My first week back in Europe was incredible. It felt as if I had never left. I started with a layover in London, where I spent the night before catching an early morning flight to Salzburg, Austria, for a five-night stay. I arrived knowing I had options: I could fly back to the U.S. in a week, see how things unfolded, or head to Konstanz, Germany, where I had studied abroad the previous summer. Before landing, I had arranged a potential stay in Konstanz for the month of August at an affordable rate, providing peace of mind and flexibility. I considered taking a month-long intensive German course to improve my language skills, or simply using the city as a base to explore Europe.

The first five nights in Salzburg were wild. I arrived during one of Europe’s largest festivals, making last-minute accommodation tricky. Because I had only finalized my plans weeks before departure, I had to hop between four different hotels and hostels over six nights. My stay began at a hostel for the first two nights. Hostels aren’t always ideal, but when traveling on a budget, they’re sometimes the best option. The experience is often luck of the draw. Sometimes you meet great people, other times it’s just a place to sleep.

Having briefly visited Salzburg the previous summer, I already knew a few spots to check out for dinner and drinks. That evening, I grabbed sushi before stopping by an Irish Pub. Walking in, I found myself the only person – definitely not what I was expecting. After enjoying my favorite beer, Zipfer, I searched for other nearby bars and found one called the Staple Bar, which was hosting a karaoke night.

While mapping out hikes around Salzburg’s countryside, a guy sitting across from me noticed and struck up a conversation. He was friendly and shared recommendations for some of his favorite hiking trails. He also told me I was crazy for traveling with no plan but admired my adventurous spirit. As the conversation progressed, he mentioned having a connection at Red Bull. Excited by the possibility, I sent my resume along and left feeling optimistic. Walking home, I felt a renewed sense of confidence and independence. Over the next few days, I continued meeting people, and the experience reminded me how much I thrive in solo travel.

The next day, I visited the Salzburg Fortress, expecting a short tour, but I ended up spending five hours exploring. The views were breathtaking. Sitting at a terrace on the fortress edge, sipping wine, I silently thanked God for bringing me to this moment. As I admired the golden sunset, an older German couple approached and asked if they could join my table. I happily agreed, appreciating the cultural openness that made such encounters feel natural. It was a contrast to the U.S., where strangers rarely ask to share a meal at a restaurant together. Seeing their food, I decided to order a schnitzel.

Later that evening, I met an American family of four at a neighboring table. We struck up a conversation, and they were intrigued by my travels. The father told me, “I knew that girl had a story.” His words made me realize I was in the process of creating one incredible journey for myself, and I felt excited about the unknown chapters ahead.

By my third night, I had a revelation about the joys of solo travel. I was continuously stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting incredible people, and embracing each day as it came. That night, I befriended a couple of Austrian and Serbians, spending the evening enjoying their company. The following days were filled with adventure, including two hikes and a visit to Wolfgangsee, a stunning lake that became yet another unplanned but unforgettable experience.

That same night, I had an unsettling encounter at my hostel. Two drunk German men stumbled in at 3:00 a.m., and the situation escalated to the point where I had to defend myself and leave. It was an experience I never imagined I’d face, but I had no choice but to move forward and let it go. Thankfully, the next day’s hike with a friend helped me reset and refocus on the good moments of my journey.

Determined to continue exploring, I took a day trip to Hallstatt, a fairytale-like village near Salzburg. It’s known for being touristy, and after spending a few hours there, I understood why. It was one of the most picturesque places I had ever visited. Upon stepping off the train, I realized the only way into the village was by boat, an unexpected but cute surprise. Following the crowd, I boarded the ferry, taking in the breathtaking scenery as we crossed the water. I spent the day wandering through the beautiful town, feeling nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to be there.

The next morning, I gathered my belongings and boarded my train to Konstanz, my old home, ready for the next chapter of my adventure.

Xoxo, Harleigh