My 9 Favorite Moments From My European Journey

As I settle back into life being back in the States, I find myself thinking back to the past 8 months of my digital nomad European journey.

There were lessons learned.

For instance, I need to slow down and be in one spot for a good month every 6 weeks or so in order to establish some good routines and to really get some work done.

I need to pack less.

I’m still an overpacker!

There were more lessons, but I won’t bore you with them.

Mostly, I want to simply share a few of my favorite images and moments of this European journey.

So here they are!

#1 Staying in Alpe di Siusi Italy

There is no doubt in my mind that spending the night in Alpe di Siusi is one of the best things I did on this European journey.

I had 3 nights to watch the sunsets.

Staying in this high altitude meadow meant I could get on some trails and go further than if I started in Compaccio.

I had an epic day of hiking about 14 miles which had me very tired but so so happy!

There were so many benefits including staying in the amazing Paradiso Pure.

I knew that I wanted to include this on the Marvels & Tastes of the Dolomites tour.

It’s just so damn special to actually stay the night in this magnificent place.

#2 Hiking to Gran Fanes

*Sigh*

I’ve walked the beginning part of this trail but never quite got all the way to Gran Fanes.

And I’m so happy I finally made it to this stunning piece of the Dolomites

Yes, it’s also on the Marvels & Tastes of the Dolomites itinerary.

I loved this hike so much I did it twice.

Luckily, I had fabulous weather the second time.

The first time was a bit overcast.

It is truly a beautiful spot in Fanes-Senes-Braies Dolomite Park.

And it was a highlight of this European journey.

#3 Hiking the 601 in Canazei

Canazei and the Val di Fassa is gorgeous!

So many Dolomite peaks all around.

As this was a new destination for me, I really didn’t know what to expect.

Let’s just say this part the European journey did NOT disappoint.

Specifically, it was hiking the trail #601 that wowed me.

I could see so many stunning mountains — the Sasso Piatto, the Sasso Lungo, the Sella Group and the Queen of the Dolomites — the Marmolada.

This is a town and area I will return to for sure!

#4 Drive from Braemar to Grantown-on-Spey

Moving onto Scotland…

I have a blog post on this drive that starts near Braemar and wends its way past Tomintoul then goes onto Grantown-on-Spey.

This drive is simply stunning.

And I had overcast skies!

Of course, I was lucky to be there in August when the heather was blooming so that made up for the less than ideal weather.

If you have the chance to make this drive, do so.

It was one of my favorite drives of my European journey.

#5 Staying at Solas B&B with Isabell and Graeme

Near the village of Gairloch is a beach and settlement called Big Sand.

And at Big Sand you’ll find a wee B&B called Solas.

It’s run by Isabell and Graeme who are awesome!

I stayed here in 2017 and always knew I would return.

While I had (mostly) crap for weather in the latter part of August, I had the warmth of good company in Graeme and Isabell.

After being on the road for close to 3 months at that point, being with folks who felt like old friends was just what I needed.

And a nice walk on Big Sand — even on a less than perfect day — was the icing on the cake!

#6 Walking on Luskentyre and watching the sun set

Spending time on the Scottish Isle of Lewis and Harris has been on my bucket list for several years.

I finally(!) got there on this European journey.

Harris is the part I really wanted to spend time on because this is where Luskentyre beach is.

I had seen many images of this spectacular beach.

And it did not disappoint.

Luskentyre is simply gorgeous.

I walked on it a few times and was even treated to a couple of sunsets.

A definite highlight of my 2023-24 European journey.

#8 Fonab Castle Hotel festive lunch

Every now and again you have to splurge on a special meal or experience.

For me, doing something special for the Christmas holiday was a good time, especially since I was away from my family.

So I booked the festive lunch at Fonab Castle Hotel in Pitlochry, Scotland.

I was originally going to go alone.

And if I had, I don’t think this experience would have been on my list.

But I was fortunate to have a friend come visit me and I invited her to join me.

So Erica and I had what turned out to be about a 4 hour lunch.

3 courses plus a bottle of wine.

Oh and a pre-lunch cocktail!

It was so much fun — eating, drinking, being merry and chatting with a friend.

What a highlight of my European journey.

Thanks Erica!

#9 Pitlochry New Year’s Day street party

On New Year’s Day, Pitlochry has this fun street party.

There is food, drink and music with a cèilidh which is dancing.

And while that was all good fun, it was the local pipe band that was the highlight for me.

OMG!

Tears in my eyes.

I was mesmerized by this band that consisted of young and old.

In all honesty, I was ready to become a Scots right then and there!

One of the best experiences of my European journey.

Anything that brings me to tears definitely makes the list!

Bonus

Well, this is a lowlight actually.

And that is when I came down with COVID.

But it was definitely memorable!

About a week into August and my time in Scotland I felt like I had been hit by a big ol’ truck.

My sister kept texting me saying she thought I might have COVID.

I was thinking it was just a bad cold or maybe the flu.

Nope.

It was COVID.

First time for me.

Luckily it wasn’t horrible and I started feeling decent after a week.

However, it was not fun being sick and far from home.

I cried.

But I survived!

There are more highlights from this European journey

But I made myself narrow it down to just a handful.

There were more moments of being in awe of nature or a site I visited.

I met some wonderful people along the way that made me smile — just chance encounters on a trail, in a shop or in a restaurant.

It was an amazing 8 months.

And I’m ready to do it again!

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