Archive of Articles on European Travel from 2002...

for recent articles, click here.

12/30/02 - Rail Travel in Europe - It's not like Amtrak!
This summer I performed a rail experiment: I traveled the rails across Illinois before going on a rail trip of Europe. Read not only about my culture shock and other travel madness, but see exactly how much my train trip around Europe costed and compare that cost to leasing an automobile or getting a railpass.

12/22/02 - Orgosolo and the Sardinian Mural Tradition
Fascinating murals line the streets of Orgosolo, most in a cubist style unique to the island. We tell you how to get there, where to stay, how to read up on the region, and even let you hear samples of the traditional music of the Barbagia region of Sardinia.

12/17/02 - Europe Travel 101 - Before you take that first trip to Europe
Here's a suggested timeline for things an independent traveler needs to do before heading off to that European destination.

12/10/02 - Europe and Fading Traditions
At a time when communications from afar spread ideas at the speed of light, life-affirming festivals and traditions in Italy are evaporating. "Go soon, you have to see it now!" advises Carol Field.

12/05/02 - Winter Travel to Europe - Low Season Highs
Why not travel in winter? Hotels and airfares are cheap, sweaty summer crowds are a dim memory, and there's plenty going on. We tell you how to enjoy winter in Europe and where to go.

11/27/02 - Hotel Star Ratings - What do those stars on hotels mean?
Vexed over the fact that the four star hotel you've rented over the internet isn't as nice or interesting as the two star establishment across the street? We unravel the Hotel Star rating system and tell you how to exploit its idiosyncrasies.

11/21/02 - Merida Spain Visitors Guide
One of the most important Roman towns in Spain on the route between Lisbon and Madrid, Merida provides the visitor with great archaeological remains, friendly people, and great tapas.

11/15/02 - Visiting Ancient Pompeii - A Visitors Guide
We'll tell you why it's an important site, how to get there and see it all, and how you can take part in the excavations next year! For armchair travelers, there's a virtual visit, 20 annotated pictures and additional notes on various aspects of the ancient city.

11/07/02 - Wild Times in Panicale
Panicale is a small, medieval hilltown in Umbria near Lake Trasimeno. There are plenty of opportunities to rent houses and apartments right in the heart of town, and its proximity to the tourism riches of Umbria and Tuscany make this a compelling base for a vacation in central Italy.

10/30/02 - Leipzig Germany - Quick Guide for Tourists
The essentials on Leipzig, home to Bach and Goethe, as well as a train station with the most tracks in all of Germany. We'll introduce you to Leipzig's hostels, hotels, attractions and tell you how to get there. Plus there's a dozen pictures of Leipzig for visual travelers.

10/23/02 - Vienna, Austria - Quick Guide for Tourists
The essentials on Vienna--how to get around, get a hotel, find the tourist office, and some restaurant suggestions. Plus--ten photos of Vienna.

10/17/02 - Languages for the Tourist
You'll find the basic words and some excercises right here on the About Network, but if you really want to get into a foreign language, why not hit the books in a European Language School? We have all the information you need.

10/10/02 - Villach, Austria - On the Trail of Worlfgang Puck
Villach makes a pleasant stop on a Venice to Vienna or Salzburg route, and it's a stop foodies may wish to make.

10/07/02 - Lamentations on the Certainty of a Distant War
On the night my president told the country he wanted to go to war with Iraq, I wrote this wanderer's piece on globes, the world, common folk going about their business, and the impending war.

10/01/02 - The Palace of Versailles - Pictures and Information
Take the virtual tour of Versailles, or use the information here to plan your own trip to this easy-to-visit spot just half hour away from Paris by rail.

09/25/02 - Inside Sardinia - Guide to the Archaeology
Looking for somewhere different to spend your next vacation? Sardinia is home to a unique set of cultures as evidenced by its abundant archaeological treasures. Take a virtual visit to the interior of Sardinia and discover the signs of its ancient cultural heritage.

09/19/02 - Money Matters - Getting Cash: Using ATMs in Europe
It's all the rage--using your credit or debit card at ATMs in Europe. We offer some tips, alternatives and some backup considerations for your currency transactions in Europe.

09/12/02 - Postcard from Amsterdam
John and B tell you what you need to know about Amsterdam--from religious tolerance to the coffee shop drug culture, from hotels to museums.

09/02/02 - Footloose Travel - Tips for Flexible Travel to Europe
How much planning in enough, and how much is too much? We have tips for leaving enough flexibility in your plans that you can take advantage of the little unexpected pleasures that you discover while traveling.

08/29/02 - Nuremberg Germany Travel Planner
Picturesque Nuremberg, a compact city with cobble-stoned squares and half-timbered houses, is a photographer's dream and a great place to visit. We have all the essentials to make your trip (virtual or real) a pleasant one, including a map and photo gallery.

08/21/02 - St. Gallen Switzerland Travel Planner
Switzerland's seventh largest city, it features a well preserved old town, Europe's oldest monastic library, a quirky hotel, and oriel windows like you've never seen before.

08/18/02 - Odd, Unusual and Downright Weird Travel Sites
We start with airplane food and where to find spicy food in places not known for it, move on to ghost tours and walks, and end up with sewer tours. There's something for everyone here, dead or alive.

08/14/02 - Europe Floods
Update for the flooding that is plaguing Germany, Northern Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Russia.

08/12/02 - Burano Travel Information
40 minutes by ferry from Venice, this lace making island features colorful houses and street scenes. We feature information on transportation, what to see, and a picture gallery of Burano.

08/08/02 - Padua Italy and Europe's oldest Botanical Gardens
Infrequently touristed, Padua is an interesting historical center with good restaurants and Europe's oldest botanical gardens. Find how to get there, where to find the best hotels and restaurants, and what to see.

08/05/02 - Munich Germany Travel Planner
The essentials for planning your trip to Germany, including city walks and a side trip to the Dachau concentration camp memorial.

07/30/02 - Venice Italy in Pictures
A photo essay on Venice - its palazzi, gondolas, Piazza San Marco, and the view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge.

06/20/02 - Matera, Italy and the Festa della Madonna Bruna
If you miss your fireworks this 4th of July, why not try this July 2nd festival in a fascinating town dug out of rock?

06/17/02 - Pamplona Spain and the Running of the Bulls
The Fiesta of San Fermin, made popular by Hemingway, runs from July 6th to July 14th. Here's all the information on attending and understanding the festival.

06/12/02 - Top European Walking Guidebooks
Ten inexpensive books about walking in Europe are recommended.

06/06/02 - Segovia Spain, a short day trip from Madrid
A 2000 year old Roman aqueduct, a fairytale castle, and a 14th century cathedral make Segovia a must-see spot on the tourist's itinerary.

05/31/02 - Clothes Compressors - Do They Work?
We test one of those compression bags that claim to allow you to pack more in a suitcase than you normally can. What space is made available by taking the air out of your clothes? We have the answer!

05/10/02 - Underground Rome
You may think you've seen all of Rome's history, but if you haven't gone underground, you haven't seen the half of it! Find information on the four best entrances to the hidden Roman world.

05/01/02 - Hostelling in Europe
It's not just for youth anymore! Find out about how you can save money by hostelling through Europe--including a nifty bus/hostel independent tour--and what you'll need to bring on a hostelling adventure.

04/27/02 - Malta
Traveler's information for the fascinating island country between Sicily and Tunisia plus information and photographs of the prehistoric temples that have fascinated travelers for centuries.

04/20/02 - The Floriade 2002 - Netherlands Flower Festival
This spectacular flower exhibition only happens ever ten years--and 2002 is one of them. Find out how to get there, how to order tickets, and see photos from a past Floriade.

04/15/02 - The Euro
All you need to know about the new currency in Europe, from its current value to the look of the Euro coins and bills.

04/07/02 - L'Ardia - An Ancient Horse Racing Festival in Sardinia
Find out all about L'Ardia, perhaps one of the most compelling horse racing festivals in Europe.

04/02/02 - How I travel in Europe
As your new guide, I figured you'd like to know what kindles my wanderlust. An introduction.