In the summer, travelers flock to Europe to tour the sites while basking in the warm sunshine. Sounds perfect, right? Well, it is perfect until you step off the plane and realize that everyone else has the same idea. Along with the picture-perfect weather, come throngs of camera-toting tourists. To escape the crowds, consider visiting Europe in the winter. […]
Mystery of the Black Madonna
The History of the Black Madonna The Black Madonna has been a figure of mystery for centuries. Some say she’s simply a statue of the Virgin Mary carved from black wood, or perhaps has soot on her skin from the smoke of thousands of candles. But speculation about the black woman goes much deeper than […]
WWOOF Your Way Through Europe
Do you enjoy communing with nature? Does the organic food movement interest you? Are you looking for a way to learn new skills, meet people from all over the world and receive free room and board during your stay in Europe? Then WWOOFing may be a perfect fit. What is WWOOFing? World Wide Opportunities […]
European Cocktail Recipes Will Liven Your Holidays
One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering new food and drinks. When I return home, I enjoy sharing these experiences with my friends by trying to recreate European cocktail recipes. I especially love playing mixologist. Winter is on the way and that means it’s time for holiday parties and plenty of imbibing. Here are some […]
Ten Tips for a Safe and Pleasant European Vacation
Of course you may not really care what others think about how you look and/or act when you are traveling abroad, but to a certain extent, blending in and not acting like a typical tourist can make your trip a much safer, more pleasant experience. Whether you travel independently, or with a group tour, these […]
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 […]
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 […]
Taking the Overnight Train in Europe
Taking the Overnight Train in Europe If you’re planning a packed itinerary in Europe, one of the best ways to maximize your time and save money is by taking an overnight train. Why waste six or more daylight hours traveling between cities when you can pass the time blissfully asleep? Most overnight trains cost about […]
Europe’s Best River Cruises
Cruising in Europe doesn’t mean you are limited to the ocean on large mega-ships. River cruises are a great way to see a variety of locations, without the hassle of repeatedly packing and unpacking or moving from place to place. And unlike ships that cruise the seas, river boats tend to be much smaller and […]
Our Guide to Tipping in Europe
Tipping in Europe – What You Need to Know Traveling to Europe should be an adventure, but trying to figure out the tipping rules for each country can be a headache. Here is our quick guide to the ins and outs of tipping in Europe. Tipping in Austria At restaurants in Austria you should round […]