Escape
Lyon, France
by Abigail Vint
Paris is not the only romantic city in France. With the beauty and romance of Paris and the majestic architecture of Rome, the magical city of Lyon somehow still manages to be intimate, quite void of the hustle and bustle of any larger metropolis in Europe. From the Vieux Lyon to the trendy square of Presequ'ile, Lyon is the perfect getaway for those looking for culture but not an overly tourist experience. Read more.
Amsterdam - Much More Than Tulips
by Abigail Vint
Amsterdam is city rich in heritage, and boasts a culture with a cosmic vibe. You'll feel the marked difference between the central and red-light districts and the windy streets and canals that branch off from them. Throughout the city, beautiful narrow terraced buildings line the streets and you'll encounter a populace made up of lovely gentle people. There is an electric buzz with a kitchy feel about the place that makes you feel you're a little bit in Berlin, a little bit in Salzburg. Read more.
Top 3 Warm Resorts
by Abigail Vint
For our anniversary edition, I thought I would put together something a little different for the Escape column.
We've taken a look at many major cities in Europe and North America. But what do we want most this time of year? A place in the sun. Read more.
Nuremberg: For the Kid in All of Us
by Abigail Vint
As you prepare to make this upcoming holiday season festive and jolly by racing around to malls and shops across cities everywhere, perhaps you will need some traditional inspiration. If you really want to wow the kids with Santa's expertise, why not journey to the home of toys? Nuremberg, located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, is known worldwide for its excellent craftsmanship when it comes to toy making. Still the host of the international toy fair for over 50 years, the season of Christmas is when the city shines. Although also well known for it's connections with Nazi Germany during and following the WWII, it is rich with cultural history is that is also worth seeing. Read more.
Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region
by Abigail Vint
Snow season is right around the corner, which reminds me of snow capped mountains as the background to cute little chalets at the foot of the hills. Throw in a couple of pristine crystal blue lakes and what have you got? Only one of the most picturesque, cleanest areas of Europe. Switzerland, Interlaaken specifically. Anyone with a sense of adventure will appreciate this city. From paragliding to ice climbing, you will find something for your adventurer's spirit no matter what time of year you go. The city is perfectly placed at the bottom of the Jungfrau peaks Monch and Eiger as well as right in the middle of two sparkling lakes, Lakes Thun and Brienz. Read more.
Olympic Fever
by Abigail Vint
Athens' transformation is enough to make anyone start planning ahead for the next Olympics. The place you'll want to be is Turin for 2006. While the city itself doesn't need as much renovation as the smoggy Athens, the publicity it will recieve by hosting the world's premier sports event will do the city quite well. Read more.
Much More than Whiskey and Tartans
by Abigail Vint
Edinburgh--the city of gothic architecture, world famous festivals and an eclectic buzz about it. Trendy, modern and full of all different walks of life, it may not be your typical Scottish city but it does have a certain indescribable charm. A long weekend is just enough to begin enjoying yourself. After a week, you'll feel right at home. Read more.
The City of Heros
by Abigail Vint
Russell Crowe's heroic actions--and pecs--displayed in the movie Gladiator gives us just a small glimpse into the heroic, romantic and barbaric times of the Roman Empire. Massive structures built of stone erected thousands of years ago still stand amid the more modern buildings of this city. Read more.
Winging It in New York
by Abigail Vint
How many people have arrived in New York looking for a new start on life? How many Broadway dreamers have thrown caution to the wind and moved to New York? Who knows? But if there is any city that defines the winging it attitude, it's New York. There is no city in the world like it. As Frank Sinatra belts out, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Read more.
Prague - For the Princess in All of Us
by Abigail Vint
Want to unleash the princess inside of you? Forget Disney--go to Prague. Gothic architecture is scattered across this medieval town and you're bound to find your knight in shining armor, even if you bring him with you. Read more.
Berlin - A City Transformed
by Abigail Vint
Two simple lines of brick. A reminder of what once was. It stretches across the part of the city where the Wall that divided a nation once stood.
It's been almost 15 years since the Berlin Wall came crumbling down. There was not just one wall that divided this nation but two. And these lines of brick, spread across the city, are on the exact paths of the walls that once stood. Read more.