless. So, what does ten days through a few of Europe’s most visited locations look like? Let me take you through each day; buckle up, it's going to be an adventurous ride!

Part One: London, England

Day One: Travel Day/ First Day in London

NorCal to London is a long but relaxing transition. Starting out with an early flight to San Francisco where a long layover stood before me, I took this opportunity to explore, enjoy the lounge life, and document this journey. After a few hours of eating and recharging, it was time for takeoff! Now, remember that London is nine hours ahead in the spring, so sleeping for the duration of the flight will aid in curving the major jet lag that’ll hit at some point. For me, it did, until I disrupted it a few days later.

 Fast forward a few hours and Welcome to London!! The view of the city from the plane is just as you’d imagine. The London Eye, the Bridge, the gorgeous buildings, what once was a dream instantly became a reality. While taking it all in, the adventure is just beginning, though today was taken easy. While I thought I was traveling completely alone, there were many other travelers who also were traveling alone. Therefore, today was about turning strangers into traveling friends! After checking in, some time was allowed to rest and get dressed for a tour of the town and welcome dinner to meet all the other travelers. 

That night, we were immersed in learning the various forms of public transportation as well as the most primary form in Europe, walking… tons of it. So unless you are stubborn like me- I prefer to maintain shoes that were planned with my outfit and not necessarily the wisest option- bring comfortable shoes to wear! The night consisted of fish and chips, laughter, exploring, and getting to know one another before turning in for the night. 

Day Two: Exploring London

As I mentioned before about my shoes and outfits, I had a dress and boots planned with a jacket. Omitting the fact that this is London in the spring, which means cold temperatures and possible rainfall, the outfit must see the day. While my raincoat aided in the major rain showers, it did not keep me warm- you’ll understand on day three. Dressed, fed, and ready for the day by 8:30 am, we head into town to meet our tour guide for the day. Here are some of the landmarks & stops we made:

1. London Bridge

2. The Golden Hinde

3. Winchester Palace

4. Shakespeare’s Globe

5. Millennium Bridge

6. St. Paul’s Cathedral

7. Palace of Westminster

8. Big Ben

9. Parliament Square

10. Parliament Square Garden

11. Sir John Soane’s Museum

12. Buckingham Palace

    1. The changing of the guards (a must see!)

13. London Eye

14. Tower Hill Memorial

15. Tower of London

16. Tower Bridge

17. Tea Time on the Water 

18. Palace Theatre

    
    

Where you’d think it would be time to call it a day, after walking and exploring so many amazing places, the adventure did not end here. We had a short window to get comfortable, and on the move we went again. This time we are touring through London’s pubs. The best way to meet or join a group of people to experience a city’s nightlife is through a pub crawl, and this night definitely did not disappoint. Cue “Party Rocker” and leave it on repeat! Mind you, the rain has picked up, but we press on, right? Well, I suffered the consequences on day three. 

Day Three: Unexpected & Elegant Experiences On My Final Full Day In London

Last evening, I had the wild thought of booking a live Peloton class with the knowledge that Peloton Studios London would be relatively close to me. So on a whim, I checked online and requested to join, but with it being last minute, I would not have thought it would actually happen. This is a prime example of staying ready because you never know what experiences could be at your fingertips. Early the next morning, I planned to make my way to the Covent Garden/ Theater district, using the Tube alone and restricted navigation service- nothing but the Grace of God. I felt so accomplished and like a local to the point where I considered all the reasons why moving here would work for me. 

So, let's go back to the live Peloton studio class. I hadn’t received a confirmation for my spot because there was a waitlist to be a participant, BUT while en route, a number had called me. Due to the reduced service, I missed the call and continued on to the studio hoping I could obtain a spot. Upon my arrival, I was notified that there was a spot open, and it was the studio calling to see if I would like to join- talk about divine timing!

Excited, but nervous because I wasn't a faithful Peloton girly and would be wiped out after a 15-minute ride at home. Recalling the class I signed up for, it was a THIRTY-MINUTE RIDE… what did I get myself into?! Once changing, getting fitted, and remembering the ride was with my girl Hannah Frankson, the nerves began to subside, and the reality that I made this happen sunk in!

Spoiler: I survived the ride and can only be seen in the corner, barely making it! While the adrenaline was still pumping, I had to quickly soak up the merch splurge and met and greet to prepare for tea time!

Now refreshed, it was time to head to Harrods for Tea at Tiffany’s Blue Box Cafe! Cucumber sandwiches with the crust cut off, various pastries, lovely vibes, and of course, tea; this is a must when in London. Harrods definitely blew my mind with its elegant designs, shops, and eateries. My next trip to London would have a day dedicated solely to spending the day in Harrods.

  The evening wind-down consisted of cocktails and games in the lobby before returning to my quarters for last-minute packing and rest in the lovely English city of London. This was only day three out of ten…Tomorrow, we head out to Paris. Catch the journey in the next blog!

Xoxo, Ms. Moore Abroad ♡