Take a Trip to Soulsville, USA

They call it Soulsville, USA, but the post office says we’re in Memphis, Tennessee. From 1959 to 1981, it was the home of Stax Records, a recording studio and production company that launched not just important music careers, but an entire genre of music. After lawsuits, bankruptcies, and foreclosures, it became an abandoned lot. Today, [...]
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A Quick Trip to Chicago with Kids

Though my husband and I have visited Chicago multiple times, our daughters had not been to “the Windy City”. With the new MegaBus route from Des Moines the time seemed right so just after the St. Patrick’s festivities we boarded the bus and gave our girls a quick introduction to Chicago. Luxury for the Family [...]
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Monday Dreaming: A President’s Day Field Trip

I plan many more vacations than ever come to fruition, it seems.  A week ago it looked like our family would be heading to Illinois for a four-day President’s Day weekend, and I had a very presidential field trip planned out.  Alas, it was not to be, so today I’m dreaming of the stops we [...]
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Travel Tips for a Great Trip to Juneau, Alaska

When my husband invited me to join him on a business trip to Juneau, Alaska I couldn’t turn it down.   Taking in the majestic glaciers and mist covered mountains as we drove in from the airport, I realized I was in for an adventure.  Juneau is a delightful combination of small town America and rugged frontier.  The [...]
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Germany: An Overview for Travelers

Germany has survived a history filled with emotion. It is known as having started a World War and it was once two countries separated by the great Berlin Wall.

Referred to as the Federal Republic of Germany, the country covers an area the size of Montana.

Germany gives togetherness a whole new meaning. The population of the country is well over 82 million people with some of the largest populated areas being the capital city of Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Bremen and Hanover.

The countryside of Germany offers a little bit of everything. If you travel towards the north, you will encounter the plains and shorelines the country has to offer. As you move to the center, there is a fertile basin and going on to the south, you will encounter the mountain range that it shares with the country of Switzerland.

This country’s climate is pretty equal across the land staying cool but has lots of rain.

The ethnic make up of this country is basically German, but there are some Danish and Slavic minorities. The Danes can be found in the north and the Slavic minorities are found mostly to the south. More than 7.3 million people have immigrated to this wonderful country, although there are immigration policies still place from Hitler’s regime.

There are two major religions in Germany. Split equally at 26 million each, they are Protestants and Roman Catholics. Another 3.3 million people consider themselves to be of the Islam faith. The official language of the country is German as you would expect. However, Russian, French and English are also spoken throughout several areas.

Some other tidbits of information for the country are on education, literacy and life expectancy of it inhabitants. Education is mandatory for a minimum of 10 years. So why shouldn’t you expect the literacy rate to be high? It is estimated to be more than 99%. Who lives longer in Germany? The women of course, they live 6 years longer than men. How long do the men live? Why to the ripe old age of 74. Germany is a country filled with history, some good and some bad, but it is still a wonderful place to visit and see, if not for the history and culture, then definitely for the Kieler Woche, the world’s largest sailing event.

Italy and All its Many Wonders

Italy is the home of romance, delectable food and wine, breathtaking scenery, The Matterhorn, Ferrari, stunning beaches and the Winter Olympics. This place is truly a vacationer’s dream getaway. Italy is one place where everything and anything can happen. Many have been wowed and awed by the beautiful scenery this place has to offer. From head to toe, Italy is one of the most radiant places in the entire world. Most people love Italian culture not only because of its beauty, but also because of the lush landscapes.

Three countries border Italy – Austria, Switzerland, and France. All of these countries are beautiful but none compare to Italy. This country is also one of the largest islands on the Mediterranean Sea; though Italy is slightly larger than our wonderful state of Arizona. The capital of Italy is Rome (called Roma by its locals) it is surrounded by lavish architecture, thriving history and some of the friendliest people you may ever come across.

For a city Rome is full of artists both past and present. Home to The Louvre, aspiring artists and some of the greatest artists of all time, the museum welcomes tourists from all walks of life every year. But don’t forget the history of Italy is lurking around every corner and in every building you’ll encounter. Once the sun sets, the fun and romance begin. If you’re traveling alone, you might find you enjoy taking a relaxing stroll through the cities wine tasting and emerging yourself in the mouthwatering delicacies of what is Italy. For a couple or family visiting one of the most romantic countries of the world, a stop at Trattoria or Osteria, will please your taste buds, leaving you wanting more.

As with any culture, Italy has its holidays. But in Italy, every Sunday the shops and businesses close to pay respect to their Saints. On holidays, the streets become crowded from the many celebrations the Italians throw in favor of their saints; they call these days, their feast days – they are held in high regard – and everyone participates. Perhaps one of the most celebrated events, are the holidays paying homage to the leaders of old, who helped to found the country they know and love.

For all of you wine connoisseurs, Italy is perhaps the only place in which you will find wine served with all your meals. Many of the local hot spots, museums and restaurants offer wine tasting. Italy boasts that it is the Enotria (land of wine) and even the Vatican takes pride in sharing their best wine with tourists. Taking a gondola ride offers you not only solitude, but also some of the best views of the cities. So, remember that while visiting Italy, for some of the best scenery, hop on a gondola, sit back, relax and enjoy often.

Planning a trip to Poland

Poland is a small country of about 120,000 sq mi. It is an amazing country that for a long time was forgotten about after nearly being obliterated in WWII. But, it found a way to bring itself back to life and today is growing ever popular with tourists. When preparing for a trip to Poland, plan on visiting as many of the surrounding cities as possible. Cities like the capitol (Warsaw), Krakow, Gdansk, and Ludz. Each city offers a most insightful history, friendly faces, shopping and historical scenery.

Warsaw, although still feeling the effects of WWII, is growing and beginning to turn their former negative impressions into memorable ones. The city once shadowed from war is beginning to blossom with shops and marketplaces, growing restaurants and bars. If you are a lover of history, you will truly find yourself in awe here; as Warsaw grows so too does the building and new construction of business’. For a younger generation of travelers, have no fear, you’ll feel at home here.

Undamaged by war; Krakow is truly a historians dream, listed by UNESCO to be one of 12 top historical sites. But if it’s not history you’re after as much as lavish palaces and exquisite ancient architecture, then Krakow has got something for you too. The phenomenal ancient buildings are something to gawk at, with spectacular colors, intricate brick work and palaces so mind boggling that one can’t help but wonder what secrets they hold. If you love art, you’re sure to find plenty to amuse, confuse and inspire you.

If you’re curious before you book your trip; search online, go to your local library, or visit the nearest bookstore. What you’ll find about Poland is not only fascinating but exciting as you discover more about the little country that could. Take a leap and go visit Poland. Immerse yourself in all the quaint country has to offer, trust me you’ll be glad you did.

Belgium: An Overview for Travelers

Between Holland, Germany and France, on the coast of the North Sea, you will find the country of Belgium, obtaining its name from the Celtic tribe of the Belgae.

Belgium has been influenced by many European powers through its history. Known as the crossroads of Europe, the influences of the Romans, Celts, Germans, the French and the Spanish are prevalent.

Belgium is made up of three separate regions independent of its federal government. The three regions are Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. Divisions of these regions are significant and you might actually think of these as separate countries within the borders of Belgium.

The Kingdom of Belgium is located in Western Europe and only covers about 12,566 square miles. The capitol of Belgium is Brussels and a major center of finance in Europe, with a population of only 922,000. Antwerp’s population is a mere 452,000 estimated and is the second largest city in Belgium. The entire population for the country is about 10.4 million people and grows only at a rate of ½% a year.

A few additional facts about the country are a literacy rate of 95%, and the compositions of the religious faiths throughout. The Roman Catholic faith is the religion among the majority of Belgium. Other religions that exist within the country are Protestant, Jewish, Anglican, and Islam. There are three languages spoken in the country with French being the predominant language, and the others being Dutch and German. It is a guarantee that Belgium has a mixture of influences having been ruled by a host of European empires during its history. The country does boast famous artists and has cities that are considered major trading centers.

This country is definitely worth a visit!

Austria: An Overview for Travelers

Rarely seen in the headlines these days, Austria was once a dominant power in Europe, and is some times consider a postcard country. Once known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria whose prime location is mainland Europe was a major player in economic, military and political terms. However after World War I the empire was divided by the allies and a much smaller Austria came on the scene. It has developed into a perfect travel and a relocation destination.

Austria is known for many famous people throughout history. Musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven and from the world of psychology Sigmund Freud are a few that have made significant marks on the world. Of course more people know the most famous today as the Governator of California, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger as being born in Austria.

Known officially as the Republic of Austria, it is a small country that has a land mass of 32,000 square miles and has a population of 1.6 million people in the capital city of Vienna. Vienna is known for its beauty and other notable cities are Salzburg and Innsbruck which hosted the winter Olympics at some time. The country is mostly mountainous and its climate is considered continental and offers plenty of rain and snowfall. Summers are breathtaking! The mountains of Austria are exceptionally wonderful. If you need proof, check out the internet or you can simply watch the movie, The Sound of Music.

The total population of “Austrians” is just over 8 million people and only increase at approximately.4 percent a year. The ethnicity of Austrians is about 98 percent German, and there is a small mix from neighboring country natives. So go figure, what is the primary language? You guessed it! It’s German. While 73 percent of Austrians claim Roman Catholic as their faith, 12 percent claim no religious orientation at all. Austria is a very well developed country and the literacy rate is 98 percent, and people seem to live long healthy lives with the average life expectancy of women to be 81.7 years and men on average 75.9 years.

Austria has seen all sides of the power ledge. It has a rich cultural heritage and is a beautiful country definitely worth a visit. Hopefully this overview with entice you to check it out in person and soon.