BUCKETLIST EUROPE EDITION
BUCKETLIST EUROPE
At BUCKLETLIST, we bring you the top travel destinations that you’ll want to put on YOUR bucketlist.
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MAGAZINE EDITION
Read on to discover the best travel destinations in Europe plus some travel tips.
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C O N T E N T S
in this issue
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A I R T R AV E L T I P S How to survive and even thrive on the plane ride.
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PARI S The City of Love that you will fall in love with.
I TA LY One of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
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G R E E C E Enjoy the anchient history here and amazing architecture.
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SCOTLAND Hike the greenest landscape and see this country’s beautiful scenery.
G E R M A N Y Stroll through the vibrant cities and discover all Germany has to offer.
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A I R T R AV E L T I P S CARRY ON ONLY
Travel can be stressful, but if you are prepared to follow our air travel tips, you can not only make your travels easier, you can have fun at the airport and relax the minute you leave home.
Or better yet, travel with carry-on only bags. If you are flying south, you don’t need a lot of clothing. Pack a few sarongs, shorts, non-wrinkle pants, and for a ladies, a cute strappy dress or two and you are good to go.
Let’s face it. In today’s world, air travel is not fun. Remember the days when you used to love being at the airport or on the plane just as much as the trip itself?
Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner and soap and the small tubes of toothpaste are all you need for a week. Besides, you can always buy what you need at the gift shop.
Well, they are long gone my friend, with confusing security checks that seem to change rules from airport to airport to seats getting smaller with each trip, flying can sometimes be a downright miserable experience.
PACKING
But we’re here to help!
Think about what you can and can’t bring on the plane with you. If you aren’t sure, don’t bring it!
ARRIVE EARLY
BRING SNACKS
This may sound routine, but we hear of so many travellers arriving at the last minute at the airport. Arrive early and relax.
Flights are cutting down on giving passengers food and drink, so we always have a stash of food. Our go-to flying snack is a bagel with cream cheese and some crackers.
CHECK-IN ONLINE We always check in online. That saves you tons of time of having to stand in line to check in at the teller. Most airlines now have a luggage drop off only section for those who have already checked in online. You have done all the paperwork and all you have to do is drop off your bags.
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P A R
I S
PARIS Paris. Poets, artists, playwrights, writers, journalists, and more have all written about their love of this city….and it’s hard not to fall in love with Paris. It’s a place that exudes culture, sophistication, class, and style. And, like the millions before me, I fell in love with this city the first time I visited. Paris is one of the few cities in the world that truly lives up to its hype. As Hemingway said, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” Paris is gigantic, with thousands of years of history. It would take a lifetime to visit all of Paris. It can be overwhelming for most people. I’ve spent years visiting, running tours, and even living here and this travel guide to Paris will help you plan the perfect trip to this beautiful city by giving you on and off the beaten path things, costs, money saving tips, and everything in between!
OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO GO MUSEUM HOPPING The Louvre might get most of the attention, but there are plenty of other great museums in
the city. Make sure you especially check out the Musee D’Orsay for great impressionist work, the amazing Rodin museum, Holocaust museum (one of the best in the world), Musee D’Orangerie (more impressionist work), and the interesting sewer museum to start. There are so many museums in the city that you won’t run out of something to see! A museum pass is the most affordable way to do this. A two-day pass costs €48 ($53 USD), a four-day pass costs €62 ($69 USD), and a six-day pass costs €74 ($82 USD).
WALK THE CHAMP ELYSEES This is a very prestigious avenue in Paris with cinemas, cafes, luxury specialty shops. It’s also one of the most famous streets in the world, running down from the Arc de Triomphe to the Louvre. It is always busy and always expensive, but it’s a great place to club hop at night or snap photos during the day. Come in the very early morning to see the place utterly deserted. It makes for great photos.
VISIT THE PANTHEON Located in the Latin Quarter, this neoclassical building was originally built as a church but was turned into a state burial site for France’s heroes, like Marie Curie, Victor Hugo, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Louis Braille, and Voltaire. The scale of the building is impressive — after all, it the peristyle was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. Admission is €9 ($10 USD).
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RELAX IN JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG The Jardin du Luxembourg is the largest public park in Paris. The garden contains just over a hundred statues, monuments, and fountains, all scattered throughout the grounds. In the morning, you’ll see lots of runners. At lunch on a nice day, a park full of people having a picnic (which is something I highly recommend you do!).
VIEW THE CITY FROM MONTEMARTRE Home to starving artists for decades, Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (Vignes du Clos Montmartre). It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s great for those wanting to visit the hangout spots of folks like Hemingway and Gertrude Stein!
VISIT NOTRE DAME Paris’s Gothic masterpiece was constructed between 1163-1334. Climb from the north tower to the south to appreciate the masonry, and get a close-up view of the Gallery of Chimeras, the fantastic birds and beasts gazing over the balustrade. The outside facade has been cleaned up in recent years but the inside has a bit of that old Gothic grimy charm. To climb the tower, it costs €10 ($11 USD). It’s open 10am-5:30pm every day with the exception of some holidays (and it’s
open an hour later during the summer). NOTE: Notre Dame is currently closed due to the 2019 fire.
STAND UNDER THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE This monument stands in the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. For €8 ($9 USD), visitors can climb 284 steps to reach the top of the Arc where they will get information about the city’s history, as well as some panoramic views. It’s one of my favorite spots to see the city.
CELEBRATE BASTILLE DAY Every July 14th, a series of spectacular events in Paris celebrates the infamous storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. There’s a huge, televised parade and a never-ending fireworks display (head to Champ de Mars or the Jardins du Trocadéro for the best views of it all). This is French independence day and one of the liveliest days in the country.
EXPERIENCE THE CINEMA EN PLEIN AIR Every July and August, Paris rolls out the inflatable screen in the Parc de la Villete for this major outdoor cinema event in the 9th arrondissement. It’s hugely popular with locals who tend to bring food and wine! Better yet, it’s free!
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VISIT MAISON DU VICTOR HUGO This beautiful apartment dates to 1605. Its most famous resident was the writer Victor Hugo (author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame), who moved here when he was 30. His old apartment is now a museum dedicated to his life and writing. The museum is quite small, but Hugo lovers (like me) will find it very interesting. Open daily except for Mondays from 10am-6pm and it’s free. NOTE: At the time of writing this, the building has been closed for renovations.
CLIMB THROUGH THE PARIS CATACOMBS Underneath the city of Paris, you’ll find a honeycomb of tunnels. The French resistance used these tunnels during World War II, and rave parties flourished there during the 90s. Within this maze of tunnels, lie the famous Catacombs of Paris. Here you can visit the tunnels and see the old burial sites of the city. It’s one of the freakiest and coolest sites in Paris, oftentimes missed by tourists. They’re open daily 10am-8:30pm except for Mondays. Guided tours start from €72 ($80 USD), but you can do audio guide tours from €40 ($44 USD).
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Whether it’s modern clubs you like or classic jazz joints, you shouldn’t leave Paris without tasting the music that attracted some of the best musicians and artists to the city. There is an especially abundant amount of good jazz clubs in the city.
WALK AMONGST THE TOMBSTONES The Pere-Lachaise Graveyard is Paris’ most famous cemetery. It’s a peaceful and hauntingly-beautiful area worth exploring. If you look closely you’ll be able to spot the graves of a handful of famous people (Jim Morrison, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde are all buried here.)
TAKE A WALKING TOUR There are dozens upon dozens of companies covering all aspects of life in Paris, and it can be hard to make a sense of all those endless Viator and Tripadvisor listings. Some are free like New Europe’s tour where they’ll take you around the center of Paris and give you a historical overview of the city. Walks offer amazing in-depth tours starting from about €55 ($61 USD) where you’ll get specialized guides and skip the line to big attractions, like the Louvre. I wrote a whole guide to the best walking tours in Paris!
TAKE A FOOD TOUR You’re in France, you’ve got to appreciate the food! Paris by Mouth is a company that offers a handful of neighborhood tours highlighting the best food in Paris. The groups are kept small (no more than eight people) and they are really focused on providing a lot of information on food, history, and culture. It’s like a mini-class more than it is a chance to just eat food (though you do that too). They even have a workshop just for cheese. Tours are from €110 ($122 USD).
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I T A
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ITALY Located in Southern Europe, this boot-shaped country is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations for a number of reasons that include art treasures, charming towns, passionate people and top-class cuisine. It’s a place where you can see some of the most iconic sites in the world – the leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain, to name but a few. There’s the chance to see renowned Renaissance masterpieces and shop for high-end fashion too. Italy offers a magnificently rich array of sumptuous natural scenery and numerous opportunities to get out into nature. Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and the Dolomites all boast incredible landscapes and fantastic hiking routes. You could spend your time in this culturally rich land learning about the lives of the Romans, discovering the destruction caused by Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii, or simply lazing alongside one of the many Italian lakes and languishing in the opulence of the Amalfi coast. Italy offers so much to see and do that it would take a lifetime to explore. Plan your trip to this wonderful Mediterranean travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Italy.
CINQUE TERRE Five quaint fishing villages awash with colors of blue, yellow and pink all hug cliff sides that slope down to the sea. These villages and the surrounding green hills make up the Cinque Terre National Park, one of Italy’s popular tourist
destinations. Located in Italy’s northwestern coastal region of Liguria, the villages of Cinque Terre feature some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes that include wine terraces dating back to hundreds of years.
VENICE One of Italy’s top travel destinations, Venice is a unique city in that is built upon a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is an archipelago of 118 islands all connected by hundreds of beautiful bridges and scenic canals. Of the canals, the Grand Canal is most famous and divides the city into two sections. Picturesque waterways and historic architecture make Venice one of the most romantic cities in the world.
FLORENCE The capital of Tuscany, Florence is often described as a colossal outdoor museum because of its mass of art and architectural treasures. Internationally observed as the birthplace of Italian Renaissance, Florence is also credited with propagating many artists, inventors, writers, scientists and explorers as well as inventing opera and the florin currency, which lifted Europe from the Dark Ages. Additionally, Florence is known as the home of the wealthy and powerful Medici dynasty that produced several kings and popes, impacting the entire world in a number of ways culturally, economically and politically.
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ROME Formerly the capital of the Roman Empire, Rome today is the government seat and capital city of Italy. Located in the country’s central region of Lazio, Rome is a vast and complex city that is both historic and modern at the same time. Best known for housing ancient Roman structures and the Vatican City, Rome has endured for more than 2,500 years as an important center for culture, power and religion.
AMALFI COAST Situated in Italy’s southwestern region of Campania, the Amalfi Coast is known for its extraordinary beauty that makes it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. Stretching 30 miles along the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is prized for its picturesque coastline that features shimmering bays, craggy cliffs, lemon tree gardens, multicolored villas and ritzy resorts. One of the most romantic and posh towns along the Amalfi Coast, Positano‘s many calling cards include beautiful pebbled beaches, pastel houses, scenic mountains, waterfalls and a 13th century Black Madonna.
SICILY The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily lies just across from the southern tip of Italy, on the narrow Strait of Messina. Due to its location, it has long acted as a crossroads, so is very distinct from the rest of the country in terms of its
history, culture, and cuisine. Renowned for its rugged beauty, Sicily’s rugged cliffs and secluded beaches are lined by sparkling waters, while fertile farmland and mountains dot its interior. Towering over everything is Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps.
MILAN Nearly destroyed from heavy bombing during WWII, Milan has since reconstructed and now shines as one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. Widely regarded as a mega fashion center teeming in designer shops, Milan also attracts many to its surviving world famous treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper, the La Scala Opera House, the Castello Sforzesco and one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Located in Italy’s northwestern region of Lombardy near the Alps and the scenic Lake District, Milan is a fast-paced city excelling in business, shopping and football. More of a glamorous city with modern architecture and attractions, Milan appears less Italian compared to the country’s predominantly historic cities.
NAPLES One of the busiest metropolitan cities in the country, Naples is the capital of the Campania region in Southern Italy. As it is nearby famous sites like the Bay of Naples and Pompeii, Naples presents an ideal base to stay while exploring the area. 23
G R E
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G R E E C E From city breaks to island getaways, Greece has it all. Whether you are a sun-worshipper or a history buff, you are sure to find something to see or do when visiting the country – here is a breakdown to 20 must-visit attractions that Greece has to offer.
TEMPLE OF POSEIDON, CAPE SOUNIO
At the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, 70 kilometers away from Athens, the Cape Sounio is known to be the place where Athenian king Aegeus jumped into the sea to his death ATHENS when he thought his son Theseus was killed by the Minotaur, giving his name to the sea. But The cosmopolitan capital of Greece is one of the Cape Sounio is more than just a place of legend. most interesting places to visit on earth. With a It is home to the Temple of Poseidon. While the recorded history of over 3,000 years, Athens is a first version was destoyed by the Persians in 480 great destination for a city break with its plethora BC, the second version, of which a few columns of sightseeing options, including the Acropolis, still stand today, was built in 440 BC. the Ancient Agora, the New Acropolis Museum and the Roman Agora. End the day exploring EPIDAURUS its wonders with a drink at one of the many bars or take the day off cultural visits to discover the In the region of Argolis, in Peloponnese, EpidAthenian Riviera or the nearby islands. aurus is known around the world for its ancient
DELPHI Thought to be the center of the earth, Delphi, located at the foot of Mount Parnassos (or Parnassus) is undeniably one of Greece’s most interesting archaeological sites in Greece. Home to the most important Delphi oracle in the ancient world, Delphi welcomed pilgrims from all over the Mediterranean Basin who came to inquire of god Apollo through the prophecies of the Pythia, the high priestess of his temple.
theater. Built in the late 4th century BC, the theater of Epidaurus served to host religious ceremonies in honor of god Asclepius, whose healing center was located nearby. Famous for its incredible acoustics, this classical theater is still used today. Indeed, every summer it hosts performances of ancient Greek drama.
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CRETE
PRESPA LAKES
The largest island in Greece, Crete is a little country in itself. Home to glorious beaches, impressive landscapes and traces of magnificent civilizations, Crete boasts a scenic interior, with the Samaria gorge, and a rich gastronomic culture.
Located in the Florina region, the Prespa lakes are one of the most important wetlands in Europe. This paradise where visitors can enjoy observing migratory birds is located 850 meters above sea level. Perfect for bird watching aficionados, the lakes are an ideal destination for those looking for some peace and quiet in the middle of paradise.
SANTORINI A top destination in Greece, Santorini ranks high among the most romantic destinations in the world. This volcanic island in the Cyclades experienced a severe volcanic eruption, which gave the island its current aspect. Blessed with unique beaches with red or black sand, the island is home to picture-perfect villages on top of the caldera, luxurious beach resorts and a dynamic wine production scene.
ZAKYNTHOS The verdant island of Zakynthos is located in the Ionian Islands. While the island is known for the numerous parties held there, Zakynthos (or Zante) is a beautiful island blessed with natural beauty, pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The main town of the island has a number of historical and ancient sites to offer but probably one of the top attractions is the Navagio beach (also known as the Shipwreck beach, where you can see beautiful white shores and crystal waters.
KNOSSOS PALACE Covering over 20,000 square meters, the Minoan Palace at Knossos is located near Heraklion in Crete. Decorated with beautiful frescoes still visible today, the palace featured many rooms and according to the myth of the Minotaur, a labyrinth. Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan antiquarian was the first to excavate the site in 1878, which allowed him to discover that the palace was built on a previous palace, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1700 BC. The second palace, rebuilt right after, was again destroyed, by a fire in the 14th century BC and was never rebuilt.
PATMOS The island of the Apocalypse, Patmos is a place with intense spiritual charisma. According to Christian tradition, it was in a cave of the island that Saint John was inspired to write the Book of Apocalypse after he had a vision. This is the reason why there is a large monastery of Saint John in Chora, the capital of the island.
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S C O T
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S C O T L A N D Scotland’s landscape has long inspired poets and artists, drawn game-changing hoteliers and compelled celebrities to set up hideaways in the Highlands and islands. Here we round up the most beautiful places in Scotland, from the buzzy streets of Edinburgh to the dramatic coastline and silent countryside.
ISLE OF SKYE The biggest isle in the Inner Hebrides is much celebrated for its dramatic landscape and beautiful countryside – but it’s also remote enough that you can walk for miles without seeing anyone else (making it home to some of the best UK walks). The Cuillin mountains tower over the island’s lochs – drive to Loch Coruisk for some of the best views.
SHETLAND The Bressay lighthouse teeters on a cliff in Shetland, the islands that perch on the edge of the British Isles between Scotland and Scandinavia. Shetland is a subarctic archipelago that includes 16 inhabited islands, closer to Bergen than Inverness with just a handful of smart places to stay and tons of wildlife to spot, from orcas to otters.
DEAN VILLAGE, EDINBURGH The Water of Leith flows through pretty Dean
Village in Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is known not just for its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture and annual Festival Fringe – but also for its smart hotels and interesting food scene – the best restaurants in Edinburgh are some of our favourites in the country. For a picturesque take on the city, wander along the river that sits at the foot of the village.
ISLE OF MULL The Isle of Mull is known for its sandy beaches and quiet bays, with most visitors arriving via the colourful harbour village of Tobermory. West-facing Fidden Bay is the spot for sundowners, while walking up the isle’s highest peak Ben More rewards you with views of sea lochs.
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE Eilean Donan Castle, set on an island where three sea lochs meet in the western Highlands, has been used as a filming location for Highlander and The World Is Not Enough.
NORTH BERWICK Canty Bay is a white-sand beach near North Berwick. This arty enclave, just an hour east of Edinburgh, is an unspoiled harbour town with a low profile. The hamlet looks out to the Firth of Forth estuary, where the volcanic island Fidra is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. 32
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G E R M
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G E R M A N Y There are tons of things to see and do in Germany, whether it be strolling around one of its vibrant cities, enjoying the national parks or taking in some street art. Here’s a list of ten interesting things to do when visiting Germany.
BERCHTESGADEN NATIONAL PARK There are many places to be among nature in Germany, often in close proximity to the city, but be sure to make time for some of the country’s stunning national parks. Berchtesgaden National Park in Bavaria is the home of the Königssee, a lake of such beauty it is said to rival the Norwegian fjords. No cruise ships, though. The park has clearly marked trails and bike paths with incredible views for your social media feeds.
BERLIN STREET ART TOUR Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Alternative Tours Berlin runs a street art tour and workshop. See murals by Blu, Osgemeos, Syrus, Victor Ash, ROA and many others. Learn about the history of street art, its etiquette and code of conduct as well as what’s new on the scene. The second part of the tour gives visitors the chance to make their own art in an abandoned margarine factory in Lichtenberg.
OLD TOWN OF QUEDLINBURG
In the cute old town department, there is not much in Germany that beats Quedlinburg. Equidistant between Hanover and Leipzig, the half-timbered houses have sagged with time -1200 years- but have not lost an ounce of their charm. Residents have not been shy with the paint can or the flower pot and the result is a place made for the camera, or a romantic weekend away.
REGENSBURG Even older than Quedlinburg, Regensburg has been a settlement of one sort or another since the Romans turned up in 179AD and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether by luck or management, Regensburg has remained untouched by war. It now functions less as a town and more like an outdoor museum with monastaries, churches and the houses of the gentry all having pride of place among its residents.
HOHENSCHWANGAU CASTLE You can hardly turn around in Germany without bumping into a castle. The best known to American tourists is Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, the inspiration for the Disney castle. Across the lake, King Ludwig II had his summer home, Hoheschwangau. Both castles can only be visited by appointment with a guide. Visits in summer should be reserved in advance.
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C O L O P H O N This magazine was created, edited, and published by myself, Kaity Bair. I reside in Cedar City, Utah. This magazine was inspired by my love for travel and the places I long to travel to. I’d like to thank the travel bloggers I got the articles from, the photographers on Unslplash who provided great images and content, and my graphic design instructor who made us do this assigment. Photographer credits to: Emile Seuin, Sid Saxena, Jason Wong, Kevin Lofthouse, Eric Marty, Artiom Vallet, Caleb Stokes, Stevie Ekkelcamp, Christopher Czermak, Jack Ward, Joe Byrnes, Hert Niks, Stephan Malke, Kaarsten Wurth, Pat Welen, and Braden Collum.
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BUCKETLIST Your next top travel destinations.