Aachen, Germany is famous for three things: Charlemagne, a 1,200-year-old cathedral, and gingerbread. It is also home to one of the most charming Christmas markets in Germany. Dozens of stalls surround the cathedral and town hall, once part of Charlemagne’s royal palace. Twinkling lights and the aroma of warm spices create an irresistibly festive atmosphere […]
Europe
When the Cows Come Home in Annecy, France
The Annecy Cow Festival is one of my favorite cultural events from around the world. Held on the second Saturday of October, it celebrates the return of the cows from their summer pastures. The cattle make their ascent in June and graze happily all summer. Then in autumn, back down the mountain they come. This […]
Two Weeks in Portugal: The Ultimate Road-Trip Itinerary
While I love traveling by train, especially in Europe, some destinations are best explored by car. Driving gives you more freedom to stop in all the cute little towns and historic sites that might have limited public transportation connections. It also means you don’t have to worry so much about departure times or hauling your […]
10 Awesome Things to Do In Lisbon, Portugal
With its colorful tile-covered buildings, hilltop views, and perfect year-round climate, Lisbon is an easy city to love. The Portuguese capital is one of the oldest cities in Europe, but it has a modern, energetic vibe thanks to its diverse population and burgeoning food and nightlife scenes. No matter how many times you visit, there’s […]
Bologna, Modena, Parma Itinerary for 5 Days in Emilia-Romagna
The Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is known for three things: food, opera, and sports cars. Bologna is the capital, renowned for its university, ragù sauce, and labyrinth of UNESCO-listed porticoes. Pretty little Parma is the home of Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, and composer Giuseppe Verdi, three of my favorite things. Not to be outdone, Modena’s contribution […]