Prague: The Quick & Easy Guide

When I think of Europe, Prague is the first city that pops into my mind. Cities like Paris and Rome may have more glamour—and more tourists—but the Czech Republic’s capital truly captures the spirit of the entire European continent. Its cobblestone alleys, ornate buildings, and stalwart castles create a fairy tale atmosphere where the spirit of Old Europe still lives and breathes, beckoning visitors to take a journey into the past.

3 Hot New Travel Apps

“Don’t forget the map” was a good piece of travel advice back in the old days. But in 2012, you better change that to “Don’t forget the app.” Travel-related apps now make it much easier—and more enjoyable—to wander the globe. Here are three of the newest and best.

TriPnMeet - There’s nothing worse than finding out that you and a friend were in the same place at the same time but didn’t connect because you weren’t aware of each other’s vacation plans. The new Facebook app TriPnMeeT is a free and simple way to find out where your friends and family are now, and where they’ll be later. Just add your own itinerary to see both current locations and future travel dates for others on your list. You can also meet new friends by messaging other app users in the same vicinity. A handy map-based interface and communication tools make it easy to coordinate your rendezvous. FIND OUT MORE

 

HipGeo - Keeping a travel diary has never been easier with HipGeo, a mobile app that converts your photos, videos, blog posts, and other media into a real-time digital journal. A bevy of built-in functions organizes all the data for you, so all you have to worry about is seeing the sights and having fun. Friends and family can virtually tag along with you on your trip, and you’ll also have a handy digital scrapbook to help you relive your adventures once you’re back at home. FIND OUT MORE
 

CityHook - Ever landed at an airport for the first time and had no idea which was the fastest or cheapest way to get to the city center? Or ever been stuck with a long layover but you weren’t sure if you had time to go into town for a little sightseeing? The new mobile app CityHook gives you all the info you need to plan that journey from the airport, including prices, travel times, and drop locations for a variety of different transportation methods. Only European airports are covered at the moment, but the company plans to branch out to other locations in the near future. FIND OUT MORE

Sofia: Escape from the Ordinary

Bulgaria's capital city is fun, fascinating, and affordable, with plenty for travelers to see and do. From Roman ruins to rocking nightclubs, Sofia has it all—with the exception of massive crowds. Come visit now, before the tourism industry finds out about it. READ MORE

8 Great Winter Vacations

Who says all you can do in the wintertime is stay inside, light a fire, and curl up with a good book? Not when you've got snowy mountains to ski down and lovely Alpine villages to explore. Here are eight destinations that really heat up when the weather turns cold. READ MORE

Hot New Hotel QT Sydney Now Open

What do you get when you combine cutting edge style and modern technology with vintage elegance? The QT Sydney, Australia's hottest new hotel, which just opens its doors today. Busting with personality, the hotel mixes a funky, eclectic decorating scheme with carefully restored bits of art deco and baroque architecture. State of the art amenities like digital artwork on the walls and a Concierge app for your smart device makes the QT Sydney the most happening hotel in town. TAKE ME THERE

 

 

The Smart Shopper's Guide to Italy

Purses, shoes, jewelry, artwork, designer clothes, leather goods—whatever you're looking for, you can find it in Italy. But quality and prices range from both ends of the spectrum, so put on your thinking cap and do a little research before you max out your credit card in all those wonderful shops and boutiques. READ MORE

Woodrun Place Condominiums

Winter sports enthusiasts know that “mountain luxury” has a feel all its own. It means stone fireplaces and beds with big, soft blankets. Heavy wooden furniture and rustic accents. Sipping wine in a hot tub while you admire the snow-covered hills in the moonlight.

But on a ski vacation, you also need the basics: a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and a handy locker for all your sports equipment. You also need easy access to the slopes and the local stores. Lucky for you, Woodrun Place covers all your needs—from posh to practical—with a few extras thrown in for good measure.

One Day in Dublin

If you find yourself with a long layover or a short vacation, you'll still have time for a taste of Dublin's unique flavor. One of Europe's most compact capitals has plenty to see and do, from castles and cathedrals to the birthplace of Guinness, Ireland's signature drink. And after an evening in one of the city's famous pubs, Irish eyes won't be the only things that are smiling. READ MORE