Latest Travel Stories and Insights
Discover the Best of Italy with David McGuffin
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...
Experience Laid-Back Tuscany: My Villa Vacation Adventure
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...
Christmas Celebrations are so much different in Europe!
Christmas Market Memories 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...
TOUR EXPO 2025 – EXPLORING BEYOND EUROPE – BEST McGUFFIN TOUR MEMORIES – SICILY – VILLA VACATION GIVE-A-WAY
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Central Europe and Greece
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Italy
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – FRANCE & LONDON-PARIS-ROME CITY TOUR
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Spain and Portugal
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Italy
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – David’s Early International Travel Adventures
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Germany, Austria, and Christmas Markets
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
TOUR EXPO 2025 – David’s Early International Travel Adventures
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
I learned to ride the Subway in Munich
by David McGuffin I learned to ride the subway in Munich. Thirty years ago, I was teaching band at the local junior high school, and one summer, I gathered up six students and headed off to Europe. That was not my first trip to Europe, but Bavaria and Munich were...
Why Italy is my Favorite Country
by David McGuffin I often get asked, "What is your favorite destination?" Years ago, that question was difficult, but after almost 50 years on the road, I've got my answer. Paris is my favorite city, and Italy is my favorite country. Since we are focusing on Italy...
ETA and ETIAS, Europe’s New Visa-Waiver Programs
Updated: March 29, 2025 by David McGuffin There is a lot of talk and concern about new European and United Kingdom entry requirements for travelers. However, there is no need to worry and stress. The online application only takes a few minutes and requires a small...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 31, 2024 – Showcasing Europe Day 3
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 30, 2024 – Showcasing Europe Day 2
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 29, 2024 – Showcasing Europe Day 1
Join David and friends on a three-night journey around Europe showcasing all our Exploring Europe tour destinations. Whether you are looking to travel on one of our small-group tours or hit the road on your own, our Showcasing Europe Celebration will be packed with inspiring videos, time-saving tips, inside travel information, alumni interviews, and more.
Each evening, David will feature a different region of Europe and hone in on its best destinations, showcasing why a visit may be a worthwhile destination for you.
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 19, 2023 – The Final Episode & Christmas Celebration
TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY, THE END OF AN ERA—
I began Travel Talk Tuesday on December 1, 2020. At the time, we were in the heart of the pandemic with nowhere to go. I had spent the better part of 2020 in a mild depression and without a plan for Exploring Europe. As the year’s end approached, I decided to pull out of it and get to work with EE again. Hence, Travel Talk Tuesday with David McGuffin was born.
With the help of my friend and colleague, Leslie Larson, we’ve produced 100+ live episodes and catalogued them online and on YouTube. Our archives contain content about European destinations we visit on our tours. Moving forward, I’ll produce five or six Travel Talk Tuesday broadcasts a year to keep everyone up-to-date on my travels, tours, and special promotions. Stay tuned for details coming in January 2024.
We were super busy with our tours in 2022 and 2023. 2024 is looking to be a busy year, too. I’ve run out of time to oversee EE, lead tours, and produce a weekly TTT. So, sadly, I must let it go for now. Thanks for tuning in and please help us end with a bang on December 19th!
All the best and Merry Christmas,
David, Charlotte, and Leslie
CHRISTMAS MARKETS in GERMANY-ITALY-FRANCE – David’s PDF Destinations Guides
Clicking on the PDF will download it to your device. EPUB is designed for e-book readers such as Apple iBooks, Google Reader, Nook, etc. If you do not have one of these e-book readers on your mobile device, try "Adobe Digital Editions," an APP that can be downloaded...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 14, 2023 – Derry or Londonderry? County Donegal and the North Ireland Coast
PART 1: Derry, also known as Londonderry, is a small city straddling the border of The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Strategically placed on the banks of the River Foyle, Londonderry has seen its fair share of battles, conflicts, and controversies. The city’s most iconic feature is its intact 17th-century city walls, which offer a glimpse into its turbulent past. Steeped in history, Derry played a significant role in the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland, but has since emerged as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. David recently walked the walls with a local guide, and he shares the experience in this episode.
PART 2: County Donegal stretched north from Derry to Malin Head, the northernmost point on the island. Donegal is loaded with ancient historic sites, and beautiful countryside. It provides an off-the-beaten-path look at Ireland.
PART 3: Northern Ireland’s Country Antrim, premier attraction is the Giant’s Causeway. A series of hexagonal basalt pillars jut out of the land and sea, forming an underwater “bridge” all the way to Scotland. Additionally, nearby Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, and the Great Hedges can fill a great day out on the north coast.
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 7, 2023 – Tourist Crowd Beating Tips & The Best of Greece
PART 1: David laments overcrowded museums and attractions in Europe and shares strategies to beat the crowds and make the most of your sightseeing experience.
PART 2: David talks about his My Best of Greece tour. Delphi, home of the ancient Oracle and her temples, kicks off the virtual adventure. After crossing the Bay of Corinth, spend several days on the Peloponnese Peninsula, visiting ancient temples, worship sites, historic cities, and theatres. Hopping on a ferry, enjoy a short ride to traffic-free Hydra Island for two days of relaxation. Then it is off to Athens, where we’ll dedicate the better part of two days to exploring this capital city. Finally, we’ll fly to Santorini, home of white-washed villages on an ancient volcano caldera. My Best of Greece & Santorini tour provides the perfect mix of sightseeing, education, and relaxation.
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 24, 2023 – The McGuffin Travel Style
We are winding down our 2023 tour season. But it has been a busy one! In this episode, David invites some of his tour guides to help recap our tours and experiences. We do some things differently than many other European tour companies. We’ll share why 99% of our travel partners and tour members love the McGuffin tour experience.
Budapest and Croatia Tour Information
No one does St. Paddy’s Day better than those living in Ireland! Forget about dying rivers green, corn beef and cabbage, and men in kilts. Tonight, join David and friends as they explore Ireland in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Filmed several years ago, this episode chronicles the experiences of several Marching Bands as they experience Ireland and march in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 17, 2023 – The Best of Budapest & Croatia
There is a lot more to Croatia than the Adriatic coast and islands. The Plitvice Lakes are a breathtaking series of interconnected terraced lakes and cascading waterfalls. Zagreb, the capital city, is loaded with iconic architecture from the Habsburg dynasty. To the east lies lush green forests, wine vineyards, and villages almost forgotten in time. Moving into Hungary, Budapest offers thermal baths and Europe’s most magnificent cityscape along the Danube River.
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 10, 2023 – Cruising Croatia’s Adriatic Coast
The Adriatic Sea has acted as a natural boundary between the Italian and Balkan Peninsula for centuries. It has served as a vital transport and navigation route for many civilizations, including the Romans and Venetians. In this episode, David embarks on a seven-day small-ship cruise to explore the stunning islands and coastline of Croatia.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 12, 2023 – Tanzania & Serengeti Safari
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 5, 2023 – Battlefields of France & Belgium
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 29, 2023 – FSU Seminole Football in Ireland
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 22, 2023 – Scotland’s Festivals, Games and Tattoo
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 25, 2023 – Europe Travel Report
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
ITALY – David’s Audio, PDF Destinations Guides, and Resources
Clicking on the PDF will download it to your device. Download the Audio Guides by clicking on the three vertical dots to the player's right. Colosseum Audio Walking Tour Colosseum PDF Walking Tour The Roman Forum Audio Walking Tour The Roman Forum PDF Walking Tour...
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 16, 2023 – Amalfi Coast
David will share his recent adventures on his Amalfi and Islands Tour. Each April, David puts together a tour visiting several islands off the bay of Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast. Join him for new material and a fresh look in 2023.
SCOTLAND – David’s Audio & PDF Destinations Guides
Clicking on the PDF will download it to your device. Download the Audio Guides by clicking on the three vertical dots to the player's right. Scotland Introduction PDF Edinburgh PDF Culross - St. Andrews - Kenmore PDF Oban - Iona - Mull PDF There are many more...
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 18, 2023 – Tour Sell-Abration
We have a slew of European tours scheduled for 2023, and a few seats are still available. Additionally, we have our complete line-up of 2024 tours ready for booking. Tune into TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY on April 18, to learn about all my European tours and take advantage of...
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 2, 2023 – St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
David and the crew were all in Dublin for St. Paddy’s Day. We brought along a Marching Band from Florida, and a bunch of their supporters, 180 people in all! In this episode, we’ll share some of the fun and celebration.There are many more episodes of Travel Talk...
Tour SALE-ABRATION – April 18, 2023
During the first months of each year, we travel the United...
IRELAND – David’s Audio & PDF Destinations Guides
2024 IRELAND DESTINATION GUIDES Clicking on the PDF will download it to your device. Download the Audio Guides by clicking on the three vertical dots to the player's right. Read on your mobile device. Introduction to Ireland Destination Guide & Info (PDF)...
David’s Dublin Walking Tour
I've put together my Best of Dublin video walking tour. We'll visit many of Dublin's historical and cultural tourist sites using Google Earth Pro images and my own photos.-----------------Contents of this Video-------- 0:00 LUAS Dublins Tram 0:28 Parnell Square to...
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 7, 2023 – Dublin’s River Liffey, Temple Bar, and Shepherd’s Pie
David continues his 4-part series Dublin Walking Tours with visits to O'Connell Street and Temple Bar. The RECIPE for tonight is Irish Shepherd's Pie.There are many more episodes of Travel Talk Tuesday. Visit https://davidmcguffin.com/ttt to browse them...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 24, 2023- Barcelona Introduction
In this episode, David gives an introduction and overview of Barcelona. The city sprawls from the mountains to the sea, with Mount Tibidabo to the west and the Mediterranean sea to the east. Between these two landmarks, the city sprawls in the flat valley, with more...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 28, 2023 – Dublin’s O’Connell Street Walking Tour
The Irish were under English domination from 1177 until 1922. That’s more than 700 years! It wasn’t until the 20th century that the Irish broke away and formed their own country. David takes a virtual walk down O’Connell Street, and puts all the pieces together...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 21, 2023 – Duck Confit – Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance – Molly’s Old South Tours
Dublin is gearing up for the St. Paddy's Day celebration next month. David takes you on a walking tour of the Garden of Remembrance in this episode. ***The RECIPE for tonight is Duck Confit.***. Additionally, Molly Silver will join David to talk about her tours in...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 14, 2023 – Romantic Destinations
Romantic destinations abound all over the world, especially in Europe. Many think of big cities such as Paris, Barcelona, and Rome as romantic destinations. They are, but for me, the smaller places create lasting memories too. A spritz with a view of the Med, a...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 31, 2023 – La Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Família Basilica (Holy Family Church) is located in Barcelona, Spain, and has been under construction since 1882. As you can see from the image here, it is still not complete. Antoni Gaudí took over the project in 1883 applying his Modernist...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 24, 2023- Barcelona Introduction
In this episode, David gives an introduction and overview of Barcelona. The city sprawls from the mountains to the sea, with Mount Tibidabo to the west and the Mediterranean sea to the east. Between these two landmarks, the city sprawls in the flat valley, with more...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 17, 2023- Travel Tips & Destinations for 2023 (S3E2)
We spend the first few months promoting our tours at Travel and Adventure Shows throughout the United States each year. The Chicago Show in Rosemont, Illinois, is always a big event for us, bringing many people to visit our booth and sign up for tours. I am always...
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 13, 2022- David’s Christmas Special (S3E1)
David and Charlotte are back from hosting their annual Christmas Markets tours. This episode features a virtual visit to Germany, Italy, and France during Christmas. We've spent the last two weeks dashing through the snow and...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 22, 2022- The Best of Ireland in 12 days
Join David on a trip around the Emerald Isle. His Taste of Ireland and Best of Ireland tour perfectly combines sightseeing and cultural experiences, offering a worry-free journey through Ireland’s history, culture, music, and cuisine.There are many more episodes of...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 15, 2022- Capri and the Bay of Naples (S2E29)
Italy gets more intense and robust the farther south one goes. Naples and the towns in and around its’ Bay are a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and culinary delights. In this Travel Talk Tuesday episode, David shares his favorite destinations in the area....
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 1, 2022- Southern Spain & Gibraltar (S2E28)
You've seen it in countless advertisements for the Prudential Insurance Company, The Rock of Gibraltar juts out of the flat and arid landscape of southern Spain like a hump on a camel's back. In this episode, learn about the UK-controlled hunk of rock perched between...
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 25, 2022- The Best Greece Destinations (S2E27)
David returns from 8-weeks on the road leading tours in Europe. In this episode, David shares a few Greek cooking recipes and talks about his Best of Greece tour destinations. There are many more of my Travel Talk Tuesday episodes in the archives. If you are looking...
Contactless Payments are the way to go in Europe!
Contactless payments are the way to go, especially since the evolution of COVID-19 and pandemic panics. If you are not sure what this is, you need to study before going on your trip. Contactless payment technology enables payment transactions via a contactless...
Hint on Tipping in Europe
Updated: September 30, 2022 In the United States, we’ve been raised on a tradition of tipping cabbies, hotel staff, bartenders, waiters, and a variety of other service-oriented personnel. Consequently, for Americans, it seems normal to provide a tip or gratuity for...
Restaurant Survival Guide for Travelers
When traveling abroad, a good traveler expects to run into cultural differences. With a little planning, we can prepare for the big ones, like the language or local customs. But it is often the little things we take for granted and couldn’t fathom doing differently,...
Packing Tips and Tricks
Updated: September 2022 - by David & Charlotte McGuffin, Dawnielle Jacobson, Audra Dupuis and Natalie Kelly Packing can sometimes be the worst part of a trip: spending too much time deciding what to take and then regretting bringing too much. Here are some packing...
Spending Money in Europe… Contactless in king!
Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, Europeans tended to use cash for their day-to-day spending much more than Americans did. Back in the early 2000's Europeans carried lots of cash in their pockets on a daily basis. Even as recent as 2019, I would deal mostly in cash...
Passports… You can’t travel without one!
You’ll not get beyond the check-in counter at the airport without a valid passport... if your destination is outside the United States of America. Americans are even required to show their passport when traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Applying for a US...
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 16, 2022- The Best of the Louvre Museum (S2E26)
The Musée du Louvre is the world's largest and oldest museum. It houses famous works of art such as The Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and countless world-famous paintings dating up to the mid-1800s. It is overwhelming, crowded, and impossible to see...
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 9, 2022- The Top of Europe- Jungfraujoch (S2E25)
I've visited the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland many times, but I've never gone to the "Top of Europe" until my last trip. The Jungfrau (Mountain) soars high above the valley and surrounding peaks. The Jungfraujoch (mountain pass, literally yolk)) sits at 3454...
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 2, 2022 – Inside The Duomo of Siena (S2E24)
David takes you on a walk inside Siena’s Cathedral. The Cathedral, known as the Duomo, was mostly built in the 13th century and is a fine example of the Gothic/Romanesque architectural style. Inside are finely-crafted inlaid mosaic floors and sculptures by great...
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 26, 2022 – The Duomo of Siena (S2E23)
David takes you on a walk inside and out of Siena's Cathedral. The Cathedral, known as the Duomo, was mostly built in the 13th century and is a fine example of the Gothic/Romanesque architectural style. The exterior sports a colorful display of statues, frills, and...
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 19, 2022 – Florence and Donegal (S2E22)
Join David as he shows you around Florence, Italy and Mercato Centrale. Then we'll hop over to County Donegal, Ireland to experience the sights and sites on the Innishowen Peninsula. David is back home from 8 weeks on the road in Europe. There are a lot more of...
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 12, 2022 – Report from 3 months on the road (S2E21)
David is just back from 8 weeks on the road in Europe. Travel is back and people are flying across the pond to experience many destinations. Singles, families, and groups were spotted in all the predictable locations, such as Rome, Paris, Dublin, and London. But the...
PRICE INCREASES on all tours are coming soon!
A PRICE INCREASE is on the horizon. After three months on the road in Europe, two things are certain. Travel is back and lots of people are on the road. Everything is more expensive than it was in 2019. Last week I wrapped up about three months on the road in Europe. ...
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 3, 2022 – Tuscany-Volterra-Pisa-Lucca-Siena (S2E20)
We've just wrapped up our first Tuscan Villa Vacation tour of the season. Although we've packed in a lot of Tuscany, there is plenty of free time to rest, relax, and explore on your own. In this episode, I'll share our adventures in Lucca, a cooking class in...
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 26, 2022 – Atlanta Braves and Maskless Flying (S2E19)
I am flying back to Italy tonight. However, I packed in a lot of Exploring Europe in the days I was back in the USA. Tonight on TTT, will be brief. I was at the Atlanta Travel and Adventure Show this past weekend, and in addition to showcasing our tours to Europe, I...
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 19, 2022 – Easter Celebrations in Europe & Scooter vs. Car Crash (S2E18)
EASTER in Europe & Scooter vs. CAR Over the years, I found myself in Europe on Easter Sunday. For me, Easter is important, it is the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection from the tomb and His promise to provide eternal salvation to all who believe in Him and...
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 12, 2022 – Orvieto (S2E17)
Orvieto has a rich history beginning with the Etruscans where they named this town Velzna. The Romans sacked it in 264 B.C. and it sat, abandoned for six centuries. After the fall of Rome in 476 A.D., invaders from the north arrive on this peninsula, terrorizing the...
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 5, 2022 – Vienna, Wachau Valley, and Salzburg (S2E16)
Tonight we’ll look at David’s best destinations along his Germany, Austria, and Switzerland tour route. We’ll visit the grand imperial city of Vienna, famous for castles, kings, music, and cuisine. Then, enjoy a virtual visit to Salzburg’s famous city center. ...
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 29, 2022 – Switzerland (S2E15)
Tonight we’ll look at David’s best destinations along his Germany, Austria, and Switzerland tour route. We’ll visit the grand imperial city of Vienna, famous for castles, kings, music, and cuisine. Then, enjoy a virtual visit to Salzburg’s famous city center. ...
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 22, 2022 – New York City (S2E14)
Believe it or not, I visited Europe two decades before I explored New York City. But when I showed up in NYC for the first time, I was hooked! I was in NYC in March 2022 so join me for a trek I took in Manhattan and see how tourism is back in NYC....
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 15, 2022 – KZ Auschwitz- Nazi Death Camp (S2E13)
Auschwitz opened in 1940 and was the largest of the Nazi concentration and death camps. Located in southern Poland, it evolved into a network of camps where Jewish people and other enemies of the Nazi state were exterminated, used as slave labor, and suffered through...
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 8, 2022 – War in Ukraine and Zakopane, Poland (S2E12)
I’ll let you in on my sort-of secret find in Poland. We were finishing up our dinner on our last night in Kraków and our waiter asked, “Where are you off to now?” I replied, “I don’t know, what do you recommend?” She immediately said, “Go to Zakopane.” This little...
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 1, 2022 – Melk & The Wachau Valley (Austria) (S2E11)
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...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 22, 2022- VAX-NO VAX-RECOVERED-Who can travel Where in 2022? (S2E10)
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...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 14, 2022- Kraków, Poland (S2E9)
I visited Kraków for the first time in December 2021. In fact, Charlotte and I enjoyed Poland so much we stay five nights in the country. Kraków is a beautiful city, and being there when it is all decked out for Christmas made it even more so. In this episode of...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 8, 2022- Europe’s Romantic Destinations (S2E8)
Paris, Venice, Switzerland, Bellagio, Zakopane, and Santorini are great destinations, and they are even better when experienced with someone you love. In this episode, we’ll visit some of David and Charlotte’s best romantic destinations in Europe. Get a glass of...
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 1, 2022- Prague (S2E7)
February 1, 2022 Prague (S2E7) Situated on the Moldau River, Prague has long been a key city for trade in Europe. Decked out grandly by the Hapsburgs, it is beautiful and is home to the largest castle complex in Europe. I was due to visit Prague’s Christmas Markets,...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 25, 2022 – Castelrotto, Oberbozen, and Alpe di Siusi (S2E6)
January 25, 2022 Castelrotto, Oberbozen, and Alpe di Siusi (S2E6) A visit to Bolzano/Bozen is nice (see last week’s episode). But, you’ve not experienced the Dolomites, unless you venture high up into the mountains. Oberbozen is a short cable car ride from Bolzano and...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 18, 2022 – Bolzano, Italy
January 18, 2022 7:30 PM ET. (S2E5) Bolzano, Italy Bolzano is smack dab in the middle of the Dolomite mountains, just south of the Austria border and alpine Brenner Pass. I’ve visited here in the heat of the summer and in the cold of the winter and enjoyed both...
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 11, 2022 – Chasing Christmas in December
January 11, 2022 7:30 PM ET. (Season 2, Episode 4) David and Charlotte talk about their December travels to Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Czech, Poland, and Slovakia. We called this trip our “Chasing Christmas” travels. It seemed that Christmas...
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 14, 2021 – Christmas Markets in Strasbourg & Zurich
I was in Strasbourg, France, and Zurich, Switzerland the last few days. Tonight, on Travel Talk Tuesday, I want to share my experiences with you. There are some hurdles to jump over with COVID-19, vaccinations, and travel restrictions, but they have not really...
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 7, 2021 – Christmas Time Travel in Munich, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg
COVID-19, the ensuing pandemic, variants, and travel restrictions have caused many Christmas Markets to shut down in Bavaria, and temporarily halt tourism in Austria. In this episode, I’ll bring a live report from MUNICH, FRANKFURT, and STRASBOURG, all festival...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 30, 2021: Celebrating Season 2 – Glühwein Recipe
Tonight’s episode marks show number 53, and the beginning of SEASON 2 of TRAVEL TALK TUESDAY. I began TTT a year ago as a means to drag myself out of the doldrums that COVID-19 and the pandemic had imposed on travel and my life. As we turned the page from 2020...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 23, 2021: The Amalfi Coast – Traveling during the Pandemic – Pizza recipe
The Amalfi Coast is hugged by a narrow road perched high above the crystal-clear Bay of Salarno. Rugged mountains plunge steeply into the sea. Every river that falls into the sea is flanked by a picture-perfect pastel village. In this episode, we will visit the...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 16, 2021 – Pompeii, Italy & Italian Flatbread Pizza
Pompeii was a thriving Roman city of 20,000 people in 79 AD. Then, on August 24, Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing molten lava and ash 3 miles into the air. Within hours, the ash settled on the city and covered it thirty feet deep. The hot ash killed many people and...
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 26, 2021 – Procida Island, Italy
I call Sorrento the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Perched high on a bluff above the Bay of Naples, it is home to about 16,000 residents. Most of these folks work in tourism, but you'll find a good many farmers scattered along the hills and valleys, too. The town itself...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 9, 2021 – Sorrento, Italy
I call Sorrento the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Perched high on a bluff above the Bay of Naples, it is home to about 16,000 residents. Most of these folks work in tourism, but you'll find a good many farmers scattered along the hills and valleys, too. The town itself...
Travel Talk Tuesday: Manarola- October 12, 2021
Recenly, I visited all five villages of the Cinque Terre, in one day. This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my experiences in Manarola. Come with me on a walk through town, the vineyards, and even a swim in the harbor. This being early...
Travel Talk Tuesday: November 2, 2021 – Ischia Island, Italy
Ischia is an island located in the Bay of Naples. It is covered with mountains, lush green forests, and many thermal hot springs. In fact, most visitors to this island come to hike the mountains and relax in the thermal baths. This island of 60,000...
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 26, 2021 – Procida Island, Italy
PROCIDA is the subject of this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday. This tiny island is in the north of the bay of Naples, lying between Cape Minseno and the island of Ischia. With just 1.6 square miles of real estate, it is small, compact, and easy to experience in one...
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 19, 2021 – Cinque Terre – Corniglia & Vernazza
Recently, I visited all five villages of the Cinque Terre, in one 10-hour day. This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my experiences at the end of the day in Corniglia and Vernazza. Ride the little shuttle bus to the top of town, explore the tidy little square,...
Travel Talk Tuesday: Manarola- October 12, 2021
Recenly, I visited all five villages of the Cinque Terre, in one day. This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my experiences in Manarola. Come with me on a walk through town, the vineyards, and even a swim in the harbor. This being early...
Travel Talk Tuesday: October 5, 2021 – Cinque Terre COVID-19 Travel: Monterosso & Riomaggiore
In this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday, I’ll give you a video update on two of the five Cinque Terre villages. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, and the Cinque Terre has made adjustments too. It is still crowded, but with Italians and Europeans, not so many from the USA and Asia. Join me a new a refreshed look around the Cinque Terre. I’ll also explain the new measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 28, 2021 – Christmas Markets in Eastern Europe
In this episode, enjoy Eastern Europe during the Christmas season. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. But there is more to this tour than snow and markets! Enjoy visiting many destinations that, in the busy tourist season, are packed shoulder-to-shoulder with sweaty tourists. Traveling “off-season” means easy access to castles and sights in Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Prague, and Nuremberg. There has never been a better time to visit Europe’s winter wonderland destinations.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 21, 2021 – Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria
Christmas Markets in Europe abound during the first weeks of December. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs. Tonight, we will visit my favorite Christmas markets in Germany and Austria.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 14, 2021 – Dallas Travel & Adventure Show
#TravelTalkTuesday this week features my adventures at the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show this past weekend. I’ll chat with my fellow travelers and introduce you to some new friends. Did you know Turkish Airlines is a major air carrier from the USA to Europe? How about a new tour itinerary to Poland? I’ll chat with a representative of the Polish Tourist Board. Finally, we will take a look at some really cool travel products such as suitcases, bags, drink bottles, and more.
Travel Talk Tuesday: September 7, 2021 – Florence
On this episode of Travel Talk Tuesday, I’ll show you around Florence, Italy, and help you understand how they are emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic. I was in Florence last month, and oh my, how things have changed. No queues whatsoever at the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries. There were no crowds inside museums, although there was a long line to get into the Duomo and climb the Dome. If you’ve ever thought about traveling to Italy, now is the time to avoid crowds and enjoy the culture and ambiance.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 31, 2021 – Volterra – Vineyards, Wine and Great Dining
This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday will feature my past visits to Volterra and Western Tuscany. Tonight, we will visit the Etruscan Museum, Ristorante DelDuca, look around City Hall, and enjoy an evening of food and wine at my favorite bar, La Vene di Vino. If Italy is on your radar, now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 24, 2021 – Volterra Pandemic Recovery Report
This episode of Travel Talk Tuesday features my recent visit to Volterra and Western Tuscany. Enjoy a fresh look around the town and countryside. Volterra, and much of Italy, is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Here in the countryside, things seem almost back to normal. We’ll have a look at the recently renovated Basilica, enjoy a drink at my favorite bar, ake a stroll through town, and spend some time in the vineyards at Podere Marcampo. If Italy is on your radar, now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 17, 2021 – Rome, Classical and Baroque!
In this episode, I’ll walk you through the Roman Colosseum and Forum, and we’ll visit the Pantheon. Then, enjoy dinner at Ristorante Alfredo (home of Fetticcino Alfredo) and a look around Piazza Navona. I’ll also cook up some polpettine (meatballs) and spaghetti marinara. Finally, we will take a look at how Italy is doing emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Delta Variant.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 10, 2021 – Rome, Trastevere and Vatican City
This week on #TravelTalkTuesday I will talk about my recent visit to Rome. Now is the time to visit! No crowds, great food, al fresco dining, and friendly locals.
Travel Talk Tuesday: August 3, 2021 – Dublin, Ireland
This week on #TravelTalkTuesday we will visit Dublin, Ireland. Ireland has just opened its borders for tourism on July 19th, so I’ll be reporting on how it going, travel restrictions, music in pubs, and more.
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 27, 2021 – Santorini, Greece
This week on #TravelTalkTuesday we will visit Santorini, one of the most beautiful of the Greek islands. Join me as we visit the whitewashed town of Oia, take a plunge into the sea in the famous “black sand beach,” and sample some of the best food and wine around.
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 20, 2021 – Volterra, Italy
#TravelTalkTuesday tonight features Volterra, Italy, and the surrounding countryside. We’ll set up for a few days at Podere Marcampo, my favorite villa-agriturismo in the area. Volterra itself is a treasure, with not much tourist traffic, old cobbled streets, good dining, and fine wine!
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 13, 2021 – Robbery & Theft in Pisa
Robbery and Theft in Pisa.
Travel Talk Tuesday: July 6, 2021 – Hydra, Greece
#TravelTalkTuesday tonight features the island of Hydra, just a few hours from Athens by boat, but oh so far away from the big city life. It is no wonder that Athenians use this as their weekend get-a-way! We will explore the steep cobbled lanes, take a dip in the sea, have an al fresco seafood lunch, and take a walk along the coastline.
Travel Talk Tuesday: June 29, 2021 – The Acropolis of Athens
I’ve been to Athens many times, but this episode of #TravelTalkTuesday, I felt like a newbie. Greece has opened its borders for tourism and I’ve got 20 people with me on tour this week. Come along with me to explore the Acropolis, home to the ancient gods, temples, history, and culture.
Travel Talk Tuesday: June 22, 2021 – Visit Artemida, Greece
In this episode of #TravelTalkTuesday, we will take a look at how Greece is pulling out of the Pandemic. I’m in Artemide, a seaside village near Athens. Join me as I find out about its people, culture, and its cuisine.
Travel Talk Tuesday: June 8, 2021 – Rome’s Beach
After 18 months of pandemic shutdowns, I’m finally back in Europe! Join me in exploring Rome’s seaside neighborhood, know as the Lido di Ostia.
Travel Talk Tuesday: June 8, 2021 – The Cinque Terre
This episode features the Italy portion of my BEST OF THE MED TOUR. We’ll visit the Cinque Terre, often known as the Italian Riveria.
Travel Talk Tuesday: June 1, 2021 – Southern France
TravelTalkTuesday tonight features the France portion of my BEST OF THE MED TOUR. We’ll visit Carcassonne, Bonnieux, Arles, the Pont du Gard, Nice, and more.
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 25, 2021 – Barcelona- 1st Stop on David’s “Best of the Med” Tour
The Best of the Mediterranean is my tour route that weaves together three counties, five cultures, four languages, and some of the best scenery along the Mediterranean coast. You’ll begin with two action-packed days in Barcelona. Then, head to France to experience medieval castles, Roman ruins, and jet-setting adventures along the French Riviera. Cap off your tour with three relaxing days on the beautiful Italian Riviera.
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 18, 2021 – Scotland’s Highlands & Islands
In this episode, we’ll discover the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Visit the borough of Culross, see a sheepdog demonstration, cruise on Loch Ness, visit Culloden Battlefield, and experience the islands of Mull and Iona.
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 11, 2021 – Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
In this episode, we’ll discover the grandeur of Edinburgh, its Medieval Royal Mile, and the neo-classical Georgian new town. We’ll also talk about the cliff-hanging castle, the Edinburgh Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo.
Travel Talk Tuesday: May 4, 2021 – Greece Part 4 Hydra
Travel Talk Tuesday is recorded live every week at 7:30 pm ET. In this episode, we’ll take a look at Hydra, located in Agrosaronic Gulf. Hydra is my favorite island, so far. Its close proximity to Athen makes it a popular destination for day cruises. But all you have to do is get one block off the main square, and you’ll feel like a local. Beaches and swimming spots abound, there are no automobiles, donkey and foot traffic only! When I think of a Greek vacation, this is where I go!
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 27, 2021 – Greece Part 3 Post Pandemic Tourism Update
Travel Talk Tuesday is recorded live every week at 7:30 pm ET. In this episode, David McGuffin talks with Nikos Theodoris, a tour operator in Athen, about Greek Tourism, Athens, Nafplio, Skopelos, and Santorini.
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 20, 2021 – Greece Part 2
David features some of Greece’s most overlooked destinations. Most tourists visit Athens, cruise the Aegean, or visit one of the popular islands, but there is more to Greece than this! We’ll begin in Delphi, the site of the ancient oracle who dealt out advice to Greek rulers. Enjoy Olympia, this site of the first ancient Olympic Games. Then get off the beaten path on the remote Mani Penninsula with a visit to the seaside village ofKardamyli. We will conclude with Greece’s version of “Mont St. Michel” with a look at the humpbacked island of Monemvasia.
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 13, 2021 – Greece Part 1
In this episode, we’ll visit Athens, the Saronic Gulf Island of Hydra, Nafplio, and ancient Mycenae. Additionally, David shares his recipe for Tzatziki.
Travel Talk Tuesday: April 6, 2021 – The Best of Sicily
This episode provides a virtual journey around the island visiting my favorite destinations. We will visit all the main tourist sights but often it is the cultural experiences, small villages, and unique destinations that make the most vivid travel memories. I think I’ve come up with a balanced mix of both. Beginning in Palermo, you’ll experience a lively and vibrant city full of colorful characters, ancient churches, and bustling markets. Then we will get out of town visiting the ancient Greek sites of Segesta, Agrigento, and Syracuse. Along the way, you’ll experience the culture, cuisine, and sense of community only found in small villages and hilltowns. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy some free time on your own to make your own travel memories. Sicily will provide an intense dose of Italian culture supercharged with a Sicilian flair. – Your Adventure Starts Here!
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 30, 2021 – Italy Off the Beaten Path
David takes you on a journey to some of Italy’s out-of-the-way destinations. Yes, Venice, Florence, Rome, and The Cinque Terre are must-see destinations, but Italy has so much more to offer when you are out of the hustle and bustle of tourists, museums, and big cities.
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 23, 2021 – Southern Italy
Southern Italy is really off-the-beaten-path. A region that is still untouched by the tourist frenzy. This edition of Travel Talk Tuesday visits the Gargano Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea. In the Apulia and Basilicata regions, enjoy unique ancient dwellings, boat cruises, fortified castles, delightful dinners, and fine wine. Back across the boot, you’ll visit historical sites such as Paestum and Pompeii and then finish up on the amazing Amalfi Coast for some fun in the sun.
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 16, 2021 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
No one does St. Paddy’s Day better than those living in Ireland! Forget about dying rivers green, corn beef and cabbage, and men in kilts. Tonight, join David and friends as they explore Ireland in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Filmed several years ago, this episode chronicles the experiences of several Marching Bands as they experience Ireland and march in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 9, 2021 – The McGuffin Tour Experience in Ireland
To truly understand a David McGuffin tour, you have to see it to believe it. Tonight we will document the journey of four travelers on David’s “Taste of Ireland” tour. Filmed on location in Ireland, we hope it will give you a sample of just what to expect on a David McGuffin tour to Europe.
Travel Talk Tuesday: March 2, 2021 – The Cinque Terre
David explores the Cinque Terre, a delightful collection of five little villages spilling from the mountains into the sea. Traveling to and from the “five villages” in the region is easy by train, boat, or foot. The National Park is loaded with scenic trails providing endless opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors. Stake your claim on one of the many beaches to catch some sun. Each village has its own character, decor, and ambiance as well as plenty of shopping and dining options.
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 23, 2021 – Milan, Italy
Milan has been an important trading center since it was founded by the Romans in 222 BC. Home of the Design Museum, all the major design showrooms, an endless cycle of trade fairs, and some of Italy’s most famous fashion houses, Milan is a bustling city brimming with ambition and energy. There are a few worthwhile sights for tourists, as well. The massive Duomo, La Scala Opera Theatre, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are all worth a look. Then there is DaVinci’s “Last Supper” fresco, painted directly on the dining hall wall of a convent in 1495.
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 16, 2021 – Lake Como & Bellagio
#TravelTalkTuesday on 2/16/2021 featured #LakeComo, #Bellagio, and David’s recipes for #Risotto Milanese. Watch the full edited episode here. #YourAdventureStartsHere!#TravelTalkTuesday on 2/16/2021 featured #LakeComo, #Bellagio, and David’s recipes for #Risotto Milanese. Watch the full edited episode here. #YourAdventureStartsHere!
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 9, 2021 – David Explores Venice
This week learn about Venice, the floating city in Northern Italy. Visit the essential sights such as Piazza San Marco, The Doges Palace, and Rialto Bridge. David also shares his recipe for bruschetta and spaghetti alle vongole.
Travel Talk Tuesday: February 2, 2021 – David Explores Florence
Each week, David McGuffin broadcasts #TravelTalkTuesday. This edition features his insights on Florence, Italy, and his recipe and cooking demonstration of handmade pizza.
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 26, 2021 – David Explores Rome
#TravelTalkTuesday this week features my insights from the Eternal city, #Rome. I first arrived there in 1977 as a 20-year-old travel-rookie. It was 20 years before I returned as a teacher with my students. I’ve been going back every year until the pandemic hit in 2020!
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 19, 2021 – Virtual Wine Tasting – Marcampo Winery – Tuscany (Part 2)
David and friends participate in an in-person tasting featuring wines from Podere Marcampo. Claudia Del Duca, owner and vintner of Podere Marcampo, “zooms” in to guide the tasting.
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 12, 2021 – Virtual Wine Tasting – Marcampo Winery – Tuscany (Part 1)
David McGuffin visits with Podere Marcampo owner and vintner, Claudia Del Duca, who gives a virtual tour of their property located in Western Tuscany. This is the first of two videos featuring the wines of Podere Marcampo.
Travel Talk Tuesday: January 5, 2021 – The Tuscan Villa Experience
Join a small group of 8-15 people in Italy for a fantastic holiday in Tuscany. We will set up for seven nights at the modern 21st-century agriturismo resort near Volterra, Italy. This wonderful agriturismo “villa” comes complete with all the “perks” such as modern rooms, WIFI, air conditioning, plasma TV, and a private pool. This all sits smack-dab in the middle of a hilltop vineyard with broad sweeping vistas of the Tuscan countryside.
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 29, 2020 – North Wales
Wales is a member of the United Kingdom. In the north, massive Mount Snowden dominates the landscape for miles in every direction. Scatter around are medieval castles, quaint villages, beautiful gardens, and steam locomotives. Tonight, David will piece together a video montage of his favorite destinations in North Wales.
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 22, 2020 – Christmas Markets in Europe
Christmas Markets in Europe abound during the first weeks of December. These outdoor markets feature unique decorations, beautifully handcrafted arts, and endless opportunities to sample some great food and countless varieties of glüwein, punch, and spiced drinks, served piping hot in souvenir mugs.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 has shut down many of these traditional markets for 2020. This is a recording of David’s Travel Talk Tuesday chat with friends from around Europe.
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 15, 2020 – Northern Ireland
David chats with Suzie Millar, a local tour guide from Belfast about the troubles, the titanic, and the beautiful North Atlantic coastal area.
Travel Talk Tuesday: December 8, 2020 – Volterra, Tuscany off the Beaten Path
David chats with Annie and Francesco, local guides for Volterra, about the city’s history, the newly discovered Colosseum, Brunello wine, Christmas traditions, and coping with COVID-19.
VIRTUAL TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW
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...
October 2020 Travel News
Are you itching to travel in 2021? I am too! We've rolled out all twenty of our tours visiting 13 countries in Europe, hoping this pandemic will be in the rearview mirror by Spring 2021. I've participated in more than my fair share of tourism-focused zoom calls and...
Dublin Dining Recommendations
I've visited Dublin many times, in fact all my tours to Ireland begin and end in Dublin City. When I'm leading a tour, I usually arrive a day or two before the group tour, and have a few days to do some exploring on my own to discover new places to eat, see, and...
David McGuffin Explores Volterra!
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...
August 2020 Tour & Travel News
The Pandemic and Exploring Europe Here it is mid-August, and I've not left the USA in eight months! For many, that is not uncommon, but Europe is my office, my job, and my livelihood. This Pandemic has affected everyone in the world in one way or another, but the...
A Walk around Trastevere
October 4 - A walk around Trastevere - Earlier today, I took the Frecciarossa, the fast train, down from Milano to Rome. From Termini Station, I took a taxi to my B&B in the neighborhood of Trastevere. Le Clarisse e Trastevereis located just off the main drag...
Getting Back At It…An Update from David and Exploring Europe
You have not heard from me for a while, but I wanted to write and let you know all is well with me, my family, and Exploring Europe. The last five months have been challenging for me personally and for Exploring Europe. All was going well until March 10, 2020. That...
David McGuffin Explores Rome!
Piazza Navona 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...
Pizza Perfect!
Recently, I blogged about "pizza done right" and realized I did not have many photos of a pie. Thanks to a few recent tour members, I'll share some here. Phil Waltrip Marsha Cook Phil WaltripMercato Centrale Roma Phil and Genny Waltrip traveled on our Best of Italy...
Pizza Done Right!
The Coronavirus lockdown has disrupted the "normal" routine all over the world. Here at home, in Middleburg, Florida, Charlotte and I are spending much of our time keeping to ourselves, working on previously ignored projects around the house, and occasionally running...
THE CONCLUSION: Living with COVID-19 & No Travel to Boot!
Read Episode 1 here. Charlotte's Coronavirus Test Charlotte was sick with a fever, chills, and a cough over the weekend. I was 4-5 days into my symptoms. In retrospect, Charlotte was probably two days into the Coronavirus by Friday. It is funny how you remember small,...
Living with COVID-19 & No Travel to Boot!
How it all began For some years now we have been promoting and selling our tours at travel shows. Typically, we spend our weekends in January, February, and March in our booth and in front of our display talking about our tours with thousands of people. These folks...
COVID-19 Coronavirus Updates
March 16, 2020 - The COVID-19 Coronavirus has spread across the globe faster and wider than expected. Now with Europe and the United States almost on total lockdown, it is uncertain when life will get back to normal. Regardless of all the "news" erupting from our...
Upcoming travel shows, Scotland tour
Upcoming travel shows in Denver and Atlanta If you or someone you know lives in one of these cities, come visit with us and be our VIP guest! Follow the links below to get your tickets on us. Denver Travel and Adventure Show When: February 22 (10am–5pm) and...
Paris – A few reason why it is my most favorite city.
[metaslider id="82019"] Paris is my most favorite city in Europe. Grand boulevards, boutiques and outdoor cafés, lavish monuments, essential museums and, of course, romance. The home of the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, and Quasimodo's cathedral, Paris is a destination...
Romantic European Get-Aways
Paris, Rome, Venice, Salzburg, and Tuscany are some of the most romantic destinations in Europe! What's not to LOVE about these cities... good food, fine wine, enticing rivers, evocative museums, enchanting gardens, all laced in a rich history and dripping with...
Last chance to win a trip to Europe, plus February travel shows and custom tours
Last call for scrapbook entries This is the last week to enter our virtual scrapbook contest. First place wins a seat on any 2020 Exploring Europe tour. Second and third places win gift certificates to put towards travel. Head over to our website to see the rules and...
Boston Travel Show This Weekend
If you live in Boston, come meet David this weekend and be our VIP guest at the Boston Travel and Adventure Show! You can see cultural performances, meet your favorite travel celebrities and explore the world under one roof. As our guest, admission to the show...
Upcoming Travel Shows
Happy New Year! 2020 Travel Shows We’re kicking off 2020 with travel shows in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Dallas. If you or someone you know lives in one of these cities, come visit with us and be our VIP guest! You can see...
New Christmas Markets Tour
Christmas Markets of Eastern Europe Our Christmas markets tour to Germany and Austria has been a hit. So, in 2020, we’ll be adding a new Christmas markets tour visiting five Eastern European countries. You’ll have a chance to explore Christmas markets, sample local...
Christkindl Markt – München
14 December 2019 From the Munich Airport, it is a 50 minute S-Bahn (local train) ride into Munich (München) historic town center. The main square, Marienplatz, is alive with activity at any time of the year, but at Christmas, it is festive and filled with the...
Munich Airport Center Christmas Market
The Munich Airport's (MUC) Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are linked by a big outdoor covered square, which during December, is turned into a traditional Christmas Market. "Christmas" in German is Weihnachts and market is markt. This adds an extra layer of festive fun to...
Christmas Markets in Germany & Austria
13 December 2019 We arrived at the MUC Munich Airport this morning, and by 8:00, we were through passport contral and customs. Charlotte and I are here to lead tours visiting the Christmas Markets in Salzburg, Nürnberg, Rothenburg, and Munich. After checking into...
Exploring Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the second-largest city in Scotland, is its historic and cultural capital. Just a glance at the castle on the hill will tell you that this has always been an important city. Centuries after that castle was built, the English moved in and constructed a...
Exploring Florence
A Brief History of Florence The powerful Medici family ruled Florence for most of the 15th century. It was through their patronage that the great artists of the Renaissance literally chiseled themselves from the constraints of the Middle Ages into a new artistic...
New tour to Scotland, plus deadline to submit calendar photos
Scotland and the Military Tattoo Enjoy traditional music, great food and fantastic scenery on our newest tour to Scotland. This tour has something for everyone: history, music, whiskey, religion, and mysterious creatures. Castles: Edinburgh, Stirling, Blair and...
Roman Amphitheater Unearthed in Volterra
September 20, 2019- Today, I visited a previously undiscovered Roman-era amphitheater discovered just inside the ancient Etruscan city walls of Volterra. No one quite understands why there was no historical account of its existence, but apparently it is for real....
Spotlight on Volterra
Check out David's awesome pictures from the Best of Italy and Essence of Italy tours on the Exploring Europe Facebook page and on Instagram. Keep reading to find out more about our third destination. Volterra Volterra is my favorite Tuscan hill town and the perfect...
Exploring Volterra
Volterra's History Volterra has been around a long time. The first evidence of a settlement in the area was during the Neolithic Age when settlers moved from “low ground” to the more defensible “high ground” of Volterra. The town sits on a hill about 540 meters above...
Introducing the 2020 Tour Lineup
Our 2020 tour lineup is out, with 17 itineraries visiting 18 countries in Europe. Our tours feature all-inclusive prices, capital cities and small villages, all the big tourist sights, and some off-the-beaten-path destinations too. [metaslider id="68609"] To...
Spotlight on the Cinque Terre
Check out David's awesome pictures from the Best of Italy and Essence of Italy tours on the Exploring Europe Facebook page and on Instagram. Keep reading to find out more about our second destination. The Cinque Terre The rugged coastline of Liguria is peppered with...
Exploring the Cinque Terre
What to Do in the Cinque Terre The Cinque Terre—or “five lands”—is a loose-knit group of villages on Italy’s northern Ligurian Sea. Swimming Every town, except Corniglia, has a rocky beach with access to the cool water of the Ligurian Sea. Monterosso al Mare is the...
Introducing the 2019 Tour Lineup
Our 2019 tour lineup is out, featuring updated itineraries for Ireland and the return of our tours to France and Spain! See an overview of all 2019 tours here, with a helpful chart to compare prices, dates and duration. Spotlight on Tours Visiting Italy You’ve decided...
Spotlight on Rome
David is currently trekking through Italy on the Best of Italy and Essence of Italy tours. Follow him on his adventure and check out his awesome pictures on the Exploring Europe Facebook page. Keep reading to find out more about our first destination. Rome...
Rome: Vatican City
Vatican City David shares his tips on what to see when touring the Vatican. The Grounds The gardens on the Vatican grounds make up half of the 44 hectares of Vatican City and can be seen from the western side of the museum. On the grounds you will see lawns, woods,...
Rome’s Baroque City Center
Rome: Baroque City Center Explore some of the sites in Rome’s Baroque city center. Piazza Venezia This busy piazza in the center of Rome is lined with several palaces, the most important being the Palazzo Venezia. It was constructed by Pope Paul II (1464-71) and is...
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome Read about some of David’s favorite sites dating back to ancient Rome. The Colosseum This massive arena is the first image that comes to mind when I think of Rome. Constructed by the Emperor Vespasian (the first of several “Flavian” emperors) it was...
42 Years and I still love ROME
I visited Rome for the first time in May 1977 while on a choral concert tour with my college choir. That trip, and that choir, left a lasting impression on me and played an important role in the direction and professional choices I've made for my life. That...
More bang for your buck on our tours
Our website says: “We believe you can do, see and experience more on a group tour than if you tried to pull it all together yourself. Think about the time, money, stress and effort you’d invest in pulling off a two-week tour to Europe. Then consider that we do it all...
Discounts on our most popular tours to Italy
We are offering discounts on our most popular Italy tours. See our tour comparison chart here and read the descriptions below to find out which tour is best for you. Then head over to our website to sign up today. Best of Italy: This tour has it all, with an...
Should I Purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance?
Updated: March 7, 2025 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...
Honoring Notre Dame
Notre Dame 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...
Honoring Notre Dame
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....
Dallas Travel Show This Weekend
Dallas Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the annual Dallas Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND, March 30–31, at the Dallas Market Hall—and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to give away!...
DC Travel Show This Weekend, Plus Discounted Ireland Tour
Washington, D.C. Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the annual Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND, March 16–17, at the Washington Convention Center—and we have 150...
Philadelphia Travel Show This Weekend
Philadelphia Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the annual Philadelphia Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND, March 9–10, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center—and we have 150 FREE...
Denver Travel Show This Weekend
Denver Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the annual Denver Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND, February 23-24, at the Colorado Convention Center – and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to...
Boston Travel Show This Weekend, Plus Save on our new Ireland Tour
Boston Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the first annual Boston Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND, February 9-10, at the Hynes Convention Center – and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to...
Upcoming Travel Shows, Discounted Tours and a Chance to Win a Free Trip to Europe!
Upcoming Travel Shows Over the next few weeks, we will be traveling the country to promote our tours. If you live in one of these cities, or know someone who does, come visit with us and be our VIP guest! Admission to the show is free of charge. Just follow the links...
Edinburgh
Edinburgh I've been visiting Scotland for almost twenty years. Much of that has been while leading my groups around on guided tours, but some of the best times have been those when I was wandering alone or exploring with my wife. I've always had a soft spot in my...
Chicago Travel Show This Weekend
Chicago Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center – and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to give away!...
Christmas Markets Tour 2019
Christmas Markets 2019 Are you feeling the stress of that last-minute shopping and wishing you could just get away? Why not join us next year on our Christmas Markets Tour! Travel through a European winter wonderland and get all your holiday shopping done at the...
Reminder: Discounted Christmas Markets Tour, Plus More Ways to Save
Christmas Markets Tour This December, explore Germany and Austria in the offseason, avoid the crowds and enjoy the magic of snow-covered landscapes and bright Christmas markets. Sign up by October 1 to receive a $100 discount on the tour, plus single travelers will...
There’s still time to sign up for the Christmas Markets Tour
Christmas Markets Tour Flights are selling at record low prices from the USA to Munich for the first week of December. These roundtrip fares to Munich are selling, right now, from $505. Check out the price on: Rome2Rio, Orbitz or at your favorite air carrier’s...
Discounted Tour to Italy, Plus Chances to Win Discounted and Free Travel
Best of Italy, October 14-27 Take $500 off when you sign up now. Visit the essential tourist sites and classic destinations in Rome and Florence, take in the Mediterranean coast and experience a classic hilltown. Then head to Venice and Lake Como, and cap off your...
Wines of Tuscany: White Wine
Wines of Tuscany: White Wine To cap off my blog series about the wines of Tuscany, let’s talk about the white wine choices. Tuscany is most famous for its red wine, but there are a few whites that stand out as well. Many people think that all Italians drink only red...
Strictly Small Groups – August 2018 Policy Change
Strictly Small Groups with David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe Tours I am making a change to my small-group policy to better serve you. The State of Tourism in Europe During the last eight months, I’ve traveled all over Europe to both small, out-of-the-way destinations...
Cheap Flights to Germany in December and a Christmas Bonus from David
Christmas Markets Tour Flights are selling at record low prices from the USA to Munich for the first week of December. These roundtrip fares to Munich are selling, right now, from $645. Check out the price on: Rome2Rio, Orbitz or at your favorite air carrier’s...
Wines of Tuscany: Super Tuscans
Super Tuscans Super Tuscan… what is that supposed to mean? A new super hero, a WWF wrestler or a very hot Italian super model? Well, in the world of wine, Super Tuscan could mean all of the above. Simply put, Super Tuscan is a purely concocted term referring to red...
Big discounts on 2018 tours!
Big Savings on Upcoming Tours If your schedule is flexible, join us on an upcoming tour and take advantage of big savings. TASTE O'IRELAND, August 19-28 $500 discount - 4 seats remaining THE BEST OF SCOTLAND & WALES, Sept 4-13 $400 discount - 4 seats remaining...
Eating Out in Paris
There are at least 40,000 restaurants in Paris! So says the BBC in a 2016 report. For me, that's about 39,950 chances to go wrong when eating out in Paris. I've been visiting Paris for decades and have made my fair share of mistakes. In fact, I made a poor choice...
Wines of Tuscany: Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino Of all the DOCG wines produced in Tuscany, my favorite is Brunello di Montalcino. Like the other Tuscan wines I’ve discussed in previous articles, this too is Sangiovese-based and produced under strict local and state regulations. The town of...
Wines of Tuscany: Nobile di Montepulciano
Nobile di Montepulciano Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Tuscany’s oldest and most renowned wines. It is made from Sangiovese grapes grown around the town of Montepulciano in Southeastern Tuscany. Locally, the Sangiovese grape is known as Prugnolo Gentile, but it...
Wines of Tuscany: Chianti
Chianti A few decades ago, Chianti was the most recognizable Italian red wine in the United States. When I was young, I recall visiting Italian restaurants decorated with red-checkered tablecloths and pear-shaped, straw-covered wine bottles holding half-burnt candles....
Wines of Tuscany
Wines of Tuscany Italy is synonymous with its amazing food and wines, and Tuscany is the heart and soul of Italian gastronomy. Nothing compares to savoring fresh pasta and sipping local wine on a piazza as you watch the people go by. Eating (and drinking) well is a...
New Tours in 2019
2019 Tours We are working on our 2019 tour line-up and already have many trips available for you to sign up. Join us on a European adventure and you could cruise Venice in a gondola, savor la dolce vita in Tuscany, climb the Eiffel Tower, hike the Alps in Switzerland,...
Denver Travel Show This Weekend
Denver Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the Denver Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND at the Colorado Convention Center – and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to give away! Simply follow...
Dallas Travel Show This Weekend
Dallas Travel Show This Weekend Looking for some weekend plans? David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe will be participating in the Dallas Travel & Adventure Show THIS WEEKEND at the Dallas Market Center – and we have 150 FREE TICKETS to give away! Simply follow...
Scrapbook Winners, Plus Big Savings on Last-Minute Travel
Congratulations to Our Tour Scrapbook Contest Winners! Congratulations to our 2017 Digital Tour Scrapbook winners, and thanks to all who submitted an entry. This contest was designed to showcase our tours to Europe from a tour member’s perspective. I hope it gives...
Last Call to Enter the Scrapbook Contest, Plus Best Driving Tours of Europe
Last Chance to Win a Free Trip to Europe There’s just over a week left to enter the virtual scrapbook contest, where you could win a free seat on any 2018 David McGuffin tour. Making a website is easier than you might think, so dust off those digital photos and travel...
Come Visit Us at a Travel Show in the USA
During the next nine weeks we will be crisscrossing the USA taking our Exploring Europe show on the road. In our ongoing effort to expand nationally, we join the Travel and Adventure Show network to talk about and showcase our tours to Europe. This is your SPECIAL...
There’s Still Time to See Bocelli Live in Tuscany
If you missed the December 31 deadline, there’s good news! David has acquired 6 more tickets to see Andrea Bocelli live in concert at his hometown in Tuscany. Be sure to sign up before January 31. More information here. [divider scroll_text=""] 2018...
Free and Discounted Tours for Alumni
Did You Know? David offers lots of discount opportunities to tour alumni through various competitions and just for traveling with him. You could even win a free trip! Here are some of the ways to take advantage of your former Exploring Europe experiences to make new...
Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria
Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, follow David on Facebook next week as he heads back to Europe for nine days filled with holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for live videos of Christmas markets and festive revelry!...
58 Days of Exploring Europe
David and Charlotte are wrapping up 58 days on the road: five tours across eight countries! Check out this three-minute video on Facebook to see some of the beautiful places they’ve visited, featured in the Best of Italy Tour, the Best of Germany-Austria-Switzerland,...
Deadlines approaching: Last chance to save/win $100
Take advantage of our $100 early-bird discount when you sign up for a 2018 tour before October 1. Head over to davidmcguffin.com and check out some of our newest tours, including The Best of the Med, The Best of Greece and The Best of Eastern Europe. Calendar photo...
The Best of Eastern Europe
I would like to thank you all for your concern as Hurricane Irma passed over Florida. Charlotte and I were in Italy and our family is safe. If you are dealing with the effects of the storm, please know that you and the rest of our fellow travelers from the Southeast...
Check out our two newest tours
We’ve added two more tours to our 2018 line-up! See below for details on The Best of the Med and The Best of Greece. We’ve also extended our $100 early-bird discount through October 1. New tours are still being added, so keep checking davidmcguffin.com. Keep an eye...
New Tour: Best of Southern Italy, plus win a free trip to Europe
We have been working hard on our 2018 tour lineup, and we are pleased to unveil our newest tour! Best of Southern Italy This tour takes you to many off-the-beaten-path regions and some of the largest southern cities. You’ll fly into Rome then travel across the country...
2018 Tours on Sale
If you’ve poked around davidmcguffin.com recently, you may have discovered we’ve been sneaking around adding new tour destinations and departures for 2018. At the moment you’ll find our popular Ireland and Italy tours are all spruced up and ready to go. In the coming...
How the Weak Dollar Impacts Your Travel and What to do about it
The Dollar is Sinking The U.S. Dollar has fallen to a six-month low against the Euro and is projected to continue to sink. Financial experts are concerned that President Trump and his administration, which has bounced from one crisis to another over the past three...
David Talks Terrorism and Travel
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...
Tour with Us This Fall
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...
Three Times the Adventure with our Multi-Country Tours
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...
David’s Blog: Exploring Europe by River, Plus Discounts on Christmas 2017
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...
Congratulations! 2017 Calendar Photo Submissions
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 ...
Discounts on April Tours to Italy, Plus Upcoming Travel Shows
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...
Viking River Cruise… who me? Final Episode
Viking River Cruise... who me? Final Episode Apples and Oranges It is not possible to fairly compare a European river cruise with a European land tour. The two offer totally different travel experiences and as a friend says, it is like comparing apples and oranges......
Viking River Cruise… who me? Episode 2
An Authentic Austrian Dinner This was the appetizers we found on our tables at dinner last night. I was so happy to see local meats and cheeses that I forget to take photos of the rest of the meal... ha! Last night we had an authentic Austria dinner! It featured all...
Viking River Cruise… Who me? Episode 1
Viking River Cruise... Who me? Episode 1 The Stateroom There are many benefits associated with this Viking River cruise, but perhaps the best is the opportunity to unpack once for a seven-day tour. Our stateroom more than meets our needs with plenty of sleeping,...
Tipping In Europe
In the United States, we’ve been raised on a tradition of tipping cabbies, hotel staff, bartenders, waiters and a variety of other service-oriented personnel. Consequently, for Americans it seems normal to provide a tip or gratuity for good service. When...
Dynamic Currency Conversion… Just Say No!
Dynamic Currency Conversion… Just Say No! Have you ever been asked “Would you like that in dollars or euros?” Or perhaps a “yes” or “no” box pops up on the point of sale machine asking if you would like to choose your home currency. This is called Dynamic...
Chip and Pin Credit Cards
Chip and Pin Credit Cards The USA has long been a worldwide holdout on buying into the Chip and Pin technology. I subscribe to International Travel News, a longtime publication for savvy international travelers, and Chip and Pin cards have been a hot topic of...
Paper or Plastic… Spending Money in Europe
Paper or Plastic… Spending Money in Europe Europeans tend to use cash for their day-to-day spending much more than the run-of-the-mill American does. In fact, most Europeans carry lots of cash in their pockets on a daily basis. When it comes to paying for dinner,...
Show Me The Money – How to get local CASH for your trip abroad
Show Me The Money – How to get local CASH for your trip abroad. In the USA, I think nothing of going into a convenience store, picking up a soda and a snack and paying the $5 bill with my debit card. In fact, I seldom use CASH to pay for anything in the USA. ...
Check out our 2017 Tours, with lots of ways to save
Save Now on 2017 Tours Our 2017 tour line-up is available now! Book your tour by December 1st and save $100. Join us on one of our favorite tours to Ireland and Italy or try something new. Revel in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Dublin, relax at a Tuscan villa,...
Toilets and Tubs and Bidets, Oh My!
Get the Lowdown on Bathrooms in Europe When traveling for the first time, the cultural differences can catch you off guard. If you’ve done your research, you’ve probably heard of the big ones, like differences in tipping customs, for example. But the little things...
The Road Less-Traveled
Take the small roads for a local experience It’s great to see the famous sights and big cities when traveling, but the real memories are made in off-the-beaten-path adventures where you get to slow down and experience the country, not just watch it fly by through a...
100 Days in Europe Days 68-79: Italy, UK, Ireland, Croatia
Day 68 Alpe di Siusi The Alpe di Siusi is the largest alpine meadow in Europe. Located in the Dolomite Mountains, it is also known by the German name, Seiser Alm. This beautiful alpine meadow is in use year-round for biking, hiking and skiing. Click the picture to...
100 Days in Europe Days 61-67: Italy
Day 61 Volterra Volterra is my favorite Tuscan hill-town. Its cute, cobbled streets, medieval ambiance, old town hall, good food and great wine, will tug at your heart and make you want to stay for an extra day...or week! Click the picture to watch the video. [divider...
HOW TO PLUG-IN WITHOUT A MELTDOWN: ELECTRICAL ADAPTERS & CONVERTERS
Edited: September 2022 When traveling outside the United States it is very likely you’ll encounter different electrical plugs, outlets, and voltages than here at home. That’s because most of the world uses an electrical system that requires twice as much voltage as we...
100 Days in Europe Days 56-60: The Cinque Terre
Day 56 The Capuchin Monastery The Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination in Italy. If you like the beach, seaside, mountains and hiking, then this is an ideal place to visit. The villages are very crowded, especially in the summer tourist season. Often the...
Join us in Europe this Year
New Tour: London and Paris City Tour Experience two of Europe’s most famous capitals this fall. Your adventure starts in London, home to the kings and queens of England since 1066. Then you’ll hop across the English Channel to visit Paris, City of Lights, City of...
ROME’S COLOSSEUM GETS A COLOSSAL CLEANING
Construction on the Colosseum began in 70 A.D. and it took only ten years to completely finish the building project. It has held up pretty well over the last 2,000 years! With the fall of Rome, the Colosseum fell into disrepair and stood there derelict through the...
100 Days in Europe Days 49-55: Santorini to Rome
Day 49 Santorini Sunset The Greek island of Santorini is known for its fantastic views at sunset. The town of Oia is the best location because of its unobstructed views to the west. I was fortunate to have two beautiful days on the island to experience these brilliant...
Travel Agents: The Good, The Bad, and the “Studly”
Everybody goes on vacation from time to time. For some it is the payoff for a year of toil. For others, it is an adventure that was years in the making. Whether you are looking to let off a little steam or you are an adrenaline junkie...
100 Days in Europe Days 42-48: Greece
Day 42 Delphi About 2500 years ago, kings and other important people traveled to this remote area to have their "fortune" told by an oracle who was induced into a trance by the locale. Delphi is a great way to begin a trip to Greece... off-the-beaten-path, historic...
Introducing Our New Tour to Italy
New Italy Tour: Italy off the Beaten Path Join us on this brand new tour and take advantage of the special introductory price. If you want to experience Italy without the crowds, museums and tour buses, this is the tour for you. I’ve designed this tour especially for...
100 Days in Europe Days 33-41: Ireland
Day 33 The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge stretches across to a small island on the very northern tip of Ireland. It was used in years past by salmon fishermen to reach this strategic location where the fish rounded this point on their...
100 Days in Europe Days 26-32: Milan to Ireland
Day 26 The Duomo of Milan This massive church is the fourth largest in Europe (after St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London and the Cathedral of Sevilla). Construction began in 1386 and the final stones were laid in 1805... almost 5 centuries later! [gallery...
100 Days in Europe Days 19-25: Siena to Milan
Day 19 The Duomo of Siena It was an enlightening experience to visit the interior of Siena's Cathedral. Colorful mosaic floors, frescoes, stained glass and world-class sculptures abound. [divider...
100 Days in Europe Days 13-18: Rome to Siena
Day 13 Church of Santa Maria del Popolo Most tourists miss this church. Next time you are around, pop in to see some fantastic sculptures and paintings. You'll find works here by Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio (all "in situ"). The Cerasi Chapel displays Caravaggio's...
100 Days in Europe Days 9-12: Rome
Day 9 I've headed back to Rome for the first time this year. The non-event here is that Joe Biden is in town. I only heard about it from the American news channels and the Romans don't seem to care. The Piazza del Popolo is just inside the ancient northern gate to...
Gearing up for Summer
100 Days of Travels in Europe Today marks Day 9 of 100 days of leading tours and researching new destinations. I’ll be posting on Facebook and blogging on my website every day. I hope you’ll follow along and participate in my adventures! You can get started by...
100 Days in Europe 8/100: The Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge” spans the Arno River in Florence, Italy. There has been a bridge here since Roman times. It has been destroyed several times by floods (1117 and 1333) but always rebuilt. The bridge we see today is the work of Giorgio Vasari, a...
100 Days in Europe 6/100: Ristorante Casa Gala
CASA GALA – Montecatini Alto It is amazing what a chef can do with simple food, especially when there are fantastic ingredients. Recently, I visited Montecatini Alto, a small hilltown outside of Florence. I decided to have lunch at a little outdoor café known as...
100 Days in Europe 5/100: Montecatini Alto
Montacatini Terme is a spa town located between Florence and Pisa. For many, it provides more affordable hotel alternatives than staying in Florence. Today, I explored the town and then took the finuculare up to the charming village in the mountains know as...
100 Days in Europe 4/100: Marcampo Agriturismo
Agriturismo MARCAMPO Volterra is my favorite hilltown in Tuscany. Years ago, arrived in town for the first time, met new friends in the local bar and have been coming back ever since. One of those friends was Genuino who owned a restaurant and wine bar in town. ...
100 Days in Europe 3/100 Truffle Hunting
Today, I joined my friends Moreno and Manuelle for another trek in the woods, this time in search of truffles. A truffle is the fruit of a subterranean fungus and is a species of the genus known as “tuber.” Many of the species are highly prized for gourmet cooking,...
100 Days in Europe 2/100 A Walk in the Woods
2/100 Days in Europe Le Marche region of Italy I try to put in 5 miles a day (not counting walking on tours) for jogging/walking exercise. This seems almost like a chore at home, but when in Europe it gives me a chance to explore new areas from a different...
Kicking off 100 days of travels in Europe
I arrived in Europe early this morning to begin 100+ days of leading tours and researching new destinations. I hope you’ll follow my adventures in Europe! I’ll be posting on Facebook, and blogging here on my website, everyday for at least the next 100 days and I hope...
We’re Kicking off our 2016 Tour Season!
Kicking off 2016 with St. Paddy’s Day in Ireland We’re kicking off our 2016 tour season with three tours in Ireland. We’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with all the local flair. Then we’re off to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Follow along on Facebook and...
Congratulations to our Tour Scrapbook Contest Winners
Congratulations to our 2015 Digital Tour Scrapbook winners and thanks to all who submitted an entry. This contest was designed to showcase our tours to Europe from a tour member's perspective. I hope it gives those thinking about taking a David McGuffin tour a...
Plan the Tour of your Dreams
You Dream it, We’ll Plan it Exploring Europe offers a variety of destinations and tours, but if you have somewhere special in mind, we can help you plan a private tour for your friends and family. No group is too small or too large, and we offer a variety of services...
Private and Custom-Designed Tour Testimonial – Ireland and Wales with David McGuffin
Ireland and Wales with David McGuffin Nine months in advance, my husband, Gary, and I (ages 70-plus) and our daughter and her spouse began planning a trip to Ireland. After much searching for tours and being frustrated with scheduling problems, we contacted David...
Scrapbook Deadline Today
Online Tour Album Scrapbook Contest Deadline Today All entries for the online tour album scrapbook contest must be received by 11:59 P.M. EST today. Click the link to submit your website. Your Adventure Starts Here!...
Promoting our Tours
Travel Shows across the USA Over the next six weeks, 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. Now, we are trying to expand nationally in...
Scrapbook Deadline Approaching and Spotlight on: Commemorating WWII
Online Tour Album Scrapbook Contest Deadline Approaching There is less than a month left to enter David’s online tour album scrapbook contest for a chance to win a free trip to Europe. First Place: A free seat on any Exploring Europe tour departing in...
Congratulations! 2016 Calendar Photo Submissions
Thanks to all tour alumni who submitted a photo for my 2016 Exploring Europe Calendar. All winners will receive a $100 discount on a David McGuffin tour taken before June 2017. Here are this year's winning entries. David Terrones - Salzburg ...
Last chance to save! Featured: The Best of Ireland, Scotland and Wales
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 Last Chance to Save $100 There are still two days to take advantage of the $100 discount when you sign up for a 2016 tour. Check out the new line-up here and sign up before November 15. [divider scroll_text=""] The Exploring Europe YouTube...
Check out the 2016 tour line-up
NOVEMBER 1, 2015 Save $100 when you book a 2016 tour by November 15 There are a lot of great tours available in 2016, like the Essence of France Tour. The art, the history, the food! On the Essence of France tour you’ll have plenty of time to explore the great sights...
What to do on long layover in New York City
I’ve struck off on my penultimate flight to Europe for the year. I’ve decided to put myself on some kind of regimented exercise plan to counteract all the fine dining I offer on my tours, ha! So to get things started on the right foot I planned a layover in New York...
Take $100 off any 2016 Tour
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 Start planning next year’s European vacation today Our 2016 line-up is now online and we have a few new destinations to offer alongside our favorites in Italy and Ireland. Explore the beautiful castles of the Loire Valley in France on the...
Discounts on all Remaining 2015 Tours
AUGUST 28, 2015 Discounts on all Remaining 2015 Tours As we gear up for the exciting new lineup of tours in 2016, this year’s remaining tours have been discounted. Here is your chance to visit Ireland or Italy, or join the Christmas Markets Tour in Germany and...
“David McGuffin Explores” Video Series – Spotlight on Italy
“David McGuffin Explores” Video Series - Spotlight on Italy Italy has it all: good wine, great food, generous hospitality, mountains and beaches, small towns and big cities. Join David on a virtual tour of one of his most popular destinations in a six-part video...
Christmas Markets Tour
AUGUST 21, 2015 Christmas Markets Tour Have you started planning your Christmas vacation? Why not join David on his Christmas Markets tour! This tour centers on outdoor Christmas markets in Austria and Germany. You will also visit many tourist destinations, and...
Free and Discounted Tours for Tour Alumni
JULY 10, 2015 Did You Know? David offers lots of discount opportunities to tour alumni through various competitions and just for traveling with him. You could even win a free trip! Here are some of the ways to take advantage of your former Exploring Europe...
David McGuffin Explores – video series
Italy has it all: good wine, great food, generous hospitality, mountains and beaches, small towns and big cities. Join David on a virtual tour of one of his most popular destinations in a six-part video series, David McGuffin Explores. If you’ve ever wondered what...
Grüß Gott from Salzburg, Austria!
David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour and Travel News June 5, 2015 Grüß Gott from Salzburg, Austria! Even though the Austrians speak German, the phrase Guten Tag (good day) is not the common greeting. Instead, Austrians use Grüß Gott meaning “may God be with you.”...
Your Adventure Starts at the Louvre
May 22, 2015 Among the many attractions of the City of Light is the Louvre. It is one of the largest and most-visited museums in the world. With over 30,000 pieces of art spread across more than 650,000 square feet of gallery space, visiting the Louvre can seem like a...
Congratulations to our Tour Scrapbook Contest Winners
Congratulations to our 2014 Digital Tour Scrapbook winners and thanks to all who submitted an entry. This contest was designed to showcase our tours to Europe from a tour member's perspective. I hope it gives those thinking about taking a David McGuffin tour a...
Your Adventure Starts in the Kitchens of Tuscany
May 8, 2015 Spotlight on Italian Cuisine: Tuscany I tend to find that cuisine in Tuscany mainly consists of heavy and hearty rustic home cooking. It’s all about simple food prepared to taste great. You'll find fresh vegetables, superb olive oils, grilled meats,...
Smartphone Travel Tips
UPDATED: August 2025 These smartphone travel tips will help you save money and get the most out of your overseas travel. Cell phone providers in the USA have made it easy to stay connected while traveling by introducing affordable temporary travel options that include...
Spotlight on Italian Cuisine: Rome
Your Adventure Starts in the Kitchens of Rome One of the best things about traveling on an Exploring Europe tour is the food! Eating well is a priority and all tours include breakfast every morning and half of your lunches or dinners. The next few newsletters will...
Your Adventure Starts in Skopelos, Greece
APRIL 3, 2015 Skopelos is an island on the eastern side of Greece, in the Aegean Sea. The island shot to fame in 2008 as the filming location for “Mamma Mia.” As you tour the island you will recognize many settings from the movie, especially the Agios Ioannis chapel,...
VAT Refunds in IRELAND
Value added tax or VAT for short, is added to most purchases within the European Union. Each country has its own VAT ranging from 12% to 23%. A tourist is entitled to a refund of this VAT as long as the purchase has not been used and is exported from the...
Where’s David Now: March 2015 – Spotlight on Blarney Castle and Cork
Greetings from County Cork Ireland. I've spent the last few days with the Niceville high school chorus on their spring break concert tour. We began last Sunday in Dublin with a sightseeing tour and walk about town. They presented a fantastic concert in St. Patrick's...
Your Adventure Starts at Windsor Castle
MARCH 20, 2015 Greetings from London! Charlotte and I are here leading a tour of 130 students from the Spruce Creek high school band and color guard. We’ve packed a lot in during the two days we’ve been in London: a comprehensive sightseeing tour led by local blue...
Your Adventure Starts in London
MARCH 2015 Each week we will be featuring an Exploring Europe destination in addition to proving you with the latest news and updates. For those times when you can’t travel, we’ll bring the sights to you. We hope that you enjoy the new content. This week, your...
Where’s David Now: February 2015 – Spotlight on Sicily
I am writing today from the island of Ortigia near Siracusa, Sicily. I am a little more than halfway through my Best of Sicily Tour and boy are we having fun traveling off-season and off the beaten tourist path. My group is small, just two single ladies, but we've...
Merry Christmas!
Charlotte and I wish you a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season! Your Adventure Starts Here!
My Black Friday Promotion Starts Now!
Name your price for a David McGuffin tour departing in February or March 2015. If your offer is reasonable, and we accept it, you’ll enjoy traveling off-season with a small group on a fun and exciting David McGuffin tour. This offer is...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING 2014 A friend living in Italy sent this photo of an advertisement posted on a restaurant door. Even though Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Italy, it appears this ristorante is going to give it a good shot! Having had my fare share of Italian...
The Fall of the Berlin Wall – 25th Anniversary
I was reminded that today is the 25th anniversary of the FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL. Many recall hearing of the Wall and its 28 year history of separating East and West Berlin. You may also remember listening to news reports of the events leading up to its fall on...
NOVEMBER TOUR & TRAVEL NEWS
I’ve been busy the last few months with several projects designed to promote David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe and to introduce my tours in new markets. Last week, we participated in The Travel and Adventure Show in Dallas, Texas where we had the opportunity to visit...
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT 2015
Book your seat on any 2015 David McGuffin tour, and automatically save $100 per person. We are offering more tours than ever. Booking early is a sure way to lock in current prices, your preferred departure date, and save $100! Hurry, this offer ends January 5,...
Athens- The Plàka Neighborhood Stroll
Enjoying the opportunity to sleep in! We slept in this morning, knowing there would be plenty of time to explore Athens in the next few days. After breakfast, Charlotte and I checked out of the Electra Hotel and walked five blocks to their sister hotel, The Electra...
Christmas Markets in Germany and Austria
Christmas Markets in Europe Christmas Markets spice up the winter holiday season with an extra dose of...
Greece- Dublin to Athens
Leaving Ireland I’ve been in Ireland for more than a month and although I love the Emerald Isle, I’m ready for a change. This morning, I was up at 4:30 and on my flight to Athens by 7:30. Even before my Aer Lingus flight took off, I was dozing. Four hours and...
Greece- The Adventure Begins
I've struck off on a two-week adventure in Greece and I hope you'll share it with me. My primary purpose is to explore the country and develop an Exploring Europe tour for 2015. Along the way, I'll visit some of the big tourist destinations such as Athens and...
Painted Sheep
Why do sheep have patches of color painted on their wool? Farmers “paint” their sheep for identification. Frequently, you’ll notice large pastures blanketed in green grass and dotted with sheep. Typically, these pastures are enclosed by stone walls or wire fences...
Please write a REVIEW about your McGuffin tour
My Facebook Page is growing every week and at the moment I have 889 "likes". A sincere thanks goes out to everyone who has interacted with me on Facebook the last few months! I've added a feature to my Facebook page which allows Exploring Europe Tour ALUMNI to write...
Never short on a song in Ireland
Ireland is fast becoming my most popular tour destination. I’ve just returned home from leading a great group of people on my “Best of Ireland and Scotland” tour. Later this month, I return to the Emerald Isle for two more of my “Taste O’ Ireland” tours. Ireland...
VÉZELAY
A few years ago Alain Maurel, my friend and bus owner, suggested I visit Vézelay. He told me it was a pity to miss such a charming village that was only a few miles off the busy autoroute from Burgundy to Paris. So, last year I gave Vézelay a "test run" and...
Spring has arrived in Europe
I am smack dab in the middle of my Best of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France tour. I picked up a group of just four folks a few days ago in Munich and we’ve had a blast getting to know each other and experiencing Germany and Austria. It being the beginning...
The Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall, a 96-mile-long barrier, was erected in stages around West Berlin in 1961. The East Germany government did not call it a barrier or wall, but the “Anti-Fascist Protective Rampart.” Major portions were rapidly constructed, almost overnight, to prevent...
Arrival in Berlin
From early in my life, I had heard stories about The Cold War, East Germany, and the East and West Berlin separation. I recall my uncle, a U.S. Army officer, telling stories about his adventures while stationed in Germany in the 1950’s. Later, his son (my cousin...
ScotteVest Evaluation
ScotteVest Evaluation I mentioned a few days ago that I was testing a ScotteVest to determine if it was a suitable replacement for my normal drawstring backpack. I’ve worn it now for four days and now can make an evaluation. But before I do, let me tell you a little...
The Cinque Terre… Which Village?
Tom Hickinbotham submitted this photo taken in one of the Cinque Terre villages. Even though I've been to all the villages on many occasions, I cannot pinpoint the exact village location. Regardless, congratulations Tom! Your photo has been included in my 2014...
Slow Down and Experience Paris
In the past few months I’ve visited Paris on three occasions with three very diverse groups. With each visit, we stayed for three nights and packed in all the sights into two and a half days. Although it is possible to see Paris’ major sights in that short timeframe,...
WASHCLOTHS… to pack, or not to pack, that is the question.
Washcloths are an American icon, but they are not generally found in other parts of the world. I grew up using a washcloth (we called them washrags) to wash my face when taking a shower. I think I might have even used the same one for several days, however it has been...
GALWAY’S NEW/OLD CATHEDRAL
Today we explore St. Nicholas Cathedral in Galway, Ireland. The Cathedral was constructed approximately fifty years ago and blends Roman and Gothic styles. Its architectural blend and the inclusion of American Red Wood and contemporary stain glass make it a unique...
Galway and the very “short” River Corrib
In Galway, the River Corrib is famous for its salmon ladders. I decided to stop and watch a few anglers try their luck at bringing in dinner. You never know what you'll stumble across when you take just a few moments to explore off the beaten path. Here is this week's...
WOLFGANGSEE – SALZBURG
My friend Asa Jernigan told me some years ago about a beautiful lake near Salzburg he had visited. I tucked that tid-bit of info away in my noggin’ and somehow recalled it earlier this summer. I was scheduled to stay in Salzburg for two nights but a week before the...
IS THERE A “DRESS CODE” FOR CHURCHES IN EUROPE?
Travel Question of the Month - JULY 2014 “I've been doing some reading about Italy and there is mention of a dress code for entering some of the churches in Rome. What I read was that women must be wearing long pants or a skirt below their knees and have their...
TAKE THE PARIS RER TO THE AÉROPORT CHARLES DE GAULLE
Last Thursday morning, I walked out the doors of my Paris Sorbonne area hotel to temperatures in the 50’s F. With only one carry-on sized suitcase and a small drawstring backpack, the walk to the Luxembourg RER station was short and pleasant. The Paris Métro is...
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO MY DAD! Today, I am in Paris showing my favorite city to several of my new found friends and travel partners. This morning, I’ve had a few minutes to reflect on just how I got the travel “bug” and what drives me to share my passion with others....
TRAVELER’S TALES by Cassidy
Cassidy traveled with David on three of his "educational oriented tours." Now studying at Clemson University, she's decided to write about some of her travel adventures. Join Cassidy by subscribing to her periodic posts recounting her travels in Europe...
Electrical Adapters
Traveling without electronics is near impossible in today’s world. Twenty years ago, the only travel concern relating to electricity was how to plug in a blow dryer or curling iron without causing a meltdown. But not today, just think of all the gadgets we have: ...
60 Seconds in Europe with David 1.3: Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Take a 60 second break from your routine! My favorite alpine destination is the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland. You've got be trying to go there to get there. The pristine valley is located near the end of a road that dead ends into a glacier. Lauterbrunnen is a...
60 second in Europe 1.2: What’s up at David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe?
Take a 60 second break from your routine! At David McGuffin's EXPLORING EUROPE we provide a wealth of free travel related information in the form of videos, blog posts, reader feedback, and tour alumni evaluations. Your European adventure starts here!
60 Seconds in Europe – 1.1: Paris Montmartre Neighborhood
Take a 60 second break from your routine and Explore Europe!
Packing tips and cool weather travel… by Audra Dupuis
by Audra Dupuis My fist trip with David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe was a six-day trip to Ireland. When I found out that I had to pack in one little suitcase… I panicked. How on earth could I pack that many warm clothes in such a small space? After trial and error,...
Shopping Suggestions for IRELAND
Last summer, Charlotte and I spent a lot of time traveling around Ireland. While making our rounds, Charlotte developed a guide for shopping on the Emerald Isle. CHARLOTTE'S ESSENTIAL IRELAND SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS For those of you that know me, you know I enjoy to...
Packing Tips for Winter Travel
Charlotte and I are gearing up for a trip to Germany and Austria to visit a few European Christmas Markets. Traveling in the winter requires a little more thought in terms of packing, layering, and staying protected from the elements. However, with a little planning,...
MORE HINTS WHEN FRAMING PHOTOS by Dave Davis
When taking a photo where there is a primary subject, the primary subject should often occupy the central 60-80% of the total image with a little (10-15 percent) on the left, on the right, on the top and on the bottom. Keep the primary subject in that central area...
HINTS WHEN FRAMING PHOTOS by Dave Davis
Dave Davis is a friend who has traveled on several tours with me. He is an avid photographer and always seems to come up with some good photos. Recently, he provided some handy hints on photography and archiving the digital images. In the next few day, Dave is going...
Venice: My Top Dining Choices
Finding a suitable and quality dining spot in Venice has always been a challenge for me. There are countless restaurants, bars, and finger food joints, but I have not run across anything that just makes me want to go to Venice to dine. I think the problem is that...
ORGANIZING YOUR TOUR PHOTOS – by Dave Davis
Dave Davis is a friend who has traveled on several tours with me. He is an avid photographer and always seems to come up with some good photos. Recently, he provided some handy hints on photography and archiving the digital images. In the next few day, Dave is going...
Venice, Italy
In the summer months, VENICE can be gruling. Hot, steamy, crowded with tourists, and very little air conditioning often makes me want to get through the tourist sights and then seek refuge. Located on the Adriatic Sea, in a lagoon loaded with marshy islands, it is...
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TOUR PHOTOS – By Dave Davis
Dave Davis is a friend who has traveled on several tours with me. He is an avid photographer and always seems to come up with some good photos. Recently, he provided some handy hints on photography and archiving the digital images. In the next few day, Dave is...
The NEW appearance of DAVID MCGUFFIN.COM
I've dedicated the last seven days (about 70 hours) to improve the appearance and appeal of my web presence. I am a self-taught web builder, but over the years, I've picked up a lot relating to website design and content. So, now that I am at the end of my allocated...
Hints on Tipping in the United Kingdom
Recently, while traveling in the UK, I decided to take an informal survey on tipping/gratuity customs in the 21st century. My research is based on interviews with restaurant and pub patrons as well as the wait staff, bartenders, and pub owners. To get a perspective on...
HINTS on TIPPING in IRELAND
IRELAND has changed a lot in the last fifteen years. Recently, while traveling in Ireland, I decided to take an informal survey on tipping/gratuity customs in the 21st century. My research is based on interviews with restaurant and pub patrons as well as the wait...
IRELAND – A Photo Tour Around the Emerald Isle
When we Americans conjure up images of Ireland we often think of rolling green hills, rock walls, sheep, and soaring cliffs plunging into the wild Atlantic. That's exactly what you can expect from the west coast of Ireland. From north to south, the Counties of Antrim,...
Forty Shades of Green
[/caption] A few days ago I left a very warm Florida bound for the Emerald Isle. After a short overnight flight, I was jostled awake by the flight attendant bringing my breakfast. Raising my window and letting the dawning sun shine in, I was treated to a magnificent...
A Bus Driving Fiasco
95% of the time, I personally know my bus drivers and they and I have worked together for many years. On this tour, when the flight itineraries changed, I had to change my bus and driver plans as well. I contacted my tour agency friend in Rome and requested bus and...
My TAPAS tour reflections
A couple of weeks ago I struck off for Rome for what I now call my tapas tour. Tapas are little bite-sized snacks meant to be eaten with toothpicks or your fingers. Often tapas bars serve up twenty or so different selections meant to give a tasty sample and whet your...
Tour Group Recovery In Madrid
This morning I loaded a group of 41 faithful tour members on to a bus, one last time, and off we went to Madrid's airport. Our adventure began one week ago, way down in Rome. During the last seven days, we've put a lot of kilometers between here and Rome. For the most...
VOLTERRA, my favorite Tuscan hilltown
VOLTERRA- I arrived back in my favorite Tuscan hilltown yesterday afternoon. Volterra is delightful. This is how I describe it in my guidebook: Volterra is the perfect pick for my favorite Tuscan hilltown, Not too big, not too crowded, and certainly not loaded with...
Rome before the tourist come out
ROME- My flight landed at 6:30 a.m. at Rome's Leonardo DaVinci Airport. No long lines this time of morning! I was out the door and on the Leonard Express train within 20 minutes. I made a transfer to the Metro for a short ride to Piazza Spagna. The piazza and Spanish...
Getting Up Early to Beat the Jet Lag
I am up at 4:00 a.m. this morning getting in the "mood" for travel. Later today, I will fly to Atlanta and onward to Rome, so I've got a long travel day ahead of me. Some years ago, I began the ritual of getting up extra early on travel days to help beat the jet lag...
1997 Journal Series 4: Palace Versailles, Luxembourg Concert, and Seine Cruise
I’m chronicling my first European Band Tour in 1997. This tour was instrumental in formulating my group travel philosophy and standards. Ultimately, it gave me knowledge, confidence, and practical experience that I needed to begin touring on my own. Continuing my...
Progress in the Cinque Terre
Liguria, and especially the Cinque Terre, were hit by heavy rains on October 25. As a result, much of the soil and rock on the hills above Vernazza and Monterosso gave way and came crashing down into the villages. Now, after about six weeks, the two towns are...
1997 Journal Series 3: Paris, The Grand City Tour
I’m chronicling my first European Band Tour in 1997. This tour was instrumental in formulating my group travel philosophy and standards. Ultimately, it gave me knowledge, confidence, and practical experience that I needed to begin touring on my own. Continuing...
Update from Vernazza and its recovery from the flood
I've discovered a couple of very good bloggers originating from the Cinque Terre region. They both are doing a very good job of keeping the world updated on the progress being made after the terrible floods and mudslides of October 27, 2011. Nicole blogs from...
1997 Journal Series 2: A teacher and 30 kids
I’m chronicling my first European Band Tour in 1997. This tour was instrumental in formulating my group travel philosophy and standards. Ultimately, it gave me knowledge, confidence, and practical experience that I needed to begin touring on my own. Continuing my...
Framing Perspective Shots – by Dave Davis
Special photographs often depend on the perspective from where the shot is taken. The image that captures curves or disappearing paths is a way to break out of the typical rectangular shapes of most photos in a collection. It can accentuate depth. They entice...
1997 Journal Series 1: My first pre-tour journal entry
I've always been a little sentimental about memories. When I was a kid, I remember spending hours at my grandparents' home looking through old black and white family photos. These photos were kept in the "middle room" in the bottom right drawer of a dresser. Back...
Video from onsite reporting in Vernazza
I came across this video account of the clean up in Vernazza. Although in Italian, the pictures say a lot. In the beginning, the reporter is speaking with a gentleman digging around the chimney of his home. The sign reads: "This is my home," and list his name...
Clean up from the flash flood in Vernazza
It appears there is a "semi" orchestrated effort to begin the clean up in Vernazza and Monterosso. My sources say that mobile phone service has been restored, however, phone, electrical, gas, and other utilities are still not working. Roads leading into the Cinque...
Cinque Terre hit by torrential rains and massive flooding
One of my favorite destinations, the Cinque Terre, was devastated by heavy rains, flooding, and mudslides today. Apparently, much of Monterosso is destroyed and Vernazza is in ruins. Here is a link to a video aired on RAI TV in Italy. Here is a photo of...
Traveling in the “Off-Season”
For much of my life, I’ve packed my travels into the summer months. Like many, this is necessary because of vacations, work, and school schedules. There are many positive aspects regarding travel during this time known as the “high season.” Longer days, swimming and...
The “McGuffin” Tour Experience
We've just completed an extensive video project chronicling the experiences on a recent tour to Paris and Madrid. My friend, Abby Austin, lugged a camera and microphone around to capture the essence of what I do and why. I hope you enjoy the video tour. -David...
100% of explorers agree… it time for you to start traveling!
Hey, what do you think about this promotional video?
Fun at the Eiffel Tower
Here is a bit of video I shot as the Eiffel Tower was putting on its show!
Volterra: Podere Marcampo
Podere Marcampo is a newly constructed agriturismo located on the road towards Pisa, about four miles outside of Volterra. My friend, Genuino del Duca, and his family have labored countless hours to present a first-class lodging opportunity. They rent out three...
A new twist to the Cinque Terre’s Via dell’ Amore
There has been a tradition in Italy for many years in which two lovers secure a padlock to famous sites. The symbolism here is that their love is forever joined together at the site by the act of locking the padlock. Pretty romantic, eh? Over the years, I have seen...
A Bike tour of LUCCA, ITALY
A couple of days ago, Charlotte and I visited Lucca, one of the few places in Tuscany I've never seen. In order to get a "feel" for the city, we rented bikes and rode around the Renaissance-era city walls. The walls are 100 feet wide, flat and paved. As you can see...
A Dining Adventure in Ireland and Scotland
We began the tour early one morning in Glasgow, Scotland. By the early afternoon, we had toured the Scottish lowlands, Stirling, the Trossach's and the Roy Roy and William Wallace historical sites. In Oban, I discovered THE TEMPLE RESTAURANT, quietly located away...
Fishy-Fish: A multi-lingual guide to ordering FISH on any menu
I like to eat fish, but often the European menu does not describe the selection in terms that I understand. Recently, I was in Dingle, dining at my favorite fish place. I came across a multilingual fish guide for travelers. I took a photo of the menu, added my...
Flight Delays
Flight delays seem to jump on me like the plague this year. Charlotte and I are heading to Tuscany for our vacation. Everything went well until we got to our first stop/lay-over in Atlanta. Our flight to JFK was due to depart at 3:30. Charlotte wanted to be the...
Dining Choices – Good and Bad
I took my final “student educational tour” in 1999. This trip was a bit different from my previous “student educational tours” in that it was designed as a performance tour for my band students and me. Leading up to the tour, I did a lot of planning and selected all...
Cooking Is a Cultural Experience
I’ve grown to enjoy cooking over the years. I remember my first crack at it was when my wife traveled on a six-week business trip to Washington. My children were in college and out of the house, so I was left at home to “fend for myself.” So… I cooked. It’s said...
Lyon, just a TGV journey from Paris
Candice Brown, a former student, has family who live in France. Luckily, Candice and I were able to coordinate our travel schedules so that we could meet up in Lyon, France. Preplanning is the key to getting a seat on one of Europe’s busiest trains. I...
Scottish Highland Vistas
A few days ago we experienced unsually perfect weather in Scotland... 65 degrees F, few clouds, lots of sun and an awesome vantage point. Just outside of Fort William, a funicular transports visitors to the highland approaches of Ben Nevis, Scotland's highest peak. ...
Carcassonne… an authentic medieval fortress
Recently, I've been reading two of Ken Follett's novels, Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. He sets the fictional story in a realistic Middle Ages town in England, which he calls Kingsbridge. Mr. Follett's description of Kingsbridge Priory, the Earl of...
Swiss Alpine Train Excursion
There are several scenic train routes running through the Alps of Switzerland. The "Golden Pass" route connects Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreaux and offers what many think to be the best scenic alpine train excursion. I began my journey at the halfway point, in...
A day of Mishaps
I think Steinbeck said it like this, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." After this day of running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I totally agree! I thought I had organized a good travel plan for leaving Barcelona and arriving in the...
The Windmills of La Mancha
Sixty kilometers southwest of Toledo stands a vast and wide-open plain on which is planted grains, olives and grapes. If, while visiting Toledo, you have a car, it is well worth a trip to visit the small town of Consuegra. It is here you’ll find the famous “Windmills...
Segovia, Spain – Cool, Quiet and Stress-free
My friends and I stayed in Segovia last night. A small medieval town of about 60,000, it offered a stress-free beginning to my adventures in Spain and Portugal. An added plus is that it is at an elevation of about 3,000 feet so the weather was very cool and...
Belém, Portugal
Belém is located about 6 km west of Lisbon, on the Tagus River. Its name is derived from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. There are four main sights: the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Pastry Shop. The Jerónimos...
Sage Advice from a Veteran “Exploring Europe” Traveler
Jason Duckett is a friend who has traveled to Europe many times with me. He is heading off on his own with a group from Jacksonville, Florida to meet up with me next week in Rome. He, wrote this email to his group members offering the following pre-departure...
Coimbra, Portugal & the Fado Tradition
Fado in Coimbra is different than that of Lisbon. In Coimbra, Fado centers around the university community and is sung by men dressed in traditional academic capes, robes, and leggings. Like in Lisbon, it is accompanied by classical guitar and a specially tuned...
Coimbra – Portugal’s University Town
England has Oxford, France has Le Sorbonne, Florida has Gainesville and Portugal has Coimbra. Yes, Coimbra is Portugal's university town with lots of interesting things to see and do. We arrived in Coimbra around 2 p.m. on a Saturday. Having never been there, I was...
El Escorial, Spain
Arrived here on a Friday afternoon, just as the local school was getting out for the summer vacation. Apparently, the school occupies an interior segment of El Escorial. El Escorial is the "summer palace" of Spain's royal family. Built in the 16th century, it is...
Packing Light and Airline Packing Rules
Updated: November 28, 2015 I preach packing light After each trip, I always seem to find some item, which I thought was necessary, yet I never used. Packing light often causes those who travel with me to struggle with what to pack for their tour. Invariably, they...
The MAGNUM BAR… it was bound to happen someday
For me, one of the delights of European travel is purchasing something “over there” that is not available at home. The Magnum Ice Cream Bar is one such item that has kept my European sweet tooth satisfied for many years. People who have traveled with me know of my...
Alpine Delights in Switzerland
I’ve been calling Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland my alpine home for the past 15 years. Tucked away and hidden from the mega-tourism of Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen is a sleepy little jumping off point for savvy outdoor enthusiasts looking for a laid-back village with...
Madrid’s Mercato de San Miguel
The Mercato de San Miguel has long served as central Madrid's one-stop "farmer's" market. I first visited here years ago when locals dropped in for fresh ingredients for a full meal. Here one can find fresh and smelly fish, harry legs of Iberian ham, countless...
Carneval 2011 in Zurich, Switzerland
Just by luck, I happen on a CARNEVAL celebration weekend in Zurich. Yesterday, the old city center was alive with people, mardi gras-like beads, tons of confetti and an odd assortment of costumes, bands, and well-lubricated people enjoying the event. I did not...
TSA Secure Flight Information
Questions about airline ticketing and the TSA's Secure Flight Program often come up when booking airline tickets. Here is my distilled version of the TSA's behind-the-scene watchlist program. Since November 1, 2010 airline passengers are require to provide "secure...
Gifts for the flight crew
Today, I am off to Europe for a few weeks of tour guiding. Before I get there and start to work, I decided to try an experiment with my flight attendants. I often notice tha flight attendants put up with a lot of unecessary abuse from airline passengers. They work...
“These boots were made for walking” in Siena
For some reason I am much more aware of fashion when in Siena than in other parts of the world. I don’t know if it’s the allure of Il Campo, the passeggiata on via Banchi di Sopra or maybe just my heighten awareness of people. Regardless the cause, I know I do a...
Exploring Europe’s Travel Philosophy
Exploring Europe's travel philosophy is simple...inspire people to have fun traveling in Europe by providing stress-free group tours and informative publications designed to equip them for their travels. I believe you've got to visit the "must-see" tourist sights, but...
Lost in London
Have you ever been lost? Not the kind of lost where you really don't have a clue where you are, but being lost in familiar territory. Confused yet? Well I was too. I had just arrived in London. I'd traveled most of the day from hot and sunny Madrid to wet and soggy...
Back then a Dollar would buy…
It used to be that the most expensive part of a Europe trip was the flight. Once arriving one could live a pretty good life on less than $40 a day. I can remember my first trip to Europe. In 1977 I was a member of the Florida Junior College Chorale and we traveled to...
The Making Of A Hit Song: Jerry Wonda’s Platinum Sound
I ran across this piece while listening to NPR. It give a great insight into music composition and recording. For you aspiring musicians and composers, this is a must listen! Here is the link:...
Carry-On Luggage: TSA & EU Regulations
Updated: November 28, 2015 Carry-On Luggage: TSA & EU Regulations by Natalie LaRosa The best way to travel to and throughout Europe is to carry your luggage onto airplanes with you. In other words do not check your luggage with the airlines. This forces one to...
PHOTO GALLERY – Summer 2010
I am back home after a summer of traveling in Europe. Over the past three months, I have visited and led tours in Ireland, Germany’s Mosel River Valley, Prague, lots of places in Italy, Scotland and Paris. Although many destinations felt like my second home, I did...
Cinque Terre Residence – Hotel Review
I discovered Cinque Terre Residence in March 2005 and have been staying here at least once a year ever since. Normally, I come here with my wife (for our anniversary trip) in August each year. We have come to love the laid-back ambiance of the locale, the patio with...
Cooking with David in the Cinque Terre – Primi Piatti
Charlotte and I are vacationing in the Cinque Terre. We love this place and seem to come back year after year. There are many places to stay while in the "five villages," but we enjoy Riomaggiore the best. Several years ago I discovered The Cinqueterre Residence,...
Cooking with David in the Cinque Terre – Antipasti
Charlotte and I are vacationing in the Cinque Terre. We love this place and seem to come back year after year. There are many places to stay while in the "five villages," but we enjoy Riomaggiore the best. Several years ago I discovered The Cinqueterre Residence,...
Agriturismo Savernano – Chianti Region of Italy
This week Charlotte and I are exploring new, for us, little niches of Tuscany. Last summer, I met a young couple who told me about an amazing agiturismo in the remote hills of Chianti. Throughout the course of two weeks I ran into Josh and Ramona several times and...
Our “Thrifty and Tasteful” recommendations for DINING in NEW YORK, NY
I got a Facebook message today from a friend who is taking his wife to New York in a couple of weeks. He asked me for some of my favorite dining choices and off-the-beaten path things to do. So, Charlotte and I have colaborated and come up with our "thrifty and...
WEBSITE woes and getting taken
Last month I was on a train in Italy when I received an incoming call from an "unknow number." Upon seeing that, I cringed and my stomach sank. You see, I'd had that same "call" on two other occasions while traveling in Europe. It was from my web hosting company...
Luggage Tampering Made Easy
Last month, I posted a YouTube video showing how easy it is to break into a locked suitcase. Several of you responded with horror stories about stolen items in your locked luggage. Your best bet is to never check your luggage; carry it on with you. If you let it out...
La Petite Auburge – FRENCH Dining in New York City
Charlotte and I spent Valentine's Day in New York City. Valentine's dinner found us at Morton's Steakhouse for a pretty prodictable dinner with a good filet and an amazing souffle to top it off. However, I decided to venture out and try some new places for our...
A safe hotel in Rome… and the best customer service ever!
I am a tour organizer who travels to Rome at least a couple of times a year, but yet it seems to be my most challenging city when it comes to finding a hotel room. I know of several nice four-star hotels out on Via Aurelia that are just up the typical American...
The Alps, Snow and Mad King Ludwig II
We arrived in ZURICH, SWITZERLAND by way of an overnight flight from Atlanta and were greeted with sub-freezing temperatures and a snow-covered landscape. In less than an hour, we had our rental car and were cruising along the highway to Schwangau, Germany. We...
Reutte, Austria – Hotel Ernburg
I was happy to visit with my friend, Hermann Weidenger, at his hotel in Ruette, Austria. After a long day of driving and touring the king's castles, it was good to see a welcoming smile and familiar face. Hotel Ernberg-Zum Dorfwirt, is located less than twenty...
Exploring Christmas Traditions in Bavaria & Tyrol
Charlotte and I are flying today to Zurich, Switzerland hoping to experience Christmas cheer in the foothills of the Alps. According to the forecast, it is going to be cold with snow. We can't wait! For us Floridians, any chance to get into the chilly weather and...
Bern’s Steakhouse – Tampa, Florida
I've been dining at Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida, since 1984. On that first visit, it was Roger, a friend and gracious host, who walked my "good buddies" and me through the experience of fine dining. The service, food, wine and desert were amazing. I've...
Paris Restaurants heard on NPR
This morning, I heard a NPR story featuring three restaurants in Paris. Paris is loaded with restaurants but these places seem to be a good find. All three featured restaurants are owned by the same chef and are located just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower. Next...
Passports: You can’t travel without one!
,UPDATED: January 28, 2025 Obtaining your passport is one of the most important things to consider before going out of the country. You’ll not get beyond the check-in counter at the airport without a valid passport. Travelers must have a passport if visiting a...
A Practical Guide to Managing Your Money While in Europe
Updated: November 28, 2015 There are many places where you need to use cash (bills or coins) in Europe. So, you might begin to wonder how are you going to pay for drinks, souvenirs, entrance fee, subway tickets or anything else. The next few paragraphs contain my...
Prepaid Debit Cards and European Travel
UPDATED: November 3, 2016 by David McGuffin Prepaid debit cards are available everywhere! Go to any Walmart, Walgreens, Target or even the neighborhood gas station and you will see displays for these seemingly savvy debit cards. They all promise basically the same...
Cooking with David
On a recent trip to Ireland my group and I did some shopping at the Saturday morning market in Galway. My friend Chuck and I roamed the market selecting fresh fish and vegetables for our dinner. Here's the "McGuffin Cooking Show."
It’s McGuffin
Historically, people have always butchered my last name. It's pretty simple, and phonetic too... McGuffin. Yet all my life it has been pronounced incorrectly. Here are just a few of the variations: McGriffin, McGruffin, McGaffin, McGuhhh, McGovern, and so on. I...
A jacket in the middle of July?
Recently I've been traveling around Ireland. Today is July 31. At my home in Florida I see the temperature is projected to be 93 degrees F. Here in Dublin it is a push to get close to 65 degrees F! This has been true almost everyday during the last two weeks. My...
Another pub… more great music
Dublin -- I revisited Fleet Street the last two night because many of you suggested places I should try for Trad music. Every pub experience was less than par except for "The Palace Bar." I've put a video link on YouTube and FaceBook. Check them out for some great...
A Song On Their Lips
Last night I went in search of some real Irish Traditional music in Dublin. I am staying in the trendy Temple Bar area of Dublin. Located in the heart of all the nightlife, I thought it might be easy to find some “trad” music. Temple Bar’s main drag, Fleet Street, is...
Thristy Traveler’s Tour Sign Up
I’ve spent today in the Cinque Terre, one of the destinations on my 2010 Thirsty Traveler’s Tour.Instead of basking in the sun and swimming in the Med, I’ve decided to refine my tour-pricing offer and make an unheard-of and unbeatable deal.I’ll stand by this special...
Back on the quiet side of Venice
I think I've posted about this subject before, but it bears repeating. Every time I arrive in Venice I can't help but look at the crowds of tourists and feel a bit sorry for them. Most people float into Venice for a day or two, visit San Marco, the Doges Palace, the...
Here is a Flying mistake to avoid!
When flying I carry-on my bags so they will be with me always and won't get lost. Today, I was foiled! When fly on a small regional jet you can carry-on your bags... at least as far as the tarmack. then (with Delta) you get a plane-side check luggage tag attached to...
Thirsty Traveler’s Tour: Destinations #3,4,5
I've put the final itinerary together for my "Thirsty Traveler's Tour" and am quite excited about the final outcome. In fact, I'm ready go right now! June 16: Prague -- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Prague's city center and castle complex. Your guide will be...
Thirsty Traveler’s Tour: Destination #2
THE MOSEL RIVER VALLEY I first experience the lazy Mosel River in April 2003. It was one of those spur of the moment trips where the time, airfare and destination all seemed to click into place. I arrived in Frankfurt, picked up my rental car and drove towards the...
European Train Travel Hints
Updated: November 25, 2022 I love to travel by train; it is relaxing, stress-free, convenient and comfortable. In Europe, there are always easy train connections to zip from one locale to the next. Over the last eighty years or so Europe has refined train travel...
Thirsty Traveler’s Tour: Destination #1
I've got a special place in my heart for Ireland. Maybe it's because I spent some time a few years back all by myself, wandering around, meeting the locals, hitting the pubs and going anyplace I wanted to go. Maybe it could be that somewhere back in history I got a...
Do it now, while the doing’s good… you never know what’s up ahead
I've had some time lately to sit around and do a lot of nothing. That was good for about two weeks, but then I started getting antsy. It all started about six weeks ago.... I am not one to complain, especially when it is health related. But, about six weeks ago, my...
Driving on the AUTOBAHN
Driving from my home to the airport a few days ago, I decided to make a comparision of driving styles on I-295 in Jacksonville, Florida and the AutoBahn between Munich and Salzburg. It all distills down to there being a "system" of driving in Germany. I-295> The...
Packing for a Winter Trip
Last night I packed my bags for a quick trip to Germany and Austria. I'll only be gone five days, so that's not much in the way of packing. During the last few months, I've written posts about my new packing philosophy and how it is affected by a "dressed down"...
Bellagio is Bellisimo
We woke up this morning to crystal clear skies, snow-covered streets, and temps hovering around four degrees F. After breakfast at the Hotel Hauser, we headed back toward Italy. The drive back to Varenna was beautiful and took up about two hours. Arriving at the...
So, we ended up in Switzerland
We woke up in Varenna this morning to cloudy skies and sputtering snow. I had a terrible night of mostly sleeplessness. I am sure it is due to the extended nap yesterday afternoon and further complicated by the firm bed on which we tried to sleep! So after...
A View of Varenna
I know you will find this hard to believe, but we slept away the afternoon. By the time I woke it was almost dark, the street lights were on, and the church bells were tolling seven o’clock. I went out for a stroll looking for a spot for dinner. Between the town...
I snuck off to Italy
Charlotte and I hopped on a Delta jet bound for Milano yesterday. Today, we are enjoying the village of Varenna located on the east bank of Lake Como. The entire idea of this trip began simply enough… find the cheapest airfare to anywhere in Europe and return to...
Kick it up with caffeine!
OK, I've finally given in to Starbucks. For ten years now, I've shrugged off the Starbucks "ambiance" simply because I really don't like coffee all that much. But in the last few months, I've enjoyed a cappuccino and free WIFI complements of Starbucks. There...
Eating the Local Stuff – Ireland
When traveling in Europe, I think half the thrill is experiencing good food and good drink with good friends. Over the years, I've developed this uncanny knack for searching out and finding cool little places to eat and drink. My rule is always go for the local...
How to Get a Drink of the Local Stuff – Ireland
When traveling in Europe, I think half the thrill is experiencing good food and good drink with good friends. Over the years, I've developed this uncanny knack for searching out and finding cool little places to eat and drink. My rule is always go for the local...
Drinking the local stuff- Ireland
When traveling in Europe, I think half the thrill is experiencing good food and good drink with good friends. Over the years, I've developed this uncanny knack for searching out and finding cool little places to eat and drink. My rule is to always go for the local...
Eating the local stuff… the Czech Republic
When traveling in Europe, I think half the thrill is experiencing good food and good drink with good friends. Over the years, I've developed this uncanny knack for searching out and finding cool little places to eat and drink. My rule is always go for the local...
Drinking the local stuff – Czech Republic
When traveling in Europe, I think half the thrill is experiencing good food and good drink with good friends. Over the years I've developed this uncanny knack for searching out and finding cool little places to eat and drink. My rule is always go for the local...
Free Refills… Forget It!
FREE REFILLS on sodas, sweet tea, and any other beverage is definitely an American thing. There is NO WAY any European restaurant is even going to consider it. Even at McDonald's, which has restaurants in every major city in Europe, you'll get a curt "no" or a...
Toilets, Tubs, and Bidets (Part 3)
BIDETS Most of us Americans get a kick out of an encounter with a bidet. To many, it's often intriguing, entertaining, funny, or even sexy in an odd sort of way. But in many parts of the world, it's a normal fixture in the bathroom. In French, bidet is the word for...
Toilets, Tubs, and Bidets (Part 2)
TUBS and SHOWERS Bathing is necessary and we tend to take it seriously. I mean, how many of you go more than a day without a bath or shower? Well that's a whole different story in Europe, where daily bathing has just come into vogue in the past few decades. I can't...
TOILETS, TUBS, AND BIDETS (Part 1)
TOILETS Public Toilets - for clarity's sake let's define a public toilet as any toilet outside a private home or your hotel room. With that in mind, we also need to agree that public toilets vary greatly from country to country and even region to region in Europe....
My TOILET Story…
Traveling in Europe for the last thirty years has given me a virtual catalogue of bathroom stories, but perhaps the most interesting one goes like this... I was at a restaurant along the Autostrade in Italy where we'd made a stop for lunch. These restaurants are...
WATER and GAS
A few years ago I was hiking in the Alps near Interlaken, Switzerland. I was doing a little exploring on my own and checking out some new destinations for my tours. I decided to "take on" a rather challenging day hike high up in the mountains. Early in the...
ICE? USUALLY NONE BUT IF YOU ASK IT’S ONE!
Here's the scoop on ICE in Europe. Simply put, "There is no scoop!" Until recently, Europeans would look at you as being "mad" if you'd asked for ice with your drink. It's not common, it's not the custom and it's only for outsiders. In the early years of traveling in...
Experiencing EUROPE from a cultural perspective
European customs, eating and drinking habits, and the general way of life differs greatly from those we have in North America. Diving into "their" way of life is challenging, yet essential to having a true and authentic travel experience. My travel philosophy has...
Flying to PISA is a PISA cake!
Saturday I flew on Delta Airlines from Jacksonville, Florida to Pisa, Italy. The flight happened to be a piece of cake! I left Jacksonville at 1:00 p.m. and arrived in New York's Laguardia Airport by 3:00, and then took a limo shuttle to JFK. After a steak dinner...
Floating on the Moldau and a “Ahoy” to you too!
FINALLY I GET TO DO A LITTLE EXPLORING OF MY OWN: I arrived just an hour ago at my pension in Český Krumlov. Finding the pension was an adventure in itself (which I post in my last blog), but now I've got the van parked, my group and I are all checked into our rooms,...
8-The Paris City Tour Recipe
I’ve been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours in Europe. This was brought on by a friend asking, upon my return from a month of leading tours in Europe, how I liked my recent “vacation”. Don’t get me wrong, traveling and leading tours in Europe is...
Dashing across the Czech border
For the past few weeks I've been traveling around Europe with one of my tour groups. A couple of days ago, I got to visit the only "new" destination for me in my summer travels. One of the drawbacks of being a "tour guide" is that you go to the same locations all the...
No more drinking in the parks… Well, sort of
Last night I was in Paris for the second time in a month. Every tour group has its different dynamics and this one was no exception. I'm leading around a group of seven adults, three couples, and one single gentleman. After a grueling day of walking and...
7-Oooo’s and Ahhh’s with the Japaneese
I've been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours in Europe. This was brought on by a friend at church asking me how I liked my recent "vacation" there. Don't get me wrong, traveling in Europe is a blast and I wouldn't do it if I did not really enjoy...
6-Attacked by a SMART Car!
I've been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours in Europe. This was brought on by a friend at church asking me how I liked my recent "vacation" there. Don't get me wrong, traveling in Europe is a blast and I wouldn't do it if I did not really enjoy...
5-The first look at Paris
I've been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours in Europe. This was brought on by a friend at church asking me how I liked my recent "vacation" there. Don't get me wrong, traveling in Europe is a blast and I wouldn't do it if I did not really enjoy...
4-Hotel check-in woes
Recently, I've been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours in Europe. This was brought on by a friend at church asking me how I liked my recent "vacation". Don't get me wrong, traveling in Europe is a blast and I would not do it if I did not really...
Fashion Conscious in Siena
A couple of days ago, I wrote of my experience in Siena while walking to the main town square known as Il Campo. I had changed into a pair of jeans and a sweater and was mistaken for a local by an Italian couple who was lost in the maze of narrow streets in Siena. ...
3-Ok, now we go to the hotel…
Recently, I've been writing about my experiences planning and leading tours. This was brought on by a friend at church asking me how I liked my recent "vacation" in Europe. Don't get me wrong, traveling in Europe is a blast and I wouldn't do it if I did not really...
Jeans and a Sweater
Maybe I need to modify my European wardrobe. For years I've preached that guys wear solid shoes, khaki pants, and collared shirts. They are easy to care for, blend in, don't yell "American", and are comfortable. Now maybe I'm not so sure. Fashion in Europe is a...
2-All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go…
In the last post I talked about planning a tour. This was spurred by a comment at my church last Sunday when someone asked (after I was in Europe for three weeks), "How was your vacation?" I laughed and it got me thinking that most people don't have a clue what I do...
1-Touring Europe is not as easy as you’d think…
I returned home yesterday from a three week stay in Europe where I visited Italy, France, and Switzerland. While at church this morning several people asked me, "How was your vacation?" I laughed and replied, "We had a great time!" While at the same time I...
Burano- Bel Canto and an Accordion
Recently I’ve been writing about my travel experiences in Venice and the "slow life" of staying on the Lido. I’ve got another experience to share that only happens when all the right elements fall into place. Somehow I’ve got a knack to stumbling into these...
Getting out of crowded Venice
I took my group to Murano today. Murano is an island in the Venice lagoon and is most famous for finely hand-made glass. The island is far away from the tourist crowds of Piazza San Marco and is a welcome change, although it is still quite touristy. Upon arrival we...
Sitting in a Lido Cafe
It is 5:30 on a Monday afternoon. While writing this entry I wanted to experience life on the Lido di Veneto. I am in a cafe/bar where it appears to be the local hangout spot. Sitting next to the canal and under an umbrella, I've got it made with lots of chips and...
The LIDO of Venice #2
With the Lido experiences mentioned in my last post you'd think I would never want to visit the island again! So later, when I began to take charge of my own tours, I tended to stay in hotels located in Venice proper, even though they were twice the price....
The LIDO of Venice
My first few trips to Venice were spent on the Lido. As a young teacher, I enlisted a group of my students to travel with me to Europe, and I relied on a big educational tour company to do all the planning and guiding. This was great because I had no experience in...
The Lido Neighborhood
Staying on the Lido is like becoming a part of the neighborhood. Our hotel is in a residential neighborhood with absolutely no vehicular traffic. Although there are cars on the island, most people travel by bike or by foot. Plus, my hotel neighborhood is so peaceful...
Back in Italy and lovin’ it
I flew into Milan this morning and was off and "running" by nine. It's an easy bus ride from the airport to Milan's Centrale Station where I was to catch a train later in the day. But since I had three hours to burn, I decided to take the metro (luggage and all) to...
They’ve Attacked! Beating off the “Vendors of Worthless Crap”
The other day, I took a few people to San Remo. As soon as I drove into the parking lot, I knew we would be in trouble with the vendors. In recent years, major European tourist destinations have been flooded with black men with sacks (mostly from Senegal) whose sole...
Fooled by a Gypsy
It’s not often that I get fooled, but this morning I was completely caught off guard by a gypsy mother and her child. It all began as five of us were sitting at our hotel having breakfast. We’d just awoken from a comfortable night’s sleep and warm shower, and had a...
Avignon…don’t eat here, but the sights are wonderful
Avignon. Yes this is a historic place that should be on the "to do" list of anyone traveling to the South of France, but maybe just a half-day visit is all that is needed. The city walls (dating from the 14th century) are amazing. Just the simple fact that now, 500...
Thirfty and Tasteful travels…I’ve figured it out!
An IBIS Hotel Avignon, France I've marketed my Exploring Europe tours with the slogan "Thrifty and Tasteful Travel" for sometime. But just last night it came to me what I really mean by it. Tonight I am Avignon, a wonderful city with lots of history, culture, and...
Exploring Provence
Bonnieux, France I arrived at the very quiet and almost desolate NICE airport at 8:30 this morning. By 9:00, I was in my rental car and heading away from the sea and into the mountains. Knowing I would have a few days to explore a little on my own, I began...
Call Your Credit Card Company Before Traveling
Updated: November 28, 2015 These days it is nearly impossible to travel without a credit and debit card. They make life easy...there's no need for traveler's checks, currency conversion, or even calculating exchange rates. You simply present your credit card to a...
The Joys of CHECKING IN
Well I'm on my way to Europe! I began my journey this morning by leaving my home at 8:00 a.m. It's an hour drive from home to the the airport, but luckily I had Charlotte with me and she dropped me at the terminal. Having to park, pay, and ride a shuttle takes so...
Packing my bags and flying to France
I always get excited when it comes to getting ready to travel. Yes, there is that hectic period when I think I'll never get everything done in time to catch my flight. Invariably, once my passport's been shown, I get my boarding pass, and clear security, I always...
Storks and Vins (Vol 1, No. 13)
June 10, 1997 After all the travel yesterday it was nice to sleep in a bit before breakfast. Our hotel is located on the highway just outside Colmar so we really did not have an opportunity to experience the town last night. By 9:00 a.m. we had finished breakfast and...
A Bunch of Kids in Colmar (Vol 1: No. 12)
David’s note - If you are just tuning in, let me get you up to speed here. Back in December, I decided to write about the first big group tour to Europe that I had a part in planning. The year is 1997 and we’re in Colmar, France. June 9, 1997 Finally, we arrived in...
Get off the highway! (Vol. 1 No.11)
David's note - If you are just tuning in, let me get you up to speed here. Back in December, I decided to write about the first big group tour to Europe that I had a part in planning. The year is 1997 and we've just traveled all day on a bus from Paris to the Alsace...
1997 French Fries? (Vol 1: No 10)
After lunch we walked back to the bus, gathered up everyone, and headed out of town. Originally our plans were to take the motorway back to Paris and then head south, but the trucker's strike changed all that. Instead, we took a small two-lane road heading southeast...
I Always Came Home Hungry
I've not always been the confident and savvy tour leader I am today. There was a time when I relied on the "expertise and advice" of drivers and guides to lead me and my student groups around the sights of Europe. The trouble was that the bus drivers were...
1997 Chartres…stained glass! (Vol. 1 No. 9)
"June 9 cont.... After all the traffic associated with the strike we finally made it to Chartres, albeit two hours late. Chartres is a wonderful little town. Although the town is centuries old, it is tidy, clean, and well maintained. The town's main attraction is...
1997 Chartres to Alsace (Vol1:No8)
June 9, 1997 This is our last few hours in Paris. I am sitting here finishing my breakfast and thinking that today we are going to travel to Chartres and then on to Colmar in the Alsace region of France. All seems to be going OK this morning, no complaints from the...
Paris 1997…After the concert (Vol1:No7)
"June 8, 1997... After the concert we packed up and had some free time (3 hours) to visit Paris on our own. Some went to the Orsay Museum and others to the Cluny. I went to St. Chappelle with Charlotte and Aunt Hilda. After the concert we had to make a switch of...
Paris 1997…Concert in Luxembourg Gardens (Vol1:No6)
"June 8, 1997 (continued)... Vincent helped Sarah find the bus in the huge parking lot and she got her moneybelt and ticket and was able to actually go in a nd see the "Hall of Mirrors" and other rooms. We returned from Versailles at about 11:30 a.m. and had some...
Paris 1997…Versailles (Vol1:No5)
I'm chronicling my first "Big Group Band Trip" to Europe in 1997 and trying to draw some comparisons to the Europe travel experience of today. Continuing my journal entry..... "June 8, 2007 We were awakened by the alarm at 6:20 a.m. Four hours of sleep didn't quite...
Paris 1997…The Louvre Museum (Vol1:No4)
I'm chronicling my first "Big Group Band Trip" to Europe in 1997 and trying to draw some comparisons to the Europe travel experience of today. Continuing my journal entry..... June 7, 1997 (continued)... "After lunch we met the bus and went to the Louvre where some...
Paris 1997…The Grand City Tour (Vol1:No3)
I'm chronicling my first "Big Group Band Trip" to Europe in 1997 and trying to draw some comparisons to the Europe travel experience of today. Continuing my journal entry..... "June 7, 1997 The alarm woke me up from a sound sleep at 7:00! This was the first night...
Paris 1997…A teacher with 30 kids (Vol1;No2)
I'm chronicling my first "Big Group Band Trip" to Europe in 1997 and trying to draw some comparisons to the Europe travel experience of today. Continuing my journal entry... "June 6, 1997 We arrived in Paris at 9:15 a.m.. After clearing customs we were met by our EF...
1997 Journal Series 1: Bloggin’ since 1997 and didn’t know it
I've always been a little sentimental about memories. When I was a kid, I remember spending hours at my grandparents' home looking through old black and white family photos. These photos were kept in the "middle room" in the bottom right drawer of a dresser. Back...
Take the small roads for the “local” experience.
After a flight up from Madrid, we arrived at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport by mid-afternoon. I rented a small car and soon we were out of the airport and on the highway toward Paris. It being Friday afternoon, I was prepared for some traffic jams, but so far it...
Too much room for the road
David's note: This Journal entry was originally written in June 2007 details my adventure "driving" in Spain. A few weeks ago my friends and I decided to explore a town which I’d never visited. We were in southern Spain, in the region known as the “route of the...
It could never happen to me
David's notes: This was originally posted in July 2007. I always thought I was good at watching and protecting my stuff when traveling...but a few weeks ago I had a lot of stuff stolen from me. It all started when I set my backpack on the front seat of my tour bus. ...
The Italians are on Vacation
We've found that August is the month for the Italians to take off work and go to the beach. Walking the streets of any of the Cinque Terre villages, you are more likely to hear Italian being spoken than English. Normally, when we visit the Cinque Terre it is in May...
JetLag
Normally, when I fly to Europe I am in the working and touring mode. That's to say that upon arrival in Europe, I usually have to begin leading tours and showing people around. So to prepare for this I get my "body clock" ready at home by getting up at 4:00 a.m. and...
Back home in the USA
I've been home here in the States for about a week. I've had to make some mental and physical adjustments. It may seem odd, but being on the road in Europe for sixty days has been very comfortable. Yes, I miss my family, home, pets, and bed...but that's about it. ...
Flying in Europe is Cheap and Easy!
Europe is full of economy and discount air carriers. Almost every major city has a reliable and affordable airline connecting it to other countries. Yesterday we flew up from Lisbon, Portugal to London on easyJet. easyJet links about 130 European destinations with...
Venice… off the beaten path
Yesterday my friends and I rode the train up from Rome to Venice. We have been blessed all summer with exceptional cool and pleasant weather. Stepping off the train in Venice proved to be no exception. Where usually I'd be greeted with humid, hot, and muggy...
Picnicing in Bath
Tonight we just finished a 10 day tour of London, Bath, Madrid, and Toledo with a group of eleven teenagers, two teachers and one parent. I must say this has been the most hilarious trip I have ever been on. The group was a perfect mix. The students got along, the...
Lisbon=Fun!
Hey everyone! Since I have never been to Portugal before I had no clue what to expect. The only thing I did know, was that I couldn't speak, write, or read a bit of Portuguese. My first opinion of the city was that it was very busy with lots of people and speeding...
Lisbon…up and down the town
A few days ago we joined up in Lisbon for my first tour of the summer. This is a pretty easy gig! There are six of us touring Portugal and southern Spain for a few days. The group consists of two old farts (me and Gerry), three guys ages 18-24 (Jay, Ryan, and...
A pint for the Scots
The flight to Edinburgh was completely full. But that did not matter. I watched a bit of the movie, had my pasta and vino for dinner, and sequestered myself for three good hours of sleep with my iPod playing Bartok all night. We finally got to Edinburgh...
Packing light for the long haul
I'm sitting here at the Atlanta airport with my travel partner, Natalie, waiting for our overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. The last week has been busy, but I started packing six days ago. Over the previous weekend I got all my travel gear together. That...
Follow up on “Truck Stop” restaurant experience
My friends Dennis and Linda sent these pictures of our rural France dining experience. I've detailed the experience in the post dated April 18.
If things don’t go according to plan…change your plan! Le Petit Paris Restaurant
I'm in my "European Planning Mode", and last weekend I took two days to methodically inspect my summer tour schedule. I am one of those guys who enjoys piecing together the individual tour elements in order to make a stress-free and seamless travel experience. ...
Dollar Stretching Strategies
Book as much of your trip in US dollars as possible. Search the Web, make some calls, ask your travel agent, ask me. There are a lot of travel providers that allow you to reserve air, hotel, and car all in one transaction using US dollars. Look at Expedia and...
Slow down and enjoy your dinner!
Last night I had a fun time visiting with friends at a Carrabba's Restaurant. We don't get a chance to see much of each other and I wanted to spend a couple of hours eating and talking about our lives, our travels, and what's new. Sometimes that's tough to do at a...
Undiscovered Umbria
"Gubbio, what is there?" That was the response of my tour group as we floated out of Venice and hopped aboard our bus. It seemed we would never get out of Mestre, the industrial town just to the west of Venice. Finally we broke through the tangled web of...
I’m in Paris… Thoughts on the LONDON BOMBINGS
This morning I woke to another day in Paris. I've been here for five days leading a tour. The neighborhood where we are staying is peaceful...a little community in itself. I started the day as usual. Up and out of bed by seven-thirty and out for a day of touring by...
A Grateful Irish Heart
by Susan McInarnay I was fortunate enough to visit Ireland in 2003 and absolutely fell in love with the country. I returned to the US and told one of my best friends, Karen Kelly, that I was going back one day and she was, going with me. I had no idea at the time that...
Irish Memories
by Susan McInarnay Most of my adult life I have dreamed of the day that I would travel to the country of my ancestry. It had been a lifelong dream of my father's that unfortunately died with him. Having the opportunity to travel to Ireland with my sister Debby was...
Truffle Hunting
Umbria lies in the shadow of Tuscany and Latium, its regional neighbors. In fact the closely associated Italian word ombra literally means "shadow." For me, this region certainly is overshadowed by Tuscany, its well known neighbor to the north. For most Americans when...
Getting Sick and Hospitalized in Europe!
by Michelle Johnson Whether a graduation present, a family vacation, or a relaxing break from work, a trip to Europe is always heavily anticipated. Every traveler looks forward to the European sights available for the lucky tourist: Renaissance art for the...
A Sunday Afternoon in South Wales
It's Sunday afternoon and I'm in the hills of southern Wales. I've taken a break from my tour group. This morning I attended a local Baptist church in Carmarthen and heard a sermon presented by the pastor and children of the church. The sermon topic was Jesus'...
England as seen from the air
After spending ten weeks in Europe this summer my journal is full of stories about great travel destinations. Most recently, I've returned from England, Wales and Ireland and this month I'd like to share my experiences with you. Last week I had a two hour flight from...
Tuscany and the Hookers
Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel alone in Europe for about two weeks. Traveling alone has many advantages: I was able to make all the decisions, my decisions only affected me, I had no schedule or agenda, I was free to roam wherever I wanted to in all of...
Stranded on the Mudflats!
At first it appeared on the horizon as a hazy mirage floating up from the sea. The bus filled with sounds of "oooos and ahhhs" followed immediately by the click-click of hastily positioned cameras trying vainly to capture the moment on film. This scenario is played...
Camping out on Il Campo… Siena’s Grand Square
Il Campo, the town square of Siena is a big as three football fields. It is paved with red brick and is surrounded by cafes, vendors, and local businesses. Viewed from the air it reminds me of a half completed sunset, red bricks radiating from the central public...
Sunsets
I was standing in my backyard during the final sunset of 2001. After a full afternoon of yard work and chores, I sat down next to my pond to watch the dusk turn into darkness. The sun had illuminated the western sky with vivid oranges and ruby reds. As I watches the...
Burrr… Really Cold in the UK
BURRRRRR…..It can really get cold in England! Last week I found myself in England and Wales during the Foot and Mouth outbreak. I was leading a group of students and educators from Florida. You probably know what SPRING BREAK is like in Florida…….sunbathing, hot...
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