Europe
So you want to go to Europe? Well, there are so many different places to consider on such a small continent. See if any of these options pique your interest.
Party at Oktoberfest in Germany
The largest beer festival in the world brings travelers from all over to Munich, Germany. The six original Munich breweries—Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten—serve up copious amounts of suds in a tradition that dates back to 1810.
While Oktoberfest runs for nearly three weeks each year, few participants endure that gauntlet. Instead, they make the most of a few days in Bavaria.
- Reserve your place at a beer tent, of which there are 14 main ones, early–think late winter, early spring.
- Memorize some key phrases such as Servus (an informal Bavarian greeting); Ein liter bier, bitte! (one liter of beer, please!), and, of course, Prost! (German form of cheers).
- Get out and explore. Munich is a historic city with many sights, and Oktoberfest is more than a beer festival: It’s a carnival. Enjoy it all!
Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
One of the most popular destinations of the last decade promises fire, ice and unforgettable experiences. Iceland, once a remote outpost in the North Atlantic, has become a must-visit destination for adventurous tourists. Its unique geography lends itself to a plethora of stunning attractions.
Get to these three while keeping your eyes upward in search of the Northern Lights:
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon. It’s a 102-degree Fahrenheit outdoor spa open all year round. What’s not to like?
- Spend a night in Reykjavik. The capital city promises exciting nightlife, quality food, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever come across.
- Visit the Westfjords. The region on the northwest coast of Iceland features varied wildlife from puffins and seals along the cliffs to arctic foxes that roam the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Explore historic Florence
Experience your own travel renaissance in the city that launched the real thing. Florence traces its history to Roman times, but it emerged as a center of intellectual and artistic advancement in the Middle Ages. The capital of Tuscany remains an enticing destination for travelers of all kinds.
- Eat authentic gelato at the Gelateria La Carraia.
- Visit the Uffizi Gallery, where works from Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and other notable Renaissance artists are on display.
- Take in the view from the top of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore aka the Duomo. The massive church is the most recognizable building in Florence.
Travel the Portuguese Coast
Hugging the west coast of the Iberian peninsula, Portugal’s geography makes it perfect for slow travel. Start in the north and head south down the coast, hitting all the notable stops along the way.
- Sip tea or coffee at Majestic Café in Porto, where J.K. Rowling conjured up Harry Potter.
- Explore the Alfama in Lisbon, the capital city’s Old Quarter. The area is defined by narrow medieval alleys and unforgettable sites.
- Relax at Praia de Faro, a three-mile stretch of golden sand on Portugal’s south coast.
More European Destinations