The Christmas markets in Brussels attract 2.5 million visitors each year. They start at Grand Place and meander for over a mile, the whole area merging into one giant celebration.

READ: Brussels Christmas Market Guide

The history of the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, goes all the way back to the 12th century, so they’ve had a lot of time to perfect things to this degree…and it shows.

READ: Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide

Dancing fairy lights, the scent of sweet treats, and children laughing as they learn to skate—these are the hallmarks of the winter season in the …

READ: 8 Best Amsterdam Christmas Markets

Zurich Self-Guided Walking Tour Itinerary

READ: Zurich Walking Tour: How to Explore the City on Your Own

The energetic, historic capital of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is our favorite type of city. It is large enough to have lots of things to see and do but is easy to navigate and lacks the crowds that can flood some of the bigger cities.

READ: 18 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Oxford is full of world-class museums, fun pubs, and great sites to explore. Every time we return, we discover something new.

READ: 31 Things to Do in Oxford, England

Exquisite architecture, fresh seafood, a vibrant city with an historic core, and some of the best wine in the world—in a nutshell, this is Bordeaux, France.

READ: Top Things to Do in Bordeaux, France: A First Timer’s Guide

Over 25 years ago at summer camp, I met a young woman from Bath. She told me stories about a beautiful town in the west of England that had hot springs and looked like it was right out of a movie set. It turns out she wasn’t lying.

READ: 17 Best Things to Do in Bath, England

Brussels is a complex city. Both historic and modern, ornate and sleek, busy and quiet, the city has different personalities in only the span of a few blocks. But despite these contrasts (or maybe because of them), there’s something new and different at every turn. And I loved every bit of it.

READ: 23 Best Things to Do in Brussels

The buttery vanilla scent of waffles, the warmth of velvety hot chocolate, Christmas trees lit up against the night sky—the Bruges Christmas market brings together the best of the holiday season.

READ: Bruges Christmas Market: What to Do, See, and Eat in Belgium’s Coziest City

Markets don’t get more unique than Valkenburg Christmas market in the Netherlands. Primarily set within two historic caves, this popular holiday attraction draws visitors from all over.

READ: Valkenburg Christmas Market Guide

STRAAT Museum: The Hip Amsterdam Street Art Museum

READ: The STRAAT Museum: The Hip Amsterdam Street Art Museum

Husafell Canyon Baths: Is It Worth It?

READ: Husafell Canyon Baths: Is It Worth It?

Decked out in twinkling lights, sprinkled with Christmas trees, and punctuated with delicious food and beverages to keep you warm, visiting the Belgian Christmas markets is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

READ: 8 Best Christmas Markets in Belgium

Driving in France: What to Know Stay Safe and Reduce Stress

READ: Driving in France: What to Know and Tips for Americans

The Best Restaurants in Reykjavik

READ: The 22 Best Reykjavik Restaurants to Enjoy on Your Trip

At the holidays, this grand city takes it to another level with seasonal performances, lively Christmas markets, and lights everywhere you look.

READ: 14 Fun Things to Do in Amsterdam in December

Friðheimar Tomato Farm: An Incredible Lunch in a Greenhouse Restaurant

READ: Friðheimar Tomato Farm: An Incredible Lunch in a Greenhouse Restaurant

The 40 Best Hot Springs in Iceland to Visit

READ: 40 Iceland Hot Springs to Visit

Exploring Iceland's Golden Circle is the most popular day trip from Reykjavik.

READ: Driving The Golden Circle: Waterfalls, Geysirs and Hot Springs

A towering 1000-year-old cathedral, millions of lights, the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread—these are the things that make the Aachen Christmas market.

READ: Aachen Christmas Market Guide

Ancient ruins, incredible natural scenery, great food, and energetic cities combine to make Sicily an ideal destination.

READ: 15 Fun Things to Do in Sicily

The hilltop views, the ancient sites imbued with tales of gods and emperors, the amazing wine for just a few euros, the hidden hot springs, and the Mediterranean sun--there's everything to love about Sicily.

READ: Best Cities in Sicily to Visit on Your Trip

The definitive guide to Heathrow showers at one of the world's busiest airports.

READ: Getting a Shower at London’s Heathrow Airport – Travel Insider Tip

The best restaurants in Iceland to enjoy on your trip

READ: The 21 Best Restaurants in Iceland to Enjoy on Your Trip

How to visit and swim in the Stóragjá Cave

READ: The Stóragjá Cave Offers a Unique Swimming Experience

Everything you need to know about gas stations in Iceland for your big trip.

READ: Gas Stations in Iceland: What to Know for Your Trip

An hour from Paris, but world’s apart, Claude Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France are the most tangible location to experience French Impressionism in real life. Monet’s Home and Gardens still exist today, largely as they did when he passed away in 1926. Giverny is just as beautiful as the paintings would make it seem.

READ: Seeing Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, France: An Impressionists Dream

The 48 best landmarks in France to visit

READ: The Best Landmarks in France to Visit

Ireland’s second largest city, Cork has a lot to offer.

READ: 16 Fun Things to Do in Cork, Ireland

Visiting a country, it is often hard to get a picture for the history of the people. We’re not talking about the nobility, historical events or even war – we’re talking about understanding the history of the people and how their lives evolved and changed. Villages like Vlkolinec, Slovakia can provide insights into the people of the Carpathian Mountains.

READ: Vlkolinec: Traditional Village Life in Slovakia

There’s a reason Ireland is on so many people’s bucket lists—it’s simply incredible.

READ: 20 Best Places to Visit in Ireland

Millions of gleaming lights, hundreds of vendors, and numerous city squares decorated with distinctive themes make the Cologne Christmas market one of the best markets in Europe.

READ: Cologne Christmas Market Guide

Little turds lodged themselves into the tread of my hiking shoes. I thought about how this was going to make my rental car smell for the next two days. I wasn’t entirely thrilled by the prospect.

READ: 11 Celtic Ruins and Ancient Sites in Ireland Not to Miss

Aix-en-Provence is packed with art, culture, and all the beauty you would hope for in one of the most popular destinations in the South of France.

READ: 15 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence

With magnificent gardens, world-class museums, and a lively culinary scene, The Hague is a gorgeous and culturally rich destination.

READ: 20 Top Things to Do in The Hague, Netherlands

Brussels is one of the most under-rated European capitals. It's full of fun things to do and has stunning architecture and great food. Here are the best areas and properties to stay at when you visit Brussels.

READ: Where to Stay in Brussels: The Best Areas and Hotels for Your Interests

There are plenty of options for Bed and Breakfast in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but standards vary wildly. Here's how to chose the right Irish B&B.

READ: Choosing a Bed and Breakfast in Ireland (and the Best B&Bs in Ireland!)

For a small city, there's a surprising number of great things to do in Reykjavik.

READ: 20 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik

Provence has something for just about everyone.

READ: 21 Best Things to Do in Provence, France

Brightly-colored vegetables spill forth from the stands. The aroma of roasted chicken drifts through the air while locals arrive for their daily baguettes. The ambiance at weekly markets – particularly at a Provence market – is addicting.

READ: 8 Best Markets in Provence

Endless vineyards, hillside towns, pastel villages, and cities packed with history--these are the places and sites that make the South of France an unmissable destination.

READ: 20 Best Places to Visit in the South of France

Ghent may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think about traveling to Europe, and that may be one of the top reasons to go.

READ: 17 Best Things to Do in Ghent

Imagine you’ve booked a vacation and end up with a connection through London’s Heathrow airport - resulting in a 13 hour layover. How much of London can you see on a long Heathrow layover? As it turns out, the answer is a lot.

READ: Seeing London on a Long Heathrow Layover

In the winter, it feels like the entire old town of Luxembourg City becomes a Christmas market.

READ: Luxembourg Christmas Market and Winterlights Guide

The natural Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany, Italy is visually striking and physically relaxing to visit.

READ: Saturnia Hot Springs in Italy: A Complete Guide to Visiting

Christmas in Colmar is a dream. When you take a city that already looks like a gingerbread town and then deck it with wreaths, ornaments, and snow-covered trees, it’s hard to think of anything that feels more appropriate for the holiday season.

READ: Colmar Christmas Market Guide

On the western edge of Provence is the brilliant city of Avignon. Here, cobblestone lanes lined with plane trees swirl within the city's medieval walls. Outdoor cafes sprawl into the squares. Avignon is a very modern city with all the beauty, spirit, and French-ness that Provence has to offer.

READ: 14 Top Things to do in Avignon, France

50 Incredible Landmarks in Italy to Visit

READ: 50 Incredible Landmarks in Italy to Visit

From the moment we stepped through the gates at Keukenhof gardens, it was clear we were in a happy place.

READ: Tips for Visiting Keukenhof Gardens and the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands