by Dawnielle Jacobson | Apr 28, 2017 | news
Terrorism and Travel
Summer is rapidly approaching and people are gearing up for their vacations here at home and in other parts of the world. I spend much of my time in Europe leading tours, writing about my travels and exploring new destinations. Because I travel so much, I am often asked about travel, terrorism, refugees and how I decide if it’s safe to go on a trip. Being on the road in another country allows me to see things from a different perspective than we get here at home. Culture, customs and ways of life vary from country to country, as does the way in which the media addresses local and worldwide events. So, my short answer is that there is nothing to fear when traveling anywhere in Europe. I certainly would not put myself, my family or my travel partners in harm’s way by visiting an unsafe destination.
When I see that “Breaking News” banner scroll across our cable news channels announcing another terrorist event, I think, “Oh no, not again.” When they occur in places I know and love, like Paris, Berlin, Brussels or Nice, it comes with an even stronger punch. These are cowardly attacks on innocent people, and these extremist attacks can happen anywhere. The crazy shooter claiming ties to ISIS in Orlando, Florida, comes to mind because it is near my home and we travel right by the affected area several times a year.
My first concern when considering travel after such an event is to determine if it is safe to visit that area. If the attacks were instigated by ISIS/ISIL or another extremist group seeking to instill fear and cause chaos, then my immediate answer is to continue with my travel plans. I have confidence in the local, state and federal authorities to put strategies in place to apprehend the terrorist and thwart any other cowardly attempts of terrorism. In fact, I believe that many places are safer after a terrorist attack because everyone is on extra alert. Last December, I was in a Christmas market in Salzburg on the evening of the attack at a similar Christmas market in Berlin. Tragic as it was, life went on in Salzburg, as well as in the other Christmas markets we visited in Germany during the following week. In fact, there was heightened security, with armed military and police keeping a watchful eye out for anything out of the ordinary. It gave me peace of mind to know that the government was taking steps to protect its citizens and visitors.
With that event, I considered that there are 70 million folks walking around Germany and Austria today going on with their lives just as we are in our hometowns. They are not living in fear just as we’re not living in fear here at home. We are safer traveling today than ever before.
However, civil unrest and crumbling governments are another matter. I am saddened to have never visited Egypt, but I would not put myself or others in harm’s way by visiting at this time. The same is true with many of the Middle Eastern countries struggling with various factions and governments. And, of course, I would not set foot in North Korea. It is possible that these situations may improve in the future. There was a time when I was scared to death to venture into Northern Ireland because of the “troubles” with the IRA. Now, that’s a thing of the past and it is one of the safest places to visit in Europe.
Refugees also seem to be of concern to many Americans. The cable news stories would have us believe that Europe is loaded with them hanging out on the sides of roads, like zombies just waiting for us. This is a ridiculous idea. There is absolutely no problem with refugees. At the height of the crisis there were thousands fleeing the Middle East and North Africa and making their way into Turkey, Greece, Italy and other parts of Europe. These people, the so-called refugees, do not cross paths with tourists. They are concerned with stabilizing their life and protecting their families. They do not take the time to visit tourist attractions or tour castles. In my travels, I have never seen a refugee camp; they are in out of the way locations. I have seen refugees. Just this morning in Orytgia, Sicily, I walked past the Questura and saw over a dozen refugees: men, women and children waiting patiently to be admitted into the office of the provincial police where they would be fingerprinted and photographed and officially announce their requests for political asylum. They were all polite and orderly, carrying on hushed conversations and holding precious identity documents and slips of paper. Two hours later I walked by the Questura again. Many of the same people were still standing around, now in the hot sun, patiently waiting their turn. I was particularly struck by a young lady with a small child in an ancient baby carriage.
Finally, let’s address the odds of an American traveler being caught up in a terrorist event. In doing my research for this article, I found many statistics pointing to the fact that my chances of being caught up in a terrorist event are slim to none, even though I travel outside my home country. Since 9/11 there have been an average of 29 Americans killed worldwide in terrorist attacks each year. In contrast, there were 12.5 million US citizens who traveled to Europe in 2015!
To wrap it up, I have never experienced any events that caused me or my tour groups to feel we were unsafe. I’ll never put our tour members in harm’s way. I feel that travel and experiencing other cultures is one of the biggest educational experiences available to us Americans. There are 500 million folks walking around Europe today going on with their lives just like we are, here in in the USA. They are not living in fear just as we are not living in fear here at home. We are safer traveling in Europe today than we were before the onset of isolated terrorist events. Tragic as it is, terrorism has made everyone more diligent and more aware of their surroundings. It is safe to travel to Europe and I wholeheartedly recommend it!
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Fall Tours
September tours in Italy
Looking for an Italian getaway? On the Essence of Italy tour, you will visit the essential tourist sites and classic destinations in Rome and Florence, take in the Mediterranean coast in the Cinque Terre and experience the classic hilltown of Volterra. If you want to extend your trip, consider the Best of Italy tour. This comprehensive tour of northern Italy adds stops in Venice, Lake Como and Milan to the Essence of Italy tour.
Check out the full itineraries and sign up here: Essence of Italy: September 2-10, Best of Italy: September 2-15
London and Paris this November
Experience two of Europe’s most iconic capitals this fall. Your adventure starts in London, home to the kings and queens of England for nearly one thousand years. Then you’ll hop across the English Channel to visit Paris: City of Lights, City of Love. On tour, you’ll see all the major sights these two cities have to offer and still have plenty of time to explore on your own with hop-on-hop-off bus tickets provided in both cities.
Check out the full itinerary and sign up here: November 8-16
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Your Adventure Starts Here!
by Dawnielle Jacobson | Apr 14, 2017 | news
Christmas Markets Tour
This Christmas season, why not celebrate in some of Europe’s most picturesque snow-covered landscapes? And traveling in the off season means that you won’t be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty tourists. On this tour, you can shop the Christmas markets to your heart’s content and share in the holiday cheer in Austria and Germany, as well as:
- Explore the setting of The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart in Salzburg
- Hike the spruce woodlands or walk along the lakeside in Schwangau
- Take in the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle built by mad King Ludwig
- Walk along the medieval walls surrounding Rothenburg
- Sample great food and spiced drinks in the Christmas markets
- And more!
London and Paris
Experience two of Europe’s most iconic capitals this fall. Your adventure starts in London, home to the kings and queens of England for nearly one thousand years. Then you’ll hop across the English Channel to visit Paris: City of Lights, City of Love. On tour, you’ll see all the major sights these two cities have to offer and still have plenty of time to explore on your own with hop-on-hop-off bus tickets provided in both cities. Here are just a few of the stops planned:
London and the surrounding countryside
- Catch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
- Tour Westminster Abbey, site of the coronation ceremony since 1066
- See the ancient standing stones at Stonehenge
- Explore the Roman baths and the stunning Georgian architecture in Bath
- Cross the English Channel on a high-speed train under the sea
Paris
- Step inside Notre Dame, the home of Quasimodo
- Take in the panoramic views of Paris atop the Eiffel Tower
- Visit the artsy neighborhood of Montmartre and Sacré Coeur church
- Wander the halls of the Louvre and take a peek at the Mona Lisa
Check out the full itinerary and sign up here: November 8-16
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Travel Tips
At Exploring Europe, we try to take the stress and worry out of travel. So if you’ve been wondering whether purchasing travel insurance is right for you, my blog post provides an overview of the range of coverage available, what can be included and what factors to consider before making your choice.
You’ll find more useful travel tips on my blog.
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Your Adventure Starts Here!
by Dawnielle Jacobson | Mar 31, 2017 | news
Multi-Country Tours
Our multi-country tours allow you to make the most of your European vacation and maximize your exposure to different languages, cultures and cuisines, but we won’t have you crisscrossing the continent with barely enough time to rush off the bus for a picture and jump back on. These tours stay within a particular region so that you have ample time to take in the sights and savor the ambiance of each location. Explore the Mediterranean coast on Barcelona, Provence, the Riviera and Pisa, practice your German on The Best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, or try your hand at the Queen’s English on The Best of Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Barcelona, Provence, the Riviera and Pisa: This tour weaves together some of the best scenery along the Mediterranean. You’ll enjoy three relaxing days in Barcelona before heading to France to experience medieval castles and Roman ruins. Then slow down on the beautiful Italian Riviera before capping off your tour in Tuscany’s famous town of Pisa.
On this tour, you will:
- visit Gaudi’s imposing cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, and his colorful park
- shop in La Boqueria, Barcelona’s famous market
- take in the Roman-era aqueduct at Pont du Gard and the Colosseum in Arles
- stroll along the seaside promenade and dip your toes in the Mediterranean in Nice
- catch some sun on the beaches or hike through the vineyards above in the Cinque Terre
- see the famous leaning tower at Pisa
- and more!
See the full itinerary and sign up for an upcoming tour here: October 1-11
The Best of Germany, Austria and Switzerland: This tour begins in Austria, famous for its castles, kings, music and cuisine, before moving on to Switzerland for an Alpine village experience in the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley. Then it’s on to Germany, along the Rhine River valley, through the Black Forest and ending in Bavaria. The tour also features a quick stop for lunch in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein.
Here are a few highlights of the tour:
- visit the famous Opera House in Vienna
- explore the setting of The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart in Salzburg
- take in the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle built by mad King Ludwig
- hike through the Alps (or ride up on a lift)
- walk along the medieval walls surrounding Rothenburg
- pay homage to the victims of World War II at the concentration camp in Dachau
- raise your glass at a famous beer garden in Munich
- and more!
See the full itinerary and sign up for an upcoming tour here: April 21-May 2, September 16-27
The Best of Scotland, Wales and Ireland: On this tour, you will sample what Great Britain has to offer, from the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the remote islands along the west coast to the serenity of the Lake District and the medieval castles and quaint villages of northern Wales. If you have to get back, you can end your tour there. But if you’ve got the time, continue on across the Irish Sea to explore the history, culture and charm of the Emerald Isle.
Here are some of the wonderful experiences that await you:
- catch a glimpse of the Stone of Scone (aka the Coronation Stone) in Edinburgh Castle
- visit the oldest golf course in the world at St. Andrews
- enjoy fresh-caught, local seafood in the coastal town of Oban
- take a ferry to the Isle of Mull and Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland
- take in the rolling hills and peaceful villages of the Lake District
- climb the impressive defensive castles of Conwy and Caernarfon
- tour a working woolen mill and ride a steam-powered train
- take a tour of the Guinness Brewery and enjoy an authentic pint of stout
- visit Trinity College for a look at the Book of Kells
- stop in at a pub for live folk music and an Irish whiskey tasting
- peep over the edge of the 600-foot Cliffs of Moher
- and more!
See the full itinerary and sign up for an upcoming tour here: July 27-August 12
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Travel Tips
Here at Exploring Europe, we want to ensure that you have the best travel experience possible, and that means helping you prepare for your adventures. We aim to take the stress and worry out of travel, and all tour participants receive a tour planner with helpful advice and a pre-tour timeline. There are also a number of useful articles on my blog.
Check out this one, which offers advice to help you navigate tipping in many European countries.
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Your Adventure Starts Here!
by Dawnielle Jacobson | Feb 17, 2017 | news
David’s Blog: Exploring Europe by River
In a three-part blog entitled “Viking River Cruise…who me?” David shares his recent experience cruising from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany. In episode 1 he discusses the accommodations on board, the dining experience and the typical cruiser. Episode 2 offers insight into a typical day’s excursion opportunities when the ship is docked. In the final episode, he shares his conclusions and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of experiencing Europe by land and by river cruise. If you have ever considered taking a cruise in Europe, this blog entry is a must read!
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It’s never too early to Plan for Christmas!
The 2017 Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria tour with airfare included has just been added to the tour lineup. Travel through picturesque, snow-covered landscapes and shop for beautifully hand-crafted ornaments in quaint outdoor markets. Visit the castles and sights that Salzburg, Schwangau, Rothenburg, Munich and Nürnberg have to offer without the inconvenience of the usual tourist crowds.
Sign up by March 1 and receive a $200 discount. See the full itinerary and sign up here.
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Your Adventure Starts Here!
by Dawnielle Jacobson | Jan 27, 2017 | news
Thanks to all tour alumni who submitted a photo for my 2017 Exploring Europe Calendar. All winners will receive a $100 discount on a David McGuffin tour. Here are this year’s winning entries.
Boyce Hillyard and Rhoda Newton
Ken Raggio and Jill Maunz
The LaRosa, Kelly and Clousing Families
Tom Hickinbotham
Laurie Haenszel and Anthony Kerr
Jodi Stephens
Jean Neal
Allison Robertson
Allison Robertson
Debbie Veale and Lori McGuffin
Want one? Order your FREE 2017 ExploringEurope Calendar today!
by Dawnielle Jacobson | Jan 20, 2017 | news
Big Savings on Two Italian Tours
Italy off the Beaten Path – April 5-17
The Best of Sicily – April 18-29
If these dates fit your vacation schedule, give David a call at 800-570-1351 to discuss discounted rates.
Italy off the Beaten Path: If you want to experience Italy without the crowds, museums and tour buses, this is the tour for you. Specially designed for those who have already seen Rome, experienced Florence, floated through Venice and now yearn for a deeper Italian experience.
In off-the-beaten-path destinations, you will:
- Sample local wines at two or more wine tasting events
- Catch fish on Lake Trasimeno
- Learn to make chocolate in Perugia
- Learn to make Bolognese sauce in Bologna
- Hunt for truffles in the forest near Ascoli
- See how Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto are made in Parma
- Tour a balsamic vinegar facility in Modena
- And more!
For more details, see the full itinerary here.
The Best of Sicily: Because of its strategic placement in the Mediterranean, Sicily was a revolving door of conquerors, and each left their mark on the island. This patchwork of cultural traditions is what makes Sicily such a great destination. This tour provides the perfect balance between the excitement of major tourist sights and the intimacy of small villages.
Here are some of the wonderful experiences that await you:
- Haggle in the bustling markets of Palermo
- Stroll along the beach in the busy seaside town of Trapani
- Sample the regional specialties in Marsala: olives, sun-dried tomatoes and wine.
- Explore ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples
- See the wonderfully preserved mosaics at the Villa Romana Casale.
- Learn about the Allied Landings in Sicily during WWII
- Travel the slopes of Mt. Etna, Sicily’s active volcano
- Enjoy a world-famous cannoli and the sweeping views of the sea in the mountain-top town of Erice
- And more!
For more details, see the full itinerary here.
Travel Shows across the USA
In the coming months, we will be devoting some time to traveling the USA to promote our tours. Thanks to you, we do a pretty good job by word-of-mouth and local advertising in the Southeast. We are trying to expand nationally in several major markets. If you live in Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area or Dallas, or know someone who does, we invite you to visit with us and be our VIP guest at one of the upcoming travel shows.
Show admission is free of charge by following the “click here” links below.
Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
21 – 22 January 2017
@ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago IL
booth # 1918
Please note that David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe has prepared VIP Tickets for our partners.
Click here and enter promo code: EXHDMC to receive your FREE VIP Ticket
San Francisco Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show
11 -12 February 2017
@ Santa Clara Convention Center Halls ABCD, 5001 Great America Pkwy. Santa Clara, CA 95054
booth # 1844
Please note that David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe has prepared VIP Tickets for our partners.
Click here and enter promo code: EXHDMC to receive your FREE VIP Ticket
Dallas Travel & Adventure Show
1 -2 April 2017
@ Dallas Market Square, 2200 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207
booth # 323
Please note that David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe has prepared VIP Tickets for our partners.
Click here and enter promo code: EXHDMC to receive your FREE VIP Ticket
Your Adventure Starts Here!
Summer is rapidly approaching and people are gearing up for their vacations here at home and in other parts of the world. I spend much of my time in Europe leading tours, writing about my travels and exploring new destinations. Because I travel so much, I am often asked about travel, terrorism, refugees and how I decide if it’s safe to go on a trip. Being on the road in another country allows me to see things from a different perspective than we get here at home. Culture, customs and ways of life vary from country to country, as does the way in which the media addresses local and worldwide events. So, my short answer is that there is nothing to fear when traveling anywhere in Europe. I certainly would not put myself, my family or my travel partners in harm’s way by visiting an unsafe destination.
September tours in Italy
London and Paris this November
