Continuing the Adventure
One of the things I appreciated most about Tarleton State’s study abroad program was the flexibility to extend our travels after the academic portion ended.
Instead of flying home with the group, we booked our own return flight, which allowed us to spend another week exploring London and Italy.
Looking back, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence to plan this part of the trip before studying abroad. Just a couple of weeks earlier, I was overwhelmed by questions about international travel. By the time we boarded the train to London, navigating airports, trains, ferries, and public transportation had become second nature.
Study abroad didn’t just introduce me to Europe, it gave me the confidence to keep exploring.
🇬🇧 London (June 17–20, 2026)
London was everything I imagined it would be and more. Between the iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, world-famous music history, and endless things to explore, there was never a dull moment. We packed so much into just a few days, but somehow it still felt like we had barely scratched the surface. From crossing Abbey Road to spending the evening at Wembley Stadium, London was the perfect way to begin the second half of our European adventure.
📅 June 17 | Hello London!
🚆 Arrived from Edinburgh by train. We took the LNER train from Edinburgh to London Kings (KGX). I would highly recommend this! It is a beautiful scenic route, and the train tickets are pretty affordable. A standard ticket was around $50, and first class was around $150! We decided to do first class because it included great seats with a table, as well as meals, and drinks!
After checking into our Airbnb in Wembley, we were pretty exhausted from the previous travel days so we decided to grab some groceries from Tesco and hang out on the balcony of our Airbnb which faced Wembley Stadium to listen to the concert that was happening there that night. Pro tip – Tesco has some great meal deal options if you are traveling on a budget!
📅 June 18 | Exploring London
This was one of my favorite sightseeing days of the entire trip because we packed SO much into one day.
☕ We ate a quick breakfast at our Airbnb, then immediately headed back out to one of the most iconic streets in the world.
🎵 Abbey Road
As Beatles fans, there was no way we were leaving London without walking across the famous Abbey Road. We also stopped by the Abbey Road Studios gift shop before heading to our next stop.
🛍️ Notting Hill
This was easily my favorite shopping area in London.
Instead of chain stores, the streets were filled with colorful buildings, antique shops, vintage stores, artisan vendors, and little cafés. If I could spend another full day anywhere in London, it would probably be here.
This is also where I found one of my favorite souvenirs, a handmade purse for my future niece, Sloane, who was due later that summer.
🍴 Lunch in Covent Garden
We stopped for lunch at a local spot in Covent Garden and explored the area before walking toward Westminster.
🚶 Afternoon Walking Tour
One thing I learned very quickly…
London is incredibly walkable.
During one afternoon we visited:
🕰️ Big Ben
🏛️ Palace of Westminster
⛪ Westminster Abbey
👑 Buckingham Palace
🌉 Tower Bridge
Every time I thought we’d reached the last famous landmark…another one appeared around the corner.
📅 June 19 | Concert at Wembley Stadium 💚
This day had been circled on our calendar for months.
We slept in, enjoyed brunch, explored Wembley, and then…
🎤 Shania Twain and Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium.
Seeing one of our favorite artists perform in London was one of those experiences I’ll remember forever.
The atmosphere was incredible, and it was the perfect way to wrap up our time in England.
📅 June 20 | Off to Italy!
4:00 AM wake-up call. 😅
✈️ Flight from London to Naples
⛴️ Ferry from Naples to Capri
The travel day was long, but completely worth it once Capri came into view. The water looked photoshopped. The flowers seemed to bloom everywhere. And every corner looked like a postcard.
🇮🇹 Capri (June 20–23, 2026)
Capri has taken the number 1 spot for my favorite place I have ever been! It is breathtaking beautiful. Pictures do not do this place justice. The gorgeous water, the cliffs, the lemon trees, the atmosphere, everything is so incredible beautiful! I highly recommend adding Capri to your bucket list!!
📅 June 20 | First Impressions
After checking into our Airbnb, we planned to take a sunset boat cruise.
Unfortunately…
Our captain never showed up.
Was it disappointing?
Absolutely.
But it also taught me one of my biggest travel lessons:
Sometimes Plan B becomes your favorite memory.
Instead of stressing about what didn’t happen, we decided to make the most of the evening and soak in Capri’s incredible views.
We had dinner at Le Grottelle, a family-run restaurant tucked into the cliffs with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. As we finished dinner, the sun began setting over the water, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and gold.
As we left the restaurant, we stumbled upon a path leading to the Arco Naturale, a massive natural limestone arch overlooking the sea. The view was absolutely incredible. The sun was setting behind the arch and reflecting off the water, and the only sounds around us were birds chirping and the waves below. It was one of those moments where everything felt completely still.
I stood there taking in the view, thinking it couldn’t possibly get any more perfect.
Then I turned around…
…and there was my boyfriend, down on one knee, asking, “Will you marry me?”
Without a doubt, it was the most magical moment of my life.
He somehow managed to surprise me completely, and I don’t think I stopped smiling (or crying!) for the rest of the night.
Looking back, I’m almost grateful our original sunset cruise fell through because if it hadn’t, we never would’ve found that spot. Sometimes the best moments happen when your plans don’t.
📅 June 21 | Anacapri & Monte Solaro, Marina Piccola, Faro di Punta Carena
🚠 Monte Solaro Chairlift
Without question…
One of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
After exploring the top, we wandered through Anacapri, shopped at local shops, stopped for a swim at Marina Piccola, and ended the day swimming at Faro di Punta Carena during sunset.
It honestly felt like a dream.
📅 June 22 | Boats & Beaches
🚤 Boat excursion around Capri
🍋 Limoncello
🏖️ Marina Piccola
If someone asked me what the perfect summer day looks like…
This would probably be it.
Swimming in the Mediterranean surrounded by cliffs is something I’ll never forget.
📅 June 23 | Goodbye Capri
Morning ferry to Naples
🚆 Train to Rome
Leaving Capri was genuinely difficult.
I remember thinking, “I’m definitely coming back here someday.”
🇮🇹 Rome (June 23–25, 2026)
Rome felt like walking through a living history book. Every street seemed to lead to another incredible landmark.
📅 June 23 | Arrival in Rome
After arriving by train, we checked into Hotel Fontana overlooking the Trevi Fountain. I highly recommend staying here for the view! It includes a delicious breakfast buffet on the rooftop overlooking the Trevi Fountain.
That evening we walked around and explored, and then enjoyed dinner in the art district at a local restaurant.
📅 June 24 | Exploring Rome
Since we only had one full day in Rome, we decided to do a golf cart tour to take us to all the historical landmarks which was super efficient and we learned a lot! We spent the rest of our day wandering.
Sometimes those unplanned moments become the best memories.
Along the way we found:
🪙 An ancient Roman coin for my dad
👜 A beautiful secondhand Italian leather purse for my sister
✨ A vintage Chanel pendant for my mom
Those are still some of my favorite souvenirs because every time I see them, I remember exactly where I found them.
📅 June 25 | Heading Home
We had our last beautiful breakfast on the rooftop of the hotel overlooking Trevi Fountain then made our way to the airport to fly home! We finally made it back home and had the sweetest reunion with our dog, Bubbles!
Best. Trip. Ever!