Sitting on a hill, perched high above the Danube River is Melk Abbey. This Baroque version of the abbey was completed in 1736 and is well worth a visit. A school, monastery, church, and historic library fill its walls. Below the Abbey, is the little village of Melk, where the locals go about their business in an easy-going manner, except when the cruise boats come to port and drop off two hundred tourists at a time. Nearby, the Danube River meanders through the Wachau Valley, loaded with castles, vineyards, and charming villages. Join David as he shares his experiences in this beautiful section of Austria.
——————–Contents of this video————————–
0:00 – Introduction to this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday
0:25 – Welcome Melk & Wachau Valley
0:56 – The Blue Danube, Melk, and the Wachau Valley
2:46 – Dürnstein
3:40 -David talks about the Travel and Adventure Show in Chicago, DC, and Boston
10:09 – Dürnstein
11:32 – Wachau DAC Wine
11:56 – Dürnstein Abbey and blue bell tower
12:38 – Dürnstein Castle and Richard the Lionhearted
13:28 – Cruising on the Danube with Viking, Ama, and Avalon
15:50 – Melk Abbey town
30:19 – Current COVID-19 Travel protocols
31:10 – Chicken Scaloppini and Rösti
33:06 – David’s thoughts about the Ukraine and Russian invasion
There are a lot more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
I was in Chicago, Il over the weekend selling our tours at the Travel and Adventure Show. Consumer turn out was much better than expected and we talked, almost non-stop, with Chicagoans eager to get out of town, forget COVID-19, ditch the masks, and go to Europe. I also presented a talk on the Destination Stage recapping what we did (in Europe) in 2021 and providing up-to-date information on the travel situation in Europe for 2022. In this episode of TTT, I’ll let you know where you can travel in Europe right now in 2022. What’s open, who can visit, and what are the requirements.
——————–Contents of this video————————–
0:00 – Introduction to this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday
3:56 – Who is David McGuffin?
6:34 – What we do at David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe
13:57 -VAX-NO VAX-RECOVERED – What does it all mean?
16:22 – Who can travel Where in Europe in 2022? VAX-NO VAX-RECOVERED
19:00 – Online Resources for specific travel, country-by-country
21:05 – US Citizen must have a Negative PCR or Antigen test to return to the USA
22:09 – COVID-19 Assisted Self Test kits and Testing Location in Europe
25:27 – What makes David McGuffin’s tours stand out from all the others?
30:21 – Use your Smart Phone and Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance
32:27 – Successful Tour Destinations in 2021 – Greece, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France, Poland, Czech, Switzerland, and Austria
40:09 – More travel Tips – Credit Cards, Cash, Pack Light, MoneyBelt, and more
45:03 – Outro and Closing Remarks
There are a lot more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking for more information, videos, or advice about European travel, check here https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt
On October 21st, 2020, we will participate in the first-ever Virtual Travel & Adventure Show! This virtual event focuses specifically on European travel, featuring the top destinations, tour operators, and travel suppliers from around the world that specialize in travel to Europe. All of this is “virtual,” and it has been an adventure building out my booth in the last few weeks. I hope you drop by for a chat or a zoom meet-up.
I’ll be speaking on the DESTINATION STAGE about my favorite destinations, travel tips, and tours for 2021 and 2022. This is pre-recorded and available to view during show hours (5:00 pm-10:00 pm).
I am also featured on the new OTT channel, TRAVELSHOWS.TV! Additionally, that other travel guy, Rick Steves, will be speaking as well.
Of course, it would be great if you’d sign up for one or two of my 2021 and 2022 tours to Europe. It only cost $25 to hold your seat, and it is totally refundable should you decide not to travel.
As a bonus, I am offering a $100 discount on any tour booked during the Virtual Travel and Adventure Show and a $200 discount on any of my new Eastern Europe and Balkans tours. This is in addition to any other “alumni” discounts to which you are entitled. And by the way, this is the only time my complete tour line-up will be discounted in the foreseeable future. So signup for a tour. You have nothing to lose!
Finally, at 7:00 pm, I’ll be at my booth for a live zoom meeting discussing my new Eastern Europe and Balkans tours as well as chatting you up and answering questions. Get your favorite apertivo, and join me!
Since I consider you one of our VIP travel partners, I’d like to pass along this exclusive code that allows you free tickets to visit our virtual booth and experience the entire show. Follow this link and enter promo code: VTAS100DMEE on the ticket selection screen to unlock the free ticket option.
I’m looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday, October 21st, at the Virtual Travel & Adventure Show focusing on Europe!
Since we cannot travel to Europe right now, I am bringing a bit of Europe to you. I yearn for the day when I can hop on a plane and fly to Europe, but, for now, I’ll have to settle for my memories. So, as much for me, as for you, I’ll share David’s Weekly Wanders in Europe.
This week, David’s Weekly Wanders in Europe features a video, David McGuffin Explores Rome! It is the first of several episodes chronicling the experiences and adventures on David’s Best of Italy Tour route. Along with his producer, Abby, and their travel companions, David visits the essential tourist sites in Rome, plus a few off-the-beaten-path destinations..
When booking an Exploring Europe tour, we request a deposit to hold your seat. This deposit is refundable for a certain number of days (see your specific tour departure for details).
Once signed up for an Exploring Europe tour, you will receive written communication from us confirming your departure. In rare cases, we may ask that you “hold” booking your flights until we’ve assessed the tour departure dates and availability. Once we have confirmed your tour departure, this is the time to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to protect your travel investment.
Our passengers often insure travel investments in three distinct stages.
Step 1- Insure only your tour deposit. Most of our Exploring Europe tours require a deposit of $400, so only insure that amount. Your insurance premium is likely a small amount of $30 or so.
Step 2 – Once we confirm your tour, you’ll likely look for and purchase airfare. Purchase a second insurance policy to cover your flight costs. Note: Do not buy the insurance from your airline website at checkout!
Step 3 – When submitting your final payment (120 days before most of our EE tours), decide if you want to cover the remaining balance. Two types of travel insurance policies are usually available: “Cancel for a covered reason” (CFACR) or “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR).
NOTE: Deposits, refund policies, and deadlines may differ on our Exploring *Beyond* Europe and specialty tours.
Before making any travel insurance decisions, speaking directly to a qualified insurance agent is a good idea. Consider contacting any of the resources mentioned below.
Exploring Europe does not provide travel insurance, and we can only offer a refund up to the terms specified in your tour agreement. A travel insurance (trip protection) policy is a good idea to cover your travel investment fully.
A comprehensive travel insurance package often includes canceling a tour before it begins, covering a pre-existing condition, and canceling your tour for any reason, along with flight delay, baggage loss, and other benefits.
To take full advantage of the insurance and to cover pre-existing medical conditions, insurance providers require purchasing a policy within 10-20 days of making your deposit and receiving confirmation of the tour. This “window of opportunity” varies between insurance companies, so confirm with your insurance provider.
Many believe a Comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy (including trip cancellation coverage) becomes increasingly necessary with age. If you are a 20-year-old with no medical problems, you may skip the comprehensive insurance and tour cancellation feature. However, if you are getting older, or if you, a family member or a travel partner have medical problems, adding a little “peace of mind” to your travels might not be a bad idea by purchasing comprehensive insurance.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Trip Protection) includes at least six types of coverage:
Trip Cancellation – provides reimbursement if you, or a close family member, cannot travel for a covered reason. Covered reasons vary from insurance company to company. Still, most include full reimbursement if you or a direct family member becomes seriously ill or injured, you lose your job, you or a family member dies, and many other reasons (read the fine print). Cancellation usually comes in two forms:
CFACR – Cancel for a covered reason – Less expensive and more restrictive than CFAR.
CFAR – Cancel for any reason – The most expensive option covering almost any reason for cancellation.
Trip interruption – Provides a limited amount (usually $1000) to pay for a flight home should your tour be interrupted by a catastrophic event affecting you personally or a close family member.
Emergency Medical Coverage – Provides reimbursement and/or medical evacuation should you or a close relative become seriously ill while traveling abroad.
Baggage Loss or Delay – Provides reimbursement should your luggage be lost or delayed.
Trip Delay – Provides reimbursement should you be delayed while traveling to or from your tour abroad. This covers cases such as missed flight connections, weather delays, etc.
Travel Assistance – Provides 24/7 access to toll-free help and assistance agents dedicated to helping with travel emergencies, bookings, and advice.
A sliding scale determines the cost of Comprehensive Insurance (Trip Protection) based on the insured’s age, trip cost, and travel duration. It is about 10% -15% of the tour costs, but shop for the best deal to meet your needs.
Consider all the tour elements so you are fully covered, using the abovementioned steps, if desired.
David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe tour cost.
The cost of your airfare.
The duration of your trip from when you take off from home until your return.
REMEMBER: Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Trip Protection) plans must be purchasedwithin 10-20 DAYS of paying a deposit and receiving confirmation from your travel provider for your tour to take advantage of all the policy benefits, especially for pre-existing conditions. All the insurance companies have slightly different policies on this matter, so be sure to read the fine print.
VISIT THE WEBSITE ABOVE, EMAIL – CALLIE AUNKO, or CALL Callie at 1-800-576-2674 Ext. 1. Tell her you are on one of my tours. She will need the following information. callie@insuranceconsultantsintl.com
Your date of Birth,
The State in which you reside,
Your travel dates,
The total cost of your trip (adding all the elements mentioned above),
The date you made your initial payment for the tour.
Trip Insurance Consultants offers insurance plans from all of the companies mentioned below. However, should you wish to contact them directly, here is the information.
If you want to do some insurance research, these are reputable organizations, too.
On Monday evening, a major fire erupted in the attic of Notre Dame. It blazed for 10 hours, fueled by the Cathedral’s wooden frame. Tourists the world over have shared their memories of visiting Notre Dame and lamented the damage to this jewel at the heart of Paris. But the 800-year-old cathedral still stands, and there is much to be hopeful and thankful for. Find out more about the history of Notre Dame, Monday’s tragedy and the future of this iconic monument.
Un Peu d’Histoire
Notre Dame has dominated the banks of the Seine for over 850 years, standing on the Ile-de-la-Cité. The first stone was laid by Pope Alexander III in 1163, and it would take about 100 years before the Cathedral was complete. It is a textbook example of Gothic architectural style, decorated with numerous stained-glass windows, ornate statuary, flying buttresses, soaring spires and finely detailed carvings. It is no wonder that for many this is considered France’s most famous church.
A Previous Narrow Escape
It is only thanks to Victor Hugo that the Cathedral still stands today. He wrote The Hunchback of Notre Dame in an effort to save the monument, which was in severe disrepair and falling apart. There were talks of demolishing it to build a mall, but the book was so popular that people began to call for its renovation instead, hoping to find traces of Quasimodo and Esmeralda within its walls. As a result, in the nineteenth century, the Cathedral underwent a massive restoration effort. A new spire was added (to replace the 13th-spire that had been destroyed during the French Revolution), and a number of statues were repaired (their heads had been removed by angry revolutionaries). New stained-glass windows were added and others were enlarged.
The Fire Rages
Shortly before the Cathedral closed on Monday, the fire alarm went off and worshipers were ushered out of the building, but no fire was detected. Twenty minutes later when a second alarm sounded, the fire was already spreading out of control. It was located in “the Forest”, the Cathedral’s wooden frame which separates the ceiling and the roof. Most of the beams dated back to the 12th century and provided dry kindling for the fire. In a matter of minutes, the entire frame inside the 750-ton spire had caught fire and could no longer hold the weight, sending it crashing into the Cathedral below. Within a few hours, the entire roof was ablaze. Nearly 500 firefighters worked tirelessly through the night and were finally able to fully extinguish the fire by 10 AM the next morning.
The fire spread incredibly quickly, fueled by a cross work of 1,300 wooden beams. The oak trees used in the construction of the Forest covered 21 hectares. Although firefighters arrived on site within 10 minutes, it took longer for some of the larger trucks and machinery to navigate the narrow Parisian streets, as Notre Dame sits in the oldest part of Paris. There were no modern firewalls or sprinkler systems in place so as not to alter the original frame, a controversial decision that will no doubt be reviewed in the wake of this tragedy. As a result, the fire spread throughout the 100-meter long attic unimpeded. It was also impossible to dump water from the sky because of the fragile nature of the stone structure below the roof.
A Race to Save Priceless Artifacts
The firefighters of Paris train for these situations. In fact, they had conducted two drills at Notre Dame just last year. So they were able to leap into action right away to save many of the precious artifacts within. They formed a chain of 100 people, led by the fire department’s chaplain, to recover as many pieces as they could. Thanks to their heroic efforts, many priceless items were saved from destruction, including the crown of thorns.
Inspectors have still not been able to enter the unstable building, but they suspect the fire was caused by an accident related to the restoration work that was being done on site. Experts are still working to secure the structural integrity of the building, and a number of statues have been removed to lessen the weight.
A Close Call
When it became clear that the fire might spread to the bell towers, firefighters entered the building at great personal risk to fight the fire from within. If the largest bell, Emmanuelle, had crashed through the stone of the bell tower, it would have had a domino effect on the entire Cathedral. According to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, firefighters had a window of only 30 minutes to prevent that catastrophe. They also fought to keep the flames away from the north rose window, which contains original stained-glass from the 13th century.
Damaged but Defiant
The fire on the roof looked horrific and many people feared the worst, but the ceiling remained mostly intact and the interior was protected from the worst of the blaze.
Many of the relics stored within the Cathedral were saved by firemen, including the crown of thorns and the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle.
Several paintings have been sent to the Louvre to be treated for smoke damage.
Just days before the fire, the 16 bronze statues on the spire had been removed as part of the restoration efforts.
All three rose windows survived, although the lead that holds the glass in place may need to be redone after suffering such intense heat.
The 15th-century organ was spared by the flames but may have taken some water damage.
The gold cross and statues surrounding the altar appear relatively untouched.
The bells and bell towers remain intact.
Three beehives sheltering 180,000 bees located on the roof survived. The bees were only put to sleep by the smoke!
Looking to the Future
President Macron has called for Notre Dame to be restored within five years, and approximately 1 billion euros have already been donated to that cause by large and small donors around the world. In the meantime, the Mayor of Paris has approved plans to build a temporary wooden cathedral on the esplanade in front of Notre Dame where its congregation can meet until it reopens.
