During my month away in Europe, I spent a week exploring the beautiful country of Portugal on my own. It was not a long time, but it was enough for me to discover the beauty of traveling solo and the effects it has on self-awareness and perspective. Today I am sharing seven reasons to travel alone in hopes of convincing you to do the same one day. I promise you, despite the challenges, you will never regret it.

Until recently, I've prided myself on refusing to take a break from blogging since this site was launched. On multiple occasions I would carry my backpack home to Jersey for just a day to take several weeks' worth of photos in preparation. 

If you've been following along on Instagram, you'll know I just returned from a month of backpacking through Europe shortly following a few weeks in Asia. Needless to say this kind of travel does not quite accommodate blogging, so I finally took my first slight break in 2.5 years. And you know what? It was worth it.

I have a thing for colorful, cozy neighborhoods. Perhaps it's the cause of living in the concrete jungle, but there is something about London's Notting Hill with its pastel townhouses and hidden mews that tugs at my heart strings. I made a last minute stroll through this cheery neighborhood hours before my flight, and it was the perfect conclusion to my adventures through England. Keep scrolling for snippets of my favorite moments from this romantic part of town.