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European Travel


Europe Unfiltered: Part 3—The Charm of the "Second City
Athlone, Ireland When most people dream of Europe, they picture the "Big Five": London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, or Berlin. But as a travel specialist, I often find that my clients’ most cherished memories happen in the slightly smaller hubs—cities like Dublin, Edinburgh, Bratislava, or Krakow. These "mid-sized" cities offer a completely diff erent rhythm. But do they have the same "wow" factor? In Part 3 of our series, we’re looking at the trade-offs of skipping the capitals fo

Barry Branaugh
Mar 52 min read


Europe Unfiltered: Part 2—Concrete Jungles and Iconic Landmarks
Thinking about a European getaway? As a travel specialist, it remains my absolute favorite corner of the world. But as we discussed in [Part 1: The Reality of Crowds and Culture], it’s not always postcards and perfect sunsets. In this second installment of our five-part series, we’re looking at the heartbeat of the continent: The Major Cities. The Pros: Why We Love the Great Metros When you touch down in hubs like London, Paris, Madrid, or Berlin, you are stepping into a conc

Barry Branaugh
Feb 42 min read


Unpack Once, See it All: Your Ultimate Guide to European River Cruising
If you’ve ever dreamed of drifting past medieval castles, vineyard-covered hillsides, and storybook towns—all without the stress of constant packing and repacking—then a European river cruise is your perfect match. For first-timers, river cruising isn't just a vacation; it’s a "backstage pass" to the heart of Europe. It blends the luxury of a boutique hotel with the adventure of a multi-city tour. Here is everything you need to know about why your first river cruise will lik

Donna Standish
Jan 223 min read


Europe Unfiltered: Part 1—The Reality of Crowds, Costs, and Culture
Eiffel Tower, Paris As a European travel specialist, I'll be the first to tell you: it’s my favorite place on Earth. But like any great destination, it isn't perfect. To help you plan your dream trip, I’m launching a 5-part series on the "Real Europe." Timing is Everything High Season (Summer): Gorgeous weather, but expect peak prices and the biggest crowds. Low Season (Winter): Cold and shorter days, but significantly cheaper—and nothing beats a German Christmas market! Sh

Barry Branaugh
Jan 92 min read


Navigating Your Next Adventure: How to Choose the Perfect Travel Advisor
Dreaming of your next getaway but feeling overwhelmed by endless tabs, conflicting reviews, and the sheer volume of travel information...

Melissa Lenox
Jun 21, 20256 min read


Exploring London: A Spring Break Escape
Join Coasters & Castles Travel's Leah and her daughter on an unforgettable spring break journey through the bustling streets and...

Leah Choate
Apr 13, 20253 min read


Normandy: Rich History and Culture
Visiting Normandy, located in the north of France, offers a journey through captivating history, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. ...

Barry Branaugh
Mar 13, 20253 min read


Enjoy All the Emerald Isle Has to Offer!
Visiting Ireland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Enjoying a pint at the Guinness Brewery in...

Barry Branaugh
Jan 4, 20253 min read


Obidos: The Medieval Town
Join us as we uncover the magic of a picturesque village, a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to...

Barry Branaugh
Nov 10, 20242 min read


Barcelona: Jewel of the Mediterranean
Barcelona is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a unique blend of art, architecture, history, and Mediterranean charm.

Barry Branaugh
Oct 22, 20243 min read
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