Rebekah Smith

Budapest, Hungary, was the first place I traveled alone. It is a unique spot compared to the more often highlighted spots on the Mediterranean coast, but it captures you unlike any other place I have been. I went in the freezing cold of January and had a magnificent time. I can’t wait to return, so I’m giving you my first-trip-to-Budapest itinerary (while I start to plan my next trip).

As an American living in the south of Spain, I have had the joy of getting to explore the Southern region of Portugal, also known as the Algarve. It has something for everyone in each city, and I want to help you choose where might be best for you to stay depending on your trip preference.

Oh, Paris... A city that is beloved and despised by travelers from all over. In recent years, I have noticed that when I speak to friends of mine they have avoided this city for its reputation—“Parisians are rude.” “They hate Americans.” “I’ve heard it’s not that nice of a city.” I can’t force anyone to love a city that they don’t enjoy. But I would be failing at my job if I didn’t invite you to give this beautiful city a try before you decide it is over-hyped. I adore Paris, for all her character and charm. Every time I visit I see something new and beautiful that reminds me why all the girls in my generation had either a Paris-themed bedroom or decor of some kind. Allow me to be your guide to some of my favorite sites in Paris, and then you can judge for yourself if it is worth the centuries of hype.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and the first city I fell in love with in the country. It has its own unique character and, much like New York City, it never sleeps. I have visited there often and I have several spots that I recommend. These places are girls' trip friendly as well as solo travel approved by me. However you choose to travel to this grand city, it won’t disappoint.

If you have heard it once, you have heard it a million times….you can’t visit Spain and miss visiting the beautiful city of Sevilla (Seville in English). It is the capital city of the autonomous community of Andalucía and has over 3,000 years of history that touches on the Romans, Arabs, and finally Spain as we know it today. Its vibrant culture and bustling city make it an excellent destination for a solo traveler to stay a few days or even months.

As we approach spring, we also approach some of the time of the most beautiful and fun festivals in Andalucía. Though most know about the Fería de Abril (April Festival) in Sevilla, many don’t know about the Fería de Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez, known for its wine, its horses, and its Flamenco, has less of the crowds that you might find in Sevilla. And even better for your visit, it has a close proximity to the coast if you want to cool down for a day.

Tenerife is one of the beautiful Canary Islands. You can find several cheap flights from mainland Spain to this dream destination. I wanted to visit while also being respectful of a lot of the changes the island is experiencing due to the massive growth of tourism here. I personally had 24 hours to stop over and see some famous sights for the first time, and I chose to make the most of it. Allow me to share my itinerary of what to do for 24 hours in Tenerife.

The last few years, I have been a regular visitor to this beautiful beach town. The beautiful, rich culture of Morocco mixed with the beauty of the ocean makes for a wonderful escape for a weekend or for weeks. To anyone visiting Marrakech or a similar location, I highly recommend taking a day to explore Essaouria. Even if you aren’t interested in the water sports that dominate the beaches, there is something for you in this city.

Tarifa, situated at the southernmost point of Spain, borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. This unique town, though small, is an amazing spot for travelers to discover. It is mostly known for the strong wind that attracts many kiteboarders and windsurfers such as myself. It has much more to offer. There are several trails to explore in the surrounding area and beautiful beaches to enjoy when the weather permits. If you visit in the shoulder seasons of April–May or September–November, you will enjoy warm temperatures and smaller crowds of tourists. This will allow you to relax into the coastal life of Southern Spain, even if it’s just for a weekend.