RTW backpacking travel in Eastern and Western Europe
There’s something about crossing a border on foot that I’ve always loved—whether it’s a rickety bridge from Costa Rica into Panama or a frigid nighttime crossing between Thailand and Laos. For a place as compact as Gibraltar, my day trip felt unexpectedly big—views of Africa, wild macaques, and the strange delight of walking across an …
I spent the better part of a week in Rome this past spring with my 3.5-year-old son and my 60-something parents. Having done all the things in Rome while backpacking Europe in my 20s, I went in with modest expectations, a lot of snacks, and a toddler who has specific ideas about the pace and …
On a five-day trip to Rome with my toddler and 69-year-old parents, finding the right day trip took me hours of research. We wanted something close, low-stress, walkable, and, well, cool. It needed to address why we were in Rome in the first place: for the history. After spending a full day exploring Ostia Antica …
When I bought my two-month Eurail pass on a whim (and during a great sale), I had no firm plans for this trip with my toddler son. But I quickly decided it was financially advantageous—and fun—if I tried to hit as many of the most scenic train routes in Europe as possible. That’s how I …
View the 2025 update of the Pros and Cons of living in Spain on our sister site, Expats Adrift. Spain is one of those countries that many first visit during a study abroad program or on a train trip through Europe. Once you’ve spent even a few days here, it’s easy to wonder if living …
With a last name like O’Donnell, my Irish heritage was a vibrant thread woven into the fabric. My parents and grandparents ensured that, long before my first trip to Ireland, I dined on a steady diet of the greatest Irish authors of all time. By the time I reached adulthood, I had watched every great …
If you’re heading to Spain, then you should use the incredible trove of fascinating books about this beautiful country to get you up to speed on the history, culture, and people. Spain is not only big, but it has a complicated past and a similarly complicated current era. With people alive today still remembering Franco …
The Camino Frances is a 500 mile walk from France into Spain—the final destination is Santiago de Compostela. But it’s more than a destination; the pilgrimage is a weeks-long journey. Curious? Here’s everything you need to know. In May 2017, my 13-year-old niece and I left St. Jean Pied de Port. We planned to walk …