TravelHungry

Paris, France

kshafer17 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 05:20:01 +0000

There is just too much to say about and too much to see in Paris. From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and Versailles, Paris is a destination that cannot be missed. Here is a video which provides some suggestions while in the lovely Paris!

Lucerne, Switzerland

kshafer17 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 04:47:08 +0000

If you’re looking for a quiet stop along your European vacation, a place where you can take it slow and enjoy quiet serenity, think about stopping in Lucerne. The first thing you’ll notice about Lucerne is how clean and fresh the town is. After visiting metropolitan areas, breathing the fresh air in the mountains will enliven your spirits!

Although Lucerne boasts a more laid back atmosphere, there is still plenty to see. Located on the banks of Lake Lucern and the Reuss River, Lucerne is the most populated city in southern Switzerland. One of the most popular sites in Lucern is the Chapel Bridge, first constructed in the 14th century. This bridge crosses the river in a bended shape and creates a beautiful landscape agaisnt the mountains.

Another worthwhile location is the Lion Monument which portrays a dying lion carved into the side of a mountain. This sculpture commemorates the thousands of Swiss soldiers, traditionally neutral, who died during the French Revolution. Take time to walk up to Chateau Gutsch, which sits above the city. You will see stunning views of the city including the Chapel Bridge and green hillsides dappled with remains of medieval walls. Don’t forget to take a cruise around Lake Lucerne to see all of the surrounding hillsides and charming chateaus.

Online Resources

kshafer17 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:04:35 +0000

In October 2007, CNN created a list of the top 25 travel websites. It is important to know where to look and who to trust when seeking help booking travel accomodations and looking for tips. I’ve found that these websites, are indeed very helpful and reliable. Here is a taste of suggested websites from that article.

Travel Accomodations

1. www.Sidestep.com provides a convenient way to compare the lowest prices on airfare from 600 airlines and 200 sites for all airlines

2. www.flycheapo.com is a site devoted to helping customers find low cost flights in Europe. You can search by your departure and arrival cities and it will tell you which airline can get you there by a straight shot.

3. www.farecompare.com will allow you to decide how much you are willing to spend and it will find flights that match your price limit.

4. www.farecast.com will help you decide when is the best time to fly and when you should purchase your ticket to capitalize on savings.

5. www.kayak.com allows you to sort through 159 thousand hotel listings by location and pictures and gives feedback from real customers.

6. www.lastminutetravel.com

7. www.menupages.com

8. www.seatguru.com

9. www.chowhound.com

10. www.homeandbroad.com

For a complete listing of websites and descriptions, please visit: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/traveltips/10/03/travel.sites/index.html

Venice, Italy

kshafer17 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:59:31 +0000

Venice. There is simply too much to say. One of the most traveled to destinations in Europe and rightfully so, Venice combines history, culture, beauty and romance to provide stunning views and unique experiences.

Take time in Venice to roam the streets and explore. You will find something exciting and beautiful at every turn! The buildings are astounding and the people are lovely! If you want to truly experience Venice, be sure to take a Gondola ride through the canals. You can even hire an accordian player and a vocalist to accompany you! The perfect setting for romance!

Although Venice is certainly most well-known for its charming buildings, bridges, and canals, it also boasts an impressive history. San Marco Square for example, is the site of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Piazzetta, the Campanile, and of course, the famous pigeons!

Florence, Italy

kshafer17 — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 07:33:43 +0000

As with many European cities, the history, art, and architecture you experience in Florence provides a rich sense of culture and respect for humanity.

Viewing Michelangelo’s “David” for example, makes you appreciate the beauty of the human body. Not to mention the fact that it was sculpted in pure marble with a hammer and chisel by one of the brilliant minds of the Renaissance! This kind of overwhelming wonder is apparent in every structure and around each corner. Florence is truly a magical city. Walking the same streets that men who changed the course of human history like Dante, Michelangelo, and DiVinci roamed is an experience you can’t forget.

As one of the most fascinating and historical cities on earth, Florence will exceed your expectations with all that it has to offer. Many tourists try to fit as much as possible into two or three days, but a whole week would not be enough time to take in all there is to see in Florence. Take the time to see famous works like David, the Doors of Paradise, Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Duomo, just to name a few. For more information on site seeing in Florence, visit http://www.villacastleintuscany.com/site_seeing_florence.html.

Brunelleschi's Duomo

Top Five European Cities

kshafer17 — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:36:10 +0000

For those of you who have never been to Europe before, here are some of the top European cities and travel destinations. These five cities will amaze you with romance, history, and wonder. These cities are a staple for the first-time traveler to Europe.

1. Paris, France

As the largest city in France, Paris provides several must-see and picturesque sites including Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomph, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. Paris also boasts a wonderful array of shops and restaurants and a charming blend of traditional and modern architecture. This sophisticated and charming city will not diappoint.

2. Rome, Italy

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers close to the Mediterranean. A city of unmatched architecture and history, Rome is a bustling city that provides a look into the culture and art that inspired Western thought. Also the site of the Vatican, Rome will make for a rich cultural and historical experience.

3. London, England

London is a large and diverse city combining several cultures, religions, and languages. London is a wonderful city by which to experience varioius museums, theatres, concerts, and landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square.

4. Venice, Italy

Venice, a city well known for its romance and canals, is a must-see. Nearly every nook and cranny provides a whimsical and stunning landscape. Practically unchanged for centuries, Venice is a city rich in culture and charm. The city also has its fair share of historical sites including San Marcos Square and the Ducal Palace.

5. Barcelona, Spain

This picturesque city is home to the works of Spanish architect Gaudi who designed works such as La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. Located along the Mediterranean Coast, Barcelona also provides a modern landscape with plenty of architecture, shopping, and history.

These cities are only a fraction of the incredible locations and history you’ll find during your travels through Europe!

Hotel or Hostel?

kshafer17 — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:42:26 +0000

One of the major considerations you will have to make when planning your travels is where to stay. If you are watching your budget, a hostel might be a more appropriate choice. If however, you are looking for luxury and accomodations there is something for you.

For those looking to save some money, hostels can either be a great or terrible experience. If you are prepared and know what to expect, a hostel can provide comfortable dormatory style housing for a fraction of the price of a ritzy hotel.

Here are some tips for staying at hostels from Rick Steve’s Europe:

1. Youth hostels are not limited to young people.

2. Hostels provide “no frills” accomodations in clean dormitories.

3. Bedding can cost extra.

4. Some hostels offer meals and meeting places.

5. Hostels have drawbacks.

This is just a taste of all the useful information you can find in Rick Steve’s book and website. Take a look here:

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/1198hostels.htm

Tackle the Packing!

kshafer17 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 05:39:57 +0000

Now that we’ve learned how to plan a trip, book a flight, and travel through Europe, the next step in perfecting your trip is knowing what and how much to pack. One thing I’ve learned in terms of packing is that “less is more.” Having a gigantic suitcase that is impossible to lug around will only cause annoyance and a sore back.

Rick Steves (once again!) provides some useful tips for packing light. He suggests that you take one bag or backpack under 20 pounds. This will allow mobility and freedom, not to mention the fact that keeping your luggage with you reduces the potential for your belongings to get stolen.

View Rick’s Packing List here: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlist.htm

Get Ready, Get Set….Plan!

kshafer17 — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:06:10 +0000

The most common strategy these days, especially for younger travelers, is a “fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants” approach. While spontaneity and freedom is certainly somthing to be appreciated while visited new and exciting locations, a complete lack of planning can lead to a frustrated traveler and a deflated wallet.

Travel expert, Rick Steve’s mentions in his website that a well planned trip will provide for less stressful trip and will also allow for spontaneity. Mr. Steves suggests that an itinerary is made before the trip begins and each day is planned out. While having each day scheduled may seem too structured and rigid, you can always make changes or modifications to the schedule.

When planning your itinerary plan a few hours of “free time” where there is nothing scheduled. This will allow not only for some room in the case of a timing issue, but also to make changes in your itinerary or for rest.

Rick Steves offers eight steps that will assist you in creating the perfect itinerary:

1. Read up on Europe and talk to travelers.

2. Decide on places you want to see.

3. Establish route and timeline.

4. Decide on the cities you’ll fly in and out of.

5. Determine the mode of transportation.

6. Make a rough itinerary.

7. Adjust by cutting, streamlining, or adding to fit your timeline or budget.

8. Fine tune.

To learn more about these steps and other travel tips, visit http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/itin.htm

Here are some Handy Travel Tips…

kshafer17 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:40:16 +0000

Since we’ve visited several locations thus far, it might be useful to keep in mind some handy travel tips that will help ensure a fun and stress-free vacation, wherever the destination! Over the next couple weeks, we will be exploring various travel tips. First thing’s first! Transportation!

Rick Steves’ Europe provides several tips for finding ariline tickets that work for you.

1. You get what you pay for. Rather than going for the cheapest airfare, go for the best combination of reliability, economy, and flexibility.

2. Buy your tickets at the right time. As time passes, prices go up and dates sell out.

3. Fly “open jaw” which means flying into one city and out of another.

4. Reserve a specific seat for maximum comfort.

5. Double check your ticket information when you get it.

6. Check in online before getting to the airport.

Rick Steves also shares some very valuable tips for riding Europe’s train system:

1. Learn to use the 24-hour timetables.

2. Get information on schedules before you leave.

3. Pick up freebie timetables as you travel.

4. Make sure you know where to catch your train and when to get off.

5. There’s a thief on every train, so clip your bag to the overhead rack for safety.

Rick Steves shares these and many other valuable tips at his website: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/plan_menu.htm