Travel Blogs
1. London, England – New Year’s 2016
Visiting London over New Year’s was an unforgettable experience. Entering 2016 in a city with so much history and energy was the perfect way to start the year. It felt exciting to be somewhere so iconic during such a celebratory time.
During the trip, I visited some of the most well-known landmarks in the city, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Harrods, and Kensington Palace. Each place had its own unique history. Windsor Castle was also a highlight, offering a glimpse into royal life outside the city.
Two stops stood out because they connected directly with what I was learning in school at the time. The Globe Theatre was especially memorable because I was studying Shakespeare in English class, and seeing where his plays were originally performed allowed me to connect the two experiences. I also visited the Churchill War Rooms, which tied in perfectly with what we were learning in history class about World War II.
Out of everything, my favorite part was the London Eye. Getting to the top and seeing the entire city spread out below was surreal and it gave me a new appreciation for just how beautiful London really is.
2. Italy – Spring Break 2023
My family and I visited Rome, Italy during Spring Break 2023. This trip was truly a dream come true. I have always loved Italian food and culture, and getting to experience it firsthand was even better than I expected. Rome was overflowing with history, from the Colosseum to the Vatican, everywhere I looked, I was standing in a place that had a story to tell.
The food was unforgettable. I had fresh pasta, real gelato, and pizza that ruined all other pizza for me. I had no interest in eating pizza for months after leaving Italy because I knew the frozen pizzas I would occasionally buy in America were no match. The days were packed with walking and exploring, but it never felt tiring. There was always something new to see.
One of my favorite days was spent on the Amalfi Coast. The view of the bright blue water was unreal, it looked like something out of a movie. It was peaceful, beautiful, and such a contrast to the busy energy of Rome.
Italy left me inspired and eager to travel more. I hope to visit other popular cities in Italy, such as Venice, in the future.
3. France – Spring Break 2025
For my last official spring break, my family and I went to Paris, France 2025. This was the perfect way to wrap up my college years and welcome the next chapter of my life. I had always wanted to visit Paris, and it lived up to every expectation.
We spent our days wandering through museums, eating delicious food, and exploring the city. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe were highlights, but the small cafes are what I miss the most. My favorite night of the trip was seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night. It only lasts for five minutes at the first minute of every hour after sunset, so my parents and I planned our day accordingly and it was completely worth it.
I also enjoyed learning more about the culture. I noticed that Parisians take time to enjoy life. It gave me a new appreciation for those little moments.
Spending time with my family made it even more special. It felt like a celebration of how far I have come and where I am headed next. Paris was the perfect backdrop for that moment in my life.
4. Ireland – Spring Break 2024
I spent spring break 2024 in Dublin, Ireland visiting my childhood best friend, Siobhan. We met when we were kids in Southern California. In 2010, my family moved to Northern Virginia and hers to Dublin Ireland. Regardless of the distance, we have stayed close ever since.
We have managed to visit each other over the years, but every time I go to Dublin, it still feels so special. I love experiencing a typical day in Siobhan's life and meeting her friends. Siobhan showed me her favorite local spots, including the university she went to, shopping center, restaurants, and we caught up like no time had passed.
There is something comforting about visiting a place where someone you love lives. I was not just a tourist, I was stepping into her world. We laughed about old memories, talked about everything new, and just enjoyed being in the same place again.
Dublin always reminds me of the strength of long-lasting friendships, and I am so grateful that we have continued ours, even though we live thousands of miles apart.
5. Nassau, Bahamas – June 2019
In June 2019, I was lucky enough to go on my dream trip to the Bahamas with my family. I’ve always loved tropical environments, and Nassau was everything I’d hoped for. The calming environment, vibrant colors, and warming sunshine was even better than I had imagined.
The beach was incredible. The water was the clearest, most beautiful blue I’ve ever seen. I spent hours swimming, relaxing, and enjoying spending time with my family. One of the highlights was swimming with dolphins, which was such a fun and surreal experience.
In the ocean outside of our hotel, there were man-made fish pods that were designed to attract fish. There were turtles, stingrays, and other colorful fish that swam around my brother and I, and we enjoyed capturing footage on my GoPro camera.
The Bahamas was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
