Category: Our Views on Travel

Last week we discussed some of the issues surrounding over tourism in many European cities.  That concern also exists in the cruise industry albeit more around environmental and sustainability issues, and the large number of passengers on ships contribute to the overcrowding.  Other concerns arise around the impact on food supplies, accommodations and the local…

As I mentioned last week there are so many different types of museums that there is sure to be one that will appeal to whatever your interest are.  Today we will continue to discuss the options. Who knew that there would be museums dedicated specifically to Food?  Whether you are looking for a specific type…

Whether or not you savor a museum visit when you travel, consider how much there is to enjoy and learn from the time spent in these indoor pursuits.  If you have been to a museum, any museum, and write the experience off as boring or a waste of your time perhaps you just didn’t pick…

Florence is an art lovers dream destination.  It is often touted as the birthplace of the Renaissance movement showcasing leading edge architecture, art and sculpture, and a meeting place for some of the best artists of their time – Masaccio, Brunelleschi, Donatello and others. The Renaissance is said to have started in Italy during the…

To truly immerse yourself in the culture of a new country you must experience their culinary traditions.  If you have food allergies or sensitivities, or are just a picky eater, this can be truly terrifying.  However, preparing your own food from what is fresh and local is one way to embrace this facet of travel….

Spending an extended period of time in any city in Europe allows you immerse yourself in the culture and landscape of your destination.  You can move beyond the fast and furious pace of a tourist and embrace a more relaxed schedule.   We spent  14 nights at an Airbnb in Florence.  We didn’t want to…

If you are a fan of Impressionism you will most likely have already seen the south of France.  According to Fodor’s, “Artists have been drawn to the south of France for generations, awed by its luminous colors and crystalline light. Monet, Renoir, Gauguin, and Van Gogh led the way, followed by Léger, Matisse, Picasso, Chagall,…

With a whole week in Aix we had plenty of time to explore the entire Provence region.  Booking day trips allowed for flexible, economical adventures with a return to our home base each night. Our first choice, because we were in Provence after all, was a wine tour.  The region is renowned for its roses…

Last week I discussed the concept of home base travel, staying in a central location for a longer period of time and using day trips to explore the area.  We put our own theories to the test when we booked a full week in Aix-en-Provence in May. We arrived in Aix-en-Provence by train from Brussels…