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Celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee locally
The United Kingdom and British citizens and friends across the globe are celebrating 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign with special events during 2012. Pageants, concerts and processions...
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Deciphering the European VAT
Europe’s VAT—the Value-Added Tax—is essentially a sales tax, and can sometimes be refunded. That’s the good news. Every year, however, tourists leave behind millions of dollars’ worth of refundable...
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London Olympics 2012: Not too late to book a hotel
Trying to book a room in the London area during the 2012 Olympics? It’s not too late, despite what those online sites might tell you.The Olympics will be held in London from July 27-August 12. Select...
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San Gimignano Italy home to white Vernaccia wine
While most of Tuscany is awash in Chianti wines, San Gimignano produces the region’s only notable white wine.Vernaccia grapes grown exclusively on the hills surrounding this medieval town are used to...
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9 money tips for your European vacation
Deciding whether to take credit cards or Euros along on your European vacation—and if so, how many—is a common dilemma travelers face. As a tour manager and travel agent, this author finds it best to...
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Rome walking food tour
Despite the fact that one of the most Italian things a traveler can experience in Italy is to eat, far too many Italy vacationers complain that they found disappointment in, of all things, the...
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5 packing tips for Italy
It’s always a challenge to know how to pack for a trip abroad, but visitors to Italy tend to fret over their wardrobes a little more than they would if they were traveling to, say, Detroit.And no...
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5 great coffee houses in Europe
So, maybe it’s the vibe. The history. The location. Or, actually, the coffee.By whatever definition, these European cities lay claim to some great coffee spots. Why not try one during your travels and...
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Eight ways to enjoy Slow Food in Europe
The Slow Food movement is nothing new. Originating in 1986 when Italian Carlo Petrini protested the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant near the Spanish Steps in Rome, the Slow Food movement represents...
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5 packing tips for France
Packing for any European destination can present a dilemma for an American traveler, but packing for a trip to France can be downright daunting.During this author’s most recent trip to Paris, she...
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Time for a visit to Italy’s Cinque Terre
A visit to Italy’s Cinque Terre—or, Five Lands—is a trip back in time to five picturesque villages clinging to the slopes and cliffs above the Ligurian Sea. Crooked streets wind between colorful homes...
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5 more great coffee houses in Europe
Let’s face it—the coffee house subculture has gone mainstream. What better way to enjoy the flavor of a city while experiencing its history, great people watching opportunities, local life, and new...
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6 facts you should know about the Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement between 26 European countries eliminates border controls for individuals traveling between those countries. In other words, once inside the Schengen “zone,” travelers are not...
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10 important things to know about USA passports
Traveling outside the USA with a valid passport seems a no-brainer, but for passport newbies—or for folks who haven’t worried about their passports in almost 10 years—it’s good to keep in...
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16 tips for Europe train travel
Traveling by train in Europe is a great way to see the continent and can provide travel that is quick, easy, and—quite often—affordable.But if you’ve never traveled in Europe by train or...
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Insider tips for your visit to Siena, Italy
The Tuscan hill town of Siena, Italy, is centuries old and steeped in delectable cuisine, treasures of art and architecture, a tangle of intrigue, and flamboyant character. First settled by the...
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11 tips for enjoying your European hotel stay
You’ve booked your trip to Europe, made sure your passport is in order, packed your bags, and now you’re off on that trip of a lifetime.What you might not have thought about is what to...
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How to make an underground Vatican visit
St. Peter is said to be buried under the Vatican, along with the remains of other ancients in the necropolis over which St. Peter's Basilica was built.Visitors can take a tour of the Vatican...
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9 tips for dining like a pro in Europe
When it comes to food, Europe does it right. Whether a hearty shepherd’s pie in the U.K., a flaky croissant in France, or a divine risotto in Italy, travelers to Europe are in for a treat.Yes...
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How to ride the Paris Metro
Riding the subway system in Paris—known as the Metro—is easy and affordable, but if subway systems are not familiar to you, these pointers can come in handy.You can purchase Metro tickets at machines...
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