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4 must-do's in Finland in spring
From late March through May, Finland magically transforms. Spring means skiing during long daylight hours in Lapland while cherry blossoms bloom in Helsinki and ice breaks up along the coast as migratory birds return by the thousands. Here are four ways to experience Finland's remarkable spring . 1. Ski under the golden light of Lapland In Finnish Lapland , spring skiing offers something special: increasingly long days bathed in golden sunlight, uncrowded slopes, and snow that lingers …
Explore Serbia in bloom
When spring touches Serbia , the entire landscape rustles with new life. Valleys turn green overnight and rivers swell with snowmelt from the mountains. Bypass the city crowds to discover a quieter, gentler Serbia — one where you can almost hear the grass growing. The scent of damp earth signals the start of a season that restores balance to everything. The Serbian spring is short, intense, and magical, and if you arrive at just the right time, you’ll have nature’s gift all to yourselves. …
Exploring Europe with Kids
Buy tickets to amusement parks and attractions ahead of time if possible. Pack clothes for multiple climates. Familiarize yourself with driving laws in each of the countries you’ll be visiting Learn basic phrases in the languages of each country you plan on stopping in. Make sure all family members’ passports are up to date and will remain valid for the whole …
Romantic getaways in Europe
What’s truly a romantic trip to Europe? Delighting your love with the most off-the-beaten-path corners and unexpected experiences! The classic elegant dinners in capital cities are iconic for a reason — yet with Valentine’s Day on the radar, low-key romantic escapes that feel personal and unique show greater creativity and initiative! Upgrade to low-key by loving local: seek out lesser-known villages, cozy retreats, and family-run inns, restaurants, wineries, and spas. If high-octane nightlife …
Choose Cyprus: Platres or Nicosia?
There are countless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but if you’re looking for something personal and a little unexpected, Cyprus offers two very different romantic escapes, both intimate and both memorable. High above the coastline, the Troodos Mountains reveal a Cyprus few travelers know about. Fresh, clean, and quietly magical, this is the island’s summit and its most refreshing retreat. If you’re a nature-loving couple longing for crisp air and forest silence, the village of Platres and …
The Smart Tourism Experience: Valencia & Bordeaux Leading the Way
Bordeaux and Valencia are the 2022 European Capitals of Smart Tourism . The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition was set up by the European Commission to recognize and award the outstanding best practices and innovations that European cities have achieved in smart tourism. Cities from all over Europe apply to be crowned as the next European Capital of Smart Tourism and are assessed in four distinct categories: accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage and …
Traditional crafts in Europe
Artisanal traditions are alive and well across Europe, preserved through knowledge passed down from generation to generation. Get in touch with these handicraft traditions — literally — not only by seeking them out at fairs and in shops but taking hands-on workshops. You’ll appreciate the skills required much better when you try your hand at throwing and decorating pottery, weaving baskets, carving wood, or making anything from lace to toys to musical instruments or bread, cheese and beer. From …
European Music Destinations
If music makes your world go ‘round, visiting Europe for festivals and concerts is a perfect idea. You’ll be spoiled for choice by the variety of events in terms of musical genre, particular instrument, performers — local and international —festival length, location, venue, and audience size. Dress up for an opera performed in an iconic hall , or take a picnic to one in the park . You can visit the hometowns of favorite European composers, learn to folk dance with locals, groove ‘til the wee …
Portugal’s timeless city of Coimbra
Tradition, charm, and a university's vibrancy Step away from the usual routes and into the laid-back rhythm of Coimbra , one of Portugal’s most historic and captivating cities. Set along the banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra was once the capital of the Portuguese kingdom and remains a place where tradition, student life, and cultural heritage come together in uniquely authentic ways. Begin your visit at the university , founded in the 13th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a …
Veggie and vegan in Flanders
A wonderful universe of fine dining Flanders is a place of and for lovers of life. You can sense this in Flanders’ wealth of top gastronomic restaurants, which guarantee a marvelous culinary experience. More and more of these trailblazers take a noticeably sustainable approach and are building a veggie and vegan universe. Flanders’ culinary future is veggie, creative and sizzling. Here are just a few of Flanders’ green hotspots for gourmets. Souvenir, Ghent Fifteen years ago in Ghent, the city …