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The five best European Christmas markets

A savvy traveller has shared her top five favourite Christmas markets in Europe, after visiting more than 100 festive markets. Originally from Texas, Helene Sula became enamoured with European festive traditions since moving to Heidelberg, Germany, in 2016. She told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13982839/100-Christmas-markets-favourite-five-Helene-Sula-Germany-France-UK-Austria.html">MailOnline Travel</a>, “Heidelberg was my first ever Christmas market and I was obsessed. I made it my mission to see as many as possible. The feeling was like being a kid at Christmas all over again. The magic felt real.” Despite her love for her local Christmas market, Helene shared the other four markets that have captured her heart, all while paying homage to the one that kicked off her love affair with Christmas festivities. Cologne, Germany According to Helene, the Christmas market in Cologne is not to be missed. The travel blogger said, “Cologne’s Christmas market near the cathedral is breathtaking. The towering Gothic architecture of the Cologne Cathedral creates the perfect backdrop for the festive lights and stalls.” “The market is expansive, with plenty of food options - make sure to try the Reibekuchen (potato pancakes) and mulled wine. It’s also great for families, with a skating rink and carousel.” Strasbourg, France The keen traveller said France always offers “authenticity” in their Christmas markets. Helene comments, “Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.” “The entire city is transformed into a festive wonderland, with stunning decorations, multiple market squares, and delicious local treats like tarte flambée and bredele cookies. The charm and authenticity of this market are unmatched.” Heidelberg, Germany Despite travelling all over the continent for Christmas festivities, Helene’s local market of Heidelberg is still one of her favourites. “Heidelberg holds a special place in my heart as it was the first Christmas market I visited after moving to Germany,” comments the traveller. “The market goes along the Hauptstrasse, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe! You'll wander through the beautiful historic old town, with the illuminated Heidelberg Castle overlooking the city.” “The ice-skating rink and warm treats like bratwurst make this market feel intimate and magical. Also, get some fries!” Ribeauville, France According to Helene, this historic market offers a step back in time to Christmas of years past. She said, “Ribeauville is a medieval-themed Christmas market, and it's one of the most unique I've ever visited.The town feels like it's straight out of a fairytale, with medieval music, costumes, and performances that transport you back in time.” “It's only open two weekends a year so you have to plan! I also recommend this as a family-friendly one, as it's great for kids!” Vienna, Austria The capital city of Austria is one of the largest in Europe, and is destined to impress anyone who attends. Helene explains, “Vienna’s Christmas markets are elegant and enchanting, with the market at Rathausplatz being my favourite. The backdrop of Vienna’s grand architecture combined with twinkling lights is truly magical.” “Try a Viennese sausage and a cup of punch, and enjoy ice skating at the nearby rink for a full festive experience.” Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

8 surprising alternatives to popular European destinations

That’s the problem with great destinations – they become too popular for their own good. So we’ve found some alternatives that are just as good. Instead of: Croatia Try: Montenegro The yacht set have known about Montenegro’s charms for years, but the rest of the world is just getting onboard. Sitting just south of Croatia, the country shares its same gorgeous coastline, beautiful beaches and historic walled cities, but with hardly any of the crowds. It’s sat at the border of east and west for more than 400 years, so expect a fascinating cultural mix and even a unique communist legacy thrown in. Instead of: Prague Try: Brno Hard to pronounce, easy to love. The Czech Republic’s second city is a winning combination of old and new. Baroque cathedrals and historic houses rub shoulders with lively pubs, trendy cocktail bars and contemporary art museums. Plus, as with all of the Czech Republic, Brno is great value – and you won’t come across any of the UK bucks parties that seem to trawl other capitals in Eastern Europe. Instead of: Cinque Terre Try: Rapallo There’s no denying that the Cinque Terre is stunning – provided you can find a hotel in high season. Instead, head around 50 kilometres north along the coast to the charming town of Rapallo. You’ll find the same brightly coloured buildings, a 16th century castle perched above the sea and pebbly beaches lined with retro changing huts. All this for a fraction of the price. Instead of: Canary Islands Try: Azores These Portuguese islands sit around 2,000 kilometres off the west coast of continental Europe, so they’re something of a hidden gem. They miss out on most of the tacky package tours from the UK and have less of a party vibe than other islands in the Med. Referred to as the Hawaii of the Atlantic, you’ll find a landscape volcanic peaks and dramatic crater lakes while offshore there’s world-class surfing, diving and whale watching. Instead of: Florence Try: Bologna Did you know some 16 million tourists visit Florence every year? That’s a lot for a town with a permanent population of less than 400,000. The university town of Bologna gets only a fraction of that and has just as much to offer. The streets are lined with historic religious architecture, the food is incredible and the whole city seems to embrace the culture of aperitivo (afternoon cocktails with friends). We’re sold. Instead of: Berlin Try: Warsaw Berlin is considered Europe’s capital of cool, but Warsaw can give it a run for its money. The city was largely flattened in World War II and was rebuilt in a fascinating mish mash of styles that makes it unlike anywhere else in the world. Restored Gothic buildings sit alongside Communist-era concrete blocks and sleek glass towers rise from gritty laneways. It’s also home to fantastic museums covering everything from the Jewish ghettos to Chopin. Instead of: Interlaken Try: Bovec Switzerland is notoriously expensive, so the Slovenian town of Bovec is a great value alternative. It’s known as the adventure capital of eastern Europe and the surrounding Julian Alps are ideal for hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, white water rafting and skiing in winter. The best part is, they will cost around half of what they would in Interlaken. Instead of: Budapest Try: Tallinn It wasn’t long ago that Budapest was itself an ‘alternative city’, but cheap flights and the river cruise boom have pushed it up to the top of the list. The medieval city of Tallinn, capital of Estonia, sits on the Baltic Sea and is a unique mix if Scandinavian, European and Russian culture. The magnificent onion-domed St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is reason enough to visit, though once you’re there you’ll also love the cool design shops springing up and the very cheap (and very good) local beer. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

The world finally has its first ‘parastronaut’

The European Space Agency made history last week with the announcement of the first “parastronaut”, 41-year-old UK citizen John McFall. He is the first candidate selected for the Parastronaut Feasibility project, <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Parastronaut_feasibility_project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described by ESA as</a> a “serious, dedicated and honest attempt to clear the path to space for a professional astronaut with a physical disability”. McFall, a former Paralympic sprinter, had his right leg amputated after a motorcycle accident at age 19. Most of us are familiar with images of gruelling astronaut selection tests and training from movies such as The Right Stuff. ESA seeks to answer the practical question of what changes to training and equipment need to be made for a physically disabled person to travel to space. <h2>How are astronauts selected?</h2> NASA first selected astronauts, <a href="https://www.life.com/history/mercury-seven-photos-of-nasa-astronauts-in-training/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Mercury Seven</a>, in 1959. Recruitment was limited to male military test pilots less than 40 years old, in excellent physical and mental health, and less than 1.8m tall (the Mercury capsule was tiny). Today, NASA uses a similar basic eligibility screening. Applicants must have 20/20 vision (corrective lenses and laser eye surgery are okay) with blood pressure under 140/90 when seated and a height between 1.49 and 1.93m (to fit <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-it-take-to-do-a-spacewalk-skill-courage-and-being-able-to-wear-a-mens-size-medium-163256" target="_blank" rel="noopener">available spacesuits</a>). However, this is the easy part. Candidates endure several rounds of interviews and testing, and if lucky enough to be selected will need to pass the long-duration flight astronaut physical. It’s a gruelling week-long test of physical abilities necessary for space, such as agility and hand-eye coordination, as well as tolerance of extreme pressure and inertial (rotating) environments. This is followed by a two-year training period mastering complex space hardware and software, performing simulated EVAs (spacewalks) in Houston’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/167748main_FS_NBL508c.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory</a>, and experiencing weightlessness during <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/analogs/parabolic-flight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">parabolic flight</a>. Although I have described the NASA process here, similar programs are used across space agencies. Determining what adaptations to training are required to allow participation by physically disabled candidates will be one outcome of the parastronaut project. <h2>Astronaut diversity is improving</h2> Culturally, astronaut selection criteria have slowly evolved since the first all-male, all-military cohorts. The first female (and civilian) in space, Soviet cosmonaut <a href="https://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/whos_who_level2/tereshkova.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Valentina Tereshkova</a>, flew on the Vostok 6 capsule in 1963. It was another 15 years before NASA selected female astronauts, and a further five before <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/sally-ride-first-american-woman-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sally Ride</a> became the first US woman in space aboard the shuttle Challenger in 1983. The first NASA astronaut of colour, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/subject/11054/guy-bluford/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guion “Guy” Bluford</a>, flew in the same year. The 2021 NASA astronaut class of ten candidates, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-new-astronaut-recruits-to-train-for-future-missions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Group 23</a>, included four women and several candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds. It would appear that diversity in astronaut selection has lagged behind society, and ESA has made a bold step with the parastronaut project. <h2>Levelling the playing field</h2> ESA has initially focused on candidates with a lower-limb disability. Astronauts primarily use their upper body to get around in weightlessness, and a lower-limb disability is unlikely to impair movement. In this respect, zero-g presents a level playing field. Issues are likely to arise when operating existing space hardware. The parastronaut study aims to determine what modifications to launch vehicles, spacesuits and other space systems would be necessary to allow a physically disabled astronaut to live and work in space. There is precedent for an astronaut with a progressively disabling condition flying in space. NASA astronaut <a href="https://spacecenter.org/remembering-nasa-astronaut-rich-clifford/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rich Clifford</a> was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1994 after noticing a lack of movement in his right arm when walking, shortly before his third scheduled shuttle flight. NASA not only allowed him to launch aboard Atlantis in 1996 for his final mission, but scheduled Clifford for a six-hour EVA on the exterior of the Mir space station. Although his experience was largely positive, Clifford did note he had difficulty donning his spacesuit due to limited motion of his right arm. The human-machine interface may present the biggest challenge for future parastronauts. <h2>Space is still risky and extreme</h2> In November 2021 we passed the milestone of <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/11/10/1054575533/spacex-launch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">600 humans having gone to space</a>. Compare that to the 674 million passengers who flew on US airlines in 2021 alone. If we could travel back in time to when only 600 people had flown in aeroplanes, we would find the risk of flying considerably higher than today. This is where we are with spaceflight. It remains a high-risk venture to an extreme environment with significant physical and mental challenges. We are still a long way from anyone being able to travel to space, although hopefully we won’t have to wait until billions of people have launched to reach a level of safety comparable to modern commercial aviation. Our knowledge of the physical, mental and operational risks associated with spaceflight is still incomplete. Of the 600+ space travellers to date, only 70 have been female, and an understanding of gender difference in space health is only just beginning to emerge. How would a physical disability affect an astronaut’s performance in space? We don’t know, but ESA is taking the first step in finding out. It would appear that space truly is the last frontier. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-world-finally-has-its-first-parastronaut-can-we-expect-anyone-to-be-able-to-go-to-space-one-day-195566" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: ESA

Travel Trouble

10 European villages you haven’t been to

Of course everyone has heard about London, Paris and Rome, but sometimes it’s the hidden gems that provide the most memorable experiences for travellers. Travel + Leisure has put together a 10 of the best secret European villages. They might not be as well known, but they’re just as captivating as a place to visit in their own right. To see the villages, scroll through the gallery below. <ol> <li>Giornico, Switzerland</li> <li>Staufen im Breisgau, Germany</li> <li>Aberdour, Scotland</li> <li>Norcia, Italy</li> <li>Folégandros, Greece</li> <li>Marvão, Portugal</li> <li>Terschelling, The Netherlands</li> <li>Hellnar, Iceland</li> <li>St. Mawes, England</li> <li>Plios, Russia</li> </ol> Have you been to any of these secret villages? Do you have a holiday on the cards, and if so where are you going? Images: Getty Images

International Travel

European droughts could jeopardise cruising’s future

With much of Europe and the UK recording devastating droughts, plummeting water levels in rivers and lakes are posing a threat to trade, industry and another sector: tourism. According to the European Union’s European Drought Observatory, around 63 percent of the land across the EU and UK, while the UK declared a drought in eight out of 14 areas shortly after. One body of water hit hard by the hot and drying weather is the Rhine, an important trade route and a popular inclusion on cruise itineraries. A critical juncture of the river at the German town of Kaub recorded water levels of just 36 centimetres over the weekend, sinking below the level at which commercial shipping becomes unprofitable. Clare Weeden, a principal lecturer in tourism and marketing at the University of Brighton, told <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/europe-drought-river-cruising/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> that this isn’t news, with low levels on the Rhine and Daube rivers seeing cruise passengers bussed from one destination to another over the past five or six years. "Anybody who operates river cruise boats would have had an understanding of this because of the way the climate has changed in the last 20 years," she explained. But, with the coinciding rise of river cruising’s popularity with the climate crisis, Weeden said Europe’s traditional cruising is “definitely going to suffer”. The situation is similar across Europe, with parts of France’s famed Loire river drying up almost completely and some canals being closed. As for the Danube, emergency dredging is taking place on the lower river, through Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, while the water levels in the Hungary stretch have meant that trade vessels, averaging 1600 tonnes, can only navigate the river without cargo. While some cruises have been unaffected, passengers on some lines have been unable to travel to Budapest by water, instead being bussed or flown from other destinations. In the UK, the source of the Thames has moved downriver by five miles (or eight metres), a first in the country’s history. For those with tours lined up, don’t cancel just yet. Helen Prochilo of Promal Vacations suggests those who have booked their trips make regular calls to their river cruise line to check the conditions. For visitors still considering booking a tour, Prochilo advises to book earlier in the season or simply wait until next year. Susanne Etti, an environmental impact manager at Intrepid Travel, has called this year’s summer “a wake-up call for the entire sector”. “Travel has a front row seat as climate change unfolds in the destinations we visit and, if this becomes a standard summer, it will massively impact our industry,” Etti said. “Unless urgent action is taken on climate change, the reality is that extreme weather is going to have an impact on the destinations and communities we visit.” Image: Getty Images

Cruising

CDC and EU slap restrictions on travel to Australia

As Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise due to the Omicron wave, two major international governing bodies have warned against travelling to Australia. America’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Union have both identified Australia as a “Covid danger zone”, and warned their residents against travelling Down Under. The EU’s concerns could see Aussie travellers banned from entering Europe or forced into mandatory quarantine when arriving on European soil. Australia joins Canada and Argentina on the EU’s “danger zone”, as European Council officials recommend restrictions not be relaxed for these countries. The new directive means that non-essential travel to Europe from Australia could be banned by individual EU countries, although Cyprus, Greece and Italy have already gone against the ruling. The CDC came to a similar decision about the fate of Aussie travellers, as Australia joined the likes of Israel, Argentina, Egypt, and 18 other countries on a “very high” Covid warning. America’s health protection agency told US residents they should avoid travelling to the “dangerous” countries that feature in the CDC’s “level four: very high risk” list. Australia first banned international tourists at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, but has recently started to relax restrictions as the nation’s leaders are encouraging everyone to “live with the virus”. Image credits: Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Home gardens vital for pollinators

<h2>They provide a rich and diverse nectar source, study finds.</h2> <div class="copy"> Urban areas are a surprisingly rich food reservoir for pollinating insects such as bees and wasps, according to a UK study <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.13598" target="_blank">published</a> in the Journal of Ecology. Home gardens are particularly important, the study found, accounting for 85% of the nectar – sugar-rich liquid that provides pollinators with energy – within towns and cities and the most diverse supply overall. Results showed that just three gardens generated on average around a teaspoon of the liquid gold – enough to attract and fuel thousands of pollinators. “This means that towns and cities could be hotspots of diversity of food – important for feeding many different types of pollinators and giving them a balanced diet,” says lead author Nicholas Tew, from the University of Bristol. “The actions of individual gardeners are crucial,” he adds. “Garden nectar provides the vast majority of all. This gives everyone a chance to help pollinator conservation on their doorstep.” <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.pollinator.org/pollination" target="_blank">Pollinators</a> include bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, bats and beetles. They are critical for ecosystems and agriculture as most plant species need them to reproduce, and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.453.4134&rep=rep1&type=pdf" target="_blank">research suggests</a> their survival relies especially on the diversity of flowering plants. To explore how our sprawling urban areas could support them, Tew’s research group previously led the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/research/ecological/community/pollinators/" target="_blank">Urban Pollinators Project</a> in collaboration with other universities. They found that cities and gardens – community and private – are vital for pollinators, leading them to question how to quantify and harness this resource. “The gap in our knowledge was how much nectar and pollen urban areas produce and how this compares with the countryside,” Tew explains, “important information if we want to understand how important our towns and cities can be for pollinator conservation and how best to manage them.” So, for the current study, Tew and colleagues measured the supply of nectar in urban areas, farmland and nature reserve landscapes, and then within four towns and cities (Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds and Reading) to determine how much nectar different land uses produce. To do this, they extracted nectar from more than 3000 flowers comprising nearly 200 plant species using a fine glass tube and quantified it using a refractometer, an instrument that measures how much light refracts when passing through a solution. Then they sourced nectar measurements from other published studies and combined the nectar-per-flower values with numbers of flowers from each species in different habitats as previously measured by the group. Overall, nectar quantity per unit area was similar in urban, farmland and nature reserve landscapes. But urban nectar supply was most diverse, as it was produced by more flowering plant species. And while private gardens supplied similarly large amounts per unit as allotments, they covered more land – nearly a third of towns and cities. It’s important to note the findings are specific to the UK, and maybe parts of western Europe, Tew says. Most urban nectar comes from ornamental species that are not native, which can be attractive to generalist pollinators but may not benefit specialist species that feed from selective native flower species. Thus private gardens in other regions might have different benefits. Australia, for instance, has more endemic species and specialist pollinators than the UK, so while non-natives would still provide some benefit, natives may be more important overall. Most recommendations for attracting pollinators in Australia include supporting native bees and other local specialists. Suggestions include planting more native species and providing <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.australianenvironmentaleducation.com.au/australian-animals/australian-pollinator-week/" target="_blank">accommodation</a> for native bees, most of which are solitary species – unlike the familiar, colonial European honeybee. But in general, Tew says home gardeners can all support biodiversity with some key strategies, especially planting as many nectar-rich flowering plants as possible and different species that ensure flowers all year round. Other <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/conservation-biodiversity/wildlife/plants-for-pollinators" target="_blank">recommendations</a> include mowing the lawn less often to let dandelions, clovers and other plants flower, avoiding <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/scientists-call-for-urgent-action-on-bee-killing-insecticides/" target="_blank">pesticides</a> and never spraying open flowers, and covering as much garden area as possible in flowery borders and natural lawns.  <img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=138747&title=Home+gardens+vital+for+pollinators" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> </div> <div id="contributors"> <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/home-gardens-vital-for-pollinators/">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/natalie-parletta">Natalie Parletta</a>. Natalie Parletta is a freelance science writer based in Adelaide and an adjunct senior research fellow with the University of South Australia. Image: Cosmos Magazine </div>

Home & Garden

"WOW!" Beach handball team responds to Pink's amazing offer

Popstar Pink has offered to pay the fines issued to the Norwegian beach handball team for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms during a match. After the match between Norway and Spain last weekend, the European Handball Federal (EHF) handed the Norwegians’ a $240 fine per player for “improper clothing”. The organisation said the shorts violated the athlete uniform regulations. The fines, totalling $2410, caused widespread backlash with athletes and celebrities taking to social media to criticise the decision, including Pink. The popstar even said she was “happy to pay” the fines for the team, and praised them for protesting the “very sexist” uniform rules. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’m VERY proud of the Norwegian female beach handball team FOR PROTESTING THE VERY SEXIST RULES ABOUT THEIR “uniform”. The European handball federation SHOULD BE FINED FOR SEXISM. Good on ya, ladies. I’ll be happy to pay your fines for you. Keep it up. — P!nk (@Pink) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pink/status/1419127641068630016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2021</a></blockquote> In response, the team shared the tweet on their Instagram Stories and thanked Pink for her support. “WOW! Thank you so much for the support,” the team wrote. The ruling also drew criticism from Norway officials, who argue that the womens’ uniform requirements were not practical. “In 2021, it shouldn’t even be an issue,” Norwegian Volleyball Federation president Eirik Sordahl told national news agency NTB. While beach volleyball players have not been required to wear bikinis since 2012, rules from the International Handball Federation (IHF) state that “female athletes must wear bikini bottoms” which have a “close fit”, be “cut on an upward angle towards the top of the leg”, and a side depth of 10 centimetres or less. Male players, on the other hand, are allowed to wear shorts. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Here are the rules for the men’s vs. women’s uniforms. Ridiculously <a href="https://t.co/8wDXG22sTd">pic.twitter.com/8wDXG22sTd</a> — KT SLP (@MrsThornSLP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrsThornSLP/status/1419246549763244040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2021</a></blockquote> Norway asked the EHF for permission to play in shorts ahead of the tournament, but were told that rule violations would be punishable by fines. The team complied until their last match. “The EHF is committed to bring this topic forward in the interest of its member federations, however it must also be said that a change of the rules can only happen at IHF level,” EHF spokesperson Andrew Barringer said in an email. Clothing has been an issue in beach sports for a long time, with some women players finding bikinis degrading or difficult to play in. The Norwegian Handball Association (NHF) had been pushing for changes to the uniform regulations and planned to protest with the thigh-length tights the team wore. Norway’s team captain told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that the team felt forced to wear bikini bottoms. “So then we are forced to play with panties. It is so embarrassing,” she said. “First we were told about a fine of 50 euros ($AUD 80) per person per match, something that would have landed us a fine of about 4,850 euros ($AUD 7760). We accepted that. However, just before the match we were told that we will be disqualified if we play like that. So we had to go with bikini bottoms.” Image: Instagram

Money & Banking

The best European destination for 2019 has been revealed

Budapest has been named this year’s “European Best Destination”, beating out 19 other cities and regions across the continent. Travellers from 153 countries participated in choosing the best destination at the 10th annual European Best Destinations, with the competition receiving a record of more than half a million votes this year. The capital of Hungary emerged on top, with more than 62,000 votes from travellers around the world. The competition’s website praised the city’s culture, gastronomy scene and heritage sites. “The pearl of the Danube is not only the best European destination, it is also one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the world,” it stated. “Budapest offers the elegance of Paris, the architectural heritage of Vienna, the charm of Porto, Stockholm’s gentle way of life.” Portugal’s Braga came at number two with the most votes from Brazilian and UK travellers. “The city offers the best of Portugal in a friendly and warm atmosphere,” the website said. Italy’s Monte Isola and France’s Metz followed at the third and fourth rank respectively. Both became the most-voted cities in their respective countries in the competition’s 10-year history. Below are the 2019’s top 15 European Best Destinations: <ol> <li>Budapest, Hungary</li> <li>Braga, Portugal</li> <li>Monte Isola, Italy</li> <li>Metz, France</li> <li>Poznan, Poland</li> <li>Malaga, Spain</li> <li>Geneva, Switzerland</li> <li>Cavtat, Croatia</li> <li>Bratislava, Slovakia</li> <li>Sainte-Maxime, France</li> <li>Dinant, Belgium</li> <li>Athens, Greece</li> <li>Kotor, Montenegro</li> <li>Riga, Latvia</li> <li>Florence, Italy</li> </ol> Other destinations in the running included Paris, Brussels, Berlin, London and Vienna. The voting took place online across 21 days from January to February. Last year, Poland’s Wroclaw won the prestigious title, winning over Spain’s Bilbao, France’s Colmar and Croatia’s Hvar Island. Click through the gallery above to see the top 5 European destinations. Have you visited Budapest before? Let us know in the comments below.

International Travel

10 gorgeous European villages you haven’t heard about

You might feel like you’ve already seen Europe, but if you’ve only been to Paris, London, Rome and Berlin, the truth is you’ve barely scratched the surface. Europe is bursting at the seams with hidden gem, and it’s these cute little villages off the beaten tourist track, that provide an experience that’s just as rewarding as the major centres. But where should you go first? Well, while we could literally spend months listing where you should go and why you should, we’ve decided to narrow our list down to 10. To see 10 cute European villages you haven’t heard about, scroll through the gallery above. If you’re planning a trip to the continent soon, these are the villages that are well worth adding an extra day or two to your itinerary for. Have you been to any of these villages?

International Travel

7 spectacular European rivers you’ve never heard of

Most people associate European river cruises with the Rhine and Danube, and while these rivers are iconic, there are plenty of other spectacular rivers that many are unaware of. From the Oder River, which was an important Central European trade route, to the Dnieper River which has a history intertwined with the Vikings and Cossacks these rivers will not disappoint visitors. Scroll through the gallery above to see the seven spectacular rivers that more people need to be aware of. Have you been lucky enough to visit any of these rivers? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Cruising

5 European destinations every wine-lover must visit

Raise a glass to these decadent destinations. 1. Champagne, France There’s just something about the word ‘champagne’ that gets us all excited. Arguably the most famous type of wine in the world, champagne was first developed right here in the south of France by monk Dom Perignon in the 17th century. Today, you can tour some of the world’s oldest and most iconic producers – like Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot and Ruinart – then bed down in beautifully restored country chateaux. 2. Piedmont, Italy Sitting in the northwest of Italy on the border with Switzerland and France, the Piedmont (pronounced Peh-ah-mont-ay) region is famous for its rich reds like Barbera, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo, and crisp white Cortese, Arneis and Erbaluce. As well as some excellent – and ancient – cellar doors, there are high-end hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and indulgent spas. 3. La Rioja, Spain Earlier this year Vogue magazine called La Rioja the wine region to visit right now, so you know it’s got to be good. The landscape is made up of gnarled vines, shimmering olive groves and walled medieval villages, all set under pale blue skies and near constant sun. It’s only a small region but there are more than 500 wineries turning out excellent varietals, ranging from deep reds to delicate rosé and fresh whites. Don’t miss a stay at Marqués de Riscal, arguably the world’s most famous wine hotel, designed by Frank Ghery. 4. Douro Valley, Portugal The Romans introduced wine to the Douro Valley in northern Portugal as far back as the third century AD. Over time, it’s become known for its steeply terraced vineyards, small family-run quintas (winemaking estates) and port. Everything here centres around the Douro River and vineyards run all along its winding banks. You can see this enchanting region by road or hop aboard a small ship and cruise along the river at a stately pace – with plenty of stops for tastings. 5. Velké Bilovice, Czech Republic It might not be as famous as the others on this list, but Velké Bilovice is something special. The Czech Republic’s most famous wine producing town has the good stuff running through its veins. It has a population of just 3,900 yet is home to more than 1,000 winemakers tending 2,000 vineyards. Every building in town has something to do with wine and every day during the season a different cellar door will open for tastings – just look out for the sign reading ‘degustace’. Have you ever been to these destinations?

International Travel

5 European destinations every chocolate lover must visit

The sweetest destinations of all… Switzerland The Swiss claim to make the finest chocolate in the world, and when you consider they are the home of Lindt, Nestle and lots (lots) more, it’s hard to argue. Catch the Chocolate Train through the Swiss Riviera and visit the Nestle Chocolate Factory, then go to Kilchburg near Lake Zurich to stock up on Lindt balls. Plus you’ll find exceptionally good local chocolatiers in every town you visit. Italy Did you know there’s a place in Tuscany called The Chocolate Valley? Sitting in between the towns of Pisa, Pistoia and Prato, it’s home to the finest chocolatiers in the country. You’ll find lots of small factories, shops and cafes selling hand-made goodies, and you can often meet the owners and learn all about their passion for chocolate. Belgium Belgium has long been considered the capital of chocolate and its history with the sweet treat dates back to the 17th century. The country has very strict laws surrounding production and labeling of Belgian chocolate, so you can be assured you’re always getting the good stuff. Visit the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat in Brussels to learn the full history, then swing by the original flagship Godiva store. Germany The first chocolate factory opened in Germany in 1765 and it’s a love affair that continues to this day. Visit the huge Chocolate Museum in Cologne to see a complete mini-production line and take a sample from the delicious chocolate fountain. Visit in December for chocolART, Germany’s only chocolate festival, held in the town of Tubingen and welcoming 100 top chocolatiers from around the world. England We have two words for you – Cadbury World. Arguably the world’s most famous chocolate brand, Cadbury has a whole Willy Wonka-style theme park celebrating chocolate in Bournville, Birmingham. There are lots of fun interactive displays for kids (and grown ups) of all ages as well as hands-on chocolate making experiences, a decadent chocolate afternoon tea and the world’s biggest Cadbury shop where you can buy goodies you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Have you been to any of these destinations? Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.

International Travel

Why you must make time to visit this European city

Travel writer Ben Squires spends time in the beautiful city of Zurich. Zurich might not find its want onto every traveller’s itinerary when they’re planning a jaunt through Europe, and this is a real shame. Located in central Switzerland, in the very heart of Europe, Zurich is a vibrant city with a rich history and a lot to offer holidaymakers. And there really is something for everyone. Zurich has over 50 museums, including the famous Swiss National Museum, Beyer Clock and Watch Museum and the FIFA Football Museum, which charts the history of the beautiful game. Add to that 100 art galleries featuring some of Europe’s finest classical and avant-garde creations, countless outdoor-based recreational activities, and a thriving bar and restaurant scene on par with the best on the continent, and you’ve got a city that’s worth changing an itinerary for (even if only for a few hours). No matter what the duration or purpose of your visit is, one thing you must do when you’re in Zurich is take a moment to scope out the shopping scene. Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main downtown street, is one of the world’s most expensive shopping avenues, and even if you’re on a window shopping-budget you’ll enjoy a stroll down this exclusive avenue. The world’s leading brands all have a flagship store here, with everything from haute couture to Swiss delicacies available. As with most shopping destinations in Europe though, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your bag as pickpockets have been known to prey on tourists. <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43451/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (8)"/> Bahnhofstrasse is one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. While we were in town we were lucky enough to visit Les Ambassadeurs, a leading Swiss boutique retailer specialising in jewellery and prestigious watchers. The visit was invite-only, and unless you’ve got a spare €40,000 lying around shopping here is probably beyond the realm of most travellers, but it was a privilege to admire the collection which really encapsulates the technical precision which is the hallmarks of Swiss artistry. If you’re lucky enough to be in town for a few days, it’s worth making the trek out to Zurich-West (as with most of Switzerland, Zurich has fantastic public transport connections). Factories have moved out of this one-time industrial hub and creative mind have moved in, transforming this now-vibrant part of the city with an unpolished charm. From designer boutiques, to quirky eateries and market halls featuring the most fascinating goods and knick-knacks, you’ll enjoy discovering the hidden gems beneath the area’s stark exterior. A trip to Zurich wouldn’t be truly complete without visiting the city’s Old Town. Unless you’re very confident in your sense of direction we’d recommend a guided tour to get your bearings as it can be a bit of a maze at times, and you do miss some of the interesting buildings (and stories) on your first wander through this part of the city. That said, it’s also worth leaving a few hours to stroll at leisure through this charming part of Zurich, as you’ll really get a sense of the forces that have combined to make the city what it is today. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U5FGEyWXYyE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Oh, and if you love food, you’re going to be in luck. Zurich has not shortage of fine-dining options for eaters of all tastes and budgets. While we were in town we were lucky enough to dine Zunfthaus zu Waag, which has sophisticated, traditional Swiss cuisine cep gratin and roasted pheasant breast. If you’re on a budget, we’d recommend Tibits, an unpretentious restaurant serving some of the best vegetarian food in Europe buffet style. But whatever you feel in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to your taste. Zurich might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think about visiting Europe. But with some of the best food, shopping and activities in Europe (or the world for that matter), any traveller who does make time for a visit will not regret it. The writer travelled courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Visit <a href="http://www.myswitzerland.com/" target="_blank">www.myswitzerland.com</a> for more information about Switzerland. And visit <a href="http://www.myswtizerland.com/rail" target="_blank">www.myswtizerland.com/rail</a> for the Swiss Travel Pass which allows holders unlimited access to all Swiss public transportation including buses, boats and trains, up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways and free access to more than 500 museums around the country.

International Travel

The European summer hideaway you haven’t visited yet

Travel writer Ben Squires visits Vevey, a gorgeous Swiss town on the Swiss Riviera that provides the perfect destination for any traveller looking for a European summer hideaway. Perched between Mount Pélerin and Lake Geneva, Vevey is one of the hidden gems of the Swiss Riviera, a gorgeous town that’s long been a haven to artists, writers, intellectuals and anyone looking to experience the finer things in life. We arrived in the Swiss Riviera via the famous GoldenPass line train. Modern carriages have huge panoramic windows so you can savour every inch of the view, but we travelled in the elegant replica carriages of the Belle-Époque trains that used to run through these valleys, a classy throwback perfect for nostalgia enthusiasts. The accommodation couldn’t have been nicer. We stayed at the elegant Hôtel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey’s old town, a gorgeous hotel with a history dating back to 1842. This place has played host to many distinguished guests over the years, and when you experience the refined, intimate atmosphere it’s easy to see why. Lake Geneva really is something else, although one sight that at a glance may seem incongruent to first-time visitors is the giant fork protruding from the lake’s surface. Originally installed in 1995 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Alimentarium, the nearby food museum, the fork was embraced by locals and despite being removed a year later was reinstalled in 2008. It’s now become a permanent part of Lake Geneva, and has held the Guinness World Record for being the world’s tallest standing fork since 2014. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GesYzGwj8z4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> A stone’s throw away is the famous statue of Charlie Chaplin, a one-time resident who in many ways has also become an emblem for the town of Vevey. The statue next to the lake commemorates the 25 years the actor, screenwriter and film producer spent in the gorgeous region, who was denied re-entry into the US due to McCarthyism. If you’re a fan of Chaplin, make sure you take the time to visit Chaplin’s World, a nearby museum dedicated to the life and times of the legendary artist that’s set on the estate he used to live in. Walk through the impressive multimedia displays that chart the highs and lows of his careers, before exploring his mythical mansion and taking a wander around the grounds he called home for so many years when he was exiled from the US. There’s plenty to do in and around Vevey, but if you have time to explore the region it’s worth visiting Chillon Castle in Montreux, the most visited monument in Switzerland. This medieval fortress inspired the likes of Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo and Lord Byron, author of the famous poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”. Just mind your bag as it’s a haven for pickpockets! <img width="498" height="245" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43309/image__498x245.jpg" alt="Image_ (5)"/> It is hard to pick a highlight out of the visit, but the buffet lunch and wine tasting at Domaine Wannaz is an experience that will stay with me for a long time. Located in of Lavaux, the largest contiguous vineyard region in Switzerland, Domaine Wannaz is one of the many daringly constructed hillside terraces that have been UNESCO protected since 2007 and the food was creative, daring and most-importantly tasty. Some of the best examples have been included in the gallery above (although you might not want to look if you’re hungry). Whether you’re staying a weekend or a month, Vevey is an idyllic option for anyone looking for a European summer getaway. It might not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Europe in summer, but you won’t be disappointed. *The writer travelled courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Visit <a href="http://www.myswitzerland.com/" target="_blank">www.myswitzerland.com</a> for more information about Switzerland. And visit <a href="http://www.myswtizerland.com/rail" target="_blank">www.myswtizerland.com/rail</a> for the Swiss Travel Pass which allows holders unlimited access to all Swiss public transportation including buses, boats and trains, up to 50% off mountain railways and cableways and free access to more than 500 museums around the country. Image credit: Sheila Moser

International Travel

6 European vineyards you can visit on a river cruise

Travelling through Europe on a river cruise to visit various vineyards would be quite a remarkable holiday. Here are six highly regarded vineyards that you can visit on a river cruise. 1. Chateau Portier, Beaujolais, France This vineyard is located 18km from cruise port Macon and is in the village of Romaneche-Thorins. The vineyard produces Beajolais wines and a 15th century windmill overlooks the picturesque vineyard. The Chastel-Sauzet family have owned the windmill for over 150years and they took over the chateau roughly ten years ago. You can visit this vineyard with <a href="https://www.scenic.com.au/" target="_blank">scenic.com.au.</a> 2. Schloss Johannisberg, Rudesheim, Germany This estate is well-known for its Riesling. The cellar’s underground library has the oldest bottle of Schloss Jonanisberger Riesling which dates back to 1748. <a href="http://www.aptouring.com.au/" target="_blank">Tours </a>of the vineyard include tasting sessions. 3. Chateau de la Rivière, Fronsac, Bordeaux, France Not only is this vineyard a stunning sight with a great red wine selection but it also has some interesting history attached to it. <a href="http://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bordeaux-wine-producer-profiles/bordeaux/satellite-appellations/chateau-la-riviere-fronsac-bordeaux-wine/" target="_blank">Chateau de la Rivière</a> has eight hectares of underground quarries which were used in WWII to hide ammunitions. 4. Maison M Chapoutier, Tain L’Hermitage, France This winery is run by the family motto “do or hope”. The wines produced at this estate include Hermitage, Côte Rôtie, Chateauneuf du Pape, Saint-Joseph, Crozes Hermitage and Luberon. You can visit this vineyard with Australian wine expert Bruce Tyrrell who will host a <a href="http://www.aptouring.com.au/about-us/media-centre/new-wine-series" target="_blank">Wine Series cruise</a> which includes this vineyard. 5. Chateau Lagrange, St Julien, Bordeaux, France Chateau Lagrange has an impressive 110 hectares of vines which makes it the biggest estate in Medoc. You can do <a href="https://www.scenic.com.au/tour/breathtaking-bordeaux/5534" target="_blank">wine testings</a> in the stunning 17th-century chateau. As well as the highly rated red wines, this estate also produces a white wine called Les Arums de Lagrange. 6. Quinta Da Aveleda, Penafiel, Portugal This estate not only has 205 hectares of vines but it also has beautiful gardens. The Guedes family has run the vineyard for over three centuries. Quinta da Aveleda is in Portugal’s Vinho Verde Demarcated Region and Vinho Verde wines can be white, red or rosé. You can visit this vineyard with <a href="http://www.aptouring.com.au/trips/europe/eupdc09" target="_blank">APT’s Duouro River cruises</a>. What is your favourite European vineyard? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Life on a European river cruise along the Danube

Delayed at the airport in Nuremberg and thoroughly frazzled, we checked and re-checked our watches as the kilometres ticked by, with the Danube River and our Scenic River Cruises ship, the Pearl, nowhere to be seen. Gunter, meanwhile, hired to drive us to the dock in Vilshofen, for a nine-day Danube cruise and long-planned family holiday, calmly fiddled with the radio, tuning in to a soccer match and then a music station. Finally he switched it off and sighing thoughtfully, gazed into the rearview mirror. "The ship is waiting," he remarked. "No worrying. Like American movies say, only rolling with the punches." <img width="498" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36763/in-text-1_498x280.jpg" alt="In Text 1 (7)"/> A classic cliff-side pile overlooking a slight bend in the Danube, this castle, not far from the 18th-century Benedictine Abbey and Library at Melk, was identified by the ship's crew as Schonbuhel Schloss (castle). Built atop a rock fronting the river, it's invincible from below and enjoys clear views up and down the Danube. Unlike many ruined castles along the Danube, Schonbuhel has survived intact. Words to live by, indeed. With the Danube at flood levels, there was no way the 167-passenger Pearl was going anywhere, not that night. Arriving just as the welcome-aboard party ended, we managed a glass of champagne and a hurried handshake with Captain Gyula Toth. Nor was the next day wasted. Though it rained on and off, the kids kept busy exploring the ship and biking along the river path while I rescheduled excursions, piano concerts, and museum visits. Joining a tour of Passau, we drew a law student for a guide, an amateur historian as entertaining as he was knowledgeable. By bedtime we'd met enough people to discover that we – another passenger and I – had attended the same high school. As for the Danube River, molten silver by moonlight, it looked as harmless as a backyard fishpond. Until the next morning, when it reared up with a roar, rising another foot, flooding towns and fields, lapping at the undersides of bridges and thwarting cruise passengers. <img width="500" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36762/in-text-2_500x280.jpg" alt="In Text 2 (6)"/> Once a tiny village and palace on the Moldau River, Cesky Krumlov could have been the model for Disney's Magic Kingdom. Now a bustling destination for holiday makers from five continents, its narrow cobbled streets are lined with dozens of gift, craft, food and souvenir shops. It was then – still docked in Vilshofen – that I noticed Captain Toth had gone to ground. "He gave a talk our first night, but after that nothing," said New Zealander Janet Holmes, a veteran ocean cruiser, who was eager to get going. "I've always wanted to see the Danube," she said. "If they had a regular Captain's Table, like the big cruise ships do, we could ask him when we're leaving." <img width="500" height="284" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36761/in-text-3_500x284.jpg" alt="In Text 3 (1)"/> The House of Parliament, fronting the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary, seems every bit the fairy castle when seen at sunset from the deck of the Scenic Pearl. Hope sprang anew when Hotel Manager Miguel Rodriquez called a meeting. But when he announced that two other ships had hit a bridge, blocking our route, a muttered protest swept the lounge. "Why can't we just leave? I paid for this and I want to go, or I want my money back," yelled a tough-looking character who said he'd been on 20 cruises and expected better. What he didn't realise was that river cruising is nothing like ocean cruising. Water levels change. The current never stops. Whirlpools gouge the river bottom, shifting sandbars. Tributaries deposit debris. Some low bridges are impassable. And the water can rise in minutes. Or fall just as fast. A couple hours later the river levels dropped, the sun came out and the Pearl cast off, heading downstream between low mountains, beside rocky cliffs, and past ancient castles and vineyards. <img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/36759/in-text-4_497x280.jpg" alt="In Text 4"/> The stone bridge over the Danube, built in 1146, connects Regensburg's "new town" with the historic "old" town on the far side. At rear, the Strudel Tower, is so-named for "the whirlpool eddies, or strudels, in the river below," said City guide Ulrike Unger. The oldest of Regensburg's 20 towers, they count less than half of the 50 towers that once graced this medieval town. "It's like driving a car," said Toth when I finally found him in the bridge house, hunkered down and peering at the current. "You can't take your eyes off the road – or the river – for a minute," he said, gesturing to the first mate to take the helm while we talked. "You can't stop to look at a map, or even get a cup of coffee. I've been on the Danube for more than 20 years, from one end to the other, and there's always something new." A slow start not withstanding, we made it to every port on the itinerary. At Passau, Regensburg and Durnstein we had a choice: to walk into town, ride the bus, join a guided tour, or admire the landscape from the seat of one of the ship's electric bikes. Full and three-quarter-day bus tours went farther afield (thank you, Scenic, for the newest, plushest, sleekest buses ever); to Salzburg (this earned a thumbs down as too far and too many tourists) and to Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. Vienna offered a variety of choices, from sightseeing and the Lipizzaner horses to museums and a piano recital at the Liszt Music School. Our dressiest evening added a touch of class, with wine and an opera recital at the Palais Liechtenstein. On-ship events included a Viennese waltz performance and beginners' lesson, and a folk dance group and band. On my first Danube River cruise – some 20 years ago – I spent entire days on the top deck watching valleys give way to mountains and back to valleys. There were few organised excursions and even fewer cruise ships going by. But the Pearl, with my family in tow, was much more in the moment. The kids immediately invented a competitive "spot-the-ships" game that awarded points for each sighting, a list that included Tauck Tours' Joy, A-Rosa's Silva and Bella, Ama's Prima, Scenic's Jasper, the Jane Austen, Emerald's Sky, Prinzessin's Sisi, two Uniworld ships (we missed the names), and three Viking River Cruises' ships. From a basket of memorable moments, I'd pick Durnstein for history and Cesky Krumlov for crafts. Built on steep terraces, tiny Durnstein is unique. But its stand-out feature is the hike uphill to the ruined castle on the rocks. For me, seeing the place where in 1192, England's King Richard I, returning home from the Third Crusade, was imprisoned for two years, put the Crusades on the map. In Cesky Krumlov, our sunny day wandering through this 13th-century restored Czech hamlet, soon became a Tiffany-meets-Disneyland with dozens of sparkly stores on cobblestone streets. Built astride the Moldau River and bypassed by every major war, the town is now a designated Unesco Heritage site, making it (for all you film location managers reading this) a set just waiting for a story. Talking to Toth about working with Scenic Cruises produced another surprise. On the Danube, captains have just one task: steering. "Our union rules don't permit us to do anything except navigate," he said. "My duty is to deliver the ship and the passengers safely and on schedule." He paused and thought it over. "See them, over there? That's why steering is harder than it used to be," he said, waving to three cruise vessels going the other way, each with a different outfit. "There are dozens of cruise ships now, and more on the way." The result is a critical shortage of experienced employees, from cruise directors down to dining room waiters. Forced to hire beginners, service levels now vary from ship to ship. A few travellers couldn't avoid comparisons. "We booked it because it's advertised as a luxury cruise," said Richard Holway, chairman of TechMarketView, a UK firm. "But not by our standards. We're very disappointed. The cabin and excursions are fine enough, certainly. But the service doesn't compare with Silver Seas, where the staff greet you by name, ask after you every day, and your waiter keeps an eye on you throughout the meal. These fellows don't even notice when you try to get their attention." But most passengers gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up. The fact that the waiters, new hires from Romania and Bulgaria, were inattentive, didn't matter. They were thrilled to be vacationing on a famous river and fascinated by new places and cultures. They liked the meals and praised the all-inclusive pricing. Even disappointed travellers eventually softened up. "We've had a very good time," said Janice Holmes, who had to move from one cabin to another when a mystery leak soaked her rug, not once but twice. "These things happen but you can't let it bother you," she said, waving goodbye. Words to live by, for sure. More information <a href="http://www.scenic.com.aucruising/" target="_blank">www.scenic.com.au</a>. Cruising there The Pearl and the Ruby, sister ships, sail in 2017 on the Rhine and Moselle. A newer ship, the Jade, sails on the Danube between Nuremberg and Budapest on June 5 and 12. Written by Anne Z. Cooke. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Image credit: Steve Haggerty via Stuff.co.nz.

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