7 Romantic Places in Europe

7 Romantic Places in Europe

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it's that time of year to begin imagining - or actually visiting - romantic destinations around the world. Whether you choose to go with a s/o or head there solo, these 7 places in Europe ooze romantic charm.

1. The Arno River; Florence, Italy

Firenze is filled with Renaissance art and colorfully painted buildings. Walking along the Arno River past the Ponte Vecchio is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll as you take in the beauty of the city lining the river. Walk from the river up to Piazzale Michaelangelo or Miniato to watch the sunset slowly drape over the red-tiled rooftops for a wistful experience you'll never forget.

2. Cinque Terre; Monterosso al Mare (pictured), Italy

With Italy being one of the romance capitols of Europe, I had to include another Italian destination on this list. Cinque Terre, while often crowded with tourists in the summer, earns a well-deserved spot. Walk along the trails that connect the five small towns and soak up the sights of the pastel cliffside homes along the Mediterranean coast. Bonus: you can make Cinque Terre a day trip from Florence.

3. Lake Bled; Bled, Slovenia

At picturesque Lake Bled, you'll find a mini island in the middle of the water with a church. You can row boats around the lake and row up to the island. Traditionally, for weddings at the church, the groom must carry his bride all the way up the 99 steps.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle; Bavaria, Germany

By now you've probably heard of this German castle (which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle), which rests atop a hill within the Bavaria region in Southern Germany. You'll be surprised a setting this romantic exists in real life!

5. Mirabell Gardens; Salzburg, Austria

This Austrian town is where The Sound of Music takes place and was filmed. Walk by the Mirabell Gardens or among the colorful shops to feel like you stepped inside a storybook daydream.

6. Burg Square; Brugges, Belgium

You'll recognize Brussel's sibling city Brugges by the lego-like buildings in Burg Square. Stroll past the unique architecture and then head over to Minnewater Lake, where swans swimming await.

7. The Eiffel Tower; Paris, France

While in Paris, you simply must not pass up the opportunity to watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night and be there when it sparkles for the first five minutes of the hour. Even though you'll see the Eiffel Tower peeking out throughout the city, there's nothing like actually being right in front of it, marveling in its enormity. Seeing it sparkle will be something you'll never forget.

An easy and exciting way to travel (and maybe hit more than one of these destinations) is to take a cruise. Whether it's for an anniversary, honeymoon, or adventurous getaway abroad, there are endless ways to make your vacation special. Suggestion? Take an unforgettable Europe cruise with Celebrity.

10 Tips For Visiting Italy

Bellagio Lake Como

Heading to Italy? If so, I'm jealous really excited for you. It's a beautiful country with so much to see, do, and explore. Read on for tips on how "grazie" is actually pronounced, what the bread on the table is really for, and how to drink coffee at an espresso bar.

10 Tips For Visiting Italy

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1. Go to the Amalfi Coast, despite the number of tourists. The beauty of the pastel houses built into the side of the cliffs, citrus scent in the air from the lemon groves, swimming in the Blue Grotto, and boating around the Mediterranean make it totally worth it.

2. Pack light. Those narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets will not be friendly to heavy luggage.

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3. Drinking coffee: go to the bar (sometimes called snack bar) and order espresso or whatever coffee you want. Stand at the bar while you have your espresso and then leave. If you decide to sit at a table, be prepared to pay a little extra for table service.

4. Look before you cross the street. If you're in the street at the wrong time - when cars and scooters are flying towards you - be prepared to get yelled/honked at and jump out of the way as quickly as possible.

5. Pronounce the E in "grazie." It's "grah-zee-eh." I have NO idea why there is some misconception in the US that it's grazi without the e. I've seen it misspelled a number of times in the US.

6. Go wine tasting in Tuscany. Wine tasting anywhere else is tough to beat.

Andiamo Bellevue Food

7. The bread on the table is to mop up your leftover pasta sauce; the olive oil is to add extra flavor to your food.

8. If you're in Florence, you must go to a secret bakery at 2am and order a nutella croissant. There is nothing better than to have chocolate- or lemon-filled pastries after a late night out.

9. Dress to impress. Italians know their fashion: think of every street like a runway. Being "dressed down" in sneakers and skinny jeans still means fabulous hair, Ray-Ban aviators, and designer extras - for women and men.

10. Wear comfortable shoes. The aforementioned cobblestone streets won't be nice to your feet, either. To save your soles, try sneakers (Converse, Nike, and New Balance are good brands to try), comfortable flats (break them in before you go), or boots (there are many shops in Italy that sell quality leather boots).

Book a Place to Stay in Italy

My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

9 Reasons To Go To Rome During Your Trip To Italy

Rome is definitely a popular city in Italy, but if you're thinking of just skimming the surface with Venice or Lake Como - think again - and make sure you add Rome to the itinerary.

Even though Florence holds a special place in my heart...

And Venice has romantic vibes...

And the Amalfi Coast is beyond gorgeous...

Rome is amazing. Here's why you need to not skip Italy's capital on your next trip.

1. The History

Basically everywhere you step will be somewhere where Julius Caesar has stepped. Think about how cool that is. Then go see ancient, man made monuments for yourself - the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps are remarkable in person and are far more interesting than the photos you saw in history textbooks during school.

2. The Tiber River

Going along with the previous point - when you're walking along the Tiber and realize that you're walking along the Tiber, another realization sets in that you are near the river that holds so much ancient Roman history, as it was an important element to the development of the Roman Empire.

3. The Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Airport

This airport is big and is typically cheaper to fly into than Florence or other small cities (win!). Rome is a great location to fly into if you're heading to other cities in Italy since it is in the middle of the country. For example, if you wanted to take a day trip to Florence from Rome, you can simply hop on the fast train and be there in under two hours, allowing for a full day of exploration.

4. It's big, and there is plenty to do

There are so many pockets and neighborhoods to stumble upon as you turn every corner of the winding streets. Hop on the tram to get to other parts of the city to explore a whole new area. I recommend heading over to Villa Borghese, a large area filled with gardens, parks, and museums.

5. Vatican City

Visit a country within a city. That's right, Vatican City is its own country. Head over there on Sunday to see the Pope and hear the Pope's blessing, stand in the line to go inside the church (it's free and the wait is worth it!), climb to the top for a spectacular aerial view, or take a tour of the museum. Every inch of the interior is covered in the most extravagant art. It's definitely worth it to spend a day over here.

6. The Food

Compare the tastes in Rome to the other parts of Italy. Make sure to try restaurants and cafes that aren't right next to tourist attractions, though, because it will be overpriced and the quality is just not as good.

7. The palm trees, grass, and other plant life

At least when you compare Rome to Florence, you'll find more grassy spots, trees, and other plant life throughout the city center, adding to the beauty of the city and breaking up the colors of the buildings.

8. The stray cats

If you're away from your pets at home, seeing these little kitties roaming around are sure to brighten up your day.

9. Readily available (and clean) drinking fountains all over the city

Rome still uses ancient water systems to this day - they know their water. There's no need to keep buying disposable water bottles throughout the day when you can just fill it up with cold, clean water on the street or take a quick sip.

The Best Places In Italy To Eat Traditional Italian Foods

Italy has arguably the best cuisine in all of Europe, and you'll find the Italian staples all throughout. While you can find delicious pizza and pasta anywhere in Italy, exactly where in Italy can you find the best? Italians truly believe that food from their home town is the greatest in all the world, so it's best to try the region specialties in the areas where they came from. If you're heading to the boot-shaped country to "eat your way through Italy," consider this your personal road map.

Pesto - Liguria

While the five towns of Cinque Terre (that lie in the Liguria area) are mostly known for their picturesque olive groves and homes along the beaches, the pesto from this area is hard to beat.

Pasta - Everywhere

Okay, being totally honest, pasta anywhere in Italy is simply amazing. Even the 3 euro plastic bags of pasta from the grocery store  are good!  Everything from typical noodles like penne and spaghetti or stuffed pastas like ravioli are bound to be of the best quality. Top it off with sauce, of course!

Limoncello - Amalfi Coast

Lemon Groves in Positano

Limoncello is an Italian malt liqueur made from lemons that comes from the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It's mainly used as a sweet finish to the end of a meal. You can find the lemon groves around the Amalfi Coast, which also make for great photos if you're in the region.

Pizza - Naples

Pizza is a staple throughout Italy, though it originates in Naples. While other countries have their own take and flair on pizza, you'll find the most original and authentic pizza in Naples, a city along the west coast of Southern Italy in the Campania region.

Florentine Steak - Florence

You'll typically find Bistecca alla Fiorentina on restaurant menus for at least 40 euros per plate - but its rich, tender cut makes for a flavorful meal.

Wine - Tuscany

Ciao, Chianti! The Tuscan region was made for wine. Taste some different blends while you're in this region, and I highly recommend doing wine tastings to nearby Tuscan towns and traveling by train or bus. You'll try some of the best wine in the world as well as find views of the mesmerizing countryside scenery in this region.

Cheese - Everywhere

You can find Italian formaggio anywhere in the country, and anywhere it's going taste fresh and amazing.

Tiramisu - Venice

This is one of Italy's most famous desserts, and if you're going to have tiramisu, you might as well try it in Venice, where it originates from.

Pane Toscano - Tuscany

You'll find unsalted bread served with your meals, especially in the Tuscan region. However, the bread isn't served as a bread-and-olive-oil appetizer; its intended use is to mop up the leftover sauce from your pasta.

Bruschetta - Lazio

Lazio (home to world-famous Rome) is also home to bruschetta, toasted bread that's topped with olive oil, garlic, salt, and tomatoes.

Ribollita - Tuscany

This thick vegetable and bread soup also comes from the Tuscan region. It's served warm and is comforting on a chilly day.

Seafood and other meat dishes - Sicily

This southern region of Italy is surrounded by water and takes culinary influence from many other cultures due to invasions from years past. Some typical dishes you'll find are swordfish or sardines, or a meat dish such as vitello al Marsala.

Polenta - Northern Italy

Along with risotto, rice, butter, and corn, polenta is more popular in the north than some pastas and olive oil (though you'll still find pasta and olive oil here)!

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

go seek explore ponte vecchio florence italy

One of the more popular European tourist destinations, Italy holds its own due to its romantic, enchanting culture and delicious food and wine. From Florence to Rome, Milan to Venice, Capri to Sicily and everywhere in between, there is something about Italy for any traveler to take delight in.

The capital of Tuscany, Florence (Firenze) is home to 370,000 people. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, as still seen today by the stunning architecture and art throughout the city created by the likes of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and others. Florence made the Forbes most beautiful cities in the world list in 2010.

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

Getting there: Fly into the small airport or take a bus or train into the Santa Maria Novella station. To get from the airport to SMN (downtown) take the blue SITA bus (6 euros, 10 round-trip) or a taxi (flat rate 20 euros one-way).

Where to stay: Florence is a bustling city, but it is small. You can walk end to end of the city center in less than 30 minutes. Wherever you stay will more than likely be a great location with short walking distance to all the main attractions. Hotels near the Duomo and along the river will be the most expensive, but you can find cheaper rates a little farther out. (And it will still be a short walking distance to pretty much anywhere).

Intro To Florence Walking Tour

-Start at Santa Maria Novella. Walk down Via Nazionale and go through the San Lorenzo Market.

-Head down the Via Cavour for the best first impression of the famous Duomo. Stop and take photos here and look at the Bapistery with the "Gates of Paradise" doors.

-Head south on Via Roma and you'll come across Piazza della Repubblica. You'll see the carousel and the large arch. Turn left on Via de Corso and follow it along (it turns into Borgo degli Albizi) and turn right on Via Giuseppi Verdi to get to Piazza Santa Croce. This church is also the burial place for famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. There is also a big statue of Dante to the left of the steps.

-From Piazza Santa Croce, head down Via de Benci and walk across the Ponte alle Grazie bridge. As you walk across the bridge, look to your right and you will find yourself looking at the picturesque view of the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

-Once you're across the river, turn left on Via de San Niccolo and follow that up the hill and the steps to Piazzale Michelangelo. After this great leg/calf workout you'll be rewarded one of the best views of Florence. It is definitely worth the walk up the hill! Walk even further up to the San Miniato church for an even more elevated view of the city.

-After you've had your fill of fantastic sweeping views, head back down the way you came and walk along the river towards the Ponte Vecchio. Stop at some of the jewelry shops along the Ponte Vecchio or continue along to the Ponte alla Carraria bridge. Before crossing make sure to stop at Gelateria La Carraria for the best gelato in Florence (in my opinion). At 1.50 euro for a small size, it is also among the best priced gelato.

-This concludes the tour! Head back along the Ponte alla Carraria towards where you started at Santa Maria Novella, or take some time for some pizza or pasta at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Things To Do

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Attractions: Duomo, Bapistery, Santa Croce, Boboli Gardens, Gelato Festival (June)

Museums: Accademia (where the authentic David is), Uffizi, Bargello, Pitti Palace, Vasari Corridor

Fashion Museums: Gucci Museo, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Galleria del Costume

Shopping: Department stores La Rinascente and Coin are near Piazza della Repubblica, as well as some boutiques, premier designer stores (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc.), and an H&M and Zara. Jewelry shops/stands line the Ponte Vecchio. You'll also find many other shops scattered around the city.

Markets: San Lorenzo Market, Mercato Nuovo, Santo Spirito

Great Views: Climbing the Duomo or the Bell Tower, Piazzale Michelangelo, taking a bus up to Fiesole

Nearby: Day Trips, Quick Trips, and Weekend Trips in Italy

Bellagio Lake Como

Day Trips: Venice, Milan, Sienna, Bologna, Cinque Terre

Quick Trips: Rome/Villa Borghese, Lake Como

Weekend Trips: Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy: What You DON'T Need

Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

I've already covered what you should pack for a semester in Italy, but there a few common items that some students think to bring that are actually unnecessary. Save yourself the hassle of bringing these items and leave room in your luggage for souvenirs or whatever else you'll want to bring home after four months of travels!

Full-sized or Large Toiletry Bottles

It's nice to have just one regular sized bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at home. Though when you're studying abroad, even though you have a home base, you'll likely be traveling most weekends. It's easier to have a few travel sized bottles that you can use and also take with you on trips. If you run out, you can always buy more. When I went abroad I made the mistake of stocking up on a large sized body wash, etc. and had over 10 pounds of liquids in my checked bag - these took up room, but more importantly, made my suitcase get closer to the airline's standard weight limit.

World-wide Converter

If you're living in Italy and traveling throughout Europe, you'll mostly just need this converter. You can get singles from Target for about $3-4. (If you're going to the UK, you'll need this one). Many people buy the world-wide converters that can be $30-40. Unless you're traveling to other regions after your study abroad, save yourself the money by just getting a Europe converter.

Sheets and Bedding

Your host family/dorm/apartment should have sheets for you. If you're unsure for some reason, get in touch with your host family or the study abroad staff and ask. In most cases, hostels will have full bedding. I've stayed in both private hostels and cheap dorm-style hostels all around Europe, and every time my hostel has had clean sheets and towels. Definitely check up on this beforehand by doing your research on Hostelworld or reading reviews.

Room Decorations

Chances are your dorm/apartment/house back on campus is decorated with your own style and flair. When you get to Italy, you'll already have furniture and decorations, and bringing your own is just unnecessary. Plus, the rooms tend to be pretty small and you won't have much room anyways!

A Ton of DVDs

Netflix and Hulu technically aren't available in Europe yet. However, if you use this handy trick you'll be able to access those and similar sites. (Note: works on laptop/desktop, not mobile!)  Hopefully you'll be spending a majority of your time out exploring and traveling, though there may come a time when you just want to relax with a show. Getting your TV and movie fix online saves you room and leaves less opportunity for your DVDs to get damaged.

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy

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As the school year begins again and students head back to campus (not me unfortunately, as I've already graduated, *sniff sniff*), those going abroad have a reason to get extra excited - they get to travel for four months! Whether it's your first time out of the country or your fifth, a semester abroad tends to be unique to any other travel experience. From studying abroad in Italy in 2011 and working/living in Italy last year, I've come across both the semester essentials and the unnecessary nuisances that take up precious room in your suitcase. Here's what I suggest you pack for a semester in Italy:

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Clothing & Shoes

-Your regular clothes: jeans, tops, night out outfits, sleepwear, etc.

-Church-appropriate clothing (covered shoulders, knees, and toes): you're more than likely to be visiting beautiful churches throughout the country and you'll want to be respectful and abide by the dress code. If not, you risk getting kicked out and scolded by a priest!

-Swimsuit: chances are you'll be headed to a beach, pool, lake, or some form of water. You can buy swimsuits in Italy, but just know that the cuts are generally different from American cuts (the swim bottoms are usually "cheekies" for women, for example).

-Good walking shoes: Sandals and flats are your best bets. If you bring heels, wedges will help you avoid getting your heel stuck (and ruined!) on the cobblestone streets. Converse tend to be popular with Europeans, as are sneakers in general. You can find quality leather boots and shoes in Italy if your cheap H&M shoes fall apart (been there).

-Exercise clothes: for if you somehow find time to make it to the gym (in which case, I'm extremely impressed), or for when you get active outside (like hiking).

Remember that you will experience multiple seasons. The climate is pretty mild in Italy but you will need a coat for mid-November and December. Also consider the weather of other cities when you travel outside of Italy and/or if you plan on doing any outdoor activities (like water sports in the summer or skiing in the winter).

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Electronics

-Your laptop: the "study" part of study abroad still includes homework. Having a laptop is nice for homework and because it's another platform to back up your photos. I knew a few people that used tablets instead of a laptop, but I personally prefer a laptop.

-Unlocked cell phone: If you have a smartphone that can be unlocked, there's really not much use in getting an ancient Italian flip phone for international calls/texts. You can bring your unlocked phone to a phone carrier in Florence and get an Italian SIM card. I used TIM for my carrier and was on a 10 euro/month plan where I got a generous amount of calls/texts (to other Italian numbers) and data. I could add on extra money if I wanted to make calls outside of Italy.

-Adapters: because you'll need to charge your stuff. Bring a couple and write your name on them with a Sharpie. Chances are your roommates will have the same or similar-looking adapters and  you don't want to accidentally have them "stolen" by others by mistake.

-Camera: I love my Nikon D3200! I've used it since my first time abroad and the quality of the DSLR is still leaps and bounds better than my smartphone. (Though I will admit my phone is 2.5 years old...) Any camera will do, even a point-and-shoot. It's nice to have a real camera on hand in case your phone gets lost/stolen.

-Hair tools: if you'll actually use your blow dryer/flat iron/curling iron, then bring it. Just make sure it's the correct voltage so it doesn't die. If you know who your roommates will be, coordinate which hair tools to share - this will save yourself room in your luggage.

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Luggage

-When you think, I'm going to be living somewhere else for four months, your first instinct is to probably pack as much as you can. My advice is to not bring more than a large checked bag, a small roller carry-on, and a backpack through the airport, if possible. Anything more than that and it just becomes a hassle to lug all your bags around. If  you really need to you can buy extra luggage in Europe before you head back home.

-If you're an over-packer or your wardrobe is a little larger than most, I highly recommend Space Bags - I don't know what I'd do without them!

-For weekend trips it's nice to bring just a backpack and/or small duffle.

How To Pack For 2 Weeks In a Carry-On

Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

Toiletries

-Toothbrush/toothpaste, shower stuff, face wash, etc.

-Makeup, hair supplies, feminine products (for the ladies)

Know that Italy has everything the US does in terms of toiletries, like toothbrushes, shampoo, etc. They may not have the same name brand you normally use, so if you prefer a certain brand, make sure to bring enough. If you need to stock up on makeup while you're there, there are stores like Sephora and Kiko.

5 Forgettable Things You'll Want To Pack For Long-Term Traveling

Oltre Arno Florence Ponte Vecchio

Accessories

-Reusable water bottle: it's very nice to have it on hand for drinking water at your apartment but also to take it with you out and about. Buying plastic water bottles adds up over time.

-Umbrella: You can find cheap umbrellas all over the place in Europe. In Italy if it's raining there will undoubtedly be men wandering around selling umbrellas (and they will constantly ask you if you want one if you're not using an umbrella). If you have a small compact one though, it will be nice to have on hand when you experience your first Italian downpour.

-Notebook: Studying abroad is a great time to record your memories (and funny things people said!) so you don't forget them down the road. It's also nice to have a physical notebook to write down things like hostel/hotel addresses and phone numbers to have on hand in case your phone dies.

vespas in italy - go seek explore

Other Essentials

-Passport: well, obviously. If you happen to lose your passport make sure to get it replaced ASAP.

-Photo copies of your passport, printed out and on your phone: helpful if you lose your passport. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

While this is specifically geared toward spending a semester in Italy, this is basically what you'll need for a semester anywhere in Europe, with maybe a few tweaks here and there. Feel free to ask me any further questions or leave your thoughts/advice in the comments!