As we come to the end of the year, I like to look back at the year in Europe travel.

2022 was a bit crazy as many of us really began to travel more as the pandemic went into management mode.

Countries opened up and the floodgates opened — resulting in long lines, cancelled flights and many headaches.

So what will 2023 look like for Europe travel?

And how can you prepare for all that may come?

Tune into this episode as I reflect back on Europe travel in 2022.

And as I look ahead to what I think travel to Europe will look like in 2023.

I'll also offer up a few tips to help you plan for your European adventure in the new year.

Want to chat more about travel in 2023?

Send me a note at [email protected]


In this episode:

2:29: COVID and it's effects on the travel and hospitality industry

7:46: Air travel overview

10:26: Buffer days

11:59: Flight connections and tips for layovers

19:08: Checking bags

23:30: Busy in Europe

24:04: Book in hotels and sites in advance

26:36: Be prepared for inflation

27:58: Legal travel requirements

31:50: Wrapping it up

32:53: Listener review


Important links:

Apple Air Tag

Samsung Galaxy SmartTag

What to Pack for Europe and How to Pack It

EES

ETIAS

Schengen Zone

Eguides

Travel planning services

Wander Your Way contact page

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre might be the stars.

But Paris has so much more to offer the traveler.

There are hidden museums, churches and parks all over the capital of France.

So...

What should you see, do and experience?

Join me as I talk to Oliver Gee of the Earful Tower — who also happens to be an expat living in Paris — to find out some of the best spots to go in Paris.

Plus we'll offer up some tips on HOW best to experience this amazing city.

Want to chat more about Paris?

Send me an email at [email protected]


In this episode:

1:10: Intro

3:00: Oliver’s background and love of France

4:30: What Oliver loves about Paris

8:44: Neighborhoods / Arrondissements

15:29: The Louvre

17:05: What Paris is really about

18:14: Musée Nissim de Camondo, Rodin Museum, Musée Carnavalet, and others

21:18: Musée d'Orsay

22:50: The Panthéon

26:53: Eiffel Tower

30:28: Notre Dame and other churches

34:49: 4th and 14th arrondissement

39:40: Catacombs

41:42: Most memorable recommendations

49:27: How to connect with Oliver

51:18 How I feel about Paris

52:27: My first visit

54:31: My second visit

1:00:43: Some final recommendations and tips

1:03:21: Email from listener



Important links:

The Earful Tower

Solo in Paris Thanks to Ratatouille

5 Reasons Why Paris in Winter Is a Good Idea

7 Reasons to Love Paris: A Photo Essay

Why You Should Visit the Amazing Panthéon in Paris

Musée d'Orsay: 5 Reasons Why This Is the Best Museum in Paris

The Best Things To Do in Le Marais Paris

Why the Musée de l'Orangerie Is One of the Best Museums in Paris

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Amazing Musée du Louvre in Paris

Paris Tourism

Paris Arrondissements with map

Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Carnavalet

Musée Rodin

The Paris Catacombs

Shakespeare and Company

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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County Mayo is one of the best destinations in Ireland.

And it sees far less visitors than some of the other counties — which I think make it even better (fewer crowds!)

County Mayo has some charming villages with awesome pubs.

It has a national park — Wild Nephin & Ballycroy National Park — and a Dark Sky Park.

There are hills and peaks along with some peaty bogland.

The coastline is amazing with sandy beaches and sea cliffs.

And County Mayo has some incredible historical sites — from castles to the all important Céide Fields.

I love this county!

And I think you will too.

So tune in to find out about all the amazing things to do in this Irish county.

Want to chat more about County Mayo?

Send me an email at [email protected]


In this episode:

4:30: Placing County Mayo on the map

7:39: Leenaun - Aasleagh Falls

10:41: Doolough Valley

15:25: Killadoon - Silver Strand

20:34: Westport

24:02: Croagh Patrick

27:35: Achill Island

30:30: Wild Nephin & Ballycroy National Park

35:04: North Mayo Coast

38:02: Céide Fields

42:42: Other places to visit in County Mayo



Important links:

9 Awesome Things To Do in Beautiful County Mayo Ireland

Mayo Ireland tourism

County Mayo Ireland tourism

Green and Red of Mayo

Doo Lough Ireland: A Beautiful Valley with a Tragic History

Connemara Ireland  (podcast)

Silver Strand (podcast)

Silver Strand Is the Most Magical Place in Ireland

Matt Molloy's Pub - Westport

Sage Restaurant - Westport

Cronin's Sheebeen - Westport

Wild Nephin & Ballycroy National Park

Mayo Dark Sky Park

Downpatrick Head

Ashford Castle

Clare Island

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
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It's episode #50!

So I'm celebrating with a list of my 5 favorite destinations in Europe.

I'll admit, this was very difficult to narrow down.

But I forced myself to choose those 5 places that I love the most.

What makes the list?

Ireland?

Italy?

Tune in to find out what 5 destinations have meant the most to me, at least so far.

Because by episode 100, this list of best destinations in Europe will change!

What are your top 5 favorite destinations in Europe?

Send me a message at [email protected] and tell me all about them.


In this episode:

2:22: Intro

4:36: Honorable mention: Grindlewald Switzerland

6:45: Santorini Greece

10:57: Connemara Ireland

14:38: Paris France

18:29: Far North Scotland

22:06: Südtirol / South Tyrol Italy

25:59 Recap


Important links:

How I Fell in Love with the Swiss Alps

The Best Places to See on a Short Trip to Switzerland

Travel Moments: Running with the Dogs in Oia Santorini

9  Amazing Things To Do in Connemara Ireland

Connemara Ireland (episode #2)

A Slice Of Ireland: Guide To Clifden & Connemara

7 Reasons to Love Paris

Solo in Paris Thanks to Ratatouille

Musée d'Orsay: 5 Reasons Why This Is the Best Museum in Paris

The Northwest of Scotland: It's Worth Going the Extra Distance

24 Images to Make You Want to Travel to Northwest Scotland

Highlands 2 • Scotland with Bo Fraser

My Joyful Love Affair with the Beautiful and Diverse South Tyrol Italy

South Tyrol in Autumn

Castelrotto and Alpe di Siusi • Italy

Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park • Italy

Zero to Travel

Extra Pack of Peanuts

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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Known as the "romantic lake" Lago d'Iseo Italy is a beauty and worthy of that title.

While others may flock to Lago di Garda or Lago di Como, Lago d'Iseo sees fewer visitors.

It's smaller.

More intimate.

And gorgeous!

There are charming lakeside towns and villages to explore as well as lots to do in the great outdoors.

Lago d'Iseo also has something the other lakes don't — a beautiful island in the middle of it.

Yup.

This is a destination in northern Italy you'll want to put on your list.

Want to chat more about Lake Iseo, then send me a note at [email protected]


In this episode:

4:37: Placing Lago d'Iseo on the map

5:42: Lake activities

7:29: Landscape of Lago d'Iseo

7:54: Layout of the lake

9:37: Sarnico

10:27: Lovere

11:09: Zorzino

13:02: Iseo

14:44: Sulzano

15:44: Pisogne

17:40: Church of Santa Maria Della Neve

19:12: Clusane

21:12: The Ancient Valeriana Road

22:31: Monte Isola

28:39: Riserva Naturale Torbiere del Sebino

30:16: Notable mentions


Important links:

Lago d'Iseo: The Most Beautiful and Romantic Lake in Italy

5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Beautiful Monte Isola Italy

Why You Should Visit the Charming Town of Pisogne Italy

Terre e Lago

Al Porto

Visit Lake Iseo

Torbiere del Sebino

Val Camonica

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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Renting a car in Europe may seem a bit daunting.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Yes, there is really good public transportation throughout a lot of Europe.

However there are some countries or regions where the trains or busses aren’t so good.

So hiring a car might be a better option.

Or maybe you just want the flexibility of having a car to go where you want and when you want.

I know I love exploring the 'nooks and crannies' of destinations so renting a car in Europe is a must for me most of the time.

If you've been afraid or unsure or how to go about renting a car in Europe or simply need a few tips, then tune into the episode.

Plus I'll offer up some tips on actually driving in Europe.

Want to chat more about renting a car in Europe or need some help?

Then feel free to email me [email protected]


In this episode:

3:18: Intro

5:18: Get the smallest car possible

7:00: Rent a manual transmission

9:07: Get insurance

12:01: International driver’s license

14:31: Visiting more than one country

16:19: Rent from a reputable company

20:27: Beware of upgrades

23:21: Learning the features of the car

25:45: Know the rules of the road

28:14: Being comfortable driving

30:54: You may want to avoid driving at night

33:25: GPS

35:08: Avoid driving in the cities

37:25: Listener question

39:25: Final tip — Take the scenic route


Important links:

Countries where you need an international drivers license

9 Helpful Tips for Renting a Car in Europe

Focus Car Hire

Bayfield Car Hire

Auto Union

Arnold Clark

What to Pack for Europe and How to Pack It

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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The color of the Soca River is mesmerizing.

And the beauty of the Soca River Valley will take your breath away.

This area of Slovenia — between Bovec in the northwest and Most na Soci in the southeast — is often overlooked by travelers a making quick trip to this little country.

My advice?

Slow down and spend some time exploring the Soca River Valley.

You'll find trails, hills, mountains, waterfalls, charming towns, loads of WWI history and yes, an absolutely stunning river to kayak on or fish in — or just gaze upon.

The Soca River Valley is not to be missed.

And if you want to chat more about this piece of Slovenia — or plan a trip to the area — then send me a note at [email protected]


In this episode:

2:14: Placing Soca River Valley on the map

3:55: The color of the Soca River

5:02: Outdoor activities

6:34: 3 towns in the area — Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin

9:43: The WWI history

11:11: Kobarid historical walk

17:30: Kolovrat Open Air Museum and Peace Trail

23:33: Wrapping it up

27:12: Listener question


Important links:

Slovenia Overview

Lake Bohinj • Slovenia

11 Reasons Why Slovenia Is the Perfect European Country

Why You Need to Visit the Amazing Kolovrat Slovenia

Kobarid Historical Trail: Walking Through Slovenia's History

Pri Kafolu

Soca Valley Slovenia Tourism

Soca Valley Tourism

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
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Do you need a travel planner to help plan your trip to Europe?

Maybe.

There are definite times and scenarios where using a travel advisor is a good idea.

We help take the stress out of planning and we allow you to have your time back.

And we manage all the little details so every i is dotted and t is crossed.

Yet, there are times when you may not need to services of a travel planner.

So tune into this episode to find out what exactly a travel advisor does and how we can help you as you plan your dream trip to Europe.

Have more questions on what a travel planner does and if you actually need to hire one?

Then send me an email at [email protected].


In this episode:

1:51: Intro

2:55: Do your shopping/research to find a travel advisor and ask questions about how it works

4:44: When you are traveling internationally

5:59: When you don't  know where you want to go

7:55: When you're traveling with a group

9:35:  When you don't have the time

12:14: When you're planning a special trip

14:09: When you want assistance when traveling abroad

16:34: When you want something off the main tourist track or a little different

18:54: Cost

20:12: Recap and wrap up

22:52: Listener question

26:29: Listener review


Important links:

These Are the 7 Reasons Why You Should Use a Travel Agent

Customized Travel Planning

Itinerary Planning

Travel Consultation

5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent Now More Than Ever

7 Reasons Why You Should Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Next Trip

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
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Pinterest

The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most popular spots in Ireland.

But it's also one of the most beautiful places.

It has stunning sea cliffs, lovely beaches, amazing views and intriguing history.

Add in a super fun town — with lots of pubs — and Dingle Peninsula definitely climbs to the top of many travelers' lists.

Tune in as I offer up tips on what to do, where to go and what to see in this awesome destination in County Kerry.

And I'll give you some advice on how to avoid the crowds.

Want to chat more about Dingle Peninsula?

Email me at [email protected]

And don't forget to check me out on Patreon where you can get bonus content for a small monthly fee.


In this episode:

1:55: Placing Dingle on the map

3:20: The Dingle Peninsula Drive/Slea Head Drive

5:00: Beehive Huts

6:35: Views

7:52: Coumeenoole Beach & Dunmore Head

10:00: Clogher Head

10:41 Louis Mulcahy Pottery

11:12 Clogher Strand

14:27: Dooneen Pier

15:41 Driving back to Dingle Town — the interior

17:42: Blasket Islands

19:50: The Dingle Way

20:35: Connor Pass

22:27: Tips for visiting Dingle Peninsula

25:24: Dingle Town

26:00 Cruises on the harbor and Fungi

26:36 Dingle Distillery

27:47: Pub time

30:38: Places to Eat

33:21: Places to Stay

37:01: Wrapping up

37:52: Become a Patreon member

39:26: Listener question



Important links:

The Best Things To Do in Dingle Ireland

The 5  Amazing Peninsulas of Southwest Ireland

13 of the Best Things To Do in County Kerry Ireland

11 Amazing Experiences in Ireland Every Traveler Must Have

The 18 Best Drives in Ireland Not To Be Missed

Dingle Peninsula Tourism

Great Blasket Island Experience

The Dingle Way

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

Follow Wander Your Way:
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Venice might be the glamour girl of the Veneto Region Italy.

But there is so much more to this amazing region in Northeastern Italy.

Historical and beautiful cities such as Verona and Vicenza.

Small towns such as Asolo, Basso del Grappa, Belluno and Marostica.

The wine growing regions of Valpolicella and Prosecco.

The Eastern half of Lago d'Garda.

And the mountains of the Dolomites.

The Veneto Region of Italy is incredibly diverse.

You'll even find some wetlands here filled with birds.

Yup.

This region is one of the best in Italy for those seeking a bit of everything Italy has to offer.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about the Veneto Region Italy.

Want to chat more about this wonderful Italian region?

Email me at [email protected].



In this episode:

1:04: Placing the Veneto on the map

2:30: Venice

6:32: Vicenza

9:44: Verona

14:41: Valpolicella Wine Region

16:56: Eastern shore of Lago di Garda

18:54: Treviso and Conegliano, the Prosecco Wine Region

21:29: Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi & Belluno

23:51: Cortina d’Ampezzo & Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo

26:36: Bassano del Grappa

27:45: Asolo

28:21: Marostica

29:42: Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

30:56: Wrapping it up

33:56: Announcement — I'm on Patreon!

35:45: Listener Question



Important links:

The 7 Best Things To Do in the Veneto Italy

The Beautiful City of Verona Italy: It's More Than Romeo and Juliet

Valpolicella Wine Region Italy

Valpolicella: The Best Italian Wine Region You've Never Done

Discovering the Stunning Marano di Valpolicella Italy

10 of My Favorite Amazing European Cities

Veneto Tourism

Visit Verona

Torre dei Lamberti

Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi

Parco Regionale Veneto del Delta del Po

Wander Your Way Travel Guides

Patreon

Support the show

Thanks to Callisa Mickle who edits the audio.

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