europe
Whether embarking on a Eurotrip or a weekend jaunt to a foreign city, European travel requires some smart planning; you may know all the must-see landmarks, but we provide the hidden gems.
Eight tips for visiting British castles
Tip 1 Join English Heritage and The National Trust. Between them, and their sister organisations, they look after a large number of castles in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as many other historical buildings and places of scenic beauty. An annual membership grants free entry to most of their properties, and other benefits. You can join when you visit your first castle, or online. However, there are also castles that are privately owned and are therefore either not open at all, or are not covered by the above memberships. Some castles, such as Windsor which is a royal residence, only allow public access to part of the site.
By John Welford5 years ago in Wander
The Female Matador
I met Joel and Katie in Barcelona as they began the first leg of their two week anniversary where they were to start here in the city before touring the countryside. Having been inseparable friends since school I immediately changed my backpacking route when I heard of their travel plans. Together we three ex-pats took to the city for a weekend immersed in sights and culture in an attempt to relive the days of Hemingway and the Fitzgeralds as they traveled across Europe. The first day began with a walk down the Ramblas Market where street performers gestured for coins and workers passed out fliers for restaurants and clubs among the many handlers of live animals and peddlers of local wares all vying for a moment of a tourist’s attention. Later we basked in the beauty of Gaudi Park and his unfinished cathedral rising toward the sky like spires of champagne. That night it was tapas and alcohol and smoking as only vacationers do. I admit I had difficulty finding sustenance in the meager meal portions or the light and simple beers having recently indulged in the rich heartiness that Ireland, Scotland and Germany had offered but I enjoyed the company and the change in culture and the feeling that we would always be this young and adventurous in my mind. At the end of the night while taking in a Flamenco show on the courtyard we decided our last day would be spent watching one of Spain’s most proud and significant traditions; a bull fight. We had seen posters earlier for one happening at a coliseum not far away and though Katie winced at the idea of the violence she relented to join us and so we retired to our separate rooms to sleep off the night and begin fresh in the morning.
By Kincaid Jenkins5 years ago in Wander
Landmarks Of Eastern Europe
Czech Republic The Vitava River flows through the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague. The city has been nicknamed "The City of a Hundred Spires." There are many colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches and impressive landmarks.
By Rasma Raisters5 years ago in Wander
Ramsey Island, Wales
Ramsey Island lies one mile off the Pembrokeshire coast (southwest Wales) and is a nature lover’s paradise due to its careful preservation and management by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). It is uninhabited by humans apart from the RSPB wardens and a small volunteer staff, and access is carefully controlled to ensure minimal disturbance to the island’s extensive wildlife.
By John Welford5 years ago in Wander
Landmarks Of Western Europe
France The capital of France, Paris is the global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. The city is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and divided into two banks by the Sein River. it offers visitors many impressive landmarks to see, boutiques to shop in, art galleries, museums, and some of the very best restaurants.
By Rasma Raisters5 years ago in Wander
Northern European Landmarks
Norway The lovely city of Oslo is the capital of Norway. The city draws many tourists with its landmarks and parks, open spaces, protected forests, hills and many lakes. The parks and open spaces are accessible from almost any point in the city.
By Rasma Raisters5 years ago in Wander
When in Tarragona, Do as the Romans Do
Fourteen thousand spectators are baying for blood as a gladiator stands over his defeated adversary. All eyes are fixed on Emperor Augustus. He stands with slow majesty, smooths down his white toga and lifts his right arm outwards. His hand is fisted, his thumb extended horizontally. He twists it up and then down a little. Teasing us.
By Alex Markham5 years ago in Wander
My Adventure in Greece Part I
One of the Army's benefits is being stationed in Germany, where travel throughout Europe is cheap and convenient due to the mass transportation options. When I had a long weekend, I took every opportunity to travel, and in 2005, I made a trip to Athens, Greece. After reading about Greek mythology, studying Alexander the Great's exploits, and saw the Elgin Marbles in London, I always wanted to visit Greece.
By Chad Pillai5 years ago in Wander
My Dream Destination: Scotland
I became a huge fan of the Scottish romantic-comedy movie Gregory's Girl (1981) when I was only 7 years old. Asides from Gregory’s Girl and my love for British culture being the main sources of travel inspiration, I have other reasons why I wish to visit Scotland one day; I have Scottish ancestry and my grandmother is Scottish. I enjoyed spending time in England so much that I eventually discovered other possible vacation destinations in the United Kingdom like Scotland.
By Talia Devora5 years ago in Wander
