I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the same place for too long I start to feel emotionally, physically, & spiritually stagnant. Everything in me knows I have to do my best to stay present, practice gratitude, and all that other jazz, but sometimes a girl just wants to get out and be in the unfamiliar. Life is too short to not witness all that it has to offer. When’s the last time you felt a hunger for something you never had? How about the last time you really marveled at something? My first trip abroad was challenging, but in the best way — it offered me a true sense of excitement in an entirely new place. Sure, America has plenty of cool landmarks to explore but compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. is quite a young country; we aren’t offered the rich cultural history and architecture that so many other countries hold. There is something about a century old cobblestone street that makes solitude feel like a superpower.

In an effort to cherish our daydreams and feed our souls, I teamed up with the rest of the DR gang and created a small wish list of our top 3 European travel destinations. So put on your favorite “main character” instrumental playlist, and as you read this I want to encourage you to visualize yourself in these new places with your favorite travel buddy or amongst delightful strangers — we are manifesting a nearby future, baby.

First up is a place I don’t hear mentioned often but I believe holds just as many stunning views and delicious adventures as other European hot spots. Gothenburg, Sweden has been ranked one of the most sustainable cities in the world for nearly 6 years. Home to stunning Dutch architecture from as early as the 17th century, this coastal city is known for finding the balance between city living and nature.

Must see:

The Gothenburg Archipelago is divided into its northern and southern islands, the southern islands being completely car free. Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and delicious fresh and sustainable seafood! Some of the smaller islands tend to slow down during the colder months so it is recommended to visit the larger islands during the winter.

Haga district seems to have a little something for everyone. Cobbled streets are lined with classic brick and wooden homes (known as the landshödingehus), cozy cafes, and quaint shops that are filled with teas, chocolates, and unique handmade gifts that would make a special souvenir.

Must eat:

Floating Saigon is a family-run restaurant serving elevated, authentic Vietnamese food with a side of river views out of a boat. This 35 year old establishment is favored by the locals and tourists, so it would be a good idea to snag a reservation!

If you want to enjoy a decent sit-down lunch or dinner without the crazy price tag, it appears that Kungstorget might have what you are looking for. I spotted a fresh, no fuss seafood dish in a light butter sauce that looked divine — but if I am being honest with myself, I know a classic Swedish meatball dish will warm me up in all the right ways.

We’ve heard a lot of talk about Portugal lately. Its capital, Lisbon, has become a haven for many Americans working remotely from the U.S. However, just a few hours north of Lisbon is Portugal’s second largest city, Porto. Porto’s narrow cobbled streets and medieval architecture line the Douro River oozing so much charm and stunning coastal views. We have become enamored by all of Porto’s offerings; historic churches, nearby beaches, and fresh seafood dishes. Portugal's tourism has nearly doubled over the past 10 years so it might be a good idea to pay them a visit during the fall or late winter if you're not the biggest fan of large crowds.

Must see:

Livraria Lello is rumored to have inspired the magical world of Harry Potter. This unique bookshop opened in 1906 and was designed by Francisco Xavier Esteves. I personally cannot wait to feel like a kid again in this neo-gothic style shop, with a large winding staircase surrounded by ornate wood carving details and floor to ceiling bookshelves. Tickets will get you a timed entry and a small discount on your book purchase.

Jardim de Morro is where you want to catch the sunset. Take the cable-car up to this hilltop park where you can spot some of Porto’s most beloved landmarks like the Dom Louís l Bridge and the Porto Cathedral. Wind down with a book, tin fish, and a glass of local port wine — have I sold you yet?

Must eat:

Pastel de natas are probably the most familiar Portuguese food to people living outside of the country and there has to be a good reason for it. Pastel de nata is an egg tart pastry that apparently was inspired by an original recipe created by Catholic monks to make use of a surplus of leftover egg yolks when using the egg whites to starch clothing. More importantly, these little delights are flaky, with a creamy sweetness and typically flavored cinnamon and lemon zest. Yes, you can assume that I am salivating while I type these very decadent words.

Last (but certainly not least) is a city I wish I had visited when in the nearby city of Granada, Spain. Sevilla, Spain looks to be filled with so much charm that it will probably make me nauseous just thinking about returning to my regular morning commute in a concrete city. Seville, or Ishbiliya as it was known, was a major cultural and political center during the Islamic rule of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 13th centuries. This period left an indelible mark on the city, with the Moors introducing advanced techniques in agriculture, science, and architecture.

Must see:

The Royal Alcazar is a Romanesque palace that was built over 500 years ago. It’s filled with stunning Moorish tile work and multiple lush gardens with peacocks. This place seems very similar to the Alhambra palace in Granada; gorgeous historical sights you can roam around all day. These places tend to book up in advance fairly quickly so I would highly recommend purchasing a ticket a week or two before your arrival.

Sevilla is the birthplace of the irresistible style of flamenco. If you do anything, it must be a flamenco show. I don’t know if it’s the soft strums of the Spanish guitar or the strike of the dancers feet, but it is one of the most captivating types of art I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. There are plenty of spots to catch a live show with dinner but you might be lucky enough to catch a free show in the Plaza de España, a lively plaza surrounded by canals, gardens, and historic Moorish architecture.

Must eat:

Churros at Bar El Comercio is how I’d like to start my morning. Sure, it’s a bit of a rich start but what’s the difference between a pillowy fried piece of dough immersed in delicious warm dark chocolate and a stack of pancakes? Well for one, you're in Spain and with that I say eat the churro, drink the wine, and buy the dress. Enjoy your morning sweet treat with some fresh OJ or a cup of coffee and a front row seat to the best kind of people watching.

I’ve spent many days daydreaming of the times tapas culture might be successful in America, but until then, cities like Sevilla are there to show you how it’s done. Real tapas culture consists of small plates of cheese, cured meats, potatoes, olives, seafood, etc. In order to get the free tapas you have to order a drink: get a drink, get a tapa -- a most delightful transaction. The streets of Sevilla are littered with tapas spots; instead of googling every one that you pass, it might be fun to do a little tapas-hopping and try out one or two plates at a few different bars — this is a sampler’s dream.

This list is just the tip of the iceberg on all that we wish to see, do, and eat and I can’t help but be filled to the brim with excitement and anticipation for my next adventure abroad. We hope this list has offered you some inspiration to dream big and expand your traveling palette or at least a small moment to tap out from the current daily grind.

EURO TRIPPIN’