Why NYC Is More Than A European City
I was once listening to German tourists in Canada talk about the United States. They were explaining all the things that they didnt like about the U.S. They said New York was the exception. They said New York had culture. New York had a European feel to it. They said Europeans would always like New York because of its cultural element. Having traveled extensively in European cities, spending so much money to do very little, I was thinking to myself that they were flattering themselves. There is no European city that is anything like New York. Yes there are fascinating cities in Europe, old cities with so much culture and history, cities that can not be compared to anywhere else, but with a New York feel? I dont think so.
New York City can not be compared to any other city in the world. It is the most densely populated city in North America. It is home to the United Nations. It is made up of five famous boroughs; Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. If all of these boroughs were cities in their own right, with the exception of Staten Island, they would be among the most densely populated cities in North America. With 18.8 million people in New York Citys metropolitan area, the city has no shortage of people. The city is unique and is one of the most exciting places on earth. It is often referred to as the city that never sleeps. There is always something to do in New York City. But it is New Yorkers who make the city what it is. And that includes everybody, the original Italian and Jewish immigrants, aspiring actors, angry taxi drivers, people who love New York and even people who hate New York.
There is fascinating architecture to see in New York City. There is fascinating history to learn about. If one wants to visit museums one can go to the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design, the Jewish Museum, the International Center of Photography, the Museum of The City of New York, El Museo de Barico, the Goethe House and the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts all located on what is known as museum mile. All of these museums are located on 5th Avenue in between 82 and 105 streets. There are plenty others also all over the city.
Classical concerts can be heard at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and Brooklyn Academy of Music. One can even hear the New York Opera for free in Central Park during the summer months of June, July and August. Jazz lovers can enjoy big names at Radio City Music Hall or Madison Square Gardens or attend more intimate concerts in the numerous smaller jazz venues where so many big names started off.
Surprisingly, it is possible to have a fun and thrilling day in New York City without even spending one penny. You can go for a long walk in New Yorks enthralling Central Park and then visit some of New Yorks many fascinating landmarks. You can visit many radio and television stations like NBC. You can even be part of a live audience. It does not cost anything to sit in on a taping of David Letterman and watch your favorite band perform in the best acoustic situation possible. You just need to order your tickets ahead of time.
Apart from the live music, live theatre, history, architecture, sport venues, restaurants and shopping that the city is famous for, New York City has soul. It has a buzz. There is nowhere else on earth like New York City.
As Sammy Davis Junior once said, When you leave New York, you aint goin nowhere.
Where To Play Golf In Europes Winter
Europes winter can be down time for less intrepid golfers, and many avoid the winter chill and opt for a golfing holiday in southern destinations. Whether its a trip to the nearby Canary Islands or Cyprus, or a longer journey to Mauritius, a relaxing game of golf in the sunshine is the perfect antidote to the winter blues. Just imagine, in just a few hours you could be on a green with the sun on your back.
Cyprus offers golf and more
Cyprus is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean and its warm climate makes golfing a pleasure year-round. Scenic pine-clad mountains and a stunning coastline form a backdrop to its excellent golf courses. If you fancy a touch of luxury, stay at the Paphos Amathus Beach Hotel and youll have good access to the island’s 3 golf courses as well as the charming old town of Paphos. The many local vineyards offer wine tasting and there are excellent dining options outside of the hotel.
The oldest course in Cyprus, the Tsada Golf Club, with its undulating, natural fairways, runs through fruit orchards and vineyards. It is a par 72 course set 500 metres above sea level, that would suit both high and low handicappers. At the nearby par 72 Secret Valley course, well-maintained fairways are well separated. The newest course, Aphrodite Hills is set on cliffs above a beach and is surrounded by forest. The par 71 course is divided by a deep ravine.
Canary Islands a winter golfing favourite
Gran Canaria is a fantastic winter golf destination, and the historic par 72 Real Club de Golf Tenerife in the north of the most popular of the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is the second oldest golf club in Spain. The club is situated at 600 metres above sea level, with well-established trees, rolling fairways and deep cliffs, and accuracy is the name of the game here. But since there are six golf courses on Tenerife, youll have a chance to try more than one. Par 72 Abama, set amongst thousands of trees, is winding and tactical with 22 lakes to get over or around. Preference is given to residents of the Abama Resort.
Gran Canaria, known for its beaches, is evolving as an excellent golf destination and there are now five courses. The par 7 Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, in the centre of the island, is the oldest golf club in Spain. Located next to the crater of an old volcano, its short course, with its narrow fairways and small greens, require accuracy more than power. Near to the city of Las Palmas, the par 72 El Cortijo Club de Campo is dotted with lakes and features views of the ocean.
Mauritius golfing in paradise
This idyllic Indian Ocean island, with its white sandy beaches, offers golfers a choice of three courses. Belle Mare Plage a luxurious four-star golf resort, sited on a beach protected by an offshore coral reef, has two championship courses. The demanding Legend Course has two sets of 18 holes, with fairways lined with trees, and greens with spectacular backdrops. The relatively new par 71 The Links Course includes a practice fairway and a tough uphill fairway with a water trap. The hotel also offers a variety of water sports. All the well-appointed rooms have sea views.
Visiting European Destinations
Do you want to travel Europe in the next year or so? That is wonderful, but you need to know that you need to carefully plan your trip so that you can make the most of your trip. European destinations number many and that is why is it important to carefully research and plan your trip.
Six Months Prior to European Travel
You will need to determine where you want to go in Europe. There are many different European destinations that you can choose from, so you will want to talk to a travel agent, talk to friends, and research the different places to find the right ones for you. You may also want to consider getting a travel guide to Europe. This is a great way to check out the places that you may want to visit and you can highlight the details that you may want to reread on your trip.
Three Months Before Trip
Traveling Europe is closer to reality for you. Are you beginning to get excited? Now you want to begin the detail planning of your trip. A passport will be needed if you dont have one and you will need to purchase your airline tickets and lodging. If the climate is vastly different from yours, then you may need to purchase some clothing for the trip. By planning ahead, you can help to reduce some of the stress that comes with planning a trip.
If you want to go to a special festival or even while you are traveling in Europe, then you will need to book the reservations now. If the event is a large one, then it may become difficult to get tickets if you wait.
Six Weeks Before Trip
Your trip is getting closer, but you still have some things that you need to do. Are you going to rent a car, ride the rails, or take bus transportation through Europe? You will need to research these options and plan accordingly to make sure that you have the transportation that you need. You also will want to make sure that you have a health check-up and get any immunizations that you might need. By doing this in advance, you will be sure that you get everything done.
Four Weeks Before Trip
You will be traveling to Europe in just four weeks. Make sure that you have luggage, maps, something to keep your cash and valuables from being stolen, camera, currency, and an electrical converter if needed. You will also want to contact the embassy to see if there are any warnings that you need to be aware of.
One Week to One Day Before Trip
You are on your way! If you have missed doing something, then it will not get done at this time. Make sure that you have copies your credit cards and passport for safety and get ready to board that plane. Have fun traveling to Europe!
Venice City Guide
Venice is made up of over 100 islands, all linked together by Venice’s unique canal network. As one of the most beautiful cities in the world Venice wont disappoint its visitors. Explore Venices famous canals, old bridges, stunning palazzos and great art. What to do and see in and around Venice
St Mark’s Square
The crowded St Marks Square is probably Venices most famous square. Enjoy a coffee in one of the cafs while admiring the beautiful architecture surrounding you. Lots of Venices main attractions, such as the Campanile and the Clock Tower, can be found close by. Dont miss the golden altar piece in the impressive St Marks Basilica.
Gallerie dellAccademia
The Accademia Gallery has one of the finest art collections in Europe. The walls are lined with works by Venetian master painters including Bellini, Titian, Veronese and Tintoretto.
Palazzo Ducale & the Bridge of Sighs
The Palazzo Ducale was the home of the Doges from where they ran the Venetian state. You see all aspects of the life of the Doge from where he lived to where state matters were discussed and justice dispensed. Walk over the infamous Bridge of Sighs, whose name comes from the time when the bridge led from the court to the prison cells. The Prisoners saw the view of the beautiful lagoon and sighed.
Ca dOro
Ca DOro (House of Gold) located on the Grand Canal is a beautiful palazzo and a great example of gothic architecture. The Palazzo shows a fine collection of sculptures, tapestries and paintings.
Santa Maria della Salute
Guarding the entrance to the Grand Canal is Santa Maria della Salute a Venetian landmark and a magnificent Baroque Church. The sacristy boasts paintings by Titian and Tintorettos Marriage at Cana.
San Giorgio Maggiore
The San Giorgio Maggiore church is a well known Venetian landmark designed by Palladio the famous renaissance architecture. Inside, you will find several of Tintorettos paintings including “The Last Supper”.
Canals
Its impossible to think of Venice without thinking of canals and Gondolas. Cars are not allowed in the city and all transportation is on water. Travel like a true Venetian, hop on the Vaporati (water bus) and travel along the Grand Canal. It will take you under the Rialto Bridge and is a perfect way to admire the beautiful palaces lining the Canal.
Rialto Markets
The lively Rialto Markets are open evey morning. Fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and clothing are on offer. The Fish market has been held here for 1000 years – don’t miss the live lobsters and crabs.
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of Venices finest art museums with an impressive collection of more than 50 of Tintorettos works.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
The Venier dei Leoni Palace was the home of American collector Peggy Guggenheim for 30 years. Now it is a museum with a most impressive collection of modern art. Artists represented include Magritte, Picasso, Pollock and Kandinsky.
The Lido
20 minutes by waterbus from Venice
The Lido is a long strip of sand sheltering Venice lagoon from the Sea. The islands sandy beaches make it a popular day trip destination for families and sun worshippers.
Verona
80 minutes by train from Venice
The charming city of Verona has plenty to offer its visitors including roman monuments, impressive architecture and delightful restaurants. Make sure you dont miss the Roman Arena where an open-air opera festival takes place every year.
Venice: Mirror Of The Soul
Legions of artists have tried to capture the elusiveness of Venice in word, music and paint. Goethe, Thomas Mann, Dickens and Henry James, just to name a few, have penned magnificent lines. Richard Wagner and Mendelssohn have composed great symphonies and Monet, Manet, Renoir and Whistler have been inspired to paint some of their finest canvasses. All have struggled valiantly to express the essence of Venice.
According to Mary McCarthy, author of ‘Venice Observed,’ “…what one is about to feel or say has not only been said before by Goethe or Musset, but is on the tip of the tongue of the tourist from Iowa who is alighting in the Piazzetta with her fur piece and jewelled pin.”
Questions race to mind. Why do heartfelt attempts at description sound like the most banal clichs? Can anything new be said, or has human thought and emotion over the centuries been exhausted? What immerses people in such a delightful and frustrating endeavour to define the elusive with originality? I, too, am compelled to take up the challenge.
The German author, Thomas Mann, who wrote Death in Venice, said that Venice must be first seen from the sea. Having arrived by both train and boat, I know this is true. I landed at Marco Polo airport in the early afternoon on a sunny spring day and boarded the public boat for the city, an hour away. Watching the sun dance on the glistening water, I craned my neck for the first glimpse of Venice. Within half an hour, the Lido, a sand-spit protecting Venice from the open sea, appeared with its faint air of a seaside town. Women with baby carriages strolled the promenade, amongst businessmen with briefcases. This foretaste was the proper introduction to the city of the soul. Soon, Venice rose before me from the dark, choppy waters like an enchanting golden vapour. Like a lover’s first kiss, you are forever smitten and hunger for more.
But I will leave it up to Harry Jenkins to describe his first sight of Venice.
Bridges arced over glistening water and soft colored walls of pink, yellow and white hung above the dark, impenetrable, doorways just above the water line. From shadows, gondolas swept past marble balustrades then emerged into light. The indistinct cries and song of the gondoliers rose up to him. Riveted, as if standing before a painting of great beauty, he longed to reach out and touch the view, simply to assure himself of its reality. Excited, his imagination drew him both inward and outward in the same instant. Like an artist, he labored before the scene to fix its essence within himself and yet laughed at the impossibility.
Now who might Harry Jenkins be? Why hes the protagonist of the Osgoode Trilogy, which I wrote. I am doing the final edits on the third in the trilogy, A Trial of One, which will be published in early September 2007. If you have read the first two, Conduct in Question and Final Paradox, you will definitely want to know where the hunt for the shares ends that money which has poisoned the lives of so many in Final Paradox. Of course, it ends in the only possible placeVenice, the mirror of the soul.
But back to my visit, which certainly inspired the setting and some of the events for
A Trial of One.
Within the hour, I reached the landing for San Marco, where I had arranged to meet the lady from whom I was renting a flat at the Sullam Palace. I was partly attracted to the place by its rather exotic name. After all, who would not want to live in a palace?
At the San Marco stop, I stepped onto the landing where trees made leafy patterns in the sunlight and waited for her. Within moments, she arrived. Pulling my bag behind me, I walked with her past San Marco and along narrow streets to the Sullam Palace. The apartment on the fourth floor was small, but had everything I could wanta bedroom with a comfortable double bed, a tiny living room and dining room, plus kitchen and shower. And the view was magnificent! Across red-tiled rooftops could be seen the Palazzo Contarini-Bovolo famous for its architectural detail and its exterior spiral staircases. I unpacked and began to settle in. Within twenty minutes I drifted off with the singing of gondoliers beneath my window. When I awoke, the room was dark and I was hungry. Outside to find a restaurant! Down through the darkened stairwells of the Sullam Palace, I reached the narrow calles lined with tiny shops of masks and Pinocchio marionettes. If you look at the cover of Final Paradox you will find the photograph I took that first night of a shop window. www.maryemartin.com
In the next several travel articles, I will be telling you much more about my stay in Venice, which was just about five years ago. Heres the question I have been mulling over. How can a city so possess a writer so that no other place could possibly be a proper setting for the events, which must unfold in the story?
Travel to Madrid: Europe’s Eldest Infant
Madrid may have been full of life by 1200 A.D. but it was not until 1979 that the capital city of Spain held its first free and democratic elections. The tumultuous tribulations of the 20th century have left a distinct flavor about the art, attitude and culture in Madrid. Visitors will find a thriving and exuberant local population proud and eager to share its resilient, if not neglected, history with the world.
The modern heart and soul of Spain is central to the entire Iberian Peninsula, making Madrid the ideal place to initiate your Spanish adventure. Madrid is also rich with Moorish heritage as it was a contentious battleground between the Islamic and Christian Empires for much of the modern era. A stroll through Barrio de la Morera (Moorish Quarter) invokes an essence of Medieval Madrid through ornate Islamic architecture and hidden plazas. The art and architecture of Madrid also speaks of the temporary but influential Habsburg and Bourbon Rules.
Museum Hop Til You Drop
Madrid is the internationally celebrated home of Spain’s most prominent art collections. The Museo del Prado houses the world’s largest and most prized collection featuring over 8,600 master works by Velzquez, Goya, El Greco, Ribera, Raphael, Botticelli, Fra Anglico, and Rembrandt, to name a few. Since 1819, the collection has been moved twice during the Spanish Civil War and WWII and has sustained immaculate condition. The Prado is also a work of art in its own right, designed by famed 18th century architect Juan de Villanueva. For the grandeur and curious intricacies of contemporary Spanish art, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is a crucial visit. Once you have managed to overcome the awe of Picasso’s Guernica, make sure to explore the fascinating world of Spanish photography, sculpture and film along with an incredible collection of Kandinsky, Mir and Dal. Finally, take a journey through royal Madrid at the Palacio Real. The 2800-room palace is no longer inhabited by the royal family, but the walls are lined with elaborate frescos and original artwork by the likes of El Greco and Goya. Stop by the two beautiful gardens and get your fix of ancient apothecary remedies in the Farmacia Real.
Madrid in Present Tense
In Madrid it is easy to leave history behind and become immersed in the boisterous blooming lifestyle that fills the streets. The pulse of Madrid’s beating heart can be found in the Plaza Mayor, the town square built in 1619 by Juan Gmez de Mora. Although it’s unlikely you’ll be able to throw stones at heretics here anymore, console yourself with an alfresco drink and pastry at one of the many cafes. For the resilient shopper, do not miss the Sunday Rastro flea market along the Calle de la Ribera de Curtidos, where bargain hunters and pack-rats alike will be in seventh heaven.
Travel to Madrid for the perfect beginning to your Spanish vacation. Many captivating destinations lie just beyond the city, including the world heritage town of Alcala de Henares, the royal Aranjuez and the picturesque mountain town of Manzanares El Real.
For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Madrid, visit www.cfares.com.
Travel to Germany: The Pulse of European History
Germany has long been a mover and shaker of European history, creating waves in time for the rest of the continent to ride out. From Charlemagne and Otto von Bismarck to Nazism and the Cold War, Germany has become the epicenter of cutting-edge culture and music, and centuries of tradition and fine arts. The juxtaposition of medieval towns against ultra-modern industrialism is a fascinating reality to experience.
Thriving Urban Centers of Germany
The capital city of Berlin is by far the most dynamic and diverse metropolis for the German traveler. Despite reunification projects since the Wall came down in 1989, the city is still very much divided between the cosmopolitan chic of the West and the tattered Communist remains of the East. The Stasi Museum, located in East Berlin, is home to the former State Security Service. The intelligence body spied on and badgered citizens throughout the Communist era from this building. The Brandenburger Tor is a monumental building built in 1792 as one of the city’s 14 gates. The history of this landmark is tied directly with the enclosing of West Germany from the East as it was essentially barricaded in by the Berlin Wall.
In addition to the other popular urban destinations of Munich and Frankfurt, Aachen (also known as Aix-la-Chapelle) should not be missed on a German visit. It is considered the most international of cities in Germany, situated close to the Belgian and Netherlands borders. Many citizens and travelers enjoy regular access to both border nations. The main draw is the Aachen Dom (Aachen Cathedral), which is the oldest landmark in Germany. Emperor Charlemagne had the chapel constructed over 1200 years ago and Holy Roman Emperors were coroneted here for nearly 600 years. The cathedral is also alleged to possess Christ’s loincloth as part of its collection.
Fables and Fairytales
The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. It also happens to be where Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse spent much of his life living and writing. The Maulbronn monastery, situated in the forest’s north end, is a UNESCO World Heritage sight that has been carefully preserved. The entire wooded expanse is dotted with medieval and farm towns and is fairly easy to navigate by train.
The notorious 19th century Bavarian king, Ludwig II (Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm), left his personal legend all over the German countryside in the form of extravagantly ornate castles. Schloss Neuschwanstein is Ludwig’s (and Germany’s) most famous construction, particularly because he contracted a stage designer rather than an architect to do the job. Although the monstrosity was never actually finished, visitors may enjoy concerts in the castle’s centerpiece, Minstrel’s Hall, every September.
Along Germany’s southwest border, The Rhine Valley stretches as a monument to the country’s timeless culture and love affair with art, wine, food and beer. The Middle Rhine Valley (also a World Heritage sight) is the most popular segment, studded with medieval and gothic towns and wineries that hold their own festivals annually. Additionally, WWII has left its distinct mark throughout the region despite the incredible restoration efforts undertaken over the years.
Social revolutions, wars and a fair share of domestic turmoil combined with the legacy of the Holy Roman Empire and the split of the Protestant Church all make Germany unmistakably unique and internationally modern. Travel Germany and discover that it’s not all about the Beer Gardens!
For more information on travel to Germany and other regions in Europe, and discount airfare to Germany, visit www.cfares.com.
Travel Italy and Experience Europe
If you want to experience Europe, you need to travel to Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable. From the Ancient Roman Empire to the Medieval Tuscan fortress towns and the Venetian Republic, Italy’s incredible historical diversity has come together to produce a country so incredible, so remarkable, so beautiful as to leave the visitor with an unquenchable desire to return again and again. The legacy of the Renaissance and its masterpieces of art, music, and architecture have left such a tangible mark on the Italian soul one can barely help being swept along in the tide of culture. If you’re a lover of nature, there are majestic mountains, crystal seas, rolling hills, fertile plains, sweeping cliffs, and magical lagoons, you need to travel to Italy.
Travel to Italy The Cities to See
Milan is rivaled only by Paris as the fashion capital of the world and is shopping at its best. Rome has been the heart of Italy from the time of the Romans through today; to walk its streets is to walk in the footsteps of Emperors and Popes. Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance and its presence reverberates through the old cobbled streets and beautiful churches. Venice – the most unique and romantic city in the world, stands timeless and beautiful in the midst of the Adriatic, a magnificent creation highlighting man at his most artistic. Finally the majestic and striking natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, a place to relax, soak in the tremendous natural beauty, dine on the world’s favorite cuisine at its finest, and experience that special joy of being that is uniquely Italian. No matter what you’re seeking, it awaits you when you travel Italy and visit its cities.
The Weather
When you travel to Italy, it’s important to know that despite its geographical position at the center of the temperate zone, Italy has rather variable climatic characteristics. This is due to the presence of the Mediterranean, whose warm waters mitigate thermal extremes, and the Alpine arc, which forms a barrier against the cold north winds. Furthermore, when you travel Italy, remember that Italy is subject to both wet and moderate atmospheric currents from the Atlantic Ocean and dry and cold ones from Eastern Europe.
The Apennine chain too, confronting the wet winds from the Tyrrhenian, causes considerable climatic differences between the opposite sides of the peninsula. The differences in temperature between the winter and summer months are more marked in the northern regions than in the south and along the coasts. The mean temperatures for the month of January in the Po Plain fluctuate around zero, while in the Alpine valleys the thermometer can drop to -20 and snow can remain on the ground for many weeks.
In the southern regions, instead, the mean temperatures for January remain around 10, with the exception of the inland mountainous zones. Mean summer temperatures throughout all Italy rise to 24-25 for July, only being lower in the highest zones. Rainfall distribution also varies considerably, due to the influence of both mountains and prevailing winds. The highest quantities are registered in the Alpine arc (over 3,000 mm pa in the Lepontine and Julian Alps) and on the Apennines (over 3,000 mm pa in the Apuan Alps). The plains, however, including that of the Po, receive scarce precipitation. Generally it is less than 800-900 mm pa but in the southern regions (Tavoliere and southern Sicily) it falls below 600 mm pa. The great internal Alpine valleys and the coastal plains of the Tyrrhenian (Maremma) and Sardinia also receive little rain. Altogether, six large climatic regions can be distinguished, mainly characterized by mountain influence.
So as you can see, when you travel to Italy, there is much to experience. The culture, history, and beauty of Italy make Italy a top European travel destination.
For more information on travel to Italy and other regions in Europe, and discount airfare to Italy, visit www.cfares.com
Travel Europe By Rail And Europe Becomes Your Undiscovered Oyster
Travel Europe By Rail And Europe Becomes Your Undiscovered Oyster
Europe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. No other place on Earth offers so much to do in so little time. Besides being steeped in rich history and culture, Europe is also beautiful and relaxing all over the continent. Of course, there is a decision to be made about how to get from land to land in this gorgeous area. The best suggestion would be to travel Europe by rail. There is no other way to see so much and relax in amazing comfort at the same time.
To travel Europe by rail you will need to obtain some rail passes. This is not difficult in the least and is far more cost effective than air travel. The best way to get rail passes is to go through a travel agent. You will need to tell them how many destinations that you intend to visit while you travel Europe by rail. The travel agent will be able to work out a great package deal for you that will get all you want to see into the amount of days that you have available. There are also several preset travel Europe by rail deals that give you only the best of what the land has to offer. Check with your travel agent to determine what the best package is for you and the pricing that is available.
When you travel Europe by rail there are many destinations that you will surely want to visit to make the vacation unforgettable to say the least. Prague is one such destination. To travel Europe by rail and not stop in Prague is a big mistake. Besides being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it has a rich nightlife and wonderful attractions for everyone. Stop in for some of the best cuisine that the world has to offer.
Venice is another must see destination when you travel Europe by rail. Venice has been touted as the number one spot for tourists all over the world. This is no surprise considering the overall appeal of the city and its historical richness. Be sure to visit one of the wonderful cafs that line most of the streets.
Finally you will want to stop in at Munich when you travel Europe by rail. As a city, Munich provides something for everyone. The night is always alive in Munich with nightclubs and jazz centers as well as great theater and film houses. Do not leave until you have visited some of the fine restaurants in the area as well. You will not regret it for sure.
Next time you take a vacation be sure to check into a package that will allow you to travel Europe by rail. Not only will you travel to some of the finest locations across the continent, you will do so in high style and comfort, not having to worry about long lines to get through an airport terminal. Travel Europe by rail and enjoy.
Travel Credit Card – Planning That European Vacation
Now that summer’s here you may be getting ready for that long awaited European vacation. Have you checked to be sure you have the right travel credit card? Although using credit cards are best when you travel, you need to be sure you’ve selected the best credit card for overseas use.
If you’re getting ready to travel, you need to take care of a few matters regarding your credit card before you leave. You should check with your credit card issuer about fees or charges when using the card outside of the U.S. Many of the financial institutions charge additional fees for foreign transactions, such as three percent when converted to U.S. pounds.
It is recommended that while you have your bank on the line, you advise them of the dates you’ll be traveling and the countries you will be in. If they don’t know you’re out of the country and start getting charges from Paris, they may cancel your account until you contact them.
You should take credit cards from two banks. If there’s a problem and one bank cancels your credit card while youre traveling, if the two cards are from the same institution they would cancel both. The second card could just be a back-up. Its best to use just one credit card as its easier to keep track of your spending.
Seasoned travelers recommend when vacationing in Europe, you use a debit card for getting local currency. Cash machines are common throughout Europe and you can go to any ATM machine and get cash back. The drawback with this is that there are quite often limits of the amount of cash you can withdraw at one time. You may also want to set-up with your financial institution in advance, a daily allowance of the amount of cash that can be withdrawn from your debit card just in case it is lost or stolen.
With the debit card, there is a fee for each transaction. So you wouldn’t want to use the debit credit card in place of a credit card as you might do here in the U.S., as each charge would generate an added fee. You can keep the debit card just to replenish your cash. It is suggested you have enough cash on hand, as there are times when a credit card sign is posted at the door at say a restaurant, but when the bill comes they dont accept that card.
Use caution while traveling of being too liberal when using your credit card number. Keep your travel credit cards and your debit credit card in a safe place. Keep all receipts so that you can verify the charges upon your return. Maintain your pin number in a safe place. Be sure you have the financial institutions phone numbers just in case you lose your credit card.
Now that you have your travel credit card and debit card information, its time to make those final plans and start packing. Oh, and dont forget to take lots of pictures and have fun!