Have you watched Mary Poppins? As a child, during the holidays, I would watch this movie numerous times until the video tape broke. The best part of the musical was when the birds sang when one perched on Mary’s finger. I thought that was amazing and hoped that one day, I too would sing with a bird, or at least get a bird to come close to me enough to perch on my hand. Travelling is always a joy and full of unexpected surprises. On a sunny … [Read more...]
Stowe’s Simple Surprises
Sometimes luxury is in the simple things. Driving the last ten miles along Route 100 toward Stowe, Vermont, I was entering another way of life. There are no sky-scrapers, no fast-food chains, no billboards or even back-lit signs. There are independent little one- and two-storey shops, selling cheeses and maple syrups and cider doughnuts. I pulled into the parking lot at the recently renovated Topnotch Resort and Spa and quickly ducked … [Read more...]
Five Great Drives Around the World
Just like a garden is only as good as its soil, or a place is only as good as it’s people, a car is only as good as the road underneath it and whether you’re into grand tourers, sporty hatchbacks or just bundling the family into the back of the MPV, seeking out great roads can make a long drive into an epic adventure! The only real question is where to find these fabulous drives, and to help you get on your way, here’s GoMotorTrade’s guide to the … [Read more...]
Bolzano Christmas Market
Are you rushing around trying to finish your Christmas shopping? Can't find anything in the shops for love or money? Perhaps you are just looking in the wrong place – the High Street might be fine for boring stuff like perfume, socks and ties but for something a bit different, a quick hop over to one of the many European Christmas markets is bound to do the trick. With time now quite short, you will need to make sure you choose the right one and … [Read more...]
Planning the perfect piste-side proposal
Of all the locations to choose when planning your proposal to the person of your dreams, few can match the serene majesty of the Alps. The heady mix of crisp, fresh air, rugged mountain scenery and glistening snow makes the Alps the ideal place to pop the question. Wrapped up warm against the elements, the sparkling ring and glistening snow complimenting her beaming smile; what could be more perfect? Of all the locations to choose when … [Read more...]
Exploring Little Liechtenstein
We showed up in Vaduz (the capital city) - knowing little more about this small country - other than it was small and fairly mountainous and that there is a royal family. "Small Country Europe" was the latest self titled trip to the continent- we had already visited San Marino and Monaco and Lichtenstein certainly fit this "small" role. We drove up from Lago di Como in Italy ultimately passing through Logano. I have been to Switzerland several … [Read more...]
A Traveler’s Passion
I had my first taste of travel back in 2007 when I went on a group tour throughout Europe to six countries in twenty days. It was a group of kids from all over New Jersey that I did not know, but after those twenty days we were like a family. At the time it was my dream to visit London, I was obsessed with the accent, the culture and seeing the sights. I always wanted to see the London Eye and when I finally did, it all hit me. That moment was … [Read more...]
Zurich Honeymoon, Guest Post
I proposed after 3 wonderful years together. Yeah for me, right? Of course it is, but... I think I may have dug myself into a hole. So typically, the groom would never volunteer to take on ANYTHING related to planning a wedding; we’re supposed to just show up on the day of the wedding in the tuxedo chosen by our lovely brides. Yet, as a present for my bride, I took over the planning of our honeymoon. No pressure, of course. I wanted to avoid the … [Read more...]
Unique and unusual hotels revealed at HostelBookers
HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, works with some of the best and most unusual cheap hotels in the world. Guests could sleep in tree tops in Turkey, shower in a reformed jail in Switzerland or even eat their breakfast while floating on the Danube in Serbia. In Europe, Trulli Holiday Hotel is a charming complex in Alberobello, in the Puglia region. The unique trulli houses are the traditional dwelling of natives and … [Read more...]
Sticker Shock!
Norway has got to be one of the most expensive countries in the world...oh and along with Iceland perhaps and maybe Switzerland. Here are a few examples of prices we paid: Small Bowl of Pho (soup) at a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant: nearly $20 US dollars! Two chicken drumsticks, a small cup of rice/veggies and a fruit drink (non alcoholic): nearly $30 dollars! Aside from the high prices there is plenty to do in Oslo under the … [Read more...]