After spending two weeks in Morocco, we were excited to return to Europe. We had another two weeks to get from Southern Spain to Paris to catch our flights. While two weeks might seem like a long vacation to some, for us, who usually travel for six months at a time, it felt quite short. We were a bit anxious about the weather in France, so we wanted to move quickly across the country. Having already explored France extensively earlier in the trip and the previous summer, we decided to focus our time on Spain.

Staying longer in Spain turned out to be a great decision. We enjoyed a few nights along the Andalucía coast, finding excellent hotel deals close to the now-deserted beaches. We took long walks, spent time people-watching from bar terraces, and did some clothes shopping.

Given that our trip was only seven weeks and not our usual six months, we had some extra space in our luggage, which we filled with new clothes. It felt luxurious to get new clothes after wearing the same outfits for weeks. Though I typically avoid shopping and prefer online purchases, my partner insisted, and I ended up with some items I really liked, including a pair of green pants, a white floral top, a black tank top, and a super comfortable t-shirt.

Next, we visited Gibraltar, a small piece of the United Kingdom located at the southern tip of Spain. Gibraltar was a unique and intriguing place, different from the many cities we had visited. However, getting in was a hassle due to Gibraltar not being part of the Schengen Area, meaning we had to queue for about half an hour even in the fast lane for motorcycles. In Gibraltar, although people drive on the right, many things, like street signs and police cars, look similar to the UK, and they accept both Pounds and Euros.

We decided to get a tourist pass to explore the Rock of Gibraltar, a natural reserve. The $15 entrance fee was worth it as we explored tunnels and caves used during WWII. One quirky aspect of Gibraltar is its population of monkeys, which you have to be cautious around as they will snatch your belongings.

After Gibraltar, we headed to Granada, known for its Alhambra palace. We spent a few days there, enjoying the old town, and indulging in tapas, which come free with drinks in most restaurants. While we struggled to find authentic nightlife with gypsy music and dance, we still enjoyed exploring the city.

Our next major stop was Valencia, where we visited the futuristic complex hosting an aquarium and museums. Valencia is famous for its non-seafood paella, made with rabbit and chicken. While I wasn’t a fan, I did enjoy a delicious bean and chorizo stew.

Before reaching Barcelona, we tried camping on the beach, but the police informed us we couldn’t camp in the protected dunes. They kindly suggested moving our tent slightly, which allowed us to stay as long as we kept the area clean.

Barcelona was nostalgic for me as I had lived there in 2007. We toured the city on our bike, visiting places like the Ramblas and the Boquería market, and reminiscing atop Tibidabo hill, where I had once lived.

Our final stop in Spain was Girona, a charming city often overlooked by travelers. It was our last chance to savor Spanish food and wine. Crossing the Pyrenees back into France, the weather turned bad but only for a day. We continued our journey through France, stopping at notable places like Millau, home to the world’s highest bridge, and Bourges, known for its medieval cathedral and affordable hotels.

Back in Paris, my partner’s flight was two days before mine. Proudly, I booked a hotel near the airport using my Iberia miles for a free night. However, I failed to realize he was flying out of a different airport, leading to a rushed early morning drive.

In terms of trip costs, I initially intended to track all expenses but gave up to enjoy the trip. I estimate we spent around 100 euros a day for the two of us, excluding shopping and souvenirs. Thankfully, my online income covered the trip expenses, having paid for the previous year’s trip to Europe.

Thank you, dear readers, for making this possible by supporting my blog. Your readership has allowed me to fund these adventures and continue exploring new destinations. Coming up, I’ll be heading to Belize for New Year and Miami in February. Let me know if you need travel tips for your next holiday!