Tag: #visiteurope

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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Five Reservations to Make Before You Touch Down Rome.

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

a stairway on a church facade
Photo by Natasa Dav on Pexels.com

The Colosseum and Forum

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

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

abduction of proserpina scultpure in galleria borghese in rome
Photo by Anna Mitsu on Pexels.com

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

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

The Pantheon

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

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

photo of people walking in front of pantheon roman temple in rome italy
Photo by Griffin Wooldridge on Pexels.com

Galerie Doria Pamphlij

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

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

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

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

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

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5 European museums to discover (and 5 to skip)

people around louvre museum

 Skip The Louvre and take on the magnificent Czartoryski in Krakow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skip the Uffizi in Florence and head straight for the Accademia 

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

Other gems we love are:

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

 

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The 18th Arrondissment

people walking on street near buildings during daytime

Once upon a time…

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

white and gray concrete building under blue sky during daytime

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

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

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

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Extending travel efficiently.

Dear Babcia and YiaYia-

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

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

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

world map with pins

The Before and After

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

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

The Layover

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

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

You have the options!

white and gray airplane on airport during daytime

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Milan Day Trip

brown concrete building during daytime

Milano

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

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

Leonardo da Vinci head bust

 

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

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

a large ornate building with a large clock on the top

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

 

 

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Why small group service is the future of travel.

brown concrete buildings beside calm body of water

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

abandoned building during daytime

Rule number one: Time is money.

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

Instead, expect 5 bands of travel.

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

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

Eiffel tower during nighttime

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

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

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

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

people inside library

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

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

 

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

 

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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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