Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, March 2018
The bucolic landscape of Germany’s Black Forest is punctuated by scenic towns and memorable hiking trails.

In Germany's southwest corner, the Black Forest ("Schwarzwald") is a range of hills stretching east of the Rhine River. Ancient Romans found the thick forests here inaccessible and mysterious, so they called it "black." Today, Germans and tourists alike are attracted to this most romantic of German regions -- famous for its mineral spas, clean air, hiking trails, cheery villages ... and cuckoo clocks.

Some travelers, driven by "bucket lists," get sucked...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, March 2018
Sometimes called the “Welsh Big Ben,” the landmark Pierhead Building dominates the waterfront in Cardiff’s Docklands district.

Just an hour from major English destinations such as Bath and the Cotswolds, spunky Cardiff offers a taste of Welsh flavors that will leave you with great memories.

Most travelers planning a trip to Britaindon't realize you can hop a train in Londonand, in just over two hours, you're in Wales' revitalized capital. From there, you can easily side-trip to an open-air museum to experience Welsh-culture-on-a-lazy-Susan, or head into the lush ...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, March 2018
To avoid the worst cruise ship crowds, use amenities such as swimming pools during off-peak hours.

Last year I spent two weeks on a Mediterranean cruise, filming a one-hour TV show that will present an honest look at the pros and cons of cruising and will equip travelers with the knowledge they need to be smart cruisers.

You might not think of it as budget travel, but cruising can be extremely affordable. When you consider that the price includes accommodations, food, and transportation to far-flung destinations, it's simply a steal. But reckless spending on a cruise can rip...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, March 2018
Estonians enjoy a collective culture — and that includes sharing food and drink.

On my last visit to Tallinn, while I was admiring the view from the terrace atop the city walls, a kindly middle-aged man approached. From a satchel on his shoulder, he pulled out a stack of music CDs, all recordings of Tallinn's famous Song Festivals. While he was eager to make a sale, my friend was even more intent that I learn the story of how singing helped lead his country to independence.

In 2018, the scrappy Republic of Estoniamarks the 100th anniversary...

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Rick Steves' Europe
This article appears in our Print Edition, March 2018 -- Page 54
Oslo’s redeveloped waterfront includes a 5-mile-long promenade and stunning architecture. Photo by Cameron Hewitt

Anyone traveling in Scandinavia this year will find a region that’s investing productively in itself. Numerous urban, cultural and transit projects are underway, continuing the Scandinavian devotion to quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Here are some newsworthy notes to keep in mind as you travel in the region in 2018.

• In DENMARK’s capital city, a massive subway project is creating havoc aboveground, but when completed in 2019, a new circular line...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, January 2018
Hiking is a relaxing way to experience the Cinque Terre.

Italy bubbles with emotion, corruption, traffic jams, strikes, religious holidays and crowds. Irate ranters shake their fists at each other one minute and walk arm-in-arm the next. It's bella chaos, and if you're up-to-date on your sightseeing and transit info, you'll love it. Here's the latest, gleaned from research done for the 2018 edition of my Italy guidebook, to help you enjoy Europe's richest, craziest culture.

Rome has been improving its tourist infrastructure and offerings....

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Rick Steves' Europe
This article appears in our Print Edition, January 2018 -- Page 53
A money belt tucked underneath your clothes keeps your essentials on you as securely as your underwear. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

I don’t give much thought to petty crime when I travel abroad. I’m well aware that it happens; I’ve been preaching about the importance of wearing a money belt for decades. And for decades — probably about a total of 4,000 days of travel — I’ve never been hit by a thief. Well, my happy streak finally ended. I was pickpocketed in Paris last summer.

It was my own fault. I wasn’t wearing my money belt — a small pouch worn at the waist...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, December 2017
In the tangle of downtown Rome, convents can provide a restful oasis for weary travelers.

Once, while traveling in the '70s, the youth hostel where I had planned to stay was full, and the staff directed me to a nearby convent instead. As I walked there, I wondered if I was signing myself up for draconian curfews, spartan accommodations, and Mass at dawn.

Without funds for much else, I was resigned. But I shouldn't have worried -- it turned out to be a beautiful experience, warmly welcoming and deeply restful. Yes, it was austere compared to any local hotel, but it had...

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