We’ve spent the past three months traveling around the country promoting our Exploring Europe tours. For five weekends, Charlotte and I stood in our exhibit space and talked to hundreds of people interested in traveling to Europe. Like the many “vendors” we encounter in the weekly village markets all over Europe, we talked about and sold our European tours instead of trinkets, spices, souvenirs, and household goods. Whether in Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, or Washington, we enjoyed catching up with friends and tour alumni, and making new connections.
Yesterday was my birthday; I’m not quite to a new decade, but I am close. Instead of a party or celebration, I spoke to friends and family by phone, text, and social media. I’m fortunate that all my family lives nearby, so we’ll celebrate another day. My “celebration” comes in a few days when I hop on a plane and jet off to Europe to kick off a new travel season!
Portugal is our first destination. Charlotte has not visited most of the country, and I’ve not spent much time there in years. So, we look forward to exploring and reconnecting with the country, its people, and its culture. In recent years, Portugal has become one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. The allure of an out-of-the-way location, a unique language, varied architecture, and the rich history of exploration all combine to draw a new generation of Americans to go and explore!
I’ll post and provide fresh content and updates about our travels in Portugal in the next two weeks. Then, let the tours begin! We are kicking off our 2025 spring travel season with tours in Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, London, Paris, Portugal, and more. There is still room for you to travel with us in 2025. Check out the tour page on my website for details and special deals. Stay tuned in to all my adventures by connecting on social media, our website, and e-newsletter.
Your adventure starts here!
Best of Portugal Tour
My Best of Portugal Tour provides a laid-back and worry-free experience while connecting the major destinations and landmarks in Portugal… Read More
Best of London and Paris Tour
The Best of London and Paris tour provides an opportunity to settle in and experience two of Europe’s major capital cities. London presents a relatively stress-free introduction with non-stop… Read More
My Top Travel Tips
Planning your next European adventure? I’ve been guiding tours in Europe for 30+ years so I’ve learned a thing or two. Check out all 14 of my top travel tips on my Instagram page.
Venice Tourist Tax
Venice has implemented a tourist tax for day-trippers, requiring those 14 and older to pay a €5 entry fee (which doubles to €10 if booked less than four days in advance) on certain dates between April 18 and July 27, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. However, if you’re with one of my groups, we’ll have that taken care of for you so you don’t have to concern yourself.
**NEW UPDATE** on ETIAS
The ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travelers at this point.
The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.
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