Aachen is a city in Germany that might not be on your vacation top ten list, but it’s definitely worth a night’s stop if you’re driving through that part of Germany.  It’s located about as far west as you can go in Germany.  You’re right on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. Road trips [...]

You shouldn’t visit Bavaria without seeing at least one of the five Castles of Ludwig II. The Ludwig we speak of was officially King Ludwig II of Bavaria, but he was also known as the Swan King, the Fairy Tale King, the Dream King… and a bit more dramatically… as Mad King Ludwig. There is [...]

Traveling in Stockholm, Sweden You’d be hard pressed to find a prettier setting for a capital city than Stockholm, Sweden.  With one third of the city’s area made up of waterways, it seems like it is part of the sea – and seafaring is certainly in the Swedish blood. Stockholm is a city that spreads [...]

Oslo is one of those European capitals that is just far enough away that it may take you a while to visit it. Far away from what? Well from the capitals popular with tour groups and tourists. As far as Nordic capitals go, Stockholm and Copenhagen are bigger, Norway’s capital called to me because Grampa [...]

If you like beer, then Belgian beers should draw you to visit this little country. The Visit Belgium website says there are over 450 different varieties of Belgian beer. Beer is more than just a drink in Belgium. This country cultivates beer connoisseurs. Many of the beers have specific beer glasses in which that beer, [...]

Brussels is one European capital that’s easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. The whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it’s one that you really shouldn’t. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it’s the Capital of the European Union. [...]

Lisbon is an often-overlooked European capital. Tourists tend to flock to Paris, Rome, London, but that little country on the edge of Europe? Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there. If you’re looking for a trip to Europe, but you’re hoping to stick to a tight travel [...]

If you want to dive into ancient history in England, Stonehenge is certainly a place to start. I think it can be argued that it is Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument. You’ve seen the pictures – a “mysterious” circle of upright stones in Southern England on the Salisbury Plain, pictures of modern day Druids holding [...]

The Normandy beaches that are most famous are the ones between Cherbourg and Le Havre.  They are also known as the D-Day Invasion Beaches. While Normandy beaches are great for family holidays, with miles of peaceful, sandy beaches to enjoy, the area is a special draw for those interested in the history of World War [...]

If you’re a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday. If you want to start with some of the older history, it was from Normandy that William the Conqueror set out to take over the throne of England in 1066.  If you are into 20th century history, [...]