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Fact or Fiction? 3 Things You Need to Know About 'Dracula's Castle'

Fact or Fiction? 3 Things You Need to Know About 'Dracula's Castle'

Before every travel destination had a ghost tour and haunted hotels, there was Dracula's Castle.Irish author Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic horror novel 'Dracula' popularized the vampire genre of fantasy fiction that today is more popular than ever.And although the character of the undead Transylvanian Count is fictional, the Romanian national monument known all over the world as 'Dracula's Castle' is real. 14th century Bran Castle is about a hundred miles from Bucharest and has long been considered the 'home' of...


Monaco Mystique: 5 Things You Didn't Know About the World's Most Glamorous Destination

Monaco Mystique: 5 Things You Didn't Know About the World's Most Glamorous Destination

It's been featured in no less than two James Bond movies. Not to mention To Catch a Thief, the Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring Grace Kelly. Filmed on location in glitzy Monaco, it's where she met a prince and then became Princess Grace.Monaco – and Monte Carlo – have established and maintained an allure as one of the world's most glamorous destinations. Casinos and royalty, yachts and racing. Fast cars and beautiful women. Tuxedos and champagne all hours of the day.  But...

Monaco Mystique: 5 Things You Didn't Know About the World's Most Glamorous Destination

Searching for 'Hygge' in Copenhagen - and Happiness at Home

Searching for 'Hygge' in Copenhagen - and Happiness at Home

It's a global buzzword and cultural phenomenon. And today, more and more of us are in need of Denmark's signature recipe for happiness: 'hygge'.Danish 'hygge' (pronounced 'HOOG-uh') is sweeping the world – everyone wants in on Denmark's famously convivial way of life. The Danish are the happiest people on the planet – even during the long, dark days of winter - and it's all about hygge.So much so, hygge has actually been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. It might be the...


Yes he did! 'Luke Skywalker' Opens New Skywalk at One of the World's Most Symbolic Lookouts

Yes he did! 'Luke Skywalker' Opens New Skywalk at One of the World's Most Symbolic Lookouts

And he even used a light saber. The actor famous for his role as one of space's greatest heroes didn't need to use the Force to launch the new Skywalk at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. The best part may be the Stormtroopers chilling in the background.Mark Hamill's appearance at the Rock of Gibraltar Skywalk was a dramatic opening for the state-of-the-art glass platform and viewpoint 340 meters (over 1100 feet) above the narrow channel where the Mediterranean meets...

Yes he did! 'Luke Skywalker' Opens New Skywalk at One of the World's Most Symbolic Lookouts

There's Now an Official James Bond Museum and it's in a Very Cool Location

There's Now an Official James Bond Museum and it's in a Very Cool Location

You might want to pack your black-tie outfit for this trip. After more than two-dozen movies in over 50 years, the original film spy hero finally has his own interactive museum. 007 Elements opened in July 2018, appropriately at one of the dramatic locations where the Bond picture, Spectre, was filmed. James Bond is no stranger to danger or snow. Bond movies have often featured scenes in snow-capped mountains. Are you a Bond fan? You'll remember the British super-spy in debonair ski-wear, thwarting villains in:On...


Top 3 Souvenirs from Venice

Top 3 Souvenirs from Venice

Venice is not just the 'City of Canals'.  It's also always been a city of merchants, and modern Venice is a showcase for iconic Italian craftsmanship and uniquely Venetian works.  You'll find the cheap and touristy items right alongside more expensive items that reflect traditional craftsmanship.   The Frezzeria not only leads to St. Mark's Square, it's also the city's busiest shopping street.  You'll find boutiques as well as souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. So leave room in your suitcase for...

Top 3 Souvenirs from Venice

Video: The World's Largest Spring Flower Garden - in Full Bloom on a Tulip-Time River Cruise!

Video: The World's Largest Spring Flower Garden - in Full Bloom on a Tulip-Time River Cruise!

They call it 'The Garden of Europe', and it's open for only 8 short weeks every spring. The spectacular Keukenhof garden in the Netherlands is said to be the largest spring flower garden in the world – and it's the highlight of our Avalon Tulip Time river cruise. BestTrip.TV filmed this once-a-year explosion of color of blooming tulips, surrounded by some of the famous Dutch tulip fields.  We were there and even we thought it was too incredible to be real! Garden...


10 Tips When You Travel To Amsterdam From A Monograms Local Host

10 Tips When You Travel To Amsterdam From A Monograms Local Host

There's nothing better when you travel than having a friend in town to give you the insider tips only a local would know. Most of us don't have friends everywhere on our travel bucket lists. But we do have Monograms.Monograms tours take the best elements of traveling on your own – and the best parts of traveling with a tour. The secret sauce is the Monograms Local Host. They meet you and transfer you and from the airport, port, or...

10 Tips When You Travel To Amsterdam From A Monograms Local Host

Now You Can Take the Chunnel Train to a New Destination in Europe

Now You Can Take the Chunnel Train to a New Destination in Europe

London to Paris for a romantic weekend? Belgium to London for tea? Travelers have gotten used to having the option of a high-speed train connecting city centre London to mainland Europe via the tunnel under the Channel.    Brexit politics aren't slowing down travel between the British Isles and Europe, either. So now the Eurostar is revolutionizing travel from England to the Netherlands too.  High-speed trains on the new route take only 3 ½ hours to arrive in downtown Amsterdam from...