A Random European Vacation: From Andalusia to Budapest

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones with little planning, and that’s exactly how my spontaneous European vacation unfolded. Living in Spain’s Andalusia region, I had already been spoiled by sunshine, tapas, and flamenco rhythms—but a sudden itch for something new pushed me to book a quick flight out of Málaga and start a whirlwind journey through the heart of Europe. What began as a short visit to London turned into a multi-country rail adventure through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

First Stop: London Calling

London was my gateway, and though I’d visited before, there’s always something new to discover in the city. I stayed for a few days, playing tourist but also wandering off the beaten path. Between the iconic double-decker bus rides and a stroll across Tower Bridge, I managed to squeeze in a visit to the British Museum and grabbed fish and chips by the Thames. The highlight was catching a local pub quiz night in Camden, where I realized that while my European geography knowledge was sharp, my British pop culture answers could use some work.

Belgium’s Charm and Chocolate

From London, I hopped on the Eurostar and before I knew it, I was stepping into Brussels. Belgium’s capital felt cozy yet international, a mix of historic squares and European Union buildings. I spent my two days sampling waffles, chocolates, and of course, Belgian beer. A quick day trip to Bruges gave me a fairy-tale town straight out of a postcard—cobblestone streets, canals, and medieval rooftops. It was there I realized that one of the joys of train travel in Europe is how effortlessly you can transition from bustling capitals to quiet, picturesque towns.

Windmills and Bicycles in the Netherlands

Next stop: Amsterdam. Two days was barely enough to scratch the surface, but I made the most of it. I joined the locals by renting a bike, pedaling through the canals and leafy streets, before spending hours wandering the Van Gogh Museum. At night, the city lit up with an energy that felt both historic and modern. I also squeezed in a side trip to Zaanse Schans, where the sight of old windmills against the Dutch sky felt like stepping back in time.

Germany: Beer, History, and Castles

Germany was where the trip started to feel like a true adventure. I headed to Berlin first, a city packed with history, art, and modern culture. I spent a morning at the Berlin Wall Memorial and another afternoon in the Museum Island complex. At night, I joined a beer garden crowd, clinking glasses with strangers who quickly became friends. To balance the urban vibe, I caught a regional train to Heidelberg, where the half-timbered houses and castle ruins overlooking the Neckar River made for a more traditional German experience.

Prague: The Fairytale City

Crossing into the Czech Republic, I landed in Prague, which easily became one of my favorite stops of the entire journey. The city felt like a living storybook, with its Gothic spires, the astronomical clock, and Charles Bridge at sunrise. For two days I wandered through Old Town, enjoyed hearty Czech meals, and joined a river cruise on the Vltava. Unlike some cities that only shine during the day, Prague seemed even more magical at night when the streets glowed under lantern light.

Final Stop: Budapest’s Thermal Waters

The last leg of my trip brought me to Hungary, and Budapest delivered in ways I didn’t expect. Divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest, the city felt grand yet approachable. I spent my mornings exploring Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, then relaxed in the famous thermal baths by afternoon. My last night in Europe was spent on a river cruise, watching the Hungarian Parliament glow gold against the night sky. It was the perfect farewell to my journey before catching my flight back home.

Reflections on a Whirlwind Journey

Looking back, what made this vacation so memorable wasn’t just the cities themselves but the spontaneity of it all. I didn’t over-plan, I let curiosity guide me. Each country offered something different—London’s fast-paced energy, Belgium’s sweet charm, Amsterdam’s canals, Germany’s history, Prague’s fairytale beauty, and Budapest’s relaxing baths. Traveling mostly by train made the trip seamless, and staying at least two days in each country gave me just enough time to experience both the tourist highlights and a taste of local life.

What began as a quick escape from Andalusia turned into a multi-country adventure that reminded me why Europe is such an incredible place to travel. Every border crossing felt like stepping into a new world, yet everything was connected by the rhythm of train rides, chance encounters, and small discoveries.

Would I do it again? Absolutely—though maybe next time I’ll add Austria or Poland to the route. But one thing is certain: sometimes the best vacations are the ones you don’t overthink, the ones where you simply follow your sense of adventure.