Berlin off the Beaten Path: 13 Unique Places to Visit

Berlin is on nearly everyone’s list when traveling to Germany. And given the city’s history, art, and feel-good, hip vibe, it’s easy to see why. While places like East Side Gallery, Brandenburg Gate, and Check-Point Charlie draw the biggest crowds, there are also tons of fantastic things to do in Berlin off the beaten path.

Aerial view of market in Berlin off the beaten path.

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Comprehensive Japan Travel Checklist for First Time Visitors

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done much international travel! Luckily, I’m here to share my personal Japan travel checklist to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Tokyo Asakusa Shrine during cherry blossom season should be on everyone's Japan travel checklist

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2 Days in Venice Itinerary: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Do you fantasize about visiting Venice, but worry it will be an over-touristed nightmare instead of a dream? I had the same fear when crafting my 2 days in Venice itinerary. People have been waxing poetic about Italy’s floating city for centuries. But does it actually live up to the hype?

Best view over the Grand Canal and buildings in this 2 days in Venice itinerary.

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18 Non Touristy Things to do in Paris

There is so much more to the City of Light than the Eiffel Tower and éclairs. Whether you’re looking to escape the crowds, or simply want to see a different side of the city, this list of non touristy things to do in Paris will inspire you to get off the beaten path.

Exploring Latin Quarter cafes is one of the best non touristy things to do in Paris.

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One Day in Ravenna: Italy’s Mosaic City

Anyone interested in ancient art, history, or beautiful tile work needs to spend one day in Ravenna. This charming Italian town near the Adriatic Sea was once the capital of the Roman empire, and it’s best known for its incredibly well-preserved mosaics.

One day in Ravenna - busy town square with purple flowers and clock tower.

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Christmas Markets in Germany by Train: A Complete Itinerary

If you want a major dose of holiday cheer in December, head to Germany’s Christmas markets. Warm spiced cider, inviting wooden chalets, and twinkling lights will surely ward off your winter blues. And thanks to the country’s excellent public transit system, visiting Christmas markets in Germany by train is easy and efficient.

Cologne Cathedral and Christmas markets in Germany by train.

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Traveling to Japan Alone: What You Need to Know

When it comes to solo travel, I can’t think of a better country than Japan. Efficient public transit, English signage, and a customer service-oriented culture make traveling to Japan alone a breeze.

Woman traveling to Japan alone in Sagano bamboo forest

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25 Famous Things in Japan You Need to Experience

Japan is the kind of place you can visit a hundred times and never get bored. There’s always another beautiful shrine, natural wonder, or delicious restaurant to enjoy. But if you want truly iconic experiences, you should add these famous things in Japan to your bucket list.

Famous Things in Japan include views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko in autumn.

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3 Days in Bologna Itinerary: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Did you know that it’s possible to enjoy a trip to Italy without going to Rome or Florence? Admittedly, I was nervous about skipping the more popular cities to spend 3 days in Bologna. But I quickly realized that Bologna offers the best of the Italian experience without the crowds or touristy gimmicks.

3 days in Bologna itinerary - view of alley with mopeds and yellow orange walls.

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Bologna Sightseeing: 17 Places You Must Visit

Bologna may be Italy’s culinary capital, but this city has more to offer than heaping plates of pasta. If you can squeeze in some Bologna sightseeing between meals, you’ll be richly rewarded.

Bologna Sightseeing at the Piazza Maggiore at sunrise with one cyclist.

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