Europe Archives - Page 2 of 5

Basic French for Travelers

People like to joke about the French often, but the truth is that France is the most visited country in the world with 89 million tourists each year. And there’s good reason for it. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with all things France and lived in Toulouse for a summer. Knowing a few key phrases for any country you visit is a great practice, and in France, these will come very much in handy. The French are known to be nicer to tourists who at least attempt French. If you’re traveling to France, here’s a quick...

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I’m Moving to France

Currently still in shock. I started my application to teach English in France last October. It has been nearly a calendar year of many anxious months waiting to hear back from TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France). COVID has delayed these decisions several times, but yesterday I got the email: I’m moving to the Académie d’Aix-Marseille in southern France to teach elementary schoolers English. And I’m over the moon excited! If you know me personally, you know that these past few months have been rough. Results were supposed to arrive in early to mid April, and the virus kept...

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How to Plan a Motorcycle Trip Through Europe

For Mandy Manley, there’s something enchanting about motorcycle travel. Sure, she loves traveling by train and car, but when she’s traveling by motorcycle, there’s nothing between her and the stars, she says. “When it rains, you’re wet. When it’s windy, you get blown around. You smell all the smells and can touch and taste things to really experience your environment in a way that you never could behind glass,” she says. I had never heard of motorcycle travel; I didn’t know you could book motorcycle tours. Until I chatted with Mandy L. Manley, who has taken several motorcycle trips....

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The Beginner’s Guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe

I had the great privilege of traveling to 11 different countries before I even turned 21, and most of these countries are in Europe. Getting a French degree and running a travel blog, I love traveling to Europe. This May, I’ll be headed to France for the fourth time! So, if you’re wanting to learn how to plan a trip to Europe, you’re in the right spot. This is one of the questions I get most. How do I plan a trip to Europe? What do I need to know? How do I get there? What do I pack?...

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The Ultimate Guide to Florence, Italy

From a taking a class on Tuscan wines to planning happy hours for her internship, Annika Meyer jam packed her six weeks of study abroad in Florence, Italy. It’s safe to say that I was drooling over this sorority sister’s Instagram. And I asked her to share her Florence travel guide. I chatted with her about the best Florence finds, day trips and key Italian phrases. Q: If I’m headed to Italy, what things should I be sure to add to my Florence travel guide? Piazza del Michelangelo This is one of the most beautiful overlook views of Florence...

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Italy

A summer in Milan spent studying fashion design, image and styling isn’t swinging for the fences; it was a reality for Kaitlin Sheppard. Most days of the week were spent in class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but her weekends took her to Lake Como, Cinque Terra, Rome, Florence and Belluno. I asked Kait her pro tips on how to travel Italy, and she dished all the deets: Q: How did you save money? A: Money was a bit of a challenge. I had been saving up for quite some time, but I still had a limited amount...

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15 Things to Do in Rome

I’d been to Rome once but wasn’t wild about it. I preferred Florence and small town Assisi, but my second time to Rome redeemed it once and for all. The first time I went, apparently I was too tired and overheated, but this January, I returned and absolutely loved it! If you’re headed to Rome, here’s 15 things you must tick off your to-do list: Trevi Fountain It’s a classic, but it’s still so stunning. Our group stopped by the Trevi Fountain at least four times, and the architecture truly is breathtaking. It’s smushed in the middle of a...

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11 Things to Do in Brussels

Welcome to the land of gourmet chocolate, warm fries and musician Stromae. I was naturally drawn to Belgium for its French influence because it’s French, y’all. It’s an interesting mix of both French and Dutch cultures, both the romantic and practical architecture. Although this isn’t my favorite destination of all time, there were some moments spent I’ll cherish for a long time. Here’s your city guide to Brussels, Belgium: 1. Mannekin Pis Why a little dude taking a piss is a tourist attraction, I’ll never be able to wrap my mind around. But this fountain of a small...

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10 Things to Do in Barcelona

Cue the Cheetah Girls and a dreamy guitar boy. That’s your hint that I didn’t know much about Barcelona even though I took seven years of Spanish in grade school — of which I retained nada. No se? It was January, and our group had just been to Prague, Brussels and Paris so we were jazzed about the warmer weather in Barcelona. (If you’re going somewhere cold, dress accordingly; otherwise, it will ruin your trip.) Barcelona is so much more than a Disney Channel original movie, and here’s several things you need to check off your list: Eat paella...

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