This was my first time abroad. I stayed at the Ibis Alicante. I intentionally slept in on day one because my nerves had got to me and I thought I would not enjoy being on my own. When I exited the hotel and saw the view, I understood how wrong I was — those emotions ceased immediately.
The view from Castell de Santa Bàrbera was absolutely stunning. I spent several hours in this castle, enjoying the views, the history and missing British health-and-safety laws.
One particular tree stopped me in my tracks. To be in the presence of something so old was amazing.
I bought some local produce and ate it sat on a bench, people-watching. I sat there basking in the glory of being in such a beautiful city and conquering the nerves of solo travelling.
Mirador del Castell — Balcó de la Mediterrània. Seeing this was pretty amazing. I couldn't be bothered walking down the steps. I see this decision as incorrect.
I took the tram from Alicante to Benidorm. The network is nice and cheap; the ticket-office staff were genuinely lovely and spoke really decent English. The only hazard was getting a concussion from striking one's head on the luggage rack, which happened more than once. I don't remember the rest of the journey.
Benidorm itself was a pleasant surprise. I'd visit again.
I enjoyed my trip to these two cities and met some lovely people on my travels. This was my first trip abroad and was definitely a gateway drug for travelling — and other things. The journey gave me the confidence to do things on my own.
My rating: 10/10. It was life-changing. The weather is beautiful and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.