How I Quit My Job and Spent a Month Traveling Through Europe
Listen, I was trying to be an adult. I had the job, the responsibilities, the whole thing. But I was stressed, my boss was terrible, and I needed a break. So, I quit and spent a month traveling through Europe. If you’re in the same boat—or maybe you’re taking a gap year—this might be the list you need. These cities made my trip amazing, and I threw in a few more that I’m dying to visit next time.
How I Booked My Travel: Plan Ahead or Go With the Flow?
I’m not really the spontaneous type, so I bought most of my tickets in advance. It saved me some stress and cash. If you’re like me, I highly recommend checking out Rome2Rio—it’ll show you all the ways to get from Point A to Point B (bus, train, flight) and compare prices.
Another option is the Eurail Pass, which I haven’t personally used, but it’s a great way to plan a whole train trip across Europe in advance. They make it super easy to set up your route and figure out what kind of pass works best for your trip.
London (3 days)
I kicked off my trip in London because, honestly, it was the cheapest ticket I found. Turns out it was a great start! If you’re on a budget, definitely look into where the cheapest flights are and plan your route from there.
I was only in London for a layover, but I wish I’d spent more time there. London’s a great intro to Europe because—surprise!—everything’s in English. It’s perfect for getting your bearings if this is your first European trip. But don’t worry if your trip starts somewhere non-English speaking, you’ll get the hang of it quick!
Amsterdam (3 days)
I stepped off the train in Amsterdam and immediately fell in love. It’s clean and quant and beautiful. The canals, the cobblestone streets, the architecture—this city is in a different world. I stayed at a hostel right by Vondelpark, which was perfect for meeting other travelers and exploring the city.
Staying in hostels really made a difference for me as a solo traveler. I met tons of cool people, felt safe, and always had tips for things to do. Plus, it’s way more budget-friendly than hotels or Airbnbs.
Using public transportation and getting to the train station is very easy in Amsterdam. I had a bunch of questions, but the workers at the stations were super helpful and got me to the right platform.
**Bruges/Belgium (2 days)
Okay, I didn’t actually make it to Bruges or Belgium, but everyone I talked to said it’s a must-see. If you’re traveling from Amsterdam to Paris like I did, this would be an easy stopover. Bruges is apparently one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with medieval vibes and charming streets. I’m sad I missed it so if you have the opportunity I would add it to your list.
Paris (4 days)
Paris was everything I hoped it would be, but arriving at Gare du Nord was a little chaotic. It’s one of the busiest train stations in Europe, so be prepared.
My Tips for Arriving in Paris:
- Know how you’re getting to your hostel, hotel or Airbnb before you arrive. That way, you can get through the crowd and straight to the metro or a taxi without freaking out.
- Ask for help! So many people in Paris speak English, but if they don’t, no big deal—just ask someone else.
- If you’re taking the metro, buy your ticket at the machines. It’s easy and fast, and the machines are usually right by the entrance.
Zurich/Lucerne (2 days)
The train from Paris to Zurich was stunning. Definitely recommend. Think rolling hills, charming French villages, and then boom—Swiss mountains. I didn’t stay in Zurich, because of time and went straight to Lucerne. Lucerne is a beautiful lake town with a an amazing view of Mount Pilatus. Loved my time here even though it was short lived.
Geneva (1 day)
I used Geneva as a layover, spent the night and headed out to Nice. The train ride between Zurich and Geneva was also beautiful, there are stops in between that I’ve heard so many good things about but since my trip was short I decided to skip. If you want to spend more time in Switzerland there are definitely options to do so. I would make the stops in the smaller villages to get a sense of what Switzerland is like.
Nice (2 days)
Nice was my next stop and it had it’s pro’s and con’s. I was traveling in November and most of my stops previously had been pretty cold. So the warmer weather was a welcome change. However, I have to say… as a solo female traveler it was not my favorite place to be. It was actually one of the places I felt the least safe. Lots of groups of guys and guys in general that made me feel uneasy. Also I don’t think it has the same charm as it does in the summertime.
If you’re wanting to have some coastal time I would look into some other cities throughout France, Italy and Spain to spend time in. Especially if you’re headed to Barcelona next, there are so many cities between Nice and Barcelona that would be more worth visiting in my opinion.
Barcelona (4 days)
People have mixed reviews on Barcelona but I love it. Probably one of my favorite cities I’ve ever been too. The culture, the weather, the vibes, the beach… perfect. I had a lot of warnings about pick pocketers in Barcelona so I’ll give you that warning too. I had no problem with it and never felt unsafe while I was there. However, you should be aware of your surroundings no matter what city you are in. Especially as a solo female traveler.
After Barcelona, I recommend heading to Madrid. It’s cool to see the differences between the two—Barcelona is chill and beachy, while Madrid feels like a bustling big city. Both amazing.
If Spain itself is calling your name, check out my guide on how to spend 2 weeks in Spain.
Madrid (3 days)
The biggest thing switching city to city is getting used to their metro system. When we arrived at the train station we did not know how to get to our next train into the city. If you arrive by train in Madrid, you’ll need to scan your train ticket to exit the station and then buy a metro card to get to your next stop.
Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s pretty straightforward. The locals were really friendly and helpful too, especially if you speak a little Spanish.
Portugal: A Future Must-Visit
Sadly, I didn’t make it to Portugal on this trip, but it’s at the top of my list for next time. If you’ve got the time, these would be a great addition to any train trip around Europe:
- Faro (3 Days): Beautiful beaches and chilled vibes.
- Lisbon (3 Days): Perfect mix of old-world charm and modern city life.
- Porto (2 Days): Known for its wine and picturesque scenery.
Plan Your Own European Adventure
Whether you’re taking a break from work or exploring during a gap year, Europe is the perfect place to get lost (in the best way possible). These cities were my favorites, and I hope this guide gives you some ideas for your own adventure.