Tag: #travelpodcast

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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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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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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The thing travelers forget to ask for at the holidays.

book page showing heart-shape

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We are happy to celebrate all the holidays in global style and one tradition we love to share is the Scandinavian tradition of reading a book on Christmas Eve. Choosing a cherished book for someone can seem daunting but this thoughtful gift, unwrapped on a cozy evening, could be one of the best memories of the holiday season. Here are our picks for the reading travelers in you life!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3unHPyJeRLdimqEkoDrK54?si=qq6bkYz2SxqRsRtf1BLLjg

 

Mystery Maniac

The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a multi-generational story that brings the reader through the magnificent streets of Venice as the characters deal with love, war, happiness, and betrayal and the clues left in an old sketchbook.  

Murder in Tuscany by TA Williams  is book 3 in the series is the newest story about Dan, a retired English detective who helps the local authorities. Helping him along the way is his loyal dog Oscar.

person picking white and red book on bookshelfHistorical Fiction Junkies

The Paris Library by Janet Charles an instant classic that will have you wondering what in the world a library in Paris has to do with a small town in Montana?! Follow this epic story down the street of Paris and through the Nazi occupation as Odile figures out how to navigate her young life during some of the darkest days she’s known. Based on true accounts, this book will be a library standard for decades to come. 

The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen Why is that apartment to mysterious? Read and find out what happened there and what treasure awaits!

The Paris Dressmaker by Christy Camberon

Poland by James Michener Eight centuries, three families, Tatar invasion to Poland’s reappearance.  The common thread through all these years in Poland’s undying Pride!…Rebuild, Rebuild, Rebuild!

 

 

books on brown wooden shelf

Our Fave Non Fiction Picks

The Unknowns: The Untold Story of America’s Unknown Soldier and WWI’s Most Decorated Heroes Who Brought Him Home By Patick O’Donnell

Warsaw 1944: Hitler, Himmler and the Crushing of a City by Alexandra Richie The traumatic story of one of the last major battles of World War II.  The Poles fought off the German troops for 63 days. This is the first account to see the tragedy from both German and Polish perspectives. Common Thread throughout Poland is the Poles unbreakable Spirit

open book beside white ceramic teacup on saucer

 

The Foodie

Searching for Italy by Stanley Tucci

1,000 foods to eat before you die: food lover’s life list by Mimi Sheraton This is the ultimate guide for the food lover! You will encounter the best cuisines for all over the world. Whether you are dreaming of a diner in Chicago or a local breakfast in downtown Stockholm, this book has it covered. 

Ireland’s Green Larder:  The Definitive History of Irish Food and Drink by Margaret Hickey This tells the story of food and drink in Ireland.  It begins in ancient times and brings us right up to today’s thriving food scene.  This book digs into the day to day life of the people. You sure don’t want to miss the story of how Queen Maeve died after being hit by a piece of hard cheese.  The history of Ireland’s History is brought to life in such a magical way you won’t forget it!

The Romantic

The Little Cafe in Copenhagen by Julie Caplan part of a larger series that will have anyone hopping from fabulous destination to fabulous destination as the reader follows a string of women as they reset themselves for true success and maybe find a little romance along the way. You can’t beat it if you are looking for a Hallmark movie on the page!

A Postcard from Italy by Alex Brown What happens when a postcard drops to the floor in an old storage warehouse? Grace finds out as she tracks down the story of the mysterious owner of the storage unit and her epic story in Italy.

Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch Lina is spending the summer in Tuscany, not because she wants to but because it is her mother’s dying wish. Her mother wanted her to get to know her father. Lina uncovers secret romances, art, hidden bakeries and more. She has always heard that people come to Italy for Love and Gelato but she finds out she has found so much more. 

woman in white dress sitting on brown wooden chair reading book on beach during daytime

Logistics Lover

Building The Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality By Melissa Bruntlett Bikes and Amsterdam go hand in hand. But how does it even work? And, more importantly, how will it affect the traveler in Europe in the years to come? 

The Turning Tide: a Biography of the Irish Sea by Jon Gower What the waters between Ireland and England must have witnessed! This is written in true Irish storytelling style and envelopes the importance of the sea from all aspects.

Best travel guide we’ve seen this year:

Walking Amsterdam:  The Best City Guide by National Geographic This guide offers 13 step by step, mapped itineraries that allow you to explore Amsterdam like a local. It covers everyone’s likes:  from shoppers to history lovers.  You will find something that fits your taste.

Les Frenchies  This digital travel guide might be the best kept secret in Paris travel guides! Antoine and Colleen are feet on the ground locals that are ready to share their picks and pans to make travel to Paris a total success!!! 

Paris In Stride Jessie Kanalos Weiner This is truly an outstanding guide to walking in Paris.  It will take you to places that are both icons and then some that are hidden gems.  You will see all the must sees, some new finds and some old revisited places that have been forgotten.  This guide will definitely leave you long for Paris and counting the days until you return. 

 

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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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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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