Unforgettable Day Trips from Bordeaux: The Top 7 You Shouldn’t Skip

An aerial view of Arcachon, France, considered to be one of the best day trips from Bordeaux

Wine, history, culture—Bordeaux has it all. A haven for ex-Parisians and an inspiration for artists, there’s a reason why someone like Mary Higgins Clark once declared Bordeaux as a “very beautiful place to start a beautiful story.” While Bordeaux has its own unique charm, it’s refreshing to escape the city every so often for a […]

Chiaia, Naples: Insider’s Guide to a Charming Seaside District

Colorful boats floating in a crystal clear sea on a sunny day

The district of Chiaia, Naples stretches along the Neapolitan seaside and is like the well-to-do cousin of the historical center. It’s home to high-end bars, luxury shops, and boutique eateries, but still preserves the charming feel of Naples’ narrow, cobblestone streets. It can be reached on foot from the historical center, or with the Metro […]

Sun and Sand in Tuscany: Exploring Beaches Near Florence

Sandy beach filled with beach chairs with umbrella and a pathway leading to the water

The Arno River cuts through the middle of Florence, snaking its way through the countryside en route to the sea. The river makes a lovely backdrop for, say, watching a sunset. But, when the mercury climbs in the summer, you’d do well to follow its lead and head for one of the beaches near Florence. […]

Surfing in San Sebastian: Where to Catch the Best Waves

person with surfboard walking into ocean at a beach surfing in San Sebastian

Spain’s northern coastline—San Sebastian included—is famous for its magnificent surfing spots. But what makes San Sebastian even more unique is that it’s one of the few places in the world where you can find amazing waves right in the heart of a lively city.  This allows you to combine surfing with other amazing things the […]

How to Plan the Perfect Estoril Day Trip from Lisbon

Forte da Cruz and Praia do Tamariz beach, Estoril, Portugal

One of Portugal’s most luxurious locales is right down the coast from Lisbon. Discover its charm on an Estoril day trip! Just a few miles west of Lisbon, you’ll find a stretch of coastline unlike any other. It’s known as the Portuguese Riviera, thanks to its storied past and famous residents—not to mention high property […]

Barcelona in July: Festivals, Live Music, Cool Eats, & More

In Barcelona in July, you'll find us at one of the city's many amazing rooftop bars!

This blog post was originally posted on June 11, 2015, and was updated on January 13, 2023. Summer days in Barcelona are glorious, and the nights are even better. Sure, you’ve got the beach, but that’s not the end-all-be-all of summer in Barcelona. Whether you want to explore the streets of the city or beat […]

How to Spend 36 Hours in San Sebastian

36 hours in San Sebastian would be incomplete without at least one trip to Plaza de la Constitución!

With pristine beaches, a fascinating local culture and the best gastronomic scene in the world, San Sebastian is one of the chicest cities in Spain–make that Europe. And despite its smaller size, it packs a big punch. You could spend a week or more here and still not scratch the surface of this one-of-a-kind gem […]