Europe’s most iconic cities don’t fail travelers—crowds, timing, and expectations do. This post breaks down why Americans often regret visiting famous destinations and how to experience them better by avoiding the people highway, slowing down, and choosing smarter paths through places everyone thinks they already know.

Planning a trip to Europe? Here’s your essential guide of travel tips, including do's and don'ts for first-time travelers. From tipping etiquette to surviving the lack of ice in your soda, these tips will help you travel like a pro.

When choosing a European hotel, there are typically two areas where travelers can get confused - the sizes of the beds and the star ratings of the hotel. A double bed is not the same size of a double bed in the U.S.

Max Travel Abroad European Origin genealogy tours combine family history research with immersive travel experiences. From Austrian churches and French village markets to archives filled with baptismal records, we design personalized ancestry tours that connect heirlooms, recipes, and photographs with the living landscapes of Europe.

Discover the places your ancestors once called home with a European Origin Tour from Max Travel Abroad. Blending family history, cultural insight, and immersive travel, we design journeys that connect you to your roots—whether through self-guided itineraries or fully guided, concierge-style experiences. Even with just a few family details, we can uncover stories and landscapes that make your heritage come alive.

Packing light for Europe is easier than you think. Use this carry-on only list for your next 10-day European tour.

Before you stand at the airport pondering the fate of your belongings, let's dive into some factors to consider when making this monumental decision. Ah, the age-old question that has plagued travelers for centuries: to check or not to check a suitcase? That is the question!

by Cindi H. Fries, Founder and Travel Planner, Max Travel Abroad LLC Why Europe?    Explore Europe in a Day: Seamless Travel    Why choose Europe for your next adventure? For Americans used to cross-country road trips being measured in hours or days, Europe’s compact charm is a game-changer. The continent is a treasure trove of historic sites, cultures and foods, all just a train ride away.  Be amazed at how Europe’s close-knit countries and top-notch public transportation m

We’ve curated a European packing list for all seasons, plus extra essentials for cold weather or warm weather summer travel.

Looking for the best free travel apps for Europe? These 6 apps make your trip easier, from offline maps and translations to custom itineraries and border-crossing tips.

Looking for the best vacation rental hacks? Learn how to find amazing short-term rentals, avoid hidden fees, and book directly with local hosts using these 7 smart travel tips.

Learn how Max Travel Abroad offers unique, culturally immersive, small group tours through Austria, Italy, and beyond.

Discover why small group tours to Europe offer more meaningful, flexible, and culturally rich travel experiences.

UNDERSTANDING VENICE – A QUICK GUIDE what to know before visiting Venice.

by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC Catching the train in rural Austria There are few things in life as satisfying as boarding a...

by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC Venice Sestieri Districts A Guide to Venice’s Neighborhoods: Best Areas to Stay and Explore...

If you’re worried about navigating the system, don’t be! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Written by Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC Planning a trip to Austria and wondering where to eat? From cozy Gasthauses  to bustling...

by Dr. Cindi H. Fries, Max Travel Abroad LLC. Pro Tips: European Hotel Rooms & What the Stars Mean When booking a hotel in Europe, you might assume that a 5-star rating guarantees luxury and a 2-star rating means low quality - however you would be wrong... European hotel stars don’t measure quality or reputation— stars indicate amenities . Examples of amenities include 24 hour front desk, on-site restaurant, room-service, air conditioning, spa, sauna, elevator, and other s

Knowing your travel style is the key to a fulfilling European adventure. By reflecting on these 6 questions, you can create an itinerary!