If you love Venice but hate the idea of waiting in line for a gondola ride surrounded by throngs of peak season crowds, consider driving a little over three hours to another area with gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea: Croatia's Istrian Peninsula. This area is a favorite of travel expert Rick Steves, who, on his website, recommends the entire region for its truffles, vineyards, sea air, and vibrant history. This beautiful region has picturesque little port towns that will delight travelers. While it may not actually be romantic Venice, it was once a part of the Venetian republic, and that cultural link endures.

This Seaside Croatian Town Is Like Venice Without The Crowds, Per Rick Steves

Insider

I've lived on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years. Instead of staying in crowded Positano, I recommend towns like Vietri sul Mare, Minori, and Cetara.

Skip the crowds in Positano and stay in one of these 5 Amalfi Coast towns instead

There are so many gorgeous islands in Greece. You could visit the vibrant island of Skopelos, the bucket list island for fans of "Mamma Mia!," or Alonissos, the gorgeous Greek island that's a great alternative to overcrowded Santorini, though that's also worth a visit. You could pick any number of beautiful destinations, including the pretty-yet-packed Mykonos, or the city of Athens, which is full of ancient wonders like the Acropolis, but maybe not the most relaxing. However, when travel expert Rick Steves wants to visit his favorite Greek island, it's one that is quieter than the others, despite being a mere two-hour ferry ride from Athens. Steves' favorite spot is the island of Hydra (which you may also see written as Idra).

Rick Steves' Favorite Greek Island Is An Off-The-Radar Escape With Unforgettable Beaches

If you plan a trip to Portugal, you'll probably visit Lisbon, a gorgeous city full of history, beautiful art, wonderful food and drink (port, of course), and tourists. Any major European city in a popular country will be crowded, and sometimes that can affect how much you can see and do. If you want a city in Portugal to explore with some of the same features as Lisbon without all the other vacationers, travel pro Rick Steves has a great suggestion: Coimbra.

Portugal's Easiest-To-Enjoy City Is A Less Crowded Mini Lisbon, According To Rick Steves

Post-pandemic, several European cities have felt rising pressures to filter the influx of visitors. In order to combat mass tourism, as well as benefit their various economies and the wellbeing of their citizens, these five hotspot destinations have opted to implement an entry tax. Venice, Italy. Venice has a reputation...

5 Popular European Cities Will Now Charge You Extra to Visit

New York Post

A young man from the Netherlands was reprimanded by Italian police after he allegedly vandalized a historic Roman wall while on holiday.

The incident took place in Herculaneum, an Ancient Roman town that – like Pompeii – was covered in volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

In a press release published Monday, the Carabinieri, an Italian law enforcement agency, explained that the tourist “signed” the walls of a domus in the town on Sunday night.

Amanda Knox set to defend herself in Italian court against a 16-year-old slander charge

A domus was a townhouse-like residence for families in antiquity.

The...

Tourist defaces ancient Roman wall, prompting Italian authorities to punish him with ‘utmost firmness’

As far as Italian institutions go, limoncello is relatively new. While its precise origins are unknown and somewhat contested—the Gulf of Naples, Amalfi Coast and Sicily all claim bragging rights—the sweet, highly alcoholic lemon liqueur was likely invented in the early 20th century, growing in popularity until it became one of the most famous ways to end a long, leisurely Italian meal. (Grappa, another iconic Italian liqueur, dates back to the 14th century.)

The Limoncello Spritz Is Exploding in Italy. Here’s How to Make It at Home.

ABC News

An American tourist was found dead Sunday on a beach on the Greek Island of Mathraki.

American tourist found dead on Greek island ID'd

While Europe boasts many of the world’s most beloved travel spots, there are strong reasons to consider skipping some of these areas. Curious about making smarter travel choices that are better for both the destination and your own experience? Here’s a rundown of why you might bypass these popular locales.

European Destinations Americans Should Avoid

USA TODAY

Tuscany is offering incentives of up to $32,145 for individuals to move to its rural villages and contribute to their revitalization. Here's how.

Dreaming of moving to Italy? Tuscany will pay you up to $32,000 to buy a home in a village

Upworthy


        
        
        
        Even though European countries and America are roughly on the same level regarding development, there are still some stark differences in their ways of life. Americans may look to Europe and feel a bit jealous over their free healthcare systems and more laid-back approach to their professional lives.But Europeans who visit America are also in awe of some of the everyday things that Americans take for granted, which seem to be luxuries. A Reddit user named Prof_XdR asked Europeans on the AskReddit subforum to share the everyday American things that they believe are luxuries, and the question received nearly 13,000 responses.

Europeans are admitting these 15 everyday American conveniences feel like a 'luxury'

Some passports are more powerful than others. While many countries tie for the highest rankings compiled by the Henley Passport Index, one comes out on top: Singapore. It had previously shared the No. 1 spot with five other countries: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. What exactly does it mean...

This Country Has The Most Powerful Passport In The World

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Bryce Gruber

The color yellow is gorgeous, eye-catching, and downright happy for most people. So much so that it's the main hue in the world-famous happy face—but science says it's not the best color to wear on a date.

You Shouldn't Wear Yellow on First Dates, Here's Why

Maine State

Idaho State

Shop with Me Mama

Why Idaho Ranks in the Top 10 States Americans Are Flocking To in 2024. A lot of Idahoans are saying 'Idaho is FULL! Go find somewhere else to live!'. With that said, MANY people and their families are flocking to this state and calling it home.

Why Is Everyone Relocating To Idaho?

Indy100

The Colosseum and Pantheon may be among the most iconic buildings of Ancient Rome, but beyond the walls of Italy’s legendary capital, there lie countless treasures just waiting to be uncovered.Indeed, many of these lie buried, not underground but underwater. And now, archaeologists have discovered a vast Roman structure off the coast of tourist hotspot Puglia.A previous study, conducted in 2021, found a column made of cipollino marble (an elaborately-swirled white-green stone), in the waters off Campo di Mare, in the west of the country.This then led to the discovery of a submerged circular structure measuring 50 metres (around 165...

Extraordinary underwater structure discovered off the coast of Italy

New Jersey State

Hollywood, FL

What began in the late 1800s as a way to help visitors' feet stay sand-free, boardwalks morphed into a beachside commercial avenue. These hopping tourist spots are often a great spots to eat, drink, and play your day away within steps of the beach's embrace. And when you're in Florida, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a standout destination. Named one of America's Best Beach Boardwalks, this Hollywood hotspot is the place to be, especially for families.

One Of The Best Family-Friendly Beach Boardwalks In The US Is This Beautiful Florida Gem

In 2024, travel on a trip to the Greek islands. Start your adventure from Athens Airport and sail to Santorini’s famous cliffs or Mykonos’ lively city life, Crete’s old sites, Rhodes’ mediaeval streets or Corfu’s green beaches — there are so many choices! Discover history, nature, beauty and unforgettable experiences in Aegean Sea’s most captivating places.

Greek Islands: Top 5 Places to Visit in 2024

Illinois State

Travel expert Samantha Brown has been all over the world, yet she still appreciates a good old-fashioned road trip. "I think we as Americans love road trips, and the most underrated road trip there is is through the state of Illinois," Brown told Business Insider. After all, The Prairie State is full of adorable small towns and quirky features to make up a road trip itinerary.

America's Most Underrated Road Trip Is Through This Midwest State, Per Samantha Brown

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER. Rome, the Eternal City, is one of the most beautiful and historic places in the world! Something is bound to take your breath away around every corner. Exploring a city that strove for centuries to attain perfection in...

The Best of Rome in 2 Days Itinerary For First-Timers

Sports Illustrated Swim

From snorkeling to sunbathing, these spots are can’t-miss locations.

The 4 Best Beaches to Visit in the Mexican Caribbean

NewsBreak

The Best Things To Do In Pisa Beyond Its Touristy Leaning Tower, According To Rick Steves

When you think of Pisa, Italy, it's a pretty good bet that the Leaning Tower springs to mind. The tower started leaning a few years after...

The Best Things To Do In Pisa Beyond Its Touristy Leaning Tower, According To Rick Steves

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