However, lesser known countries like Czech Republic, Estonia, Croatia and other smaller ones are equally riveting.

EU citizens do not have border restrictions between 22 European countries. So, for passport application and formalities, one needs to have a valid passport and no visa to travel within the EU territories. Barring some non-EU citizens, others require visa within the European regions. But the visit should not exceed 3 months. However, a valid passport is a must for the rest, and passport application and visa rules differ for different countries.

A Swiss holiday is a well-deserved break to beat the heat in the plains. Switzerland’s beauty is indescribable, and, you got to visit this paradise to relish its bounties! Trekking the Mont Blanc the highest mountain in the Alps is every tourist’s dream! Gliding along the snow-white fields in winter, sashaying along Lake Lucerne in summer are things every avid traveler would include in his ‘must-see, must-do’ list.

United Kingdom beckons every history lover! Magnificent museums, arty theaters, palatial palaces, quaint cathedrals and pretty villages dot the place. England’s London Eye a recent creation vies for attention with the famed Westminster Abbey and the London Bridge. Gliding along River Thames, taking in the serene scene can be extremely rewarding. Madam Tussauds  chamber of Horror’ is for the lover of spooky thrills! The Buckingham Palace has never failed to intrigue visitors. Ireland offers serene seclusion for a soothing holiday with its sparse population and scenic beauty.

If free-spirited enjoyment is what you long for, head to Austria! The best way to discover Austria is through a train journey. Austria’s picturesque countryside, breathtaking mountains, stunning landscape and its alpine meadows will be etched in your memory forever! Most visitors to Vienna discard their wagon and prefer to amble along the streets. Delicious cakes and wine are any food connoisseur’s delight. Every moment spent here is savored by visitors.

Visitors never miss a visit to Salzburg to experience how it might’ve been in the times of ‘Sound of Music’. ‘The Von Trapp Mansion’ is the place where Maria arrives!

Italy, France and Greece are ideal for a cruise holiday. ‘Languor’ is an idyllic activity looked forward to by vacationers, and basking in the warmth of the Mediterranean is what an ideal vacation looks like! Football fans would love a visit to Spain’s Barcelona. One of the most romantic moments cherished by couples would be a gondola trip in Venice.

Belgium’s chocolate and cheese and sprouts are any food aficionados’ delight. Some of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades are located in Belgium and it’s indeed a shopper’s paradise with its quaint curios.

Netherlands with its famous Tulips, pristine lakes and windmills is still sought after by film-makers and tourists alike. Amsterdam and Belgium can be covered together due to their proximity.

The whole of Europe offers a peek into an era gone by, but a visit to Czech Republic is where visitors find, that time has stood still! Cobblestone streets, Gothic churches, baroque buildings and old-world museums are the things that have lent Prague the capital city, a unique charm. The privacy Prague offers, and its untouched splendor makes it simply spellbinding.

A single visit to Europe never satiates visitors and this is one destination people would love to return to, again and again!

Related Europe Travel Tips:

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Great Things to See in Lausanne Switzerland

Consider these seven essential items and you’ll be on your way to discovering the perfect balance.

Comfortable shoes

Comfortable shoes may be the most crucial item of all. The likelihood of using those sky-high heels is slim – unless you’ll be attending a wedding or event that requires fancy dress, you’re better off leaving them at home. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring – what’s a vacation if you don’t check out what the area has to offer?

If you’re heading to the beach or regions of southern Europe you may need a pair of flip-flops or hiking shoes for those beautiful mountain destinations. Remember, heels can equal blisters which will quickly ruin any vacation.

Daypack

Daypacks can be a lifesaver – no matter where you’re traveling, you’ll probably need something to carry those maps and guide books without having to lug around a heavy suitcase. They’re also ideal for electronic gadgets like an iPad and perfect for carrying bottled water and snacks in case you aren’t in an area with much available as far as food and beverage.

Maps

Speaking of maps, it’s a good idea to print out maps online of the area you’ll be staying in and places you would like to visit. It’s much easier to carry a few pieces of paper than large folding maps or books, and it’s cheaper too.

Important documents

Make copies of any important documents, such as your passport or any health insurance cards so that if in the rare event they are stolen – or lost, having a copy will speed up the ability to replace them. Include a list of telephone numbers for important contacts like your bank and credit card companies so that they’ll be readily available.

Travel alarm

Remember, wake up calls don’t always happen, even in luxury hotels. Setting a new alarm clock can easily end up in disaster when it doesn’t go off and causes a missed scheduled activity or event. While many rely on their cell phones as an alarm, they often forget that it may not work internationally.

Rain gear

Eastern Europe tends to have a drier climate while western and southern Europe tends to have a rainier, oceanic climate. Bringing rain gear can make an uncomfortable experience at least tolerable. Packing a rain poncho or collapsible umbrella takes little room and can be a real lifesaver.

Clothing musts

Of course clothing will take up the majority of your suitcase and can be the most difficult decision of all. By checking the weather forecast of your destination just before embarking on the journey, it will be easier to pack according to what will really be needed.

Avoid bringing items that may be worn “just in case,” as they’re likely to just take up precious space. Choosing a main, neutral color like blacks or browns while including accessories that match can go a long way; by wearing the heaviest clothing on your flight you can often avoid those extra baggage fees.

Related Europe Travel Tips:

How to Get the Best Currency Rates for your European Vacation

Internet Access in Europe – Europe Travel Insights & Network

Using Electricity in Europe – Europe Travel Insights & Network

Shopping in Europe Tips – Europe Travel Insights & Network

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It’s been taking place for the last five years, known as “Sea Sessions” and it is literally what the world might look like if surfers took over.  This year’s event will be held June 21-23, 2013.

Recently I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the three people who came up with the idea and currently run the event, Daniel Browne.

Europe Travel: How did the Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival come about?

Daniel Browne: Well firstly, it is safe to say there was drink involved; each year at the end of June the three surf shops in town used to get together and run a little contest for the local kids. We’d have a bit of music on a truck on the beach and a barbecue for when they got out of the water. It was after one of these when a few of us were having a pint in the Bridge Bar and said, “Wouldn’t it be great to have a proper band playing.”

My cousin who is a bit of a muso said ‘yeah but you’d have to have a tent to cover the sound system and and the speakers etc’. By the time we did the math on getting a band from outside of town and the price of a marquee we figured out we’d have to charge people to come. It was that organic.

The first year we had no clue, we lost our shirts and basically had no choice but to try and do it again and better. Six years later we are still at it. It has become a bit of a monster considering where it started but it is still quite small and boutique by Irish Festival standards.  

Europe Travel: Has the event changed much since it began?

Daniel Brown: Yes it has morphed and evolved into something of its own. I don’t think you could really set out in a commercial way to try and create an atmosphere and buzz like we have for that weekend. As it’s become more successful each year in financial and numerical terms there has been a lot of pressure on us to book bigger and bigger acts and make it a bigger festival.

Last year we had the Kaiser Chiefs, The Happy Mondays, The Coronas and lots more in a bill that cost us nearly a quarter of a million euro. That’s a hell of a change from the first year when the Asian Dub Foundation agreed to pay for their own rider after the lead singer lost a push up competition at 4 a.m.with one of the festival organisers.

As it’s become bigger we have had to make sure we bring in the right expertise from a health and safety and logistical perspective and that has changed how we run the event, I suppose you could say we do it properly now!!  A lot of big brands have wanted to come on board and get involved and we are conscious about it not becoming just another cynical marketing exercise that tips its hat to the environmental side of things and the issues that are truly important to us. As a matter of fact, our whole ethos this year is to very much bring the event back to its roots. We have kicked out one fairly high profile corporate brand that just didn’t get what we are about and are concentrating on a lineup that reflects a real beach party and not just what’s most popular or trendy or available.

Europe Travel: Is there anything in particular you’d like to accomplish through holding the festival?

Daniel Browne: It would be nice if it made some money! We never would have done this if we had known what was involved, but none of us would change the fact of our involvement. There have been so many special memories.

I’ve seen Paul Weller and my 11 year old son standing back stage and watching the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble together. Last year The Hot Eight Brass Band from New Orleans were  threatening to kidnap our back stage grill chef  Rosie and bring her home with them but they settled for serenading her, it was hilarious.

We’ve also have had the President of the country come and make an official visit to the event, which as an Irishman makes you proud to the core. But honestly the best experience of the whole this has just to see people come and experience the town where we live, to see people coming from around Europe and Ireland to party and surf and generally have fun and hang out is amazing. It’s not something I thought I’d ever see. I mean this was an area ravaged by the troubles, it was run down and depressed and pretty bloody dodgy. Now it’s a cool place to live and work to surf and play and to raise your family. I love it and I love sharing that with other people.

Europe Travel:  As Ireland’s “The Gathering” is taking place this year will there be anything special related to that?

Daniel Browne: Yep. This year we are upping the ante in the water. We have got the Association of Surfing Professionals Europe to Sanction the Barefoot Expression Session. The main sponsor, Barefoot Wines from California, have increased the prize purse for the event making it the biggest cash prize in the history of Irish surfing. Last year we had pro surfers from around Europe come to take on the Irish lads, this year I think we are going to have guys from all over the world.

We are talking to the surfing community internationally a lot about it and want to make sure that we are keeping the roots of the festival strong and firmly planted in the sand.

Europe Travel: Can you tell me a bit about your background?

Daniel Browne: Well there are three of us involved. Myself, Declan Madden and Pete Craig. Declan owns and runs Bundorans main surfer pub and restaurant, The Bridge bar, that’s sort of headquarters. Pete is the co-owner of Bundoran Surf Company along with my brother Aidan. He is also involved in a few other surf businesses in Bundoran and elsewhere. We are all still in our thirties and all have kids. Both myself and Pete are keen surfers, while Declan is a distance runner. I think because of this we have always kept the healthy lifestyle ethos of the event.

Professionally I work for a regional media company that has six local newspapers and seven radio stations. I am the Operations Director for the newspaper side of the group and the commercial manager of one of the stations, ironically called Ocean FM.

As my background is journalism I still do a radio program on the station, but just once a week and focusing on business issues I also arrange a lot of events for the media group including car shows, award ceremonies and concerts. I have traveled extensively through Africa Asia and the Americas chasing waves. I am a father of one and live with wife on the outskirts of Bundoran about five feet away from the best surf breaks in Europe. I consider myself to be a very fortunate person.

Europe Travel: For travelers coming from outside of Ireland, what might they see or do other than experiencing the festival in Bundoran and County Donegal?

Daniel Browne:  The faster you move through Ireland the less you see. It’s something you could say of any country, but nowhere is it more true than Ireland and in particular Donegal. There are a thousand sights to see and places to visit in this county alone but in reality the most precious asset we have is our people.

Donegal is a county of wide open spaces and breathtaking scenery. It is beautiful beyond words but equally harsh and has bred a certain kind of person. Pass through on a day and people will smile and be kind and nice. Stay for a day and you can have a beer and a bit of craic in the local pub with people you have never met and will never see again, it is totally open. But stay for a week, or a month, stay for a year and you will see that the simple kind hearted people of the hills run deep and true. Each one is a source of natural born wisdom and folk philosophy that you will be enthralled.

Whenever there is a referendum on giving more power to Europe, bailing out banks or whatever, you can be assured that the man cutting turf in the fields in Donegal is extremely well informed and will usually say ‘No’.

There’s a lot to see and do in Donegal, but its people are its real treasure. As a matter of fact I don’t know if you’d get away with having an event like Sea Sessions anywhere else. In Bundoran the little old ladies and more conservative residents of the town will have no prejudged view of the festival crowd, they will judge them by their actions, and so far so good six years later the festival loves the town and the town loves the festival.

Europe Travel: What do you most enjoy personally about the Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival?

Daniel Browne: I love the fact that we take some responsibility for enjoying life where we live. There is no doubt that it’s been a game changer for Bundoran and that people from all over Ireland now look at this as a desirable place to live. It’s amazing to have watched a simple idea over a few pints evolve into something so big and so dramatic even if it means you have to do a lot of work to achieve it. To me it is a kind of alchemy to take a few wistful sentences and create something real and tangible, something good and exciting out of that. In short what I love is making the world a better place one party at a time.

For more information about the Sea Sessions Surf Music Festival, visit http://seasessions.com/. Daniel Browne can be contacted via info@seasessions.com.

To avoid those unpleasant surprises, follow these tips that will allow you to get the best currency rates each time you travel so that you can spend your hard earned money on something more enjoyable.

Exchange rates can vary greatly

Exchange rates and fees are not the same across the board. They can vary greatly depending on where you go to convert your money into pounds, euros or francs. It pays to do some comparison shopping.

Where not to exchange money

When you finally land after that long flight it can be tempting to hit that airport kiosk to exchange your money – tired travelers are what the companies that operate them are counting on, but they’re the only ones winning in this situation by taking a rather large cut to change your money into currency you’ll be able to use quickly. It’s just not worth the convenience.

Many travelers also make the common mistake of converting their money before embarking on their journey. While it does provide a little excitement before that anticipated vacation arrives, it comes with a high cost.

Many banks and travel agents will happily exchange your money in addition to online companies willing to deliver foreign currency directly to your door, but as you might imagine this offers one of the worst exchange rates.

The best option for an optimal currency exchange rate

While you might think using a debit card at an ATM in a foreign country would cost quite a bit, it’s actually the least expensive option and typically rather convenient too. There are an estimated 2 ½ to 3 million ATMs estimate around the world and they can be found at nearly all of Europe’s international airports. If you want to be sure, ATM locators can be found online here for MasterCard and here for Visa to verify that you won’t have problems accessing your money when you arrive at your destination.

Keep in mind that the PIN should be made up of digits and not be an alphanumeric PIN as some machines will not recognize them. This can easily be changed by calling your bank.

Most banks charge an average transaction fee of $3 to $5 plus 1-3 percent of the withdrawal amount which usually comes close to the current wholesale exchange rate. There are a few banks who may try to gouge their customers, so it is important to verify this before leaving. If you find yourself with one of these banks it may be worth opening another account with a different bank even if it’s just for the duration of your trip.

Planning cash withdrawals while in Europe

It makes financial sense to make fewer large withdrawals instead of smaller, more frequent withdrawals in which you’ll incur more fees. You’ll want to plan ahead in order to avoid withdrawing too much and end up being stuck with a lot of foreign money that has to converted back to your original form of money again.

If you plan to make any large purchases while in Europe, you might be better off using a credit card because of the consumer protections you’ll get if a dispute arises. Unless you have an emergency, do not use credit cards to withdraw cash at an ATM as you’ll incur several fees on top of the exchange rate in addition to the interest that is charged as soon as you make the withdrawal.

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What to do if You Lose Your Passport While Traveling In Europe

Spring is just around the corner, and it’s also one of the best times to travel to Europe. Airfares are cheaper, hotels frequently offer discounted offseason rates and you’ll also have fewer crowds to contend with. You’ll be more likely to run into locals who are still at home and not away on holiday than bumping elbows with hordes of tourists.

In Holland, the tulips are blooming while the fields of France, Germany and other countries are filled with brilliant wildflowers; alpine snows melt to reveal lush green hills and the climate is often ideal. This also makes for an ideal time to experience a walking holiday – from towering rugged mountain peaks to breathtaking valleys here is a look at the top five destinations in Europe to head to.

Marettimo, Sicily

Marettimo is the most wild and remote of the islands that lie off of Sicily’s western cost. It’s also the most mountainous, making it ideal for those who enjoy scenic walks. With virtually no traffic, this is also the place to go for peace and tranquility. Stroll among the olive trees and orange groves or take the winding trails and cliff paths through Spanish broom and purple cistus to fortresses and Roman villas.

In Marettimo you’ll discover hidden bays at the edge of turquoise seas, unspoiled picturesque beaches, ancient hill villages, medieval churches and much more. Walkers will take in breathtaking views as well as rare plants and flowers, spot birds of prey and island donkeys. Whether you’re looking for a strenuous hike or a more casual excursion, there are paths to satisfy the needs of most everyone.

Wadden Sea, Netherlands

The Wadden Sea offers a unique walking experience for everyone from beginning walkers to the most advanced. This World Heritage Site can be walked during low tide hours when the sea becomes dry giving walkers a chance to walk through mud flats, salt and tidal marshes among an incredible variety of birds including hundreds of thousands of shorebirds, ducks, geese, gulls and terns.

Here you’ll feel like your worlds away from civilization with the vast open space and salty wind, with prawns and flatfish easily viewed in the shallow water. The retreating sea also reveals a host of tiny crabs, snails, mussels and starfish, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a few seals soaking in the sun.

The Dutch Wadden Sea Islands lie in the northern Netherlands, accessible by ferry, with each of the five offering a unique beauty of its own.

Visiting The Netherlands in the spring, you won’t want to miss visiting the incredible tulip fields filled with a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues as the flowers come bursting to life.

Côte d’Azur, France

Hiking on the trail known as the balcony of the Côte d’Azur, you’ll trek through high coastal villages that offer stunning sea, coast and mountain views. The path stretches all the way from Menton in the east to Marseille in the west. Begin at the eastern end near the train station of Menton-Garavan – while there is an initial climb, once you reach the hills the route is mostly flat yet extremely rewarding.

Take in the fragrant flowers and snack on figs, grapes and blackberries whilst being inspired by the views of the Mediterranean and the Alps and visiting charming ancient villages along the way. Whether you choose to spend your entire holiday walking the trail that stretches for 240 kilometers or about 150 miles, or taking your time enjoying a bit of the trail here and there, this is one of the most rewarding walking adventures you’re likely to experience.

Related Europe posts:

The Best View of Paris, Sacre Coeur Basilica

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Europe Travel: What gave you the idea to start Vienna Coffee House Conversations? Are there other similar events that you’re aware of in different European cities?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: In May last year, I read in the news about two conversation meals that were held to connect immigrants in Vienna to native Viennese. I loved the concept of the conversation menus used and thought this would be an ideal catalyst to help travellers connect with locals in a meaningful way. Visitors increasingly want to go beyond discovering architecture and food temples; they want to get a local perspective and engage with everyday citizens, but often find social and language barriers. The idea of using these conversation meals to bring together travellers and locals in English in the Vienna Coffee House Conversations was born when I met with Eugene Quinn, who had set up the first events with cultural group space and place.

The concept of the conversation meals was masterminded by Oxford University professor Theodore Zeldin to facilitate meaningful conversations between strangers. They have taken place as part of street festivals, in art galleries from London to Singapore, and at the World Economic Forum in Davos. I am not aware of any similar events for travellers in other European cities, though.

Europe Travel: As you had a trial run of the events last year, was there anything that really stood out among attendees as to what they really enjoyed about it?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The first conversation-meal-style events in Vienna were held to tackle integration issues but used the same concept of connecting people through conversation menus. What participants enjoyed most was to engage with a complete stranger about matters of life they wouldn’t normally discuss, for example ‘How important is money to you?’ or ‘What are the limits of your compassion?’ Many of the conversation partners continued their talks way beyond the scheduled two hours, and some even extended them to weeks of animated email exchanges.

Europe Travel: What is the attitude of Viennese residents about the events? Do they generally enjoy welcoming travellers?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The predecessor events of the Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations were sold out, with more than 130 Viennese waiting for the next opportunity to connect with a stranger in this unusual way. There were no travellers involved in these first local events. We have spoken about our new venture to a number of local contacts, though, and they find the idea of reviving the Vienna coffeehouse culture and of opening up the events to people from all over the world very exciting. The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations are not a private tour guide service but a means to share dinner and a meaningful conversation with a stranger.

Europe Travel: What are some of your favourite things to do in Vienna when you return to the city?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: Going back to my hometown includes both visiting my favourite wineries, coffeehouses, taverns and shops; and catching up on new exhibitions, cool places and developments. Vienna is booming, so there are many of them!

First and foremost, however, I love to meet my local family and friends, and to find out what’s going on in Vienna. On Saturdays, I would accompany my mother on her trips to the food and flea market at Naschmarkt. Walking through the pedestrian area between the Vienna State Opera and Freyung square is a must. I’m still dreaming of visiting all the seven different locations across Vienna where I once lived.

Europe Travel: What are a few of the must-see attractions for first time travellers to Vienna?

Barbara Grull-Cacao: The number one attraction is Schonbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the former Habsburg Emperors. Take time to explore the wonderful gardens with the Gloriette cafe on top, an authentic 18^th century Tyrolean farmhouse, the zoo and the palm house. An insider tip is the historic marionette theatre on the grounds, which performs Mozart’s the Magic Flute and other plays.

The historic city centre is a UNESCO world heritage site, and packed with beautiful architecture, romantic alleys and hidden courtyards, called ‘Pawlatschen’.

The Ringstrasse Boulevard is lined with state buildings and museums, among them the Vienna State Opera, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Parliament, the City Hall, the old University and the Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art. Take the yellow ‘Ring Tram’ for a 30 minute ride around Ringstrasse.

Vienna coffeehouses are a must for every traveller as well as the locals. Our coffeehouse culture is UNESCO-recognised. I recommend choosing a selection of coffeehouses that represent different styles, such as Cafe Griensteidl, Cafe Museum, Cafe Prueckel, and Cafe Braeunerhof. Dare to go off the beaten path from our famous Sacher cake. There are so many sophisticated traditional cakes that deserve one’s attention!

Europe Travel: Do you feel there is a better time of year or season for travellers to visit Vienna?

Barbara Grull-Cacao:Vienna’s main attractions are open all year round, but for those travellers with special interests there are certain periods when it’s best to visit the city. For fans of opera, classical concerts and baroque horses – September to June; for ballroom dancers – carnival season; for lovers of Danube boat trips and biking enthusiasts – April to October; for wine lovers – September, October; for fans of both classical and contemporary music and film – May and November (the season for festivals like Wiener Festwochen and Wien Modern);

Europe Travel  What do you hope travellers/attendees can get out of the events?

Joining the Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations means jumping beyond city sightseeing and extending a cultural trip with a social element and personal insights to take away; after all, I believe the most memorable travel experiences include social encounters with local people (remember the story of that taxi driver…?).

The Vienna Coffeehouse Conversations not only revive the salon-style coffeehouse culture of the 19^th and early 20^th century Vienna; they help travellers connect with residents and understand the local zeitgeist in a kind of depth that is hard to achieve elsewhere.

If you are a couple or a group of friends you can share some insights from your 1:1 encounters, and let the conversation continue within your group.

Europe Travel: Anything else that travellers considering attending Vienna Coffee House Conversations should know?

Barbara Grull-Cacao:  While we provide a menu of questions for participants and their conversation partners to choose from, they are free to discuss what they like, and how long they like. Eugene and I are planning to go for a drink somewhere local after the event – we’d love participants to join us and get to know the wider crowd.

Vienna Unwrapped and Barbara Grull-Cacao can be reached via her contact page here. Learn more about and register for the Vienna Coffee House Conversations by visiting the site at www.vienna-unwrapped.com/vienna-coffeehouse-conversation.html.

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Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Rachel more about her fun and unique ventures and she was happy to discuss the ins and outs as well as why she’s so excited to share her knowledge and love of Islay.

Europe Travel: What made you decide to start Wild and Magic Islay?

Rachel MacNeill: Wild and Magic Islay came into being following my adventure to the country of Ladakh in the Himalayas. I met a guy there called Baljit who took people out in the mountains. They camped in beautiful places, and by being out in nature his guests felt the cares of the world fall off their shoulders. I said, “‘I want to do this in Islay. I want take people along the beach, or up a hill and let them see as far as their eyes can see. I want to make them fires and give them picnics, and let them feel the wind and the sun on their face.” So, when I returned home I started Wild and Magic Islay Travel Co. I wanted to make my guests feel part of nature during the day, but to have comfort and a lovely bed to sleep in at night. Like a luxurious island safari!

Ladakh reminded me of what the isles of Colonsay and Islay would have been like at the time when my Dad was a wee boy. Life in Ladakh is only different through time, not through geography. Ladakh is a semi-autonomous landscape surrounded by mountains, Islay is a semi-autonomous landscape surrounded by sea. I felt very at home there. I wrote a blog about it www.wildandmagic.blogspot.com

I started Wild and Magic Islay around three years ago, and Whisky for Girls about two years ago.

Whisky for Girls started as a joke really. We were sitting drinking whisky, and my friend from Germany asked me if all my friends drank whisky. I said; “No, not enough women drink whisky! I’m going to start a company telling them all about it. And we will call it Whisky for Girls.” And so I did ~ and it has really taken off.

Europe Travel: Can you tell me a little bit about your background?

Rachel MacNeill: I am from the Isle of Colonsay, my family are MacNeills from Oransay. The MacNeills are the boat builders. When Noah was hurrying to get everyone into the ark, he was waving MacNeill aboard. MacNeill turned round and said, “It’s all right, Noah; we’ve got our own boat!” And we are still here.

My father brought us to Islay when I was one. We farmed Daill farm in the centre of the island, the biggest single farm in Islay, it’s about the size of the island of Gigha.

I left home after high school and worked in hospitality in the UK and abroad, living in Australia for a year or so. I ran the government controlled betting office in a fancy golf club in Paramatta, Sydney. They offered me sponsorship to stay in Australia, but, I returned to Scotland for Love!  I had my daughter, went to university in Glasgow and Sheffield, then, came back to Islay and set up RMN Architectural Services.

I was working in architecture when I went to Ladakh. But, I find it is much more fun to construct a tour than draw plans for a house. Architecture suited my mind, but the work I do now suits my personality. I don’t feel like I am working half the time ~ it’s so easy!

Europe Travel: What is the easiest way for travelers to get to the Isle of Islay?

Rachel MacNeill: The easiest way for travelers to get to the Isle of Islay is to fly from Glasgow airport. There are flights twice a day and three times a day in the summer. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively one can drive to Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula and take the ferry over to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig, on Islay. The ferry journey takes about 2 hours. One can also get a bus from Buchanan bus station in Glasgow to Kennacraig. The journey time is around 3.5 hours.

Europe Travel: Is there something about the Isle of Islay that makes it stand out from the other Scottish Isles to visit?

Rachel MacNeill: The easy answer to this question would be ~ the distilleries! We have eight single malt whisky distilleries on Islay. But, that is not the whole story. There is something magical about Islay. People are enchanted by it. There are not many who visit who do not return at some point in the future. Islay is called The Queen of the Hebrides, she is also called The Green Isle. Islay is a very fertile island with a lovely rich verdant valley running through from Bridgend to Ballygrant. We have an abundance of wildlife and many, many different species of birds. Thousands of geese flock to Islay to overwinter.

Islay was the home of the Lords of the Isles in 10, 11 & 12^th centuries. From their base in Finlaggan they controlled the Western seaboard from the islands in the North of Scotland, areas in Ireland and down to the Isle of Man and beyond. Their power would be equivalent to that of the government in Edinburgh today. They ruled a Sea Kingdom.

The place of Finlaggan itself is powerful and exhibits something unusual. Years ago, I worked there as a summer tour guide. I used to walk from the main road to the Loch and as I came over the hill and looked down to Finlaggan  I would feel a change in the energy of the land.  Many visitors, especially women, would tell me that as they came over the hill and saw Loch Finlaggan stretched out in front of them they felt something quicken and change around them. They would say this to me before I mentioned anything of my feelings. Society always builds their power places on natural power places in the landscape.

Also, there is a rock formation over in the west of the island, at Saligo. It resembles a huge sleeping warrior. They say that come the time the island needs him the warrior will awaken to protect the land of Islay.

I think subconsciously people who visit feel these things. They may not understand them, but they are drawn and feel secure nevertheless. Apart from the obvious delights of the island ~ the views, the wildlife, the beaches, the culture, the whisky, the hospitality, there is something else about Islay that draws people; something that defies categorization, something magical.

Europe Travel: What time of year is best for travelers to visit?

Rachel MacNeill: This is an interesting question, because one would automatically assume that the answer would be: in the summer. But I think late spring and early autumn are good times to visit. In the summer the island can be really busy. It is not quite so bad at each end of the season. It is like at the Feis Ile ~ the Islay Whisky Festival, people think this is a great time to visit the distilleries ~ and it is. But…it is sometimes far better to come in the winter when there are very few visitors and perhaps there will only be yourself on the distillery tour. It depends what one is looking for from their holiday. If you want to come for the beaches and the wild life then summer is a good time, but if you want to explore, and experience the culture and the quiet life of Islay, then choose your time earlier or later.

Europe Travel: What is your most unique tour, and which is the most popular?

Any time of year! We provide tours 365 days per year – 24 hours per day. London is the best city in Europe – come rain or shine!

Europe Travel: What are some of your favorite spots on Islay?

Rachel MacNeill: They are all unique! A gentleman from Canada sent me an email once asking for a price for a tour, he said, “I am sure you are familiar with the tour companies offering a similar thing, and so what can you offer in competition?”  I told him that I never look at other tour companies websites. I just make up a tour that I think is lovely, cost it all out and offer it to people. For me it’s a bit like…if you build it they will come. I don’t do market research or anything. I just do what I think is great fun and offer it with integrity. I give people 110%. I only take small groups. I do the loveliest things and the best quality and support local. It is what is says ~ Wild and Magic Islay!

I make up tours to suit the individual characters of the people who email. One can get a general feel for the type of person who is coming from a few emails. It is fun. Any interesting thought that comes into my head to make the tour better, I organize it for the guests. I get Gaelic teachers who are my friends to come with us and chat with the guests and I get the old men of the parish who have good whisky stories to come with us. I ask my friend who is an expert on birds to come on the dawn wildlife stalking tours. I involve everyone I can think of to make it the best experience possible ~ and in amongst it all ~ I am having a great time myself!

Probably my most popular tour is SPIRIT OF ISLAY. This tour incorporates the distilleries, the sites of historical importance and the loveliest places I can think of to take people to. We go to places where we can whistle on the seals, visit standing stones that have been here since the beginning of time, walk to the ancient Seat of the Lords of the Isles at Finlaggan. This tour includes a taste of all the best that Islay has to offer. Tours are tailored according to the weather. For example we would walk a certain beach if the wind was from the West, but if it was from the South we would walk a different one, or visit the Museum of Islay Life, or a distillery, if it rained.

Europe Travel: What are some of the common local foods found on Islay?

Rachel MacNeill: Some of the best food found on Islay would have to be seafood. We have restaurants like the Harbour Inn and the Port Charlotte Hotel offering fresh scallops, prawns, crab and lobster. We also have Oyster growers in Loch Gruinart. We have an excellent community garden at Islay House where you can pick potatoes, soft fruits, lettuce, carrots ~ whatever is available at the time. There is also a small business making jam from seasonal local fruits ~ brambles, raspberries etc. We have some of the best fresh milk and cream available from Eskinish dairy, and you can get hold of haunches of venison and brown trout if you know who to ask. Also, when the mackerel come in people will go fishing and they will just give you as many as you want. There are places where home baking is readily available ~ all the traditional Scottish baking, pancakes, scones, fruit loaves etc. I bake scones to take on my tours for afternoon tea, and my friend’s mum bakes Shearers’ cake ~ it is delicious!

Europe Travel: What do you enjoy most about running a tour company?

Rachel MacNeill: I meet such interesting people. The kinds of people who are attracted to a tour company called WILD AND MAGIC ISLAY, are invariably a bit wild and magic themselves! I like that I can take people out for picnics up a hill, or make a fire on the beach, I am having a great day out myself ~ and it is part of my job! I also enjoy very much introducing people to whisky. When they say to me ‘I don’t like whisky’ I say ~ ‘you just haven’t tasted the one you like yet’. I can gauge from spending time with the guests which whisky to suggest they try ~ and usually I suggest one that they like.

I also like organizing the tours ~ I am great at organizing, I don’t find it to be work. I like making the best tour for the character of the person in the time they have available.

I don’t run Wild and Magic Islay or Whisky for Girls for money. Obviously, I have to make money to live, but I don’t give less just to make more money. What would be the point? The whole point of the company is to be eco-friendly. Wild and Magic Islay is a way of life, not a money making exercise.

Europe Travel: - What is your favorite whisky?

Rachel MacNeill: This is a very hard question to answer as I have many favorites! It depends on your mood, what company you are with, what time of year ~ are you inside or out? I like Laphroaig 10 yo ~ a great dram to have outside at a fire on the beach, An Turas Mor from Bruichladdich after dinner, and Bunnahabhain 18 yo when sitting in the garden with friends, to name but a few. I like whiskies from Speyside and other parts of Scotland too ~ a fine, light Auchentoshan or a Glenfarclas 15 yo. It is very difficult to choose a favorite ~ I love them all!!

Wild and Magic Islay/Whiskey for Girls and Rachel MacNeill can be reached via email at: Rachel@wildandmagicislay.com. For more information, visit their website at www.wildandmagicislay.com.

Booking tickets online

Even if you’re booking your tickets online from the United States or elsewhere outside of the European continent, you can purchase from a European website. It pays to compare prices from various sites, such as the American agency, RailEurope.com, where you’ll often find good deals, but sometimes the European sites, like French Railways, can beat even their lowest price. Always shop around for the best deal.

Plan a detailed itinerary

While it’s fun to be impulsive when traveling, it’s usually a lot cheaper to plan out your trip in order to lock down the price of travel and secure seat reservations. If you haven’t been to Europe before, take some time to research potential destinations by visiting travel forums and talking to others about their experiences.

Book early

Many routes offer significant discounts by purchasing tickets in advance. Even if you’re traveling with a pass, keep in mind that reservations have limited availability and if you want too long seats for your desired train may become unavailable – especially during peak travel season.

The disadvantage of purchasing discounted tickets also means that you may not have the ability to change your itinerary or request a refund.

Last minute tickets

If you find yourself in a situation where you must book last minute, some of Europe’s rail networks who are looking to fill empty seats may offer them at a deeply discounted price such as TrenItalia.com or Switzerland’s SBB. No matter what your circumstances, it always pays to comparison shop.

Pass or point-to-point

While rail passes can offer a great value, sometimes point-to-point tickets are actually less expensive depending on your particular itinerary. When you travel with tickets you also don’t have to purchase a seat reservation as it’s already included. While it takes some time, comparing the cost of a rail pass to the price of individual tickets to your desired destinations can ultimately help you save quite a bit.

Visiting larger European cities

By sticking to the larger cities in Western Europe, where trains offer the majority of their connections, you’ll save quite a bit. Consider an itinerary with a few of these popular destinations:

• Paris
• London
• Rome
• Florence
• Venice
• Milan
• Amsterdam
• Berlin
• Brussels
• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Vienna
• Geneva

Europe’s train systems make it easy to visit some of the smaller cities as a day trip while basing your holiday in a larger city and be back in time for dinner.

Overnight trains

Take an overnight train and save money on lodging costs while you’re lulled to sleep by the sounds of the rail. Booking a couchette (a shared compartment with six beds) can be a great deal similar to staying in a hostel, but you’ll be on the move.

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Top 3 Destinations for an Affordable European Honeymoon

Europe’s Best but Least Visited National Parks

Shopping in Europe Tips

Using Credit Cards in Europe

Adeline has a master’s degree in 18^th century French history from the Sorbonne with a focus on the Grand Tour, an aristocratic rite of passage in addition to having educated herself through experiences with the curator of the Louvre Museum, working with collectors at the International Contemporary Art Fair and even assisting writer Olivier Cadiot and director Ludovic Lagarde at the Festival of Theater in Avignon.

She enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge of the City of Lights with visitors with a strong awareness of what it’s like to be in a foreign country having traveled throughout the world herself. Her goal is to allow tourists to become locals during their holiday while catering to their particular interests.

Recently, I had the opportunity to ask Adeline more about her company and she kindly provided me with additional insight.

Europe Travel: How long have you had your business, and what made you decide to start your Parisian tour company?

Adeline Marchand: I started my business of private tours of Paris two years ago. My father, who used to work for an American multinational banking corporation, started a new life a few years ago, and created  a Bed & Breakfast in our family house, in the Marais (the historical center of Paris), Bonne Nuit Paris. One day, he told some of his clients that I studied history at the Sorbonne. The mother and her daughter, who were from the USA, asked me if I could go around the area with them to give some explanations about the buildings, and to make them “feel” and understand the city. And I had a lovely time! The cultural exchange is very exciting for me.

Europe Travel: Do you cater to specific types of tourists?

Adeline Marchand: I receive travelers from the USA, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand – all types of travelers make it an interesting experience for me. I appreciate and understand the couples, the families, and the women traveling alone. I have noticed that people who travel often are more open to alterity; they often seem to be more curious and they will ask very respectfully how things work here (in Paris) instead of trying to get what they have at home. I particularly enjoy spending time with teenagers on their own because they are very receptive. It often happens that parents frequently ask me to introduce Paris to their teenagers.

Europe Travel: What are some of your more unique tours?

Adeline Marchand: I try to make each and every one of my tours unique! Far from the traditional tourist route (unless it’s a client’s request), my clients gain entrée into the authentic life of real Parisians and feel more like a local. In Rome, it is said that you need seven generations to be considered as a real Roman! With Esprit de Paris, my clients will become a little more Parisian in a few hours…

Europe Travel: What might tourists expect to get out of your tours that they may not be able to experience with others?

Adeline Marchand: My tours are exclusive because my clients will discover the essence and soul of Paris, this special way to be sophisticated but nonchalant. I will try to reveal the mentality and customs of the French. The cultural and intellectual life of Paris needs context and history to be fully appreciated. We will visit private mansions, museums, secret places, lovely gardens, cafés, and I will help tourists to discover the cultural heritage, lifestyle, sophistication and creativity of Paris.

Europe Travel: Which of your tours tend to be the most popular?

Adeline Marchand: It is the Marais tour and the Château de Versailles tour. They are my favorite tours too! I have been raised in the Upper-Marais, a very creative, trendy and historic area, said to be shabby chic. So I know its charming places and their secrets… And I received a master’s degree in 18th century French history, which the period when the Château de Versailles was inhabited by the King and the Royal Court. I love this time of sophistication, pleasure, refined decadency and violence.

Europe Travel: Do you recommend a particular time of the year that might be best for travelers visiting Paris?

Adeline Marchand: Paris is the most visited city in the world because each time of the year is wonderful! It rains, although lightly, often in Paris, and the city is still charming. We take an umbrella and life goes on!  And the color along the riverside is amazing on a rainy day!

In spring, summer, and autumn, the monuments are really crowded, but you can enjoy the liveliness of the terrace of the café and experience the favorite hobby of the Parisian: people watching. Each Parisian has the feeling of being someone important. Self-confidence, conviction, enthusiasm and a mysterious allure, that’s the characteristic of the Parisians.

Europe Travel: What are a few of your favorite spots in Paris?

Adeline Marchand: The Pont des Arts offers one of my favorite views. I love the Ile Saint Louis for the charm and the quietness of the riverside. The Place des Vosges is incredibly beautiful and this is where I spent my teenager years.

As far as bars, restaurants, and clubs, it is continually changing in Paris. Parisians are like bees with flowers! I have dinner in the 7th or the 17th arrondissement that tend to offer very good restaurants and then I go out in the 2nd, the 3rd, and the 6th arrondissement (various districts of the city).

Esprit de Paris and Adeline Marchand can be reached via email at: adeline@esprit-de-paris.com. Her website is www.esprit-de-paris.com.

The company was set up by four London Cab Drivers with a collective 70 years of experience driving London Cabs, accumulating a wealth of knowledge about the history of the city, along with a shared passion for its history. The original four have also invited other equally qualified guides who have all passed stringent exams in addition to having passion, enthusiasm and an unsurpassed knowledge of London.

Rob Woodford, Company Director and guide, provided me with some additional insight into what the company offers during a recent interview.

Here Company Directors Graham Woodhouse (Left) & Rob Woodford (Right), are joined by Clive Kilmartin.

Europe Travel: What the reason for the inception of Black Cab Heritage Tours?

Rob Woodford: Two students who had recently passed the so-called “Cab Guide Course” (which trains London Taxi Drivers to become Tour Guides) decided to persuade their lecturer (also a Cabbie) that they needed to fill a void and devise a business plan to set up an alternative tour option for visitors to London – with a choice of tours. Prior to our inception there had only been a small number of individuals advertising their services- mainly by “in-Cab advertising.” But our aim was to seriously market ourselves by initially building a website – and linking with Hotel Concierge by Qualified Taxi Driver Tour Guides in their Traditional London Black Cabs.

The first picture on this new website has to be of ‘Dolphin’ – this is the nickname of the wide-angle lens that the Belgian TV crew attached to Rob’s Taxi on a recent film shoot

Europe Travel: Do you cater to specific types of tourists?

Rob Woodford: There are no specific types of tourists that we cater to. It is fair to say that the vast majority of our clients are English-speaking, but should anyone wish to have their tour delivered in French then we have that covered too. We cater for all, and London Black Cabs are also Wheelchair Accessible.

Europe Travel: What are your most unique tours?

Rob Woodford: I would say that our most unique tour is our “Harry Potter Tour.” This is because our Guides make a point of deliver a “stand-up” presentation at all of the London Film Location sites to supplement the running commentary provided during their Panoramic Tour around London. It would take forever to get around the sites on foot! The “Harry Potter Tour” by Taxi is OUR (original) idea – others copy us now. One of our “Harry Potter” tours was recently filmed by WTHR Channel 13 (a U.S.-based TV network) on location during the London Olympic Games.

BCHT Guide (and Master of the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers) Jim Rainbird (2nd from left) with his happy crew after a recent Tour

Europe Travel: What can tourists expect to get from your tours that they may not be able to experience with others?

Rob Woodford: For a start, our clients’ questions will not be lost on a bus full of 50 people. Our friendly guides deliver a very bespoken personal service to a much smaller audience. A London Taxi can accommodate up to five people in comfort, and while on board they will hear a commentary delivered by a crisp clear intercom system. We allow for stopping for those all-important photographs as well as comfort stops and refreshment breaks. None of these are easy when cramped in a double-decker bus, and that bus cannot squeeze down the smaller streets that we can!

Roll Call in Birdcage Walk (waiting for our clients after ‘Changing of the Guard’)

Europe Travel: Which of your tours is the most popular?

Rob Woodford: Our most popular tour is our “Classic.” Clients get to see ALL of London’s iconic landmarks!

Europe Travel: What time of year do you think is best for travelers visiting London?

Rob Woodford: Any time of year! We provide tours 365 days per year – 24 hours per day. London is the best city in Europe – come rain or shine!

Europe Travel: What are some of your favorite spots in London?

Rob Woodford: On a personal level, I prefer to show clients the oldest part of London – the “City of London” – we have almost 2,000 years of history dating back to the arrival of the Romans in AD 43. People are often surprised to learn that the Romans were here for about 1/5 of recorded British history!

BCHT Guide Dave Cannell seen here making a spotless Presentation of the 600 year old Guildhall to his group of visitors from Dubai – it was perfect

Europe Travel: There are many ghost stories involving the Tower of London, Baker Street, etc. – do you have any tours that highlight the allegedly haunted places or incorporate that into other tours?  

Rob Woodford: You will find at least one ghost in any Black Cab Heritage Tour. We will find you a ghost in places off the beat track, like Mitre Square of Berkeley Square – prepare to be scared!

Europe Travel: Anything else you think might be important for tourists to be aware of?

Rob Woodford: We can pick visitors up from their Hotel or the location of their choice, such as an airport or railway station, and drop them off at a preferred destination such as a theatre or restaurant. We also provide outbound tours to places such as Windsor, Oxford, Stonehenge and Bath – with driver guides qualified to conduct such tours.

‘James Bond’ Treasure Hunt was for such a large group of visitors from Holland that we had to call up some top London cabbies who are not (yet) qualified guides and therefore part of the BCHT team – here is cabbie Terry James (furthest right) with his happy hunters!

Black Heritage Cab Tours and Rob Woodford can be reached via email at: info@BlackCabHeritageTours.co.uk. Their website is www.BlackCabHeritageTours.co.uk.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Cab-Heritage-Tours/244754202228328

In addition to the tours mentioned, Black Heritage Cab Tours offers a number of others including the “Magical Mystery Music Tour,” highlighting London’s many musical connections including Handel, Hendrix and Beatlemania. An “Olympics 2012 Tour,” “Jack the Ripper Tour” and the “Royal London Tour” are just a few of the others.