ABOUT USI had the awesome opportunity to complete a two-week study abroad in France and Germany as part of my master's degree program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. That trip was the realization of my lifelong dream to travel to Europe.
Of course, two weeks was really only enough to whet my appetite. I followed that up with 13 days in Ireland but was still ready for more. Which country would be next? Italy? Croatia? Greece? Scotland? Czech Republic? I needed both a destination and, preferably, a fun traveling companion. Enter, Helen.
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"I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them."
-- Mark Twain
Helen has a vivacious personality - always ready for great food and good times. As a native of the Dominican Republic, she grew up surrounded by the influences of the Spanish mother land. From Don Quixote to Picasso to the monarchy, it was a place both familiar yet remote for Helen.
She was ready to finally see for herself the famous artwork and architecture that filled her school textbooks. She was ready to taste authentic tapas and rich Rioja. But she lacked the planning and organizational skills to get there. Enter, Ashley. |
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We're friends and coworkers and were able to draw on one another's strengths -- Helen's carefree and fun-loving attitude, and my focus and insatiable curiosity -- to plan and enjoy a fantastic trip. Of course, it might not have gone off so smashingly without a little help from the experts over at Rick Steves...
WHY RICK STEVES?
Neither of us had traveled with Rick Steves before, but my previous trips had been with organized groups, so I knew it could be a great way to travel when done right. I have been a long-time fan of Rick's PBS show and especially of his travel philosophy, so I felt confident a Rick Steves tour would have the right vibe, great organization and interesting history I wanted in a trip, but would also offer the immersion into the world-renowned artwork and rich culture Helen wanted. It would also spare us the possible frustration of getting lost or waiting in line for attractions because everything was included. The Best of Barcelona & Madrid in 8 Days from November 19-26, 2017, gave us everything we both wanted and more!