Category Archives: Europe

The French are Charming. And so are You.

by Wendy
Even though Paris is one of the most popular destinations on the planet, some travelers worry they will encounter icy or disdainful attitudes from the French. But we know better, don’t we! We know one of the rewarding things about travel is dispelling stereotypes and kicking unfair generalizations to the curb. We protest the descriptions of rude French and ugly Americans. We realize people can be annoying in every locale, but they barely register as a blip compared to all the nice people we know.

For anyone still feeling skeptical, here are a few tips on getting to know France a little better. Quit being the kid in school who teases France because you secretly have a crush. Find your courage and invite France to prom already. Use these suggestions at your own risk. I’m not liable if you start watching Amelie every weekend and reserving your entire travel budget for trips to Paris. Continue reading →

Stories from Salzburg and The Sound of Music Tour

by Wendy
This year is the 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music – the beloved, iconic film with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. You know you love it. The romance, suspense, technicolor scenery – and of course, catchy songs. April and I were kids before VHS tapes were ubiquitous, and it was a special event when The Sound of Music was on tv. We got to stay up late and enjoy fresh popcorn with melted butter (no microwave stuff) and during commercial breaks, likely twirled around in our nightgowns like Liesl. So when April and I went to Europe as college students, we decided to go on The Sound of Music Tour. Really. A bus tour of various locations in Salzburg that were used in the making of an American movie classic that we were told Austrians have either never heard of, or can’t stand. What fun! Continue reading →

London Loves

by Wendy
I am interested in the people and cultures of all countries I visit, but will always have a special fondness for the UK. Not only was London the first foreign city I ever visited, but even before I traveled there I gravitated toward many British writers, musicians and films/tv shows. When you think about it, you probably do too. Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters, Virginia Woolf, The Beatles, The Police, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Sherlock Holmes, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, Harry Potter, James Bond – this is only a fraction of a long list. Continue reading →

Travel as Therapy

NYC sign with a message I try to remember

NYC sign with a message I try to remember

by Wendy
I love that movie What About Bob with the great Bill Murray. His neurotic character won’t stop pestering his psychiatrist (Richard Dreyfuss) – even during summer holidays. So the doctor prescribes the advice “take a vacation from your problems” in an attempt to get Bob to put the worries and anxiety on hold until summer is over. While Bob had trouble following this advice, I’ve found it can truly work wonders. Continue reading →

A quiet guide to Copenhagen

by Wendy

I love reading travel blogs, and there are so many talented writers out there. While I like travel stories about exotic locations and adventures, I also like stories that celebrate more accessible experiences and find joy in simple things. During trips near and far, I try to balance the sensory overload and thrill of the journey with taking time to pause and appreciate the setting. With that, I give you my quiet guide to Copenhagen, Denmark. Continue reading →

Ode to 24/7 London Polo Bar

Yes we're drinking Italian beer in London. So? Look at that BURGER.

Yes we’re drinking Italian beer in London. So? Look at that BURGER.

By Wendy
My husband Jack and I arrived in London late on a Thursday night. Our flight from Copenhagen was running behind schedule. Our customs officer was chatty. And in our haste to purchase Heathrow Express tickets, we failed to read the “no change given” sign on that particular machine. So we spent a few more minutes explaining our embarrassing error to the kind airport staff, who reimbursed us and sent us on our way. The Heathrow Express was super fast – but the underground train traveling between Paddington our destination stalled at several stations. We were a little impatient but not at all cranky – we were in London! Continue reading →

The Art of Paying the Check in Spain

By Wendy
American visitors can be surprised by how long it takes to get the bill after eating in Spain (or France and some other European countries). If you’re sitting down at a table and served by a waiter or waitress, you’ll almost always have to ask for la cuenta por favor – they don’t just bring it when it looks like you’re about finished eating. And even when you ask, it could be awhile. Relax and get used to this, because you will likely run into it. And you’ll quickly see how this endearing custom of lingering at the table to enjoy food, drinks and good company, is very addictive and fun. Continue reading →

Spain for one week: Itinerary #3

by Wendy
This is part 3 of my series on one week itineraries (nine days counting both weekends) in Spain. The third Spain trip took place in 2013 and was very special, since my parents were going with us! They had never been before, so we designed an itinerary with them in mind. This evolved over several conversations as we researched logistics and available hotels. We debated including Cadaques, or exploring Rioja, but thought we’d have to skip the Andalusia region as a result. A week itinerary does require some very tough choices! So we ultimately decided to include Madrid (again, easy to fly into and all-around all-star city), keep Andalusia but visit Cordoba (a new city for me and Jack), Valencia (must-see Spanish coast and another new city for me and Jack), Barcelona (Gaudi of course), then back to Madrid for the weekend. Continue reading →

Spain for one week: Itinerary #1

by Wendy
Lots of us have limited vacation days at our jobs, or restrictions on how many days we can take off at one time. I’ve heard friends say it’s not worth it to go to Europe for one week. I strongly disagree! There are many wonderful itineraries you can put together for a one week trip (really 9 days, if you count both weekends).

In a series of upcoming posts, I’m going to write about three different and equally awesome week-long vacations my husband and I took in Spain. We spent a lot of time researching and considering different routes and destinations, so I wanted to share a summary of our results with you. Continue reading →