In the days of globalism, there are very few American things you cannot get in Europe. We live on a rapidly shrinking planet where influences and cultures mix, and we all buy our couches from Ikea. What is distinctly American, anyway? I asked these questions before heading to Europe, wanting to bring thoughtful gifts…
If you read our UnTours blog and Eurozine newsletter or follow us on Facebook, you know we love the Christmas markets of Europe. We’ve been writing about them and sharing photos for years. For my part, I have gazed on colleagues’ pictures, edited and produced their blog posts, and listened to their tales with envy….
If you travel with UnTours, you should feel good about how you are spending your travel dollars. Your UnTours booking helps support the work of our owners, the UnTours Foundation. They fund grassroots projects and green businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities. Here are the UnTours Foundation investees for 2016. Kitchen Harvest collects…
When we say UnTours are based in apartments, that can be a little misleading. They may actually be cottages, farm houses, or any other dwelling characteristic of a unique region in Europe. To that end, here are a few of our favorites. 1. Playing Princess: in Sommersdorf, Germany For so many years I thought the…
Food is one of my primary motivations in travel. And to know a city well, I want to savor its signature dishes, discover its street food, and imbibe its most typical beverages. Aside from the sensory pleasures, I enjoy the shared experience of loitering in a city’s cafes, following the suggestions of the proud vendor…
Father Tom Lumpkin is a tireless advocate for the poor in Detroit. He is a quiet community hero, and was a perfect choice for our UnTours Giveaway. Read about his good works here. He and his sister traveled to Paris with us this year on a free UnTour, our small thank you for a man who…
Since its beginning more than 20 years ago, Harriet has run our Tuscany UnTour from her homebase outside of Florence. Countless guests sing her praises, as she binds the southern hospitality of her upbringing with the deep knowledge and love of a country and region she has lived in for more than five decades. Here…
There are lots of reasons to take your kids to Germany. I recently traveled to Germany with my daughter. This was a special trip, connecting with her and connecting her with my homeland and her grandparents. But even if you do not have a personal connection like I do, Germany is a perfect destination for…
No one does cozy quite like the Dutch do. One of my favorite trips to Holland was in winter, when I marvelled at the intrepid locals out biking through slush and snow. There was nothing as cozy as a brown cafe, walls bathed in candlelight. Here are 5 reasons you should consider a winter…
After experiencing my first real German Oktoberfest, I am eager to make it a personal tradition! Here are five reasons why I love Oktoberfest in Germany and recommend it highly. 1. The Food German food is absolutely brilliant, but Oktoberfest is especially filling, cheap and delicious. I suggest mainly trying food around the…