By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— Throughout the summer Barcelona neighborhoods throw local bashes which are something like a block party on steroids. Everyone from the barri, or “neighborhood,” gets involved in the festivities. Usually these parties will go on for a weekend or in some cases an entire week. It’s now too late to » Read more

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— During the summer nearly all the locals in Rome enjoy wining and dining all’aperto. As most restaurants (and apartments) in Italy don’t have air conditioning, many residents prefer dining outdoors in a lovely piazza or going for drinks with friends along the banks of the Tiber River. Another activity that » Read more

By Jessica Colley— Just like storytelling or making pints disappear down the hatch, the Irish have a tradition of music deep down in their bones. This tradition can be experienced not only in dark pubs, but also outdoors through summer concerts, festivals and music series. If you’re traveling to Dublin or Ireland this summer, be » Read more

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— Summertime and the livin’ is easy… and cheapo if you know where to head in Paris. While every other tourist is heading to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, the city offers an abundance of summertime options that will keep you dancing, bopping or enjoying a free flick. Here are » Read more

It is that time of the year when Europeans just love to chill out on the beach. But not all of us head south for summer sun. Canny travelers in search of the best deals and the longest sunshine hours make for those parts of the Baltic which boast some of Europe’s best beaches. July » Read more

With the summer solstice this week, Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries turn their thoughts to axial tilt and other astronomical matters: Now here’s a thought. Europeans heading north to cross the Arctic Circle, anxious to catch the mid-summer midnight sun, have to make longer journeys than their parents did. For the Arctic Circle is slipping » Read more

By Rebecca Winke in Assisi, Umbria— With the strong euro and the weak—ahem—everything else, visitors to Italy are keeping their eyes on the bottom line and trimming the fat off their travel expenses this year. But if you’re like me, nothing makes you cranky and out of sorts like feeling you are missing out on » Read more

Tucked away on a rocky ridge is a Finnish gem. You have a hint that Retretti is something special when the slow train to Savonlinna pauses there. This is a minor single track railway, and the unstaffed station at Retretti is as small as they come. On the platform stands an oversized sculpture, an apt » Read more

By Joann Plockova in Prague— Prague holds numerous festivals throughout the year, but spring offers the busiest festival schedule. From film to literature, fashion to music, Prague’s spring festivals are a great way to experience the city’s cultural passions. Here are a few of the springtime festivals not to be missed: Days of European Film » Read more