Your superfluous New York fact of the week, Cheapos: There are more than 130 wine bars in Manhattan. Add the restaurants on every corner, block and alley—each with its own wine list as long as the line at the Empire State Building—and it’s safe to say that, well, New Yorkers are fans of vino. But » Read more

The Queen’s Hamlet in bloom. All photos Whenever I need a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Paris, I usually daytrip it to Le Domaine de Marie-Antoinette. Nestled behind the Château du Versailles is a palace called “Le Petit Trianon,” meshed with a dreamy little hamlet created for the Queen. It’s the perfect spot » Read more

The Viking stereotype is prevalent the world over when discussing Sweden. The Swedes even play it up a bit: Just look at the Swedish fans anytime the country competes in an international soccer game. (If their failed attempts to qualify for this year’s World Cup are any indication, you might have to wait a while…) They » Read more

If you are visiting Venice and you have a day to spare, you should add to your travel itinerary the beautiful city of Padova (Padua). Padova is closer to Venice than many think—only about a half-hour by train or an hour by bus. Padova is famous for having been home to Saint Anthony, a Franciscan » Read more

When the weather is hot, there’s nothing as satisfying as a day spent by the water. While many European capitals offer proximity to beaches, rivers or lakes, few of them boast convenient access to both a river and several beaches. Situated on the Tagus River, Lisbon has a waterfront of its own—plus many beaches an » Read more

The Czech Republic is way more than just Prague. Unfortunately, few people venture out into the lovely countryside, spending their holiday just in the city, or perhaps popping out to a nearby castle. To truly experience the country, (or any country) you must leave the “big” city and explore the smaller towns and the countryside. » Read more

Summer in Italy doesn’t have to be all about melting gelato, sticky clothing and the desperate search for air-conditioning. Don’t forget about the pleasant summer nights, the beach, and best of all: live music! If you’re visiting Florence or Tuscany this July, put away your guide books and hop on the train or rent a » Read more

June 30, 2010. As we have said before, it is not compulsory to take the fast train. On most routes through Europe, there are plenty of slow train alternatives, often more scenic and sometimes much cheaper. A great weekend bargain in Germany On the weekends, for example, travelers can roam the length and breadth of » Read more

Once you’ve spent some time in Florence, a day trip provides a nice break from the crowds of tourists and shoppers flooding the city. Poggio a Caiano, a small town about 30-40 minutes northwest of Florence, is a great example of amazing Tuscan history integrated into a modern Italian town. The highlight of the town » Read more