20 articles tagged with european destinations
While I typically travel solo to document linguistic diversity across the globe, my recent journey to *Balaton-tó* (Lake Balaton) in Hungary was a delightful departure—hosting my sister and her two energetic children for a week of cultural immersion at what...
While I typically find myself carving through fresh powder in Colorado or scaling peaks in Patagonia, my recent detour to Maastricht, Netherlands, was an unexpected highlight in my travel portfolio. As someone who normally packs crampons instead of casual shoes,...
Lithuania might not be the first destination that comes to mind for most travelers, but after spending a weekend exploring the fairytale castle of Trakai and the vibrant streets of Vilnius, I'm convinced it should be on everyone's radar. As...
When most travelers hear 'Bran Castle,' their minds immediately conjure images of vampires, dark forests, and Bram Stoker's infamous Count Dracula. Yet, after visiting this Romanian landmark for the third time—this time with my dear friends and their children—I've discovered...
The morning light in Sibiu has a quality I've never encountered elsewhere – it doesn't simply illuminate the medieval architecture; it seems to breathe life into the very stones. As I stand in the Piața Mare (Large Square) with my...
As someone who spent countless childhood summers exploring the cobblestone streets of Heidelberg with my German mother, returning to this fairytale city always feels like coming home. There's something magical about watching the sunset cast golden hues across the red...
When I first visited Turin in my early 60s, I was astonished that this elegant northern Italian city wasn't on more travelers' radar. After decades of helping passengers at Hawaiian Airlines navigate their Italian dreams (usually directing them to Rome,...
After navigating the autobahns of Germany at speeds that would make a V8 Supercar driver proud, pulling into Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like downshifting through time itself. The moment those imposing medieval walls come into view, you realize you've...
Standing on the edge of Oudegracht canal at sunrise, watching the first light paint the medieval wharf cellars in golden hues, I was struck by how Utrecht whispers its stories rather than shouting them like its famous neighbor Amsterdam. As...
When my Ukrainian grandfather described the forests of his homeland in his travel journals, I never imagined I'd find a similar enchantment in Germany's southwestern corner. Yet here I was, standing at the edge of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald), watching...
When my marine biology colleague invited me to guest lecture at KU Leuven (Belgium's oldest university founded in 1425!), I was thrilled to explore this charming Flemish city. What I discovered was a perfect blend of historic architecture, vibrant student...
I've spent the better part of two decades chasing craft beer around the globe, from Portland's hipster havens to Germany's centuries-old breweries. But sometimes the most remarkable discoveries happen when you step just slightly off the well-trodden path. That's exactly...
I still remember the first time I stepped into the Mezquita-Cathedral of Cordoba. The forest of candy-striped arches stretching into infinity literally stopped me in my tracks, and I stood there, mouth agape like the most obvious tourist ever. Ten...
When I first stepped off the bus into Cesky Krumlov after a scenic three-hour ride from Prague, I felt like I'd traveled through time rather than just across the Czech countryside. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its 13th-century castle...
The Netherlands has always held a special fascination for me, with its ingenious water management systems and distinctive urban planning. While most travelers beeline for Amsterdam's iconic canals and museums, there's a gem hiding in plain sight just 20 minutes...
