Amsterdam is the beautiful capital city of the Netherlands. It is a city steeped deep in 17th-century history through its buildings, streets, and canal ways. It is home to windmills or windmolen as they say in Dutch – the language of Holland. There were once 10,000 working windmills in this region which have withered down to a mere 1000. They were once used to produce flour, mustard, and oil and are an inherent part of …
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Whether admiring the stunning architecture or dipping into a quirky absinthe bar, the beautiful medieval city of Prague is perfect for exploring on foot. It’s probably the best way to experience the city, as I discovered recently when I took my first trip to the Czech capital. Sure, there’s an easily navigable and efficient metro system, but for those who like to walk, there’s nothing like pounding the streets to become intimately acquainted with the …
Cappadocia is a historic district that lies north of the Taurus Mountains, at the heart of Turkey. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring scenery, characterized by expansive soft volcanic rock formations molded by erosion into cones, valleys, towers, and caves.
In 1963, a local resident stumbled upon a hidden entrance in his home when he uncovered a passageway that led to a labyrinth of underground chambers, including dwellings, storage rooms, stables, schools, wineries, and even …
Considered the jewel of the Austrian Alps, the Gastein Valley lies an hour south of Salzburg, in the heart of the majestic Austrian Alps. Other than the fantastic thermal spa and panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the mountains surrounding Gastein are what it’s all about.
From the west side of the valley, cable cars rise two miles to the summit of Stubnerkogel. From there, a variety of ski runs and several lifts …
One of the perks of visiting Lisbon is that it’s a short jaunt from both the beautiful Portuguese coastline and, intriguingly, a mountainous whimsical wonderland. Just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, the town of Sintra is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital city. Sintra is tucked away in the mystical wooded hills of the Serra Mountains, surrounded by fairy-tale palaces, and enchanting gardens and overlooked by a Moorish castle. …
Bordeaux, France is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and of course, its renowned wine industry. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone in Bordeaux and the surrounding areas. Here are some suggestions for things to do on your next visit.
Explore the City:
Bordeaux is a beautiful city with much to offer. Start by taking a stroll along the riverfront and admiring the historic buildings, such as …
Portugal’s enchanting second city, Porto, has gained much attention over the last few years, and it’s easy to understand why. From hip bars to ancient cobbled alleyways, Porto has finally hit the travel headlines and become one of Europe’s hottest destinations. The architecture is diverse and eye-catching, whether it’s the colorful, intricately designed tiles (azulejos) or the abundant ornate churches.
Located on the hills of the Douro River, the city retains a gritty quality that …
Have you ever heard of a rock that can grow and reproduce? Rocks that grow and even multiply do exist and are called “trovants.” These geological wonders are strange and fascinating mineral formations that have puzzled scientists for decades. Trovants are found in Romania, near the town of Costesti, and attract tourists from all over the world. Trovants are similar to other rocks and the surrounding soil in composition. In appearance, however, trovants take on …
Religious travel to the Near Middle East has been a part of the fabric of faith for thousands of years. It is a region that encompasses countries such as Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, and Italy. These lands are steeped in spirituality and religious history. A pilgrimage to this area can be an extraordinarily uplifting experience for Christians, Muslims, and Judaism as it provides an opportunity to become connected with one’s spiritual roots in …
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, you may be wondering how to surprise your traveling special someone with a gift that will take their breath away as they pack their suitcase. Or, perhaps you want to treat yourself to your very own fun getaway this year, but either way, the rolling, olive tree-dotted hills of central Italy have a trip in store for you that’s bespoke just for the day of love.
Beyond the usual amorous …
If you don’t know any better, Iceland may seem like little more than a layover on the way the mainland Europe. But the rewards are great for those who dare to venture beyond Reykjavik’s Keflavik airport, even if only for a few hours. The small island nation’s tourism industry is in high gear—ready for the onslaught of eco-tourists and adrenaline junkies who have already made landfall— but the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa just a …
As Ireland’s national holiday approaches, visions of all things green will sweep over the island, as well as fill the minds of Irish descendants spread across the globe, many of whom make pilgrimages back to their motherland on the ever-popular St. Patrick’s Day. Green everything in all shades is usually the order of the day, especially for those visitors looking to make their visit to the Emerald Isle, well, extremely emerald. Green beer, green clothing …
Amsterdam is making a major push to rid the city of its reputation as a hub for excess. The Dutch government’s latest proposals are aimed at curbing bad tourist behavior, particularly around drugs, alcohol, and sex. The measures include limiting the number of river cruises, introducing earlier closing times for bars, clubs, and window brothels, as well as banning cannabis smoking in certain parts of the city.
In recent years, Amsterdam has experienced an influx …
Everyone wants to go to Ireland, and it seems that everyone wants to go in the summer. Now don’t get me wrong. There is much good to be said about the warm days of summer on the greenest of islands. However, fall, winter, and spring offer their own special charms, as well as being amazingly affordable times to travel. The scenery is still stunning, the people are still Irish (and maybe more so, relieved of …