Spring break looks a little different for everyone, including me! I think spring break is the best time to try new coffee shops, walk around different parks and take lots of springtime photos with friends. This semester, I get to study at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. It is a unique school, but just like most schools in England, we are given a month-long Easter break. How fun!

After living and getting adjusted to life in the United Kingdom, I figured it was time to see a brand new country all on my own. I took my backpack and my French vocabulary with me as I started my next adventure: backpacking through France! France is a very large country, and the best way to see it is by train. I got a rail pass, which allows me to board any train that runs in France. Plus, when I am traveling with just my backpack, I never have to worry about checking luggage or waiting in line at security.

I started in Bordeaux, which is known for its wine culture. I joined a wine tasting session at a vineyard in Saint-Émilion, which was five generations old. The owner explained how the depth of the earth changes the color and acidity of the wine. I loved hearing how Frank inherited the land from his great-grandfathers and continues to use traditional growing and harvesting methods.

I traveled through southern France and arrived in Sète. Traveling in the shoulder season is really neat because there are few crowds, yet the stores and scenery are still accessible. Staying in hostels is a great way to break up your travel days — you will often find availability, as many rooms are unfilled during the shoulder seasons. I met a friend, Stefie, who was an abroad student from Germany backpacking through France as well!

Next up was Nice! I sat on the train for almost eight hours, but it was so worth it. The Cote d’Azur is incredible, and with the sunshine, it looks like a painting as you watch the coast roll by. I often found myself just gazing out the window, taking a nap here and there. Studying abroad gives you the chance to see new places without feeling so rushed. Plus, traveling by yourself lets you experiment with self-timer photos (like this one)!

My absolute favorite travel day was from Nice all the way to Paris. From beaches to farmland, from foothills to Alps, from small towns to big cities, I saw so much in one day. The bullet train travels at almost 200 mph! To go from palm trees to snow in a matter of hours was incredible. I was so thankful to see the beauty of France, as this has been on my bucket list for years.

Taking just one backpack for a week was a bigger responsibility than I originally thought. Yet, I grew as a person because I made sure to travel wisely.

I know I didn’t spend much time in each place, but Paris was so full of energy. I stayed here for the rest of my trip. Traveling by yourself can get a bit lonely, but having my phone was a huge help. I Facetimed my friend from French class when I made it to the Eiffel Tower. I met some more study abroad students from Mexico and Los Angeles at my hostel — we even got dinner together! Making these connections was an extraordinary surprise. I love how much I was able to do in just one week. I will remember these times and share them for years to come.