In this blog post, I’ll share the various experiences, the confidence I gained, and the opportunities for self-reflection that came from preparing for my trip to Europe and exploring its cities firsthand.

Travel Preparation and Departure

I purchased a flight ticket to Europe. Driven by a vague sense of restlessness and a desire to try something new, I went ahead and bought the ticket first. Hearing stories from a close friend who had recently returned from Europe was also one of the reasons I chose Europe as my destination. However, once I actually bought the ticket, I began to feel overwhelmed by the travel preparation process. This was because I didn’t have much experience traveling abroad, I wasn’t proficient in foreign languages, and I knew almost nothing about Europe. Because of this anxiety, I ended up preparing for the trip even more meticulously.
Since I had only purchased the flight tickets, the starting and ending points of the trip were set, but I hadn’t yet decided where to go during the trip, what to see, or where to stay. I asked people around me who had traveled abroad and searched for information online, gradually putting together a plan. Looking back after the trip, while exploring the cities in person was enjoyable, I think the process of planning—deciding where to go and what to see—was even more fun. After much deliberation, I decided to visit major cities like London, Vienna, Prague, Venice, Rome, and Paris. Once I’d chosen the cities, I booked my itinerary and accommodations, purchased a Eurail Pass to use the European rail network, and finished my preparations.
Late June—the day I finally set off for Europe. My heart was racing from the moment I boarded the plane at the airport. The 14-hour flight felt long, but it flew by thanks to the anticipation of heading to a new place.

Experiences by City

And then I arrived in London. As expected, the most memorable place on the trip was the first destination I visited. I explored the banks of the River Thames, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, as well as the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Although I had seen these places many times in the media, seeing them in person was a whole different experience. London was the first European city I had ever visited, and I was captivated by its atmosphere and scenery, leaving me with a great impression.
What impressed me most in London, however, was the musical. I hadn’t originally planned to see a musical, but since I had some free time in the evening, I went to see *Mamma Mia!*. Perhaps because I don’t often attend performances, the wonderful songs, the actors’ performances, and the atmosphere of the theater were a refreshing surprise. I was completely captivated by the musical on the first day, so I made time the next day to see *The Phantom of the Opera*. As expected, it did not disappoint and was a truly wonderful performance. My time in London was satisfying in many ways.
The next city I visited after London was Amsterdam, but since I only stopped by briefly, I didn’t get to see much. However, Amsterdam’s canals and narrow, tall buildings offered a unique sight I hadn’t seen in other cities.
I took a night train from Amsterdam to Munich. I was impressed by how Europe’s rail network connects multiple countries, allowing you to cross borders as if simply traveling from one city to another by train. Since it was my first time riding a night train, I had high expectations. Although the sleeper compartment wasn’t as comfortable as I’d imagined, spending the night on the train with strangers and crossing borders while I slept was a new experience.
Upon arriving in Munich, Germany, the first place I visited was Neuschwanstein Castle in the nearby town of Füssen. Built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is nestled in the mountains, and I was struck by the beautiful scenery surrounding it and its magnificent exterior. The view of this castle—which served as the model for the Fantasyland Castle, a symbol of Disneyland—from the Marienbrücke was truly magnificent. Not only in Füssen but also in downtown Munich, there were many historic buildings remaining, and the well-maintained parks made it a pleasure to explore.
The next city I visited after Munich was Vienna, Austria. The place that stood out most in Vienna was Schönbrunn Palace, the residence of the Habsburg dynasty. I was able to tour the interior of the palace and hear the stories behind each room, and I also remember the view of the Vienna cityscape from the Gloriette, which I reached by walking through the vast gardens behind the palace.
The next city I visited after Vienna was Prague, the only Eastern European city on my European trip. Prague is a place where every street is lined with buildings that preserve the look of medieval Europe, so even without seeking out specific tourist sites, simply walking the streets was enjoyable enough. In particular, the Old Town streets, the Charles Bridge spanning the Vltava River, and Prague Castle looked like a painting both day and night.
One of the things that struck me as fascinating during my trip to Europe was that the daylight hours were longer than in Korea. Even taking into account that it was summer and the days were longer, it was fascinating to see the sun rise at 6 a.m. local time and not set until 9 or 10 p.m. I could also physically feel the changes in climate as I moved from place to place. It was cool in London and Munich, but the summer sun was intense in Vienna and Prague, and by the time I reached Italy, the sun was beating down fiercely.
Exploring Venice under that sunlight was truly wonderful. Seeing canals instead of roads and gondolas instead of cars was a novel experience. In particular, when I climbed the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square and St. George’s Basilica to gaze out over the panoramic view of Venice, I felt that my trip to Europe had been well worth it. The city felt completely different by day and by night. Unlike the bright and lively atmosphere of the daytime, Venice’s nightscape gave off a melancholic vibe. The black waters of the canals contrasted with the streetlights, further heightening that feeling.
The next place I visited after Venice was Rome, which I had been looking forward to the most. As expected, Rome had plenty to see. Walking down the streets, I could easily spot ruins from the Roman Empire era. The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps were all even more magnificent than I had anticipated. While touring the Vatican Museums, I could sense the immense power of the medieval papacy and the pinnacle of religious art. However, the sun was too intense, and as the trip entered its latter stages and fatigue set in, I regretted not being able to fully enjoy Rome.
After leaving Rome, I arrived in Interlaken, Switzerland. I visited Interlaken to climb the Jungfrau, a peak in the Alps. When I first planned the trip, I didn’t have high expectations for the Jungfrau, but as I took in the Swiss scenery, my anticipation grew. Once I reached the summit of the Jungfrau, I felt that coming here had truly been worth it. I couldn’t help but marvel at the efforts of the Swiss people who built a railway at an altitude of 3,454 meters.
As the train began its ascent from Interlaken, I could see a peaceful landscape of rolling meadows. As the train climbed higher, I was met with rugged mountain terrain and the sight of the Alps covered in eternal snow. The view from the summit was so magnificent that it was hard to put into words, and I felt myself grow small in its presence. The scenery I saw while walking down from the summit—the vast meadows, wildflowers, and grazing cows—brought a sense of peace to my heart.

What I Gained from the Trip

I gained a lot from my approximately 30-day trip to Europe. I gained the confidence that I could adapt and live in a foreign country, and I learned how to enjoy new landscapes and cultures. However, the greatest achievement was having the opportunity to reflect on myself during the trip.
In Korea, whenever I had free time, I would simply rest or focus on my hobbies, but through this trip, living in an environment different from my usual routine gave me the chance to reflect on my life and future. Previously, I had been reluctant to leave my familiar routine, but through this trip to Europe, I was able to experience the joy and novelty that travel brings. I believe this experience has become a valuable asset to me.