Named for the apostle Andrew, the town of St Andrews is located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland and was originally founded as a religious settlement. Today it is widely known for its university and as the home of golf in Scotland (and the world), and is a popular spot for travelers as well as a site for conferences. Here’s a list of just a few things to see and do in St Andrews. Visit the University of St Andrews – The university is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious and it is the third oldest in the English-speaking world. When in session, student enrollment accounts more nearly a third of the town’s population, so it’s no surprise that the university is well integrated into the community. The university has a great museum as well. Walk among […]
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Royal London: 8 Royal Parks in London
A visit to London this year is sure to be full of hectic activities and adventures. The 2012 Olympics Summer Olympics will bring in athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world, and Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee has the calendar chock full of commemorative events and displays. You can easily find yourself wrapped up in a whirlwind of activities at a maddening pace. When you’re ready for a break, and a get back to nature moment, try visiting one of the 8 royal parks of London, most of which are an easy walk from your London location. Fair warning, they can be busy, crowded, places, but the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful grounds in the out-of-doors, can be a tonic to the traveler’s soul. The parks were originally 5,000 acres of hunting grounds for the royals. Later they became formal gardens, […]
Read MoreThrowing Three Coins in Rome’s Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi, better known to most of us as Trevi Fountain, is Rome’s most spectacular and popular fountain. In a city with so many impressive fountains, that’s a pretty big claim. The Baroque-style fountain, designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, is located in a busy section of the city, not far from the popular Via del Corso. To get to the fountain you walk down narrow streets, some of which seem more like alleys than streets, to the historic center of Rome. There’s signage to help you find the way, and asking for directions will help get you pointed in the right direction, but if you find the noise gets louder and louder it means you’re getting close. When I first stepped into the Piazza di Trevi, its intricate sculptures, cascading water, and faded stones wowed […]
Read MoreThe Arc de Triomphe: The Triumph of Paris
Standing in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle (also called the Place de l’Étoile) at the western end of the Champs-Élyseés, the Arc de Triomphe is the largest triumphal arch in the world. It honors those who bravely fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars, and beneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, the grave marked by the very first eternal flame. The flame burns in memory of those who died, but were not identified, in both WWI and WWII. The English translation of the inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918.” It’s said that this flame was the inspiration for an eternal flame being placed on the grave of assassinated President John F. Kennedy. The Arc de Triomphe stands about 165 feet tall, […]
Read MoreParty Down in Ibiza
Located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands (a regional governmental level in Spain) and is home to a port district that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But, let’s face it, what Ibiza is really known for is its party reputation – despite plenty of options for cultural and family travelers – so chances are that you’ll be doing plenty of partying during your Ibiza holidays. The nightlife is generally centered around Ibiza Town in the south, and Sant Antoni in the west. During the summer, the peak tourist season, top DJs and music producers head to Ibiza to make appearances at the clubs. Many of the prominent DJ’s have a performance circuit around the island, creating a way to present and try out new music. Music is generally electronic, […]
Read MoreExploring the White Villages of Andalucia
When travelers think of the Costa del Sol in Spain, the first thing to come to mind is often American-style resorts. What was once a quiet coastline of fishing villages has expanded rapidly, resulting into what many would call over development. Yet this isn’t the only side of Andalucia. Venture away from the coastline and into the hills and you will find the region’s famous white villages. Stunning from afar, impossibly perched up on hillsides, they are somehow even more fascinating when you finally reach them after a series of hairpin turns on two lane roads. All you will need to explore is a rental car, a basic map, and an appetite, and with so many options, it’s fascinating and affordable. Once you arrive in each of the following villages, explore on foot and find a restaurant or tapas bar […]
Read MoreTerrific Tenerife: 5 Reasons to Go to the Canary Islands
Just a mention of the word Tenerife and wide stretches of sunny beaches spring to mind. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and although it is located 0ff the coast of western Africa, they are part of Spain. For decades Europeans have been flocking to Tenerife and the Canary Islands for guaranteed sunshine and outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for a new beach destination, here are five of the top reasons to add Tenerife to your wish list. 1. Stunning Volcanic Scenery What’s a beach vacation without some incredible scenery? In Tenerife that scenery is the result of volcanic activity. Visitors can admire rocks jetting out from the ocean as well as the dormant volcano Mount Teide. If you’re interested in exploring this volcano, hit the hiking trails in Parque Nacional del Teide. Some travelers come to Tenerife […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Venice by Water
While riding in a gondola in Venice is one of the most common ways to see the city, it is also one of the most expensive. A ride on the traghetto, a sort of foot ferry on a gondola, is usually crowded and quick, leaving little time to see the city from the water. A ride on the vaporetto (water taxi) can be so crowded that you may not even be able to see the water from your standing spot. Although I think a trip to Venice should include all three of the above, on a hot summer day I’d suggest taking to the water on a motor boat. A motor boat will take you nearly everywhere that a gondola will. The faster pace may be a little less romantic, but the trade off is a little breeze on your […]
Read MoreLjubljana Castle Blends History & Culture in Slovenia
If you’re a castle lover, Slovenia is the right place for a blend of history and culture in a country that’s still untainted by the tourist factor. First stop on your list will likely be the capital city’s Ljubljana Castle built in the 15th century. Located in the city of its namesake, the castle sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the city and the countryside and it’s the largest and most visited castle in the country. Not surprising. It’s free to enter the castle courtyard so even if you just want a good view and a cup of coffee or glass of wine at the top, you’ll be able to take in the atmosphere no cost. Guided tours take place daily from June to mid-September at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and are about an hour long. From […]
Read MoreItalian Vacation: Gondolas in Venice
Can there be a more iconic experience of Venice than a ride in a gondola? For centuries this flat-bottomed boat was the primary means of transportation and moving goods within the city Venice, but today they are primarily used for sightseeing by visitors, weddings and funerals, and the occasional regatta. So yes, riding on a gondola is a touristy thing to do – but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss it out of hand. This quintessential experience can be relaxing, fun, and romantic. It will let you see the city from the water, and for a few minutes, let you imagine what the city was like in an earlier era. The cheapest way to ride a gondola is also the quickest. For about a dollar (depending on exchange rates) you can take a traghetto, a sort of foot ferry shuttling […]
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