The difference between Eastern and Central Europe is subjective and lacks a universal definition. The UN defines Eastern Europe as Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Central Europe’s definition is unclear, but some countries have attempted to define themselves. The fall of communist regimes has confused the definition of […]
Sark, a small island 80 miles off the south coast of England, was recognized as the world’s first “Dark Sky Island” in 2011. With no street lights or cars, the island’s 600-strong community limits unnecessary lighting, allowing for exceptional stargazing opportunities. Other dark sky communities include locations in Scotland, California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and Arizona. […]
Bicycles outsold cars in every European country except Belgium and Luxembourg in 2012 due to economic struggles and government encouragement. The Netherlands has cycling “school buses” and Denmark has motorways for cyclists. In 2012, over 133 million bicycles were produced worldwide, while only 1% of US commuters travel by bike compared to 30% in the […]
Radio Free Europe was established in 1950 by the National Committee for a Free Europe to promote democratic values and institutions through the transmission of information. Until 1971, the CIA funded the radio station, which was used for psychological warfare. After the public became aware of the CIA’s involvement, the station became a non-profit corporation […]
Communism failed in Eastern Europe due to corruption, mismanagement, and oppression. Civil unrest ensued, and the appeal of a free market society led to the end of Soviet communist rule. Glasnost allowed for local leaders and the creation of new economic systems. Communism has failed in Eastern European countries for the same reasons it routinely […]
Vocational training in Europe is deeply embedded in culture and serves a larger percentage of the population than in the US. Education is divided into academic and vocational branches in most schools, with variations by country and region. Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein have the most highly organized vocational training system, while the UK has […]
Otto Frank desperately sought help to escape Nazi-occupied Holland, but was unsuccessful in obtaining US or Cuban visas due to tightened regulations. The Frank family went into hiding in 1942 and were eventually sent to concentration camps, where Anne and Margot died. About a year before Anne Frank began writing in her diary in June […]
Before a trip to Europe, prepare by memorizing or writing down emergency numbers, getting travel insurance, and buying an adapter for electronic devices. It’s not necessary to learn a foreign language, but basic phrases and a dictionary can help with communication. To prepare for a trip to Europe, you can find emergency numbers, get travel […]
Traveling through Europe on a budget can be challenging due to varying exchange rates and expenses for food, attractions, accommodation, and transportation. However, planning ahead and seeking out discounts, such as a Eurail pass or low-cost airlines, can help. Staying in youth hostels may not always be the cheapest option, and visitors should seek out […]
Europe has an extensive rail network with various ticket options for travelers, including Eurorail global passes, flexipass, regional passes, continuous passes, and saverpass. Each pass has different benefits and is suitable for different types of travelers. Europe has an extensive rail network which makes it easy to travel within a country or between neighboring countries. […]
Europe can be explored by sea, air, train, bus, car, or on foot. A rail pass is a fast and reliable way to travel, while bus travel allows access to remote areas. Cruises and barges combine travel and accommodation, and driving allows for flexibility. Backpacking and cycling are cheap options. There are a variety of […]
European tours offer a variety of experiences, including river, train, food and wine, and ghost tours. River tours take travelers on ancient waterways to visit multiple cities and towns, while train tours allow for customized itineraries. Food and wine tours in Italy, France, and Spain offer cooking classes and wine tastings. Ghost tours in London, […]
European trains are divided into passenger and freight categories, with local and long-distance options. Long-distance trains often cross borders, while local trains serve one country. Some trains offer tours, and there are different classes for passengers. Freight trains are used for transporting products. Most trains in Europe can generally be classified into two branches: passenger […]
European and American power systems differ, with Europe using 220 volt/50 hertz and the US using 110 volt/60 hertz. Using American devices in European outlets and vice versa can cause damage. Plug adapter kits are available, but a voltage converter may be necessary. Check the device’s information panel for input capability and power requirement, and […]
Europa is a moon of Jupiter, discovered by Galileo in 1610. It is the smallest of the Galilean moons and has a thin layer of ice that may hide an ocean of liquid water. The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter project, which would have searched for subsurface oceans, was canceled in 2005. Europa is one of […]
Retired civil servant Ger Frits organizes personalized funerals for those who die alone in Amsterdam, including a chapel, flowers, music, and a poem by respected Dutch poet Frank Starik. Frits carefully chooses a theme and escorts each person to their final resting place, while Starik believes funerals are a person’s time of reckoning. In contrast, […]
