Europe - Explore

A woman squints in confusion at a man in a classroom

Rick Steves Warns About This Language Pitfall When Traveling In Europe

By Robert Isenberg 9 months ago

If you’re roaming around Europe, there’s one major pitfall Rick Steves warns against, and odds are, you might be falling into it without even knowing.

One Of The French Pyrenees' Largest Ski Areas Is An Affordable Family-Friendly Resort

By Amy McMahon 9 months ago

Skip the crowds and the expense of skiing in the Alps. Instead, head to this budget-friendly ski resort in the French Pyrenees with your whole family.

An Underrated Port City In Italy Boasts Cinque Terre Views Without The Hefty Price Tags

By Nikki Wentling 9 months ago

Explore castles and sample authentic cuisine in this enchanting yet affordable port city on the doorstep of the fabled fishing villages of Cinque Terre.

Do Tourists In Iceland Need To Worry About A Volcanic Eruption? Rick Steves Weighs In

By Robert Isenberg 9 months ago

Iceland has seen some major volcanic activity in the last couple of years. Travel expert Rick Steves has some advice for travelers who are concerned about it.

Saturnia Hot Springs in Tuscany, Italy, at sunset

Tuscany's Roman-Inspired Thermal Springs Offer Relaxation Year-Round

By Amy McMahon 9 months ago

Unwind in some of the most enchanting thermal springs in Italy. Home to beautiful waterfalls, these pools have been enticing visitors since before antiquity.

One Of Italy's Most Underrated Medieval Mountain Towns Is A Food And Wine Paradise

By Madison Scrivano 9 months ago

In Italy, travelers can taste the best food and wine on Earth. One idyllic Italian mountain town blends these offerings with underrated medieval attractions.

Rick Steves' Money-Saving Tip That Helps Avoid Culture Shock On A Trip To Europe

By Laura Jones 9 months ago

This travel tip from Rick Steves is one of our favorites, not only saving you money, but gently easing you into unfamiliar places, minimizing culture shock.

Why Tourists Should Not Try To Beat The Crowds And Go Shopping Early When In Rome

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

If you’re planning to indulge in Rome’s incredible shopping scene, here’s why you might want to skip the early-bird routine in an effort to beat the crowds.

White-washed street with balconies, flower pots, and a parked car in in Termoli.

A Little-Known Region Offers Some Of The Best Of Coastal Italy Without Tourist Crowds

By Jennifer Kling 9 months ago

Lounge on the beach, explore medieval cities, and indulge in fantastic cuisine along this underrated region of southern Italy's Adriatic coastline.

The European Country With No Word For 'Please' And What To Say Instead

By Robert Isenberg 9 months ago

"Please" is a common word in most languages. How do you even ask for something politely without it? Well, in this European country, there is no "please."

Stone houses on an old street in St.-Paul-de-Vence

Enjoy A Less Crowded Vacation On The French Riviera By Staying At This Little-Known Village

By Robert Isenberg 9 months ago

Bask in the glory of the French Riviera at this under-the-radar hilltop village steeped in history and scenic views away from the tourist crowds.

Europe's Largest, Most Powerful Waterfall Boasts Unmatched Beauty Year-Round In Switzerland

By Madison Scrivano 9 months ago

Marvel at the largest waterfall in Europe at this Swiss destination with year-round natural beauty. Plus, discover some of the best things to do in Switzerland.

What Every Tourist Needs To Know About Italy's Afternoon Breaks

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

Italy’s delicious cuisine and rich culture make it a top tourist destination. But before you visit, you need to understand their traditional afternoon break.

Bottle of water on a table at an Italian restaurant

Ignoring This Italian Restaurant Etiquette Rule Could Leave You With A Lecture

By Lee Adams 9 months ago

Dining at a true Italian eatery is an absolute must when traveling through Italy, but knowing this tip is crucial if you want to avoid a major faux pas.

The One Type Of Train Ticket That Is Just Not Worth It, According To Rick Steves

By Laura Jones 9 months ago

While traveling by train is one of the best ways to get around Europe, our favorite travel expert, Rick Steves, warns against this type of ticket.

Belgium's Oddest Hotel Is A Fairytale Retreat Hidden In The Scenic Countryside

By Lee Adams 9 months ago

Spend a night sleeping under the desert stars, on a sailboat, or inside the Trojan Horse at this whimsical Belgian hotel that feels straight from a fairytale.

Why Drinking Your Hot Chocolate In Spain Might Raise Some Eyebrows

By Nada Kabil 9 months ago

If you order a hot chocolate on your Spanish vacation, you might be surprised by what you get, and attempting to drink it could even raise a few eyebrows.

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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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 9 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.