#european-odyssey

#european-odyssey

Kraków offers something many digital nomads look for: a walkable historic centre, vibrant café culture and a growing tech and startup scene.

In summer 1936, the French government passed a law that mandated paid holiday, a move that kickstarted the exodus of northerners to the Med every August, and it became a true emblem of the French vacances.

Athens is a place you feel, not see. The beauty and soul of the city is laced into the way of life - the small moments and exchanges that happen daily - rather than in immaculately preserved monuments, museums and high streets like those of other European capitals.

The button-up shirt is consistently my ultimate travel multitasker, bridging the gap between casual and sophisticated outfits throughout. The flowy silhouette keeps me cool during hot afternoons, but the crisp fabric looks polished enough for ship dining and evening strolls.

Protect yourself from the sun with headgear and lots of sunscreen. The sun can be very strong in some destinations, especially on Caribbean trips.

The pants that I get complimented on the most here are my La Ligne Colby pants. Whether with sneakers or with a boot, these pants offer an elevated, well-tailored but relaxed fit that always draws attention. Feel free to skip the black leggings and sweats and pack a comfy, wide-leg pant that you can dress up or down.

For a true sense of freedom and escape, nothing quite compares with an island getaway. Whether it's island hopping in Greece, exploring a Scandinavian archipelago by kayak or simply getting on a ferry to the Isle of Wight, we'd love to hear about your favourite European islands. The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a 200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property the company has more than 3,000 worldwide.

Singapore has a special way of blending old traditions with modern life, especially evident in its historic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. There, colorful shophouses, temples, and mosques sit alongside cafes and boutiques, while long-standing food and craft traditions remain part of daily life.

Running on regular dates through the summer months, Trekking Hellas's three-day, two-night odysseys in the Ionian Sea start in Nidri, on Lefkada, and paddle on past Skorpios to Meganisi, camping out at Lakka before continuing the next day to Mikros Gialos for a second night under the stars before turning for home. There are stops for swimming, resting and barbecues along the way, and some thrilling cave detours, but with about six hours of paddling a day, the minimum age is 14.

Luxembourg City takes first place with 18.15 percent of reviews mentioning 'beautiful.' Travelers often highlight its clean streets and strong mix of old and modern areas. Even though the capital is small, people seem to appreciate how easy it is to walk around.

One of my favorite things about flying with just a backpack is avoiding the stress of finding a spot for my suitcase in the overhead compartment. I typically travel on a budget, which means I'm often in the last boarding group for flights. This tends to make having luggage more difficult, and I've often found myself frantically searching the aisles for any open spot - even if it's nowhere near my seat.

If I'd told my parents 10 years ago that they'd have the opportunity to stand on top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps, they wouldn't have believed me. For most of their lives, they operated a small family dairy farm in rural Wisconsin and were tied to its constant responsibilities. Because of this, their vacations were limited. So, last year, when I learned my parents were ready to book their first trip to Europe to celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary, I was beyond excited.

It's hard to name the best cities in Europe-there are so many great bustling hubs (not to mention charming small towns) spread across a relatively small continent, making it more a question of what you're looking for. Sure, some travelers just beeline to the best-known landmarks, eager for the chance to cross Rome's Colosseum or Paris's Eiffel Tower off their list. But we're in favor of taking a step back and asking yourself what you're most interested in.

First, travelers rediscover a place quietly drawn by affordability, authenticity, and manageable crowds. Then digital nomads arrive. Then social media catches on. Then airlines expand routes. And before long, what was once underrated becomes headline travel. As 2026 approaches, several European destinations are sitting right on that edge. They're still relatively affordable compared to Western Europe's heavyweights. They still feel grounded in local culture. But infrastructure is improving, international awareness is growing, and flight access is expanding.

I spent 12 hours in a regular seat on an overnight train from Berlin to Vienna. For less than $50, I got a reclining seat in a seating carriage with five other people. I've traveled on Amtrak sleeper cars in private rooms, but I didn't adjust well to the shared space. I got exactly zero hours of sleep on an overnight train from Berlin to Vienna in October 2022.

Europe has never been short on spectacle. Yet beyond the headline cities and endlessly recycled itineraries lies a quieter, deeper continent; one that's best encountered through patience and a willingness to detour from the obvious itinerary. Our 7 wonders of Europe for 2026 in Europe are not places that beg for attention. Instead, they reward those prepared to explore more than a few miles from the nearest airport and linger a little longer than planned.

Onboard/Offboard is a series that explores the can't-miss highlights of our favorite cruises-from the shore excursions to book to the spa treatments too relaxing to pass up. A new ship sometimes needs time to work out the kinks, but at this point-more than 100 vessels later- Viking has the routine down pat. In early November, I boarded the Viking Vesta, the line's 12th ocean vessel, in Istanbul, a few months into service.

Packing for a European getaway is no easy feat, especially if it's your first time abroad or you only travel a couple of times a year. It requires planning-the right luggage, versatile outfits, comfortable shoes, and smart accessories all have to be considered-and you'll want to try to pack as lightly as possible. Depending on how you've structured your trip, you may be hopping on and off public transportation or climbing seemingly endless stairs,

Although most vintage train enthusiasts are familiar with the Orient Express for its renowned Paris-to-Venice route, they may not know that the brand has another branch dedicated to exploring Italy by rail. As a Rome-based journalist, I was lucky enough to be one of the first passengers aboard La Dolce Vita Orient Express to experience its "Taste of Tuscan Vineyards" journey from Rome to Montalcino.

Paris has long been considered the ultimate symbol of European beauty, romance, and culture. However, younger retirees, digital nomads, and lifestyle seekers are increasingly discovering that many smaller European towns offer equal or greater charm without the high costs and crowds. These destinations provide historic architecture, walkable streets, vibrant local culture, and stunning natural surroundings, often at a fraction of the price associated with major capitals. From coastal villages to medieval hill towns, Europe offers countless alternatives that feel authentic, relaxed, and deeply rewarding.

Traveling to Europe with just a carry-on used to feel like an extreme sport-one wrong packing decision and suddenly I was dragging around an overstuffed suitcase on cobblestone streets. After years of trial, error, and a few very humbling packing mistakes, I've officially mastered the art of carry-on-only travel. The secret isn't the ruthless outfit process of elimination or pretending you don't need toiletries-it's packing smarter with pieces that actually earn their spot in your suitcase.

British post-holiday chatter is frequently peppered with remarks and references to the pennies saved once we return home with more loose change than expected, our bellies as full as our hearts after days ticking a new destination off of the ever-growing bucket list. As any thrifty traveller knows, it's all in the planning - yet it's the endless search and consequential indecision that all too often keeps the trip in the group chat. Faff no more, we say!