Tag: #firsttimetraveler

These are a few of my favorite things….

several red baubles on snow-covered pine

It’s Christmas time and the air is filled with the excitement of the season. Lights are strung, trees stand at attention ready for Santa’s big arrival! The kids are a little out of control with the anticipation of all that the next two weeks offer. I love Christmas and my time with my family. It never disappoints. I love to laugh, love, and share with them especially as they grow up and start forging their own way in this world. As with anything moms deal with, I always seem to find myself over analyzing what I could do differently or better than before. I know, I know I shouldn’t but, I do! I’m always looking for ways to be creative with the holidays but my kids have brought up a very good point: “Mom!” they say “we never know what to get you!”

Fair enough!

gift boxes

Kids want to give just as much as they want to receive. I must admit, I am one of those moms who falls in the “put me last” category-as most do, but, the kids have a point. How are they ever supposed to know what to do if we don’t help them along? Maybe the thing I need to do is put their gift giving ahead of their gift getting. And in the end, isn’t that what we are always trying to teach them? So, here’s my idea for the busy, put-myself-last, creative holiday moms out there:

Create a simple list of a few of your favorite things!

Here is mine:

  • 1. Bumble bees
  • 2. Maps
  • 3. Christmas ornaments that come with a story or meaning
  • 4. Travel books
  • 5. Polish pottery

The list is open to any interpretation but at least it gives your young gift givers a place to start! So, post your list, cozy up with your kiddos and have an evening with problematic Maria! She is very clear on her favorite things!

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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Your Travel Wardrobe Is In Your Closet. Right Now.

mini brown opened suit case on large suit case

You hear it all the time! Create a capsule wardrobe to be a successful traveler. It makes any potential packer think that they need to order and buy specialty clothes to only use when there’s a suitcase at hand. Not so fast! We, here at Babcia and YiaYia, think that you might be selling yourself and your closet a little short. That’s right, we think you probably have far more than you think to complete the perfect travel wardrobe.

In fact, we think that you probably have clothes that you love to wear that could be the foundation for that super elusive capsule wardrobe that all the rage. But where do you even start? We’ve got some easy steps to help!

person holding assorted clothes in wooden hanger

Weed out what won’t pack well.

You already know all of the things in your closet that are high maintenance They wrinkle fast and never wash well. You probably pull them out once or twice a year. They probably won’t pack very well anyway. Additionally, you probably know what kind of weather your head toward so out of season stuff is not part of your packing equation.

Choose a color.

You know the color. It’s your favorite one and you pair it with black and white all the time. Ours is blue. It goes with our complexions and never fails to photograph well. You probably have this color weaving in and out of every rack in your closet anyway.

assorted-color apparels

Set out your neutrals.

Black. White. Denim. The gang’s all here! These are the pieces that go with pretty much anything. These wardrobe basics are the foundation to your mix and match packing style.

Edit out the cliche items.

It’s time to do a double take. Is there anything in your potential packing pile that screams tourist? Message tees? Super bold colors that scream “pick my pockets”? Shoes that say “I have no idea how to travel comfortably with style”? Now is the time to edit those items out of your capsule concept.

white and blue shirts hanging on white wooden cabinet

Start to mix and match.

Now that you’ve got yourself focused. It’s time to start pairing items together so that everything you take pulls a double shift. We start with the amount of days from take off to laundry. Do you have seven days until laundry? Then you need 5 bottoms in cool weather and 6 bottoms in hot weather. (Why six? Try sweating all day and then trying to look refreshed for dinner.) Seven days also needs 6-7 tops. There are many people who will give you different numbers but sweat doesn’t lie. Match them together. Make those outfits. Then make sure each top has a different bottom that will make a new look.

Minus one for dresses.

If you like dresses, simply subtract one for every dress you plan to pack. Just remember that every dress you take needs to pack well. It also needs to be useful. Dresses for a rafting trip won’t do you much good but an easy to use maxi dress might be just perfect for evenings in Paris.

assorted-color clothes

Weave in the layers.

No matter what the weather, we always pack a wrap, a cardigan, and a scarf. Sounds like overkill? Well, we find that we use every single item every single time. Wraps are perfect as a double for plane blanket or pillow. Cardigans cover up if it gets a little too breezy. Scarves can cover bare shoulders or shorts in a pinch if you need to cover up at a particular site like a church or mosque. The most important thing about these pieces is that they go with every single outfit we bring.

Finish off with three pairs of shoes.

You are definitely going to need walking shoes. These will most likely be your bulkiest shoes and you will most likely wear them on the plane just like us. Additionally, you are going to want a pair of shoes that turns all of your outfits into a smarter look for evening. This may be a pair of flats or sandals. The point is, they elevate your look somehow to give you a little oomph. Lastly, you may want to add in beachy flip flops or a second pair of walkers depending on your needs. The most important thing about any pair of shoes you choose is that they go with every outfit you just made for your travel capsule wardrobe.

Take it for a test drive.

Now, weeks before your trip, take all of those picks and pack them up. Zip that suitcase closed and put it in the corner. Try not to open it for three or four days. Then, take it all out and decide if it’s a keeper. We promise you probably only need to change out a few items. You’re ready to make a shopping list of the very few things that may be missing.

clothing items and pair of shoes in luggage

We bet you feel a lot better!

We told you! You DO have a lot of items to contribute to a great travel capsule wardrobe. While you may want to add in a few last items, your closet is already full of great pieces to travel with. One last tip: take things that you love but may be expiring soon. If you need to ditch them for a little extra packing space on the way back home, it won’t hurt too much. Happy travels!

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The Tao of Our Travel

woman in white monokini sitting on rock

The recipe for the perfect trip is very hard to nail down. It seems that instead of leaning toward the chemistry of baking, it tends to sway more toward the wishy washy one pot recipes that grandmas are famous for. You know what I mean. You follow the steps, you use the right ingredients, but, somehow, someway, it simply does not taste like your grandma’s magic.

Take us with you! Listen in to our conversation on our podcast! Just click here!

Travel dreamers have always strived to unravel the mystery of the perfect get away and, quite frankly, have often failed. The two largest barriers that come to mind regarding this failure are lack of time and a false sense of expectations. So, how do you make a trip the perfect experience? We’ve got a plan!

The Mission: How to plan a trip that makes everybody happy?

The reality? It’s mission impossible. Even if you painstakingly asked everyone for a list of what they want to do at each destination, made arrangements for everything on the list, and detailed an itinerary, no group will be completely satisfied. In fact, it turns out when you are planning for others, it’s because they are not quite sure what they really want to do. In other words, very little of their opinion should make it’s way into your final plans. Instead, keep their interests and abilities in mind when mixing up your next batch of travel. Sort of like chili, each spice makes somebody happy.

assorted-color of houses near lake

Water

The book, Blue Mind by Wallace Nichols, is all about the psychology of interacting with water. It turns out that water simply makes us all happy. As a result, it is an essential ingredient to any travel. Now, now, don’t get skeptical! We’re not saying that it is essential to pack your bikini for any successful trip! Instead, think about all the ways you can include water into your trip like:

  • Taking a short boat ride on a lake
  • Going kayaking
  • Dropping a fishing line
  • Enjoying a canal cruise
  • Eating in a coastal restaurant
  • Transitioning to a new location on a ferry
  • and, yes, going to the beach!

Animals

Just as water calms the soul, animals warm the heart. Adding in an animal encounter of any kind can be a way for everyone to reset their patience and temper as you spend so much quality time together.

woman riding horse
  • Going horseback riding
  • Visiting a conservation focused zoo even when it’s not the marquee event
  • Attending a sheep dog demonstration
  • Learning about sled dogs while holding one of the puppies
  • Trying your hand at falconry
  • Focusing part of your travel on a eco-conscious animal experience like an elephant sanctuary
  • Having tea at a cat cafe

Adventure

Like it or not, there is no escaping that some sense of adventure contributes to lifelong memories and deep connections to destinations. In fact, I would feel comfortable saying that getting a little out of your comfort zone may be just the sense of pride you or anyone you are traveling with. Adventure does not mean that there is a need to push yourself to the limit Amazing Race style. It does mean trying things like:

a man riding a zip line through a forest
  • Plunging in and going white water rafting
  • Renting a bike to explore the city, the beach or the countryside
  • Going over the edge and zip lining
  • Aiming high and experiencing a pristine hot air balloon ride
  • Setting your sites on a serious goal like climbing and hiking
  • Investigating the very cool sport of canyoning
  • Joining in the fun of a scavenger hunt
  • White knuckling the twists and turns of a roller coaster

Foodtivity

It’s great to eat local foods but it’s REALLY great to experience food. Now, don’t get nervous. We are not saying that there is a need to eat snails or scorpions. But we are saying that food is so much more than fuel especially as we travel. Food is and always will be a bridge between people. Strangers will smile at each other when they both know that the cup of coffee they are drinking is one of the best they have ever had. Families will share and converse over which pastry to buy from the patisserie. Foodtivities are essential to connecting. Think about:

  • Going on a foodie walking tour
  • Taking a cooking class to learn how to make the regional dumpling
  • Attending a class to be the next great baker
  • Finding your way to a farm that hosts travelers
  • Dining at an experience restaurant
  • Buying candy at the local convenience store
  • Gathering the supplies and enjoying a picnic in a local park

The secret is in the seasoning.

There are two essential ingredients that may quickly get overlooked but warrant a serious amount of consideration. Ready? Culture and a home base.

Culture? Yes! We know, we know it’s the whole reason that you are traveling. However, it’s so obvious that sometimes we miss the art, music, and ambiance that we’ve traveled so far to see. Culture isn’t in the icons, it’s around the corner from them. It’s in the artwork, it’s heard in the music and swayed to during dance. It lives on the stage and weaves through the food proudly set on a table. Mostly, it lives within the hearts of the locals and how happy they are that you are interested in their world. Do not forget to season every plan with culture.

Pragmatically, a home base is a great way to settle into the rhythms of a destination. Choose a local coffee shop to stop into every morning. Take an evening stroll in the same park each afternoon. Enjoy the same sunset each night. The choices are endless and they usually lead to connections that last.

Lastly, here are a few quick garnishes to make your trip plate look its best.

  • Rick Steves always mentions that it’s important to “plan like you are going to return”. In other words, don’t feel like you’ve got to jam in every last venue. We are so guilty of this one!
  • Research, read and research more. Then ensure you have the proper reservations taken care of before you leave. More and more, popular sites are not offering “day of” reservations. This is true for The Anne Frank House, The Vatican Scavi, and much more.
  • Document your senses to remember the moment. Sometimes we see so well that we forget to use our other senses. How did the wind feel on your face at the top of the mountain? What did the train station sound like in New York City? What did you smell in the market square in Poland? How did the patisserie taste in the cafe in Paris? Round out your memories.
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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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My Big Fat Trip Planning Strategy

So, if you are like most people, you have one shot a year to book the vacation of a lifetime. I’m not talking about a quick trip down to Florida for a long weekend or a girl’s trip to Vegas. I’m talking about mega- it takes some trip planning– travel. I’m talking about those 14 precious days that make the most memories for you and yours. For me, I have peace of mind when I am well planned and well documented. So, it takes me literally a year to plan, travel, and wrap up my summer trip each year. You may think that is incredibly long and way too much but I beg to differ. I don’t do anything more than what’s expected but I do have a clear process. Let’s begin….

It’s Time To Start Trip Planning…

It’s the holidays, and I’m getting together with my family near and far. The food and drinks are plentiful. Everyone is full of festive cheer. That cheer inevitably leads down memory lane and talk of adventures and mishaps which ALWAYS seems to roll right into that wonderful question: where to next? The planning year has started.

The New Year brings the answer to all of that chit chat about where to go and who is going to join in. That’s my cue (surprisingly, I’m my family’s resident trip planner) to get going. For the sake of example, let’s say we’ve made the big decision to visit Belgium and France this summer. I say the summer because that’s when I can get away. If you can travel outside the summer’s high season in one of the shoulder seasons (Easter to Memorial Day or Labor Day to Columbus Day) by all means take advantage!

Trip Planning Research….

January is my time to sit back research, read and hunt down all of those excursions, activities and locations we want to go and see. In this case, we were in search of two uncles who passed away in WWI. They were brothers who both died on September 27th, 1918. We wanted to know what happened, pay our respects and learn a little more about the area. After all, the 100th anniversary was upon us. What better time? I take the time to check my family tree and investigate the proper documents. I look up lists of off the beaten path ideas. I purchase guide books from my favorite authors. I digitally draw on google maps to dream up various itineraries. I watch travel shows and videos. I learn as much as I can before I commit. Once I do, that’s it, there’s no turning back!

Communicating Trip Planning…

In the past as January came to an end and February began, I would start with the creation of a closed private group on Facebook that includes only the travelers on our trip and specific people that opt in but need to be aware of what we are up to- our emergency contacts and nearest and dearest. This was our communication hub and the place we will dump everything involved on our trip.

These days, I still create a group for fun but I store my travel plans on TripIt. The website/app combo is perfect for keeping everything in one place. It’s also super easy to share. Over on Facebook? The first post is always the same: The sentence “excuse may I have a glass of white wine please?” in whatever language we will need.

The second move is always about air travel. It’s time to book and that’s my February task, getting everyone on a plane together. For us, we all travel to one airport from wherever we are to meet up and then continue together. That takes a lot of coordination and decisions about money. Do you plan to all book together or is someone going to book and everyone reimburse the purchaser? Perhaps you all contribute to an account ahead of time. Your choice, your comfort level. In this case, we booked our tickets together and decided to meet in Atlanta. I like to book my tickets well ahead of my trip. I can have those completely paid for well before I take off and not overwhelm my budget all at once.

Trip Planning Nuts and Bolts…
March marches in and there a few things for me to do. I need to ensure that I have a well planned travel route pinned down and a place to lay everyone’s head. All that research in January is about to be put to the test. Our facebook group has spent time voting on favorites and developing the overall itinerary. In our case, I need to reserve a car big enough for our group and hotel rooms in each of the towns we have chosen.

I’m just reserving so I’m not spending anything yet unless I choose to airbandb it. I am very comfortable tracking down reservations at a variety of places- traditional hotels, b and b’s and airbandbs. They all work for us and exploring airbandb options for a bigger group (read over 4 travelers) can be well worth the money. For our example trip, which is a road trip, we have decided on the following.

a narrow city street with old buildings in the background

All Planned Out…

Fly into Brussels and rent a car, spend the night (small weekender hotel) in a small suburb to meet up with our cousin for dinner.

Day 1- drive over the French border toward Reims and stop at our first cemetery (Somme) our hotel is in the city center it’s a well known name with many hotels all over the world.
Day 2- off to Muese Argonne to the second cemetery and then north to Rouen for two nights at a city center hotel.
Day 3- Rouen
Day 4- Mont Saint Michel at a traditional B and B on the Mont
Day 5- Bayeux at an airbandb
Day 6- Bayeux
Day 7- Honfluer at a city center boutique hotel
Day 8- Giverny at a traditional B and B
Day 9- Lille day trip to drop off our rental and catch the train to Bruges.
Day 10-Bruges at a city center hotel
Day 11- back to Brussels by train where our cousin meets us for dinner again and drops us at our airport hotel for an early morning flight home.

Whew! We will be traveling about 1,000 miles all together but it’s well timed and takes everyone’s favorites into consideration and it will take all of March to finish reserving and organizing, but we have everything we need to travel and sleep. Planes, trains, and automobiles have been checked off the list.

The Finishing Trip Planning Touches…

April and May find us ensuring we have prebooked and reserved any necessary tours. We have made arrangements for a WWII tour along the Normandy coast, reserved tickets for the express line at Monet’s garden, and booked a private guide for Mont Saint Michel. We’ve decided we don’t need much else ahead of time and opt for the flexibility. So we Facebook each other with our collective suggestions and keep a running list. We ensure we have chosen how we are getting to the meet up airport, (I’m driving in) and we’ve made decisions on who’s bringing what. I’m in charge of hairspray and an umbrella, my mom is bringing a curling iron, my sister has an iPad so the kids can watch Netflix on down time, etc. Three weeks to go.

Trip Planning Packing…

June is here and it’s go time! I am packed, the house is clean the arrangements for being gone are taken care of including the dog who will spend some time with good friends. I mention all of this is because all of these details are part of the travel process too. It’s not just the tickets and hotel confirmation numbers. There’s a lot to think about.

We meet up and head out! While some of us are headed home right after this trip, others are headed to other destinations, for me, I finally get back in the States by the end of July. Now, I know that sounds like a long time, but I’m staying with family and enjoying my Summer before I head back to the classroom. I’ve also planned a completely different adventure in tandem with this trip to Normandy. In this case, I was headed off to Krakow for a few weeks to relax.

Time To Reflect On All That Trip Planning…

August is my regrouping month and September is dedicated to getting back to work so it isn’t until October that I finally get around to the last stage of my trip. One of the most important parts of traveling is enjoying the memories of it! So, for me, it means it’s time to grab all those photos that our group dumped onto that private Facebook page and use Shutterfly to put together the narrative of how our trip went.

I include lots of things including our itinerary, the top 5 songs we listened to over and over in the car, pictures of our new friends and stories that are too good to forget! I also collect all of those scraps of maps, tickets, tourist pamphlets, and receipts and piece them together in a big poster frame. Now, you may not be a digital scrapbooker or someone who likes to plaster their walls with huge frames, but this is what I do to collect my memories. Find what makes you happy and do it. Somehow, someway, ensure you have your travel memories.

digital camera and tulips in white vase
Photo by Olenka Sergienko on Pexels.com

Back To Where We Started…

November has my book and Christmas cards on order- I use pics from my trip or trips. I’m almost there. I’m almost ready to wrap this up, literally. I order a book as my Christmas gift for everyone who went on our trip- whether it’s just two of us or six of us- if it’s Christmas, you get a book! Which brings me right back to where I started. The wine is poured, we page through memories and pictures and, inevitably, we wind up wondering “where to next?” My year is complete.

bubbly champagne on glasses
Photo by Taryn Elliott on Pexels.com

We can answer…

  • What is the best way to plan for a big family trip?
  • Where do I start to plan my vacation?
  • How do I plan my Summer 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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Washington DC 101: Arlington and The Military

a cemetery with rows of headstones and trees

I recently had the honor of attending the funeral of a beloved family friend at Arlington National Cemetery. My dear Uncle Butchie, as he was known to us kids, was a well decorated Vietnam Veteran who became entitled to wear the Purple Heart. He was an incredibly sweet man and a true patriot to our country. His funeral, as funerals are, was somber and tearful but, at Arlington there’s a bit more.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EEUQrRnHKsKTghVURhrJp?si=0wL-LEeaT8qZFh3ScIDhKQ

A bit more pomp and circumstance, a bit more awe, a bit more reverence for a sacrifice that you may or may not have been witness to. On a windy November afternoon about a dozen of us followed a small black sedan up a hill past gravestone after gravestone embossed with name after heroic name of so many who have left us too soon.

white wooden fence near green trees during daytime

The sedan stopped at the crest of the hill where, standing in full dress and at attention was a regiment, a band, and a Cason ready to be drawn by 4 stunning black horses. In the distance, the capitol dome, Washington’s monument and the Lincoln Memorial offered a patriotic backdrop to a beautiful goodbye. As the procession took form and mourners followed behind, it became so clear to me that this moment, honoring this person, was his last gift to us. A way for us to remind ourselves that events of the past shape each and every moment we experience. After an 18 gun salute and a solemn Taps, my Uncle Butch was resting in peace. My time there got me thinking about what makes Arlington a place to visit.

A Destination…

While, for me, Arlington holds loved ones near and dear (this was my fourth trip there for a funeral) this amazing cemetery is well worth the time to learn so very much about our nation. There are some amazing and famous stops to make: Arlington House starts the story and answers the question “why here?” The, just outside, the famous Kennedy’s rest in honor of their service and circumstances surrounding so many untimely deaths. However, the highlight, in my opinion, is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier- be sure to follow the rules and pay your respects. These are all must-do’s but I think that the big three just scratch the surface. Arlington is so much more.

Visit…

One time to visit Arlington is at Christmas. Consider lending a hand to the amazing cause Wreathes Across America which adorns an evergreen wreath on each and every grave by hand. They are always looking for volunteers to help out. I can only imagine how children would react to participating in such an honorable service project. What a wonderful way to start a dialogue of giving in the ultimate season of sharing. It’s truly a great lesson in global literacy.

Another option is to check in to your own family history and see if your family has a hero buried here. Find where they are and visit. Traditionally, a small pebble is placed on the top of the grave marker to commemorate your visit. (If you see a stone, please don’t move it.) If you don’t have a family member, check out the online catalog and choose someone who may have a connection to you (a name, an era, a common history, someone from your hometown) and visit. In short, find the story, find the narrative, find the connection….. you won’t ever regret getting to know a hero. That is the spirit of Arlington.

One last traveler note

I highly suggest skipping the tram if you are able to walk, I am well versed in military history and the tour was rather dry and boring. Instead, ask questions along the way or purchase an Arlington guide like the one by James Gindlesperger.

North Carolina 101: Amazing Asheville!

green trees on mountain under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

It’s time to head off to the mountains and enjoy one of our country’s most unique small cities. Asheville, North Carolina is most famous for the largest private residence in the country: Biltmore. And while the estate should definitely be toward the top of you list, there are two or three other gems that make Asheville a well rounded getaway for anyone. We’ll get to our take on the Biltmore Estate later on but, let us tell you about the rest of the area. Look for Asheville to be a great drive from big destinations like Washington, DC and St. Augustine, Florida with times clocking at about 6 hours each.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5n95TedkIQrI1Z6PZ66eYG?si=ymn2Q2CnQNWRIaJQzTe1ug

The River Arts District

Winding through all of Asheville is the French Broad River. It seems to be a lifeline for making Asheville hum. These days, most of the energy centers on a few neighborhoods including the River Arts District. Full of plenty of art galleries and hipster happy coffee houses, this district is all about the slow down pace of browsing and perusing while you learn what all the local artists have been up to. There are plenty of riverside pathways that let you enjoy this little slice of the city and some of the best eateries call RAD home. Expect to spend a couple of hours along Lyman Avenue to fully enjoy. Other areas include Biltmore Village (for that Disney feel) and West Asheville (for the great eats).

 

Connecting with the mountains out your window

While the main draw to the Asheville area might be the big house up on the hill, the surrounding area has much to offer. And the river is certainly where most people start. Enter French Broad Adventures. With great trips like rafting and ziplining, French Broad has something for every age and stage. Our choice? Canyoneering in the Pisgah National Forest. This hybrid mix of repelling waterfalls, rock slides, hiking and more immerses you into nature and gives you a fresh look at an area that can start to feel a little over-urban.

https://www.tiktok.com/@babciaandyiayia/video/7138554317685919018

We know! We know! You don’t think it’s for you! But it totally is! If we can do it, so can you! Listen in to our Asheville podcast to hear the ins and outs of canyoneering and why you should totally take up offers from great guides like Alerie and Aldon to enjoy a new adventure. We promise to help you feel brave!

Crown Plaza on Resorts Drive

If we have a pan among our picks, it’s this throwback hotel that has so much potential. Located minutes from everything and on lovely grounds, this throwback hotel is now best known for it’s convention business. The rooms are clean and well maintained but the outside is dated and just a little sad. Additionally, the facility offers no lunch service. While there are plenty more places to stay, many come at quite a cost or are not as centrally located. This may be a reasonable compromise to make an Asheville stay more reasonable when you argue with you wallet.

https://www.tiktok.com/@babciaandyiayia/video/7144525467192708398

Foodies Beware!

Listen, we are the first to tell you that we are not food experts or that our focus is on the culinary arts. But, we know good eats when we taste them. Asheville had so many hits for us that we couldn’t pass up the chance to tell you about some of our favorites. It was definitely part of the amazing experience that Asheville offers any visitor. Before we walk you through an epic day of amazing dishes, we do want to tell you about one big pass that we recommend. Tupelo Honey seems to be a reservations only institution around here but we’ve got to say, we weren’t impressed at all. The menu wasn’t too inspiring and much of the food was bland or not prepared well (read microwaved!). There are so many good choices instead.

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Look for the line out the door. Now stand in it. You won’t regret it!!! Biscuit Head has mastered the cathead biscuit and everything that they put on top. This small cafe with counter order only knows how to dish out amazing dishes like fried green tomatoes and biscuits as well as classic full breakfast with biscuit featuring the very best bacon we’ve ever had! We are all about starting our day on the right foot and Biscuit Head certainly did their part!

 

Lunch @ Sunny Point Cafe in West Asheville

This easy, breezy laid back garden patio makes sure that you leave miserable from all the great food! From Peach Pound Cake Bites to seriously good Chicken and Waffles, there’s not one thing on the menu that will disappoint. The yellow and blue vibes ensure that you enjoy the laid back patio with plenty of urban charm. Look for plenty of signature cocktails and great service. Ask for Tessa for some of the best service around!

Dinner at Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village

Walk up onto the porch of this old school Victorian Cottage and get ready for a fresh take on some old favorites. The little house once originally belonged to the parents of one of the estate workers and now has plenty of nooks and corners to enjoy the great food that’s coming out of the kitchen. Look for seasonal southern twists on staples like the amazing charred peach and tomato caprese. The chef also ensures there’s something for everyone like huge heritage porkchops with cherry bourbon glaze and classic shrimp and grits. The best part? The lovely staff leading foodies through the whole dining experience. To finish off the whole evening was the over the top, don’t miss out, maple blondie sundae that our favorite server, Allie, recommended. By the way, Allie was totally the best server ever! This was a great choice!

Now, onto Biltmore and it’s 8,000 acre playground!

So, there’s this house. Or should we say that there’s this mega mansion that started to take shape in 1889? George Washington Vanderbilt worked with Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame to create the largest private residence in the United States. So, why should you go see a big, huge, old house? There are many many reasons and none of them disappoint. Basic tickets to the house allow you to go through the main gate house and wind your way through the property and park to either take a shuttle or a walk up to the main house. And what a house it is! 250 rooms including 43 bathrooms! Unlike many of its European counterparts, however, Biltmore touts an extensive amount of turn of the century technology while maintaining that old world feel.

The House Tour

Walk in the front door and be welcomed into the foyer of the Vanderbilt home. Take in the open conservatory and the grand staircase. Guests can walk around with a self paced audio guide and learn all about the formal, family parts of the house from the seven story great dining hall to the two lane bowling alley in the basement. Be sure to pause on the back veranda to take in the view that convinced George that this was the perfect spot to break ground.

Take in the “modern” art from masters like Renoir and Monet; both artists that Vanderbilt thought highly of. Then, continue understanding how this massive house worked by touring some of the service areas like the kitchen and pantries. It is here that you will see most of the state of the art technology that made this place hum. Look to spend about 90 minutes exploring the major rooms that the family spent most of their time in.

@babciaandyiayia

#babciaandyiayia #travelpodcast #traveltiktok #podcast #travellifestyle #travelforlife #newepisodealert #biltmoreestate #visitasheville #bighouse #guildedage

♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design

 

But, wait, what else?!

Now that you’ve had a chance to immerse yourself in the guilded age, it’s time to explore beyond the splendor of the big house and see how the rest of the over 80,000 acres worked and how the present 8,700 acres is now a modern day playground. The closest thing to the house are the gardens. But… maybe don’t start there. The thing that makes Biltmore well worth the visit is menu of activities that bring the entire estate to life. Look for three major categories to keep you entertained: outdoors and wellness, food, and cultural experiences. Here is a short list:

  • Lazy river rafting and kayaking on the French Broad River. The gentle current makes this perfect for all ages.
  • Horseback riding on the estate trails in the Deerpark area.
  • Archery and falconry lessons that turn back time and not only let you participate in the sport but also inform you about how these sports played a role on the estate.
  • Yoga and immersive nature experiences that get you out into the grounds and allow you to connect with this picturesque corner of Carolina.
  • Landrover trail expeditions that let you try your hand at navigating through the backfields and woods while learning how to use the dynamics of the car to become a better handler.
  • Mountain biking on the pristine trails that crisscross the property (which is a great way to explore those gardens!)

All of these activities are yours to book as long as you have a ticket to the house. And, it’s okay if the outdoor activities don’t exactly work for you. Biltmore has plenty of cultural experiences to round out your visit. They include:

@babciaandyiayia

#babciaandyiayia #travelwithus #travelpodcast #travellifestyle #traveltipsandhacks #digitaltraveltips #traveljunkie #whatnottopack #listentomenow #traveltiktok #podcast #travelplanning https://anchor.fm/babciaandyiayia/episodes/4-1-Tao-of-Travel-What-you-are-not-including-in-your-plans-e257ije

♬ Gentle and warm background piano(1262846) – Noru

The charming Christmas shop in the stable yard.

  • Shop at the stable shops just next to the house with plenty of charming items that reflect the house and its history. The stable yard is also a great place to grab a snack in between tours and activities.
  • Rooftop architecture tour lets you climb and explore the different balconies and rooftop areas and take in the exceptional views over the house and gardens area.
  • Backstairs tour will give you a proper dose of Downton Abbey fun as you learn about the upstairs maids and the butler’s domain. If you are truly interested in the inner workings of the house and how Mrs. Vanderbilt’s maid assisted her throughout the day (it was A LOT!) Everything on this tour is not available on the extensive main house tour.
  • Winery tours and tastings are available in Antler Hill Village where there are some lovely shops and eateries that include Cedric’s Tavern which is named in honor of the family’s huge, sweet, good boy!
  • Painting workshops that match the current exhibit theme are available seasonally and well worth it to enjoy the experience and walk away with a little keepsake!
  • Immersive art exhibits featuring artists like DaVinci or Monet are installed for limited runs at the Ashcroft building and are a lovely way to connect to fine art. The Monet exhibit relates to the house particularly well as Mr. Vanderbilt truly enjoyed these modern masters.

 

Asheville has so very much to offer every sort of traveler. From the great food to the amazing experiences and even that big house up on the hill all contribute to an amazing getaway!

 

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Europe 101: Plan Perfect!

Europe is an icon of the travel world. With so many places to choose from and so many details to consider, any traveler can become overwhelmed! Fear not Euro-traveler! We are here to answer the most important questions! Let’s make your trip to Europe plan perfect. If you are just getting started, we highly recommend checking out our first Europe 101 post and podcast to get your basic plans started.

What can I do to make my trip to Europe better?

Hundreds of destinations and thousands of experiences await anyone traveling to Europe and the best advice we have is to go with your gut and create a balance of activities that you know you will truly enjoy. We love to share our ideas to help you decide if an icon or smaller experience is just right for you. With so many details to consider, here’s our list of starting line tips to make your plans work for you!

  • When considering booking an Airbnb, be sure to check out if the owner is local instead of a corporation that has a resident manager. It puts money back into the local economy. Ask your Airbnb if they have bikes or other equipment to use. Airbnb is also taking donations to help out Ukrainian refugees so, if you can, consider donating a night or two.
  • Driving a standard can be one of the biggest cost savers in Europe (or anywhere for that matter). The reality of rental car pricing means that more efficient cars like standards are cheaper to rent. Learn to drive the standard!!
  • Be mindful of Spring events surrounding Holy week. Many festivities and closures could put a damper on your best laid plans and create quite a hiccup. Conversely, seek them out! They are fun!
  • Be a responsible shopper and always buy local especially when you are looking for travel souvenirs. Check out where things have been manufactured and only reinvest money into the local economy. There’s no reason to make someone on the other side of the world money.
  • Look up and go down! Europe is full of so much! As you make your way through your trip, be sure to check out Europe’s fascination with ceilings. Then again, plan a few excursions to see what’s under your feet. Here are a few examples: in Rome, look up at all the church ceilings, in Edinburgh, check out the cool closes, in Paris explore the sewer museum, in Nuremberg learn the history of the WWII art bunkers, and in London, take a ride on the mail rail.

gray castle

Are hop on hop off busses worth it?

Yes and no. Hop on, hop off busses are incredibly popular and there are a few cities where we think they are totally worth it. On the other hand, there are quite a few cities where they clog up the roads and make life miserable. We think that so many choices come down to whether or not there is a good reason to take the bus other than just ride around. Here are our picks and why:

Yay!

  • Edinburgh: Use it to go out to see the Brittania
  • Rome: The bus links all of the major piazzas together in a efficient ring
  • Paris: but only at night to see the uplit magic of the city of lights

Nay!

  • Dublin: they clog up the streets with the Viking tours
  • Athens: traffic! traffic! traffic!
  • Amsterdam: the canals are far better to get around
  • Munich: bikes or a bike taxi are a better choice

red and yellow bus toy

What are the best city passes in Europe?

It’s a decision we go back and forth on often. Is it worth buying the big city museum pass or should we skip it? Our rule of thumb is if you are staying for more than three days and you are attending at least three venues that are included in the pass, then there is a good chance that a museum pass is for you. We do, however, have some favorites:

  • Paris City Pass: It covers hundreds of places both big and small including The Louvre and Versailles. It does NOT cover the Eiffel Tower.
  • London Oyster Pass: Everything that’s not part of the Royal Household including transport.
  • The Vatican: If you want to see anything past St. Peter’s Basilica, you NEED this ticket!
  • Krakow City Pass: Art, archeology, WII sites and more are included.
  • Amsterdam City Pass: Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum are both included making it well worth the price.

What tickets do I need to get before going to Europe?

As much as we would all like to just hop on a plane and wing it, the truth is that some of the most popular venues sell out weeks and months in advance. Here are some of the most popular as well as some popular places that really don’t need pre-planning.

Pre-plan it!

  • Nueshwanstien Castle, Bavaria
  • Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
  • Sagrada Familia, Barcelona  
  • The Vatican Necropolis (St. Peter’s Tomb) Please see our information on Rome by clicking here.                                

Wing it!

  • Blarney Castle
  • Auschwitz
  • Parthenon
  • Mont Saint Michele

a spiral staircase in a building with people walking down it

What destinations in Europe need a car rental?

  • Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way awaits and the public transport in this area is not that great. It’s time to drive on the other side of the road.
  • Bavaria, don’t get us wrong, German trains are super great. But, driving these back roads lets you stay on your own time schedule and, quite frankly, they are super fun to drive!
  • Tuscany, a car is certainly needed to explore this countryside. Use the great trains to get you close then pick up a rental near the train station.
  • Normandy, you can also pick up a rental at the Bayeaux train station and then explore the coastline on your own time. This means that you are not depending on public transport to get you to the most important sites.
  • Scottish Highlands, yes there are trains but like Ireland, Normandy, and Bavaria, a car will allow you to coast through the countryside at your own speed.

6 last tips about very specific places:

Lots of little tips can help you feel more comfortable as you travel. For example, using “international” words like photo and toilet can be far more productive than saying picture or restroom (isn’t that a room where you rest?!). Here are some more little gems that might apply to your next European adventure:

  • Bullfights in the Azores do not kill the bulls! It’s an ethical way to experience this culture.
  • Worst traffic in Europe is in Istanbul!
  • Royal Ascot tickets may be available through your embassy in London. Google their site because you need to apply.
  • You can river raft on the lochs of Scotland! Just on certain days. Check out our coverage of Scotland here.
  • The Notre Dame is scheduled to open back up in 2024 just in time for the Olympics!
  • Your Louvre Ticket will allow you to leave and come back throughout the day whether you use a City Pass or not.

a crowd of people standing on top of a bridge

We can answer:

  • Where should I rent a car in Europe?
  • What tickets do I need to buy in advance in Europe?
  • How can I decide on what to preplan for my tip to Europe?
  • What are the best travel tips for Europe?
  • Should I use a hop on hop off bus in Europe?
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