We’re super excited that we finally booked our trip to Europe this weekend – bought those plane tickets and everything! We’re going in June, and still working out some of the details.
Eric has family friends who live in Madrid, so we’ll be staying with them for the first few days. Then we’re driving to Barcelona for a day – we found out that any train to Paris (!!) requires a transfer at Barcelona, so we decided to spend a day there and explore the city / beach. After that, we’ll take the train to Paris (apparently Paris hates rental cars, so the price to drop off a car there was a little crazy) and stay there for a few days.
We’re using AIRBNB for the Barcelona & Paris nights – so so so much cheaper than a hotel. I’ve found several beautiful places either on the beach or under the Eiffel Tower for less than $150/night. Once we book those nights, I will definitely let you know how we came to the decisions.
We really don’t want to check bags (stupid extra fees & we have no problem packing light), so I’m already planning the most versatile wardrobe. Many of the AIRBNB apartments have a washer/dryer, and we’ll be staying with friends, so we’ll be able to clean our clothes.
Anyway, here are some things I’m looking forward to:
- Paris Flea Markets || Not sure how we’ll pack the stuff, but I really want to check one out 🙂
- Madrid || so beautiful!
- Barcelona || I can’t believe the architecture here
- Laduree in Paris || obsessed with macarons already, and I can’t wait to visit this tea shop
- More architecture in Barcelona 🙂
- Churros con chocolate in Spain || yummmm
- Ok, so a little tourist-y, but we’ll definitely be picnicking under the Eiffel Tower. I also found really great airbnb places right next to the tower.
- The Crystal Palace in Madrid || this building looks beautiful!
Maybe I missed something here, but why would you want to drive to Barcelona rather than take the train? It takes ~6 hours to drive (even before the traffic is counted for) and only 2.5 hours by train. And if you plan to go to Paris, you may consider flying – no need to spend time going to/from Barcelona, just 2 hours flight from Madrid and you’re there!
I get the idea of a brief stop-over in Barcelona, but it sounds like a lot of effort (and money) for a day on the beach.
Hi Michael! Thanks for the input!
We have a couple friends in Europe that suggested driving because it’s so much cheaper than the train. We haven’t booked rental car/trains yet, so we’re still thinking about it…But we’ve heard Barcelona is worth it, even for a 24-hour trip.
We also considered flying to Paris, but then we miss out on the beautiful French countryside!
Sorry I didn’t explain my thoughts better in the post 🙂
Was just wondering what are your reasons for choice of travel.
I have no idea what those train prices are like, but I think its roughly the same.
Guess it will all depend on how long you’ll be staying in total and what your priorities are. Is marking a “been there done that” on Barcelona worth the extra effort? I wouldn’t do it, but I’m closer to Barcelona than you are (not that I’ve been there yet) and can probably get there cheaper at another time.
AHHHHH so excited for you!!! 🙂 You won’t regret that stop over in Barcelona! Make sure you check out Gaudi Park/Park Güell.