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Europe’s Hot Spots for Creative Cool
Three perfect cities for discovering Europe’s freshest creative talent Europe has always been irresistible to shoppers, but beyond the big brands and famous streets of some of the world’s most famous cities are lesser-known districts that are inspiring a new generation of European creativity. Milan’s vibrant Brera district offers an immaculately groomed alternative to the Italian city’s big brand super streets It is the last day of Milan Fashion Week in September and the paparazzi are stumbling …
Built to Inspire
Enjoy Distinctively European Architecture Europe’s cities are filled with every style of architecture imaginable. Oftentimes, these styles coexist side by side and somehow make each city even greater than the sum of its parts. Government buildings, hundreds of years old, stand in regal fashion next to sleek, modern museums and libraries, making for an enjoyable juxtaposition that just begs to be captured by your camera. From old castles in San Marino to grandiose Lithuanian cathedrals, you’ll …
Expect the Unexpected
Enjoy Europe’s Undiscovered Museums Europe has many famous museums that are must-see attractions, but there are lots of smaller, unexpectedly entertaining museums just waiting to be explored. Stop following the crowds and head off the beaten path to discover these lesser-known gems. They just might surprise you and become highlights on your trip to Europe. Begin your explorations with a visit to Germany, to experience the Cologne Chocolate Museum . Showcasing all stages of the chocolate-making …
For Adventure Travelers Only
Action-packed trips in Scandinavia The terrain of the Nordic countries is harsh and unforgiving, but also breathtakingly beautiful. These qualities make it ideal for adventure travelers, those looking for active, high-energy vacations. Iceland is largely unspoiled by human habitation, with many of its residents living in cities and towns near the coast rather than anywhere too far inland. It’s also home to mountains, active volcanoes and glaciers, perfect for many adventurous activities like …
Europe's Rich Religious History
Do you have an itch to explore Europe’s history in a unique way, to eschew to well-trod destinations and instead dive into unknown, exciting waters? We have a suggestion for you. Use Europe’s religious history as an entry-point. You may be thinking—but I’m not a religious person. That’s ok! Whether or not you follow the teachings of a certain tradition of worship, religion is a great lens through which to explore Europe’s past in an unexpected and fulfilling way. How, you might ask? Not only is …
Estonia: the country with it all
One of the things that brings me the greatest joy in life is hiking. Wherever I go, I seek out the best mountain paths, hilly passages, and lakeside trails where I can feel the connection with nature I always desire. For the hiker—and general lover of nature—that I am, Estonia felt like the country with it all! Its scenic coastlines with the rugged surf stretching out as far as the eye can reach, its vast mountainous areas, and its crystal-clear lakes make it the perfect place for the …
Luxembourg: a place of creative spirit
How would we describe our trip to Luxembourg? It was like stepping into a fairytale, into a world where kings reigned from great castles and knights fought off dragons in the sky. But as enticing as this was, what we really got excited about—and were surprised by, to be frank—was the youthful spirit of this place. Sure, its city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and over 130 castles dot its land, but we suggest eschewing the wonderful historical bliss and exploring the creative spirit of …
Riga: A Bastion of Creativity
For humankind, the last 18 months have been tough. I for one really needed a breath of fresh air recently, which led me to Riga, a place that boasts the second-best quality of air in the world. Yes, yes, when I said I needed a breath of fresh air, I didn’t totally mean that literally. But I have to say, filling my lungs with Riga’s clean oxygen as I strolled its lively streets was just the tonic I needed. One of the most impressive things about Riga is the way it has meshed the old with the …
Thessaloniki: Greece's most creative city
I have to make a confession. Before I visited Thessaloniki, I knew almost nothing about this wonderful Greek city. What redeemed my ignorance was the fact that I was extremely eager to learn. What’s the best way to explore Thessaloniki? In my estimation, the answer is: on foot! To guide me, I was fortunate to have Yannis—who has excellent content on YouTube and Facebook , by the way!—who seemed to know everything about his hometown. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rachel bires | …
Mozart and electric music in Salzburg
I have to tell you a secret about me: I’m a classically trained violinist! In fact, I’ve been playing since I was ten years old. So, you can imagine that visiting Salzburg —the birthplace of Mozart—was not just a thrill for me, but a sort of homecoming to a city that combines the richest of musical history with some pretty exciting contemporary culture. View this post on Instagram A post shared by rachel bires | chicago (@rach.bires) When I first got to Salzburg, I had to see all the …