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Welcome to EuropeUpClose & the world beyond

Here you will find the best travel tips, inspiring destination guides, and helpful planning advice to help you plan your trip to Europe and beyond.

Maria Haase, our Editor-in-Chief, grew up in Germany and splits her time between the US and Europe. The travel bug bit her early in life and she has lived in and traveled extensively to all corners of the world. Europe holds a special place in Maria’s heart and she wants to show you her home from a local’s point of view.

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Latest articles about travel in Europe:

View from the hillside overlooking the boats in the water below in Capri Italy

How to Plan A Day Trip To Capri, Italy

Planning a Day Trip to Capri? Here are the top tips on how to get there, things to do and everything else you need to know to make it a perfect day in Capri.

Historical yellow tram in front of the Lisbon cathedral, Alfama, Lisbon, Portugal

Top Lisbon Attractions: Amazing Things to Do in Lisbon Portugal

Click here to discover what to do in Lisbon, Portugal. From sipping fine wines in local bars, eating delicious food to the top Lisbon attractions, we share with you the best of the best.

group of teenagers

6 Helpful Tips for Cruising with Teens

Cruises are one of the best ways for families with teenagers to travel together and here is why:

rialto bridge from water during sunset

20+ Best Things To Do In Venice, Italy

Planning a trip to Venice? Here are the 20+ best things to do in Venice, Italy. Indulge in Italian classics from St. Marks Cathedral to relaxing gondola rides and decadent gelato.

Huge, white Greek ruins on hilltop overlooking city. Ruins are white and have large, intricate pillars and arched windows at nighttime. Parthenon in Athens, Greece. 3 Days in Athens.

The Ultimate Guide For 3 Days In Athens (Everything You Need To Know!)

Spending 3 days in Athens and wondering what to do? 3 days in Athens will comfortably allow you to see the main sights, grasp the culture, & eat endless Gyros.

Food tour in Thessaloniki - octopus with fava beans

Foodie Cruise – What Cruise Line Has the Best Food?

If you love food and cruising, you might wonder: What Cruise Line has the best food? And: Is there something like the “Ultimate Foodie Cruise?” Here is our recommendation for the best foodie cruise!

Clear blue water in cove surrounded by rocky shoreline with strip of sandy beach, beach is covered in straw umbrellas and beach chairs on sunny summer day. Rhodes Island, Greece, Best Greek Islands.

14 Best Islands In Greece For Your Dream Getaway

Greece is known for its incredible paradise islands. Trying to decide which is best for you? Read on for the best islands in Greece for your getaway.

small fishing boats in the bay of Chora on Mykonos

Greek Island Cruise: The Best Way To Explore Greece?

Planning to visit Greece? A Greek island cruise is a great and relaxing way to see a lot of islands and different places in a short time. Here are our top tips.

caucasian fitness woman practicing yoga at sunset

11 Of The Best Yoga Retreats in Ibiza

Imagine getting onto the mat with the sun warming your back and sea views in the distance. Read on for some of the best yoga retreats in Ibiza, Spain!

Castle of Faneromeni in Andros connected by a rounded stone bridge and surrounded by turquoise water

Andros Greece: Fall in Love With This Little-Known Greek Island

Discover a little off-the-beaten-path Greek island: Andros Greece offers stunning beaches, waterfalls, hiking & quaint villages and is not overrun by tourists.

table with wine and small plates on table overlooking blue church domes in Santorini - best restaurants in Santorini

Best Restaurants in Santorini & What to Eat There

Are you wondering what to eat in Santorini? And what are the best restaurants in Santorini to try these fantastic Greek dishes? Then you are not alone!

Jagged rock formation coming out of rocky, moss-covered beach at low tide with Atlantic Ocean in distance on sunny day. Portavogie, Northern Ireland.

10 Best Places to Visit in Northern Ireland (2023)

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Ireland, you’re in for a treat. The small country of Northern Ireland offers an abundance of picturesque coastal towns and serene countryside. Take a look at the 10 best places to visit in Northern Ireland here:

Couple smiling and looking at each other during breakfast on private balcony overlooking colorful cliffside homes of Cinque Terre and the Mediterranean Sea on a sunny day. Cinque Terre, Italy. Honeymoon in Europe.

15 Romantic Destinations For Your Honeymoon In Europe

Planning your honeymoon in Europe? Let us help inspire the honeymoon of a lifetime.

greek temple at Taormina Sicily

8 FREE THINGS TO DO IN SICILY

Read on to find out the best 8 free things to do in Sicily that will ensure your bank account is not depleted once you are back home.

Large rock formations coming out of otherwise flat, sandy beach next to bright blue waters of the Mediterranean sea with desert mountains in back on a sunny day. Playa del Monsul Beach, Cabo de Gata, Almeria, Spain. Best beaches in Almeria.

11 Best Beaches in Almeria, Spain

Read on for the best beaches in Almeria featuring fine sand and crystal clear water.

Image of Madrid skyline with Santa Maria la Real de La Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace during sunset.

Best Things To Do in Madrid – 3-Day Itinerary

We laid out the perfect 3 days in Madrid itinerary for you!

Chef Adrien Descouls working in his kitchen at Origines

Origines by Chef Adrien Descouls – A Slice Of Heaven In The Auvergne

Origines par Adrien Descouls is a fantastic Michelin-starred destination restaurant & hotel in the heart of the Auvergne, France.

Aerial view over Grindelwald, a village in the valley in the swiss alps surrounded by mountains during sunset

Best Things to Do in Grindelwald, Switzerland

Check out all the fun things to do in Grindelwald, Switzerland. It is the perfect hub to explore the Swiss Alps.

rialto bridge from water during sunset

2 Amazing Venice Walking Tours You Should Not Miss

These 2 Venice Walking Tours with locals will show you the top attractions AND best food in Venice. What a great way to explore the city!

Shoreline of Varenna with white houses and red roofs built on the hilly shore of Lake Como

Fantastic Things To Do in Lake Como

Planning a trip to Lake Como soon? Don’t miss these fantastic things to do in Lake Como, Italy.

flatlay of flat black plate with 2 croque monsieur and 2 croque madame sandwhiches

Paris Food: 12 Fantastic French Dishes You Have To Try

Paris Food: Learn about the 12 must-try French dishes you have to try on your next trip to the city of love.

Most Popular Destinations in Europe


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Most Popular Articles

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What to Wear in Europe

Tips on what to wear in Europe to not stand out as a tourist. Don’t forget to pack these helpful & stylish items for your next trip to Europe!

View of Champs Elysees from Arc de Triomphe Paris

Where to Stay in Paris – The Best Paris Arrondissements for Tourists

Not sure where to stay in Paris? This guide will help you find the best hotels in the best area to stay in Paris for your itinerary.

View of St. Peter's Cathedral and Tiber River in Rome at sunset

Is the Roma Pass Worth it?

Planning a trip to Rome, Italy? Find out if the Roma Pass will save you money, depending on your Rome itinerary.

Small canal in giethoorn in summer with large hydrangea bushes and lush trees along the banks and thatched roof houses

Amsterdam to Giethoorn Day Trip – Helpful Tips From A Local

Amsterdam to Giethoorn is the perfect day trip if you are looking to experience a quaint, picturesque Dutch village.

Duomo of Florence and city scape of Florence during Sunset

7 Days in Italy: 1 Week Itinerary from Venice to Rome

7 Days in Italy is not a lot, but with this jam-packed Italy Itinerary, you’ll see the top highlights: Venice, Florence, Rome & more

paris hotels with views of the eiffel tower; hotels in paris with a view of eiffel tower and hotels with views of eiffel tower Paris

Paris Hotels with Views of the Eiffel Tower

Everything about the best Paris hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower – a list of hotels in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Best Hikes in Ireland

The 5 best Hikes in Ireland take you along beautiful coastlines, rugged mountains, and green rolling hills. Find the best hiking trails in Ireland here.


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