As an avid traveler, one of the best ways to explore a new destination is a walking tour. You can visit landmarks, chat with the locals, and hopefully unveil a hidden gem. I’ve had the pleasure of doing a couple walking tours myself, including Istanbul and London. If you’d like to hear more about my experience with […]
Category Archives: Europe
How to Handle an Unexpected Turn Abroad You’ve spent months anticipating your perfect trip and then something out of your control happens and the plan takes an unexpected turn. This happened to my husband and I when we traveled to France a few years ago. Our plan was to stay in Paris for 6 days and […]
Disney movies have always taught us that dreams really do come true! Lucky for us, many of these movies are inspired by real places and experiences that you can have for yourself!!! One might need to trade in their magic carpet for an airplane though! Thank you to Jamie Ditaranto at Smart Traveler for these […]
Europe, European Rail, Guided Vacations, News & Announcements, Nora, Travel Agents, Travel Column, Uncategorized
Understanding the State Department’s Travel Alert for Europe
For Americans planning a trip abroad, State Department advisories can be confusing. Terms that may sound similar actually mean very different things for travelers. In March, the State Department issued a Travel Alert for Europe. Alerts are issued for short-term events that the U.S. government believes Americans should know about when planning a trip. The […]
Cruise, Europe, Honeymoon, Missy, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s Avalon River Cruise on the Danube
I had the opportunity to travel on an Avalon Waterways cruise from Budapest to Vienna on the Danube. Wow, what an experience! We stops at different ports along the river and did small guided tours. Some of the amazing cities we visited were Budapest, Bratislava, Durnstein Austria, Melk and Vienna. The Avalon Artistry II delivers […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Honeymoon, Missy, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s Culinary and Historic Tour of Istanbul, Turkey
Turkish cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich, influenced by its unique location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This blend of cultures, along with centuries of migration, has shaped a gastronomic identity that’s as varied as it is delicious. From hearty regional dishes to innovative street food, Turkey offers a wealth of culinary experiences […]
From capturing the sounds of Alaskan wildlife using specialized microphones to being cosseted by your personal butler on an expedition cruise in Bali, luxury travel has reached a whole new level of sophistication. Cruise lines are taking their all-inclusive mantras on shore and suite living to another dimension, while small-group journeys lead you beyond the […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Austria, Europe, Missy, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Vienna, Austria
Vienna, the city of music and was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert & Johann Strauss. Vienna – a romantically imperial city: Vienna is a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history. Sightseeing opportunities are to be found in abundance. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Germany, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Hamburg, Germany
On my recent trip to Hamburg, Germany, I discovered a city rich in history, culture, and maritime charm. As the second-largest city in Germany and the eighth largest in the European Union, Hamburg offers a unique mix of old-world architecture and modern vibrancy. One of my first stops was Alster Lake, a serene oasis in […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, European Rail, Germany, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s visit to Berlin, Germany
Visiting Berlin, Germany, was like stepping into a dynamic city where history, culture, and modernity intersect in fascinating ways. From the moment we arrived, the city’s energy was palpable, with a mix of iconic landmarks, vibrant street art, and cutting-edge design. We started our journey at the Brandenburg Gate, where we stood in awe of […]
Belgium, Europe, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents, Uncategorized
Missy Skoog’s visit to Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for weekend getaways and holidays. While the city is renowned for its world-famous chocolates, beers, and delicious waffles, there’s so much more to explore beyond its culinary delights. As the heart of European culture, Brussels is often referred to […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Germany, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents
Missy Skoog’s trip to Frankfurt, Germany
Thrusting, dynamic FRANKFURT is the beating heart of Germany’s financial sector and home to the European Central Bank. It has an impressive skyline bristling with eye-catching skyscrapers, earning it the nickname Mainhattan, while business travelers flock here for the trade shows, which include the world’s largest book fair. It’s an important transport hub too, with Germany’s busiest Autobahn […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Italy, Missy, Our Travel Specialists, Travel Agents, Uncategorized
Missy Skoog’s visit to Florence, Italy
Florence, the City of the Lily, is where the Renaissance was born, forever altering the way we perceive art, culture, and history. This timeless city continues to captivate travelers, offering stunning views, exceptional art, and rich history. Florence’s understated beauty lies in its grand yet unpretentious palaces, built from local stone, which take on a […]
Visiting Vatican City felt like stepping into a living masterpiece—every corner exuding centuries of art, history, and spiritual significance. As we entered through the grand Vatican Museums, we were immediately awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of the collection, from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. The Sistine Chapel was the highlight of our visit, […]
All - Vacation Inspiration, Europe, Nora, River Cruise, Travel Agents
Discover the Striking Beauty of Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Twenty-five years ago, the Velvet Revolution ended more than 40 years of communist rule in Czechoslovakia, which subsequently divided peacefully four years later to form Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Today, these two central European countries offer travelers a combination of extraordinary history, modern sophistication and natural paradise. Since Slovakia and the Czech Republic are […]