Europe
Posted July 8, 2009 by Jamie Moore
You know what they say: When in Rome.... I just couldn't resist tracking down some favorito local hangouts in this great city—two of which are actually in revamped garages. While you're here, savor a carefully crafted vegetarian meal. Drink to Italian style at a trendy wine bar. And rummage for bargains at a Roman "garage" sale.
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Arancia Blu (in Italian only): At this elegant vegetarian restaurant, Chef Fabio Passan whips together unusual combinations for a big splendido! factor. Here you get unforgettable meals at reasonable prices. Order lasagna flavored with ginger. Or, try ravioli stuffed with potatoes and mint, served with Sardinian sheep cheese. With a seasonal menu and 250 different bottles of wine, you can try something new each visit … although you may need to sample the dark chocolate cake with warm orange sauce again and again and again.
Drink
Freni e Frizioni (in Italian only): Head to this mechanics-garage-turned-trendy-wine-bar to rub shoulders with the who's who of Rome. Hip locals who want to see and be seen do it here among romantic candles, grand chandeliers, modern art, and funky music. Savor one of the famous mojitos and gawk at beautiful people from the bar. Take five on the open-air terrace where views of the Tiber River ("Tevere" for those in the know) are as fabulous as the ones inside.
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Borghetto Flaminio Market: Pick up an authentic souvenir at this Roman market housed in a funky old bus garage. You'll find bargains galore on everything from lampshades to designer clothes, but be sure to sharpen your wheelin'-and-dealin' skills before you arrive. This popular weekend market attracts Romans of all ages who have mastered the art of snapping up great deals. Who can blame them? Rumor has it one of Gucci's top designers sometimes books a table to sell off surplus goods at rock-bottom prices.
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(Photo: iStockphoto/Andrew Johnson)
Posted July 2, 2009 by Nicki Krawczyk
As far as picturesque seaside villages go, it’s awfully hard to beat the Cinque Terre region on Italy’s Ligurian Sea coast. First, because it’s actually a group of five villages and that gives it kind of an unfair advantage. Second, unfairly-advantaged or not, these five represent some of the most authentic, charming and still-relatively-tourist-untainted coastal towns you’ll find in Italy.
Adding to these molto belle little towns’ allure is the walking trail that connects the villages to each other and the various lesser paths through the hills. Sometimes a treat and sometimes a trek, you’ll enjoy the views even more if you’re comfortable, safe and not, oh, fearing for your life. Read on for a beginner’s primer to taming the trail of Cinque Terre.
Shoes. You’d think this would go without saying, but platforms are “in” again this season, so I think it’s important to note: This 8-mile trail is not the place to break in your new Italian leather pumps, ladies; and, gentlemen, forget the flip-flops. While in some places the path is as pleasant as a walk in the park, in others, it won’t be forgiving on anything less than comfy walking shoes.
Waterbottle. Yes, there are five lovely villages in which you can grab a little something to quench your thirst … but in between the villages is when you actually need it. With the sun beating down as you walk and, for example, climb the 368 stairs into Corniglia, you’ll be glad to be relying on the villages for refills instead of doctor-administered hydration.
Running. To each his own, I guess. If you do feel the need to see the Italian coast through the veils of sweat streaming in your eyes, it’s best to do it when the paths are less crowded: early in the morning or later in the evening. I’m kidding, of course; I’m sure this is a lovely way to experience the trails. Though, if you ask me, you’re taking your life in your hands a little bit since the trail can be quite…
Slippery. Especially when it rains, the walkway gets rather slick and offers hikers the value-added thrill ride of a very real potential to slide down the side of a precipice. Not so buono; tread carefully, my friends. You’ll also see many people utilizing walking sticks to thwart just such a disaster. As they say (or they should), “Walk softly and carry a big stick.”
Don’t Drink. Water? Yes. Grappa? No. And the same goes for pinot grigio, pinot noir, sangria and limoncello. Listen, the sun’s hot, the trail’s slippery and you’ve got miles to go—does it really sound like a good idea to add alcohol to the mix? Yet, you’d be surprised at the number of tourists who have clearly been imbibing. Wine from the local vineyards is spectacular, it’s true, but you’re better off saving your bottle for a celebratory dinner at the end of the trail. That way, there’s a much better chance you’ll actually make it there.
(Photo: www.panoramio.com)
Posted July 1, 2009 by Kate Hamman
From couture collectors to darling divas, people from all over the world come to bask in Paris' trend-setting glory. Come see what all the hype is about by paying a visit to some of the hippest joints in town, including a vintage boutique, a fashion museum, and a stylish brasserie.
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Musée Galliera: Walk in the high heels of fashion's history at the Musée Galliera. Housing a collection of more than 90,000 items, the museum invites visitors to learn about three centuries of fashion. Guests will encounter 18th century costumes, couture gowns, and designer accessories. Admission costs €7 (about $10 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates) and includes entrance to a library on the history of Western dress.
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Café Marly: Overlooking I.M. Pei's pyramid, Café Marly lives up to the Louvre's reputation by bringing fashion to the level of high art. Paris' top fashionistas and trendsetters mingle alongside its dark wood paneling and velvet drapery. The Pacific-Mediterranean cuisine is modeled after the clientele, with simple yet elegant dishes such as tomato-basil penne.
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Free "P" Star (site in French only): Located in the fourth arrondissement, this labyrinth of forgotten trends, retro accessories, and high-fashion finds attract the city's premier shoppers, including the likes of Kirsten Dunst and Sofia Coppola. If you have the patience to sift through the chaotic mountain of clothing, you may just encounter a hidden treasure. The bargain-basement prices make this vintage shop even more attractive. Open until 11 p.m., the store encourages you to take your time and shop your heart out.
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(Photo: Patrick Breig, iStockphoto)
Posted June 12, 2009 by Kate Hamman
The Mediterranean city of Barcelona may be known as a party town, but you'll also find plenty of character alongside its festive atmosphere. Spend a day chatting with residents and browsing a local market for the freshest produce. When evening comes, you can dine on upscale food for bargain prices, and see a show in a historical setting.
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La Boqueria: If you need items for an old-fashioned picnic or a gift for the chef back home, stop by La Boqueria for a delightful day among produce, meats, spices, and Catalunyan treats. Stroll the market and watch shopkeepers chat with sellers about the day's offerings, while perusing stalls overflowing with ripe fruits, veggies, and nuts. Prices depend on the seller, but a few picnic items will typically cost a lot less than lunch in a restaurant.
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Palau de la Música Catalana: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the ornately decorated modern building completed in 1908 by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner is considered one of the premier concert halls in the world. Make it a priority to see a show in the impressive concert hall, which features a kaleidoscope of color in the overhead skylight. Guided tours are also available for €12, and focus on the history behind the original design and its recent renovation.
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La Fonda Restaurant: With lines out the door before it even opens for dinner, La Fonda is a popular spot among tourists and locals. The airy restaurant, with white tablecloths and hardwood floors, may seem upscale, but the prices say otherwise. The seafood-driven menu includes a range of tantalizing top-quality dishes, such as parpadelles and prawns with garlic. Arrive early to get a table.
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(Photo: Oriol Cara-Ballbe)
Posted June 9, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Home to a rich music scene and many of the city's top artists, the Bairro Alto neighborhood thrives as Lisbon's cultural heartbeat. Come feel the rhythm at a late-night club or enjoy a cup of tea in a cafe cum art gallery. And when the night is over, relax in high style in a hip, boutique hotel where amenities reign supreme.
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Tasca do Chico: For authentic fado, melancholy Portuguese music accompanied by a 12-string guitar, stop in at this hole-in-the-wall tavern and grab a seat before 9:00 p.m. Tasca do Chico quickly fills with locals and tourists Monday and Wednesday nights, as many come to sing open-mic fado. In case you need some munchies in-between songs, you can also order food. Admission costs about €5 (about $7 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates).
Drink
Cultura do Chá (in Portuguese only): After a day of shopping in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, you can rest your weary feet while sipping on a spot of tea. This teahouse/art gallery displays local artist's works while serving a large variety of green, black, and herbal teas. If tea doesn't suit your taste, you can also order juice or one of the many food items, including quiches, salads, and croissants.
Stay
Bairro Alto Hotel: With countless travel awards to its credit, this contemporary boutique in the historic Bairro Alto district takes pampering to new heights. The hotel is housed in an 18th century building and offers modern amenities at a five-star level, including a 24-hour concierge, personal shopper, babysitter, and underground parking. Though it may be a bit pricey, with rates starting at €205, the hip ambience and location make it worth the splurge.
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(Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Aleksander Bochenek)
Posted May 12, 2009 by Kate Hamman
York exudes English charm, especially along its winding medieval street called the Shambles. However, don't be fooled by its picturesque setting, as the city has plenty of secrets lurking in the shadows, including its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Get to know the town by walking through its spooky history, dining with its ghosts, and drinking its tea inspired by an infamous ocean liner.
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The Ghost Trail of York: The Ghost Trail of York takes you along darkened streets at night, while you listen to tales of murder, plague, heartbreak, and revenge beyond the grave. A costumed guide waits in front of the York Minster every night at 7:30 p.m., regardless of weather, to reveal the gruesome and tragic events of York's past. Tickets cost £4.00 (about $6.00 U.S.; check XE.com for current conversion rates) and the tour lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.
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Golden Fleece: When you go to a pub for spirits, it's unlikely you're thinking of the dearly departed variety. The Golden Fleece, however, typically serves both. Built in 1503, you'll find York's most haunted drinking establishment across from the historical Shambles. Skip the drinks and go right to the main attraction of comfort foods, such as homemade Yorkshire pudding. Try not to be too alarmed if you catch sight of Lady Peckett, one of the five resident spirits. For a haunting good time, you can also rent one of the four rooms and spend the night with your newfound friends. Entrees start at £6.25.
Drink
Bettys Café Tea Rooms: Bettys Café Tea Rooms on St. Helen's Square captures the elegance of afternoon tea with absolute precision. Inspired by the founder's maiden voyage aboard the Queen Mary in 1936, the ornate and extravagant interior is reminiscent of the grand ocean liner which, incidentally, is haunted. A cup of the Tea Room Blend costs £2.95, but order Yorkshire Cream Tea, served in a piping hot pot with two scones, preserves, and clotted cream for £7.95, for a truly authentic experience.
To search for flights and compare prices to Leeds, which is home to York’s nearest major airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: VisitYork.org)
Posted April 13, 2009 by Kate Hamman
With rainbow-colored fields of blossoming tulips surrounding the city, Lisse, Netherlands, is an ideal place to be in the spring. However, you don't have to spend a fortune to appreciate the beauty of the season. Here, you can walk among the flowers at Keukenhof, dine and dance the night away at a nearby restaurant, and stay at a hotel close to it all.
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Keukenhof: Spring puts its best colors forward at Keukenhof, one of the world's largest flower gardens, where millions of bulbs blossom into a kaleidoscope of flora everywhere you turn. Try your green thumb at the Inspirational Gardens, where you're encouraged to grow your own tulips at home. The flower shows are a particularly special treat, as blooms from across the country are put on display and change weekly. You can also purchase bulbs and freshly cut flowers from several sellers at the park. Entrance costs €13.50 (about $18 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates).
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Restaurant De Nachtegaal: Located in the Golden Tulip Hotel, Restaurant De Nachtegaal offers a varied menu that changes on a whim. Most of the time, you can order a la carte items for dinner starting at €16.50, or a three-course prix fixe for €30. From Monday through Friday, you can enjoy an array of different dishes at the lunch buffet. On Saturday nights, the chef prepares a special three-course prix fixe menu for €25, and you may find yourself dancing in between courses as live music fills the air.
Stay
Hotel de Duif: The Hotel de Duif's rooms may not be fancy, but the location and price can't be beat. Situated in the center of town, not far from the fields of bulbs, you'll be able to sit on the patio and smell the flowers. The hotel's standard rooms come equipped with a shower and color TV, while the suites offer kitchenettes. Prices start at €75 per night.
To search for flights and compare prices to Amsterdam, which is home to Lisse’s closest international airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: HollandInformationStore.net)
Posted March 27, 2009 by Kate Hamman
With a knack for indulging in the sweet side of life, Brussels makes for a romantic getaway any time of year—and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to woo your honey. Come satisfy your sweetheart's chocolate craving at a designer candy shop before heading out to a traditional dinner of mussels and frites at a local eatery. Then at the end of the night, you can return to an affordable and cozy hotel that will take you both on a journey around the world.
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Wittamer: When chocolate and style collide, you get Wittamer's delicious, designer sweets. The sleek-cubed confections make the perfect treat for that special someone. With two shops downtown, you can either sample the homemade chocolates and pralines, or enjoy a decadent pastry with your sweetheart while sipping tea in their cafe.
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Chez Léon: Serving an array of homemade mussel dishes for more than 100 years, Chez Léon is the place to go in Brussels for your mollusk fix. The restaurant, however, serves more than just seafood, and you can find a variety of traditional Belgian dishes, including Belgian waffles.
Stay
Brussels Welcome Hotel: With a name like Welcome Hotel, it's not surprising that this small inn makes you feel at ease. Owners Sophie and Michel go to great lengths to familiarize you with the city, offering insider tips and suggestions. However, you can also travel around the world if you prefer to stay indoors. Each of the 15 rooms is decorated to emulate a different country, with representative items adorning the walls. The hotel is ideally located in the middle of St. Catherine, with a subway stop literally across the street. Rooms start at €96 (about $127 U.S.; check XE.com for current exchange rates), and include breakfast.
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Posted March 17, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Located on the shores of western Ireland, Galway is the ideal place to celebrate Irish culture any time of year. And you won't have to spend a fortune to get the essential Gaelic experience. Come drink a pint at a historic pub, eat fresh fish and chips from a local restaurant, and stay in a guesthouse that resembles a small castle.
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The Quays Bar: For more than 400 years, the Quays (pronounced "keys") Bar has been the spot for good drinks and music in Galway. Complete with pews, the church-themed interior may add to the religious experience you feel when a particularly great band takes the stage. The pub serves food if you're feeling a bit peckish, but there's nothing better than a pint of something frothy at this quintessential watering hole.
Eat
Mc Donagh's Seafood House: Serving the freshest fish and chips in the city for four generations, Mc Donagh's will put a smile on the face of any seafood lover. At the bar, you can choose from a variety of freshly caught fish to fry and either eat in-house or take away, while the sit-down restaurant serves a complete seafood menu with items such as grilled trout spaghetti and baked cod. Restaurant entrees start at €12.50 (about $16.25; check XE.com for current exchange rates).
Stay
St. Judes: Located in the lower Salthill area, within walking distance of the city's top attractions, St. Judes provides a peaceful escape in the heart of Galway. The 1920s home is reminiscent of a castle, and you may feel like you're getting the royal treatment while staying here. Choose from the inn's six guest suites, and enjoy a cooked-to-order Irish breakfast in the morning. When the weather is nice, you can wander the grounds or sit outside on the patio.
To search for flights and compare prices to Shannon, which is home to Galway’s closest international airport, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Failte Ireland)
Posted March 9, 2009 by Kate Hamman
Take in the sights and smells of Amsterdam's sweeter side with a dynamic chocolate shop and an array of pancake flavors. And the sugary goodness continues as the scent of cakes and confections lulls you to sleep.
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Puccini Bomboni: Charlie would abandon the Chocolate Factory without a second thought for Puccini Bomboni's inventive chocolates. Think tamarind, thyme, ginger, and fig. Everything is handmade on the spot, and people claim to be drawn in off the street by the scent of melted cocoa and spices. Browse the unique pyramid-style display of chocolates, and sample the liqueur-filled and herb-flavored treats.
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The Pancake Bakery: When the griddle gets hot, the Pancake Bakery gets hopping, with more than 75 different kinds of pannekoeken (a combination crepe and an American pancake), including international flavors such as Greenlandic, Egyptian, and French. For the more traditional Dutch-style taste, you can pick from a range of sweet and savory toppings such as apple and Grand Marnier, bacon and cheese, and raisins in brandy.
Stay
Cake Under My Pillow: Whoever coined the term "sweet dreams" must've stayed at the Cake Under My Pillow. Here, the scent of cakes, pies, and confections literally drifts through your window each morning, as there's a bakery and cafe beneath the B&B. You will find free coffee and tea service in the upstairs kitchen throughout your stay.
To search for flights and compare prices to Amsterdam, please use our price-comparison tool.
(Photo: Sebastian Duda/iStockphoto.com)
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