Grad Trip 2025 Pupil Journey Interview

Alumni Spotlight: Brianna’s European Discovery Grad Trip with Aggie Adventures and Contiki

Our Aggie Adventures workforce sat down with latest UC Davis graduate, Brianna Beltran ‘25, to discuss her Grad Trip experience spanning 7 European countries in 12 days. From falling in love with Switzerland to getting a taste of local life in Rome, Brianna shared insights that future Aggie graduates won’t wish to miss!

1. What made you wish to go on the Grad Trip?

It was the vacation spot. There had been a number of international locations we might go to within the span of two weeks, in order that was fairly thrilling for me, particularly as a result of I haven’t traveled outdoors of the nation as a lot. Also, it being marketed as an alumni journey, which I used to be excited to go together with different UC Davis college students as properly.  

 

2. Did you might have a very good time?

Yeah! Especially for it being my first solo journey, I felt very welcomed and the tour information was tremendous good. It was only a nice group of individuals and nobody was actually not noted. Everyone was tremendous pleasant, I really feel such as you made mates straight away. It was very nice.

3. Was your purpose for happening the journey exceeded?

It did as a result of at first I used to be scared. I didn’t know what I used to be moving into. The motels had been very nice, the meals was superb, the add-ons had been unbelievable… it was only a actually nice expertise.

3a. Was there a selected add-on that you simply actually preferred? Like, one thing that you simply type of selected day of that you simply had been actually proud of?

Hmm… I really preferred a variety of them. Let’s see, that’s a tough one. 

They would have dinners in every nation that had been add-ons, [say] like a tour of the meals in Rome. So, we walked across the streets of Rome, away from the touristy areas and we’d go to smaller eating places and retailers and would attempt completely different meals [from around the city]. That was a very nice expertise as a result of we bought to see locals, and there have been youngsters enjoying within the fountains and households collectively. It was actually candy to get away from the vacationers, and see what it’s really wish to stay in Italy.

4. Who is that this journey greatest for?

Honestly, it’s nice for everybody. If you are actually into historical past or studying about completely different cultures, it is nice as a result of our tour information would give a quick overview of every nation. He’d share historic particulars and in addition vital cultural points, like what are the norms of every nation.

It’s additionally for foodies [since] you go and check out completely different meals, and I wouldn’t say it’s important to be tremendous social, as a result of even introverts had been capable of make mates and have their very own pal teams. Like, I used to be fairly introverted however I nonetheless made mates and bought to have enjoyable and discover completely different international locations.

5. What would you inform a senior who is considering going?

I might undoubtedly advise them to go, even when they’re a bit scared or skeptical. You’re in protected palms! Even although it might be a bit of scary being abroad, it’s one thing I wouldn’t wish to miss out on. It actually is unbelievable and provides you completely different views of the world.

You make a variety of mates from different international locations. I nonetheless preserve involved with my mates from Australia and South Africa, and also you get completely different cultural views so it’s an excellent journey.

6. Was the worth well worth the worth of the journey?

Yeah, I’d say so, as a result of we did not keep in hostels, we stayed in motels, and the motels had been good.