I've only done one cruise and it was FAR from my favorite vacation, but I'm intrigued by the idea of a sailing cruise. Sailing cruises like the ones offered by Star Clippers are more causal/less structured, cater to a much smaller audience and therefore don't have to dock in big ports like larger ships. Essentially, this is a cruise for non-cruise people!

​What? Ships vary in size, but Star Clippers ships hold from 170-230 guests. Service is top-notch with a 2:1 staff to guest ratio and there are plenty of on board activities to keep everyone busy. 

Why?: This an ideal choice for multi-generational families or couples/solo travelers looking for a more relaxed/casual atmosphere. Big groups celebrating a special occasion would also benefit from the minimal logistics involved in a sailing cruise. This experience is tailor made for well-traveled individuals looking for something off the beaten path away from the tourist crowds. 

Where?: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asia, Panama Canal & beyond

Questions? Comments? Looking for a sailing cruise? Post on my Facebook feed or message me. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for more travel inspiration!

Barge cruising has always appealed to me. Maybe it's the slow pace, the gourmet food and wine or the private nature of a small luxury hotel barge. Unknown to many, these are the perfect fit for a multi-generational trip or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. 

​What? Barges vary in size and can hold from 4 to 22 passengers. Most have a small crew (of 4-6 people) to take care of your every need - Cooking, cleaning, piloting the barge and offering chauffeured tours of surrounding sights. There is the option to do a cheaper self-drive barge as well. 

Why?: There are 2 paces on a barge - Slow and slower. This kind of vacation is meant for those looking to spend quality time with their traveling companions without the hassle of a big cruise ship or the logistics of a multi-city vacation. It can also be a good option for those with physical limitations. 

Where?: Most barges cruise in canals throughout France, but barge options also exist in Holland, Ireland, England, Scotland and Germany.

When?: Barge season is mid-April to late October.

Questions? Comments? Looking for a barge cruise? Post on my Facebook feed or message me. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for more travel inspiration!

​Austria often gets overlooked, but there are SO many hidden gems nestled in this tiny country. After spending two weeks updating the Rick Steves' Vienna guidebook this summer, I feel pretty confident in recommending it for your next vacation. 

​Why Austria?: The Hapsburgs' left plenty behind to keep even the most avid tourist busy (especially in Vienna), but it's the Austrian countryside where the real gemutlichkeit (which translated means coziness) can be found. The Austrians are said to be a bit more laid back than their German neighbors and they love the great outdoors as much as a good cafe. 

Where?: Austria, Germany and Switzerland make a great two week vacation, but with more time in Austria I'd pair the cities of Vienna and Salzburg with smaller towns like Halstatt (touristy & crowded) and regions like the Tirol or the Danube Valley. 

When?: Austria makes a great place for a winter ski vacation or a summer holiday. It's beautiful any time of year, but I prefer early October when the fall colors appear and the strum (young wine) and onion cake are traditionally served. You can almost feel the excitement in the air as the winemakers begin their fall harvest. 

What?: Here are a few ideas of things to do in Austria with kids:

​Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress & Sound of Music Bike Tour

Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace, Spanish Riding School & Haus der Musik

Wachau Valley (Danube) - If your family loves to cycle then you can't miss this stop. Make your home base in Melk and ride along the Danube to Krems. The logistics here can be a bit difficult so do your research ahead of time. 

How?: Germany and Austria are easily doable by train, but if visiting the countryside consider renting a car. 

Questions? Comments? Looking for a hotel or a family-friendly guide in Austria? Post on my Facebook feed or message me. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for more travel inspiration!

Many families shy away from Amsterdam for obvious reasons, but there are so many MORE reasons why it's a good fit for your next family vacation:

Why Amsterdam?: It's a fairly compact city with great public transportation, an amazing park and plenty of top notch museums. More than anything, the architecture and canals create for an ambiance that is unique to Amsterdam. On a sunny day, there is nothing more fun than sitting at a canal side cafe watching the young locals cruise their "backstreets" with a Dutch beer in hand.

Where?: I prefer canal side accommodations on one of the major canals - Prinsengracht, Keizergracht or the Herengracht. One of my clients recently stayed at The Toren along the Keizergracht and had a great experience. Be aware that hotels in Amsterdam can be VERY expensive (especially when there is a conference in town) so do your research ahead of time. 

When?: I prefer Amsterdam in July and August when Italy is sweltering; however, I would travel to Amsterdam in the spring to visit the Keukenhof park where 7 million tulip bulbs bloom each year - Open mid-March through mid-May.

How long?: I'd spend at least 4 nights in Amsterdam. With just over a week to spare, consider linking Amsterdam and Paris together by train - The Thalys train takes just a little over three hours. Haarlem makes for a quaint home base for those that don't mind the 20 minute ride to Amsterdam Central by train. 

What?: Here are a few ideas on things to do in Amsterdam with kids: 

- Vondel Park - I'm a sucker for big parks and this is one of the best. It's expansive with plenty of green grass for frolicking, multiple playgrounds and an open-air theater. 

- Rijks Museum - Recently renovated, the architecture alone will blow you away. This is one of my favorite museums in all of Europe and it is best done with a local guide. With short attention spans and so much to see, a guide can be worth every penny. Although not 100% necessary, it's a good idea to purchase tickets in advance online. 

- Van Gogh Museum - This is a fairly small museum compared to the RIjks and the helpful children's audio guide and scavenger hunt make it a bit more palatable for kids. Check the website for children's workshops held every weekend. 

- Anne Frank House - This is a must-see sight for everyone who visits Amsterdam so purchase your tickets online well in advance. Those with younger children should be aware that there are steep stairs and strollers must be left at the information desk. 

- NEMO Science Center - This hands on museums, shaped like a ship, is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Plan on spending at least a half day here. 

- Canal boat ride - There are plenty of touristy companies offering canal boat rides, but I prefer paying a bit more and hiring a local guide to do a private tour by boat. This is a great activity upon arrival in Amsterdam. 

How?: The Netherlands has great public transportation options. In my opinion, cars and parking can make traveling more stressful so I stick to public transportation when possible.

Questions? Comments? Looking for a hotel or a family-friendly guide in Amsterdam? Post on my Facebook feed or message me. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for more travel inspiration!

Yes.  I get paid to travel, but... It wasn't always that way.  I had a normal job doing normal things and quite frankly... I got bored.  I wanted more and I knew the only way more was going to come was if I went after it myself.  So, I flew to the Seattle area to convince the folks at Rick Steves' Europe to hire me and eventually... They did!  I haven't looked back for a second.
 
Now I am embarking on really starting my own travel consulting business to keep me busy while I am home.  Things are a bit tight financially and I am fighting the demons of worry and self-doubt, but I know that I only have one life to live and I want to get it right.  I don't need a new car, a house, or even cable - I just want to see the world!
 
I realize that I took things to the extreme a few years ago, when I decided to quit my teaching job and take a job as a tour guide with Rick Steves' Europe.  Maybe that is a bit of a stretch for you, but... I bet you could take at least one BIG trip this year.  

Have your own set of excuses regarding why you can't travel in 2017?  Let's talk!
 
#1 - I don't have enough money to travel
 
This is probably the number one excuse I hear from my many friends who are envious of my travels, but claim that travel is not within their reach.  There is a common misconception that travel can be expensive (and it can be), but... My bigger question is: What are you spending your money on now?  Do you have to have the latest and greatest?  Do you eat out a lot?  How often do you need a Starbucks fix?  These are all small things, but they add up quickly and can easily eat up your (hidden) travel money.  
 
The good news!  You CAN afford to travel.  Start now by setting up a travel savings account and have some money drafted from your paycheck every month.  It sounds simple, but it adds up quickly and pretty soon you'll have enough of a cushion to get your travel dreams off the ground. 
 
If your budget is tight, let that factor into your decision about where to travel - Spend more time in cheaper countries (like Germany) and less time in more expensive countries (like Switzerland). Choose small pensions and B&Bs over expensive hotels and picnic instead of eating al fresco. This tip alone (and a little self-control) can save you a TON Of money.

Traveling on a budget also means more opportunities to interact with the local culture so it's a win-win! No excuses!
 
#2 - I don't have enough time off
 
Most Germans get 5 weeks of paid vacation starting out. I realize that's a foreign concept to most Americans, but utilize what you have and make the most of it. I meet SO many people each year that wait until they retire to travel and their number one comment is always "I wish I started sooner when I was in better shape". Travel can be grueling and if you are waiting for "enough" time to travel, it will never come... Enough is a lifetime and I'm still not sure that you could see everything.
 
Tomorrow is never guaranteed.  I've had several tour members that faced a reality check like cancer, a heart attack or a stroke. Things like this are scary and are a stark reminder that we aren't invincible, that we won't live forever and that we need to do NOW what we say we'll do "one day".
 
If you are going to spend the money on a plane ticket to Europe, I recommend two weeks.  If that's not feasible go for one week and make one major city your home base (like Paris or London) and consider a few side trips to give you a taste of the European countryside.

A week is enough to give you a taste of Europe and leave you wanting more. No excuses!
 
#3 - It isn't safe to travel right now
 
Every year before I jet off to Europe people (including my mom) say "be careful over there". The perception is that Europe is now full of terrorists and refugees lurking on every corner.  The picture the media paints is simply not true and those of us that choose to stay home in order to stay safe are fooling ourselves.  
 
Each year when my European friends come over to the US for the Rick Steves' guide summit, their friends warn them not to go near schools or movie theaters because that is where people in America get shot.  That seems outlandish to us, but... That is what the media portrays and it's easy to turn a few isolated incidents into fear. 
 
Don't let fear keep you home this year.  Know that the world is full of mostly good people living everyday lives like you and me.  They might speak a strange language and do things a little differently, but all in all travel breeds understanding (NOT fear) and I think our world could use a little more of that right about now.
 
No excuses! Start making your travel plans now and pass this post along to all your friends who keep saying they want to travel "one day".
 

If you're anything like me, you've dreamt of a European Christmas - Ice skating underneath the Eiffel Tower, frolicking through Germany's Christmas markets drinking glüwein or eating cheese fondue in the snow covered Swiss Alps. Maybe those dreams aren't quite attainable (at least this year), but incorporating a few European traditions is a good reminder for kids and adults that the birth of Jesus is celebrated in many different ways all over the world.
 
#1 - Decorate Your Tree on Christmas Eve
 
In the US, it often seems like stores are setting up for Christmas just as the Halloween costumes are being put away.  Why not take a little pressure off and build anticipation for the big day?  Many German families leave their Christmas trees bare until Christmas Eve and spend the day decorating with ornaments and handmade garland.  The days of stringing popcorn and cranberries together seem like a far cry from our more commercialized Christmas, but why not bring some of those old traditions back. 
 
Disclaimer - Many Swiss still use real candles to decorate their Christmas trees - A tradition unfathomable to most Americans and applauded by most fire departments. 
 
#2 - Leave Your Shoes Out for St. Nicholas 
 
Many European children celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6 by leaving their shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with a generous helping of sweets, fruits, and small toys.  Every country takes a little freedom when it comes to celebrating St. Nicholas Day - In some countries he arrives in the middle of November visiting schools/homes to find out if children have been good.  In other places, he comes in the middle of the night to find carrots and hay along with children's wish list.  This year take a little freedom of your own and have the kids leave their empty shoes by the fireplace in hopes that St. Nicholas (a little late for the wish list) will arrive with some goodies just the right size for their shoes.  Only the smartest kids leave their boots!
 
#3 - Attend Church at Midnight
 
In Catholic Italy attending midnight mass is almost a prerequisite.  Extended families usually gather for their "cenone" (BIG meal) on Christmas Eve and attend midnight mass together.  Even as Italy becomes more and more secular, attending mass on Christmas Eve is very much a part of their tradition. There is something very special about staying up late and celebrating the wee hours of Christmas morning with those you love most.
 
#4 - Break Out the Fondue Pot 
 
Depending upon your age, you probably have a fondue pot sitting in your cabinet that hasn't been touched in a while.  Why not break it out this year and celebrate Christmas Swiss style? My groups love eating Swiss fondue any time of the year, but the Swiss really consider it a party dish to be enjoyed among friends and family. Now your views might not be quite as dramatic, but a pot of bubbling hot Swiss fondue on a cold Christmas Eve night is sure to warm your heart and generate some great Christmas memories.

Any other ideas of how to incorporate a little of Europe into your Christmas season?  Please share in the comment section below!

Many people think that taking their kids to Europe is something that can't be achieved due to age, money or short attention spans. My rebuttal is that taking your kids to Europe is in fact feasible (when done correctly) and more importantly, it's absolutely life changing. Every year I travel with kids/teenagers and I see their young mind's opening up as they step foot inside the Colosseum, eat their first bite of escargot or play soccer with locals in the French countryside. The impact isn't always immediate or even vocalized, but the lessons learned are sure to be part of who they become. In essence, a trip to Europe (or anywhere for that matter) is the best gift you can give your child.
 
#1 - It Gives Them a Global Perspective of the World 
 
I traveled a lot domestically growing up, but international travel was never within my family's reach.  During college, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy the summer between my junior and senior year.  Sure, I was excited about the experience, but I was not prepared for what lied on the other side of the Atlantic and the impact it would have on me personally - Not to mention my entire career path. 
 
No one told me that people laid in the park for no reason and gathered in lively piazzas until the wee hours of the morning. 
No one told me that three hours around a dinner table is the norm and that cars in Europe are half the size of those back home. 
No one told me that the Pantheon was so absolutely perfect and that Michelangelo's Pieta would bring me to tears.
And even if they had, I probably wouldn't have believed them.  
 
Last year I led two family friendly tours from London to Florence.  Here is a smattering of observations I heard from my younger tour members over that two-week period:
- "You mean you can drink before you can vote?" 
- "Why don't we have trains like this in America?"
- "Everyone here doesn't seem to be in such a hurry like they do back home."
- "No wonder Europeans are so thin.  They walk everywhere!"
- "I feel really safe, even at night. I'd never walk down a dark alley at home."
 
Individually these are just small observations made about a place much different from home, but together they form a much larger perspective of the world and our place in it.  Before my younger tour members left home, they likely thought the American way was the only way of doing things. Slowly their perspectives began to change and they quickly realized that the people on the other side of the Atlantic aren't much different after all.  
 
#2 - It Breeds Confidence & Responsibility
 
At age 40, I still find great confidence in conquering public transportation in a foreign country.  I travel with a lot of smart people, but even the brightest need a little orientation to understand the intricacies on the Parisian metro system.  Now imagine being 12 years old and instead of letting your parents do all the navigating, you take it upon yourself to learn alongside them and eventually guide your family from one metro stop to the next.  There is such power in that!  
 
I think we often underestimate what kids can do and how empowering them with just a little responsibility can turn a rather negative (translate - whiny) experience into something wonderful. Family vacations can be exhausting, but consider incorporating a few of these tips to spread responsibility (and learning) across family lines: 
- Include your kids in the planning process.  Check out books/travel guides from the library and let your kids throw out some of their top destinations.  Consider adding places they have studied/will study in the near future in order to build those connections. 
- Give your kids spending money and have them wear a money belt.  In smaller villages, let them wander around the local market for a while (age permitting) and see what kinds of things they come back with.  
- Give your kids an old-school map and have them help you navigate.  Let them make wrong turns and celebrate when they find what you are looking for.
- Take turns choosing restaurants even if it's not your first choice.  Make a game out of finding good/local restaurants with the fewest tourists. Let your kids pick a few items to share off the menu and eat family style. 
- Visit the book store of major museums before you enter and choose a few postcards.  Get a museum map/interact with guards and make a scavenger hunt out of finding the pieces of interest. 
 
A child that experiences Europe in this manner will likely jump at the chance to travel/study abroad in college because they have enough experience and confidence to know they can tackle a foreign country on their own. 
 
#3 - It Makes History Come Alive
 
Several years ago, I had a young girl named Olivia on my tour.  Olivia was a sharp cookie who could name more Roman emperors than most adults and her working knowledge of Latin wasn't bad either. Olivia was ecstatic about visiting Rome (the last stop on our tour) and I knew I wanted to do something to capitalize on her excitement.
 
When our train subway car arrived at the Colosseum metro stop I primed the group by saying "Are you ready for this?  You have waited your whole life to see the Colosseum and it awaits you.  Get ready to be swept up in its enormity." Then I called Olivia to the front of the group and asked her to walk up the stairs with me.  The look on her face said it all and the tears down her cheek, once she caught her first glimpse of the Colosseum, made it clear that this memory was imprinted in her psyche forever.  These emotions could have never been achieved through the pages of a book.  Although Olivia knew exactly what the Colosseum looked like, it was the experience that changed her and (I hope) continues to change her long after she returned home.

Learning a language is an investment.  I've spent countless hours and lots of dollars trying to get it right and (after three years and four homestays spent trying to learn Italian) I feel like I am finally on the right path.  I'm not close to my desired fluency yet, but I've learned a lot along the way... 
 
Lesson #1 - A Week Is A Waste of Money
 
Restricted by time and money, most of my language study experiences have only lasted a week.  I've enjoyed each for different reasons, but in the end I've never really made much progress.  Working with a language tutor is like dating, it takes a while to get to know each other and establish common goals.  There is no way around this and with just 5 "dates", both parties are sure to end wanting more.
 
I just returned from Italy where I lived with my teacher and her family in the region of Maremma (in southwestern Tuscany). Even though my teacher and I had several conversations (via Skype) related to my learning goals, it took a few days to get in a groove and understand my level and what misconceptions needed to be cleared up before we could move on.
 
This was my best language learning experience thus far for a multitude of reasons, but the single most important factor is that I chose to stay for two weeks instead of jetting off after one.  Three weeks would have been ideal. 
 
Lesson #2 - Go Private
 
When I began studying Italian I chose a school in a little Tuscan town called Montepulciano. The school was well respected and our teachers were good, but the group lessons didn't meet my needs.  Not to mention the one student who monopolized the teacher's time and went on and on about how "we do things in America". Mamma mia!  
 
If you are going to invest the time and money, go private. It allows your teacher to understand your needs much faster, while hopefully allowing you to help structure the class in a way that best meets your learning style/goals.  I recommend going even further and finding a language study program that allows you to live with your teacher.  This gives you easy access to class (down the hall from your bedroom), but more importantly it provides many impromptu opportunities to talk with your teacher and his/her family in real, meaningful ways.  Of course, most language school offer homestays as well, but there is a great advantage to having your teacher there to correct you and encourage you in your learning long after the school day is over.
 
Lesson #3 - Choose Wisely 
 
There are so many options out there when it comes to studying a language and every school/program claims to be the best.  Yes, it's easiest to choose the first option that pops up on Google or Trip Advisors #1 pick, but I highly recommend spending time to find a school/program that best meets your needs.
 
Here are some things I recommend doing before making your final decision:

• Talk to friends (and friends of friends) who have studied abroad and drill them about their experiences. Get the names of teachers/schools they recommend and why.
• Set up a Skype call with your potential teachers (private) or schools so you can talk in person.  Ask for references of former students.
• Ask about teaching materials (books, etc.) and teaching practices. Think about how you learn best and get clear if this teacher/school is a good match. Are they flexible and willing to use materials (besides the same damn book) to meet you where you are?
• What sort of assessment do they use to determine your level before you arrive?  Is there an opportunity to talk to your teacher via Skype to assess your level ahead of time and waste less time upon arrival?
• Ask about the surrounding area. Is it metropolitan or rural? Can you get anywhere on foot or by public trasnport? Does it provide the opportunity to interact with people who do not speak English?
• Ask about home stay options.  I wouldn't recommend living in apartments/dorms with other students because you'll inevitably speak more English than you should.  A home stay is the only way to go if you are serious about learning a language.  

 
No matter how much research you do, your final decision is made partially on blind faith and you won't know if it's a good fit until 2-3 days in.  Last year I had a rather traumatic language study experience.  I found my teacher, who worked for a well-known school in Siena, through a former student of my Italian teacher here in Dallas.  I talked with him on the phone and he raved about his experience, but in the end, it was not a good fit for me.  My teacher was unprepared, did nothing to assess my current level, and basically read from our Italian workbook for 3 hours each morning. At the end of the week her advice was to study harder.  Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
 
It was a very frustrating experience, but it did come with an amazing Italian nonna who cooked as you would expect an Italian grandmother to cook - A different pasta every day for lunch and a different soup every evening for dinner. We spent hours around the dinner discussing (in Italian!!!) politics, religion, culture, and travel, but the stories I hold most dear are the ones she shared about her experience while living in the Veneto region during World War II. This connection with my Italian nonna completely enriched my experience and is something I will hold with me much longer than a few missed Italian grammar concepts.
 
Lesson #4 - Prepare Yourself 
If you're anything like me, you probably think all you need to do to prepare yourself for your language study is it to show up with a notebook and a pencil. Wrong!  The more time you put into thinking about your experience ahead of time, the more you are likely to get out of it.
 
Here are a few things to consider before you depart:

• What are your learning goals? What familiar things do you want to finetune? What new things do you want to learn?
• How are you going to study between classes?
• How are you going to organize everything you are learning?
• How are you going to keep it in your wheelhouse once you are home and you aren't practicing with a native speaker daily?

 
One sure sign that you need a learning method is that you keep making the same mistakes over and over again.  Sure!  Give yourself a break (Learning a language is hard!), but after while you've got to find a place to store all that new information you are learning. 
 
I can't recommend Gabriel Wyner's book Fluency Forever enough. It's completely altered the way I study! The method of creating electronic flashcards is incredibly time consuming, but the theory behind it makes sense and the payoff bloody brilliant!

Buona fortuna!!!

 Lesson #1 - Italians are noisy!!!

An Italian restaurant is a far cry from a Parisian one in terms of noise, but living with an Italian family takes things to a whole new decibel.

I am spending my week off living with an Italian family in a small town about an hour north of Rome. My main goal is to improve my Italian (Drastically! I give up if this doesn't work!), but I figured a peak into the everyday life of an Italian family would provide me with a few good stories to share with my tour members.  

My host family is very Italian - Complete with a 90 year old nonna that embodies everything you'd expect in an Italian grandmother. Everyone lives a vicino (nearby) and some are living virtually on top of one another. My apartment is below the main house and shares a wall with one of the daughters and her family. I like the idea of the proximity of family (in theory), but the reality of this became all too clear last night when the bambina started screaming at the top of her lungs despite the consoling of her very loud Italian parents. I'm just glad that's all I heard. 

My host mom and teacher, Alessandra, is a widow and the owner of 5 dogs who serve as a nice alarm clock during their morning feeding. I love dogs, but you add 2 Doverman Pinschers to an already loud family and you have one noisy bunch.  The chorus of barking just outside my open door is occasionally punctuated by "Basta Dante!  Basta!" but to no avail... The barking continues. Mamma Mia!

The noise is a far cry from my quiet apartment back home, but in the end it's nice to have family nearby... Even if they aren't my own. 

Every year they bring the cows down from the mountains after grazing at the higher elevations for about 100 days. They are usually accompanied by a big load of cheese produced during this period as well. The cows return is usually marked with floral headdresses and lots of anticipation. My group and I missed the cow parade by just a few hours, but we still caught the costumes. I am still on Swiss cloud #9. I love this place!