Europe - Explore

A collection of traveler's checks from around the world

Why Rick Steves Warns Against Using Traveler's Checks For Your European Journey

By Chris Tharp 8 months ago

If you were thinking about using traveler's checks for your next trip to Europe, here's why author and TV host Rick Steves always advises against it.

Cross Italy On A Stunning Sleeper Train Connecting Two Of Its Most Iconic Cities

By Anna Robinson 8 months ago

This can't-miss seven-hour overnight journey between two iconic cities is a stunning way to see some of the best of what Italy has to offer.

Save Big On Dining Out In Paris With This Lunchtime Secret Tourists Don't Know About

By Anna Robinson 8 months ago

Experience Paris like a local with this money-saving tip for affordable and delicious meals. Here's the lunchtime secret to know for budget-friendly dining.

Hands using a spoon and fork to eat pasta

A Simple Dining Etiquette Rule That Tourists Frequently Break In Italy

By Nada Kabil 8 months ago

One popular idea about the proper way to eat pasta in Italy is actually a common misconception that reveals many a visiting diner to be a tourist.

A woman checks to see if cool air is coming out of the AC unit.

What To Know Before You Book A Hotel With 'Air Conditioning' In Europe, Per Samantha Brown

By Nada Kabil 8 months ago

If you’re traveling to Europe in the summer, expert Samantha Brown has some good advice for managing your expectations around hotel air conditioning.

Houses on narrow street in Alicante, Spain

How Spain's Latest Rental Ban Directly Impacts Tourists

By Anna Robinson 8 months ago

Here's what to know about this Spanish region's recent decision to change its tourism rental laws, and what this means for you as an international tourist.

Avoid These Types Of Shoes When Packing For Europe, Per Rick Steves' Son

By Camila Pérez B 8 months ago

These common shoes might be perfect at home but are a mistake to wear in Europe. Here's what to wear instead to explore the cobblestone streets and beyond!

a woman with a hand over mouth and holding a Greek flag

The Common Hand Gesture Tourists Will Want To Avoid Doing In Greece

By Isabel OToole 8 months ago

You might be doing one common hand gesture that can offend everyone around you in Greece. Here's what to know to stay polite and avoid making a huge faux pas.

The Iconic Irish Destination That's Now Overrun By Tourists And Souvenir Shops, Per Rick Steves

By Madison Scrivano 8 months ago

Rick Steves has revealed that one of the most popular towns in Ireland is now overrun with tourists - so should you leave it off your Irish itinerary?

Near a Scottish loch, a tent glows in the fading light

The Sad Way That Too Many Hiking Tourists Disrespect Scotland's 'Right To Roam' Law

By Robert Isenberg 8 months ago

Scotland's Right to Roam rule allows tourists to trek on private rural land, but many visitors are taking advantage of the law and abusing the system.

Switzerland's Cheese Train crosses a bridge near a small Alpine village

Ride Switzerland's 'Cheese Train' For A Fondue-Filled Adventure With Mountain Views

By Amy McMahon 8 months ago

Explore the beautiful Swiss countryside on the iconic "Cheese Train." Take in Alpine views while sampling gooey fondue on this scenic railway.

person standing in an airport looking at a plane taking off

The Best European Country For First-Time Travelers, According To Rick Steves

By Shelby Wilkerson 8 months ago

This is the perfect destination for first-time international travelers. Enjoy ease of travel, shared language, rich history, and unforgettable experiences!

A young man looks out to the beach from his van

Tour The UK Or New Zealand Like A Vanlifer In One Of These 'Quirky Campers' You Can Rent

By Chris Tharp 8 months ago

These unique campervan rentals are the perfect way to live out your van life dreams, whether's it's cruising the Scottish Highlands or New Zealand's coast.

The One Thing You Wouldn't Think To Pack For London But Should

By Isabel OToole 8 months ago

Think you know everything to pack for a London vacation? Think again. Here's the one thing you wouldn't think to bring but absolutely should for your next trip.

People crossing and biking on a busy street in Germany

The Traffic Rule Germans Follow Religiously Despite Its Tiny Fine

By Amy McMahon 8 months ago

Germans are known for following the rules religiously, and there's one traffic rule in particular that they're known not to break (and you shouldn't either).

overhead shot of Venetian canal with Italian buildings

A Newly Proposed Law In Italy Could Transform How You Travel

By Christine Dulion 8 months ago

It can be hard to differentiate between real reviews and fake or paid ones when booking accommodations and activities for your trip, but Italy has a solution.

One Of The Best Destinations To Escape A Frigid Winter Is An Affordable Spanish City

By Lee Adams 8 months ago

If the relentless chill of winter is getting you down and you need a break, salvation lies in an affordable and underrated town in the south of Spain.

A quaint village among pine trees in the rugged mountains of France.

The Scenic Mountain Escape In France With Snowy Slopes And Year-Round Adventure

By Jen Ottolino 8 months ago

Searching for a family-friendly destination great for both snowy winter activities and warm summer adventure? You can’t beat this mountain escape in France.

The Unexpected Surprise Tourists May Encounter When Using A European Bathroom, Per Rick Steves

By Nada Kabil 8 months ago

Rick Steves has likely used many a toilet on his travels, so he knows about this unexpected surprise tourists may encounter while using European bathrooms.

View of Castelsardo under a deep blue sky

One Of Sardinia's Prettiest Cliffside Villages Is A Tourist Gem Filled With Culinary Delights

By Isabel OToole 8 months ago

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is packed with fabulous destinations, but one cliffside is a must for foodie tourists.

An outdoor cafe on a street in Montmartre.

The Heart Of Paris Boasts A Beautifully Historic Neighborhood Brimming With Art And Nightlife

By Amanda Morgan 8 months ago

Paris is famous for its art, history, and culture, and nowhere is this true more than in this beautiful neighborhood in the heart of the City of Light.

A woman eyes a man as he enters his PIN code at an ATM.

How To Avoid The Popular 'Shoulder Surfing' Scam While Traveling, According To Rick Steves

By Nada Kabil 8 months ago

Travel expert Rick Steves is a font of knowledge on traveling in Europe. Here, he explains how to avoid the popular shoulder surfing scam often used at ATMs.

A woman drinks water from a Roman fountain

Avoid This Rookie Mistake Tourists Often Make About Staying Cool In Rome

By Robert Isenberg 8 months ago

Rome can get hot during the summer. Naturally, you'll need to cool down. But don't make this common tourist mistake that's a waste of your money.

The Little-Known, Idyllic Island That Must Be Greece's Prettiest For A Serene Beach Getaway

By Isabel OToole 8 months ago

Just when you think you've heard of every possible Greek island adventure, along comes a little-known spot that might just be the perfect beach getaway.

Rick Steves' Must-Follow Jet Lag Rule For Your First Day In Europe

By Madison Scrivano 8 months ago

Travel expert Rick Steves has all sorts of great advice for traveling, including this must-follow jet lag rule to do on your first day in Europe.

Rick Steves Says To Skip This Overpriced, Overcrowded London Attraction

By Eva Johnstone 8 months ago

Skip the gimmicks and overpriced attractions! Here's why travel expert Rick Steves says this London hotspot isn't worth your time or money.

A woman inserts coins into a machine at a laundromat.

Rick Steves Has A Warning For Tourists Using Washing Machines In Europe

By Nada Kabil 8 months ago

Rick Steves always has great advice about traveling in Europe, including basics like doing laundry. Tourists should heed his warning about washing machines.