Things I Miss from Around the World

At 23 years old, I have visited 23 countries. I was feeling extra nostalgic today and decided to make a list of food, activities and even people that I miss from some of my world destinations. I believe that traveling is a transformative experience and I hope that these insider views of each of these places can inspire you to go see the world for yourself!

Paris, France — Any café is going to be amazing in Paris, but this one was closest to my apartment. I stopped for a croissant almost every morning because I couldn’t resist the smell — believe me, this smell will haunt you. I also prefer croissants that have sugar sprinkled on them and they do that here!

They don’t have a website, but here is the name & address: Reves 180 -180 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France

Istanbul, Turkey — I was visited the city during January so the city was covered in snow. I kept stopping into cafes to warm up and I always ordered apple tea. Contrary to the name, it is actually just heated up apple juice. Buy these glasses and you can pretend you’re in Istanbul from your home!

Budapest, Hungary — There are two main thermal spas in Budapest — the
Szechenyi & Gellert. I opted for the first one, but there are many others to try as well. I visited during the winter and it was PACKED! You can also schedule massages & other services to make it a full day of relaxation.

Munich, Germany — You had to go to Oktoberfest just once in your life. Actually, my grandfather still goes so maybe you should do this more than once.

Tip: Once you sit down, you have to keep ordering or you’ll get kicked out so bring your stomach and your bladder!

Athens, Greece — I was surrounded by ruins, but the one thing that I looked forward to every day were my coconut sticks that I bought for one euro off of a street vendor. If you are a coconut lover like moi, it is the tastiest treat you will ever have! You can order them here.

Amsterdam — There’s a lot more to do after you visit the Anne Frank house, but make sure that you stop and try some organic candy to keep you going all day long! The owner let us try anything that we wanted before we bought it and we even got to meet his family — such a memorable experience.

Vienna, Austria — Nothing beats going out with a group of girls and drinking vino chaud from cute mugs & eating cookies from the Christmas village to stay warm as you wander through trinkets to send back to your family.

Brussels, Belgium — I learned the art of French fries with mayo. Don’t knock it til you try it. They also had some fun Christmas villages to walk through!

Italy — I had so much wine and limoncello that I got a stomach ulcer. Shouldn’t this have happened in college? Nothing beats exploring a foreign city with your family over Christmas. We went through a tour group that took us to Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa and Siena.

Leeds, UK — I’m not a gambler, but we bet on horses in the Grand National and it was the coolest thing ever. Thanks for being an awesome host, Sean.

Ghana — Ordering coconut water and watching a man climb up a tree and cut it down with a machete for me was quite memorable. How did I end up in Africa? I volunteered with Global Brigades.

Tip: Make sure that you can stand the sight of blood before going on a Medical Brigade.

Guangzhou, China — Honestly, I miss my weekends of getting out of the city and running through muddy mountains with these guys….and then you know, going to the Cave Bar afterwards. No other hash compares to yours!

Hong Kong — I’ve never felt like such a tiny ant in the world before I went to Hong Kong. Tall buildings like NYC, but the streets are less than half the size. Also, it was nice to find some good western food there while living in China. You can find excellent, cheap pizza here.

Thailand — This could be my favorite country. From the spicy food, kind people, playful elephants, motorbike taxis and beautiful beaches, this whole country is worth exploring. P.S. I will be back!

Philadelphia, USA — I have kept up with running while I’m traveling and living abroad. However, nothing beats running along the Schuylkill river and remembering my short rowing stint, crossing Fall’s bridge and trying not to stop on the loop back. You will forever be my favorite place to run.

Mendoza, Argentina — We did a “Bodegas y Bicicletas” tour where we visited three different wineries, including this organic vineyard and biked to each of them.

Tip: Make sure that you try Malbec gelato at one of the many heladerias in Mendoza!

Santiago, Chile — I’m definitely going to miss my free salsa classes, but even more — avocados for less than a dollar. The amount of avocado toast I’ve eaten would make you jealous.

Lehighton, PA, USA — Wherever I am in the world, I always miss my family, friends, nature that surrounds us.

Traveling has helped me grow into the person that I am today. I wouldn’t be me without the people I’ve met and the experiences that I’ve had. If you have a bucket list of destinations, get started! If you need any help planning your trip, feel free to contact me ; )