This really happened. It seemed like a fairy tale. But it is a true story. It was during our Swiss Heartland UnTour in 2004. We had decided to spend the day in Brienz. It was a beautiful sunny day. The lady in the Tourist Information Office suggested that we take a walk in the older…
I miss certain things about my homeland, but Christmas markets & Advent celebrations top the list. It’s a magical time in Germany. On Sunday afternoons families assemble around an Advent wreath, light a candle, and enjoy special treats like Stollen, Lebkuchen, and cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Incense fills the air, coming out of…
One of my favorite UnTours is our Greece UnTour, with vacation rental apartments set in lovely historic Nafplio. The old town is picturesque and charming, its narrow alleys lined with flower boxes and its squares and promenades filled with cafe tables and restaurants. A beautiful seafront offers sweeping views, and a Venetian fortress looms high…
Happy Birthday to us! It is hard to believe we have been around for 40 years. So much has changed in the world in that time, but one thing remains true: Those who seek cross-cultural understanding and honest, earnest experiences in the heart of the culture are richly rewarded as travelers. We are proud to…
Simply put, Ireland is the perfect destination for family travel! I discovered this in June, when my husband and I took our 6-year-old son to Ireland for two weeks. While some destinations in Europe are all about museums, architecture, and culture, Ireland offers a broad diversity of things to do, with castles, farms, and outdoor…
Above: Walking the St. Bernard. Copyright Switzerland Tourism: swiss-image.ch/Christian Perret If you’re a kid or traveling with a kid, there’s just so much to do in Switzerland, from its well marked hiking trails to its pristinely clean and swimmable lakes. You can get your train fix, take a boat, or fly down a mountainside on…
UnTourist and author Janet McCrea Dieman shares her travel adventures here. She has shared the Swiss UnTour and other travels with her grandchildren. All grandkids should be this lucky! You may be thinking about taking children or grandchildren to Europe and wondering what the best age is to plan a trip. Most people…
As we enter holiday shopping season, it is time to think about thoughtful gifts for all the people we love, the big ones and the small ones. I happen to think that travel is one of the best experiences you can give to the young. It is one of the only purchases that makes you…
More than a place to drink, the pub is a civic institution in Ireland, a sort of communal clubhouse where neighbors and families meet to mark milestones, connect, or just pass the time. Stop in for a cup of tea, a chat, a meal, or a pint. All are welcome. Here are a few pointers…
We recently gathered for the first ever Ungala, a celebration of 40 years of UnTours and the vital work of the UnTours Foundation. The celebration was a happy meeting of tribes, a place for people working in all aspects of UnTours to connect. Current UnTours employees gathered with UnTours Foundation board members, foundation loan recipients,…