Here’s a simple and essential car rental tip that will save a lot of time, money and hassle: When renting a car in Europe, make sure you know if it requires diesel or unleaded gas. Why, you ask? Allow us to demonstrate photographically what happened on a recent journey when we overlooked this critical step. » Read more

  Tired of arriving to your destination looking like you’ve just emerged from a human car wash? Well, how about getting to Florence refreshed, reposed and with the swagger of a Medici prince?  Check out these tips to save energy, time and money when arriving in Florence:  Lean toward Pisa (the airport, that is) Florence has 1.5 airports. » Read more

Last month’s air travel mayhem across much of northern and central Europe prompted many travelers to rediscover long-distance bus travel. Networks such as those managed by Deutsche Touring and Eurolines suddenly found their services much in demand. Although in practice Eurolines’ routes are operated by more than 30 independent companies, the Eurolines web portal allows » Read more

This week, let’s set our sights on six key features that define a good, contemporary airport, whether in Europe or elsewhere. Here the focus is on those areas of the airport open to all passengers, not just the frequent-flier set. What makes a business-class lounge good is a matter for another investigation. 1. Public transportation » Read more

Over the last couple of years around Rome, ATAC’s bikesharing program has become a popular fixture around the city center and the beach resort of Ostia. Taking to the streets in Rome can be scary, as traffic is plentiful, but for the brave and those with padded clothing (those cobbles can be a challenge), it » Read more

  Allegiant Airlines is one of North American aviation’s most underreported success stories. The airline flies to a select number of popular vacation hubs from several relatively remote and seriously underserved destinations across the United States. Allegiant’s model is genius. It is the only vacation destination player at most of its traffic-starved airports. For residents » Read more

If you are watching the euros during your trip to Rome, fear not. We’re on hand with five simple tips to add a sprinkle of free froth to your freshly served Roman holiday. 1. St Peters Basilica The most famous Catholic church in the world is free to enter. Don’t be deterred by the queue » Read more

I have spent too much time wandering around airports trying to figure out the cheapest way to get into my latest European destination. It’s frustrating and really no way to start a trip after having been crammed on an airplane for several hours. Some airports are easier than others, though, and offer a few different » Read more

Transportation around Venice can be very expensive—and I’m not even talking about using water taxis, which have a pricing system (yikes!) of their own. I am talking about “public transportation,” which in Venice mostly means taking the “vaporetti” (water bus) up and down the Grand Canal. A single trip on a vaporetto costs €6.50, whether you take the boat » Read more