Walking Europe

One of the things I really like about going to Europe are the abundant opportunities for taking interesting walks. Rural places like the Lunigiana, where I will be heading to in a few weeks, are perfect for the landscape photographer, offering cultural surprises like this chapel (with a castle and mountains behind) at every turn.

Rudy Maxa of television travel fame, has partnered with National Geographic Traveler magazine and Apple to produce a series of podcasts titled "50 Walks of a Lifetime." They're mostly cities, and mostly American, but he'll talk you through some of Europe's best city walks as well.

My favorite places to walk in Europe? Well, in general, besides the Lunigiana, I like Asturias and Cantabria in Northern Spain, the northern Rhone Valley in France, but I've also got some favorites in Rome and Greece.

Within every big city, there will be colorful markets to stroll, like Nice's Cours Saleya Flower Market.

So don't forget that there are some means of transportation that don't require vast amounts of fossil fuel when planning your vacation. And please, don't overplan those trips so you don't have time for a stroll!

Here's some general information on walking in France and walking in Ireland.