Travel Diary: Tracing History Across Europe

Tracing History Across Europe

Location: Baden-Baden (DE), Bremen (DE, to pick-up car), Munich (DE), Straßburg (FR), Berchtesgaden (DE), Salzburg (AT), Konstanz (DE/ CH), Riquewihr (FR), Freiburg (DE), Karlsruhe (DE), Reims (FR), Calais (FR), Southend-on-Sea (UK), London (UK)

Name of Person Submitting: Scott Lindsly

Who Went: Scott, Christina (daughter), Marelda (German Shepherd)

We Went Because:

Christina started Vet school in London last Autumn, and we celebrated her hard-earned achievements by spending the whole Summer in Europe! A big benefit was also escaping another oppressively hot and humid Louisiana summer. Germany’s summer temps were typically 60’s-70’s (f), no humidity, no bugs,”just fresh air in stunning nature!

Where to Eat:

One of our favorites is the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich. We passed through that city twice on this trip. Our dog was welcome inside and she loved it!

Item of Clothing You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without:

Good walking shoes. Leave the heels at home, they’re no good on cobblestone streets!

Favorite Historic Landmark:

I’m a huge history nerd, and there are soooo many landmarks to see everywhere we go, but the British Museum is my happy place. I’ve visited 17 times since October and there’s still plenty to learn!

Favorite Local Attraction:

The public transportation is local in most cities, plus trains that travel over longer distances. It not only gets you everywhere you want to go with ease, but it’s also a novelty to us as Americans who are largely without it.

A Great Experience Off the Beaten Path:

Again, being a history nerd…as we were cutting across northern France, I just had to see the Glade of the Armistice and spend an hour or two pondering the key events there during both World Wars.

Worth the Splurge:

Disneyland Paris is wonderful, and we’re returning again in mid-February as Disney fanatics, but while we were in Germany we made our first visit to Europa Park and LOVED it!

Something Surprising We Learned on the Trip:

Prices on many routine items, and food quality, are MUCH better in Europe! I spent less than back home, and lost approximately 10 pounds in a few months simply because the food isn’t processed or full of preservatives.

Insiders’ Tip:

YouTube is a wonderful and comprehensive resource, so use it to research ALL logistics (especially those that are complex) well in advance to save MANY headaches!

We Would Suggest this Trip to Others Because:

Road-tripping, versus going to one destination & only seeing a city-center, lets you truly indulge in different interesting cultures and see SO much more than you can get in over-touristed areas!

Did you have any moments of personal growth or self-discovery during your travels?

I raised my daughter to look beyond borders and only see horizons, so such travels broaden your perspective of the world in countless ways and opens your mind to untapped potential.

Did you have any encounters with wildlife or nature that left a lasting impression?

Among many other creatures we don’t often see back home, there are plenty of stray foxes just running around London! We learned that they are like stray dogs here.

Were there any language barriers, and how did you navigate them?

It’s very important, as a sign of respect, to spend some time ahead of visiting anywhere to at least learn some icebreakers & basic necessities; and with that obvious effort, friendly locals would almost always jump in and help in English

What advice would you give to future travelers interested in exploring the same destination based on your experience?

If this type of odyssey interests you, what are you waiting for?! It can be a bit ambitious, so do this while you are young and healthy enough to truly enjoy it…don’t add another regret to your life!