Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, July 2020
The ancient temple Maison Carrée is a well-preserved testament to Nîmes’ former glory as a regional capital of the Roman Empire. Photo by Rick Steves

Although we've had to postpone trips to Europe because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here’s one of my favorite European destinations--a reminder of what's waiting for you at the other end of this crisis.

Most travelers to southern France’s Provence region will visit Arles and Avignon, but ignore nearby Nîmes. While those two towns have name recognition and greater touristic appeal, Nîmes (pronounced "neem...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, July 2020
Even on the small island of Sicily, you'll find regional specialties, such as fish couscous and Busiate alla Trapanese, a twisty pasta with red pesto. Photo by Carrie Shepherd

Although we've had to postpone European trips because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. I recall my visit to Sicily a couple of years ago as a parade of delightful meals, each filled with seasonal and local treats infused with the taste of this island's history.

While food may be an art form in Italy, it’s more like a religion in Sicily. Even if you know Italian food well, Sicilian cuisine will surprise you with its...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, July 2020
Enjoy an edible scavenger hunt in the Mercado San Miguel, sampling authentic and affordable bites for a light meal. Photo by Rick Steves

Although we've had to postpone trips to Europe because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here's one of my favorite places — a reminder of what's waiting for us at the other end of this crisis.

The hub of Spain, Madrid is upbeat and vibrant — and a work in progress: Massive urban-improvement projects — new parks, pedestrianized streets, and revamped transit — are transforming the city. Fortunately, the...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, July 2020
With its spectacular garden and harmonious architecture, château Vaux-le-Vicomte inspired King Louis XIV to build Versailles. Photo by Rick Steves

Although we've had to postpone trips to Europe because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here are some of my favorite day trips from Paris—a reminder of what's waiting for you at the other end of this crisis.

Paris can be intense, so for a break from its urban hustle and bustle I like to dip into the countryside for a day. There, a variety of appealing sights invite exploration, from châteaux and artistic gardens to...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, June 2020
With its buildings, gridded street plan, and frescoed art remarkably intact, Pompeii offers the best look anywhere at life in an ancient Roman town. <i>(Rick Steves’ Europe/TNS)</i>

Although we've had to postpone trips to Europe because of the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here's one of my favorite European activities — a reminder of what's waiting for you at the other end of this crisis.

I love exploring the world of ancient Rome, with its grand architecture, fascinating culture, and stories of larger-than-life leaders. But since many of the 2,000-year-old empire’s landmarks are reduced to...

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Rick Steves' Europe Supplemental
This article appears in our Online Edition, June 2020
The most colorful shopping in Europe — and the most engaging way to assemble a picnic — is at lively markets like Borough Market in London.

Although we've had to postpone trips to Europe due to the pandemic, I believe a weekly dose of travel dreaming can be good medicine. Here's one of my favorite European activities – a tasty reminder of what's waiting for you at the other end of this crisis.

As a budget traveler, there's no better experience than a picnic sourced from a local market and then eaten outdoors with a lively square, peaceful park, or rejuvenated harborfront as a backdrop. Picnicking...

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Rick Steves' Europe
This article appears in our Print Edition, June 2020 -- Page 32
It’s easy to find Wi-Fi at cafés, transit hubs, tourist offices and public squares throughout Europe. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

When I took my first solo trip to Europe in 1973, I must have kept my parents on the edge of their seats.

The day after my high school graduation, I headed to the airport accompanied only by a good friend, a rucksack and a youthful sense of adventure. Throughout the months-long trip, the only way of communicating with my folks back home was through postcards, since paying for international calls was beyond my Europe-through-the-gutter budget. Still, I managed to send a postcard...

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Rick Steves' Europe
This article appears in our Print Edition, May 2020 -- Page 23
If police stop you on the street and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit bills, it’s probably a scam. Photo by Dominic Arizona Bonuccelli

Europe is a surprisingly creative place when it comes to travel scams. Many of the most successful gambits require a naively trusting tourist, but seasoned travelers can be taken in, too. We should all be wary of the numerous subtle scams — a cabbie pads your fare, a hotel business center computer records your password, or a waiter offers a special with a “special” increased price — but if you’re cautious and not overly trusting, you should have no problem....

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