Five years ago, I spent the summer before my senior year of college traveling and visiting various cities and countries. From Beijing, Qatar to California— I thought I did it all. The pandemic happened and my travels slowed down as most of the world did. Five years later, I took the opportunity to travel to various cities and this July, it was Europe.
I still have a couple domestic trips on my August pipe such as New York and Atlanta— which are always a delight. Love the oppy to see my family friends and catch up. But Europe with one of my close friends Theresa who’s like a little sister was an absolute blast. It was an unforgettable journey filled with incredible experiences and beautiful destinations. Let me share some of my favorite highlights from that trip.
Nice, France
Nice was a bliss and a good choice to recharge. We enjoyed the seafood, relaxed on the beach, and I even jumped off rocks into the ocean. Aperol Spritzes were a constant refreshment. It was incredibly relaxing to explore the town, visit outdoor markets, and dine at local restaurants. Castel Plage resort stood out with its prime location, excellent service, and delicious food.
Monaco
Monaco was an interesting visit, though I wouldn’t prioritize it unless I had F1 tickets. We toured the famous casino, climbed to the castle, and picked up some souvenirs. The trip was tiring, but the 30-minute train ride from Nice made it an easy day trip.
Lake Como and Bellagio
We joined a group tour here, which was a bit restrictive but necessary for transportation to and from Milan. Lake Como was breathtaking. We shopped for leather goods and olive oil. The pasta at Da Gancio Trattoria, a hilltop restaurant, was exceptional. The tour included two boat rides, providing a serene experience on the water.
Milan, Italy
Milan was captivating. From the Duomo and Cathedral to the unique Starbucks and The Eras Tour, the city was full of charm. The luxury stores near the Duomo were impressive but crowded. Coming from New York and West Palm Beach, Theresa and I found the designer stores somewhat familiar. Nevertheless, the iconic fashion district is a must-see.
Shopping and Dining
Our Airbnbs in France and Italy were in central locations, surrounded by streets filled with restaurants and bars. We never went hungry. The abundant choices often led us to pick a place at random or try to look at top places via Maps. In Nice, La Plongeoir and SoHo provided unforgettable dining experiences.
Travel Insights
Global Entry – If you travel international at least once a year, this is worth your time and investment. Global entry includes TSA pre-check if you don’t already have it. When we landed in JFK, it took us a maximum of 5 minutes to get out of customs and immigration because of Global Entry.
Priority Pass – My membership is through the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. American Express and Capital One also partner with Priority Pass. It provides access to airport lounges where you can hang out before take off. We were able to get some refreshments before traveling. This is really worth it if you travel often. My family considered our frequency of international and domestic travels and we only wish we applied years ago.
Traveling this summer with my little sister was truly meaningful. College me would call it summer vacay but working me calls it well spent PTO. It was an experience that warmed my heart. Exploring new cities, sampling different cuisines, and staying on the move together created memories I’ll cherish forever. While I’m not sure what adventure lies ahead, I’m confident there will always be another journey in the future.
Jamie Vergara 