Tips for Backpacking in Europe That Students Can Use

Backpacking: Look for a Train Pass

The first tip is to get a train pass that you can use around different railways scattered across the continent. A train pass can give you unlimited access to rail services around Europe and even parts of Asia for a certain period of time.

Backpacking: Look for Hostels Featuring Kitchens

Finding a room at a hostel can be one of the best tips for backpacking in Europe that you can use. However, you should look for hostels that feature kitchens. These places often feature cooking utensils and other food prep items. You will not only save money by not having to travel out to eat but you may also make new friends at a hostel when you prepare foods for yourself and others.

Backpacking: Use a Debit Card

You should use a debit card when backpacking around Europe. This ensures that you can get access to your bank account without having to worry about using ATMs all the time to get money. However, you should review the foreign transaction charges that may be imposed on your card just to be safe. Check and see what fraud-protection features are included on your card as well.

Backpacking: Learn Key Phrases in Another Language

Learning a few basic phrases in a language spoken within the country you’re heading into always helps. Learning things like “hello,” “thank you” and “good morning” can always help. There are many great guide books that you can use to learn different languages as well as online learning programs so feel free to search around to see what’s available.

Backpacking: Don’t Pack Heavy

You can’t afford to pack far too heavily while traveling around Europe. Packing lightly is one of the best backpacking in Europe tips that you can use. You only need a few shirts and maybe a spare pair of pants or shorts while traveling. About three to four pairs of socks and underwear should be fine too. You can always find showers or laundry stations around hostels and other accommodations to wash your items in as needed.

Backpacking: Avoid Being out Late

This sounds like a motherly bit of advice but the truth is that many parts of Europe may become seedy and worrisome late at night. You may be more likely to be assaulted or to become a victim of theft if you are out on the streets late at night. Also, it is often easy to find prostitution and drug trafficking activities around the streets when it’s really late out. The fact that some laws protecting people from such activities may be lacking where you are only makes it all the more important for you to watch where you go at night. Therefore, you should avoid being outside while it is dark out for far too long.

Europe travel for students doesn’t have to be all that challenging if the right plans for backpacking are set up.

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Most Amazing Facts about Monuments In Europe

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Top 7 Beautiful Beaches in Europe

The post Tips for Backpacking in Europe That Students Can Use appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

• The Eiffel tower was once repurposed as a giant radio antenna to save it from being demolished in 1909.
• Temperature changes cause the height of the Eiffel tower to change by nearly 16 inches.
• The French were smart: to keep Hitler from reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower during WWII, they cut the cables so his only option was to climb the steps.
• An Australian woman climbed the 1,700 steps to the top of the Eiffel Tower in less than 10 minutes in 2015.
• There are 328 steps just to get to the first floor of the tower.

2. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

©Famouswonders.com

• Over 60,000 Jewish slaves were forced to labor over the Colosseum from 70-80 AD.
• In what could be the longest and bloodiest victory celebration in history, Emperor Trajan in 107 CE hosted contests for 10,000 gladiators and 11,000 animals in 123 days.
• Some estimates show that over a million wild animals and nearly half a million people lost their lives in contests held in the Colosseum.
• Mini naval battles were one way the Romans had fun: by flooding the Colosseum and creating their own shipyards.

3. Big Ben, London, England

• The loud chimes of England’s famed Big Ben can be heard even 5 miles away.
• Old English pennies are utilized to adjust the pendulum if Big Ben is noted to be running fast or slow. Slightly quick: add a penny, slightly slow: remove a penny. Each penny has an impact of 2/5 of a second on the timing of the massive timepiece.
• Soap and water are the only cleaning materials trusted to be used on Big Ben, and even then only once every 5 years. Window washers with a complex series of rappels carefully work their way down the faces to be sure not to lean on the hands or break the delicate balance.

4. Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

©Wondermondo.com

• Saint Basil’s Cathedral was nearly demolished by Stalin because it obstructed the parades he had planned for Red Square.
• It is so close to the Kremlin that many people think it was originally a war base as it looks like a fortified complex.
• Built between 1555 and 1561, St. Basil’s did not receive its colorful exterior until nearly 200 years after construction was complete.
• The capture of the Kazan, stronghold of the Tartars, was the reason Ivan the Terrible commissioned the cathedral to be built.

5.  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

• The building of the Leaning Tower of Pisa took from 1173 to 1372 to be built, as it was stopped over 100 years for one war and again in 1284.
• It is likely that even a small earthquake would make the famous historical structure topple to the ground.
• Various architects throughout the nearly 200-year building period attempted to keep it from falling over by adding curvature to the building itself.
• The first time in the long history of the building that it has stopped leaning was in 2008 when engineers found it to be finally stable.

 6. Tower Bridge, London, England

© Visitlondon.com

• The bridge has never malfunctioned, yet human error caused the bridge to open slightly while a double-decker bus was crossing it, driven by Albert Gunton. His bravery in jumping the bus a short gap earned him 10 pounds.
• More than 50 designs were submitted for this landmark bridge, and in a contest surrounded by controversy, the plans by one of the judges was the one finally approved and built.
• When the bridge opens once a day, it’s a sight to behold. However, if you want to take a boat through this opening you have to book it in advance – even though there is no charge.

 7. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

©www.mfhughes.com

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the large Roman Catholic Church was designed by architect Antoni Gaudi in 1882 and has yet to be completed.
• The architect’s life was cut tragically short in 1926 by a tram accident, and he was buried within the crypts of the stunning Roman Catholic basilica.
• When complete, the church will rise to a height of over 560 feet, and will be 95 meters long and 60 meters wide.
• The expected completion date of the project is not until 2041, and even that “early” date wouldn’t be possible without the aid of computer models used starting in the 1980s to speed up the process.

 8. Arc de Triumph, Paris, France

• Get the best possible view of Champs- Élysées and the surrounding neighborhoods from the pinnacle of the Arc, 50 meters in the air.
• It was completed in 1836; Napoleon missed seeing the completion of his dream by 15 years.
• The soot that is part of a large city like Paris is so detrimental to the building materials that the Arc de Triomphe must be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it white and shining.
• If not for the intervention of the French Government, the Arc de Triomphe would be a massive three-story elephant shaped building that would be entered through the stomach.

9. Acropolis Of Athens, Athens, Greece

Acropolis Of Athens, Athens, Greece

• Starting the so-called “Golden Age of Greece”, the building of the Parthenon was commissioned by Pericles who was a Greek politician and the founder of the city of Athens.
• A temple to the Greek goddess Athena is the basis for the Parthenon, which stands on the Acropolis of Athens.
• Acropolis literally means “high city” in Greek, and while many other cities have an acropolis, when you see the term capitalized it is generally referring to the resting place of the Parthenon.
• Sacred caves used for rites for other Greek deities such as Dionysus are visible from the Acropolis, making it an excellent starting point for further exploration.

10. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy

©rome.yourguidetoitaly.com

• While the fountain appears to be in relatively good shape, there is a movement underway by Fendi, an Italian fashion company, to begin a 2.2 million Euro restoration, the most thorough in history.
• Caritas, a Catholic charity for needy families in Rome, is the beneficiary of the approximately 3,000 Euros swept from the fountain each evening.
• The water in the Trevi fountain is special, traveling via the Aqua Virgo aqueducts 21 kilometers away from Salone Springs to supply the historical fountain and others in Rome’s center.

11. The city of Dubrovnik is a living monument, Croatia

• This Mediterranean seaport city is surrounded by the most beautiful beaches in the world, and was established in the 7th century.
• Nearly 2 kilometers of fortifications and ancient walls surround the fanciful Baroque style architectural creations.
• The City of Dubrovnik is actually an independent state, something that is especially important to the United States. Dubrovnik was the very first country to acknowledge the sovereignty of the U.S. from the English.
• Dubrovnik has long valued freedom: they were the first country to abolish the trading of slaves as far back as the 15th century.

12. Cristo Rei Statue, Lisbon, Portugal

©Javier Gonzalez

• When Portugal was spared during WWII, the country erected the monument as a ‘thank you’ to God.
• The 98-foot statue stands proudly on top of a 26-foot pedestal, with arms that stretch nearly 100 feet wide to take in all of Christianity.
• Cristo Rei can be loosely translated to ‘Christ the Redeemer’ from the native language of the Portuguese people, who consider it a major cultural icon.
• While construction was completed in 1931, the statue was not consecrated until 2006, and is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

13. The Pena Palace Sintra, Portugal

©Never House

• Considered one of the most amazing tourist attractions around Lisbon, the so-called Pena Palace is surrounded by 200 hectares of panoramic viewpoints, tree-lined walks, and hidden lakes.
• No changes have been made to the state rooms since 1910 when the Portuguese royal court escaped the revolution by fleeing to Brazil.
• Palacio Pena translates loosely to ‘Feather Palace’, a fitting moniker for this palace in the sky that seems approachable only by birds.
• The German architect, Ludwig von Eschwege, created a mix of revival styles when designing the estate including Renaissance, Egyptian, and even Oriental. The palace is now a national museum.

14. The Ferdinand Cheval’s Ideal Palace, Hauterives, France

©Frédérique Voisin-Demery/Flickr

• Created over a period of 33 years, the Ideal Palace is the realized dream of Ferdinand Cheval – a rural postman who stumbled upon an oddly-shaped stone and decided to bring his dream to life in his garden.
• A self-taught stonemason, Cheval’s inspirations included the illustrated magazines that he was delivering as well as postcards and nature.
• Alone with his postal route and his wheelbarrow, Cheval would pick up stones across his 18 mile rounds through the country. His dream palace was finally complete in 1912 when he was 76 years of age.

15. Royal Pavilion, Brighton, England

©Marcus Mailov

• Brighton represents the largest resort near the seaside on the south coast of England, and is famous for The Lanes, an electric beach railway as well as the stunning pier.
• Every corner of the United Kingdom and world contributes to the 8 million-plus visitors that the East Sussex resort attracts.
• The Prince Regent was advised by his doctor to take more sea air for his gout, leading to the building of the Pavilion at the end of the 1700s.
• While it was begun in 1787, it took three stages of building with the most recent by architect John Nash in 1815.

16. Bubble Palace, Cannes, France

©Alaimy

• The decadent and bizarre Bubble Palace was built by a famed Hungarian architect and was inspired by the look of a series of prehistoric caves.
• Pierre Cardin is the most recent owner of the Bubble Palace, and the famous Italian-born fashion designer continues to host high-fashion runway shows and a string of wild after-parties as well as numerous photo shoots and celebrity parties.
• This relatively recent building points to the South of France’s continued popularity as a vacation spot for the rich and famous of the world.
• The complex takes up nearly 1,200 square kilometers on the hills of Cannes

17. Hundertwasser House in Vienna, Austria

©www.citadellapart.com

• The home was designed by Josef Krawina, and while it is often known by its common name of Hundertwasser House, the formal name is Hundertwasser-Krawina house for the Austrian’s heavy involvement in the planning and execution stages of building.
• The fascinating building was fully completed in only two years, between 1983 and 1985, and the city of Vienna presented Krawina and his co-architect free rein on the design.
• The Hundertwasser House is truly a home – inhabitants are allowed to decorate the façade entirely to their own taste, and many have chosen to add to the city’s green oasis feel with an abundance of shrubs and trees on the numerous balconies.
• While the Hundertwasser-Krawina House is not open to the public, only a few hundred meters away the Kunst Haus Wein contains a permanent exhibition of some interior décor elements.

18. The Church of Hallgrimur, Reykjavik, Iceland

©Ben Kucinski

• Also known as the Hallgrimskirkja, the Church of Hallgrimur is a Lutheran church located on a hill near the heart of the city and is considered one of the country’s most striking landmarks as well as being the biggest church.
• Representing the natural Icelandic landscape, the church’s tall spires reach to the heavens just as the volcanoes, basalt columns and ice caps do.
• Built in 38 years, the majestic landmark was started in 1945 after an extensive period of design discussion. The church was not consecrated until nearly 10 years after it was brought to completion, in 1986.

19. Meteora, Thessaly, Greece

• Twenty-four monasteries were built in spectacular fashion in the sky, yet only six remain after bombings and raids in WWII, when many of the art pieces were stolen and never recovered.
• The monasteries remain almost inaccessible to this day, and they were built in the 15th century despite inconceivable difficulties.
• Many of the monks have now left the facilities, yet visitors are still required to cover their shoulders and long skirts or pants must be worn at all times.
• The location is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Meteora means “suspended in the air”, a great description for these high aeries.

20. Blue Domed Church in Oia, Santorini, Greece

©Lonely Planet

• The color of the dome is painted to perfectly represent the stunning blue of the Greek sky.
• There is not really one specific church with a blue dome – there are dozens, each in a more beautiful setting than the last.
• Each blue-domed church represents the Greek lifestyle of amazingly blue water and sky, easy living, and is the color of everyday life.
• The island of Santorini is the most iconic of the Greek islands, and is thought to be the inspiration for the lost city of Atlantis legends.
• Santorini was technically a group of islands in a circle until 1500 BC when a volcano brought them together as a land mass.

21. Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

• The Brandenburg Gate has long been a symbol of division between Eastern and Western Germany, until 1989 found the gate finally reopened after the fall of Eastern Germany when it became a reunification symbol.
• The Quadriga statue at the apex of the Gate was once stolen by Napoleon in 1806 where it was kept in Paris until his defeat in 1814.
• The Roman goddess of victory, Victoria, is driving the Quadriga chariot.
• Historically, only the royal family was permitted to walk through the central arch, with “lesser folk” being required to wander through other arches.
• King Friedrich Wilhelm II originally built the arch in 1791 as a symbol of peace.

22. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK

©Telegraph.co.uk

• Consisting of a ring of standing stones, Stonehenge is one of the most recognizable and famous sites in the world.
• Historians, archeologists and the public have been fascinated by this mystery for thousands of years. While there is some discussion as to the exact date, the ring of standing stones is estimated to have been built as early as 3,000 BC and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World.
• In an unbelievable feat of geometry and mathematics, the early builders of the historic site were able to align it with not only the midwinter sunset but also the midsummer sunset as well as the moon’s northerly and southerly setting location.

23. Palace of Diocletian, Split, Croatia

© Limes.Media

• The living heart of the city, the Palace of Diocletian is neither a palace nor a museum, and instead contains a bustling mix of labyrinthine streets that are home to myriad shops, restaurants, and bars.
• Construction took a total of 10 years for completion, and Diocletian spared no expense in its creation – importing columns and sphinxes from Egypt as well as marble from Greece and Italy.
• The palace, which was built from lustrous white stone, faces the harbor. The majority of the stone was sourced from the nearby island of Brac and it is considered one of the most imposing of the Roman ruins still in existence.

24. Church of Saint Donat, Zadar, Croatia

©www.istriasun.com

• A 9th century circular-shaped building, the Church of St. Donat is considered one of the most well-known of Zadar’s many monuments.
• The perfect example of a “court chapel” model doesn’t have a direct model, as other structures such as the Palatinska chapel in Aachen.
• Originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the Church of Saint Donat was consecrated again in the 15th century to take the name of Zadar’s Bishop Donat, who commission its building.
• The church’s interior contains clear original columns from the Roman Forum as well as stone slabs from that period.
• The historic church is now a popular venue for musical events and is no longer used for religious purposes.

25. Amphitheater Pula, Croatia

©www.croatia.hr

• Commonly known as the Arena of Pula, the Amphitheater is the starting and ending points of many sightseeing tours in the area.
• Once the site of famous gladiator brawls, the Amphitheater is the largest, most important and most famous monument of Croatia and was built in the 1st century AD.
• The Colosseum in Rome was built at about the same time, but the Emperor Vespasian built the Arena of Pula.
• Nearly 20,000 spectators would have been engaged in the gladiator fights during the Amphitheater’s heyday, and like the Roman Colosseum, hundreds of thousands of wild or domesticated animals as well as human gladiators lost their lives there.

26. Mont Saint – Michel, France

Mont Saint – Michel, France

• The remarkable walled city perches precariously on a small granite outcropping, and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in and around the Paris, France area.
• As far back as 1979, Mont Saint-Michel was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, one of the first to be so designated.
• Medieval walls and defenses are still fabulously articulated in this city on a rock, one of the few remaining today that has not fallen to war or the ravages of time.
• Never just a church, the city is small but still boasts day-to-day inhabitants including a mayor, all of whom cater to the million-plus tourists who visit every year.

27. Parliament of Budapest, Hungary

• This magnificent example of Neo-Gothic architecture also displays a touch of Baroque and Renaissance characteristics and is only a little over 100 years old though it looks much older.
• The impressive interior of the Parliament can be visited anytime that the parliament is not in session, so you can glimpse the true beauty of the circa-1902 building.
• The Crown Jewels have been lost or stolen many times over the years, but now they are held at the Parliament for protection. Jimmy Carter returned them from their hiding place in the United States gold reserves in 1978 and they have been safely at the Parliament building ever since.

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The post Most Amazing Facts about Monuments In Europe appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

The nation of Croatia offers something for almost everyone. With 2,000 kilometers of breathtaking coastline, most travelers tend to visit the country’s pristine beaches, but inland Croatia is filled with rugged wilderness as well as tranquil farmland, vineyards and castles for those who want to really get away and experience true Croatian culture.

Visitors might consider dividing their time between the inland areas as well as the coast to get a taste of the real Croatia.

Croatia Top Attractions

Visiting Sinj

Visitors traveling to Croatia during the first weekend of August, shouldn’t miss the nearly 300-year-old Sinjska Alka, held in the town of Sinj, just 35km north of Split. The easiest way to travel through Croatia is by rental car, although there is bus transportation available. This ancient town was originally known as Setovia; to get there, follow the road inland from Split and past the ancient fortress of Klis. You’ll cross a stony desert, ultimately reaching a beautiful landscape filled with fields, willow trees, and the winding Cetina River in the distance, with Sinj set under the shadow of Mount Visoka.

Hotel Matanovi Dvori offers large and comfortable rooms in a family run, B & B style lodging with old fashioned hospitality. Locals are said to gather here to sing traditional songs.

Sinjska Alka

The famed historic horseback tournament takes place here as it has for the past 295 years. This equestrian competition consists of competitors on horseback armed with lances that aim to hit the inside of a metal ring, known as the alka, and points are awarded according to which part of the alka they hit.

It’s a great privilege for the knights, who can only participate if they were born in the city or surrounding villages. The knights ride their horses at full gallop along the main street, aiming their lances and adorned in the same costumes worn by warriors back in the 18^th century. This spectacular event is often the highlight for visitors to Croatia.

Northern Croatia

It’s well worth taking the time to explore northern Croatia’s castles and spectacular wine country. The road between Zagreb and Varazdin, known as the Zelina Wine Road, provides breathtaking scenic views as well as a number of wineries offering fine wines as little as $5 a bottle and picturesque castles and manor houses dotting the landscape at the edge of primeval forests.

Stay in Varazdin and you may never want to leave.  The town was once the nation’s capital and today, is filled with stunning architecture and history with baroque buildings and narrow, winding streets. Sip local fruity, white wines that are typically found only in Croatia; pair with hearty meals like strukli (cottage cheese strudel) for a perfect match.

The Turist Hotel is highly recommended as well as being reasonably priced and clean, within walking distance from the beautiful old city area.

Nin, Croatia

Journey back to Nin, Croatia in Zadar County, the oldest Croatian royal town, and you’ll discover the nation’s best sandy beaches. Ninska Laguna is often recognized as one of the most beautiful Dalmatian coast beaches and also known for its medicinal mud, but the entire area is an oasis of long, sandy beaches that are protected from winds and offer clean and warm water for swimming.

Consider a stay at the gorgeous Zaton Holiday Resort, built in traditional Dalmation architectural style with private balconies just steps away from the beach.

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• Install Android App

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It is fun to know some facts on the Eiffel Tower before you visit. You will be able to learn quite a bit when you arrive, but it’s always nice to know more about any location you are planning to see. You will be able to have a greater appreciation for it once you do arrive. One of the nicknames for the Eiffel Tower is the Iron Lady. The tower, constructed in 1889, is the tallest building in Paris at 1063 feet, and the view from the top is amazing. You will be able to see the entire city. The tower is also the most visited paid monument in the world with millions of people climbing the tower each year.

The history of the tower is interesting too. The tower was built to be the entrance arch for the World’s Fair in 1889, and it gets its name from the engineer who designed it: Gustave Eiffel. The tower offers three levels for visitors. You will be able to use the stairs or the elevator to reach the first two levels. The climb to the first level is 300 steps and the climb to the second level is another 300 steps. You will only be able to reach the third level with the elevator.

You can even dine in an Eiffel Tower restaurant! The first and the second floor both have restaurants available, and it’s a great treat to be able to have your dinner while sitting in one of the most famous structures in the world and gazing out upon the beautiful city of Paris.

You will be able to find a number of hotels near the Eiffel Tower, some of which are within walking distance. Other attractions as well as other places to dine are within walking distance of the hotels as well.

Despite it being a “touristy” location, it is something that everyone who comes to Paris, France should see. While you might not want all of the crowds that come with the tower, once you see it there is no denying its magnificence!

Check out the Paris video guide…

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In Vienna, New Year’s Eve is called SIlvesterpfad, or the New Year’s Path.   Everywhere in the heart of the city, streets are crammed with revellers who stroll along, eating at the outdoor food stands, and watching live performances throughout the city.  Right in front of the Rathaus, or city hall, you can find people waltzing all afternoon.  You can even find waltz lessons, if you need to learn the steps. The dancing there goes place all night long. There are also open air waltzes all night on Der Graben; one of Vienna’s most popular streets.

Waltzes and minuets are not the only kinds of music on New Year’s Eve in Vienna.   Public squares all across the city host live concerts with musical acts that range from rock n’ roll to samba music.  Other streets, pubs and dance clubs feature DJs playing the hits from every decade, including today.

There are also a number of elaborate and elegant parties in Vienna on New Year’s Eve.   It is the start of Vienna’s famed Ball Season, and the world famous Kaiser Ball in the glittering halls of the Hofburg Palace is the cornerstone event.  The medieval Hofburg was once the home of the Hapsburgs, who threw many stunning celebrations here.  The Kaiserball has been held every New Year’s Eve since 1970.  More than 2,000 guests come from all over to celebrate both the New Year, and Vienna’s largest and most extravagant ball.

If you’re not dancing the night away at the ball, at midnight, you will head over to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to hear the largest bell in all of Austria welcome in the New Year.  The cathedral is the symbol of the city itself, and has been a central part of the country’s history. The bell’s name is Pummerin, and it is only sounded a few times a year to mark special occasions.

Midnight is also time for the city’s incredible fireworks display. The exploding lights fill the night sky all over the historic core of Vienna, delighting the millions of party-goers on the streets below.   Festivities officially continue until about 2 a.m., but will often go far later into the night, and into the next morning.

Don’t have too much to drink, because you want to be awake and alert for Neujahrskonzert; an annual concert by the Viennese Philharmonic Orchestra which is broadcast all around the world.  It has been a New Year’s Day tradition in Austria since 1939, performing waltzes by the Strauss family at the Muskiverein Concert Hall.  You may into the concert itself, if you didn’t order tickets more than a year in advance, but you can certainly watch on television in a hotel, restaurant or bar, along with the rest of Austria and 50 million people around the world.

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The post New Year’s Eve in Vienna appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

One traditional Christmas item you’ll find widely available here is the “Caga Tio”, which is a small log which has a face painted on one end.   Over the Christmas holidays, local children will pretend to feed the log treats and they will keep it warm and cared for by snuggling the log in a red blanket.  Then, on Christmas Eve, children will magically find treats and toys hidden inside the blanket!
Another early sign of the season in Barcelona is the city’s sparkling Christmas lights.  Lining the popular Las Rambas, decorating the port and the crowded Plaza de Catalunya; these Christmas lights give the medieval city a truly festive flavour.
While you are wandering the popular streets of the city, including Las Ramblas, make sure to find some traditional Christmas treats to nibble on.  Traditional Spanish turron are made of nougat and almonds,  and polvorones are another treat made with almond paste.  Make sure to sample El Roscon de Reyes, a Christmas cake baked with surprises inside.  One surprise is the figure of a king, the other is a bean.  If you find the king in your slice of cake, you are entitled to be king or queen for the day.  Watch out if you get the bean though.  You may be expected to pay for dinner!
You can also find beautiful Nativity scenes all across the city; the largest found in the Placa Sant Jaume.  In this region of Spain, Nativity scenes usually include a replica of the city of Bethlehem, including the traditional manger scene and other Biblical stories such as the three wise men.  Keep your eye peeled for the Catalan Nativity figure known as the Caganer.  He has been a controversial tradition since the late 17th century.  The Caganer is a small figure set off somewhere away from the manger, caught in the act of going to the bathroom.  Traditionally, children are asked to find the Caganer, although there have been recent moves to have the character banned.
Plan to stay in Barcelona until early January, for the city’s Three Wise Kings parade.  The three Wise Kings arrive in Barcelona’s glittering harbour on a boat, greeted by crowds of cheering and applauding children.  Then the kings, the crowds and dozens of colourful floats parade through the city, and all the children get their holiday presents.

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It is common practice, that the city’s Christmas Markets are the centre of attention during this holiday period with carol’s singing around, fairground rides, unique gifts, traditional Xmas treats, and last but not least a nice cup of warm Glühwein. These things will definitely get you in to the merry mood. Hence, check out this little list of the Christmas Market you NEED to visit at least once in London.

Winter Wonderland

20nd Nov  2015 – 03th Jan 2016

Hyde Park
London, W2 4RU

additions, including the observation wheel and a huge Christmas market. Winter Wonderland is the perfect place for both adults and children, stuck up with many rides and attractions. However, the main attraction besides the Giant Wheel is the stunning ice rink, which is actually the biggest outdoor rink in the whole of UK and illuminated by more than 100,000 lights.

Winter Wonderland also includes gentle rides for the little kids, who can meet Santa in his grotto every day. Entry is free, but the queue is immense in the weekends, which leads up people getting denied to enter if it is full – so better be early.

Southbank Centre Christmas Market

20th Nov – 24th Dec

The Southbank Centre Christmas Market along the river returns to Queen’s Walk featuring around 80 traditionally German-style wooden huts, selling a wide range of hand-crafted gift, as well as Christmassy foods and drinks. Browse through a feast of mince pies or ginger bread and some German treats, such as German Bratwurst and the most festive drink during this period – Glühwein. Moreover, enjoy the selection of some affordable and quirky gifts for the family or friends if you don’t have any gifts inspiration for Christmas at all.

If you have kids, don’t forget to stop by the stall, where they can make their own Christmas cards! Anyways, the Southbank Centre’s Christmas Market is part of the Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival, so make sure you attend a couple of those free music  events and Christmas shows.

Kew Gardens
25th Nov 2015 – 02th Jan 2016

Visit the annual seasonal makeover at Kew Gardens with a boutique Christmas market, which is filled with hand crafted gifts and many tempting holiday treats for food lovers. Browse through the traditional wooden chalets and choose from a plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as a Victorian carousel or vintage rides, in the Christmas Village with Santa’s Woodland Grotto.

However, the spectacular addition to this year’s Kew’s Winter Market, is the illuminated trail, which sees the gardens transformed into a series of lightning installations created by an UK artist. You can explore those gardens on a relaxed stroll through the winter landscape – those timed trails take around 75 minutes.

Spend a wonderful and magical evening in the annual Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park, in order to get you into that festive and Christmassy mood. The Park will be lit up with thousands of lights, which creates a heart-warming atmosphere and creates a beautiful winter path for walkers to enjoy. The walk takes around an hour and you will pass many species of trees and a frosty lake.

The Enchanted Woodland gives you the chance to the nature in winter dark, so make sure you bring your camera with you to grab those romantic and festive moments. You will be astonished how those historic trees are thrown in contrast against the dark night sky, creating a wonderful reflection on the surface of the water.

Where to stay

If you are travelling to London to get a glimpse of the great Christmas Markets in the centre of the city, you can find many affordable hotels in London. Make sure your stay overlaps with one of the many markets, so you can make the most out of your visit.

Budget

It is not a big secret, that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. You’ll experience some crazy prices surrounding the Christmas Markets in the range of £4.00 -£5.00 for a cup of mulled wine. However, it happens once a year and Christmas feelings start blooming, when you enter one of the many markets – trust me you’ll be tempted to have at least one drink to fight the cold and get into the Christmas mood!

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The post Your Guide on London’s Best Christmas Markets appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

You should check out one of these amazing national parks if you’re looking for a fascinating and thrilling place to visit in Europe that is also popular among tourists.

Monti Sibillini National Park, Italy

Located in the Marche and Umbria regions in the central part of the country, Monti Sibillini is an impressive national park in Italy worth visiting. This park features a number of mountains around the region with the tallest going more than 8,000 feet above sea level. The park is home to a number of large meadows filled with natural flowers.

There are many rock climbing sites around the northern parts of the Monte Bove as well as various rivers in the region for rafting. An extensive series of bike paths are also available for mountain bikers to enjoy riding along. People looking for a real challenge out here can also take the Grande Anello hiking route, a path that takes about nine days to go through.

(Source: travelandescape.ca)

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Located around the border with Bosnia, the Plitvice Lakes National Park in central Croatia is south of Zagreb and is within the Karst mountain region. The park has sixteen unique lakes and waterfalls around its body as well as numerous foothills.

Bears and wolves can be easily found around this park. A number of bird species can also be found around Plitvice Lakes including the Eurasian eagle-owl, a relatively rare bird. A few prehistoric settlements can also be found around the region. These include ones that were founded by the Japudic tribe thousands of years ago and were eventually occupied by Slavs. Bronze Age artifacts are still being found around a few of these protected areas as archaeologists look to see what is around.

(Source: www.europetravel.net )

Butrint National Park, Albania

The Butrint National Park in southern Albania is located right east of the Corfu island and the town of Kassiopi in Greece. The park is famous for being home to various ruins of old Roman and Greek colonies. The ruins are representative of individual periods of the region’s history and are among the most unique places to spot in the region. Among the most popular ruins in the region is an old Greek amphitheater.

(Source: touristicattractions.com)

Vantajokull National Park, Iceland

The Vantajokull park in the eastern central part of Iceland has become famous for its vast array of glaciers. In fact, the park covers about a tenth of all of Iceland. The ice caves around the park are amazing and are surrounded by some of the purest waters you will ever come across. There are a few garden spaces around the park with many of these spaces being fully protected by a series of sturdy cliffs.

The region has a number of snowmobile paths and is home to a massive drainage space around the southern coast. This is a space where a large amount of water from the park will drain into the sea on a daily basis.

(Source: guidetoiceland.is)

Risnjak National Park, Croatia

Nature lovers will enjoy the spectacular beauty of Risnjak with its towering mountains, endless forests and dazzling waters set where the Alps meet the Dinaric Range. Risnjak has everything but the crowds as one of the least visited National Parks in Europe. Foreign tourists are especially rare because of a lack of advertising, not magnificence.

Risnjak is located 15 kilometers from the Adriatic coast and 104 kilometers from the capital city of Zagreb. Offering a myriad of hiking adventures in the spring filled with brilliant wildflowers, cooler temperatures in the summer than lower lying areas and in the autumn the trees are bathed in fiery reds, golden yellows and glowing oranges. The winter brings a winter wonderland, and at all times of the year you`will find incredible views of the islands and the mountains of neighboring Slovenia and in the distance, the Alps.

The sinkholes, caves and abysses make the karstic terrain especially fascinating, and you will find a wide variety of wildlife including the lynx, the symbol of the park, as well as Alpine deer, chamois and even bear and wild boar.

(Source: croatiavacation.co.uk)

Snaefellsnes National Park, Iceland

Mystics have been flocking to the region of Snaefellsnes National Park for years, although it is still relatively uncrowded, allowing visitors to experience more of the true Iceland – earning a reputation as Iceland in Miniature. The 700,000 year-old volcano at the center of the peninsula, is the same place that Jules Verne used as his doorway into the middle of the planet in Journey to the Center of the Earth.

This is the only park in Iceland that reaches from the seashore to the mountaintops, with views of lush fjords and glistening ice-capped volcanic peaks as well as remote golden beaches and crooked lava flows.

The magnificent landscape also includes geothermal hotsprings, waterfalls and powerful waves that crash against black sand beaches. Listen to the songs of the golden plover, meadow pipit and other small birds, and watch for killer whales, minke whales and porpoises that are commonly spotted along the coast. You are likely to spot the Arctic Fox, mink, rabbits and reindeer here too.

(Source: icelandictimes.com)

Pindus National Park, Greece

Pindus National Park in northwestern Greece is one of the least visited and least known in all of Europe, located in an isolated mountainous area. Much of the park covers the Valia Kalda Valley and the slopes of surrounding mountain peaks and filled with pristine nature, thick forests, roaring streams, rocky cliffs and narrow winding gorges – perfect for scenic hikes.

Here you will find the Eurasian brown bear, in fact the region is called, bear park You may also discover wolves, deer, wild cats, wild boar, the Balkan Chamois and five varieties of bat species. The area is also home to rare bird species such as the Golden eagle and the Lanner falcon, as well as a large variety of reptiles and amphibians.

(Source: world-traveller.org)

Check out these great national parks around Europe the next time you head out into the continent.

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The post The Most Popular National Parks in Europe appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

Bargains

Travel bargains are probably the number one factor for traveling during the off season. Airfares often drop by a third to half the price of peak airfares (typically May through mid-October). Just be sure to avoid traveling just before Christmas through New Year’s Day, when fares often go up even higher than peak season.

While you’ll pay top dollar to fly around the Thanksgiving holiday within America, this can be one of the best times to fly to Europe for a bargain price.

In addition to saving on airline tickets, accommodations are often cheaper during the off season in many destinations across Europe as well.

Weather

While climates vary greatly depending on your destination, you can avoid the extreme high heat of summer that you’ll find in countries like Italy, Spain or Greece by going in the off season and many other European nations often have ideal temperatures in autumn or spring.

Of course, if you picture yourself sitting by a roaring fire with a cup of tea or cocoa instead of spending most of your time outdoors, you’ll open up nearly an endless number of possibilities for an enjoyable and relaxing winter vacation. By bringing the right clothing and dressing in layers, in most places weather won’t put a big damper on your plans.

Fewer crowds

Another great benefit to off season travel is that you won’t have hordes of crowds to contend with at many of the most popular European sights and attractions. It’s important to plan ahead a little to avoid disappointment, however; some sights and activities may close down for part of the year. Keep in mind that with less people, public transportation including trains, buses and ferries may not provide as frequent trips (or some routes at all) as they would during peak season.

 Get to know the local culture

Fewer tourists also mean that the locals often have more time to spend with visitors. Getting to know the local culture is far more rewarding than being stuck on a tour where you’ll only interact with people from your own country. If you stay at a Bed and Breakfast your host will be more relaxed and much more likely to let you in on the locals’ best secrets as well as important historical moments in the town’s history and perhaps some more colorful stories too.

Stunning scenery

Visiting many European regions in the fall can bring the opportunity to view brilliant autumn foliage, while in the spring, mountains and hillsides may be found filled with beautiful wildflowers. Visions of a winter wonderland in Austria or Switzerland exude romance, while in Ireland or Scotland the stark beauty of winter is often nothing less than stunning. Castles shrouded in mist with the cries of crows be heard across the magnificent emerald hills make for a dream-like experience.

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European Tourism Trends in 2012

The post Five Reasons to Travel to Europe in the Off Season appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.

Europe Travel: What gave you the idea to start Vienna Coffee House Conversations? Are there other similar events that you’re aware of in different European cities?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: In May last year, I read in the news about two conversation meals that were held to connect immigrants in Vienna to native Viennese. I loved the concept of the conversation menus used and thought this would be an ideal catalyst to help travellers connect with locals in a meaningful way. Visitors increasingly want to go beyond discovering architecture and food temples; they want to get a local perspective and engage with everyday citizens, but often find social and language barriers. The idea of using these conversation meals to bring together travellers and locals in English in the Vienna Coffee House Conversations was born when I met with Eugene Quinn, who had set up the first events with cultural group space and place.

The concept of the conversation meals was masterminded by Oxford University professor Theodore Zeldin to facilitate meaningful conversations between strangers. They have taken place as part of street festivals, in art galleries from London to Singapore, and at the World Economic Forum in Davos. I am not aware of any similar events for travellers in other European cities, though.

Europe Travel: As you had a trial run of the events last year, was there anything that really stood out among attendees as to what they really enjoyed about it?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The first conversation-meal-style events in Vienna were held to tackle integration issues but used the same concept of connecting people through conversation menus. What participants enjoyed most was to engage with a complete stranger about matters of life they wouldn’t normally discuss, for example ‘How important is money to you?’ or ‘What are the limits of your compassion?’ Many of the conversation partners continued their talks way beyond the scheduled two hours, and some even extended them to weeks of animated email exchanges.

Europe Travel: What is the attitude of Viennese residents about the events? Do they generally enjoy welcoming travellers?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The predecessor events of the Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations were sold out, with more than 130 Viennese waiting for the next opportunity to connect with a stranger in this unusual way. There were no travellers involved in these first local events. We have spoken about our new venture to a number of local contacts, though, and they find the idea of reviving the Vienna coffeehouse culture and of opening up the events to people from all over the world very exciting. The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations are not a private tour guide service but a means to share dinner and a meaningful conversation with a stranger.

Europe Travel: What are some of your favourite things to do in Vienna when you return to the city?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: Going back to my hometown includes both visiting my favourite wineries, coffeehouses, taverns and shops; and catching up on new exhibitions, cool places and developments. Vienna is booming, so there are many of them!

First and foremost, however, I love to meet my local family and friends, and to find out what’s going on in Vienna. On Saturdays, I would accompany my mother on her trips to the food and flea market at Naschmarkt. Walking through the pedestrian area between the Vienna State Opera and Freyung square is a must. I’m still dreaming of visiting all the seven different locations across Vienna where I once lived.

Europe Travel: What are a few of the must-see attractions for first time travellers to Vienna?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The number one attraction is Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the former Habsburg Emperors. Take time to explore the wonderful gardens with the Gloriette cafe on top, an authentic 18^th century Tyrolean farmhouse, the zoo and the palm house. An insider tip is the historic marionette theatre on the grounds, which performs Mozart’s the Magic Flute and other plays.

The historic city centre is a UNESCO world heritage site, and packed with beautiful architecture, romantic alleys and hidden courtyards, called ‘Pawlatschen’.

The Ringstrasse Boulevard is lined with state buildings and museums, among them the Vienna State Opera, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Parliament, the City Hall, the old University and the Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art. Take the yellow ‘Ring Tram’ for a 30 minute ride around Ringstrasse.

Vienna coffeehouses are a must for every traveller as well as the locals. Our coffeehouse culture is UNESCO-recognised. I recommend choosing a selection of coffeehouses that represent different styles, such as Cafe Griensteidl, Cafe Museum, Cafe Prueckel, and Cafe Braeunerhof. Dare to go off the beaten path from our famous Sacher cake. There are so many sophisticated traditional cakes that deserve one’s attention!

Europe Travel: Do you feel there is a better time of year or season for travellers to visit Vienna?

Barbara Grull-Cacao:Vienna’s main attractions are open all year round, but for those travellers with special interests there are certain periods when it’s best to visit the city. For fans of opera, classical concerts and baroque horses – September to June; for ballroom dancers – carnival season; for lovers of Danube boat trips and biking enthusiasts – April to October; for wine lovers – September, October; for fans of both classical and contemporary music and film – May and November (the season for festivals like Wiener Festwochen and Wien Modern);

Europe Travel  What do you hope travellers/attendees can get out of the events?

Joining the Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations means jumping beyond city sightseeing and extending a cultural trip with a social element and personal insights to take away; after all, I believe the most memorable travel experiences include social encounters with local people (remember the story of that taxi driver…?).

The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations not only revive the salon-style coffeehouse culture of the 19^th and early 20^th century Vienna; they help travellers connect with residents and understand the local zeitgeist in a kind of depth that is hard to achieve elsewhere.

If you are a couple or a group of friends you can share some insights from your 1:1 encounters, and let the conversation continue within your group.

Europe Travel: Anything else that travellers considering attending Vienna Coffee House Conversations should know?

Barbara Grull-Cacao:  While we provide a menu of questions for participants and their conversation partners to choose from, they are free to discuss what they like, and how long they like. Eugene and I are planning to go for a drink somewhere local after the event – we’d love participants to join us and get to know the wider crowd.

Vienna Unwrapped and Barbara Grull-Cacao can be reached via her contact page here. Learn more about and register for the Vienna Coffee House Conversations by visiting the site at www.vienna-unwrapped.com/vienna-coffeehouse-conversation.html.

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The post Interview with Barbara Grull-Cacao of Vienna Coffee House Conversations and Vienna Unwrapped appeared first on Europe Travel Insights & Network: EuropeTravel.net.