A Moneybelt – I don’t leave home without it!

by David McGuffin | Aug 10, 2026 | Blog, Essential Travel Resources

After decades of leading tours across Europe, there’s one habit I recommend to every traveler, every single time: wear a moneybelt. It’s not glamorous, it’s not exciting, and it’s not fashionable. But it’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself — and your trip — from disaster.

It Starts Before You Even Leave Home

I still remember packing for one of my very first tours back in 1997. Amid the rush of last-minute errands, the bank run for traveler’s checks, and the scramble to get everyone out the door, one step always stood out: the “passport and moneybelt check.” Before we ever climbed into the car for the airport, we made sure everyone had their valuables secured. That habit has stuck with me for nearly three decades, and it’s saved me — and the travelers on my tours — more headaches than I can count.

What Actually Goes in a Moneybelt

A moneybelt isn’t for everything in your wallet. It’s for the things you truly cannot afford to lose: your passport, credit cards, medical information, and the cash you are carrying around. I keep my passport tucked inside a small plastic sandwich bag before it goes in the belt, just to keep it dry and protected. If your passport is ever lost while you’re out of the country, you’ll be looking at days of delays and a mandatory trip to a U.S. embassy to get a replacement. That’s not how anyone wants to spend their vacation.

As for cash, I don’t recommend carrying hundreds of dollars around, whether it’s in your wallet or your moneybelt. I do keep a small amount of U.S. dollars tucked away, mostly out of habit and for a bit of comfort — it’s nice to have something familiar when you land back home. But the bulk of your spending money should be in the local currency, exchanged at an airport or a reputable location, or ATM machine once you arrive, not carried in bulk from the start.

Wear It, Don’t Just Pack It

The key word is “wear.” A moneybelt does you no good sitting in the bottom of a suitcase. It needs to be under your clothes, against your body, out of sight. I keep mine on throughout the day when I’m out exploring, and I transfer what I need once I’m settled “in country” and in my hotel room. The goal is simple: your most essential items should never be in a bag that can be snatched, unzipped, or set down and forgotten.

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it: don’t trust everyone you meet on the road. Most people you’ll encounter while traveling are kind and helpful, but it only takes one bad moment — a distraction, a crowded platform, a friendly stranger with the wrong intentions — to lose something important. That’s the whole point of a moneybelt. It’s not about assuming the worst of people; it’s about making sure that if something does go wrong, it doesn’t wreck your trip.

The Bottom Line

A moneybelt is one of the least expensive, least complicated things you’ll pack for a trip abroad — and it might be the most important. It keeps your passport, cards, and cash close, secure, and out of reach of pickpockets and thieves who specifically target tourists. Make it part of your routine before you even leave the house, and keep it on throughout your travels. It’s a small habit that provides real peace of mind, and after all these years of touring Europe, it’s one I’ll never travel without.

The Cinque Terre: Twenty-five years and still loving it!

by David McGuffin | Mar 9, 2026 | Adventures in Tour Guiding, Blog, Culture & Customs, David's Journal, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

by David McGuffin

My First Visit to the Cinque Terre

That morning nearly 25 years ago, I woke to delivery vans, Vespas, Apes, and business owners starting their day. Beneath the buzz of engines, I heard the steady sweep of sandals on the street below. Distant waves, gulls, and the occasional boat horn punctuated the soundscape. Today, via Fingina in Monterosso al Mare remains much the same.

A few days earlier, I drove into Cinque Terre from the AutoStrada toll highway about thirty miles north. Charlotte and friends Tippy and Marje joined me on the harrowing, winding mountain roads without safety barriers. We all felt relief reaching the seaside’s flat ground. I was scouting destinations for my European tours.

25 Years and a lot of Changes

Reflecting on those early days, I wrote in my journal, “Monterosso is a tourist town, but out of the way enough to keep crowds away.” Much has changed since then. Cruise ships now bring waves of passengers, flooding villages a few times a week. Trenitalia increased local rail services, transporting thousands into the five villages multiple times daily. Guidebooks continue to boost the Cinque Terre’s fame. Despite this, I still love it!

The rugged coastline of Liguria is dotted with small fishing villages, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and breathtaking vistas. Even as the Cinque Terre has become a popular destination, I still find the locals devoted to their customs and traditions. When I’m here, it’s almost impossible not to set my sightseeing plans aside, relax, and embrace a true Italian vacation in this region.

A Bit of History

The Cinque Terre—or “five lands”—is a loose group of villages on Italy’s northern Ligurian Sea. For centuries, residents lived off land and sea. Castles from the Middle Ages protected land barons and serfs. Raiders and pirates often kidnapped locals for slavery or ransom. In the Renaissance, villagers grew more independent, focusing on fishing, vineyards, and olive groves.

The steep, rocky mountains aren’t ideal for farming, but isolation forced locals to adapt. They built hundreds of miles of terrace gardens, all supported by freestanding stone walls.

The five villages are linked by trails winding through vineyards, gardens, and lemon and olive groves. These trails were originally built to access terraced gardens and provide transportation between villages.

Today, this area is a national park that balances tourism and conservation. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To help fund park projects, a permit is required for trail use, and we provide it to all our guests.

Why I Still Go to the Cinque Terre today, and why you should go with me!

Cinque Terre still draws me back yearly. When Charlotte and I vacation in Italy, we often rent an apartment in Monterosso and relax. The villages are crowded by day, but evenings bring magical al fresco dining, wine bars, parks, and locals mingling. We spend our days in rented beach chairs. The hiking trails between Monterosso and Vernazza, and around Manarola, are challenging but rewarding. Hopping between villages by train or boat is a great way to enjoy the region’s scenery, art, cuisine, and coast. And since last year, the “Via della Amore” has reopened between Riomaggiore and Manarola.

Join me for an unforgettable experience—reserve your spot on my Best of Italy and Essence of Italy tours now! Let’s explore the Cinque Terre together—book your adventure today.

—

David McGuffin has been leading small-group tours to Europe for nearly 50 years. His mission is to encourage Americans to broaden their cultural mindset through engaging and exciting travel experiences. Learn more about his tours at davidmcguffin.com.

Join a McGuffin Tour to the Cinque Terre & Italy - Click here

Watch David’s “Cinque Terre” Episode from his Best of Italy Video Series.

1977 Lunch in Rome on flight layover to Athens

Sunny beach with orange umbrellas and clear blue water.

People relaxing by the seaside in a picturesque coastal town under clear blue skies.

Tom Hickinbotham - The Cinque Terre

Afraid to Travel? It’s Much Ado About Nothing!

by David McGuffin | Jan 9, 2026 | Blog, Culture & Customs, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

by David McGuffin

I spend several months on the road in Europe each year. I’m either leading tours, checking in on my tour groups, or doing my own travel and research. One of the joys of travel, especially when I’m on the road in Europe, is avoiding the never-ending doom-and-gloom news reports from around the world, especially from the USA. At home, I have friends who have those cable news channels running 24/7 and believe everything that’s put out on the daily talking points. Then there are others who believe everything that appears on social media sites is the gospel truth. I can’t tell you how many times I get asked, “Is it ok to travel over there?” or “Don’t you feel unsafe with all that’s going on in the world?”

This year, all the negative media hype about travel seems worse than usual. I’ve been reading these headlines, listening to the hand-wringing, and watching friends and acquaintances second-guess their travel plans. I spoke to a friend the other day who usually takes his students on a music performance tour with us every few years. So, when I reached out to him about his 2027 plans, he said there was no interest in his community to go anywhere with all that’s going on in the world. It’s frustrating, because I know it’s nonsense.

The real story…

In 2025, I crisscrossed Europe, from Ireland to Italy, from Portugal to Budapest. Not once did I feel unsafe or out of place. I found Europeans living their own lives. Tourists from all over the world enjoying themselves. Streets filled with laughter, cafes buzzing with conversation, and Christmas markets sparkling under winter lights.

The idea that Europeans are sitting around waiting to give Americans the cold shoulder because of our political situation back home is laughable. In my almost fifty years of traveling Europe, I’ve witnessed plenty of political ups and downs on both sides of the Atlantic. Europeans have seen it all before, too, and they, just like us, are too busy living their own lives to spend time judging American tourists. Sure, there might be occasional political conversations if you bring them up. But Europeans are welcoming people, and tourism is a vital part of their economy. They want you there. Your dollars, euros, and presence are appreciated.

Recently, I’ve settled in for 30+ days in a small Bavarian town near Munich. This is a first for me, because my overnight stays on tour are typically two to three consecutive nights. My point is, here in this town, I’ve begun to feel like a local. The grocer knows me, the lady at the pizzeria knows what wine I like, the hotel staff are very kind, and on and on. Everyone recognizes the “Amerikan” whose wife is in the hospital up the hill. But, instead of grilling me on politics or the state of the world, most folks like to use me as a chance to try out their English!

I was in Portugal for Easter. I’ve walked the streets of Florence, Siena, and Palermo. I explored Christmas markets in Prague and Munich. I stood on O’Connell Street in Dublin, wandered down Grafton Street, and ate Shepherd’s Pie in Temple Bar. Not once did anyone treat me differently because I’m American. Not once did I feel unwelcome.

Year after year, the Europeans I encounter are warm, friendly, and eager to share their culture. They asked about where we were from, recommended their favorite restaurants, and helped us navigate their cities. I’ve been doing this for almost fifty years, through multiple US presidential administrations from both parties, and I can tell you that European hospitality toward Americans remains as strong as ever.

It’s more expensive to travel in 2026.

It’s true, Europe is more expensive than it was a few years ago. Prices have gone up everywhere, from hotels to restaurants to admissions. Economic uncertainty and rising costs have affected international travel planning, and many Americans are indeed adjusting their travel habits. But just like at home, European destinations have expensive options and budget alternatives. A spritz with a view costs the same whether there’s drama at home or not. A morning cappuccino in a quiet piazza doesn’t care about the state of the world or its politics.

Forget the media hype and trust the boots-on-the-ground information.

There are many like me who spend a good part of our lives traveling outside the USA. Without exception, each will tell you, “Go while you can and travel without fear.” We live in a world hyped up and driven by a media that thrives and makes money on anxiety and fear. The headline, “Americans are Having a Wonderful Time in Europe,” doesn’t make for a clickable headline. But “Should Americans Be Afraid to Travel to Europe?” does.

I recently encountered a fellow in Italy who was on one of those big bus group tours visiting Rome. He was worn out, hot, and overwhelmed, but you know what he wasn’t? Scared. He wasn’t worried about being American. He was just tired from trying to see too much too fast, which is a completely different problem and one I help people avoid with our small group tours.

OK, just go!

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower, walking through the ruins of the Roman Forum, standing before the David in Florence, or sipping a pint in an Irish pub, don’t let these overblown stories stop you. Don’t let fear-mongering headlines steal your dreams. Instead, book your trip, seize the moment, and go have the time of your life!

I’ve built my entire career on encouraging Americans to broaden their cultural horizons through engaging and exciting travel experiences in Europe. I wouldn’t do that if I thought it was unsafe, unwelcoming, or unwise.

Europe is open for business. The cobblestone streets are still there. The museums are still filled with masterpieces. The cafes still serve excellent apertivi. The views from mountaintops still take your breath away. And the Europeans are still welcoming visitors without judgment. So pack your bags, book that flight, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Europe is waiting. I’ll see you there.

—

Prost from the Hofbraühaus

A man and woman looking out into Lake Como.

Discover the Best of Italy with David McGuffin

by David McGuffin | Oct 9, 2025 | Blog, Culture & Customs, Destinations, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

I’ve been traveling in Italy for the last few weeks and recently encountered a fellow who said he was touring Italy, too. We struck up a conversation and come to find out, he was on a big bus group tour and was visiting Rome today. This fellow was worn out, hot and sweaty, and decked out with a “whisper” audio device hanging around his neck, the earpiece dangling down to his knees. He said, “Rome is challenging. Fifty of us have followed this woman up there with the umbrella all morning. She’s Italian, with a heavy accent. She probably has some good information, but I keep falling behind and losing the audio signal, and when I can hear it, I can’t understand her.” He went on to tell me his tour had 50 passengers, and the tour was not at all like he had envisioned. I chuckled and was reminded of this SNL skit with Adam Sandler, where he promotes the fictional Romano Tours to Italy.

This guy said he hoped he and his wife would have time to slow down, have a glass of wine, and enjoy Rome. But, if today is like all the others, they would shuffle through their sightseeing, get back on their bus, and return to the hotel for a group dinner. He hoped to see Italy’s beautiful landscapes, learn about its history, and experience tasty pasta. Instead, “we are led around like cattle, packed on a big bus, rushed through sightseeing, and whisked off to the next thing on the agenda.”

You Deserve a Better Tour Experience

If you are looking for a slower, more relaxed tour experience in Italy without the stress of massive tour groups, my Best of Italy Tour promises small groups (no more than 18 people) delivering an intimate European adventure that seasoned travelers rave about.

The Complete Italian Journey: 15 Days of Authentic Experiences

In 15 days, we will visit our favorite and famous destinations north of Rome. Beginning in Rome, you’ll experience the essential tourist sights and classic destinations. Then, travel to the delightful villages of the Cinque Terre, and enjoy two days exploring this coastal region where the mountains literally fall into the sea. Volterra, my choice for the quintessential Tuscan hilltown, is sure to win you over to the “la dolce vita” lifestyle. Florence, the “cradle of the Renaissance,” will have you walking in the steps of Michelangelo, DaVinci, and the Medici. The romantic canal-laced city, Venice, rounds out the big three tourist sites. Finally, we will cap off the tour by relaxing on beautiful Lake Como and then take a quick look at Milan’s bustling city center. (Watch David’s highlight video here.)

Why Travelers Choose our Best of Italy Tour

If you’ve been considering a big-bus or big company Italy tour, but want something more personal and off-the-beaten-path, my approach offers the perfect balance. Recent travelers praised their guide, Ilaria, for being “well organized and detailed” while “avoiding the tourist traps, selecting great restaurants serving authentic cuisine.” You can read plenty of honest reviews and accolades here, https://davidmcguffin.com/testimonials-all/italy-tour-reviews/.

Unlike big bus tour operations, my mission is to encourage Americans to broaden their cultural mindset through engaging and exciting travel experiences in Europe, focusing on authentic connections rather than checking boxes on a rushed itinerary.

What Sets This Tour Apart for Discerning Travelers

Stress-Free Planning: No need to worry about tips and gratuities; we take care of all that. Hotels are clean and safe, have private baths, and are in the center of the tourist sites and city centers. We include all your breakfasts and about half of your dinners in the costs.

Expert Local Knowledge: Tour leaders and local guides are experts who share destinations’ art, history, and culture, bringing each location to life with insider stories and hidden gems.

Flexible Pacing: The tour balances guided activities with free time, allowing you to explore independently or rest as needed. Physical activity is rated from “light” to “your choice,” accommodating different fitness levels.

Smart Travel Investment for Your Time and Budget

Given that you are laying down a sizable chunk of change for a tour, you deserve more than cramped buses and rushed schedules. Value, comfort, authenticity, and meaningful experiences far outweigh bargain-basement prices. All our tours include guaranteed small groups of 6-18 travelers, all tours and admissions, traditional dining experiences at favorite restaurants, a full-time Exploring Europe guide, and plenty of free time to explore on your own.

Tour group at Scala dei Turchi – Sicily

Scala dei Turchi – Sicily

Four people posing in front of ancient Greek ruins under a blue sky.

Eiffel Tower – Paris

Group of people posing outside a historic building with religious figure.

Ready for Your Italian Adventure?

If you’re tired of reading about Italy and ready to experience it, my Best of Italy tour offers the perfect introduction to this captivating country. With decades of experience guiding Americans through Europe, David understands what travelers want: comfort, authenticity, and memories that last a lifetime. Don’t let another year pass, wondering “what if?” Italy is there waiting for you, and with our expert guidance, you’ll discover why travelers consistently rate this as a trip of a lifetime. Visit https://davidmcguffin.com/tours/italy-tours/ to begin planning your Italian adventure today.

Experience Laid-Back Tuscany: My Villa Vacation Adventure

by David McGuffin | Sep 12, 2025 | Blog, Culture & Customs, Destinations, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

There’s something magical about slowing down in Tuscany. After years of crisscrossing Europe at a whirlwind pace, I’ve found that the best memories are often made when you simply let Italy happen around you. This week, I am trading the busy multi-country itineraries for a week at a sun-drenched villa near Volterra—and I can’t wait to share what makes this Tuscan Villa Vacation so special.

La Dolce Vita: Slow Mornings & Vineyard Views

Waking up to rolling hills, sun baked wheat fields, fog settling in the valleys, and the scent of cypress trees and herbs, our days begin with strong coffee and no agenda. The villa—modern, comfortable, and perched right in the middle of a working vineyard—becomes our home base for a different kind of Italian adventure. Some mornings, I’ll wander the grounds or just relax by the pool, soaking up the peace that only Tuscany can deliver.

Cooking, Wine, and True Tuscan Hospitality

One of the highlights of this trip is rolling up my sleeves and putting on an apron, for a hands-on cooking lesson right in the villa kitchen. Guided by the Del Duca family, we will learn to craft traditional Tuscan dishes—then we will sit down together to enjoy the fruits of our labor with plenty of local wine. The laughter, stories, and flavors always contribute to an unforgettable experience.

Day Trips: The Best of Tuscany at Your Own Pace

Each day brings new adventure—without the rush. We will explore the medieval charm of Volterra, marvel at Siena’s grand piazza, and wander the ancient streets of Lucca and Pisa. There’s always time to linger over lunch, chat with locals, and discover hidden corners most tourists miss. And always, we returned to the villa for sunset and camaraderie.

Your Invitation: Join Me for the Next Tuscan Villa Vacation

If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Tuscany at a gentler pace—savoring local food, sipping Chianti in the vineyard, and enjoying the company of fellow travelers—this is your invitation. My Tuscan Villa Vacation is all about authentic moments and genuine relaxation, with all the details handled so you can truly unwind. Spots fill up quickly for 2026, so take a look at the dates and join me for a taste of la dolce vita!

May 22–31, 2026
September 3–12, 2026

Stone house with arched patio overlooking countryside under a cloudy blue sky.

People enjoying a scenic outdoor meal under a stone archway.

Ready to make memories in Tuscany?

Find all the details and reserve your spot for the Tuscan Villa Vacation.

Your adventure starts here!

Christmas Celebrations are so much different in Europe!

by David McGuffin | Aug 9, 2025 | Blog, Culture & Customs, Destinations, Essential Travel Resources, Experiencing Europe

Christmas Market Memories

Strasbourg Christmas 2009

Sixteen years ago, I visited my very first Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. The air was crisp, the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts drifted through the cobblestone streets, and everywhere I turned, locals were celebrating centuries-old traditions. That night, I realized there’s nothing quite like the magic of a European holiday season — and it’s a joy I’ve loved sharing with fellow travelers ever since!

I had long heard about Europe’s Christmas Markets, and even though I had been bringing people to Europe for over a decade, my teaching job kept me from traveling during the school year. But this year, everything lined up with my holiday break, so we hopped on a plane and off we went to Zurich. Being a Florida boy, anytime snow is involved, it adds an extra element of fun. And oh my, we encountered lots of snow as we drove from Zurich to Neuschwanstein. Waking up the next morning at Hotel Ernberg, near Reutte, Austria, I opened the balcony doors to mountains steeped in fog and blanketed with snow, an alpine winter wonderland!

Leaving Austria’s Tyrol, we drove through the vineyards and hills, beyond Lake Constance, and into Bavaria’s Black Forest. This time of year, the higher elevations were dusted with fresh fallen snow, mountain streams rushing downhill beside the road, and Christmas decorations everywhere. The normally tourist-laden vacation towns were mostly shuttered for the season, but even so, they beamed with twinkling lights, bright ornaments, and smoke gently wafting from chimneys.

Christmas Markets come by many names in Europe, and each region has its own term for its Christmas Market. However, the common factor is that they all focus on Christ’s birth. You see, the Christian heritage runs strong across Europe, and there is no doubt Christ is the underlying purpose for all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Markets. That’s why around the first week in December, folks in these areas prepare for the arrival of Jesus and Christmas Day, with celebrations, worship, prayer, and personal spiritual preparation. Many count down with Advent wreaths and even huge Advent calendars on building shutters and windows, awaiting Christ’s arrival on December 25.

The idea of “Santa Claus” doesn’t even enter the mind when associated with Advent and the preparation of Jesus’ birth on December 24 and 25. Santa-like figures, such as Saint Nicholas, Weihnachsmann, and Sinterklaas, usually arrive on December 6, commonly known as Saint Nicholas Day. Usually, children are visited by these figures in the early hours of December 6 and given small gifts, such as fruit and candy.

In some Alpine locales, such as Austria, Bavaria, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, the Krampus arrives on the evening of December 5. This half-goat, half-demon creature has a wretched face, curvy horns, wicked fangs, a long, pointed tongue, and carries a whip. The Krampus arrives to torture and punish naughty children. The creatures often appear in restaurants, town squares, and on the streets of villages and cities. However, I’ve never seen them in a Christmas Market, perhaps because the Christ-child and St. Nicholas keep them at bay.

Why Christmas Markets there instead of here?

Europe’s Christmas markets are more than just a place to shop — they’re a living tradition. From the classic red and white stalls of Nuremberg to the storybook medieval charm of Salzburg, each market is a window into local culture. You’ll find hand-carved ornaments, regional treats, and festive music echoing through historic town squares. For many, it’s the highlight of the year — and a perfect way to connect with the heart of Europe.

Our Christmas Market Tours: Experience the Magic

Christmas Markets fun!

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through snow-dusted villages, sipping glühwein under glowing lanterns, and discovering classic holiday traditions, our Christmas Markets Germany & Austria Tour is for you. This journey takes you to the best markets in Salzburg, Schwangau, Rothenburg, Munich, and Nürnberg — each with its own unique flavor and festive spirit.

Looking for something a little different? Our Christmas Markets Germany, France & Italy Tour blends the best of three countries: France’s Alsace, the Black Forest in Germany, Strasbourg, Füssen, Bolzano, and Munich. And if you’re craving even more variety, the Christmas Markets in Central Europe Tour journeys through Nürnberg, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest — each city with its own festive flair.

What Makes Our Tours Different?

Small Groups: 6-18 people traveling with a close-knit group of like-minded explorers.
Local Connections: Meet artisans, sample regional specialties, and experience traditions first-hand. Enjoy relaxing at our small hotels with character in the thick of the Christmas market action.
Stress-Free Planning: We handle the logistics so you can soak up the magic. Our prices are all-inclusive; there are no extras or add-on costs.
Expert Guides: Our team brings decades of experience and a deep love for European culture.
Free time every day is built in for you to get out and explore on your own.
Eating well is a priority, so you’ll enjoy about half your dinners at some of David’s best choice restaurants and inns. Enjoy breakfast every morning at our hotels.

Special Holiday Offer!

Book any of our discounted tours by August 15, 2025, and enjoy $300 off 2025 departures. This is the perfect time to secure your spot for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday adventure!

Ready to Celebrate the Season?

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned market-hopper, there’s always something new to discover. Take a look at all our upcoming tours and destinations, and let’s make this holiday season unforgettable — together!

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