[Day-1] Solo Female Trip to Spaim & Portugal : Barcelona Arrival

Boarding gate screen at Incheon International Airport showing flight TW 407 to Barcelona.
[Day-1] The beginning of my journey to Barcelona ✈️


 I’ve traveled abroad every year,
but traveling to Europe alone for the first time
didn't feel real until I was on my way to the airport.
Here is the record of my first day,
filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety!!

📦 The Baggage Crisis at Incheon Airport (20kg→15kg)

My flight was at 11:05 AM,
but I arrived at Incheon Airport at 7:00 AM
because I was feeling a bit nervous.
A crisis hit at the check-in counter!
My 28-inch suitcase weighed 20kg,
but my allowance was only 15kg. 😂

Incheon Airport luggage cart with heavy bags, T'way Air baggage limit 15kg issue, solo female traveler.

I felt like I was moving to a new country forever.
I did everything I could to hit that 15kg limit... 😂
Don't I look like I’m migrating with all this luggage?

😨 Unexpected Aircraft Change & Seat Refund

Just 30 minutes before boarding,
I received a notice that the aircraft had been changed.
When I checked my new seat,
it was on the complete opposite side
of the premium seat I had specifically purchased. 😨
I was flustered, but I immediately contacted
T'way Air customer service right there at the gate.
Fortunately, they confirmed a full refund
for my original seat purchase.
I was so frantic that I didn't even get a chance to take a photo... 😭

🧙🏻 A 15-Hour Flight and Finally, Barcelona!

It was a long 14-hour and 55-minute direct flight.
I made sure to eat well to keep my energy up.
The first meal was a Bibimbap,
and the second was Sausage and Scrambled Eggs. 🍱
No matter how many times I woke up,
we were still above the clouds...
It felt like a magical time where hours stood still. ✨
Finally, I arrived in Barcelona!
Immigration was smooth, and I got my passport stamped
manually without any issues.
T'way Air in-flight meal, Korean Bibimbap on a flight to Barcelona.

🚇 Tips for Getting to the City via Metro

By the time I left the airport, it was already dark.
I chose the Metro over the bus for a more relaxed trip.
Important Tip!
When going from the airport to the city,
you must purchase a special Airport Single Ticket.
(Note: The T-Casual card is only for city zones!)
The ticket is made of thin paper,
so be careful not to crease or damage it.
While I was wandering near the gates,
a staff member shouted "To the right!!" at the top of his lungs. 😂
His loud guidance made me laugh and finally helped me relax.
Barcelona Metro Line 9 (L9) platform with screen doors at El Prat Airport station.
💡 Quick Tips for Barcelona Metro
Don't be confused when you get on the train!
You need to press the >< button
on the door after the train stops to open it.
Also, be aware that many European metro stations
do not have elevators.
I was struggling with my heavy bags on the stairs,
but a kind local man stepped in and helped me carry them! 👍🏻

🏠 First Stay: Checking into Yeah Hostel Barcelona

My first home in Barcelona was 'Yeah Hostel.'
The location is incredible!
Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo
are all within walking distance.
  • Check-in: Done via a QR code at the counter.
  • Note: You must pay a separate City Tax on-site.
  • Honest Review: While the female staff wasn't overly friendly,
    the male staff was very kind.
    The location and facilities are top-notch!
After checking in, I grabbed a bottle of water from a nearby shop
and ended my long first day by organizing my luggage. 🌙
Cozy bunk bed at Yeah Hostel Barcelona, solo female traveler's first night accommodation.
How was my first day in Barcelona, filled with long flights and unexpected surprises? 😂
Everything was new and I was a bit nervous, but thanks to the small acts of kindness from locals, I was able to end the day safely.
How was your first trip to Europe? Or if you have any questions about my itinerary, feel free to leave a comment anytime!
Your likes and comments mean a lot to me! ❤️

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