Tag: #firsttimetraveler

15 Things You Should Know About Europe

vintage building in cabourg in france

European travel dreams are nothing new and every traveler we come into contact with has amazing stories of what delighted, disappointed and surprised them when they took on the great European Travel Adventure. One of the things that we like hearing about are all the situations that travelers encounter that made them take a second look. Some put a smile on our face some make us nod our head in agreement and others simply shock. We thought that we would take a little time and share some of those most common surprises with you!

boat on the water near buildings
Photo by Dewi Madden on Pexels.com
  • The Aperol Spritz is a trendy Summer staple. Get ready to see everyone- and we mean everyone with this bright orange drink in their hand. It is the drink of the Summer- every Summer.
  • Pedestrian Zones are everywhere. Fact. You are going to walk. A lot. We can not overstate this, historic city centers where all of the sites are are jam packed and you will spend more time trying to get from place to place on wheels rather than foot power. Get ready to walk.
  • Transportation is going to cost you more than you think and it may not work out the way you think. Private and taxi drivers are regulated and licensed with permits and certificates and they have to pay a lot of fees to be where the tourists are. You are going to pay. A cheaper option is looking into trains and trams but sometimes you can run into a bit of a delay during infamous striking periods. These can last from one hour to one day. Be flexible.
  • 3 night minimums are getting more and more common especially in high use destinations like the Cinque Terre and Lake Como.
  • Not everywhere in Europe uses the Euro: Chief among these countries are Great Britain, Switzerland, Norway (who has no cash- that’s right every transaction is electronic) and Poland.
  • Tipping customs and service charges have changed a lot. Do not tip at a restaurant that charges a cover or a service fee. Some countries look at the practice as a way to pull in tourist dollars. Do not fall for the line “Tip not included” at the bottom of a bill. It’s usually in English and that’s a dead giveaway. Some do not consider tipping at all. These countries are in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
  • Visa waivers are on the way. The whole program has been delayed and delayed for years but look for the registration system to be up and running by mid 2025. Log on, create and account, pay the fee, travel.
  • Walk for miles: trust us you will walk more than you think! 7 miles in Paris, 12 miles in Venice, 8 miles in a day. Yep. Get ready to walk. Have we already said this? Maybe you should lace up those shoes!!
  • Rafting and Canyoneering: Scotland  Poland   Germany raft   Corsica and Lucca    
  • Scale rooftops and climb to the top of the tower: Krakow, Milan, and get ready for Notre Dame to open the towers next year as its grand reopening is scheduled for December 8th, 2024.
  • Cook: Classes for travelers are on the rise! From fancy restaurant digs to literally standing in someone’s kitchen and learning their Grandma’s recipe. Some examples are Waffles and Beer in Bruges, and pasta making in Tuscany.
  • Go to markets to shop like a local in department stores, pharmacies, supermarkets or shopping streets like Rue Cler in Paris. Here, take on a challenge to gather up a lunch then go enjoy it on a Sunny day in one of the iconic parks that dot the city. But beware, sometimes these traditional markets have been taken over by non-local economies such is the case in Florence,
  • Golf: We all know about the courses in The British Isles, but don’t discount Spain, Italy, and Germany for great courses as well.
  • Do Laundry: Americans have a unique problem when they travel to Europe- luggage! One way to pare it down is to plan for laundry to make things easier, lighter, and smaller. Places like the Frania Cafe in Krakow and the Wash and Dry in Florence are perfect drop off services.
  • Relax! Beach days in Greece and Ibiza are famous for this but there are many many other places to consider like: Sopot, Italian Agriturismos, the Danube Riverside in Vienna, Canal Saint Martin in Paris, and the Forty Foot swim spot just south of Dublin all can fit the bill.
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Pivot! 5 Travel Challenges and What To Do!

interior of airplane with passengers

Sometimes the very things that give us travel stress can show themselves regardless of the great planning we do. We know, we know! It seems that no matter how hard you try, some sort of issue rears its ugly head just when you think you’ve got it covered. We’ve heard them all and perhaps we can give you some friendly tips to overcome those pesky problems while you are out exploring the world.

Luggage is lost…

It’s the number one concern of travelers! We understand! While you can’t control your bag once it has been sent off on the conveyor belt, you can track it independently. Our solution?

  • Use airtags! We’ve solved problem after problem with airtags and a change of clothes in our carryon to get us through.
  • Do not leave baggage claim without filing your lost luggage claim! Do not! Europe is very different than the US in this respect. They do not have airline specific bag counters. Instead each airport has one dedicated counter.
  • After you leave with your claim number, look around the arrivals terminal and locate the phone kiosk that you need to use when retrieving your bag.

Plane is delayed…

If there is one thing you do to help yourself, please, please, please be sure to download your airline’s app and create an account to link your ticket. Please. We can not explain the benefits of linking your ticket directly with the airline. Consider it a free VIP pass only for the things that go wrong!

Trains are on strike…

The most common strike we see is the train strike. It usually comes in the middle of the week during the very high travel season to make things inconvenient but not impossible. Strikes are very organized in Europe and, often, these issues resolve themselves within a day as permitted strikes can sometimes last just a few hours. So what do you need to worry about?

  • First, get rebooked. This is easiest if you are connected to the train app in the area that you are traveling. It also helps if you’ve booked directly with them to begin with. Third party apps can really limit your choices here.
  • Once that’s taken care of, secure those accommodations for one extra night if you have to. It may not be exactly what you planned but, roll with it! You’ve chosen a great destination! Last, call ahead to your next destination to let them know you will be late, you may just get comp’ed for being courteous!

Venue is closed…

It happens! Rome is primping for the jubilee, Rome was under construction for the Olympics and Europe is in a constant state of renovation. The reality of travel is that Europe does not plan its renewals and refurbishments based on what people have planned. The most common issue is that outside facades are covered in scaffolding which may not be lovely to look at but it doesn’t take away from the experience inside. Most closures can be identified if you look into pre-booking on direct sites. If there is renovation that impedes your visit, take a moment and see if there are temporary hours to make up for it.

Rain is coming…

Take care of rainy days by thinking about your indoor choices. If you buy city passes or museum passes, this can make your scheduling a lot more flexible. Still stuck outside, buy a cute umbrella and go puddle jumping! Additionally, keep a cool day trip in your back pocket that can be just far enough to skirt the weather! Finally, take am moment and see if bad weather isn’t your sign to kick back and take a break! That’s okay!

 

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Gift Experience!

person s holds brown gift box
Photo by Kim Stiver on Pexels.com

As everyone is out and about on Black Friday tracking down all those deals, I’m sitting back enjoying a little well deserved me time. After all, I did 16 hours in the kitchen yesterday! So, why am I not out there hoofing it from store to store? I gift experience! My gifts to my family focus on experience! I am a true fan of the gift card, the ticket, and the voucher. You may think that gifting like this is a bit impersonal and doesn’t hold the thrill of a traditionally wrapped box. I beg to differ. I am a fan of promoting the global citizen in all of us by experiencing the world around us. Here are five ways to infuse experience into your gift giving this season.

Add a friend!

If you are gifting a trip to the zoo (A great first start! Zoos are underrated!), add a stuffed zoo buddy with the tickets so there’s a little something to hug in the moment and something to look forward to a little later on. Consider other add ins like t-shirts, sunglasses, accessories, or other event specific gear to add in to the gift. It doesn’t have to be big, just a good match to the experience.

Plan ahead!

Gifting an experience like going to a national park or theme park? Add in a camera to save those memories. Cameras come in all shapes and sizes these days and there’s one that’s just perfect for the trip and your price point! Not a fan of another piece of equipment to lug around? Me too! How about a small lens to add to your iPhone camera? Those work too!

Make it fun!

One way to make a gift fun is to make it an experience in itself. How about a scavenger hunt? Perhaps a gingerbread house building contest? Maybe an ornament hunt is just your style.(Think Easter egg hunt in the winter.) No matter what the experience, have a few reindeer games to make it fun!

Match it up!

Tickets to a concert? Add the CD! Passes to a museum? Add a field guide! No matter the destination, a companion gift is a perfect pairing for your experience. Mouse ears are great if your headed for Disney and a pasta making kit could be just the thing if you are going to Rome. Perhaps this is your first travel experience and your young recipient needs a piece of luggage.

Read all about it!

No matter the experience, no matter the destination, there is a book to support your experience. Fiction and non fiction options are endless! Guide books, stories of destinations, historical accounts, and notable novels all work like a charm. If your interested in something more personal, a journal or a day planner may be just the right fit. 

closeup photo of graphing paper
Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com

Out of time!

There are tons of great last minute ideas for great last minute gifts that focus on experience. Some are big and some are small. Here’s hoping you find all kinds of fun and creative gifts for the ones you love!

  • Escape Rooms
  • Hunting and fishing experiences
  • Concert or live performance tickets
  • Art classes at a museum or local studio
  • Movie tickets
  • Food crawls
  • Zip lining experience
  • Hot air balloons or sky diving
  • Unique restaurant experiences
  • Museum tickets
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5 European museums to discover (and 5 to skip)

people around louvre museum

 Skip The Louvre and take on the magnificent Czartoryski in Krakow

La Jaconde by Leonardo DaVinci was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. The headlines of the day were sensational with the art caper and the incident sparked her modern fame. Yet, while the world waits in line to view the Mona Lisa behind bullet proof glass at the busy Louvre, a few hundred miles away, a far more delightful DaVinci experience awaits.

The much revered Lady with Ermine was painted around the same time as its more famous cousin yet has a bit more depth and meaning and, yes, even a touch of humor. More importantly, her story of how she winds up in here in the new refurbished Czartoryski Museum is just as fascinating. and while Ermine is the star of the show, this amazing museum is of great quality through and through creating just another good reason to put Krakow at the top of your travel list.

Skip the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and head for the Orsay in Paris

Vincent Van Gogh is, by far, one of the most famous artist ever and the family museum in Amsterdam is, no doubt, world class. Yet, if impressionism is on your mind, the Orsay wins the day every time. From setting to content, this Paris mainstay never disappoints! The museum does a wonderful job of covering everything that made art post-camera so fascinating and they are not afraid to move tings around to keep it interesting visit after visit. And, yes, there are a couple of Van Gogh to make up for skipping the 32 self portraits over in Amsterdam.

Skip Dublin Castle and Trinity Library in Dublin and instead head for EPIC in Dublin

Quite frankly, there are just better castles in Ireland than Dublin Castle. Moreover, the castle experience is just more fun in other parts of the country. So, we suggest checking with EPIC Museum. EPIC is an urban museum that explores the Irish immigrant and all of the facets of the Irish diaspora in every direction. Do you think you are of Irish ancestry? Check out the geneaology department while you are there to get some insight into your roots!

Skip Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam, instead visit Auschwitz in Poland 

Anne Frank’s story is a very important one and something no one should ever forget. Yet, the hard to get tickets at the sold out Amsterdam site often do not rise to meet the expectations of the typical visitor. The house itself is void of any furnishings and the climb to the attic space can be a bit overwhelming for anyone not prepared for it. Anne’s singular story is one of millions that are memorialized in Southern Poland at the German death camp called Auschwitz. A visit to any concentration camp is sometimes a difficult concept to reckon. Yet, the mere act of going to pay your respects to the very place Anne and her family were sent can enlighten and help understand the massive scale of the Final Solution and its impact on modern society even today. It is an impactful experience that truly makes you understand the words “never forget”.

The Vatican Museum is the most visited museum in the world and there isn’t a day that goes by when the halls of this gem aren’t overcrowded. It’s world class art spanning millenia is unmatched. Yet, the crowds can make it difficult to truly enjoy. Just a few miles away, the Borghese Gallery, is interested in keeping the numbers low. The museum which is full of the most amazing sculpture is capped at 360 visitors at a time making the experience a low stress, high valued destination in Rome.

Skip the Uffizi in Florence and head straight for the Accademia 

As the Louvre and Vatican museums prove, large crowds make the museums experience a bit more stressful. The Uffizi is no exception. Yes, it is the very definition of Renaissance art but its crowds make it a one way path of uncomfortable no matter what time of year it is. Yet, the Academia provides just as much punch for a fraction of the time and space. Home to David, it impresses in many ways and can be enjoyed in just under two hours.

Other gems we love are:

  • Galerie Dior in Paris: world class whether you are in to fashion or not.
  • Musee Montmartre in Paris: an oasis in a sea of tourists.
  • Waterloo Monument and Museum in Belgium: fun for absolutely every age and never crowded.
  • The upstairs museum floor at St. Marks in Venice: the best view in town and a close up view of the Constantinian horses.

 

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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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Extending travel efficiently.

Dear Babcia and YiaYia-

I have a great river cruise booked from Amsterdam to Basal, Switzerland! I’m so excited to see so many things. The cruise line says it will take care of my air arrangements if they want me to or I can do it myself. Is there a reason to not just  have them take care of everything? I don’t quite see the reason why I would do it on my own?

It sounds like such a great deal! But there a couple of things you should know when it comes to those too good to be true travel deals.

  • Getting a group rate airfare means that there is no upgrading and not many options. In short, the control of your flights does not belong to you.
  • You pay for how your time is used and keep that in mind for everything that you do.
  • You can’t use points or miles for upgrades
  • You can add the trip to your account though
  • If there is any delay or cancellations, the tour company or cruise line will be in charge of how the problem gets remedied.

world map with pins

The Before and After

Choose to fly in early and explore something close by or stay on later to enjoy after your tour. A few examples are PARIS, ROME, A GREEK ISLAND!

Even cruises are jumping on board the extended stays! Often, these are offered as an add on but look closely and you will see that they are easily arranged and cover simple venues and activities.

The Layover

The art of the layover has been analyzed from every angle possible!!! From Anthony Bourdain’s show to movies about airport life. The layover is a great way to capitalize on your time. Consider:

  • Airport Layovers like Munich or Istanbul
  • Get out layovers like Copenhagen or Heathrow
  • Airports that might have a tougher layover: Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam You need MORE than 10 hours to make these worth it. 

You have the options!

white and gray airplane on airport during daytime

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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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Why small group service is the future of travel.

brown concrete buildings beside calm body of water

Here’s the deal: the travel industry is over run with so many small businesses, it’s hard to even know what all the choices are! So, we’re up for the challenge of helping you make the right travel choices for your needs. We know! Even if you don’t pick us for your adventure, we want you to know that we support every traveler finding the right kind of travel to fit their vibe. Let’s level the playing field just a little!

abandoned building during daytime

Rule number one: Time is money.

The first rule of travel is that you will always pay for your time. Without a slower travel pace and a flexible calendar you are not going to see a huge savings in this department. But what about all those great deals we see? They are going to people who don’t have to be back in the office on Monday. This is especially true of the thousands of TikTok influencers who are out to show you how their points work to their advantage and that they’ve only spent $15.73 on an 18 hour flight from San Francisco to New Zealand. 

Instead, expect 5 bands of travel.

These bands range from everything is planned for you to do it yourself. Each band can cost a lot or be accomplished on a budget. It all depends on what you are willing to pay for. As always, refer to rule number one as you sort through these incredible choices.

  • All inclusive stays and tours including cruises are exactly what they sound like. This is a great choice if you don’t want to lift a finger except to order the next cocktail. Often the experiences included are “best of” or icon based and excursions often just scratch the surface. Yes, it can be a bit more relaxing but it can also not be as satisfying. One last note, beware of those really great deals! Cheap package prices can also mean lots of nickel and diming fees.
  • Multi city, large group tours that include bus transport can be appealing as they seem to hit all the high spots in a region readily. However, they can also feel a little grueling as they often try to cover a lot of ground. I don’t know about you, but 60 people on a tour bus going through 6 countries in 3 weeks does not sound like fun. The upswing here is the price is usually good. 
  • Pre-slugged itinerary purchases that may or may not be part of a larger grouping are similar to large group tours but can be pre-purchased for a specific group. The downside is that there is no customization to these excursions and they basically cover the same best of sites that larger groups flock to.
  • Boutique travel could be considered the sweet spot. Customizable itineraries for no more than 10 travelers at a time. Boutique travel is full of immersive experiences that focus on getting to know a region or meet a very specific purpose. Boutique travel mixes the icons with the hidden gems by getting rid of the industry middle men as they approach travel from the perspective of experience rather than just thinking about the big sites. 
  • DIY travel has been a huge trend in travel for ages. However, DIY can wind up causing a lot of stress if you are worried about getting a good deal, finding a great reservation or concerned that you are missing out on one activity or another. Some people have embraced the DIY attitude feeling that it allows for all their money to go to exactly what they choose and some really like the process of planning itself. Even Disney has caught on to the popularity of DIY planning as you have to pre-book and arrange almost every move you make up to a year in advance of your big trip. It’s a good choice if you are up for the challenge.

Eiffel tower during nighttime

The second rule of travel is that something will go wrong.

Murphy’s law will always find a way to wreak havoc on anyone’s travel plans and being ready for this is an important aspect of any level of travel. We highly recommend travel insurance no matter what kind of travel you are interested in. This is particularly important, though, if you plan to develop your own travel plans. It takes just one moment, from a cancelled flight to a lost suitcase to make things miserable. Some of these things can come out of nowhere like when Italian train workers go on strike for the day or when a freak August snowstorm knocks out a good Swiss hike in the Alps. The bottom line is get the insurance.

The third rule of travel is that you’ll NEVER, EVER get to everything on your bucket list

There is not a set of travel plans that ever existed that got to every tic on the checklist. And that’s okay. Regardless of your tier of travel, don’t get your hopes up that everything is going to happen. Not the “best of”, not the “DIY”, not even the customized small group boutique travel will get to absolutely everything on the itinerary. Instead, be prepared that something will fall through and that it’s okay. When looking at the different tiers, it seems that boutique travel has the most success in hitting the mark. With flexible timing, small groups have a better chance of bouncing back as compared to the bigger ideas that will simply cancel an activity and move on. 

people inside library

The fourth rule of travel is that DIY isn’t always the best option.

The myth that DIY travel is budget travel is a bit of an issue in the travel industry. While creating bespoke plans is quite the draw there are a few reasons that DIYers may want to look at other options. First, a lot of DIYers do not have access to the same relationships that professionals do and, as a result they miss out on hidden experiences and venues. Additionally, these relationships often offer a discount to professionals that can often be passed on in a package price. Moreover, travel professionals have a unique perspective that can meet certain travel goals. Boutique travel experiences can create bespoke itineraries for specific goals like literary or musical trips, historical or artistic trips, or simply teaching good travel skills. These kind of experiences include a consultation, and a lot of preplanning. We like to include a lot of pre and post trip communication and will even add in workshops for things like packing or passports.

 

Regardless of your comfort level of travel, we wish you the best and hope for amazing memories! If you are interested in boutique travel, check out our current offerings by clicking here!

 

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