My First Trip Abroad

Travelling abroad is a dream for many, and it certainly was for me until the summer of March 2015. Since I was still in school, taking an international trip wasn’t very common among my friends. So, being one of the few who got the opportunity to explore the world beyond India felt truly special.

It has now been ten years since my family took me on my first trip abroad. We had spent months talking about it, and when the time finally came, we took the plunge. Though I don’t remember every single detail, I’ll do my best to take you through my experience in this blog.

The thought of traveling to Europe—the second smallest continent in the world (bet you didn’t know that!)—for almost two weeks was beyond thrilling. We were finally going to see all those iconic places we had only ever heard about.

We were a group of 15-20 people, traveling together in a minibus on a tour packaged by Thomas Cook, a well-known travel agency. They ensured that our itinerary was personalized to our preferences and budget, making every moment enjoyable. Our days were packed with sightseeing, adventure, dining at famous Indian restaurants, and so much more.

How It All Began

The first few days were a blur, thanks to jet lag and adjusting to the time difference—not to mention the early morning wake-up calls from our tour guide. Phewwww! A tough one 😪

Over the next two weeks, we explored multiple cities across Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, and more. Every place had something new and exciting to offer. We walked miles through charming streets, indulged in delicious food, and soaked in the sights and sounds of different cultures.

It truly felt like I was living a dream. So, if you’re considering taking your first trip, first flight, or first step into something new, I highly recommend it! Because some firsts are always special.

Keep reading to find out more about the countries I visited in detail.

But before that, take a moment to slide through a few of the many pictures I found from this unforgettable trip!

Europe Photo Dump, keep sliding >>>

Switzerland: A Dreamy Start to the Journey

Our first touchdown was in Switzerland—a country known for its breathtaking mountains, world-famous chocolates, and fine watches. But trust me, there’s so much more to it.

We took a train and an aerial cable car to Jungfraujoch (pronounced YOON-Fraw-YOHK), famously known as the Top of Europe. It was freezing—-9°C with icy winds—and I could barely feel my hands, nose, and ears. But the experience was worth every shiver! We also explored the Ice Museum, the Chocolate Museum, and an exhibition showcasing the history behind this incredible site’s construction.

Apart from Jungfraujoch, we covered many other must-visit places: Interlaken, Lucerne, Rhine Falls, Zurich, the Swiss Alps, and Mount Titlis.

Fun Fact: One of Bollywood’s biggest hits, DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge), was filmed in Switzerland, including at Mount Titlis. There’s still a cutout of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at the site to celebrate the film’s success!

Paris, France: A City That Lives Up to the Hype

Our next destination—one I’m sure is on your bucket list—was Paris, France. Visiting the Eiffel Tower was a dream come true. It looked absolutely mesmerizing during the day and even more magical at night. After sundown, the tower sparkles for five minutes every hour until 1 AM, putting on a dazzling show.

We climbed the tower to take in the breathtaking views (though, sadly, I have no idea where all those pictures went :/). But the Eiffel Tower is just one part of the experience. The area around it is buzzing with souvenir sellers, tourists from all over the world, charming cafés, and street performers. It felt so lively and completely worth the visit.

Then came one of the most exciting parts of the trip—Disneyland Paris. Meeting childhood favorites like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ratatouille, and the Disney princesses was nothing short of magical. Unfortunately, it was a weekend, which meant standing in never-ending queues. But once inside, the rides, shows, and attractions made it all worthwhile!

Germany: More Than Just History

Now, onto Germany, a country that is so much more than just the Berlin Wall, Hitler, and Beer. One of the highlights was visiting the largest Cuckoo Clock in Bavaria. This isn’t just a giant clock—it’s also a souvenir shop! Every half hour, dancing figurines put on a little show, making it an enchanting experience. Plus, you can pick up a keepsake from the Black Forest to take home.

Belgium: Chocolate, Ice Cream & Iconic Landmarks

Are you also craving Belgian chocolate and ice cream just thinking about Belgium? Because same!

Our last stop was Belgium, where we visited Atomium, the symbol of Brussels and Belgium. With its futuristic design and lush green surroundings, it’s a picture-perfect spot—ideal for anyone who loves capturing beautiful travel memories.

The End of an Unforgettable Journey

And just like that, my two-week adventure came to an end. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to pack your bags and explore your dream destination—this is it. Keep work aside for a bit, take the plunge, and set off on your next adventure. You won’t regret it!

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