Europe In A Month

I know. I'm one of the lucky ones. I got to quit my job at 22 and go to Europe for a month. On my then-boyfriend's parents dime. I should feel guilty . . .

But it was too awesome to feel guilty about it! Forget that! It was amazing!

So here's where you need to go if you have a month to travel Western Europe: The UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Monaco, and Spain.

Most important things to do while in each place:

Just going to bars in the rain was my most memorable part of being in that city that is full of history. Also, we went at a time when we were able to tour Buckingham Palace. Great digs.

Amsterdam, just on its own, without any ‘help', is a trip. People are so nice and so weird all at once. One of the most astonishing sites was a urinal just out on the street. On a more somber note, the Anne Frank house is incredible.

We went during Oktoberfest, which I can honestly say was one of the best times of my life, and I don't even drink beer!

The castle here was terrific to walk through, and just the whole vibe of the town was luxurious.

We went to the Matterhorn before it started snowing heavily. Taking the train up there and staying in a cozy Swiss town was so much fun.

One of the most memorable things in my whole life is having a picnic in this town, with local foods and wines. It was in an olive grove, with my best friend and then-boyfriend. Can't beat it.

I know there's so much to do in France, but seeing the famous Bayeux tapestry goes at the top of my list.

This became my favorite country (or principality) of the whole trip. Somewhere between its charming size, the best aquarium I've ever seen, and the rainbow over the Mediterranean, it won my heart.

I never knew about the artist Gaudi before, but one look in this town, and at his La Sagrada Familia, and I was hooked.

So screw America's economic crisis and book a flight!