Compass: Europe
“He who is outside his door already has the hardest part of his journey behind him.” — Dutch proverb
From Europe’s largest country (Russia) to its small one (Vatican City) and the additional 49 countries in between, the continent of Europe is a vast landmass in the northwestern part of Eurasia. The most visited European country is France followed by Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany but each of the 51 independent states hold a rich history, unique cultures and traditions, delicious food, beautiful landscapes and other gems that make each country worth visiting.Europe’s border is delineated by the Ural Mountains in Russia, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains and the following countries (listed in alphabetical order) comprise the continent: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK) and Vatican City (Holy See).
Finding the Common Thread at the Pinkas Synagogue, Prague
By Nicole BanksStanding in front of a memorial to the 77,297 Czech Jews who were massacred during the Holocaust, however, it’s not quite so easy for me to dismiss. Read more
Europe Insights History
Animal Conservation in Spain
By Bianka CramblitWhen travelers dream of Spain, most think about wandering down cobblestone alleys, listening to the Spanish guitar, and drinking wine under the shadows of a towering medieval cathedral. However, it’s a mistake to think of Europe only in terms of its beautiful cities and centuries of human history. There is … Read more Read more
Spain Conservation
Reminiscing on Slovenia Through the Senses
By Trixie PacisFrom the summer of 2018 to 2019, I called the charming Slovenian capital of Ljubljana my home. For those of you who have yet to experience Slovenia, it is a feast for the eyes. Read more
Europe Architecture History
Rick Steves “For the Love of Europe” and his Travel-Driven Social Ethos
Today on World Footprints, we welcome back, author and television host, Rick Steves. We enjoy a very thought-provoking discussion about a range of topics from the current pandemic and social issues to the challenging issues facing the travel industry today. Read more
Europe Social Responsibility
An Expat’s Christmas Journey to the Isle of Wight
By Bianka CramblitJude Law stopping by your snow-covered cottage in the English countryside…. Yes, please! The many other festive British holiday movies had left me feeling like I had already celebrated there. Read more
United Kingdom Events & Festivals
Tenerife- The Wild Side of Spain
By Bianka CramblitOne hundred miles off the coast of the Southern coast of Morocco lies The Canary Islands. These eight one-of-a-kind islands will charm you so much that you might start searching for early retirement options on your flight back. Read more
Spain Food & Drink History
Romans, cathedrals, and fairytales
By Tania BanerjeeThe air hangs heavy with moisture. The illusion of stillness is the prelude before the story unfolds. Frowns appear in the sky. 2,000 years ago, the dramatic sky would have convinced the inhabitants of God’s wrath. Redundant chimneys of the slate-roofed houses stand as remnants of the past, but they … Read more Read more
Spain Architecture History The Arts
PBS Television Host Rick Steves about his love for Europe and Celebration of Diversity
World Footprints stows away with travel writer and PBS TV host Rick Steves as he shares his new book, “For The Love Of Europe” and how travel is an antidote to the purposeful dumbing down of American society. This interview shows a different side of Rick Steves and our conversation … Read more Read more
Europe Experiences Social Responsibility
The Basque Country – Beauty & Independence
By Bianka CramblitThe proud capital of Spain’s Basque region, Bilbao, is a place where culture, history, and mouthwatering gastronomy surround you. Their storied history and decades spent fighting to retain their unique culture have shaped it to be the one-of-a-kind city it is today. Read more
Spain Insights History
Tsambika Monastery: Leave your baby dolls and leave the rest to faith
By Jim BamboulisGreece. A mythical country where the honey-scented sea breeze will enchant you, warm, silk-like waters will entice you, and white-washed homes that grace the countryside Read more
Europe Religious Travel History
Spain As We Know It, Thanks to the Moors
By Bianka CramblitStrolling through the southern Spanish city of Sevilla on a sunny early spring day, the sweet smells of orange blossoms surround you as they waft through the air. These fragrant fruit trees flourish in the cobble-stoned streets and bring color to the beautiful Royal Alcázar of Seville. Read more
Spain Religious Travel History
Beyond Big Ben: Day trips from London
By Tara TadlockAn estimated 30 million visitors per year make London the most visited city in the United Kingdom. Red telephone booths, Tower Bridge, and the allure of a royal family sighting make it the perfect first taste of what England has to offer, but why stop there when there are so … Read more Read more
United Kingdom Architecture History
Asturias: Spain’s Most Overlooked Region
By Bianka CramblitWhere can you wake up in the morning to the pitter-patter of raindrops falling onto the lush, green mountainside while the bagpipes play in the distance? Scotland seems the obvious answer, but if you trade the kilts and haggis for jamón (ham) and bulls, you might be surprised to find … Read more Read more
Spain Food & Drink History
Traces of the Civil War In Madrid
By Bianka CramblitIt’s hard to imagine that the capital city of a country as welcoming and vibrant as Spain was under dictator rule until as recently as 1975. A nation that was torn apart by civil war has slowly been brought back together to what it is now — a place full … Read more Read more
Spain LGBTQ History
Amid Covid-19 Pandemic, Portugal Launches Travel Insurance for International Tourists
COVID-19 has spread throughout the world, forcing people far and wide to change how they live their daily lives. The world came to a standstill at the first half of 2020 when cities and towns went into lock down. In June, countries began with soft reopening efforts in … Read more Read more
Europe