So, you’ve got your flights reserved and your vacation rental apartment booked. You might even be congratulating yourself for choosing an apartment over a hotel, and you are well on your way to having a bonafide like-a-local experience. Good for you! But don’t stop now! There are some easy things you can do before your…
We are excited to announce our winner for the UnTours Giveaway! Father Thomas Lumpkin will receive a free 2-week UnTour for 2 people, including airfare. It is our way of saying thank you to a noble community leader and helping make travel accessible to all. Thomas Lumpkin, better known in his community as Father…
Switzerland has always had a reputation for being expensive, but it isn’t universally true! Staying in an UnTour apartment and living like a local will show you that Switzerland is affordable and family friendly. So why the reputation? Could it be Switzerland’s international association with luxury goods that fuels the myth? (Think chocolate, fine watches and high…
Welcome to Spain, where eating habits are a little different than ours. If you value eating with the locals but prefer your dinner before 9pm, you’d best discover Spain’s bountiful tapas bars! “Be prepared to eat later,” Spanish UnTour Specialist Sonia Ratcliffe explains. “The Spanish eating schedule varies greatly from many Americans’ habits, with…
A little advanced planning can make a big difference for your trip. We hope these travel tips will help you enjoy a stress-free European vacation. Start early, and follow our simple smart travel checklist. 1. Check your passport expiration date! All European countries require it be valid for at least 3 months beyond your…
Citing the extremely favorable exchange rate, American investors have submitted a bid to buy Italy’s iconic leaning tower. At an exchange rate of $1.07 to the euro, the dollar is stronger than it has been in Europe in over 10 years. Five investment bankers in New York cited this fact and concerns about preserving…
I feel lucky to work with a small but dedicated crew of globalists. Our staff is worldly, broad minded, and very well traveled. They’ve elevated my thinking, stoked my curiosity about new parts of the globe, and helped me grow into a citizen of the world. I recently asked them a simple question: What’s your…
Stuck at home this summer? Yearning for the rich life of Europe? A little of that joie de vivre you felt last year in Paris or the dolce vita of past vacations in Italy? Upgrade your staycation or day-to-day life with these simple life hacks. Shop small. Shop local. Buy fresh bread at the bakery. Visit…
Navigating life’s ups and downs, photo by Cathrin Baumbach At some point in my 20s, I learned to sing away the blues. One rough winter, I took to rewriting the lyrics to My Favorite Things. My list of favorites was a lot different back then, but singing about them is an uplifting habit that has…
It is never easy to return home from a vacation, at least not when you’ve had a good trip! Here’s a little wisdom to help you keep your post-travel blues at bay. Return to a clean house It may be hectic getting out the door, but if you can leave your home clean and orderly,…