When it comes to travel destinations in Europe, Rick Steves is just about the undisputed master. He can tell you where you go, what to see, and when to make those flight reservations to experience each city at its peak. It stands to reason that, after spending so much of his life traveling the continent, he would have accumulated some favorite and not-so-favorite destinations. And since he's been gallivanting abroad since the 1960s, we're sure he's got quite a laundry list of disappointments — if only we could have a beer with him and get his real, unvarnished opinions.

Rick Steves' Most And Least Favorite Places In Europe

Traveling is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but there are good and bad ways to do that. Getting lost in a new city can feel simultaneously uncomfortable and exciting, but trying to translate your way through filling out a foreign police report? That's not fun. Safety and friendliness are great factors to consider when looking for vacation destinations. To help you plan carefree trips where you feel welcome, we've rounded up some of the friendliest and safest places in Europe, from the welcoming locals in Iceland to the safe cities in Portugal.

These 5 European Countries Are Considered The Safest And Most Welcoming To Travelers

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After moving from Rhode Island to Ireland, I think Europe does some things better than the US, from laws about paid time off to access to fresh foods.

I'm an American who lived in Ireland for 4 years. Here are 5 things I liked better about life in Europe.

Italy, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, has an animal that stands out as a national symbol. When thinking about Italy, many might picture delicious pasta, ancient ruins, or stunning art. However, the Italian wolf holds a special place in the hearts of Italians. This majestic creature, also known as "lupo," roams the forests and mountains of the Italian peninsula. The wolf symbolizes strength, freedom, and resilience, traits deeply rooted in Italian heritage. From ancient Roman legends to modern-day conservation efforts, the Italian wolf continues to be a powerful emblem of Italy's natural beauty and enduring spirit.

What Animal Represents Italy?

Picture this in your head: You're driving through the Italian countryside, with the top down and the wind in your hair. You're passing rows of cypress trees as a hill town comes into view in the distance. Perhaps it's Cortona with its pretty shops full of wine, soap, olive oil, and pottery covered in lovely designs. Perhaps it's travel pro Rick Steves' favorite underrated hill town, Volterra, full of ancient Etruscan structures, or Montepulciano and its wonderful wines. This is the area of Italy known as Tuscany, and Steves suggests on his website this is a great spot to rent a car.

The One Region In Italy Where Rick Steves Strongly Suggests Renting A Car

PopCrush

It's called proof of funds and it's pretty self-explanatory. You need to show, usually with a bank statement, that you have plenty of money to cover costs in the country you're entering from the United States. According to the website Nairaland, you must show this proof when you're applying for...

Proof of $2,000 in the Bank Now Required to Travel to These Countries

The myriad charms of Mexico offer something for every vacationer. Many of the nation's diverse destinations provide opportunities to enjoy laidback coastal paradises, amazing archaeological monuments, world-class cuisine, fascinating contemporary art, and luxurious accommodations. In numerous places across Mexico, several of these attractions can be experienced within a single day.

The Safest Destinations In Mexico For A Stress-Free Vacation, According To Research

Business Insider

Cepee Tabibian, 44, didn't see herself following the conventional paths to success in the US. After moving to Spain, she feels fulfilled and accepted.

I moved from the US to Spain, where life is more affordable and relaxed. I finally feel like I belong.

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[Note: Unless otherwise indicated, the commentary and quotes in this article are from the author's interview with those mentioned.]. Elizabeth Montgomery was one of the most popular actors from the 1950s to her unfortunate passing from cancer in 1995. Before, during, and after her benchmark Emmy-nominated role as twitch-witch Samantha Stephens on TV's Bewitched (ABC, 1964-1972), Montgomery made over 200 additional appearances in other weekly shows, TV-movies, and feature films.

'Bewitched' Star Elizabeth Montgomery Received Death Threats for Protesting the Vietnam War

The sweeping landscape, lively pub atmospheres, and friendly if enigmatic locals have long nourished Rick Steves' fascination with the Emerald Isle. It also probably doesn't hurt that it's one of the safest and most welcoming countries in Europe. Steves has praised many of the island nation's destinations over the years; however, one in particular has captured his heart. "Colorful little Dingle — my favorite town in all of Ireland — perches on Ireland's westernmost point," Steves shared on his website.

Rick Steves' Favorite Town In All Of Ireland Is A Coastal Paradise With Dramatic Views

Collecting seashells on the beach seems like a harmless activity. You may think it's no big deal to take a few home with you from a trip to your local beach or on vacation. It seems like the perfect souvenir. As it turns out, it's not. You could be doing harm to sea life, causing erosion, robbing crabs and other creatures from their homes, and in some places, it's actually illegal.

If You Take Seashells From A Beach, You May Be Doing More Harm Than You Realize. Here's Why

Cinque Terre is immediately recognizable: tightly packed pastel buildings built onto the side of a rocky cliff overlooking the brilliant blue Italian Riviera. As its name implies, Cinque Terre is not one place but five. All of its villages are charming, picturesque, and intriguing in their own way, and you can definitely visit them all in one trip if you want to, but if you have to pick just one, or you're trying to decide which one you should spend the night in after a day of exploring, travel expert and popular TV host Rick Steves would probably tell you to pick Vernazza.

Rick Steves Says This Dazzling Town Is The 'Jewel' Of Italy's Iconic Cinque Terre

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Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software. Meghan Markle's venture into the lifestyle space has not been met with universal acclaim, particularly from one well-known figure: Martha Stewart. Earlier this year, in March, Meghan unveiled her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The brand immediately drew comparisons to other celebrity wellness empires, particularly that of culinary icon Martha Stewart. However, these comparisons have reportedly struck a nerve with Stewart, who finds them both "irritating and insulting."

Meghan Markle 'Insulted' Martha Stewart as She 'Won't Hesitate to Take Her Down

If you're one of those packers who likes to bring an outfit for every occasion, you're going to love this tip. With checked bags often costing money, many of us try to get away with a carry-on bag for a week-long vacation. Room in that bag may be limited, but there are space-saving packing tricks that can keep you from having to shove that extra pair of pants into your backpack/personal item allowance.

The Best Clothes-Rolling Method To Save Space In Your Suitcase While Packing

Europe is a continent that’s filled with history and culture. Across its capitals and cities you can find each country’s heritage etched into the streets, and across the sights and attractions found there. As such, there is no shortage of must see cities in Europe to fill your...

20 Must See Cities in Europe for Your Bucket List

It's been two decades since beloved actor Brian Kelly died of pneumonia at 73 in 2005. Best known as Porter Ricks in the classic TV family show Flipper(NBC, 1964-1967), Kelly had once suffered a paralyzing motorcycle accident that ended his acting career. However, he rechanneld his creative talent and became a producer. This is his story.

The Paralyzing Accident & Tragic Death of TV's 'Flipper' Father Brian Kelly: Two Decades Later

New York Post

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his high-flying Big Apple lawyer and a Morgan Stanley banking boss are among the six people still missing after the luxury superyacht they were vacationing on sank off Sicily’s coast.

Lynch, 59, and his friends were believed to have been celebrating on board the 160-foot Bayesian sailboat after the entrepreneur was acquitted just weeks ago of criminal fraud charges in a high-profile case in the US.  

Among those on board the yacht — which sank after being struck by an intense storm early Monday — is his defense lawyer, Christopher Morvillo, and Jonathan Bloomer, a...

The passengers still missing after lavish yacht Bayesian sank off Italy

If you're a history buff or just love exploring the past, you'll know of Italy's landmarks. Perhaps you've been to Rome's awe-inspiring Appian Way (lined with tombs and memorials) or the iconic Colosseum to dream of its ancient gladiatorial battles. However, if you plan on being in the lovely Puglia region, with its whitewashed houses and sunny weather, you should visit an ancient city called Matera. It is so ancient that it's the second longest continuously inhabited spot after Jordan's Petra. It is understandably a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is truly unique. The city of Matera has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age, and many of those who've resided there over the centuries had dwellings carved right out of the soft tufa rock.

The Oldest City In Italy Is An Underrated Ancient Gem Where History Lovers Will Thrive

War History Online

During WWII, Germany developed Operation Tannenbaum, its invasion of Switzerland. However, the plan was never enacted - why?

Why Germany Never Executed Its Plan To Invade Switzerland During World War II

The UK ambassador to Italy, Edward Llewellyn, told the BBC that he had spoken to most of the British survivors of the Sicily yacht sinking. He said he had heard from them of the "desperately sad and distressing situation they all found themselves in" and said he was working with the Italian authorities to provide help and support to those rescued.

UK ambassador says survivors described 'distressing' situation

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The Country With The Highest Amount Of Pickpocketing In All Of Europe

Before you head off to Europe for vacation, you may read or hear about the prevalence of pickpockets. It can happen anywhere, of course, but one...

The Country With The Highest Amount Of Pickpocketing In All Of Europe

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