City: Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸 (The Hinchey’s)
Suggested area to stay: Eixample area or Gothic Quarter. Anywhere near Placa Catalunya works well as the airport buses will take you there easily. We love Hotel Denit. A one minute walk from the airport bus stop on a tiny street you might be hesitant to travel down. But once there, you find a modern hotel with reasonable rates in a busy part of the city.
Must see/do: Montserrat Monastery (outside of the city), Sagrada Familia by Gaudi, Camp Nou Stadium (home of FC Barcelona), Sandeman’s Walking Tour, Boqueria Market (although many of the less popular ones are more fun).
Restaurants we’ve tried: Vinitus for an amazing mid priced meal. Disfrutar if you want an unparalleled food experience (at about $400CDN..per person). One hundred Montaditos for a cheap beer/wine/tapas meal.
Best way to get around: Very easy walking city and a pretty simple subway system.
Best bit of advice: Even though La Rambla is one of the most famous streets in the world… it is so busy. Filled with too many tourist trinkets and poor food choices. Walk a few blocks away for tastier and much cheaper food. If you can read the restaurant sign…skip it. If you have no idea what it says, climb in. And watch for pickpockets. Yes….they are real.
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City: London, UK 🇬🇧 (The Lumsden’s)
Suggested area to stay: London is massive, and there is an accommodation type/cost point for every consumer. We’ve stayed in multiple areas of greater London (Islington/Lambeth/Earl’s Court), from the heart of the city through to Heathrow accommodations. Our latest particular favorite has become AirBnB. Options are only limited by pocketbook and time of booking. Visitors will inevitably lay their heads near the reason for visit. Whatever your preference / price range, keep the following in mind; distance to tube, proximity to desired attractions and research the nearest “Local” to see real London!
Must see/do: It is, indeed, an endless opportunity! Stroll the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Walk The Parks & The Mall, take a show in at the Theatre District, Experience Covent Garden, The British Museum, Book a Warder for Tower of London, Wander Borough Market, Go back in time at the Imperial War Museum, Shakespearean Vibes at the Globe Theatre, Check out “Your Local”(or often Boozer), Splurge for a Pair of “Footie” Tix; As a tip, we always research the “Events in London” for our travel dates – So many travelling exhibitions, concerts, and shows include London in their tours.
Restaurants we’ve tried: Some of the world’s best “pub grub”… UK eateries pride themselves on Fish & Chips (it hasn’t failed us). We’ve never gone upscale in London, always preferring the casual dining experience & experimenting with pub favourites like Scotch Egg, Toad in the Hole, Mushy Peas, Bangers & Mash and the heartiest of Hand pies… from traditional comfort dishes to elevated modern gastropub fare!
Best way to get around: The Tube (London Subway) is your best friend! With “tap-in/tap-out” and broad network it’s a winner. Safe, predictable, economical! Wear comfortable shoes though… you will undoubtedly rack up the steps in London. If hop on/hop off tours are your thing, lots of choice. Definitely don’t consider driving yourself… it’s not for the meek!
Best bit of advice: We’ve visited London at least 1/2 dozen times, enjoying multiple day stays or making the best of a layover. It’s best served in “gulps”, and can’t be seen at once. Each stay we incorporate a new borough, an unseen attraction, unearth a new experience… you’d best forget about cost and relax ($$$ and exchange are tough math), pick your “once in a lifetime” attraction, and make it happen! Consider London “unfinished business” – and make use of any opportunity to see her again.
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City: Lagos, Portugal 🇵🇹 (The Hinchey’s)
Suggested area to stay: A couple of possibilities here. The Old Town is such a cool area but expect to be in a smaller/older spot. Usually no elevators but sometimes tiny balconies. For a newer area, check out the Marina neighbourhood. Lots of newer hotels/condos with swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. And only about a 10 minute walk to the old town.
Must see/do: Spend several days just roaming around the Old Town checking out the shops/bars/restaurants. Be sure to hop on a boat and cruise along the coast, popping in and out of the many caves and grottos. We used Bluefleet Tours and were quite happy. Make some time for some walking tours along the coast. The Ponta da Piedade Boardwalk offers a comfortable and safe walk ranging from an hour to four or five hours. And be sure to pack your camera. And don’t forget the amazing beaches on this entire Algarve coast.
Restaurants we’ve tried: Any place that doesn’t look too touristy and offers Piri Piri chicken (spicy) and bifanas (pork sandwich). But our favourite (both times we visited) was Pomo. An amazing little Italian spot in the old town. Huge portions and incredible food.
Best way to get around: It’s a very pedestrian area. Rent a bike for a bit of an adventure, grab a rental car to see the countryside. Or…hop in a local TukTuk for a guided tour at a slow pace.
Best bit of advice: If you get a chance, hop on local bus and visit some of the neat towns nearby. Maybe even grab a hotel room in some of popular hangouts. Praia da Luz is a quiet little town just 10 minutes away. Beautiful beaches and a fun boardwalk. Check out Albufeira… a wild little town full of hundreds of bars and restaurants and crazy nightlife. You have to experience it at least once. We checked it out for 2 visits. One for 6 days and one for 4 days. We’re probably done now.
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City: Athens, Greece 🇬🇷 (The Lumsden’s)
Suggested area to stay: Notable do’s and don’ts for accommodations in Athens were readily available on YouTube. Our choice was, once again, a modest apartment rental, that included a balcony and rooftop terrace on Adrianou St., that made staying home an attraction. We loved the vibe in the Monastiraki and Psirri neighborhoods… with peaceful streets lined with eateries, buskers, and fantastic Acropolis and Agora views. Of note, Omonia was worth avoiding.
Must see/do:Night time view of The Acropolis, Sit in rush hour Monastiraki Square, Sensory vverload in Varvakios Central Municipal Market, Explore the ruins and reconstruction of Ancient Agora, Morning hike through the alleys of Anafiotika, Stand among Gods beside the Parthenon 🏛️, Shop Ermou Street, Take a Ferry & Island Hop from Ancient Piraeus, Savour Traditional Greek Coffee, and Cook in an authentic Greek Kitchen…
Restaurants we’ve tried: Athenian eateries pride themselves on serving simple, fresh ingredients, with copious amounts of Olive Oil 😂! We had great success with smaller, family run tavernas (Mystilli), late night Street Food (Loukamades / Gyros), and savoury Souvlaki / Keftesi / Moussaka with beers near Syntagma. However, little compared to preparing Greek dishes (Tzatziki, Dolmades, Spanakopita, Imam Bialdi and Portokalopita) under the guidance of Thanasis at The Greek Kitchen! A spectacular experience!
Best way to get around: Athens (with heavy soled shoes) is wonderfully accessible on foot. It should be noted, however, that several major attractions do require significant climbs such as the Acropolis, Areopagus and Lycabettus Hill (with funicular). We utilized the subway for airport commutes, a trip to the Port of Piraeus, and shorter runs in city centre. Riding was economical and uncomplicated.
Best bit of advice: Athens is more than ancient ruins. She has existed for millennia, outlasting earthquake, war, and epidemic with grit & pride. We expected history, and were a bit overtaken as our shadow was cast across the Acropolis. A real thrill! Yet, Athens is a modern city. The past meets today everywhere… a remarkable, and sometimes poignant, commentary on the course of man and a people’s timeline. Yes… these old stones speak, but more stories are being told!
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City: Rovinj, Croatia 🇭🇷 (The Hinchey’s)
So this one is a bit different. It seems that everyone who visits Croatia gravitates towards Zagreb or Dubrovnik. We gave Dubrovnik a good visit over 4-5 days but then tried somewhere a bit out of the way. Rovinj…a little fishing town on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula.
Suggested area to stay: Anywhere in the ‘walled’ Old Town is cool but most of it is pedestrian only. If you’re driving, there are lots of VRBO spots outside the town within walking distance.
Must see/do: Spend lots of time roaming around the narrow streets of the old town. Filled with restaurants and quaint shops. Consider one of the many boat tours that take you out around the town. Evening ones with a sip of wine are cool. We rented some bikes and did our own self-directed bike tour along the coast. Very safe and comfortable. Check out some local wineries. We did Stancija Collis, a family-run winery and farm on a hill south of Rovinj. We pre-booked a private taxi to drop us off and pick us up a couple of hours later. Also, consider a local guide as you can learn so much. We used Vukica Palcic. She can be found on the Rovinj Tourism Portal.
Restaurants we’ve tried: Well…we tried a bunch and all were very good. Lot’s of nice Italian spots as they can pretty well see Venice from their town. Check out the Mediterraneo Bar where you can grab a chair or just sit on the rocks.
Best way to get around: Walking and biking are pretty well your only options, but again, an easy walking town. There is a car rental spot in the new town so it is possible to drive there, drop off your car, and walk for a few days.
Best bit of advice: If you are lucky enough to visit Rovinj, consider extending your trip to Italy. There are daily boat trips across the peninsula allowing you to cruise right up to the canals of Venice. The boat takes 3-4 hours. Check it out here at Adriatic-lines.com – Daily Excursions to Venice from Istria.
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City: Copenhagen, Denmark 🇩🇰 (The Lumsden’s)
Suggested area to stay: Copenhagen is incredibly safe, so we leaned toward transportation and cost factors when deciding where to stay! We selected an apartment rental (AirBnB) with lovely amenities and competitive pricing in the Christianshavn district. The locale proved perfect… close to the Metro, Christianshavn Canal, Central Train Station and walking distance to many attractions in the Nyhavn area. I do think, however, any central location would be close to transport, and it seemed only limited to the price you’d like to pay!
Must see/do: Pedal like a local with a guide from City Bike Tours, get the perfect angle shot in photogenic Nyhavn, sail the canals and harbour with Stromma Canal Tours, perhaps an ale and snacks at Broens Street Food, meander through the stalls at Torvehallerne Market, picnic in King’s Park, tromp the Rundetaarn to tower views over city centre, experience the National Art Gallery or visit Copenhagen most famous of sites for Hans Christian Andersen lovers, the Little Mermaid. A bounty of art, history, foods and culture await!
Restaurants we’ve tried: Home to world class restaurants, such Michelin ⭐️ Noma, Copenhagen is known for fine dining experience. Although that was out of our cost range / comfort zone, we ate well in restaurant, on street side, in market, at amusement park, along canal and at home (after some grocery shopping). However, our highlight was the guided first day Food & Bicycle Experience. We nommed gourmet “hot dog”, sampled fish cakes and Mikkeller craft beer, feasted on the Danish open faced sandwich Smørrebrød (not so gently chased with Denmark’s national drink Akvavit), and deserted with pastries from Bagt in the Nyborder UNESCO area. The three hours of guided bike tour to Danish delicacies was extra special!
Best way to get around: Our first choice was walking (partially to keep pace with all the great food and drink we found) but lots of options, from subway to the local preference… bicycle! Of note, canal boats are also worth adding to the mix, as this Baltic port has a bounty of canal and harbour views worth seeing.
Best bit of advice: With Copenhagen, amidst all the wonderful attractions and scenic city, we loved the little things. We swam in the Baltic, explored the Royal Library, savoured the flavour of Licorice Ice Cream, and sat canal side like locals sharing a drink and conversation. Danes believe in the concept of “hygge” (coziness)… the state of togetherness, safety, equality, and emotional warmth. We liked that idea ❤️
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City: Amsterdam, The Netherlands 🇳🇱 (The Hinchey’s)
Suggested area to stay: Every neighbourhood has its’s value but the closer you are to the city centre, the more expensive accommodations are so try to move a bit further out and just make sure you are on one of the main tram/bus routes. We stayed at the Hilton Amsterdam Centre East. Perfect location.
Must see/do: So much to see here. Check out the Heineken Museum for a fun experience. Of course, the Anne Frank House is a must do. Visit this canal-side house where the young Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family hid for two years during the Second World War. Just has a real somber feel to it. Of course, a first day walking tour is always a must for us. We did the Sandeman one again. We hired a private guy “Damn Boat Guys” for an afternoon canal tour. Grab a bottle of wine, some bread and cheese and float around for a comfortable afternoon. And then, create your own little tour of the many markets throughout the city. Oh yah…and there’s probably the most popular spot in the city…The Red Light district. Enough said…but you have to visit.
Restaurants we’ve tried: Two spots stood out. Check out the modern Foodhallen. Seems like most cities are adding these giant food halls where you can try a variety of both local and international bites. You have to try the bitterballen…tasty deep fried balls of breadcrumbs and different meats. Hard to describe but delicious (Amsterdam Foodhallen). And then there is the experience called a Rijsttafel. A traditional Indonesian style meal. Dutch for “rice table,” rijsttafel (“ryst-tah-fell”) is a by-product of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia (Instagram Reel).
Best way to get around: So many options here but Amsterdam is one of those very walkable cities. But the trams are probably the most efficient way to get the most out of your days if you’re only here for a few days. Grab a reasonably priced ‘unlimited’ card and hop around everywhere. They do have a subway but with the efficiency of the tram system, the subway doesn’t seem that busy.
Best bit of advice: If you’re landing in Amsterdam, you are probably landing at the airport or the train station. For us it was the train station. As we walked out into the main square, there they were….bicycles…everywhere. Like hundreds of bikes everywhere. Tons of parked bikes and tons of moving ones. People going to work, people out for exercise, kids going to school, people shopping. Our warning is, be careful as this is how they live. You hear a constant ‘ring ring’ of bike bells as unaware tourist step into bike lanes. A few people get a bit cranky but most understand that this is a whole new world to tourists. Instead of being rattled, go rent a bike and visit the city.
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City: Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina 🇧🇦 (The Lumsden’s)
Suggested area to stay: Sarajevo captured our hearts and imagination in 2026… a big part of that manifested through our wonderful “Old Town” AirBnB rental that overlooked the markets and minarets of the ancient Baščaršija area of the city. Economical, community grounded, balcony views and steps from sentiments that scream both Turkish Bazaar and Viennese streetscape. Old town is definitely your “bang for buck” accommodation location!
Must see/do: History and tragedy abound here… perhaps that’s what drew us to this deep river valley amidst the Dinaric Alps. Bask in the sights, smells and sounds of Baščaršija district, sip water from the Sebilj, step foot on the site of the Franz Ferdinand Assassination, wake up to the haunting Muslim “Call to prayer” during Ramadan or extend respect at Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, delve into the history of a peoples experience in genocide, learn about communist era Yugoslavia at the tiny The Tito Museum and sample the totally drinkable and entirely edible offerings of eateries up and down Ferhadija Street. You won’t regret adding Sarajevo to an itinerary!
Restaurants we’ve tried: We had done our research and actively sought out eateries that prepared the best in traditional Bosnian offerings; We ate Cevapi at Ćevabdžinica Petica Ferhatović; sipped traditional Bosnian Coffee with the delicious confectionary we know as Turkish Delight (lokum) at Ministry of Ćejf; ordered samplings of both meat & cheese Burek at Sahat Kula Buregdžinica; explored a fantastic local charcuterie board / Sarajevsko beers at Brewery HS Pivnica and toasted Sarajevo with Rakija (fruit brandy – our fav would have been the Honey blend) at the seedy Birtija Bar in Kovači. The wafting of grilled meats and charcoal was constant in the Baščaršija!
Best way to get around: Other than Airport / Touring Transfers, we walked everywhere in Sarajevo. We even avoided the trams which regularly ran past our accommodation. The mostly pedestrian street section of the old town was easily accessible on foot and the consolidated core had all amenities – necessities in walking radius.
Best bit of advice: Sarajevo is a testament to a people that have endured, shown unflinching resilience and recovered from a fantastically oppressive history . They believe in the idea of Ćejf (“chayf”). Ćejf is cited as a “Bosnian concept representing deep pleasure, leisure, and total contentment, often linked to small, mindful rituals”. To share coffee was indeed one of these rituals in Sarajevo, be it morning, noon, or late into the evening. Perhaps, from the smallest of rituals come the greatest of dreams!
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City: Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹 (The Hinchey’s)
Suggested area to stay:
Tuscany. Okay… not a city but a region. And one worth visiting. We stayed outside of a small town called Castiglion Fiorentino. An historic walled hill town in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy.
Must see/do: Our home base was a beautiful villa called La Carrecia. We came across La Carrecia on the advice of some friends..and now we’ve probably steered a dozen people to this same piece of paradise. The owner Filippo is a gem of a gentleman who’ll go out of his way to look after you. Every day can be a visit to another hill town in the region. Check out Sienna, Cortona, Montepulciano, Arezzo, Pienza, Assisi…and then top it off with a trip to Florence. Many of these towns can be visited by train, but a rental car can serve you well also.
Restaurants we’ve tried: Our favourite was La Bucaccia (on the list of the Top 101 restaurants in the world) in Cortona but every town has so many little gems of spots.
Best way to get around: As mentioned, the train system can move you around cheaply and efficiently. But don’t forget to validate your ticket or you could land a nice big fine. Just ask how. Some trains have tap machines outside of the train and some are on the train. Renting a car is a pretty simple procedure nearby and driving is not much different than driving at home. Some very rural and narrow roads and some high speed highways. As well, Filippo is more than willing to offer his services for some ‘paid’ day trips.
Best bit of advice: Consider staying overnight in a town like Montepulciano. This town is a wine lovers dream with so many neat wineries. They’d just be a bit more fun knowing you didn’t have to get behind the wheel later in the day. Tuscany is a special part of the world where the days just slowly slide by as you eat great food, sip fine wines…and take one pile of pictures.
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City: Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 (The Lumsden’s)
Suggested area to stay: Berlin… we’ve been twice and utilized hotel in Mitte and Apartment Rental in Prenzlauer Berg. Our choices expose our evolution as travellers… early travel we more actively sought out the immediate comfort, predictability and anonymity realized in hotel stays. In short, we lacked the confidence to embed deeper within the community via accommodations in smaller, more intimate urban neighborhoods. The selection is vast, so do your research and make your “bed for the night” memorable and one that enhances the overall experience!
Must see/do: Berlin is complicated, bearing the weight of a tumultuous history of turmoil while weaving a new way forward to today’s vibrant, urban landscape. So much to experience; Step back in time and take a guided Berlin Wall Walking Tour; Shop the upscale outlets in Potsdamerplatz; Survey the city high atop the glass domed Bundestag; Museum Island is a must for Art & History aficionado of all stripe; and, of course, grace the exhibits of one of this cities many thought provoking, important WWII retrospective museums that delve into Berlin’s very dark, complex history!
Restaurants we’ve tried: Foods from around the globe find a home in Berlin. We’ve dined in restaurants, biergarten, and street side. We’ve sampled authentic & traditional “hearty” fares such as dumpling, sausage and pork knuckle, but I’m going to shine a light on Berlin’s multicultural evolution. During our last trip we were served an amazing Lebanese grilled dinner plate sourced near our accommodation at Babel Restaurant. The meal for four was second to none and just a glimpse at the level of cuisine that will most likely be found around the corner from your lodging!
Best way to get around: The Metro hums with a cost effective efficiency, and is extensive. No reason to look a lot further unless you are late! Make sure, however, that your tickets are valid as riding for free comes at a cost!!! One is never too far from public transport, and the Berlin U-Bahn is clean and comfortable. However, don’t rob yourself the opportunity to stroll Unter den Linden and Pariserplatz and the core of this beautifully rebuilt city. Entirely walkable!
Best bit of advice: Check your preconceived notions at the gate and celebrate one of Europe’s newest capital cities (1990). Yes… Berlin is old but new, reverberating with revitalization. As she comes to terms with her dark history this city leads Europe in areas of economics, scientific advancement and immigration. Gritty innovation is a hallmark in this entirely cosmopolitan setting. Oh… and while enjoying, remember to indulge in a guilty pleasure and grab a street side Currywurst… common, you know you want to!!!