Travel in city Vienna

For every world-famous European museum like the Louvre or Prado, there’s one that flies under the radar. The following collection is made up of both quirky & unusual museums and those that are home to world-class collections but just aren’t as well known as they should be. 

A transformative trend to explore beyond well-trodden tourism areas and attractions in major urban destinations is gaining momentum, fueled by travelers of all generations who are seeking more experiences that are true to local culture.

Napoleon was born in Ajaccio on 15 August 1769, the year the French took back Corsica from the Genoese and just a few months after the birth of Arthur Wellesley – later the 1st Duke of Wellington – in Dublin.

In 2021, I moved abroad to spend six months exploring Europe. I was looking for a change of scenery from New York City and to fulfill my dream of living in Europe.

This year set new records for travel, a trend that isn’t expected to change anytime soon. As more people than ever take to planes, trains, and automobiles, there’s a good chance that someone on your holiday gift list will be joining the crowds. Whether they’re heading out for the first time or the fiftieth, here are the road-tested—and wallet-friendly—products we’d happily wrap up for any traveler.

The holiday season is almost upon us. Soon, the TV screen will be swamped with festive ads, the radio will be jingling with holiday tunes and presents will be wrapped.

In June 2021, I left the US and boarded a plane to Europe to look for a place to call home.

Whether it’s in pursuit of a new community, better weather, or a new adventure, there are many reasons people pack up their lives and become expats. And it seems like the idea of moving to a new country is more appealing than ever—and gone are the days when it was reserved for retired people. With remote work becoming a more viable option for people of all ages experiencing wanderlust in their hearts, the possibility of the expat lifestyle is now more within reach than ever.

Austria’s cultured and charismatic capital Vienna is anything but one-dimensional; the city changes with the seasons.

Here are 10 suggestions for quintessentially European things to see and do in the colder months.

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills, Ljubljana is often described as one of Europe's best-kept secrets. Ljubljana's small size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it a city that's easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. No cars are allowed in the center of town after 10 am every day. There’s plenty to do in town and its central location allows for lovely day trips to nearby lakes and national parks. No trip to Slovenia would be complete without a visit to the picturesque Lake Bled, the former summer playground of the infamous dictator Tito. Today, it’s a popular vacation spot for Slovenians and tourists, less than an hour from Ljubljana.

For those seeking an enchanting holiday experience, exploring the festive Christmas Markets in European cities like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, is a must for a complete winter wonderland experience. These markets offer delightful treats like mulled wine, hot chocolate, and an array of handcrafted gifts, making your holiday season truly magical. Here are three of the best Christmas Market tours this season.

The Austrian Alps are known for their visually dramatic walking trails. But equally alluring are the sumptuous spa-hotels where hikers can relax aching limbs in a maze of saunas and steam rooms, all scented with eucalyptus. And no spa is more labyrinthine than the radioactive caves I found myself (naked) in in Bad Gastein.

The classic rail route from Prague to Vienna through southern Bohemia was relegated to secondary status in the 1970s, but today it still offers one of the most engaging railway journeys in central Europe. Never ones to rush, my partner and I decided earlier this month to travel the length of the Emperor Franz Joseph Railway by slow trains.

Families stroll and savor gelato cones as bike couriers whiz by. Pensioners relax on benches near manicured flower beds while earbud-wearing hipsters walk dogs and children chase pigeons by a fountain laden with bronze fish. The scene in Victory Square in Timisoara, Romania, is quintessentially European — modern meets Old World.

Train journeys are one of the most nostalgic ways to travel, and they become even more romantic in the winter months. Scenic routes become even more majestic when it’s cold outside, transforming into winter wonderlands decked out in white. There’s nothing as comforting as watching flakes of snow fall while cuddled up inside your own luxe sleeper cabin as the train sweeps past frozen rivers, frosty mountains, and picturesque villages.

TTC Tour Brands is launching a new familiarization trip with its guided vacation company, Trafalgar, for BIPOC travel advisors, departing March 11, 2024 for destinations across Europe. 

A watch was assembled for the first time at an altitude of over 30,000 ft, thanks to a unique collaboration between Geneva Tourism and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). A groundbreaking collaboration between Geneva Tourism, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), and SWISS has emerged to celebrate Swiss quality and craftsmanship. At a cruising altitude of 30,000 ft, a watch was meticulously assembled during an unexpected watchmaking workshop on SWISS airline’s Geneva to New York flight, showcasing the precision, craftsmanship, and watchmaking expertise of Geneva. The assembly was carried out by a flight crew member, accompanied by an independent master watchmaker. This unique and unprecedented watch will be unveiled alongside the 84 watches from the official pre-selection of the GPHG traveling exhibition in New York, where standing it will stand as a testament to Swiss excellence. Adrien Genier, Director of Geneva Tourism and member of the GPHG Foundation Board, who was attending the flight, explained the project’s genesis: “As the capital of fine watchmaking, Geneva shines the light on the entire industry worldwide. This one-of-a-kind precision endeavor allows us to take this craftsmanship on a journey.” Romain Vetter, SWISS Director for Western Switzerland, added, “Assembling a watch at 30,000 ft altitude is a fusion of two sectors that represent Swiss quality and reliability. SWISS is thrilled to enable this high-flying assembly.”

There’s nothing like the first sip of a creamy Chardonnay after a long drive on a sunny day. In the garden at Kuzubağ, a winery in southwest Turkey, a cold glass slips down easily. The Aegean breeze rustles the leaves, the sunset paints the open skies rusty orange and resident feline Misket jumps up for a belly rub. “Our cats appreciate attention,” says vineyard owner Aslı Kuzu, before gently shooing her away.

Mountains, music and sweets mit Schlag: Austria’s charms are irresistible, and draw millions of visitors each year.