Ghent is an easy day trip from Brussels, but as I learned on my way-too-short visit, it’s worth an overnight or two. The canals, stunning architecture, historic pubs and unique shopping all make Ghent more than just a pit stop. Ghent is the kind of place I could see myself basing for a future visit […]
Day tripping from London is so easy that it’s hard not to plan an excursion. Trains go virtually everywhere– and get you there unbelievably quick. As I study London train timetables, I’m amazed by all the places I could be in an hour to two– Canterbury, Bristol, Bath, Cardiff— so many choices! And therein lies […]
The first time I visited Florence’s San Croce neighborhood, I must have walked right past the entrance to Scuola del Cuoio, a leather school in the heart of Florence. Though located on a sizable campus with several buildings and courtyards, the leather school was far less conspicuous from the street. It wasn’t until I was […]
Shopping Rome for the best souvenirs can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re only in town for a quick city break. It’s not that Rome has a lack of souvenirs to buy– you’ll find plenty of vendors hawking tchockes on every corner. But if you’re looking for tasteful, quality souvenirs to bring home, well […]
Cardiff in Wales is an ideal city to visit for a side trip from London. First, the train from London’s Paddington station to Cardiff clocks in at just under two hours. I took an early train from London and made it to Cardiff for a late breakfast. Cardiff is also a manageable city for a […]
Figuring out a packing list for spring and early summer travels in Europe can be tricky– temperatures can vary so greatly you may not be sure what to wear and can easily result in that dreaded over packing. I am obsessive about packing light (more room for souvenirs!) so I keep my packing list for […]
