My first extended period of time on the Iberian Peninsula was everything I could’ve asked for and then some. Above any other vocation, I went to eat. Replete with tapas, pinxtos, and vermouth from the tap, my visit was centered around what I consider to be one of Spain’s greatest contributions to the world: Gastronomy.

After a 2018 visit to the more-frequented capital of Lisbon, I dedicated my second trip to Portugal exclusively to the North. Perusing the steep, meandering streets of Porto, I found myself captivated by the intricate tile work and weathered granite. Belly stuffed with a Franceshina, I ventured into the Douro Valley for the best Port wines in the country, and eventually rationalized my hedonist Portuguese adventure by working up a heavy sweat from surfing the frigid Atlantic waters at the small fishing village of Matosinhos.

Thanks to a $37 nonstop Ryanair flight from Porto to Krakow, paired with my appreciation for Central Europe, history, and entirely new places, I found myself in Poland this past August. Partially enabled by my modicum of preconceived notions, I immensely enjoyed my time. Pierogis, vodka, and indelible lessons on the harrowing events of the Second World War made for a compelling visit.

The older I get, the more I appreciate proper infrastructure and a civilization that runs like a well-oiled machine. A few countries are primed for the appreciation of such facets of society, one of which is Germany. In Berlin and Hamburg, I walked dozens of miles. Mesmerized by the architecture, metro systems, and sophistication of this storied nation, my trip was an urban-geek’s dream, fueled by enlivening techno beats and perhaps one-too-many Doner Kebaps.

When one needs their faith in the character of society restored, there’s no better place to go than Denmark. In Copenhagen, the metro stations are devoid of turnstiles, yet locals possess the civil-chivalry to pay their fare regardless. Walking around the city, inspecting the thousands of bikes that line the streets at every turn, one is keen to notice the paucity of locks. Additionally, the abundance of adolescence biking the streets alone will surely shock an American’s eyes. I could go on-and-on about the enchanting honesty and efficiency of this nation, but in order to fully grasp it in its entirety, one must go. So on your next European adventure, if your wallet allows for it, I implore you to go; you’ll thank me later.