Europe String

Yes, autumn has definitely moved in to Europe. But that doesn’t mean the cultural calendar is shutting down for the winter. Check out these interesting festivals happening around the continent. Even if you aren’t big on the the festival’s theme, they are a great way to mix with the locals, meet some interesting craftspeople and enjoy a (often) free afternoon of entertainment.
October 3 is the Day of German Unity (on this date in 1990 East and West Germany were reunited.) If you happen to be in Berlin, you have the opportunity to partake in the festivities. This is a …read more

2 Comments

Whenever I return from a trip, I’m always infected with a new travel bug. The main symptom is that I immediately start searching for a new place to go. Recently returned from a long weekend in Copenhagen and that means I’ve been spending a lot of time on various websites, and have seen some pretty good deals. In case you too are beginning to feel the travel bug bite – here’s some medication.
If it’s a taste of Italy you are in the mood for check Europe Destinations. They have a Rome-Florence-Venice package starting at 635 USD that includes roundtrip …read more

Comments Off

I know – it’s only August. But if you are thinking of a winter trip to Europe now is the time to get booking. Check last week’s post about airfare sales for some airline hints. Why should you consider Europe in the winter? Because less is more – lower prices, fewer people. Here are three good winter time destinations.
Athens: While most people dream of a Greek holiday on the beach – Athens is an excellent winter time choice as well. Temps will be in the 50’s Fahrenheit/around 10 Celsius and prices drop dramatically. Plus, there are a ton of …read more

2 Comments

As a follow-up to the night train post, here’s another option for those looking to combine transport and hotel: ferries.
Obviously, this option is a bit more limited. I haven’t found a boat to whisk me from Prague to Barcelona. But if you are on the outskirts of the continent, this might be a handy, cost-effective and interesting way to move about. Let’s start south, near Italy and Greece. Many moons ago I took an overnight ferry between the two countries, and it was quite excruciating. Sixteen hours and I wanted to cry with boredom. Sleeping really didn’t occur. After …read more

Comments Off

What could be more budget friendly then walking? No transport costs, (or the headaches of figuring out how it works) the opportunity to stumble upon previously unheard of museums, monuments and cafes and best of all – a real glimpse of the city you are visiting. Here are three suggestions for foot-friendly cities.
Prague: Prague is an amazing, compact city that is actually better experienced walking. There’s no trams or buses through the Old Town, and unless you are in an a car (NOT recommended) using the feet is how to explore. You can easily begin your day in Old Town …read more

4 Comments

Where do you like to eat while on holiday? Local restaurants, cafes, McDonald’s? Are you a picnicker? Pick up some food at a grocery store, open-air market or snack food stand and sit amongst the people to enjoy the vibe of the city? Those visiting Rome may have to re-think that strategy. As of last weekend (July 19) you can no longer snack near the city’s monuments in the historic center. Caught munching, and you face fines of up to $80. The rules are only in effect until the end of October.
Rome’s City Hall says they need to have …read more

Comments Off

This is a two for one folks…save time AND money. I know, it’s hard to believe. Night trains (or buses) are something to consider for a number of reasons. If you are moving about Europe, transporting yourself takes up valuable sightseeing hours. Annoyingly enough, you will need to sleep at some point. And not to state the obvious, but you will be buying a transport ticket and you will be paying for a hotel room so combine the two and take an overnight train.
There are a variety of ways to do this. If you are planning train travel in …read more

Comments Off

I’m a walker – and will always provide walking instructions and suggestions to anyone who asks for directions – whether they wish to walk or not. However, taking public transit does have its perks: resting the tootsies, covering long distances, avoiding bad weather, etc. Some cities have normal bus/tram routes that practically double as a sight-seeing tour. You may or may not know what you are seeing, but the views are interesting, you may see a part of the city you hadn’t planned on and, oh you are sitting for the price of a public transport ticket. Sweet.
Berlin: Bus …read more

5 Comments

While Venice does boast some world-class museums and churches, everyone knows its real charm lies in its canals and architecture. I’ve been to this watery city more time than I can count, and my favorite visits are always those when I just spend the day getting lost while wandering through the city’s charming, narrow streets.
Hotels can be pricey in Venice, but in the off-season there are often good deals to be had. Check out Venere or Booking.com for some potentially wonderful hotel deals. If you do end up staying in the city, I highly recommend an early-morning walk – the …read more

7 Comments

The highlight (well, one of several) of my recent trip to Italy was a visit to the Giardino dei Tarocchi, a whimsical, creative sculpture-filled garden created by the artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The garden is a bit of a drive north from Rome (or south from Siena), making it somewhat out-of-the-way for most tourists. But for fans of the artist’s work, the trip (and the EUR 10.50 entrance fee) are more than worth it. Check the garden’s website for opening hours and days (it is closed for most of the winter).
Photo credit: personal collection.

3 Comments