It’s full of excitement, anticipation and stress, but you needn’t let travel woes spoil the enjoyment of a trip; far better to be relaxed and enjoy it. Reduce travel stress by following these few simple tips.

It may be boring, but packing is an essential process. Start putting things aside well in advance and pack clothing and items appropriate for your destination.

Check your itinerary and double check all transport arrangements before you set off. Whether you`re travelling by bus, taxi, train, plane or boat, know where you need to be and when. Think about timings and allow plenty of time in case you get caught up in traffic delays, diversions and queues.

Confirm details with travel companies the day before departure. Many airlines and ferry companies operate telephone and online services where passengers are able to check schedules in advance to ensure services are running and to be informed of any delays.

Save time on the day and make the most of online check in features if available. Be sure of restrictions on baggage such as details of forbidden items, the number of items of luggage allowed per passenger and abide by any weight limits that are in place.

Keep travel documents, in a safe but easily accessible location. Make sure you have remembered all the essential documents such as tickets, passports and currency and know what identification is required to travel, checking that it will be valid on the date of travel. Do be sure that you are covered by an appropriate travel insurance policy, having checked the small print and that it is suitable for your destination, length of stay and any risky activities you may wish to participate in.

Clearly mark your luggage with some distinguishing features such as brightly coloured tags. This makes it easier to spot on carousels or in baggage holds or if you are unfortunate enough to be parted from your bags or suitcases, this could make it quicker and easier for you to be reunited.

If you are travelling with children, make sure you have plenty to keep them occupied prior to and during travel. Remember to pack favourite toys or teddy bears to avoid tears or tantrums and take plenty of books, games, drinks and snacks. It is also worth familiarising yourself with the nearest toilet facilities.

Read up on your destination for ideas of what to do when you arrive, including local transport, customs, language and currency. It is also important to keep yourself and your valuables safe when travelling so utilise safety deposit boxes where available. UK airports offer plenty of advice and amenities to help you on your way while allowing to you time to relax and enjoy your trip.

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Avalalon Waterways has a fabulous 14-day cruise sailing from Vienna that includes a 2 ½ day stay in Vienna to allow for visiting the city and its sites. This cruise goes from the Blue Danube to the Black Sea, departing in Vienna and arriving in Bucharest.

Arrival
After arriving in Vienna by plane the City is open to exploration for the next 2 ½ days before embarking on the cruise. Vienna offers a vast array of culture, music, arts, and architecture to enjoy.

Tour the City

While in the City there are numerous sights that should be considered a must see. The Anchor Clock is one. The Anchor Clock is located in the oldest square of the Vienna “Hoher Markt’. The clock was built between 1911 and 1917 based on the plans of painter Franz von Matsch.

Bridging two sections of the Anker Insurance Company Building the clock is both a timepiece and a work of art and entertainment. As the clock hands pass through a twelve hour period, twelve historical pairs of figures travel across the bridge. At noon each day all the figurines parade across accompanied by a musical compilation of past ages.

No visit to Vienna would be complete without a trip to the Haas House, the pride of the City and one of its most exciting buildings. This architectural masterpiece was once a disputed building project that did not bode well with the locals of the time.

Introduced by Hans Hollein in the late 20th century, the Hass House is a concrete and glass structure built in a style similar to the ancient Roman citadel Vindonane, a style where new architecture is built in, on and around the old style, incorporating it into its beauty. The Hass House’s modern look was built taking into consideration the neighboring historical St. Stephen’s Cathedral as is evident by the glass reflecting the Cathedral. A visit here should include a rooftop coffee break in the coffee shop to take in the view of the Cathedral.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral
After visiting the Haas House and seeing this cathedral from afar, stop in and see this ‘heart of the city’ in all its grandeur.  Built in 1147, St. Stephens Cathedral is considered the heart of Vienna and is the most famous sight in the City.

There are many sights to see at the Cathedral and myths and legends to ponder over. Two impressive features that stand out are the enormous roof and tall, lean tower. There are very few towers of such height that were completed during the Middle Ages.

Inside the Cathedral there are many historic art pieces, such as the tomb of Prince Eugene of Savory, the Gothic winged altar and the ‘Pummerin’, the cathedral’s big bell. There are also many myths to explore and ponder, such as the indention on the wall inside the main entrance. Legend says it was used to measure the size of a loaf of bread by customer. These are just a few of the many attractions to visit in the Cathedral.

Shopping
Before the Vienna trip is over and the cruise sets sail be sure to get in some shopping at the Naschmarkt. This area market where fruits, vegetables and assorted items are sold is much more than a market; it is a historical landmark dating to the 16th century.

The market itself was built on top of the roofed over river of Wienfluss, the second river in Vienna. There is shopping, coffee shops and restaurants enjoy while watching the traditional market activity with its oriental influences.

Last Call
Before the day of sailing arrives, touring Vienna is a hustle, bustle get-it-all in flurry of activity. There are many historical places to make a part of the itinerary, including Belvedere Palace, Burgtheater, Danube Tower and Danube Island, among others.

Vienna in itself is a beautiful vacation spot and the ideal location, according to many European Cruise articles, to board a cruise ship bound for the Danube and beyond. History, architecture, romance and fun wait.

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Being part of the province North-Holland, Amsterdam is located in the northwest of the Netherlands next to the provinces Utrecht and Flevoland. The river Amstel terminates in the city center into a large number of canals that eventually terminate in the IJ. The town’s most famous sight is the system of canals, that spreads over the whole city centre.

Cobbled streets are cheek by jowl with glittering night clubs. Here are 10 experiences you should take home with you from the capital of the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam’s cafes
Known for providing customers with more than just coffee, Amsterdam’s coffee houses abound. It won’t be difficult to find one: there are around 1500 in the city! In Amsterdam, the words “cafe” and “bar” are nearly interchangeable. Dutch pea soup, called erwtensoep, is a specialty made with ham, smoked sausage, thyme, and cloves. It is served with rye bread spread with mustard.

2. Clogs
Even though few people actually wear them these days, wooden shoes will be forever associated with Amsterdam. De Klompenboer, world renowned shoe makers, is located at the St. Antoniesbreestraat.

3. Dam Square
Located at the center of the city, Dam Square showcases the Royal Palace. Though it was originally a town hall, the building was made regal by Louis Napoleon in 1808.

4. Anne Frank’s House
If you go in the summer, you’ll be standing in a long line to get in, but as the setting of one of the greatest stories of the twentieth century, Anne Frank’s house is considered a must see. It is located close to Dam Square.

5. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the official state museum of Holland. With a collection including works by Vermeer, Hals, and Rembrandt and an entrance on Amsterdam’s museumplein, the Rijksmuseum is part of any comprehensive tour or Amsterdam.

6. Van Gogh Museum
Also located on the museumplein, the Van Gogh museum contains the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work.

7. Albert Cuypmarkt
With some 20,000 visitors on weekdays, and even more on weekends, the Albert Cuypmarkt is one of the largest open air markets in the world, supplying fresh produce, handmade objects, and just about anything else a traveler could want.

8. Queen’s Day
If you’re in Amsterdam around the 30th of April, you don’t want to miss one of the world’s largest street parties. Queen’s Day is a mammoth celebration of gay and lesbian culture. With pounding music and huge crowds, the entire downtown of Amsterdam turns into a party on Queen’s Day.

9. Vondelpark Summer
During high summer between June and August is the Vondelpark festival. With entertainment for all ages, this festival features performing arts in the open air.

10. Holland Festival
The Netherlands biggest summer festival is Holland Festival, which lasts for three weeks in June. It is the largest annual festival, featuring theater, opera, music, dance, and art exhibitions.

Periodic events in Amsterdam

• April – 420.
• April – Koninginnedag, Queen’s day, 30 April, former Queen Juliana’s birthday, also the day Juliana transferred her title to her daughter Beatrix.
• June – The Amsterdam Roots Festival, last week of June, international music festival.
• June – Holland Festival is an international festival for theater, music, dance, opera, film and art, throughout the month of June.
• August – Amsterdam Pride, first weekend of August, gay pride weekend.
• August – Hartjesdag, 3rd weekend in August.
• August – Uitmarkt, last weekend in August, the start of the cultural season.
• August – Amsterdam Tournament, late August, International Football tournament hosted by AFC Ajax.
• August – Sail Amsterdam, a five-yearly event, when tall ships from all over the world can be visited;
• October – Amsterdam Marathon, mid-October.
• October – The Bokbier Beer Festival in the Beurs van Berlage (Old stock Exchange).
• October – Grachtenrace (Canal Race), 25km rowing race, 2nd Saturday in October.
• October – Amsterdam Dance Event. An international conference for the electronic and dance music industry. Also a clubfestival with 600+ acts/DJ’s performing at 40 locations!
• November – Shadow Festival of Documentary Film.
• November – December The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).
• November – Cannabis Cup, mid-November annual cannabis competition, hosted by High Times.

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The Alps and the Apennines are two mountain chains that dominate the geography of Italy. The foothills of the Alps are where world famous lakes such as Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are located. Though the Alps run east to west across the northern part of Italy, the Apennines trace the “backbone” of the Italian peninsula.

Off the southwest coast of Italy are the principal islands of Sardinia and Sicily, home to the great volcanic Mt. Etna, which rises 10,860 feet. Additional island chains include the Tremiti Islands, the Tuscan Archipelago, and the Pontine Islands, among others.

If you go shopping in Italy, look for men’s and women’s clothing, particularly shoes, gloves, and ties. Additional specialties include lace, jewels, leather handbags and luggage, gold and silver, glass and crystal.

One of the biggest “problems” in visiting Italy is having to choose among a huge array of cultural offerings. Not only the big cities, but most provincial cities and even small towns have museums that are well worth your time. How could you go wrong in a country that produced Raffaello, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio?

Countless ancient monuments and archaeological sites will also beckon you, and many Italian cities may as well be museums themselves, so full are they with culture. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, reports that two-thirds of the entire world’s artistic treasures are in Italy. The Tuscany region alone possesses more artifacts than some entire European countries. Not only that, but nearly every major style of Western architecture can be found  somewhere in Italy, a country that has produced 20 Nobel Prize winners. It is no wonder that Italy is considered the birthplace of modern Western society.

Of course, Italy’s religious history plays a huge role in the country’s culture. The Roman Catholic Church is seated in the Vatican, which is considered its own independent country inside Rome. If you plan a trip to the Vatican in warm weather, be advised that you are not allowed to wear shorts.

Other Italian church architecture is historically important to Western culture. St. Peter’s Basilica, which is located within Vatican City, is considered one of the holiest sites in all Christendom. It is the burial place of St. Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

The Basilica of St. Mark, patron saint of Venice, dominates that city’s Piazza San Marco, and the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, built from 1296 to 1436, features a notable dome, and exterior marble panels in shades of green, pink, and white.

For the connoisseur of art, history or cuisine, it would be hard to go wrong by visiting Italy. Besides the obvious artistic and architectural treasures, Italy has skiing in Courmayeur, mountain climbing in the Sesto Dolomites, hiking in Tuscany, and sunbathing in Sicily, where tiny country kitchens produce some of the world’s most delicious meals.

When you’re in Venice or Milan, you may have to do a little searching to find the best meal for the money, but Florence and Rome tend to offer more affordable options. A typical dinner out will cost you on the order of 20 to 50 euros per person, including wine and dessert. Though you are not expected to leave a tip, you may do so if you experience exceptional service. In bars, it is customary to leave small change as a tip, but it is not obligatory.

Clearly, there is much more to Italy than can be easily summed up. Perhaps that is a good enough reason to plan to return to this glorious cultural jewel on the Mediterranean.

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1    Sagrada Familia Church
With its soaring, expressionist towers, Sagrada Familia is Antonio Gaudi’s most famous creation. And it is not yet finished! Begun in 1882, construction on the church continues, and is funded by Barcelona’s tourism industry.

2    Casa-Museu Gaudi
In his later years, Gaudi lived with his niece in this pink house that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The rooms in the house are themed, containing furniture, drawing, and portraits made by Gaudi himself.

3    Bishop’s Palace
A new structure begun in 1889 to replace the original palace, which had been destroyed by a fire, the Bishop’s Palace had a storied history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gaudi abandoned the work after the Bishop Juan Bautista Grau i Vallespinós died, and the palace was not occupied until 1961.

4    Las Ramblas
Barcelona isn’t just about architecture; shopping and entertainment also figure prominently. Las Ramblas contains market stalls and street entertainers. A fun area in which to spend a day, it’s also known to have its share of pick pockets, so hold your wallet or handbag closely.

 5    Passeig de Gracia
Perhaps the most popular shopping street in Barcelona, the Passeig de Gracia is a sophisticated area providing shopping and dining to those wanting something fancier and quieter than the high spirits of Las Ramblas.

6    The Poble Espanyol
The Poble Espanyol is a collection of buildings showcasing architectural styles characteristic of Spain. A real village, with no motorized transportation, the Poble Espanyol was built in 1929 for the International Exhibition in Barcelona.

7    Picasso Museum
Pablo Ruiz Picasso lived in Barcelona as a teenager, and the city’s tribute to the artistic genius contains more than 3,800 works in its permanent collection. Located on the Carrer Moncada, the Picasso Museum first opened in 1963.

8    Gothic Quarter
Perhaps the best place in Barcelona to experience ancient architecture alongside the most modern structures, the Gothic Quarter is located on what once was an ancient Roman village. With its winding, labyrinthine streets and its 14th century cathedral, the Gothic Quarter is a very interesting place to lose oneself in the city.

9    Olympic Stadium
The former Olympic Stadium, built for the 1992 Olympic Games, is still a thriving athletic venue. With its capacity to accommodate 55,000 people, the home of the 1992 Olympic Games is also used for large musical and other cultural events.

10    Lover’s Day
If you find yourself in Barcelona on April 23, you are just in time for Lover’s Day, which is Barcelona’s own interpretation of St. Valentine’s Day. Commemorating St. Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia, as well as the deaths on April 23, 1616 of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, Lover’s Day is a heady mix of celbration and roses that caters to the true romantic.

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The key to Lanzarote´s popularity as a holiday destination lies in the fact that this island located just seventy miles off the coast of Africa enjoys a great climate all year round.  So even in the depths of winter when Northern Europe is shivering, visitors are able to enjoy a beach holiday in the sun here.  As temperatures average 20 Celsius all year round – even during December and January.

Lanzarote was first conquered by the Spanish in the early 1400´s – and rapidly became an important strategic trading post between the New World and the Old.  As Spanish galleons crossed the Atlantic with Inca silver and returned with African slaves.  Stopping off at Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands to refuel and restock.

During the 1730´s Lanzarote was subjected to one of the modern world’s longest ever volcanic eruptions.  Which buried around a third of the island in a sea of molten lava.  Destroying some of the best farming land on the island and forcing many Lanzaroteños to flee and start a new life elsewhere.

Today Lanzarote´s volcanic landscape is one of its chief attractions for visitors.  With the Timanfaya Volcano Park drawing in around one million visitors every year.  Drawn to the eerie landscape which is often likened to the surface of the moon.  Indeed NASA astronauts were apparently shown photos of the volcano park in order to prepare them for their Apollo moon landing missions.

Tourism first took off on the island back in the 1970´s – when Lanzarote became established as a unique new destination, attracting VIP visitors and international plaudits for the architectural achievements of a locally born artist called Cesar Manrique.  Who fused art with nature to create a unique series of tourist attractions around the island.  Whilst also campaigning for the sensitive evolution of tourism on the island.

Thanks to Manrique the island today remains largely unspoiled – despite it’s popularity as a holiday destination.  As high rise buildings are banned and the island´s three main tourist resorts are all well contained.

Accommodation on the island is also of a high standard.  There are hundreds of hotels in Lanzarote for visitors to select from – with the best concentrated in the southern resort of Playa Blanca.

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1. Monte Carlo Casino
Charles Garnier designed the magnificent gold and marble atrium in this famous casino, which was built in 1863. Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Monte Carlo Casino also includes an opera and ballet house called the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and is the headquarters of the Ballets de Monte Carlo.

2. Cafe de Paris
A visit to Monte Carlo should definitely include a meal at the famous Cafe de Paris. Opened in 1962, the cafe features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, and is conveniently located in Casino Square.

3. Old Town
This is the more traditional part of Monte Carlo, and it features numerous classy bars and restaurants. The traditional Monegasque cuisine you’ll find here includes dishes like Stocafi, which is dried cod cooked in rich tomato sauce, and Fougasse, a pastry decorated with nuts and aniseed.

4. Metropole Shopping Centre
Catering to the high-end tastes of Monte Carlo’s locals and visitors, the Metropole Shopping Center is full of designer stores famous in Milan and Paris, and jewelers that tempt the wealthy with their precious jewels.

5. Monaco Cathedral
Built in 1875, the Monaco Cathedral is where Princess Grace and Prince Ranier III are buried. The Cathedral sits atop the site of the first parish church in Monaco, which was built in 1252 and dedicated to St. Nicholas. It also features a majestic four-keyboard organ.

6. Prince’s Palace
If you’re in Monte Carlo between June and October, be sure to visit the Prince’s Palace, which was originally built in 1191 as a fortress. Over three million brilliantly colored pebbles are arranged in geometric patterns within the grand courtyard, and the palace also features a Carrara marble stairway and brass cannons from the era of Louis XIV.

7. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins
All that shopping and dining is bound to put you in the mood for some serious pampering, and the Thermes Marins is the luxury spa that does just that. This luxurious spa features 37 treatment cabins, seawater pools, a beauty salon, and the famous L’Hirondelle restaurant.

8. The Grimaldi Forum
This magnificent venue hosts cultural events such as concerts, opera, and ballet. The Grimaldi Forum, an engineering marvel of glass and steel, is also home to the Monte-Carlo Masters Tennis Tournament.

9. Stade Louis II
The compact, but mighty home of the AS Monaco Football Club may be smaller than most top football clubs, but its architecture more than makes up for it. Even though the stadium seats “only” 18,500, that is enough seats to accommodate 60 percent of Monaco’s population!

10. The Grand Prix Racing Route
When the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix isn’t taking place, the route follows city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, around the harbor. Electronic versions of the route are famous enough to be included in computer games like Gran Turismo, and 2003’s R:Racing Evolution.

Monte Carlo is one of Europe’s leading tourist resorts, although many of the key tourist destinations are located in other parts of Monaco, including such attractions as Monaco Cathedral, the Napoleon Museum, the Oceanographic Museum and aquarium, and the Prince’s Palace, all of which are located in Monaco-Ville.

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The Greek Islands are hard to miss as they dot throughout the Aegean Sea on the South East coast of mainland Greece. They come in various sizes, shapes, and geographical varieties and the people that come to visit also come in such a variety. While island hopping is always an option, most people decide to stay on one single island for their entire holiday. The Greek Islands are traditionally divided into seven groups: Cyclades, Aegean, Dodecanese, Sporades, Ionian, Argosaronic Gulf and Crete. Crete, as a single island, is the largest one in the group.

When staying on a Greek Island for the holidays, opt to stay at a boutique hotel. This will give you a whole fresh experience by staying in a small, intimate hotel with minimum decorations and very friendly service. Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites on Crete, Katikies on Santorini and Ostraco Suites on Mykonos are unique choices to stay at and offer you the utmost serenity in an understated lap of luxury.

The part that visitors love most about the Greek Islands is the beach. Depending on which island you stay on, there are beaches of various sizes and qualities. The number of islands itself means that you are sure to find what you are hoping to, from 24-hour entertainment to historical landmarks, traditional villages and museums.

It is easy to get to some of the islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos by plane, but some of them can be reached by taking a ferry from Athens. Ferries usually follow a regular schedule and can be used to visit any island during your entire stay. These ticket operators can be found at the harbors. When on an island, however, it is recommended to hire a bike or a car, or to use the local buses for transportation. Trains are unavailable once you hit the mainland. For those who are feeling slightly more adventurous, hire a sailing boat and sail around the islands – it’s the best experience ever!

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1.    Dublin Castle
The Normans, who invaded Dublin in 1169, first made their own fortifications on the site of Dublin Castle. King John of England expanded the structure in 1204. Dublin Castle features crystal chandeliers and elaborate painted ceilings.

2.    Christ Church Cathedral
This building, dating to 1038, was built by King Sitric Silkenbeard, the Danish Viking King of Dublin. Christ Church Cathedral is one of two medieval cathedrals in Dublin, the other being St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

3.    Trinity College
Trinity College is Dublin’s oldest university, built in 1592. Besides producing alumni including Jonathon Swift, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett, it is also home to the famous Book of Kells which is an illuminated edition of the Christian Gospels that dates to the 9th century. Originally featuring a valuable jeweled cover, the book’s manuscript was left behind by invading Vikings in 1007.

4.    Guinness Storehouse
This top tourist attraction was reopened in 2000 and features tours, history of the famous beverage, and even a pod cast of an audio tour of the facility.

5.    Pint of Guinness
You’re bound to want to try a pint of this world famous dry stout after touring the Storehouse. The company’s history dates from 1759, and today the product is sold in over 150 countries around the world.

6.    National Gallery of Ireland
The National Gallery of Ireland boasts fine artwork from all over Europe, including works by Picasso and Monet. It is also known for its collection of Italian baroque and Dutch Masters paintings.

7.    Smithfield Village
This newly renovated village is full of places to eat, drink, and shop. Even if you’ve already spent your shopping money, you can climb up the Chimney Viewing Tower for a great view of the city.

8.    Temple Bar
Temple Bar is not one single place, but rather an entire area on the south bank of the River Liffey. Though the area maintains a medieval street pattern, with narrow cobbled paths, the nightlife is anything but old fashioned!

9.    Grafton Street
This is the place for serious shoppers to go in Dublin. Grafton Street features department stores and local craft shops. Most of the district has been reworked for pedestrian traffic, and sometimes features street musicians and mime artists.

10.    Irish Grand National
The Irish Grand National is Ireland’s premiere steeplechase event. Started in 1870, the Irish Grand National is traditionally held on Easter Monday.

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The internet can be a great tool to gather information about how and where to get cheap travel bookings, which route will cost you less, which are the seasons to travel to save much money, and so on.

Travel Agencies
There are travel agencies that will offer discounted airfares if you book early. Even the airliners themselves offer great discount prices on selected routes or during selected months. You can also get discount family fares and there may be other discounted fares for young children. You can travel to some European gateway hub cities, like London or Dublin, and from there, you can get cheap airfares to other European destinations. A round-trip ticket will usually cost less than the normal rate. Also, a stopover in these hub cities will be a great way to see the attractions in that city cheaply!
Staying In Europe
Instead of staying in expensive beachside hotels or in downtown hotels in expensive European cities, you may save a lot if you rent an apartment or live in low-cost but clean hotels just a distance away from those tourist attractions. You may also find more beautiful destinations in those areas if you ask the local citizens. Tourists usually travel only to the major attractions offered by the European travel destinations, but there are many other equally beautiful places to see. Those unfrequented destination may also be cheaper than the major tourist attractions.

Eating in good low-cost restaurants and visiting the affordable pubs and bars will save you more money. The quality of food and drinks are always comparable to the best in town, and whereas the bigger hotels have bigger rates, the smaller hotels have similar quality that costs lot less.

Traveling In Europe
Taking a train or a bus is also quite inexpensive compared to traveling in a taxi or hiring a car. You will usually get inexpensive train passes in major European cities like London that will be usable on the local buses also. Staying in a suburb town instead of near the city center, for example, in London, will save so much money that you can easily take another trip from the saved money! Ask the locals, or check in the city guides, and you will find the best affordable places to live and to visit. In Europe, there are many cheaper routes you can take to many great travel destinations.

Please read the second part of this article (Top Tips for a Cheap European Travel Part II) …

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