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Island gems around Europe
Island get-aways in Europe ? You bet! Thousands of islands await your exploration, from mid-Atlantic archipelagos to North Sea islets, Mediterranean gems, and tranquil oasis on rivers and lakes. You’ll find island city parks that offer calm and nature for a break from urban crowds. If you seek a deep experience of nature, camping, hiking, cycling, climbing, or any watersports, you’ll find it. If the special aspects of island cultures interest you, look for festivals and check out the UNESCO …
Europe’s hidden heritage
If you’re looking for the road less traveled, check out the latest guides for tips on all kinds of sites you may never have heard of! Mixing it up is fun: get the must-have selfie at popular, crowded, instantly recognizable sites, yet leave room to head out into the unknown. Take time to search out special experiences dear to the locals – and learn something new! From nature parks to repurposed industrial estates and fascinating geologic formations to ocean-sourced music, your impression of …
Europe’s Slow Travel Secrets
What do you want from a vacation, if not relaxation and inspiration ? You may find them abundant when you take a different approach to Europe: adopt slow travel . Every country offers more unique, innovative, greener ways than ever to soak up culture and nature without noise and buzz. Hiking and cycling trails abound, and small, local communities have found ingenious, participatory ways to share their traditional cultures. If you’re a thrill-seeker with a need for speed and “calm” sounds dull, …
Top tips for shopping in Europe
Shopping in Europe is dazzling, with many cultures and retail venues. Finding souvenirs for yourself and gifts for friends and family is part of almost every trip, so rejoice in the choices you’ll have! For mind-blowing esthetics, at least window-shop iconic couture boutiques, a world unto their own. Concept and design stores will open your eyes to the hippest looks on the market for clothing and homewares. Shopping malls abound if you want the widest selection of today’s goods. If you’re a …
Live like a local in Europe
How do you travel in Europe without feeling completely like a tourist? Go as local as you can ! Walk, ride a bike, and take public transportation. Shop at farmers’ markets; eat locally sourced foods at locally owned cafes and restaurants; support artisans by buying their handicrafts; participate in local celebrations and festivals. Help with a harvest – which can be at any time of year, depending on the food. Be brave and try that traditional dance step, ask a local to show you how. Look on …
Myth and legend in Europe
Delve into Europe’s folk culture and you’ll find both familiar stories and others that are new to you. Folk customs are alive and well all around the continent to celebrate the cycles of the seasons, life’s big moments —coming of age, marriage, childbirth — and of course, holidays. Some of the pageantry you can witness is about the governing bodies of a country or is a replay of an important historical event. Regardless of the reason, you’re sure to hear traditional music, see amazing costumes, …
Discover Europe’s wild side
Europe’s biodiversity is astonishing. Virgin forests, steppes, alpine areas, plains, marine environments, fresh-and salt water marshes, and islands all provide habitats for an enormous array of animals. Literally thousands of sites across Europe are protected to enable these flora and fauna to thrive. National and nature parks are open to the public for outdoor activities from gentle walks to extreme sports in some cases, always with respect for the environment. Imagine camping in a hide …
Europe’s Most Creative Cities
Europe is expert at entwining the old with the new. In the realm of creative endeavor, the results are fabulous. Cities are eager and proud to showcase the works not only of their well-known artists, but also emerging creatives who share the same rich history but see the world a different way. Check UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for inspiration. The range of creative expression is vast and often found in the streets of arty neighborhoods and at festivals, not always within the confines of …
Eat like a local in Europe
Eat to live or live to eat? On your visit to Europe, definitely live to eat! Sensory pleasure, tradition, adventure, learning, and connection are on the daily menu when you focus on your food! Celebrate the essence of a destination through its local cuisine: Every dish, wherever it’s served, has a story to tell, from sophisticated city bistros to Michelin-starred fine dining and shared tables at family farms. Learn about time-honored and the latest innovative agricultural practices; go on a …
Europe’s Historical Gems
Give yourself a richly rewarding break: visit Europe in the low season . Autumn is a particularly wonderful time to take in Europe’s rich history. Why? The summer crowds have thinned, making for slower and more contemplative visits. Remembrance Day observances offer a unique atmosphere to honor the gains and losses of past conflicts. Guides and hosts may have time for more leisurely conversations, absent the crush of summer tourists. Towns and villages focusing on autumn harvests exude a quiet …