Schnitzels and sausages and roasts, oh my! We are salivating over Vienna’s dedication to a hearty meal over here. Now, it’s not just Vienna, but the capital city of Austria is known for being a cultural epicenter. However, we’ve been all over the country and can confirm that a Wiener Schnitzel can still be expertly made in Graz and Salzburg as well. Just what is it that makes Austrian meat so craveable?
As one of the largest cities in all of Europe, Prague continues to draw yearly crowds for its breathtaking architecture, historical sites and lively entertainment. With some of the best preserved sights in the Czech Republic, it can be hard to narrow down the list of all of Prague’s attractions, if only there for a limited amount of time.
An amalgamation of Czechs, Germans, Slovaks, Jews, Italians, and even the French, the Czech Republic has a long history of being an impressively blended society. This little landlocked country, though often best known for its capital city, Prague, has so much to offer tourists that are looking for a completely unique European experience. Here’s a taste of what you can experience off the beaten path in the Czech Republic.
Winter has almost passed, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the opportunity to go skiing this year! There are still some stunning ski resorts with good snow conditions for those craving a last-minute snowy easter break. And what’s more, you’re much more likely to enjoy relaxed sunny days on the slopes, rather than getting stuck in nasty February white-outs. Here are some of the best late season ski destinations in Europe.
Throughout the centuries, Europe has remained a favored destination by travelers from all over the world. The medieval cities, lovely languages, delicious food, and historical landmarks all add to Europe’s undeniable charm. Yet, for most people, the iconic idea of “backpacking across Europe” sounds like an amazing, but elusive, pipedream. However, Europe is no longer considered just a destination for the wealthy; in fact, hidden away in this continent is a myriad of hacks for the average budget traveler. Keep reading below for tips to travel through Europe on a budget--your dream European vacation may be cheaper than you think!
Jetting off to the Italian peninsula is every traveler’s dream. Experiences such as relaxing in a Venetian gondola, sipping fine wine in Tuscany, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain can all be categorized as “bucket list.” For art lovers, though, Italy holds a special place in their tourism fantasies. It seems as though every city is bursting with artistic history and talent. Each area of Italy tells a different story, so planning travel to Italy can be daunting.
This year I had the chance to travel with the BYU Women’s Basketball team to Europe on their Foreign Basketball Tour, visiting the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Here are 9 Things I Learned from Traveling Overseas on a Foreign Basketball Tour:
Curious about this Nordic island nation? Iceland is widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice.” This country is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world's most active volcanoes. Volcanoes and glaciers and no forest, oh my! This destination offers more eco-friendly activities. Iceland burns very few fossil fuels and instead uses geothermal heating! Here are 10 reasons why Iceland should be your next travel destination!
Contrary to its name, Iceland is home to not only some of the world’s largest glaciers, but also some of the most active volcanoes! The island has slowly heated up over time. 8000 years ago, Iceland was completely buried under ice. This isn’t the only contrast you’ll find throughout Iceland. Depending on your season of travel, Iceland offers long summer days with up to 24 hours of daylight and short winter days to the minimum of just a few hours of sun!
If you follow any avid travelers on Instagram, chances are that you have seen a LOT of photos of Iceland. A Nordic island nation, Iceland is defined by dramatic landscapes, black beaches, active volcanos, boiling geysers, and crystal blue hot springs, all of which make this country a true paradise for photographers and adventurers, alike. (Oh, and did I mention the amazing flight deals?!) So the only question you really need to ask yourself is, “When do I go?!?”
Whatever the season, Iceland is an adventure that can only be truly appreciated outdoors, so enjoy a front row seat at nature’s wonders but be prepared to spend the majority of your trip outside. And dress accordingly! Here’s an essential guide of what to pack for Iceland, no matter what time of year you choose to go.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists Cinque Terre as one of 845 culturally significant sites in the world. With its natural and manmade beauty working together to create breathtaking views over the course of 7.5-miles, it is no wonder why this part of Italy is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the region and country.
In the most recent years, Iceland has become one of the most popular travel destinations on the map. Offering vast, out-of-this-world landscapes, rich Scandinavian culture, and affordable travel costs, it’s easy to figure out why Iceland has landed a spot at the top of everyone’s bucket list! So before booking your own getaway to the land of fire and ice, look into the benefits of choosing a fully developed and specially curated trip over the stress of planning and budgeting an experience of your own!
Planning a trip to the beautiful country of Italy? Need suggestions on the best boutique hotels? Well you have come to the right place! Featured boutique hotels will be in Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Umbria. Boutique are small hotels with anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms. Most have unique settings with individualized and upscale accommodations. Each boutique hotel offers a distinctive experience filled with history!
Packing for a trip can be so stressful! You can make list after list and still forget something. We are here to help with 10 packing essentials to make your trip to Italy comfortable. Italy has seasons so make sure you know the season you are packing for. These ten essential are for all seasons of travel and any region of Italy you will explore.
Italy is always a great idea, and the Cinque Terre is sure to steal your heart. The Italian Riviera will enchant you with her brightly colored cliffside houses that cascade down to the Ligurian Sea, walking paths with soaring views, otherworldly sunsets, and delectable cuisine. While we believe that anytime is a good time to visit Italy, certain times of the year will be more rewarding and memorable based on your travel style, and the type of trip you are seeking.
