If someone told me a few years ago that I’d be leading group trips across Europe with a bunch of like-minded travellers, I probably would’ve laughed. Not because I didn’t dream of it - I did. But because back then, I was too scared but also desperately searching for travel buddies to make spontaneous trips with.

However this business gave me the courage to start and build this travel community. A space for girls and guys in their 20s who want to explore the world, meet new people, and say “yes” to experiences - even if they don’t have a ready-made travel squad.

This time, I took a group of 12 of us to Barcelona - a city that truly never disappoints. Some of us had met before but only a few times, other met online through previous travel chats and others were completely new. But what we all had in common was the desire to explore somewhere new, share stories, and maybe step out of our comfort zones.

And let me tell you - it was a trip to remeber.

Where We Stayed: Meliá Barcelona Sky

Our home for the weekend was the stunning Meliá Barcelona Sky, a 4-star hotel located in the Poblenou district, just 10 minutes from the heart of the city. The hotel had everything you'd want for a stylish city break - sleek rooms, incredible service, and a rooftop bar and pool that gave us the perfect excuse to relax and soak up some sun on Saturday afternoon.

Getting around was super easy - we split between taxis, trams, and the metro, all of which were quick, cheap, and reliable. One of my favourite things about Barcelona is how connected it is. You can go from beach to Gothic Quarter to mountain viewpoints all in one day (and we did!).

Friday: First Impressions & Iconic Sites

We flew in on Friday morning and hit the ground running - no time to waste on a 48-hour trip! After dropping our bags, we set out to explore some of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks.

First stop: La Sagrada Família built by Gaudi. which is always breathtaking to see. From there, we wandered towards Casa Batlló, another one of Gaudí’s architectural gems.

After a full day of sightseeing, we freshened up and made our way to La Pepita - a cozy, buzzing tapas spot that I will definitely be returning to. For just £30 each, we somehow managed to order over 25 dishes (yes, really), plus bottles of wine to share. Highlights included the patatas bravas, tuna tartare, and of course the Iberico croquetas - all absolute standouts.

Saturday: Parks, Views & Hidden Doors

After a lazy breakfast and a few rounds of coffee and matchas we headed to Park Güell - a colourful hilltop park filled with mosaic-tiled terraces, winding paths, and panoramic views over Barcelona. It’s one of those places where photos just don’t do it justice. The sunshine, the breeze, the vibrant art all around you - it was an all around perfect way to start the day. I recommend booking tickets before you go HERE.

Next up: the Montjuïc Cable Cars. Floating above the city in little glass pods, we saw Barcelona from a whole new angle. From the mountains to the sea, the views were nothing short of epic. If you're ever in the city, this is a must-do - especially around golden hour. You can get your admission tickets HERE.

Later that afternoon, we chilled by the rooftop pool at the hotel, soaking up the last bit of sunshine and comparing photos from the day (and maybe catching a few cheeky naps).

Dinner that night was at Harry’s, a trendy Italian restaurant near the centre. I ordered the beef cheek ragu, and I still think about it. Slow-cooked, rich, and falling apart in the best way - definitely one of my top 10 meals of the year.

But the night didn’t end there…

We found ourselves at Monk Bar, a hidden speakeasy disguised as a small supermarket. Walk in, find the secret door and suddenly you’re in a funky bar with curated cocktails and vibrant music.

Sunday: Slow Mornings & Sweet Goodbyes

We woke up to grey skies and that bittersweet “last day of the trip” feeling. Despite the hangovers and drizzle, we headed out for one last wander through the Gothic Quarter, stopping for a well needed maccies, coffee and some much-needed hydration.

The city still buzzed with energy, even in the rain. Barcelona has that kind of spirit - warm, chaotic, creative, alive. It’s hard not to fall in love with it, even on your way to the airport.

Why This Trip Mattered

What really made this trip special was the people.

A few days ago, many of us were strangers. Some were nervous to come solo, unsure what to expect as our ages ranged from 19-26. But over 48 hours, we laughed, explored, got vulnerable, danced, shared wine, and made memories that none of us will forget anytime soon.

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean being alone. That’s the beauty of these group trips - you get to see the world with others who are just as open-minded and adventurous as you are.

Interested in Joining the Next One?

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, I’d love to have you join the team for the next group getaway. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or this is your very first trip, there's space for you here.

👉 Fill out this form to register your interest and I’ll be in touch with more info soon.

Let's keep exploring. One city, one story, one connection at a time 💫

A Weekend in Barcelona: 12 Strangers, 1 City & a Whole Lot of Tapas