Compass: Europe
“He who is outside his door already has the hardest part of his journey behind him.” — Dutch proverb
Travel Europe and fall in love with its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 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).
Travel Europe – explore it’s lands from north to south and east to west and take delight in its different food flavors and learn more about it’s rich history & culture.
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
Friluftsliv: The Scandinavian Concept We Should All Embrace
By Terri MarshallWhen I initially heard about free air life, my mind immediately conjured up images of people hiking frozen glaciers, swimming across the fjords and scaling mountains of terrifying heights. Read more
Europe Experiences Lifestyle
Philotimo: the Greek secret not easily translated
By Jim Bamboulis‘Philotimo’ dates back millennia, and although can’t be translated into a single word in the English language to this day, is packed with meaning, often illustrated through honourable, respectful and humble acts towards others, no matter who they are, or where they come from. Read more
Europe History
7 Hidden Treasures that You Shouldn’t Miss on the Wild Atlantic Way
By Derek CullenDriving the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best ways to make the most of your trip to Ireland. Read more
Ireland Off the Beaten Path
TODAY IN HISTORY: The First Smallpox Vaccination (May 14, 1796)
On May 14, 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician and scientist who pioneered the concept of vaccines, administered the first smallpox vaccination to 8 year old James Phipps. In 1977, with assistance from the World Health Organization, the smallpox virus became the first disease in the world to be eradicated … Read more Read more
United Kingdom History
Women’s History Month: My Grandmother’s Malta
By Ann-Marie CahillThis may seem a little strange but Women’s History Month always has me thinking about travelling to Malta. It is the birthplace of my grandmother; my mother’s mother Read more
Europe Experiences History
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a Visit to These English Museums
By Ali JenningsMarch is Women’s History Month. Celebrated in the UK, the USA, and Australia to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th, this month highlights the contributions women have made to events in history and contemporary society. If you’re traveling to England during March, there are plenty of museums and … Read more Read more
United Kingdom Family Travel Events & Festivals History The Arts
Why and How Irish Culture has Changed Over the Years
By Derek CullenFor most of history, Irish culture was primarily “Gaelic” and stayed that way until the Normans arrived in the 12th Century. Read more
Ireland History
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
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