Last Adventures in Europe – A Final Hoorah Before Home

After wrapping up our final week of classes in Spain, it was time to say our goodbyes. Those last few days were filled with lots of hugs, tears, and a whole lot of reminiscing about the incredible semester we had just experienced. But before heading home, my friends and I planned one last hoorah, a final European adventure to soak in just a bit more of the European magic. We chose two nearby dream destinations: Italy and France. Since our return flight was departing from Sevilla, we had to make sure to be close to Spain.

This wasn’t only my last trip of the semester but it was also the final time packing up my room, which felt surreal. As I folded clothes, sorted through souvenirs and miscellaneous things I accumulated, I was hit with waves of emotion. I remembered the challenges, the joy, the nights out, and the quiet afternoons in cafés, which it made it the more enjoyable. Somehow miraculously I managed to fit all the memories (and way too many new things) into my suitcases, one for the trip, and one for the long flight home. It wasn’t easy, but I made it work with a little strategy and a lot of sitting on suitcases.

Florence Duomo

Our first stop was Florence, Italy, where we met up with a friend from back home who was also studying abroad. He had just finished his own semester, and we were able to explore the city together. Florence absolutely took my breath away. We saw the Duomo, strolled across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, admired Michelangelo’s David, and hiked up to Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic sunset views over the city. The golden light on the river was something I’ll never forget. It felt like stepping into a painting, and I definitely never wanted to leave.

Monte Carlo

Next stop, we headed to Nice, France, where we reunited with a few more friends from our Sevilla program. Southern France was like a dream, charming streets, fresh croissants, and sparkling beaches by the Mediterranean. One major highlight was our spontaneous day trip to Monaco, where my friend’s acquaintance gave us a local’s tour of Monte Carlo. We happened to visit right as they were setting up for the Grand Prix, and even though I knew very little about racing, I was completely fascinated. Seeing the tracks, the pit setups, and the general buzz was something you don’t get to experience every day. We were also very lucky to catch the very last day they allowed visitors to walk around before the event.

Nice

After a whirlwind of Florence’s historic beauty, Nice’s coastal charm, and Monte Carlo’s luxury, it was time to face the hardest part, saying our goodbyes. This was our last girls trip together, and the emotions hit hard. Saying farewell to my roommate, who had become like a sister over the semester, was especially emotional. But even through the tears, there was comfort in knowing this wasn’t the end or the last time. We promised to reunite soon and continue our adventures again, just in new places and stages of life.

Looking back, I highly recommend planning a final trip like this after school ends. It gave me time to reflect, connect, and truly appreciate Europe without the pressure of assignments or deadlines. I was able to take

everything in more fully, knowing I was so close to going home.

A few tips if you’re planning your own post-semester adventure:

• Pack smart: Separate your trip bag and going home luggage so you don’t have to drag everything around. Thankfully my host mom let me store my bags in my room while I traveled. But you can also ship suitcases home if you have nowhere to store them.

• Bring an umbrella! Even if you think you don't need it, it doesn't hurt to have a small one tucked away somewhere. On our day trip from Nice to Monaco we got completely rained on and soaked.

• Stay connected: Travel with people you care about, it makes everything more meaningful, especially since its the last time!

• Savor the slow moments: Not every memory needs to be scheduled. Some of the best parts are the quiet ones, watching sunsets, sharing meals, or getting lost in a new city.

Europe, thank you so much for the memories. Until next time!