Spa Travel Tips and Insider's Guides

Munich is a warmhearted Bavarian city, with a grand array of hotels from which to choose. We'd like to offer our suggestions for... [Read the full story]

Located on the banks of the Rhine, at the border between Switzerland, France and Germany, Basel is a culturally rich city. It... [Read the full story]

  Spain is a country of mystery and romance, and what could be mysterious than the city of Ronda, where the rain falls... [Read the full story]

  I’ve been walking and bicycling Florence’s busy and beautiful streets for five days now; it’s been hot and... [Read the full story]

Germany is full of charming old towns and tourist routes such as the Romantic Road, but there are less traveled areas and towns in... [Read the full story]

Earlier, I wrote about the Prado Museum in Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art.  The Thyssen Bornemisza and the Rein Sofia Museums complete... [Read the full story]

A small area in the heart of Madrid, called the “Golden Triangle of Art,” holds some of the world’s greatest art treasures. Three... [Read the full story]

The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is located close to Madrid , Spain in the small town of El Escorial.  Read more about... [Read the full story]

One of eight provinces in Andalusia, Spain, Malaga dazzles with its regal architecture and glistening blue waters. Once considered... [Read the full story]

When you think of Formentor in the northeastern section of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), picture a secluded, sheltered cove,... [Read the full story]

You are climbing to your room in snow shoes and seeing the stars through a hole in your igloo! No, you are not in Alaska or on... [Read the full story]

The food of Franconia is hearty fare. Typical Franconian restaurants and inns dot the landscape of this German region and they... [Read the full story]

A true Andalusian gem, Cordoba, Spain has a rich and varied history, which is apparent in the city’s current culture. Over the... [Read the full story]

Many times I have heard it said that Eco-Friendly hotels are always upscale and expensive! Well this article is for all those... [Read the full story]

  [caption id="attachment_11433" align="alignleft" width="135" caption="Franziskaner Beer"][/caption] German beer has... [Read the full story]

  On my first trip to Ireland, I took a bus from Clifden on the west coast that I thought was headed to Donegal in the... [Read the full story]

For years The Bedruthan Steps Hotel has been known as a family friendly hotel, perfect for children and parents alike. In recent... [Read the full story]

A culinary epicenter on a global level, Alba Italy is home to the Slow Food Movement, noble wines made with the Nebbiolo grape,... [Read the full story]

The history and beauty of the Canary Islands is easily missed if you're hopping over for the party, sun, sea and sand. But, just... [Read the full story]

As I look out into my living room at all of my Christmas decorations, I am immediately reminded of trips I have taken and the... [Read the full story]

I was in the historic Andalusian town of Ronda for less than an hour before I realized that an umbrella will only do you so much... [Read the full story]

One of my favorite things about traveling is discovering new food and drinks. When I return home, I enjoy sharing these experiences... [Read the full story]

Distinctive design, world class wine and delectable food prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, rolled tidily into four days, what... [Read the full story]

  The immortal city of Rome is never more stunning than at night when all of its incredible buildings, fountains, and... [Read the full story]

After strolling along the Spree River, standing in awe at the base of the Berliner Dom (Berlin’s celebrated cathedral) and bargaining... [Read the full story]

  We couldn't have had a better first few days in Spain. After a 9 am landing on a cool, late-February morning at Madrid's... [Read the full story]

While Dublin pulled well over it’s weight in nightlife craic (an Irish term for fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation),... [Read the full story]

The fused scents of cigar smoke, charred wet stone and centuries of Basque history permeate the seven streets of the Casco Viejo,... [Read the full story]

There is no shortage of sights to see in Seville. I’ve been there twice and feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what... [Read the full story]

  The illuminated Koutoubia Mosque looms high and imposing over the Djamma el-Fna, the centuries old heart of Marrakech.... [Read the full story]

Have you ever looked at labels on European wine bottles and wondered about the meaning of AOC, DOGC, or QmP? Look no further.  [caption... [Read the full story]

  Tapas. Pinxtos. Or less formally, little bites of Spanish goodness. There are plenty of reasons to go to Spain; tapas... [Read the full story]

  In a city like Barcelona that is brimming with breathtaking works of modern art by the likes of Dalí, Picasso and Gaudi;... [Read the full story]

Cala Figuera, a tranquil and picturesque fishing village situated in a bay surrounded by cliffs, is one of the most scenic spots... [Read the full story]

While I was pursuing a degree at Université de Rennes II (France) in French Studies with a specialty in Art History, I got “schooled,”... [Read the full story]

On one of the best trips we’ve ever taken to Spain’s Basque region, my husband and I scoped out some regional gems that are... [Read the full story]

You need to travel to the north west side of Mallorca to find two of the most beautiful and sophisticated towns on the island ... [Read the full story]

This is the second in my “Travel Reading” series of posts. For a list of books that deal with French culture and politics... [Read the full story]

There is a great demand for native English speakers to teach the language in European countries. As English becomes more and more... [Read the full story]

  After writing a paper on the Bilbao Guggenheim for a contemporary art history course in graduate school, I knew I had... [Read the full story]

While planning what was supposed to be a trip to Spain and Morocco, I scheduled a 1-day stop in Granada, Spain. After sampling... [Read the full story]

The Andalusia area of southern Spain is home to dozens of charming small towns, referred to as the White Hill Towns because of... [Read the full story]

Thalasso Therapy, a tradition that comes to us all the way from Ancient Greece, (thalasso is Greek for sea) is gaining increased... [Read the full story]

  Nice may have its boardwalk along the deep blue sea and Monaco its glitzy casinos, but in between, perched high on a... [Read the full story]

Barcelona, a paradise for night lovers? Yes, but the Catalan capital has plenty more to offer. Let us explore some local hot... [Read the full story]

Barcelona offers a plethora of great restaurants serving up authentic local cuisine. But sometimes you just want to speak English,... [Read the full story]

The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, recently named Glasgow a UNESCO City of Music, as part of the Organization’s... [Read the full story]

Barcelona is ideally situated in the Catalunya area of Spain. While you could certainly fill your days with the many sights of... [Read the full story]

Not as well known as the larger Canary Islands, Lanzarote is perhaps the most fascinating. A week’s worth of attractions make... [Read the full story]

The best-known of Spain's Canary Islands is Tenerife, its touristic fame established nearly a century ago by the British who still... [Read the full story]

Europeans are nothing if not total hedonists. They love good food, good wine, and at the end of the day, they love a good spa.... [Read the full story]

Seville, on the River Guadalquivir in Andalusia (Spanish Andalucia), is my favorite city in Spain (so far). Lush and sensual,... [Read the full story]

Wander the maze of narrow, crooked streets in Toledo, Spain, and you'll find a cultural or historical marvel on almost every... [Read the full story]

Two of Europe’s most popular wine regions – Champagne and Burgundy – have been painted in a new light with Natalie Maclean’s... [Read the full story]

Collioure, France is a colorful little Mediterranean fishing village located just 15 miles from the border with Spain at the foot... [Read the full story]

Lenzerheide, a village in Switzerland’s eastern canton of Grisons, is not as well known as some mountain resorts, but to winter... [Read the full story]

Looking for a new way to see the city of light? How about a tour on an electric bike? Paris Charms and Secrets is a new company... [Read the full story]

More than 52 hotels and resorts located throughout Europe in the World Hotel chain are eliminating the Euro-to-US dollar exchange... [Read the full story]

For eight centuries, pilgrims have come to the great basilica in Vezelay to be blessed on their long journey to Santiago de Compostela... [Read the full story]

We just returned from a few days in Basque Country located in the Southwest corner of France.  We were delighted to find that... [Read the full story]

We arrived on Thursday afternoon in a raging rainstorm, flying in from Paris.  It was a good flight, but landing was a little... [Read the full story]

Agritourism is gaining in popularity as a way to learn more about the country you are visiting in a very personal way. Agritourism... [Read the full story]

Lausanne Lausanne is the second largest city on Lake Geneva. It is also where you will find the Swiss High Courts of Justice... [Read the full story]

  Spain is home to more than 2,000 castles, exhibiting the varied cultural influences from throughout the country's history.... [Read the full story]