Tapas. Pinxtos. Or less formally, little bites of Spanish goodness. There are plenty of reasons to go to Spain; tapas just happen to be the tastiest. In northern Spain, typical tapas styles and the dishes that represent them can vary widely, as can the protocol for ordering and eating them in different regions. Here’s […]
Eating Well in Europe on a Budget
For many people (this writer included) one of the main joys of traveling is sampling all the culinary wonders of a new cuisine. It can be hard to reconcile a small budget with a big appetite, but with a little creativity, you can stretch your travel dollars and enjoy all the tasty delights a country […]
Surviving a Long Distance Flight
It’s safe to say that for most people, flying is the least fun part of any trip. And the longer the flight, the less enjoyable it is, especially for those of us unlucky enough to be seated in coach. The seats are cramped, the food is mediocre, and chances are there’s a screaming baby sitting […]
Staying Healthy and Fit While Traveling
It can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. We get into an “I’m on vacation!” mentality that makes us forget the consequences that our actions may have. For those of us who have struggled to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it starts to feel like a choice between […]
France’s Best Culinary Experiences
France is the ultimate destination for gourmands and food lovers. With a healthy appreciation for some of the most decadent food and wine in Europe, the French know how to eat well and enjoy all the best cuisine their country has to offer. Here are some can’t miss culinary experiences in France. Cheese France has […]
Enjoy a Traditional English Tea Service in London
Indulging in afternoon tea is a quintessential experience in England. Not to be confused with “high tea” which is a heartier meal that features more meat dishes and is served in early evening, afternoon tea is a light mid-afternoon snack, served from around 2:30 -5 p.m. Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, is the person credited […]
Avoiding and Dealing with Petty Crime in Europe
Most European cities are as safe as any major city in the US, but tourists can be a target for petty crime like pick-pocketing and rarely more violent crimes like mugging. There’s no fool-proof way to avoid being the victim of a crime, but you can reduce your risk by staying alert and heeding the […]
Going to Europe? Consider a Bed and Breakfast
For many people, the term “bed and breakfast” conjures images of calico covered rooms, creaky antique furniture and enforced socialization. At some B&Bs, this stereotype isn’t far off the mark (a peek at the B&Bs website will make it instantly obvious). But at others, rooms decked out in garish floral patterns and delicate doilies have […]
Riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad
The Trans-Siberian railroad connects Moscow with Mongolia and China, stretching across European Russia into Asia. The route was completed in 1913 and spans nearly 6,000 miles (one-third of the way around the world) and eight time zones. Today the line carries goods across the continent and transports mostly Russian passengers, though many foreign tourists also come […]
A Honeymoon in Tuscany
When my husband, Dan, and I were planning our honeymoon in Italy, we tossed around several options for honeymoon locations. We wanted a mix of relaxation and excitement, of city and country, of days filled with shopping and sightseeing and days where we had nothing to do but enjoy wandering slowly around town. We wanted […]