Meet Claudia Larson, the adventurous 24-year-old from Orlando, Florida, who faced the challenge of getting back to the US from Europe without taking a plane.
Claudia had been exploring Greece and Portugal but her plans took an unexpected turn when she fell ill with a severe sinus infection in Lisbon. Doctors, including an ENT specialist, advised her against flying due to her condition. With a deadline to reach Southampton, England before May 30, she had just 10 days to navigate her way back without boarding a plane.
Determined to make it home, Claudia embarked on an epic journey involving six buses, a train, and multiple stops in Bordeaux, Paris, Calais, and Dover. She was on a tight schedule but remained positive about her adventure.
Despite her health setbacks, Claudia journeyed by bus and train through Madrid, Bordeaux, Paris, Calais, and Dover, eventually making it to London where she caught the transatlantic ferry to New York. From there, she continued by train for 22 hours to her final destination in Orlando, Florida.
Claudia reflected on her unique travel experience, noting the challenges of planning on short notice while unwell. As a travel photographer, she found solace in capturing moments with her camera and meeting inspiring people across Europe.