These 3 Cities are the 2024 European Capitals of Culture
The EU’s Capitals of Culture program was designed to showcase the cultural riches of European cities that might not otherwise get the attention they deserve. Every year, new cities are designated that represent the incredible diversity of Europe’s landscapes, history, and resulting unique lifestyle heritage of different parts of the union. A year-long calendar of events brings visitors from their own countries, Europe, and around the world to discover or rediscover what makes these ‘Capitals of Culture’ special. And EU...
Best Souvenirs from an Emerald Cruise on France's Rhone River
A river cruise on the Rhone allows you to indulge in French cuisine, culture, scenery and lifestyle – and you’re going to want to take the best of the best of the region home! Our river cruise on the Emerald Liberte on the Rhone took us from Lyon, north on the Saone river, then down the Rhone to some of the most charming and storied towns in the south of France. Naturally, I picked up treasures along the way to cherish...
Get Refreshed at the Most Fabulous Fountains in Europe this Summer
Imagine your ideal European summer escape. Chances are, one of the sounds you hear is the splashing water of a fountain in the town square on a lazy afternoon. From ancient times, communities were built up around their local source of water. Eventually, many European cities then gave their sources of water sculptural and architectural treatments. That transformed them from watering holes… to wondrous waterworks and focal points of the European lifestyle travelers love.There’s nothing quite so refreshing as the...
All the Reasons Why 2022 is the Best Year Ever to Visit Europe
I can’t overstate it: 2022 is special for European travel. If you don’t visit in 2022, you’ll be kicking yourself forever. Have it all to yourselfLeading up to the pandemic, the most popular cities were getting a bit overrun. Before the crowds return in full force, early 2022 may be the best year of your lifetime to visit Venice, Barcelona, Paris or Amsterdam.New openingsWhile you were away, a slew of new hotels have been opening in Europe, and a number...
Seeing is Believing: Health Protocols are No Barrier to Enjoying a European River Cruise
If a picture speaks a thousand words, then a video is running commentary. That's why we wanted to share with you exactly what the health protocols on board an Avalon Waterways river cruise in France are in the Fall of 2021. We know some people have already begun traveling again - but others are still hesitant. Maybe you wonder if new health protocols take away from your river cruise experience. Or you wonder if it's safe enough. Lynn Elmhirst of...
River Cruising 'French Immersion'
The secret about river cruising was out, even before the pandemic. Like all cruise travel, it's the ‘easy button’ way to ‘sample’ multiple destinations and get an overview of a region. You unpack once, really settling in to your ship environment like a home away from home in a floating boutique hotel that winds its way through marquee cities as well as scenic countryside you might not see if you travel any other way. The enchantment of river cruising is...
These Famous Spa Destinations are Now UNESCO Sites
In 2021, UNESCO created a new, transnational World Heritage site: 11 towns in 7 European countries that collectively make up The Great Spa Towns of Europe.All of the towns developed around natural mineral water springs, many of which were used therapeutically from Europe’s earliest history. Together, the Great Spa Towns of Europe represent the international European spa culture that grew between the early 1700’s and 20th century, leading to the development of grand international spa resorts with buildings and rooms dedicated...
Celebrate in style at our #11 home for the holidays, an Airbnb Luxe chalet under the Mont Blanc massif
Celebrate in style at our #11 home for the holidays, an Airbnb Luxe chalet under the Mont Blanc massif. The only problem? With the slopes of Brévent-Flégère and Grands Montets so close—not to mention world-class climbing and hiking on Aiguille Verte—it’s all too easy to neglect your après-ski game. That’d be a shame, since this Airbnb Luxe chalet includes chef services just as elevated as the rest of the place. Link in bio.
The medieval knights who used to live here got to wear cool metal suits, but they never tasted Superhost Xavier’s croissants
The medieval knights who used to live here got to wear cool metal suits, but they never tasted Superhost Xavier’s croissants. Your rooms are atop the tower; note that any hair climbing may require intensive conditioning. Photo: @naomigelderblom