Anytime is a good time to take a vacation, but summertime is synonymous with using those vacation days, packing your bags, unplugging and recharging. While plenty of travelers have their go-to spots, others view summer as the perfect time to embark on a new adventure, such as hiking through the mountains, exploring a tropical island or road-tripping through the United States.
Over the past 22 issues, Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors has featured many families who spend their summers “down the shore” and others who enjoy collecting passport stamps and checking different countries off their lists. No matter where you go or how you get there, the most memorable part of the trip is who you’re with.
Emma and Sophie Pasnak are sisters who recently returned from an amazing vacation to Spain. “We traveled to Madrid and Barcelona at the end of June,” Sophie said. “We lucked out as we missed the heat wave back here in Delco but had cooler temperatures in Spain, around 80 degrees.” She said though it was definitely a popular time to go as there were lots of tourists, it was great as the weather was nice and everything was open for viewing.
Sophie and Emma chose to travel to Spain because it was one of Emma’s dream vacation spots. This trip was a gift from their parents to celebrate Emma’s graduation from Drexel University. “Spain is rich in culture, food, art and history, so it was the perfect place to enjoy a little bit of everything,” explained Sophie. “We were able to experience the nightlife and beaches in Barcelona as well.” She added that it was an all-around wonderful experience with so much to offer for people of all ages. And a bonus was they were finally able to put seven years of Spanish learning to use!
When asked why she feels it’s important to get away from time to time, Sophie said that vacations are a way to relax and almost reward yourself for all that you have done on a day-to-day basis. “Life is not easy and everyone deserves to treat themselves every once and a while. This particular vacation allowed my sister and me to experience time together which we don’t get as often anymore living apart in college.”
Emma said her favorite part of the trip was definitely seeing all the architecture. “Both Madrid and
Barcelona have some of the most beautiful and intricate buildings, including La Sagrada Familia, which was probably the best of them all.” She and Sophie were also able to get some local recommendations and explore food options, one of the best being Paella from a local family-owned restaurant deep into the city.
“While we are also huge fans of going down the shore, I have found that some of the most rewarding trips are those to new and unfamiliar places in the world,” Emma said. “There is just something about experiencing new cultures and ways of life that teaches things you will never experience back at home.” Over the past few years, the Pasnaks have traveled to Italy, London, Amsterdam and Paris, and they said all were great for different reasons.
If you were looking for an excuse to take some time for yourself, here it is! Take the vacation if you can, even if it’s a staycation. A well-timed trip can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return.
Safe travels!