You can't really say you've seen Lisbon without seeing the Belem District
If you aren't already convinced that Portugal is a travel bargain worth a visit, you will be. Let me tell you about the Belem District of Lisbon. There is a day or two worth of sightseeing here, and you can't really say you've seen Lisbon without seeing Belem. If much of Portugal is explained by…
Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there, especially in Lisbon
Lisbon is an overlooked European capital. Tourists tend to flock to Paris, Rome, London, but that little country on the edge of Europe? Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there. If you’re looking for a trip to Europe, but you’re hoping to stick to a tight travel…
If you're a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday
If you're a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday. It was from Normandy that William the Conqueror set out to take over the throne of England in 1066. If you are into 20th century history, there are the D-Day Invasion Beaches to explore. Start in Rouen.…
For over a thousand years, the faithful have taken the pilgrimage to Santiago passing through northern Spain
For over a thousand years, the faithful have taken the pilgrimage to Santiago passing through northern Spain. It's called the Way of St. James or El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. It's actually not just one route, however. It is a large network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the…
While overshadowed by its bigger, more famous neighbor, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park rewards your walks with the hidden treasures you didn't expect
You may not have heard much about Zion National Park, in Utah. It is overshadowed by its bigger, more famous neighbor, the Grand Canyon, which is wide and open and puts on a show for you in the changing light. And it may seem a little staid next to its showy smaller neighbor, Bryce Canyon,…
Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe
Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. In fact, the whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it's the capital of the…
Brugge is the little town that time forgot, but tourists have found
Tourists love Bruges in Belgium. A great city, it seems to have been frozen in time and, in fact, it was. Back about 5 or 600 years ago, it was a busy river port town, but then the harbour silted up and traders moved on. This little walled city didn't change for centuries, and because…
Ghent is a friendly university town that is full of ancient buildings and history
Ghent is a friendly university town that is full of ancient buildings and history. If Bruges is a city filled with tourists looking for a time warp, Ghent is a city full of students and locals just living life. Like Bruges, it started as a port but, unlike Bruges, it still is an important port.…
While it is best to never travel with your pets, these 8 tips will make their trip as easy as possible
Don’t travel with your pets if you don't have to. The stress of long distance travel is harder on them – especially if they are not used to it – than it is on you. But if there are times when you really have to take them on a trip (or you just can't bear…
Driving or walking around in a non-English speaking country? Here's our guide to finding a Bed and Breakfast
Bed and Breakfasts, "B&Bs", are called by that name almost everywhere in the world, especially if you're looking on the internet. But if you're driving or walking around in a non-English speaking country, what should you be on the lookout for? You can go into a tourist office almost anywhere and ask for a B&B,…
Whether a major holiday or just the summer travel rush, plans for surviving holiday flights will help you enjoy your trip
Surviving travel during any peak travel season takes some thought and planning. You know there are going to be crowds. There are probably going to be inexperienced travellers. That means lines will be long. What can you do to make it better? Plan your flights strategically. Try to catch the first flight in the morning:…
You might just find that a once-in-a-while holiday at home will give you ideas and more money for future travel
Why would you want to holiday at home? You're into travel and adventure! But when the economy is in the skids, you might find that your budget just won't take a big international trip. The media even came up with a new word for a home holiday: a "staycation" instead of vacation. We all still…
German Christmas markets, a kaleidoscope of colors and lights, are street markets that are usually held in town squares and spill over into adjacent pedestrian zones
German Christmas markets, a kaleidoscope of colors and lights, are street markets that are usually held in town squares and spill over into adjacent pedestrian zones. While there are Christmas markets all over Europe, the tradition in Germanic speaking parts of Europe seems to go back to the Middle Ages. The markets generally coincide with…
Follow our rules to find cheap restaurants that offer both good food and low prices, no matter what part of the world you're in
When you're visiting a strange country or city, how do you find cheap restaurants? Travel can get expensive, and whether you're on a big budget or a tight one, you might not want to be eating at expensive restaurants every night. We're not necessarily talking "greasy spoons" here. Low budget food doesn't have to be…
I love world bazaars – souks, suqs, markets. Call them what you will, they're just so much fun to prowl in. By definition bazaars are shopping quarters, especially in the Middle East. They were probably the precursors to our flea markets, shopping malls, and supermarkets all rolled into one. The word seems to have originated…