The scenery in the Loire Valley changes around every curve. Honey-colored villages give way to lavish castles. Vine-draped fields back onto the lush banks of the Loire, France’s longest river. And although trains serve each of the region's main destinations, the best way to explore is by car. It gives you better access to the…
Portugal once enjoyed a reputation as one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. While prices have been on the rise in recent years (thanks in part to the nation’s growing popularity), you can still travel inexpensively. Portugal’s parks and nature reserves are all free to visit, as is the wide array of trails and greenways. Starting the…
Whether you are looking for a Mediterranean escape, a road trip through hilly wine regions, or an awe-inspiring art-fuelled tour through medieval cities, Italy will not disappoint. But with a long list of attractions – whether they're culinary, scenic, architectural, historic or cultural – and many variables, planning a budget journey through Italy can be tricky. Prices often vary from…
Do you need a visa to travel to Italy? That all depends on which passport you hold. Visa requirements for Italy range from precisely zero – no visa or registration needed – to mandatory visas which must be applied for well in advance of your trip. That’s in addition to restrictions on the length of…
Hidden in the far northeastern corner of Italy, the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has been a crossroads for centuries. Bordered by Austria and Slovenia, the region stretches from the Alps and the Dolomites in the north to the Adriatic sea almost an hour’s drive to the south, where populations from the Romans to the…
Even as we travel around the globe, it’s easy to forget that our planet is part of a much larger celestial dance. Sure, we mark the orbit of the Earth around the Sun each year, but nothing reminds us that we are part of something much bigger than the experience of watching the Moon slide…
France-based travel journalist Anna Richards understands the allure of the Moulin Rouge and why that may be your first preference for cabaret while in Paris - but here's why she thinks you should consider the Crazy Horse. Cabaret dancer Lola Kashmir doesn’t divulge her “real” name to me. When dancers perform their debut show at…
It's been my honor and pleasure to call Brussels home for many years – the Belgian capital is a vibrant European hub that welcomes millions of visitors every year with open arms. However, there are some insider tips about Belgian culture, and Brussels in particular, that will make your trip go a little more smoothly.…
The vast majority of visitors to France choose to travel en voiture (by car). However, while driving is often the most convenient and comfortable way to get around – especially if you want to explore the French countryside – it’s not always the easiest or even cheapest option. The French rail network is superb, and traveling…
ELE|NA, a renowned spa management company, has been honored with the prestigious Silver Standard accreditation by the Sustainable Spa Association. As a brand deeply committed to environmental sustainability and the …