Europe

15 Best Castles to See in Wales

By Jenifer Sako · Updated: December 18, 2020

Wales is often referred to as “Land of Castles,” and for good reason. Many of Europe’s surviving castles and castle ruins dating back to the Middle Ages are found in the ruggedly beautiful western region of Great Britain. Each fortress owns a piece of the rich and complicated history of Wales–a history hallmarked with battles, alliances and the never-ending quest for Welsh independence.

There are more castles per square mile in Wales than anywhere else in Europe. They owe their storybook appearance to King Edward I who built them as a way to fortify his conquests of lands there. His castles are characterized by three concentric rings of walls and towers with the middle kept open as a courtyard. Friends and foes entered the military-style buildings by drawbridges over moats.

Many Welsh attractions including castle tours are suspended until 2021, but don’t let that stop you from planning for next year. Here are 15 of the best castles in Wales that will enchant your future travels.

15 Best Things to Do in Bolzano, Italy

By Jenifer Sako · Updated: December 18, 2020

Called the gateway to the majestic Dolomites of the Italian Alps, Bolzano is a city of breathtaking sights with a rich medieval history.

If you’re looking for things to do in Bolzano, you’ll be delighted to know it’s strategic location in the hills of the South Tyrol region, evident in the fortresses and castles dotting the surrounding lands, points to its importance as a capital city.

Settlements there date back to prehistoric times and history shows it’s been ruled by Bavarians, the early Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire. Now Bolzano is the largest city in South Tyrol with a strong allure for visitors who come to tour the numerous castles and ancient churches.

A gorgeous alpine destination, the city of 105,000 residents offers jaw-dropping scenery, excellent Northern Italian cuisine and wines, and exquisite handicrafts. Many of the sights have both an Italian and a German name, owing to its location.

But what are the true highlights of this mountain jewel? Here are the 15 best things to do in Bolzano, Italy.

21 Small, Charming Villages in England to Visit

By Vandita · Updated: December 24, 2020

England is known for some of the most beautiful and charming villages in the world. The stone cottages, country walks, quaint pubs, and serene beauty evoke the romance of an era gone by. Villages in England to visit provide an ideal backdrop for a relaxing escape.

14 Best United Kingdom Beaches to Visit (Ranked!)

By Jenifer Sako · Updated: December 18, 2020

UK beaches offer fantastic vacation options for every traveler from families to honeymooners. Situated on thousands of miles of breathtaking coastline, you’ll find quaint getaways, lively nightspots and everything in between. Accommodations range from luxe to cozy, but they all live up to the charm and utter British-ness of the rest of Great Britain.

Indulge your active side with an outdoor adventure on a Scottish beach or take in the spectacular views from the rugged coasts of Wales. Whatever your UK beaches vibe might be, you’ll find it on one of many sandy stretches that make up thousands of miles of British seacoast.

Here are 14 best beaches in UK, grouped and ranked, for the ultimate British beach vacation.

18 Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy (Ranked!)

By Vandita · Updated: December 18, 2020

Also known as Settentrione or II Nord, the Northern part of Italy has eight separate regions. These eight regions include Aosta Valley, Peidmont, Veneto, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto and Lombardy. Northern Italy is known for picturesque locations and rich history. It has coastal regions and an impressive mountainous region. It is known for the dramatic and impressive landscapes of the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. There are many cities which are the best places to visit in Northern Italy.