We marked a major milestone last Sunday in Madrid: 400 days on the road as full-time travelers! Over tapas and local beer in Spain's lively capital, we reflected on our past 100 days exploring Costa Rica, Panama, Germany, Italy, Spain, and a Mediterranean cruise. As seasoned nomads, we've learned every leg of the journey brings peaks and valleys. These months delivered unforgettable highs with minimal lows—here are our top moments and mishaps.

Top Travel Moments

House-Sitting at a Tuscan B&B

Long before embarking on permanent travel, we dreamed of house-sitting after reading a Guardian article about an Italian farmhouse B&B. Our April stay in a cozy Tuscan B&B high in the mountains between medieval Barga and bustling Lucca fulfilled that vision. For 10 days, we immersed ourselves in northern Tuscany, devouring pizza and savoring the authentic farmhouse life.

Mediterranean Cruise Adventure

As budget-conscious long-term travelers who typically settle into destinations for extended stays, a week-long cruise was a departure. Yet when Jess's parents invited us aboard, we embraced the contrast. Surprisingly, we loved it! After rugged Central American treks and constant hotel hops, the all-inclusive comforts—plush beds, hot showers, gym, spa, and gourmet meals—were a welcome break. Short port visits were a downside (exorbitant Wi-Fi too), but revisiting familiar Spanish and Italian spots made it a relaxing highlight.

Witnessing the Panama Canal

Dani's lifelong fascination with ports and massive freighters made the Panama Canal a bucket-list thrill. Watching colossal ships navigate the locks firsthand revealed the global trade backbone supplying our daily goods—from cars to spices—proving an eye-opening engineering marvel.

Summit of Germany's Zugspitze

In Germany, we ascended to the nation's pinnacle—Zugspitze, its highest peak straddling the Austrian border. A gondola ride up offered ski slopes, hearty dumplings, and superior Bavarian Hefeweizen at altitude.

Favorite Destinations

Siena, Italy

Siena blends medieval charm with youthful energy from its university. Enjoy upscale shopping, fine dining, affordable bites, lively bars, and countryside escapes just minutes away amid vineyards and olive groves.

Casco Viejo, Panama City

Panama City's skyline screams modern excess, but Casco Viejo delivers colonial allure: restored facades on cobblestone lanes evoke Europe meets Havana's rhythm, hats, and relaxed vibe—one of our standout spots.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

This stress-free Caribbean gem suits all: bike deserted beaches, sip pricey cocktails, savor street eats, and dance reggaeton into the night.

San Gimignano, Italy

The town of 13 towers epitomizes Tuscany. Stroll its walkable streets lined with eateries, shops from trinkets to pottery, and free wine tastings. Summit Torre Grossa for panoramic views.

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria enchanted with storybook vibes during our house-sit. Day trips to Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, Füssen, Innsbruck, plus local hikes and Ettal Monastery made it unforgettable.

Biggest Disappointments

Bocas del Toro, Panama

Expecting pristine Caribbean beaches near Costa Rica, we found them distant, crowded, and entry-fee plagued. Stunning scenery fell short after Costa Rica and Nicaragua's superior strands.

Florence, Italy

Hyped as Tuscany's star, Florence felt overpriced, tourist-choked, and less captivating than Siena or San Gimignano. Art fans adore the Uffizi, Accademia, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio—but it lacked our 'wow'.

Panama Canal Train Ride

Rare Central American trains sound epic, but skip this dawn-start letdown. The outdated car offers scant canal views en route to gritty Colón ($22 one-way, bus return required) amid jungle and lakes.

Travel Recommendations

House-Sitting

We've raved about house-sitting before, and two more stellar stays reinforce it. Platforms led us to Alpine Germany and Tuscan Italy (Canada next), granting kitchens, cars, and free stays—ideal after months roughing it.

Germany's Car-Sharing

Carpooling via sites like Mitfahrgelegenheit is seamless and economical—cheaper than trains/buses. We crisscrossed Germany and reached Italy for €35/person (vs. €229 train). Basic German helps; English works too.

Belmonte Vacanze, Tuscany

Our pinnacle stay: family-run apartments amid farms, yet proximate to San Gimignano (15 min), Siena (30 min), Pisa (1 hr). Pool, stables, full amenities, epic views, gracious hosts.

Worst Travel Moments

Bank Card Fraud in Panama City

Jess's debit card was swallowed by ATMs sans cash; checks revealed Colombian fraud. HSBC refunded swiftly, but we were cashless pre-Germany—costly credit advances ensued.

Top Travel Mishaps

Nationwide Bank's Policy Flip

After five months' wait, new Nationwide cards arrived—only to ban foreign withdrawals despite prior promises. UK RTW travelers: avoid Nationwide.

Bad Timing: Panama Carnival Arrival

Crossing from Costa Rica hit Carnival—no buses, full hostels. We taxi-ferried to noisy Bocas del Toro, bunking near blaring speakers.

Top Food Moments

Il Ciampo Pizzeria, Montaione, Italy

Tuscany's pizza peaked at this spot: mascarpone-tomato and rocket-parmesan pies linger in memory.

Bavarian Brezn Pretzels, Germany

Jess devoured daily soft pretzels—sandwich staples or cheese-topped—fueling our seven-week stay.

Restaurante Carmela Tapas, Seville, Spain

Vegetarian tapas overload warranted a long post-dinner stroll.

Monterosso Gelato, Cinque Terre, Italy

Beachside scoops shone, but Italy's gelato—from classic to zabaione—is reliably sublime.

More Tops & Flops:

Our Tops and Flops of 300 days: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Our Tops and Flops of 200 days: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador
Our Tops and Flops of 100 days: Las Vegas, California, Arizona, Mexico