March 21, 2018 World's fanciest airport lounges Check in to one of these swanky airport lounges, where amenities range from complimentary pajamas to meals prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
March 21, 2018 Surprisingly spectacular city beaches Gorgeous sandy real estate where you'd never expect to find it.
March 21, 2018 Europe on the slow track: 4 iconic railways If you're into seeing the countryside, what you want is a ride aboard Europe's trains of no vitesse, "branch line" routes.
March 21, 2018 10 hottest European hotels While many travelers visit Europe for its centuries-old history, there are those who appreciate the Continent's au courant attractions — cutting edge restaurants, sexy nightclubs and, of course, sleek hotels. One of the most exciting things about European hotels is that you can have the best of the past and present, sometimes in a single lodging. With that in mind, we have chosen these ten hotels. From a sophisticated Tuscan farmhouse to a stylish island hideaway, they offer a range of décor and architectural style. At the same time, one element remains constant: warm, traditional hospitality.
March 21, 2018 Top 10 hotels in France When it comes to culture, France has always been in the vanguard. And while the country is rightly celebrated for its contributions to food, film and fashion, savvy travelers know that French influence also sets standards around the globe for hotels. Whether you crave classic or contemporary, intimate or extravagant, you'll find a hotel on this list that's just right for you. Attributes range from royal histories and unforgettable settings to sumptuous spas and exceptional restaurants, making each property its own distinctive haven.
March 21, 2018 Top 10 European sleeper cities With warmer weather on the horizon, folks are already beginning to dream about – and plan their trips to – far off destinations. Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure that can conjure up images of rich history, scenic beauty and possibly, an empty wallet. There’s no doubt about it, heading “across the pond” can be an expensive endeavor. This is especially true if you’re like most travelers who visit popular tourism hubs like Paris and London, cities with both high demand and hefty prices during the peak-summer season. However, a European summer trip doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you look beyond the more established tourist cities. Earlier this year, I shared a list of my favorite U.S. “sleeper cities,” a title the travel industry gives to up-and-coming destinations that feature big-city attractions without the big-city price tags. The list was so popular, and created so much conversation, that I decided to highlight similar cities for European-bound travelers. As the president of a travel company, I’m lucky enough to see trends as they develop, and I’ve found that visiting an off-the-beaten-path destination is often the right mix of value, revelation and respite. These cities offer a ton of history, incredible sight-seeing and great hotel deals (most under $100 per night). Plus, more and more European properties are recognizing the benefits of working with discount hotel sites (like Hotwire) to help them fill their unsold rooms, and that includes established international hotel chains. This means you can be sure you’ll get a great room for a ridiculously low price, leaving you with extra cash to spend on immersing yourself in the local culture. By visiting some of the following “sleeper” destinations, you can get your European adventure for a fraction of what it might cost to visit London or Paris, all while avoiding the copious summer crowds that come along with them.
March 21, 2018 5 secret attractions in Rome We have a new pope! White smoke billowed out from the Sistine Chapel's chimney today as the Catholic church announced its new leader: Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the first South American chosen for the spot. In case all the commotion has you fancying a trip to Rome, we've rounded up some of our favorite, less-touristy spots—all away from the hustle of the Vatican.
March 21, 2018 Top 10 dream destinations if money were no object We’ve all thought about taking that dream luxury vacation, and then abruptly stopped ourselves midway through visions of a romantic trip to Bora Bora because frankly, it’s never going to be something we can afford. Well, a recent survey by travel management company Travel Leaders indulged 1,045 travelers in mapping out just where they would go if money were no object. From relaxing on the beaches of Fiji to cruising the rivers of Europe, these are the top 10 fantasy trips for travelers who weren’t allowed to vacation on a budget.
March 21, 2018 The world’s top ten bike rides Few of us have spent a lifetime pedaling the world in search of the perfect path to ride. Ron van Dijk, European cycling director for the active travel company Austin-Lehman Adventures, is an exception. Ron has personally logged well over 10,000 miles on the seat of a bike and offers up his top ten favorite day rides.
March 20, 2018 Top 10 value champagnes All of these true Champagnes can be had for around $50, but taste like much more expensive bottles of bubbly.