I have had many weekends where I have traveled in Italy and around Europe, and one of the most meaningful experiences I had was my trip to Spain and Portugal, where I traveled to Barcelona, Mallorca, Sevilla, Porto, and Madrid in just eight days. Although the trip moved quickly, it became one of the most impactful weeks of my time abroad experience because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me truly appreciate cultural differences through firsthand experiences.

Every two days I would find my self tired and in the airport at four am traveling to a new city, but each city taught me something new and was worth the tiredness . Barcelona showed me a mix of modern life and artistic history, Mallorca had some of the most amazing nature I have ever seen and coastal culture, Porto introduced me to Portuguese traditions and architecture, and Madrid gave me a deeper appreciation for vibrant city life and national identity. Traveling between so many places in a short time made me quickly learn how to adapt to changes in my agenda and be able to go with the flow along with needing to be open to new experiences, especially sleeping on the airport floor.

One moment that stands out to me happened in Sevilla. After a long day of exploring, my group stopped at a small local restaurant where we shared tapas together under orange trees. Unlike meals back home, dinner lasted for hours. People around us were talking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company without rushing. I realized how much Spanish culture values connection and sharing their experiences instead of focusing on schedule. It was truly an eye opening experience where I really learned to take life more slowly and share my moments with my friends.

This experience was impactful because it changed how I view travel and understand cultures that are new to me. Before studying abroad, I often thought of travel as mainly sightseeing. During this trip, I learned that cultural exploration comes from interacting with people, observing daily life, and embracing the unexpected.