For most North American travelers, the first real international travel experience is usually to Europe. There’s something about the continent that draws Americans. The majority of Americans can trace their roots back to European immigrants. For those without European ancestry, the people from across the Atlantic Ocean have shaped their lives. It certainly helps that most Europeans speak English easily and fluently, and the food closely resembles what we’re accustomed to in North America. For the majority of Americans, it can be reached in less than 8 hours of flying, which makes it an extremely accessible travel destination.
There’s so much to see, do and love in Europe. For history buffs, there are battlegrounds, monuments and museums. For cultural explorers, there are castles, markets, and immersive experiences. For foodies, there are Michelin-starred restaurants, cooking classes, and food markets. For outdoor and nature enthusiasts there are mountains and fjords to explore. Europe has it all. And we love it all. From the food markets of Provence to the wineries of Tuscany, Europe is delicious. From Ireland’s green rolling hills to the pristine beaches of Albania, it is beautiful. From the couture capital of Paris to the hot springs scene of Budapest, Europe is a cultural playground. Here are the best European experiences!
Some Greek islands are known for their beauty—the blue domes of Santorini and the white-washed buildings of Mykonos are the things dream are made of. But we had no immediate associations with Crete. Would visiting Crete be worth it?
Luxembourg is a small country dotted with enchanting towns that seem straight from a story book. Across the landscape, riverside cafes mix with magnificent castles, historic buildings, and ruins to create a unique patchwork.
Oxford was the place that made me want to become a traveler. It took me 20 years to return, and I spent two days both wandering in my old footsteps and doing some things for the first time.
Christmas in Colmar is a dream. When you take a city that already looks like a gingerbread town and then deck it with wreaths, ornaments, and snow-covered trees, it’s hard to think of anything that feels more appropriate for the holiday season.
Brussels is one of the most under-rated European capitals. It’s full of fun things to do and has stunning architecture and great food. Here are the best areas and properties to stay at when you visit Brussels.
There are so many wine regions to explore beyond the ones that are household names.
Tables filled with exotic produce, deep fryers sizzling with fritters, Sicilian nonnas snaking their carts through the crowds to visit the vendors they’ve purchased from for decades. It’s just another typical morning in the Palermo markets.
From Colmar to Strasbourg and a handful of impossibly charming villages in between, I followed the Alsace wine route through this unique part of France, eating, wine tasting, and ogling gorgeous buildings along the way.
With amazing architecture, ancient history, and fun attractions, Ghent and Bruges are great choices on a trip to Belgium…but which one is the better fit for you?
The hilltop views, the ancient sites imbued with tales of gods and emperors, the amazing wine for just a few euros, the hidden hot springs, and the Mediterranean sun–there’s everything to love about Sicily.
