Catch tulip-mania at the Keukenhof, a short trip from Amsterdam. Photo:
Toni Escuder
April 27, 2012
Audrey Sykes
By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— If you want to know the true meaning of “flower power,” head to the Netherlands for tulip season. Over 900 million Dutch flowers are destined for the United States each year, and Holland is easily the world’s largest exporter of tulips. And although “Tulipmania” (yes, that’s a real term) ended » Read more
February 14, 2012
Nina Derham
By Nina Derham in London— Once you’ve pounded the streets of London visiting museums and emptying your wallet at the shops, you’ll likely be in need of some fresh air. Cambridge makes for an ideal getaway from the hectic buzz of London and, best of all, it is easily doable in a day. Getting to » Read more
September 28, 2011
hiddeneurope
Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries, editors of the book Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers, explain how new high-speed rail services are transforming the relations between capitals and the provinces in France, Sweden and Turkey. Turkish delight In the Turkish city of Konya, the acronym “YHK” has been much talked about this » Read more
Posted in Day Trips, France, hidden europe, Paris, Practical Info, Stockholm, Sweden, Train, transportation, Trip Planning, Turkey
September 15, 2011
Bryan Pirolli
By Bryan Pirolli— Even Paris-based writers need a chance to escape the City of Light every now and then to experience something different. This year, this Cheapo flitted off to Naples to check out the pizza and coastlines that make this Italian port city famous. I return to you tanned, relaxed, and full of tips » Read more
September 1, 2011
Joann Plockova
By Joann Plockova in Prague— One of Prague’s most endearing attributes is that you can hop on a train and find yourself in a completely different environment in a just a short trip. Only kilometers outside the city you can experience the stunning Czech countryside, visit the country’s numerous castles and chateaus or just breathe » Read more
August 15, 2011
Bryan Pirolli
By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— Few experiences in Paris will leave you as spellbound and awestruck as the massive monarchical monolith that is the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV’s palatial compound and spectacular gardens still wow visitors today just as they did during a period when nobles and mistresses filled the halls, hoping for a » Read more
July 27, 2011
hiddeneurope
Brits may not always be the first to appreciate it, but Great Britain has Europe’s densest network of local bus routes – one that stretches well beyond urban areas to spread a fine mesh over the entire country. And “local” does not always mean short. Some local routes may extend to several hours traveling. Services » Read more
June 29, 2011
hiddeneurope
“The most famous of Switzerland’s railway lines,” burbles the guidebook. Frommer’s Switzerland is given to hyperbole, and particularly where the Glacier Express is concerned. “The route is one of the most spectacular in the world,” the authors advise. Yes, the 180-mile journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt is a very fine trip, though hardly the » Read more
June 15, 2011
hiddeneurope
London has such a galaxy of galleries and such a lively arts scene that it is too easy to overlook the rich world of the arts in the capital’s hinterland. Here are two topical ideas for days out from London for art lovers. Compton: The Watts Gallery This weekend (June 18, 2011) sees the long » Read more
May 25, 2011
hiddeneurope
The new high-speed rail service linking Helsinki with St. Petersburg, just launched last December, has been an immediate success, with passenger numbers in the first four months of 2011 up over a third on the same period in 2010. With the journey time slashed to 3 hours 36 minutes, it is no surprise that cross-border » Read more