Category: Travel With Alex: Europe 101

It’s me Alex! I’m totally addicted to everything in Europe and I bet you are looking forward to enjoying the art, history, food and people that make this number one travel destination such a draw.

Five Reservations to Make Before You Touch Down Rome.

There are two kinds of travelers, we’ve all heard, the pre planners that print out the itinerary and the take it as it comes line waiters. Rome presents an issue for each of these travelers as it comes in extremes, either you need a reservation months in advance or the venue is free and you can waltz in whenever you want. So what’s a traveler to do? We’ve got your top five booking covered here. (Don’t worry we’ve got the Vatican covered right here!)

a stairway on a church facade
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The Colosseum and Forum

While this site certainly finds itself on the bucket list of most travelers who plan to see Rome, we’ve got to be honest and tell you it’s the first place we would skip if we had to cut something from our itinerary. But, it’s no wonder considering all of the legends that surround this first sports arena of sorts. But, make no mistake, while the ancient Romans were able to fill and empty the place in five minutes, efficiency plays no role in today’s tours.

Bonus: At The Basilica of San Clemente, there are three levels of ruins to explore under the simple church with an anchor. The underground ruins are a cash only business and tend not to have a big line anyway.

abduction of proserpina scultpure in galleria borghese in rome
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The gallery is probably the second most famous art collection in the city, falling in line behind The Vatican. With works of art like Apollo and Daphne, the Borghese is only available by reservation. Plan on using two hours to fully explore the entire gallery.

Bonus: If you are looking to get a few minutes of fresh air, it’s really worth the time to rent a few bikes and get out of town on the Appian Way. This historic road was the main thoroughfare from the south and into ancient Rome.

The Pantheon

Unlike years past, you need to buy a ticket to go to Rome’s oldest church, The Pantheon. Located very close to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon is a true architectural wonder. With a perfect oculus in the dome and proportions that seem impossible, it’s amazing to think that it still stands, in quite good condition I might add, after almost 1900 years. Although, to avoid the lines, get there early or right at closing as the crowds are the thinnest then.

Bonus: Take a bit of a walk in this area for some other amazing churches that have world class art. Within a 5 minute walk, you can find Santa Maria Sopra Minerva with Michelangelo, Chiesa Saint Luigi dei Fancesi with Caravaggio, Chiesa Santa Maria della Pace with Rafael, and so many more.

photo of people walking in front of pantheon roman temple in rome italy
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Galerie Doria Pamphlij

The Doria and Pamphlij names have been a Roman staple for over 6 centuries yet they are often over-looked by visitors. The dynasty is full of political figures, royalty, and, most recently, a saint in the making! Their incredible central villa in Rome is now a world class museum that rivals the halls of Versailles. Located right on the Via Del Corso, it is easy to pass right by this fancy facade but, trust us! Get the ticket and walk around to enjoy the glitz and glam of Roman society!

Bonus: The gallery is in the vicinity of the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps which are best seen very early in the morning.

Lastly, don’t forget your rail ticket out of town!

Like any good Roman from years past, it’s a really good idea to have an exit strategy! Whether you are taking the train to the airport or another part of Italy, book ahead of time so that you have all the information you need to make your transition smooth. The romance of Rome is undeniable! And as long as you are well prepared, you’ll enjoy every minute of that Dolce Vita!

Bonus: Don’t discount the gift shops of Rome. As we all know, pretty much every tourist site dumps you into a gift shop. I happen to find lots of them fun in this part of the world. There are some real treasures in them! My favorite souvenir? A glow in the dark Virgin Mary that I found at San Giovanni en Laterno.

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Too Much Italy!

photo of the saint martin cathedral in lucca italy

Toe to knee, the boot of Italy is a country chock full of amazing sites and flavors that make it one of the most requested tours we have! And for good reason, Italy does not disappoint. What we notice the most about travelers who want to take on the great italian adventure is that they want to do it all!!! And planning to do it all can be a really overwhelming task to take on. So, how to approach the great Italy Grand Tour? We’ve got a few ideas to get you started! 

 

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Cut Italy in half!

Draw an imaginary line between Florence and Rome. Then choose a side! Each side of the line has tons to do and can easily fill up two weeks.  Imagine actually staying in Sicily for a few days then making your way to Rome through the Amalfi coast to round out you adventure in Rome via Pompeii? Now we’re talkin!

From the other direction, Picture yourself headed right into Milan for a quick two days before heading the the Cinque Terre, dipping down into the Italian playground of Tuscany with leaning towers, plenty of vineyards, amazing food and architecture. Now take a moment and continue that movie by rounding out your time in Venice. Yes!

map of italy in a frame
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Pick and choose among the “duplicate destinations”

One of the most frustrating things about planning in Italy is FOMO. And it’s real! But the truth of the matter is that while no two places are exactly alike there are a few they may do the same job. Take for example, Lago Como and Lago Lugano. Both beautiful, both the perfect three day getaway, both have great little towns dotting the coastline. Okay, one had George Clooney and the other doesn’t but there’s only so much A list celebrity to go around! Essentially, both do the same job. Trying to go to both may create a little overkill in your trip and that time may be allocated to something more essential. Here are a couple of other duplicate comparisons.

  • Como and Lugano
  • Cinque Terre and Amalfi coast
  • Sienna and Assisi
  • Pompeii and Ostia Antica
  • Sorrento and Positano
  • Verona, Vincenza, and Padua
photography of lighted bridge
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3- Learn the train routes

By far, the biggest time waster in an Italy adventure is moving from one place to another. We highly suggest using good planning strategies like the hub and spoke method for day tripping or the directional advance for anchor cities. Both of those methods require a quick and efficient way to get from one place to another. Enter the massive, very well covered, train system. If you are planning anything from Naples north, knowing the train system is a must. And once you do, you’ll find that it is simple and fast! In fact, if you have round trip tickets out of Rome but you are ending your trip in Venice, we highly suggest taking the train back to FCO to SAVE YOU TIME over booking a hopper flight.

We know you saw it! We said Naples and north. Because for Naples and south, you’re going to have to do a little more digging as the train companies are not the same on all the tracks in this region. Start by learning the Train Italia routes then go from there. You won’t regret this decision.

farm land during sunset
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4- Consider an agriturismo

Sometimes we focus so much on the bucket list experiences that we forget that rest is an important part of the travel equation. Italy has a particularly great getaway strategy in the form of the Italian version of the B and B: an agriturismo. Imagine yourself taking two days in the Tuscan countryside to stay on a vineyard laden farm and perhaps take a pasta making class from the host. Maybe you’d like to get involved in the olive picking process down in the orchard. An agriturismo could be just the thing that recharges your batteries midway through your trip while giving you a truly authentic experience. Win-win. Check out the official link for more.

set of david busts in store
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5- Get your head around the art story

Okay, let’s chat. Americans, on the whole, are not good at understanding art. We just aren’t! It’s not your fault that, as a society, we are concerned with seeing the unclothed human form and don’t know how to connect to art. Check out our many podcasts and blogs about how to approach art and be prepared for the fact that a lot of it in Italy is naked. It helps to wrap your mind around a bit of the massive history so you have an idea of why some of these works are truly important. For example, why in the world are there so many Davids?! If you are really desperate to find an in with art try creating a scavenger hunt of the most famous pieces or choose an item like dogs or wine and see how many you can find in a given museum. There is a judgy cat in the Uffizi who will put up with you for a few minutes if you can locate him.

colosseum italy
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6- Create a list of what needs to be pre-booked

Here’s the deal. You are not going to get into the Colosseum without waiting in a line for a couple of hours if you don’t pre-book. It is what it is. For the life of me I d not understand that travel choice. Why in the world would you invest in travel only to stand in a line?! Just pre book and keep a schedule. If you’d rather not be so tied to the clock, we get it! Compromise and get tickets that are first group in the morning so you can enjoy and then keep the rest of the day free. While we are on the subject, please, please use official sites to book your tickets. Please do not give your hard earned travel dollars to any sort of third party! Here are just a few of the places that pre-booking makes all the difference:

  • The Colosseum
  • The Uffizi and Accademia
  • The Borghese Gallery
  • Anything that gets you to Capri
  • St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
  • Anything dealing with the Vatican

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7- Above all, plan like you will return!

We have so many clients who chat with us about their “once in a lifetime Italy plans”. Our question is what is preventing you from going back. The answer we usually get in response is something along the lines of “there are too many other places to visit!” If we could share one piece of advice about travel it would be that travel is not meant to be a quantity game, it’s meant to be a quality game. Italy is simply to big to take it in all at once! For that matter, Rome is too big as well. Imagine someone visiting the States and saying that they were going to do everything that was on offer here all at one time. An impossibility you say! The same is true of many destinations in Europe, and Italy is at the top of the list.

Our Take: 2 Weeks in Italy

  • Fly in to FCO and take the train directly to Florence
  • Spend three nights in Florence
  • Spend three nights in Cinque Terre day tripping to Pisa and Lucca
  • Take an agriturismo break for two nights
  • Spend an overnight in a hillside town like Assisi or Sienna
  • Head north through Milan to Lake Como for two nights
  • Round out your trip with three nights in sublime Venice
  • Depart from VCE
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The 18th Arrondissment

people walking on street near buildings during daytime

Once upon a time…

Scratch that. Instead, I should probably begin with “once upon a bajillion tourists!” The fact is, the Montmartre area of Paris is something to behold! Each year, thousands upon thousands depend on the charming arrondissment as they search out it’s former life as an artist’s colony. It was this rag tag colony that created Montmartre in the first place. in the latter half of the 19th century, it was not even part of Paris proper. It was known as a poor man’s tax haven which made it ideal for the starving artists like Van Gogh, Manet, and Renoir. Today, it is a pedestrian zone that is capped by the amazing Sacre Couer. The problem is the sheer volume of visitors makes this appealing district hard to enjoy and navigate.

white and gray concrete building under blue sky during daytime

It seems that every storefront is geared not toward artisans and their craft but toward souvenirs and bad gelato. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few storefronts that honor the past and sell local products from a newer generation of artists. But, for the most part, this area is full of people who are very interested in selling you a “I heart Paris” t-shirt. So, should you make the trip up to the top? Should you even bother? The answer is maybe. If you are interested in any of the following things, you should consider heading uphill to explore.

  • The Sacre Coeur was built in 1919 but looks shiny and new. The stone that was used in the construction is special and will continue to be bright for centuries to come. The interior is lovely and well worth the time to see.  However, take note of the fact that you may not sit in front of the alter just to look. That area is for prayer only as this is a working church. Just as famous as the church are the stairs in front of it. These iconic stairs are a popular place to take in sunset over the city. For convenience, the tram next to the stairs can get you up and down with everyone else for a nominal fee.
  • The Musee de Montmartre is the former home of, among others, Pierre August Renoir.  After going through admission, stroll through the garden to the house and enjoy three floors of life in Montmartre. The highlight? The lovely cafe in the garden is a delightful stop along the way.
  • Musee de Vie Romantique or the museum of the Romantic Life, is one of three literary museums in Paris. This peek into the world of grand Salons during post revolution times is a great glimpse at the glory days of the Montmartre movement. Look for heavy weight artists to be featured as you wander.
  • The fabric district and the Montmartre book store is a secret hideaway just adjacent to the Sacre Coeur steps. Much like New York’s garment district, the grand dames of the fashion industry reside on these back streets. Consider perusing five floors of fabrics and notions in every color and style imaginable. While the stores are not much to look at from the outside, the inside is full of fashion treasure! The centerpiece of this small but mighty industrial area is the…
  • La Librairie de la Halle Saint-Pierre is part book shop, part cafe, part exhibition space, and all uniquely Montmartre. This icon of local life is often overlooked by visitors but deserves a go for those interested in the literary and design scene. Facing the stairs, you’ll see this relic of the industrial age just off to the right.

a view of a city at night from the top of a hill

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Florence and Tuscany

brown dome building at daytime

The year is 1500 and the following people are alive and thriving in Europe- Martin Luther, Christopher Columbus, Henry VII, and from Florence: The powerful Medicis, Amerigo Vespucci, Leonardo DaVinci, Niccolo Maccheavelli, Lorenzo the Magnificent and his son Pope Leo X and Michaelangelo. It’s the height of the culture explosion known as the renaissance and Florence is its epicenter. Today, Florence is jam packed with all of the stories of this telenovela from 1500 so, Let’s dig in!

aerial photography of city building

Florence reminds me a lot of Paris in that there is simply no way to see everything this city has to offer in one go. I think you would literally exhaust yourself and collapse before you got to it all. In all, there are five marquee sites and countless second tier destinations that can keep you busy for weeks. This means you are going to have to be super picky about what you choose to do.

The headline of any visit to Florence is ART ART ART sponsored by everyone’s favorite power hungry family: The Medicis! Being the local big deal family (think Kardashians and Hiltons) these uber rich locals had money and plenty of it. They set out to enrich their lives by investing in the newest trend: art. Their legacy of patronage is what makes Florence, well, Florence! You can find their mark on the:

  • Duomo: Unless you are there for faith or you are an architecture buff, taking a stroll around the Duomo will suffice! To see the inside, you can go to mass on Sundays to get the full effect. 
  • Accademia: 
  • Uffizi
  • Ponte Vecchio

brown bridge

There are a couple of notes that could help any traveler on their trip through Florence. For example, Tuscan bread tastes very different than the Italian bread we are used to. In fact, it is not made with salt. This may be a point of pride for the region but it can be a surprise for the visitor. It also may be an expense that you skip. Additionally, you may find the restaurants in the very touristy areas don’t take customers who want to stop and have drinks during certain times.

Shopping wise, Florence is filled to the brim with lovely little shops full of artisans that create everything from paper crafts to amazing leather goods. Get ready to get your shop on! One word of caution, the old market area has been overtaken by street stalls. These hawkers unfortunately cover up the lovely shops behind them. One of our favorites is iMedici which is one of the original leather shops in the area. You may want to walk on the original sidewalks behind these pop ups (which are quite frankly unsightly!) and shop the OG stores.

silhouette photo of people standing inside building

Speaking of the central market area, the central market has been converted from it’s former use of all food stalls to two levels. The bottom is the traditional market stalls while the upper level has touristy eatery stalls. It’s not our favorite in the high season but it’s better in the shoulder seasons. One of our favorite restaurants is Zaza’s which is located just outside the main market building. Try the artichokes. Just a few doors down is another old school Florence haunt, the Lavenderia Manfredi laundry service. Considering Florence’s central location whether you are exploring from the north or the south, this easy stop could fit perfectly into your plans. Just be sure to drop off at the start of your Florence stay as the proprietor will give you a time to pick up. No negotiations. 

Accommodations in Florence can get very pricy especially when certain seasonal events are underway. This includes Fashion week. Beware of your timing because a few days in one direction or another could make all the difference to your budget. Our pick? Hotel Pendini!

assorted cakes in cake glass rack

Getting around Florence is pretty easy and there are lots of pedestrian areas that link together the major sites. However, if you are looking to get an overview, you may want to book a golf cart tour that can give you the lay of the land and help you prioritize which sites you want to see and skip.

Getting out of Florence is just as easy particularly by train. The main train station is just to the north of the city center and easily connects to all the major points by high speed train. Local trains also connect to a bevy of Tuscan town. The day trips are fascinating and plentiful:

  • Sienna
  • Pisa
  • Lucca
  • An agriturismo
  • Assisi
  • Montepulciano
  • The Cinque Terre
  • San Marino

And so many more! Florence offers one last gem that is easily overlooked. Hidden amongst the streets are tiny wooden windows that were constructed during the plague. These windows were made so that people could still buy wine without coming in contact with others. Covid put them back on the map and kept some of them in business. So, if you see a little door as you are walking around, don’t hesitate to knock and see if you get a glass of wine in response!  

woman wearing goggles wearing necklace painting on arched wall

If you are looking to get in the Tuscan mood, enjoy this quick read that showcases this area. Murder in Florence by TA Williams is a nice easy read. The author certainly takes you down the streets of Florence and gives you a great overview of the city!

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Agriturismos: Italy’s best kept secret.

green grass field during daytime

I was walking through a lovely vineyard with a local vintner enjoying the North Italian sunshine when he stopped and asked me a very abrupt question. “How did you find this place?” he asked me in wonder. At first, I didn’t know how to take his question but then it occurred to me that he simply meant that he rarely saw Americans visit the area. Americans, it turns out, do not know about Italy’s best kept secret: agriturismos!

That walk got me thinking about how to best introduce the agriturismo. Simply put, agriturismos are bed and breakfasts that are on working farms. Oh, don’t be fooled! the word farm can be very deceiving here! Instead of thinking about corn or crops, shift your perspective to vineyards and olive orchards! Italy does that, it shifts your perspective when it comes to the everyday things and makes you take things in through a different lens.

Why are they a great alternative to other lodgings?

Probably the quickest answer is to say price. Most agriturismos charge a mere fraction of their hotel competitor’s rates and often have such affordable pricing that they charge by the couple. But that’s not the only reason to look into this great option.

What can you do there?

While every agriturismo strives to offer you a good relaxing getaway, many offer experiences that are quintessentially Italian. Ranging from simple hiking paths to pasta making, expect a variety of things to try and enjoy. The last two agriturismos we visited offered wine tasting and truffle hunting with the farm dog.

How do I build time into my itinerary for it?

We are huge advocates for using a travel cycle. Consider powering through a few days then using a getaway like an agriturismo as a built in vacation in the middle of your travels. Giving you time to recuperate and get ready for the next leg of your adventure, the stay here is down time well used and so unique to Italy.

Are there any drawbacks?

There are very few Agriturismos available by public transport meaning you are going to need a driver or a rental. That said, some will offer to pick up at a local train station. These accommodations are not in the city center close to the big draws. However, they work really well as a homebase to string together some day trips. Think Sienna, Pisa, and Montepulciano as a good example.

Sometimes, you may wind up in an agriturismo that is not geared toward your tastes and you need to be careful as you choose but considering the amazing amount of choices, you are bound to run into one that feel like a good fit.

Agriturismos follow a lot of rules and may not be able to provide everything you need be prepared for that. For example, the Tuscan area will not serve a Coke Zero but will offer you a local fizzy beverage in place of that. 

rows of green plants

Regardless of the area you want to explore, an agriturismo could be the very thing that you are looking for! There isn’t better service in Italy than an agriturismo!

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Milan Day Trip

brown concrete building during daytime

Milano

Tucked up in the north of Italy is the banking and fashion capitol of the country, Milan. Probably most famous for three things, Milan may not constitute a big ticket stay but it can be an ideal day trip. Now hold your fashionista horses for a moment! Normally when we say that a destination makes a good day trip, we often include it as a great launch or a graceful exit from a longer excursion. This is not the town for that as the international airport is a very expensive 45 minute ride away! Very expensive. 

Instead, navigate Milan by rail. It’s an easy ride in and out of Venice or Florence and is a great launching pad into France’s Riviera region. The main train station has its own story that speaks to the erratic history of the turn of the century and the socialist fervor that enveloped this very new consolidated country. Be sure to take in the massive main hall that was built to make you fell small. That said, what brings the first time visitor to Milan?

Leonardo da Vinci head bust

 

There’s a lot here. In order to make this a credible day trip, focus on the big three. The Duomo, its neighbor the Galleria and the iconic Last Supper. Economically, it can be strung together in about three hours making a mid morning arrival and a late lunch a perfect day. The Duomo also offers a spectacular rooftop experience that lets you meander through the life size statuary and ponder the massive undertaking to actually get it built.

Reserved ticket options also exist for draws like the famous La Scala Opera House and its adjoining museum. If you are not an opera enthusiast, check out the amazing Cimitero Monumentale di Milano. This amazing outdoor space is full of the most spectacular funerary art rivaling, no surpassing that of Per Lachaise in Paris. Additionally, the local Renaissance family, the Sforzas, have their Castello on full display to round out the top draw choices. 

a large ornate building with a large clock on the top

If Milan is on your list for just a few things, making it a day trip is totally worth it.  The main train station is more than a thirty minute walk so, taking a taxi into the main piazza will be a must but other than that, Milano is an easy breezy visit from Florence or Venice.

 

 

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Venice 101

blue and white boat on water near concrete bridge during daytime

Venice is an all star destination that comes with its own set of  travel challenges. But, wow, are those challenges worth taking on as Venice does not disappoint! Home of world class museums, Michelin worthy food, and an atmosphere that charms the socks off of everyone that steps off a boat, Venice is everything a traveler is looking for. So, how does a true traveler approach this historical icon? Here are our top takes on the myths and realities of the city of canals.

Myth No. 1: Venice is packed every Summer.

Yes…. and no. To be fair, all of Italy is packed every Summer but Venice had plenty of breathing room with the right strategies. For example, there is never a wait for a table at lunch and a simple reservation ensures that dinner plans are not kept waiting at all. Honestly, the two areas where crowds are prevalent: at the basilica and on the Rialto. Other than that, good booking habits ensured that there are no waits at all even in the high season.

concrete building near body of water

Reality No. 1: Transportation is going to cost- big time!

Probably the thing that will shock any traveler the most is the monopoly on the transportation system. Between the water taxis, the iconic gondoliers, and the vaporetto, it’s hard to fathom how much is shelled out just to get around. The harsh reality is that it’s pretty hard to skirt that help. It’s an easy city to lose your way and the labyrinth of private docks and narrow passages can sometimes need a helping hand- especially with luggage! Expect a gondola ride to run between $85.00 and $130.00, a vaporetto pass to run about $25.00 for a few days, and a water taxi transfer to run about $75.00 per person with luggage. In short, they have the boats and they know that you don’t.

Myth No. 2: The water in Venice is tidal and that makes it smell.

This couldn’t be further from the truth! It may surprise you but the water of the lagoon is pretty clean and does not have that over salty, tidal smell at all. Regardless of the time of tide, expect the water to be pretty choppy on the big lagoon and rather peaceful on the back canals. Simply put, the water, in every direction, is sublime.

flood in Venice Italy

Reality No. 2: The water isn’t always sublime.

Venice’s treasure can also become it’s nemesis. During certain parts of the year, the dreaded Aqua Alta, or tall water, floods certain parts of the islands. It has become so famous because it floods the very popular Piazza San Marco. Many have seen the fantastical photos of of the square flooded with raised wooden walkways. however, don’t expect the entire island to be underwater at these times, there’s plenty of dry land to enjoy.

Myth No. 3: Google maps is the best way to get around Venice.

If there is one thing that locals have let me know, it’s that google maps will not get you from point A to point B. In fact, google maps seems to be the number one way to get lost in Venice. Instead, rely on local directions and paper maps to make getting from one place to another easier. Getting your luggage to your hotel simply isn’t fun when you have to lug it over three extra bridges and down a dead end passageway. Trust us.

potted petaled flowers on black metal rack

 

Reality No. 3: You will get lost.

There is no way around it! You will get lost in the labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets and shady alleyways that lace this city together. The good news is that Venice is an island and you can only go so far before you dead end at the water. The better news is that there are two sure fire ways to help you get out of this jam. First, duck into a local business and pick up their business card. Often, the back has a map on it that will help you out! Also, if you find yourself a little too far from familiar territory, use the direction signs on the corners of bigger intersections that will point you toward the bigger sites like the Rialto Bridge or Piazza San Marco. The bottom line is that is important to wander throughout the neighborhoods. Get lost! It’s Okay.

Myth No. 4: Everything is crowded all the time.

True, the big draws like The Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square and the basilica and, The Rialto Bridge all make for crowded, pick pocket friendly destinations. However, there are a few times when you can find these beauties a little calmer. Book tickets for anything on Piazza SanMarco as early as possible. If the Basilica gets a bit overwhelming, head for the back right hand corner and enjoy the little museum and rooftop upstairs for a small fee. Here, you can see the magnificent horses that grace the roof. This means before the cruise ship groups. Check out the bridge after your dinner and dessert as the crowds really thin out and you can see it lit up. woman sitting on concrete surface

Reality No. 4: There are plenty of out of the way places to enjoy.

As popular as Venice is, many people don’t walk past the big sites and explore the out of the way, charming neighborhoods that lace the city together. Take a little time to walk away from the crowds so that you can enjoy a few of the quieter moments. That’s right. Walk the other neighborhoods. Take some time to duck into a church and see a masterpiece. Wander into a local shop that sells nothing but tassels. Peruse a bookshop. Sit at a cafe and enjoy an Aperol spritz. Wander for the sake of wandering.

Myth No. 5: Location doesn’t matter: it’s all an island.

Not true. It can affect price and the amount of time it takes to get somewhere. This can work to your advantage though! If you are willing to add in a few extra steps, lovely accommodations are available for a better price. Additionally, menus further away from Piazza San Marco are small, more authentic, and often come with a less touristy price tag.

yellow and blue concrete building

Reality No. 5: Hotel rates are based on their proximity to the water.

Star systems that rate hotels in Europe are common enough but Venice has its own set of standards that other cities just don’t have to consider. For example, five star hotels must have a private dock on the waterways regardless of any other amenities. This means that a three star hotel could actually be nicer and cheaper than a four star hotel. Our pick for a mid range hotel with all that Venice charm? Hotel Novociento. Family run with a great location, it can’t be beat!

 

 

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5 Ways to Connect Art To Your Travel

Art and travel go hand in hand just like peas and carrots. This is true no matter where in the world you roam but it may stand out even more when you wander in Europe. Well organized and very relatable, the art of Europe always seems to surface into the stories and memories of travelers. But what if art just isn’t your thing? What if every time you even hear the word art, you involuntarily roll your eyes toward the heavens? More importantly, what if you want to enjoy art but you just aren’t sure how to make it happen? This is your lucky day! We’ve got a plan made just for you!

Do what you like.

So you can’t wrap your mind around the art world. Okay. Maybe, instead, you are a movie buff. Use that comfy space to expand your understanding of the art world. There are plenty of choices. Pop the popcorn and check out some of these amazing films:

  • Woman in Gold with Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds which is a 2015 movie about Gustav Klimt and post war Austria.
  • Monuments Men with George Clooney and Matt Damon which is the story of stolen art during the war.
  • Made You Look which is a true crime doc all about the forgeries of Jackson Pollack

Find The Story.

Invest in art by reading both fiction and nonfiction. If you are a book junkie, then the art world has got you covered! There are so many amazing stories that weave together great worls of art and their creators. Here are just a few:

  • Girl With A Pearl Earring by Traci Chevalier
  • Cooking for Piccasso by Camille Aubray
  • DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
  • The Monet Murders by Josh Lanyon

 

Mix it up.

The idea that you have committed yourself to go to a very large building with a lot of canvases on the wall can realistically feel defeating. The truth is that sometimes the big, iconic museums are just too much to handle and it may be better to dip your toe in the art pool at a smaller venue. Additionally, collective art like the CarnaValet in Paris with its signs, shops, and apartments as well as paintings may give your eye more variety to focus on in a shorter amount of time.

Speaking of time, it’s time to not feel guilty about seeing every single thing when you visit a museum! Walk your walk and look along the way. Feel free to stop at what catches your eye. It’s just fine! Speech over.

 

Be a doer and not a looker.

Art can fall more into the doing category instead of the looking category. Look to see what art venues are offering. For example you can drop in for a drawing session at the Cloisters through The Met in NYC or the V and A in London has a ton of workshops from stitching to photography. Some are free and some are not, but it’s worth seeing if there’s something that you’re interested in.

Jump in the deep end.

Immersive art experiences have been a huge trend over the past few years and they are starting to produce events for more and more famous artists. Enjoy art by walking into a room which surrounds you with music and some of the most famous canvases in the world. The headliner of these exhibitions has been Van Gogh. His work was set to music and then slightly animated to give you the sense of of storyline. In just 45 minutes or so, you can immerse yourself into his world and then reacquaint yourself with some of his most famous works and motifs. You might be surprised by how much you know!

Coming in at a strong second is the Monet and friends experience which was most recently at Biltmore. Truth be told, I’m a huge fan of Impressionism (and any art professional will most likely tell you that makes me no art expert). But, this exhibit lacked something I couldn’t put my finger on. I loved the work and I loved the music but it just didn’t match the Van Gogh experience note for note. Still it was a worthy excursion and certainly not a waste of time.

 

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15 Easy Travel Tips For First Time Travelers

15 Easy Travel Tips For First Time Travelers

I’m in the middle of planning my Summer trips and thinking about all of the different details that it takes to pin down each location and ensure that I’ve smoothed out all the potential bumps in my travel road. As always, I divide my planning into three distinct stages: plane tickets, lodging and transport, and lastly, experiences. I do this for two reasons. First, it allows me to extend my budget over a couple of months and second, it gives me a chance to research and know that I’m doing exactly what I set out to experience. So, what have I learned over years of planning? Here are a few well worn travel tips!

As I piece my travel puzzle together, it certainly brings to mind the ebb and flow that’s needed to make any trip a success. How do I choose the most convenient yet economical hotels? What if my kids have jetlag? What if I choose sights that are boring to some of my travel partners? It can drive any trip planner a little nutty! Whether you are traveling with kids or friends, a little sage advice can make or break your trip. So, let’s break down each of these steps and ease the pressure with a few well worn tips!

Stage One: Planning plane travel

By far, your biggest single expense you will deal with on any trip are your tickets to get you to your destination! How do you choose wisely? Well, there’s more to consider than just price.

1. Choose a family friendly hub.

Most airlines like to route travelers from smaller airports to designated hubs that allows for easy transfer to international flights. When deciding which tickets to purchase, take into consideration that hub and whether or not it’s convenient for your whole group to meet at or simply pass through. For example, Atlanta has a lot to keep kids entertained while you wait for your flight while Newark- not so much! Palm Beach has a little putting course and playground after the TSA check while Miami has a row of bars. Choose accordingly! In addition to your wait time, you may have others, like grandma and grandpa, joining you on your trip to, say, Europe. Consider having them meet you at you hub so you can all fly to your final destination together. This gives you more adult hands on the longest leg of your trip.

2. Share your trip wisely.

Whether I’m traveling on my own or with a group, I use the TripIt app to keep my itenerary straight. This app imports your email details into an easy to use timeline that helps you ensure that all of your reservations are taken care of and not overlapping. This includes flights, lodging, sites and transportation. Once you have a trip started, you can share it with all of the travelers in your group and interested parties who need to know where you are. Everyone in your group can keep up with the planning progress and share in the excitement. This works particularly well with small groups like moms and daughters.

3. Plan your luggage needs.

When buying your tickets, check into the luggage policies. Will the amount of bags you are taking be covered? What are the stroller and car seat policies? Can you choose your seats ahead of times? What are the carry-on requirements? Packing for a trip is dicey. You want to take everything you will need but you don’t want to lug it all around. Research the best advice out there and keep it to a minimum. For example, your airbandb may be able to provide you with a pack and play and a stroller and your hotel may be right next to a pharmacy. Checking for good laundry options will also help you pair down your packing. All in all, pre-pay for what you need so you don’t have to deal with it at the counter.

4. Choose an alternative airport.

You are headed to London and the tickets are expensive. However, there’s a $500.00 difference from home to Paris. Okay, get to Paris and take the train straight into Victoria Station. You just saved about $1000.00! Consider other airport alternatives: Shannon and Dublin, Warsaw and Krakow, Glasgow and Edinburgh, the list goes on. You may find that you have the opportunity for an adventure you never even considered.

5. Have an exit strategy.

Whether you Global Entry or don’t, having a good plan to get back to reality isn’t such a bad idea. This is also a good time to check on customs policies for your destination. For example, travelers go through customs before boarding flights in Dublin. Know what to expect.

Finding a place to rest your head

The next biggest chunk of money you will spend is on lodging and ground transportation. I use the word lodging because there are quite a few options out there.

1. Shop around.

There are more than just hotels available for your stay. Bed and Breakfasts, airbandb’ s, pensions, boutique hotels, and major chains await your stay. Look around and have a firm hold on all of your choices before you commit. Look them up on websites and apps, hunt them down in guidebooks and blogs and see exactly where they are located on google maps. Are your choices in good neighborhoods and close to what you want to do and see? Do they have rooms and amenities that fit your needs and budget? One last tip on this: the best smaller places go fast and you’ll need to book these early (especially the best airbandb’ s).

2. Location, Location, Location.

Take a moment and think about your trip. Is it a one city stay or are you planning to town hop? If you are planning to explore just one area, it may be more reasonable to rent a place with a kitchen, close to a train, as a launching pad for all of your adventures. Conversely, if you plan on town hopping, perhaps a mix of city centers and sleepy hamlets will be a better choice.

Personally, I’m a city center kind of traveler. I am always looking for lodging that allows me to be car free. I like to be able to stay right in the city center and walk. Think about your fellow travelers. What’s the best mix for you? One last note, sometimes we like to travel sans kids and if you are looking for a hotel that has fewer kids (I’m a teacher and like to travel kid free every now and then) check out the business hotel options. They usually have less family friendly amenities and a quieter feel.

Metro street signage

3. To rent a car or not to rent a car?

That is definitely an important question. Let me keep this simple, if you are staying in a city center and you don’t plan to leave it, skip the rental. If you are town hopping with more than two people or any sort of car seat, get a car. If you plan on going to the British Isles, the Black Forest, Northern Italy or Normandy, rent the car. Public transport in most of Europe is spot on and used more commonly than in the States. However, if you have a large group, it can be less economical. Keep this last thought in mind: standards are cheaper to rent than automatics. Practice before you go!

4. Book as directly as possible.

We are all fans of sites like TripAdvisor and Expedia but before you click the “check out” button, google the hotel and check their rates directly. If the website isn’t in English, just look around the screen for a flag, and click on it for language options, easy peasy. If the rate is the same or better, put the money directly into your service provider’s hands- no middle man needs to hold on to your private information without a reason! You can also simply click on your hotel of choice on google maps to access their site. If you can’t find the website, think twice! This may be an excellent time to use a booking service and buy the insurance for a small add-on fee.

5. Breakfast plans, anyone?

There are a few things you need while you travel and one of the most important is breakfast! You won’t enjoy your jam packed day if you don’t have any fuel. I consider two main choices. Some lodgings include your morning meal and others don’t. If it’s included at no extra charge, great! If not, check into how much you are being charged. You may find out that the price of one in house meal can cover your whole group at a local place that offers more local flavors. Consider finding a local bakery or deli to get your morning started.

Stage Three: Planning Activities

It’s the reason you have done all this planning. The reason you are willing to endure an uncomfortable airline seat for 7 plus hours. The fun stuff! There are so many choices to enjoy and it’s hard to know where to even start.

1. Research.

Know what you want to do and how you should go about doing it. As you put together your list of must do’s, take into account not only the time to do something but also the time to get there. Additionally, help kids out by not making everything a surprise. If you are going to Paris, let them read about the Eiffel Tower. If you are off to Japan, cherry blossom information is a must. The more kids know, the more they will enjoy the experience. This includes food! Allow kids to get used to the menu of your destination so that they are looking forward to all the local eats.

pile of books

2. Journal.

It doesn’t matter how you journal just do it. You can simply post to Facebook or get a new fancy leather book. Somehow, someway, journal. Seriously. I have never met a traveler who has looked back at a trip and said, “gee, I wish I hadn’t spent all that time writing or posting about all the cool things I did”. If anyone on your trip needs to journal, it the kids. Let them learn about where they are going and let them collect all the pamphlets and pictures they can. Let them become the trip expert. Put a small pair of kid scissors and tape in your bag so that they can cut a tape things into their journal along the way.

3. Find a playground.

That means you too, adult. Find a few places along the way to take a break. Rent some bikes (very easily done in most cities) and ride along the river for an hour. Go to an iconic park and take in the gardens. Take the kids to a neighborhood playground and let them make friends. (Language is no barrier for kids.)

4. Book some downtime.

Let’s face it, we all get tired out on our travels. It first starts with that nasty jet lag we have to shake and then it hits us again about 6 or 7 days in when we have traipsed all around taking in as much as we can. It’s at this point, in mid vacation, that I schedule something different. If I’m in Athens, a day Hydra or a day to just enjoy a stroll, to sleep in a bit, or simply enjoy all of the hotel’s amenities that we are paying for! Double or triple that downtime when traveling with kids.

bunch of people swimming beach

5. Be your trip’ s editor.

Face it. There is never enough time in any trip to see everything on your list. You have some tough decisions to make. Be prudent on what you include on your itenerary. Include a few bucket list icons, some experiences, some out of the way spots. Consider your much needed downtime and chances to eat at different locations.

Over plan to your heart’s content and then acknowledge that you will not get to do everything on your list. It just won’t happen and that’s just fine. It only means that you have a good reason to go back! One last tip: pre-book tickets and reservations for high volume sights so that you can skip the ticket lines and ensure that you have a guaranteed entry. I once walked right past 300 people standing in line in Giverny and used my tickets to breeze through a back gate.

Mona Lisa painting

We can answer…

  • What are some good travel tips?
  • What are the best travel tips?
  • How can I make my trip even better?
  • What are some good tips for my trip to Europe?
  • How do I plan my trip?
Alexandra is a podcaster, educator, and travel junkie. While not in the classroom, you can find her exploring some corner of the world. After living in Japan and enjoying Asia, she now spends most of her time crossing the Atlantic finding the most attainable, authentic, and diverse experiences to share with this travel community.
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The Netherlands 101: Holland

windmill near body of water during daytime

It’s amazing that so much is packed into tiny Holland. It’s one of the 12 provinces that make up the mighty country of The Netherlands. Holland, it turns out, has just about every Dutch treat that you could ask for and more. From the amazing art to the bright green countryside, Holland delivers. While Amsterdam is the crowning jewel of this area and a highlight for many travelers, there is far more than this incredible town on offer. Here we go!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2zlHjrTVyRL8xIVg51AGft?si=JbXN6ogaTTuAyhoXCwaGUw

Rotterdam

Modern Rotterdam is the business hub for much of the area. This huge port city not only serves The Netherlands but also supports many other EU partners in global trade. While it looks like there isn’t much to enjoy, you can spend a laid back day seeing this town and its highlights. Check out the modern art at the Boijmans Museum then tuck into some international food on Witte de Withstraat. This street represents the country’s diverse history and is lined with plenty of cafes and boutiques. Round out your visit with a simple harbor ferry ride. You can find them right by the Erasmus Bridge in the middle of town.

The Hague and Delft

Just six miles away from Rotterdam is the lovely city of Delft. Full of real life Vermeer scenes and plenty of blue and white dishware. Delft’s historic city center square is a great jumping off point to explore the stories of the artist at the Vermeer Center, William of Orange at the Prinsenhof, and the iconic earthenware at the Royal Dutch Delfware Factory. It is easy to spend two days here if you add in the Delfhaven Port that’s a little closer to Rotterdam.

Meanwhile, the important business of the region takes shape just to the East. The Hague offers one gem worth seeing as you pass through making your way around. Vermeer’s enigmatic Girl With A Pearl Earring can be found in Mauritshuis Museum. There are other heavy hitters like Rembrandt and Rubens hanging about. You’ll find it’s worth the detour. It’s less than 10 minutes from the train station and this museum is covered by the Museumkart pass.

The Zuiderzee

Probably the most fascinating story of the Netherlands is that it’s actually bigger than it used to be. In fact, though the use of windmills and dike engineering, the country is far bigger than it used to be. For the best look at the Zuiderzee, which is the vast, shallow inlet dutch technology controls, head toward the north Hoorn and Enkhuizen for two enlightening museums on both the Zuiderzee itself and the Dutch East India Company.

Kinderdijk and Windmills

If there is one last thing that makes The Netherlands so unique, it has to be the windmills. For the best chance to see windmills in action, check out one of the following choices:

  • The Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem toward the west. This open air museum gives you a day’s worth of historical fun. It’s the Williamsburg of The Netherlands.
  • The Kinderdijk Windmill Park to the south. This grouping of 13 windmills is an easy ferry ride from Rotterdam. Two of the windmills are tourable and you can get a good peak at the inner workings in this pretty little setting. Renting bikes when you hop off the ferry is a great choice. Expect to spend about half of a day to thoroughly enjoy.
  • The Zuiderzee Museum in the historic triangle to the north. With one tourable windmill and so much to see this might be just the little dose of wind power you need.
  • The Lieden Windmill Museum to the south. To get into the nitty gritty of how a windmill works, use this massive mill to climb in and get a close up look at all the pieces and parts.

Boat rides through that famous town, Geithoorn

One last note, there is a lot of Insta chatter about the town of Geithoorn. This very picturesque town with streets of water may be toward the top of your list. Thousands of people also put it at the top of their list. Expect it to be about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam and Hoorn. The benefit of connecting this scenic drive with Hoorn is that you can enjoy the A7 highway which takes you right over the Zuiderzee dikes. Check out this video to decide if getting to this particular site is worth it for you.

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