As the books popularity grew, local guides took advantage of the interest and created tours of the different locations. To that end, revival of Stockholm as a destination and even Swedish films has been created.

The Stockholm City Museum arranged guided Millennium tours in English on Saturday’s at 11:30 am and Wednesday’s at 6 pm. This 90 min tour begins at Blomqvist’s historial apartment on 1 Bellmansgatan on the island of Sodermalm. Visitors can walk uphill a few blocks to see Salanders’ luxury apartment building at Fiskargatan 9, with fantatic views over Djurgarden and Old Town. Other highlights include Bloomqvist’s office in Gotgatan and the street wheter the Millennium offices are located.

Guests tired of walking can continue soaking up the ambiance of the books while taking a breather or getting some refreshments at Mellqvists Kaffebar, frequented by Blomqvist in the books and the Kvarnen pub, where Salander unwinds with her friends.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased in advance at the Stockholm City Museum, the Stockholm Tourist or online.

You can also tour on your own, buying a map at the Stockholm City Museum, the Stockholm Tourist Centre in Vagasgatan or Arlanda Airport. For more information about these tours or Stockholm in general, please contact me.

PREMIUM STATION FEE; A tax on cars picked up at an airport or a major train station. Consider hopping in a taxi and picking your car up at an off-airport rental car location.

BORDER CROSSING; One-way rentals within any given Western European country are generally free. BUT, drop the car off in another country and you will be hit with a penalty. Fees very per company, so comparison shop, better yet ask your travel agent.

ROAD TAX, OR VEHICLE LICENSING FEE (VLF); Most European car companies sneakily pass along the cost of necessary vehicle permits and licenses as a “tax” or fee. You can’t avoid this, but if you book through a European agency (I use Auto Europe), you will be quoted all taxes and fees – avoiding a nasty surprise.

LATE RETURN; The hour long grace period is disappearing. If you are more than 29 minutes late returning your car in many Western European locations, you will be charged a full day extra. Return the car before the time stamped on your contract-period.

WINTER TIRES; Driving somewhere with icy roads and you will need winter tires, which you should request in advance. The fee is mandatory in some countries (such as Germany) in cold weather, so your only option is to see if the total cost of the rental (including the fee) is still worth it. You may do better taking another mode of transportation.

UNFILLED TANK; If you state you will fill the car before returning it and forget, you will be charged a fee. Fill ‘er up before you drop your car off and keep you receipt as proof that you did.

I hope this helps answer some of your questions regarding car rentals in Europe It is best to contact a knowledgeable travel agent who knows what questions to ask and why.

• DO: Keep a careful record of your vaccines. Many provide long-lasting protection. There’s never any medical harm from repeating an unnecessary dose, but there are better things to spend your money on.
• DO: Keep your vaccines up to date. This is especially important if you travel frequently or at the last minute.
• DO: Ask health care providers about their credentials. For instance, whether they hold a certificate in travel health from the International Society of Travel Medicine or a Certificate in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Traveler’s Health from the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.  These certificates aren’t a guarantee of quality care, but they do show that the holder has received special training in travel medicine.
• DON’T: Leave things to the last minute. Unless you can’t avoid it, the plan is not to wait for vaccine updates. Many vaccines need time to give full protection and some must be administered as a part of a course.
• DON’T: Confuse vaccination “requirements” and “recommendations”. Requirements are established by governments to prevent the spread of disease between countries; there is often little relationship between vaccine requirements and actual risk. Recommendations, on the other hand, are issued by public health bodies to protect people from diseases. Even so, recommendations need to be interpreted with care by a travel medicine specialist.

Thank you to Conde Nast Traveler for this fine article.

• Shopping haven Grafton Street
• Boisterous Temple Bar
• Historic Trinity College
• Book of Kells at Trinity College’s Long Room
• Pavilion Bar (sports bar) at Trinity College campus
• Lunch at Porterhouse Central microbrewery
• Octagon Bar at the Clarence-of U2 fame
• The Church for dinner, on the northern bank
• Dame Lane street for The Stag’s Head pub

This is indeed a very short list, but many of the pubs listed over unique experiences. The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript dating to around 800 A.D. and a must see. Contact me for a longer list and my favorite choices for more than one day in Dublin.

Titanic in Belfast, where the luxury liner was build, will kick off in April as this year marks the centennial of the sailing and sinking of the vessel. Belfast will unveil a brand new $100 million visitors center, in memory.

The Giants Causeway, a natural phenomenon in the northern country of Antrim, has a new visitors interpretive center due to open. The Queen’s University Belfast Arts Festival will take place toward the end of the year, showcasing international artists.

Of interest to golfing enthusiasts, Northern Ireland is set to host the Irish Open in June, which will be played at the Royal Portrush Golf Club. This is the first time in 50 years that this prestigious tournament will be played in Norther Ireland.

I am very fond of placing Ireland visitors in a least one Castle for at least one night. One of my favorites is Glenlo Abbey, which is located just on the outskirts of Galway. It is a “castle-like” property that was built in 1740. You can enjoy golf or fishing right on the property and it is a great location for your exploration of Connemara.

2012 will be an exciting time in Northern Ireland and some top tour operators have put together some fine guided tours. If you would rather “go it alone”, Let’s Go! Travel’s “Designs On Europe” should fit the bill-contact me for more information.

You can cruise along this river and experience a number of cities and towns in several countries along the way. You river cruise leisurely aboard your floating hotel from port to port and country to country.

The Danube divides the city of Budapest, Hungaray right down the middle. As you cruise into Budapest, you will be enchanged by the wonderful glow of so many lights from so many landmarks; including the Parliament Building, Fishermen’s Bastion and the iconic Chain Bridge.

The Wachau Valley, which lines a twenty-five-mile stretch of the Danube in Austria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architectural elegance and terraced vineyards are hightlights of this region, as are visits to Melk, with its imposing Benedictine Abbey,

 and Durnstein, a noted wine-producting town. The region is best known for its natural beautify and praised for its fine Veltiner wines.

The Danube river is connected to the Rhine River via the Main-Danube Canal at Kelheim. This 106-mile engineering marvel was completed in 1992. Ever since, river ships have been able to navigate Europe;s inland waterways of the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers from the North Sea all the way to the Black Sea.

The Iron Gate, a spectacular narrow gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains along the borders of Romania and Serbia, is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders.

Throughout history the Danube River has been an inspiration to countless musicians and arties. The most famouns musical work of course is “The Blue Danube” by Austrian composer Joann Strauss. I remember having a music box that played this lovely piece when I was a child.

There are a number of river cruises available from some great cruise companies that will get you on the wonderful Blue Danube! Please contact me for more information.

Over the past 8 years Madrid has been undergoing citywide removations. The entire urban zone is now pedestrian only (so much nicer for strolling) and the Manzanares river now boasts a leafy park. This Spanish capital is now one of Europe’s most exciting destinations! They may have lost their bid for the 2012 Olympics, but they continued improvements anyway.

For starters, you have three big museums; the Prado, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. There are new contemporary art centers like CentroCentro and the CaixaForum Madrid that are stealing the spotlight. Combine that with avant-garde fashion and cuisine and Madrid will have you up all night just so you don’t miss a thing!

The lavish Royal Palace with its gilded rooms and frescoed ceilings, rivals Versailles. Spend time in Retiro Park with all the locals. Sumday’s you can attend a bull fight (if you are so inclined). Madrid is full of energy and has a very contemporary scene. Don’t forget to check out the Cable Car that dangles you over Madrid’s city park. Puerta del Sol is the lively central square, great for people watching. Europes biggest flea market is found at El Rastro.

If you want to check-in to a five-star address that is a favorite with celebrities and international dignitaries, the Hotel Villa Magna should fit the bill. This property rests on the edge of the chic Salamanca district. However, there are plenty of small I myself really like the historic Paradores you can find in Madrid (in fact, all over Spain), though they can be pricey (note: Students and Seniors do get discounts). FYI : Hotels are prohibited from using heat before Nov 1 and after Apr 1 unless it is unusually cold.

Foodies : When in Madrid, don’t miss starting your day at Chocolateria San Gines, since the 19th century, this is the city’s most famous spot for churros and hot chocolate. At lunch time, you might also want to grab a place at the counter for oysters washed down with white wine at the San Miguel market. I can’t eat enough Jamon Iberico and artisanal cheeses and Madrid has some fine neighborhood markets where you can find just that. If traditional recipes are to your liking, book at table at Lhardy which has been serving for 150 years. Hit Le Cabrera for cocktails and tapas-sized epicurean delights.

There is good reason why Madrid is the hub of Spain. Ask for my complimentary Madrid Foodies Guide -

 Need help planning a visit? – we are always here!

On Wednesday, after a month-long delay, the Floating Dutchman welcomed aboard its first paying customers. The service is a cross between a bus and a boat and drives tourists from the airport to the city, enters the water at a specially-built ‘Splash Zone’ to give passengers a floating canal tour and then returns, via the highway, to the airport.

Think of it, a huge tour bus going into the water! This amphibious bus carries 48 passengers and cruises the canals on battery power. This is a partnership between the airport, the city of Amsterdam and a local cruise company.

 If any of you have ever taken one of the famous “Duck Tours” offered  in many U.S. cities you will have somewhat of an idea about this time of vehicle. Tours last two hours and 45 minutes and are offered three times a day. Tickets cost about $56 (39 Euros) for adults and about $28 (19.50 Euros) for children. Booking online offers a 10 percent discount.

This may prove to be one of the best and most fun option to explore beautiful Amsterdam while awaiting your connection….I say this is super cool…..By the way, if you have never been at the Schiphol airport, the amenities their include a casino, in-terminal hotels, a library, more than 100 shops and restaurants and an outdoor observation deck. There’s also a park (with trees) inside the terminal and a branch of the Rijksmuseum. 

about their newest travel product,       Designs on Europe                 

What makes Designs on Europe different from other travel providers?         

Designing European travel itineraries that Engage, Enrich & Excite is the goal. Whether you are planning your first or fifteenth trip to Europe, questions need to be answered;

● Where to start?

● What cities to include?

● What sights to see?

● Where to stay?

● Where to go to get there?

…it is overwhelming at the least and if done right, exhausting. Using an expert to bring your tastes, needs and likes together in a neat & tidy personalized package is just smart!

We design personalized travel itineraries for every single client. We have no “pre-arranged” packages to offer, instead we listen to what you want, and develop a personalized travel package just for you! We will be with you every step of the way, guiding you with daily detailed itineraries or loose suggestions, which ever way you wish to “see” Europe. Whether you wish to drive through Tuscany, rail through France or a little of both, we can make it happen!

What guides or help do you offer clients?

First, we schedule a consultation to discuss their travel tastes, personal needs and patterns. At this time, they are able to ask us all the questions they have. We will work on the itinerary until the client is satisfied. Once they book, we send them very helpful pre-travel information. We want to make sure they are prepared for their journey and realize that there will be lots of questions to answer. Beginning 8 weeks prior to travel, our clients receive weekly emails, only about 1 page in length, discussing pertinent travel information to help them prepare.

What suppliers do you use and why?

We are proud to be small because it offers us and our client’s great benefits. For instance, we do not have to worry about volume discounts with specific properties or suppliers and do not have to push clients to those properties or suppliers. Instead, through past experience, we have hotels that know us, suppliers of transfers, guides, tours that we rely on and trust to offer that perfect travel experience we strive for.

What & Why are do you charge for your services?

Again, not working to meet volume discounts with supplier’s, means we can pick and choose all the components of your travel itinerary. We prefer to work with accommodations and suppliers based in the destination you are visiting and we do not get a paid “kick-back” from these local providers. So, instead of having to build-in our fees, we save you money by charging our own upfront package rate. These rates are based on how much planning you need us to do for you and these package choices are given after our initial 30 min free consultation.

Contact Linda for more information on this exciting new division to Let’s Go! Travel’s services!