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Experiencing Europe as a family
Dear fellow travel enthusiast! I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Colette Marshall, and I’m from Arizona, USA. For most of my life—before having a family, that is—I was obsessed with travel. I climbed Mont Blanc in 2008, just after graduating from university. I spent time in the artsy quarters of Gothenburg a year later. Perhaps most memorable, I tracked down an old cottage in rural Ireland where my great-great-grandparents once lived (that’s another story I’ll tell in the future). When I …
Whimsical, Surreal and Square
From the virtuosos of the Renaissance to the modern masters, Europe has hundreds of museums and galleries to house them. Experience the movements that started in Europe, such as Surrealism with Salvador Dalí and Cubism with Picasso. Europe was the center of a revolution in art, the Renaissance. But don’t miss all the modern highlights of the 20th century in your search for fine art. Across the land, modern art museums tell the story of the continent’s contemporary history as well as display the …
AgitÁgueda
Every year in July, the Agitágueda Festival brings a lot of color and animation to this city in the heart of Portugal . The event, held in the city center along the river and just half an hour from Aveiro, is world-renowned for the originality of the Umbrella Sky Project, which saw over 3,000 colorful umbrellas cover four of its main streets, creating a great visual impact. In addition to these and other facilities that distinguish urban art, the Agitágueda program includes performances, …
Europe for football fans
Europe is a playground for soccer fans beyond just match days; history and culture are deeply entwined in the sport. Former World Cup host cities have stories to tell, as do the hometowns of Europe’s favorite players. Visit the smaller pitches where stunning careers began, teams’ home stadiums, and state-of-the-art, multi-purpose venues. Some have won awards for design! Tour inside to see where players prepare to take the field. Explore sport museums for stories about football heroes, and hang …
An Iconic Trip Through Europe
1. Bring a journal. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you’ll want to document your travels to look back on it in the future. 2. Travel by train between cities. It’s one of the best ways to take in the European countrysides. 3. Map out your trip well before you leave. There are a lot of iconic things to see and you want to make sure you’ll have plenty of time. 4. Mix it up between hotels and hostels. Hotels are great, but hostels can save you money and offer quite the experience. 5. Pack …
North Sea Coast & Beyond
Familiarize yourself riding a bike before the trip. Do not forget to ride a bike in a row, always one behind the others. Check the rental bike (brakes, gear) before getting underway. Pack comfortable and specific walking and cycling shoes. Pack comfortable and breathable clothing and wearing cotton for the days you will ride a bike. Do not forget to pack a raincoat in case the rain surprises you in the midst of a march cycling or walking and a cap/hat to protect you of the …
Swirl, Smell and Savor: a unique wine tasting trail
Familiarize yourself with the EuroRail train system. Pack for varying climates (coastal, mountain, temperate, etc.). Check your home country’s custom limits and regulations (especially when bringing home a wine souvenir). You need to be older than 18 years old to taste wine or any alcoholic drink in Spain , France and Portugal. It’s better if you book your visits to vineyards before your trip. You cannot drive if you drink alcohol. Ask for a VAT-refund when shopping. You’ll need to get the …
Secrets of the Eastern Mediterranean
Do not forget your passport and get the phone number of your embassy just in case. Plan your location for a seaside view. Watch the sun go down with a bottle of wine. Try the best-known Greek food, gyros , a folded type of sandwich with pork or chicken sticks, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. If you are in a restaurant in Turkey , the expected tip is 10% of the bill. When you visit a mosque, wear modest and conservative clothing. Don’t wear shorts. Footwear is not important as …
The Romantic Danube
Pack for varying climates and activities (rain, high humidity, low temperatures at night and high temperatures during the day, swimwear, city tours, etc.). Prepare to pay with Euros, but also ensure you have enough money of the local currency. For details, check with the local exchange bureau. Ask for a VAT-refund when shopping. You’ll need to get the refund processed before your flight back home. Cell phone roaming in Europe can be very expensive. Use an unlocked phone with a European SIM …
A Luxurious Shopping Tour Through Europe
Some exclusive stores require appointments in advance, make sure to research the place you absolutely want to visit. Be aware of the exchange rate to the Euro to keep track of how much money you’re spending. Make sure your credit card companies know you’re going to Europe so they don’t put a hold on your cards. Some small shops and boutiques in Spain may close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta. Plan accordingly. Learn some basic phrases in the languages of each country you’ll be …