By Jessica Colley— In 2007, an Irish film, simply titled “Once” stormed onto the film scene. The story of two untitled character (“guy” and “girl”)—who meet by chance in the streets of Dublin and share a love of music—resonated immediately with audiences around the world. While the Irish (and music fans) recognized Glen Hansard from » Read more

By Nina Derham in London— London’s famous art galleries are just half the story when it comes to the city’s art collection. Some of the world’s best street artists come to London to leave their mark, turning the city into a vast open gallery for all to admire free of charge—providing you know where to » Read more

By Nina Derham in London— Despite being a notoriously pricey city when you consider the cost of booze, transport and accommodation, London is surprisingly generous when it comes to dishing out free attractions and entertainment. To begin with, all the main museums and art galleries are free, meaning that visitors can spend days wandering between » Read more

By Marc Justin— You splurged on a scarf you couldn’t afford? Waiting for an urgent bank transfer from mom and dad? Whatever, you’re broke, you’re in Florence and you don’t know what to do. Well, rejoice my friend, here are some free activities to explore. Music 1. Every night, the organ goes wild at the » Read more

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— For many, Europe = plazas, or squares. Cobblestone plazas corralled by cafes, grand plazas with state buildings looking down on passersby, and intimate, hidden plazas with bubbling fountains sprouting from their centers. Certainly, Barcelona has its fair share of city squares. The neighborhood with the most plazas in town » Read more

By Joann Plockova in Prague— Prague was made for walking. At this time of year when Indian summer (or “Babi Leto” in Czech) is upon us, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the city’s walkability. After all, despite enjoying all the sights and experiencing all the “must-do’s” of a foreign city, it’s those » Read more

Compared to the Pyrenees and the Alps, the Harz Mountains are no more than a ripple in the flatlands of northern Germany. But they are a welcome relief to those who find little appeal in the two-dimensional landscapes that mainly prevail in this part of Europe. The Harz region is easily accessible from Hamburg or » Read more

By Jessica Colley— As the end of summer draws near, it’s only natural to try and squeeze in one more picnic, one more scenic hike, one more swim before the colder weather creeps in. While temperatures never reach soaring heights in Dublin, the same sensation is felt in the Irish capital. Before the days get » Read more

Britain’s newest national park is also the most accessible from London. Less than 50 miles from the capital, the South Downs National Park takes in impressive downland, a spectacular stretch of cliffed coastline in East Sussex and some breathtakingly beautiful villages. We love this part of England. After the frenetic pace of London, Sussex and » Read more