London is one of the most beloved cities in the world. People come all over to see the amazing traditions the Brits have embraced and carried out for centuries, as well as the new and fun things that London has to offer. On your next trip to London make sure to check out the following top things to do on your vacation.

So you are planning to visit a city you have wanted to see. Maybe it is on your bucket list or maybe it is one you just heard about but sounds amazing. Maybe it is a place where your grandfather stood during World War II or where your ancestors came from. Where do you start? What does the city offer? Are there historical places that are off the beaten track? Oh, the choices!!! Google here I come!

France lends you to think of Vineyards and fine dining. Paris is shopping with exclusivity and the Eiffel Tower and people with bad attitudes but wonderful culture also come to mind. This could be an interesting trip. When I told my mother I was going to Paris she asked me to find a Frenchman with a Ferrari to bring home. Who has the heart to tell her that Ferrari is Italian? Not me.

Rome, Florence, and Venice. All three cities evoke images of the Great Roman Empire resplendent with emperors, olive branches, chariots, gladiators, artists, gondoliers, and all things romantic. With a visit to these three wonderful places, I am forced to pick and choose what I tell you about as there is too much to place in a short blog or article. Let’s start with Venice.

As an American in Germany I have missed large firework displays. Not that I need to see them more than once a year but every now and then it is nice to sit back and say “oooooohhhhhhh” and “aaaaaaahhhhhhhh” with the rest of the crowd. I was looking forward to this annual light show in Cologne, Germany.

Prague. Don’t you just love that word? It sounds romantic and mysterious. It brings to mind blockbuster movies I have seen in the past with Tom Cruise and Vin Diesel amongst mysterious locations with intriguing people. What was I expecting? Nothing. What was I hoping for? Beauty and history. What did I get? Read on.

Backpacking and camping essentials will look quite different from a trip where a rental car and hotels are included. Ask ten random people what a list of necessities would include and you may get ten inventories where only a few items would match. I would wager socks would be on everyone’s list but then again, some folks wear sandals in the winter. For the moment, let’s suppose we are traveling on an overnight bus with subsequent hotel accommodation. This trip will last a few days but you must be on the bus through the dark to and from in order to make the most of your daytime hours. Let us suppose…

Budapest. Don’t you just love that word. It sounds like farmers and kings, babushkas and colorful clothing. Images of rounded towers and rolling hills with exotic people and food laced with paprika. I knew next to nothing about this city and wanted to see and feel it. Wrap my arms around the culture and get to know the streets. Oh, was I in for a treat.