When I picture the south of France, I think of idyllic, quaint, smaller towns. While Toulouse is actually the fourth largest city in France, it delivers on all three - often surprisingly feeling like a small town as you wander its streets. Known for it’s pink-shaded terractota brick buildings, Toulouse is known as La Ville Rose (The Pink City) in France. I was thoroughly charmed.
Read MoreBarcelona is unique for much of Europe because it houses millions of people and the majority of the city is planned in a grid system - the result of a 19th century city planning design competition when expansion outside of the historical quarters was allowed. The combination can feel like an American metropolis - but one dripping with the brilliance of the world’s best modernist architects.
Read MoreThis site provides a repository of on-the-go high intensity interval workouts for backpackers that only use (1) a kneepad, (2) sliders, and (3) resistance bands. Open one when you’re on the road with minimal equipment and stay fit while you travel!
Read MoreWalking around Valencia for me felt sometimes like walking through Venice - with architecture dripping in merchant-class wealth - and sometimes like walking around Florida - so a fitting place to drop an amusement park in. The most memorable part of the city is perhaps the five mile continuous park built where the city removed a river from its center. (What a flex.)
Read MoreGranada is a vibrant city that richly displays a history of several empires - medieval Islamic ruins, mudéjar style architecture of early Christian rule, and Spanish dynasty architecture in its holy buildings and palaces. Throughout, you get stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains alongside the Alhambra - one of the cultural gems of Spain. Plus there’s tapas a falafel everywhere!
Read MoreSevilla is an average city with one remarkable standout - The Plaza de España, which is one of the most stunning public spaces I’ve ever seen. It’s a worthy trip for a day or two if you’re exploring Andalusia, and hints at cultural dynamism that may make it a good place to live.
Read MoreAs I drew close to Salamanca, I could see a city of beautiful sand-colored buildings where the tallest were majestic cathedrals. I imagine that, 300 years ago, when that skyline was created, it was remarkable for its height and grandeur. It’s still magnificent, but what hung to me was the wonder of the city’s historic life. It felt like a blend of an archaeological site and a vibrant city.
Read MoreAveiro makes for a pleasant day trip from Porto. Its canals are surrounded by charming Portuguese architecture, and the ribbons tied on Lovers bridge are a novel spin on a lock bridge. Calling it the Venice of Portugal is . . . a stretch.
Read MoreA round the world trip (RTW) doesn’t have to be expensive - and should be less than a year’s tuition at most US universities. My budget comes out to $75 a day for Europe and $55 a day for the rest of the world. My 16 month budget is under $30,00, and if I shortened it to 12 months it’d be under $25,000.
This article breaks down the costs and how to translate them into daily budgets.
Read MorePorto is beautiful; flush against the Douro River, it’s full of tall regal buildings built up a steep hill. There are stunning river views, and huge medieval buildings throughout that add character to the streets. Porto is also overwhelmed by tourists and the businesses that cater to them. It gives off strong vibes that the city could sustain multiple Fat Tuesdays.
Read MoreBuilt in the Middle Ages and home to Portugal’s oldest university, Coimbra feels at times timeless, and at times anachronistic. I’d see a medieval church and no cars, and then move one block to a live musician singing modern music, and then walk one more block and see a group of students in capes having beers. I could’ve been anywhere, anytime - and my imagination went wild.
Read MoreSintra can feel like an amusement park as you wander through its castles and palaces, including the estate of an eccentric 19th century millionaire full of hidden cave passageways and secret society symbology. The hike to the top of the mountain is breathtaking, and from the Palace of Pena at the peak you can get a panoramic view of Lisbon for over 20 miles in each direction - including seeing Lisbon!
Read MoreI left Lisbon thoroughly aware of how small I am in the grand scheme of things, in the best possible way. It’s a city built on seven hills that offers stunning views and a prominent, unique blend of culture (Portuguese, Roman, and Moorish most predominately). Here are four things I hope you stop and soak in when you bump into them, and a list of some of the most common other activities in Lisbon.
Read MorePacking for extended travel is stressful; how can you possibly fit everything you will need in under 40 pounds? This guide summarizes how I planned for a 16 month round the world (RTW) trip, and how I tried to blend high utility with quality of life and style items. My list is a guide for anyone who wants to try to maintain their existing lifestyle on the road.
Read MoreWe’re excited to launch Avocado Toast To Go - a hyper-millennial resource for backpacking around the world. For the next 16 months, our co-creator Devin will be taking control of our social media and this blog to document his thoughts while backpacking the world.
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