Congratulations to Kat, who knew the answer to last week’s travel trivia. The location in question was Quinta da Regaleira, in Sintra Portugal.
And now for this week’s trivia question:

Q: In what European city is this cathedral located?
Good luck!

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Chances are if you’re reading this, you are a fan of travel. Most people enjoy getting away from it all to experience something different from time to time, and Europe is a great place to do that. The themed vacation is becoming more and more popular. If you’ve never taken a themed vacation, you should seriously consider it. Imagine touring southern France and Italy for a couple of weeks, only stopping at the finest vineyards to sample local wine and cheese. Maybe you want to see as much art as you can, so you plan a trip to Paris or Rome, and give each museum a day, or a half day. Vacations packages like this can be found all over the web, but many people make their own adventure.

Some more examples of a themed vacation would be to do a car museum tour in Germany, a castle tour in Ireland or England and a Mozart tour of Austria and the Czech Republic. Why do you travel?

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Here at Auto Europe, we get many questions from travelers who want to know what size vehicle they should rent. Here is a short guide that can help you figure out what kind of car rental in Europe is best for you.

Class: Mini
Fuel Efficiency: Excellent
Comparable Models: Mini Cooper
Back Seat Leg Room: Generally None
Luggage Space: Very Limited
Going solo with a carry on bag? Reserved for the smallest cars, this class would work for you. Unfortunately, there is not much on the road in the US that would fit into this category other than the Mini Cooper.

Class: Economy
Fuel Efficiency: Excellent
Comparable Models: Toyota Yaris
Back Seat Leg Room: Very Limited
Luggage Space: Very Limited
This category is popular in Europe, for travelers with little to no luggage. Cars in this category are very fuel efficient. Generally, three people don’t fit comfortably in one of these cars, however it can be done. The appeal is fuel efficiency.

Class: Compact
Fuel Efficiency: Very Good
Comparable Models: Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf
Back Seat Leg Room: Limited
Luggage Space: Moderate
Young families of three typically enjoy cars in this class. Compact cars in Europe, are usually what we would consider Economy in the US. This category is generally good for groups that can pack light. Most adults however, will find the back seat a little cramped.

Class: Midsize
Fuel Efficiency: Good
Comparable Models: VW Passat, Audi A4, Toyota Camry,
Back Seat Leg Room: Moderate-Good
Luggage Space: Moderate-Good
This category is popular for light packing groups of four, or heavy packing groups of two or three. Cars are a little larger, and offer speed and power you won’t get in smaller models. This is a very popular category for people who will be doing a decent amount of driving while on vacation in Europe.

Class: Midsize Vans
Vans and Wagons in this category are popular for groups of 4 adults who pack normal. These Vans, known as MPV’s (multi purpose vehicles), may have emergency seats in the back, however since the make or model can’t be guaranteed, it’s best not to book this category if you have more than 5 people.

Class: Full Size
Fuel Efficiency: Moderate
Comparable Models: Mercedes Benz C-Class, BMW 5 Series
Back Seat Leg Room: Excellent
Luggage Space: Good
Cars rented in this category generally offer slightly more leg room for both passengers and the driver. Typically, luggage room is increased in this category, while the over all driving experience is more positive as the cars are better suited for driving on highways like the Autobahn.

Class: Full Size Vans
There are two categories of vans in this category. The smaller of the two is capable of seating 7 without luggage, or generally 5 with luggage, and is good for families or close groups.
These larger of the two groups can seat 9 without luggage, or 6-7 with luggage. True people carriers, these cars are not very fuel efficient, however will get your group where it needs to be together. Groups of adults may opt for two smaller cars in order to save money on their car rental in Europe.

Remember, when in doubt, ask questions! Auto Europe never closes, and has phone agents here to answer your questions 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!

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Congratulations Stella! You are correct. The Egyptian Monument is the Temple of Debod. It was brought and rebuilt to the Parque de Rosales, located near the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain. Since 1972 it has been open to the public. Now for this week’s question…

This palace has several man made lakes and an aquarium, although you would be pressed to find any divers in it due to its condition.

What is the name of this beautiful palace?

Good luck!

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Most would agree that planning your vacation itinerary is a good idea, but that it’s important to leave room for spontaneity. Here are a couple of tips to make sure that you get the most out of your next vacation. Some are obvious, while others are not so much.

Where Do You Want To Go?
This seems simple, but when given the choice, many travelers will opt for a cheaper flight rather than picking the ideal location. How often do you get to travel internationally? Once a year? Once every three years? In most cases, it’s not worth saving an extra $100 if the destination is not ideal. Think about where you would most want to be, what interests you historically, and what kind of food and activities you enjoy. Think about your decision for a night. If you still want to go there in the morning, chances are it’s for you.

Research, Research, Research!
Once you’ve made a choice on where you want to travel, take advantages of all the resources around you. There’s no doubt that the internet has changed the face of travel in this respect. You can learn all about what to see, where to stay, when to go, etc. Sites like Trip Advisor have given travelers the chance to hear about what others think before taking that trip, booking a car rental, or staying in a hotel. The internet is a great resource for this kind of information, but is not the only one. Ask your friends and family who have been there. Remember the library? You probably still have one in your town. They are under used and provide a wealth of information you won’t find on the internet, all at your fingertips.

Rank Your Sights
Once you have a list of everything you want to do, figure out what is the most important by ranking everything. If you are traveling with a loved one, or with a group, make sure you get input from everyone. Make sub categories if you can, by breaking up kinds of attractions. For example, in Paris, figure out what’s more important, museums, restaurants, nightlife, or public parks/ cemeteries. Let’s say museums are the most important to you. Figure out which ones are you most want to see. Do this with all your categories, and plan accordingly. Make sure you see all your number ones and two’s first, just in case you end up running out of time. If you have extra time, be spontaneous! See something that looks interesting? Better yet, ask a friendly local for advice on where to go. They will always have great ideas you won’t find online.

Pack Lightly, Pack Soon
With airlines charging more and more for baggage, packing light can really make your vacation go a lot more smoothly. If something can be compacted, it’s best to do it. Instead of a raincoat, bring a travel poncho. Don’t bother with an umbrella, in most major cities you can get them for under $5. Once you’re leaving, pay it forward to the hotel, or a taxi driver, they will always find someone who needs one. Pack Early. Many of us wait until the day before to pack. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to run to the store at 10:00 p.m. the night before your flight because you forgot your travel toothbrush.

By following these simple steps, you can almost guarantee a good time will be had by all.

Think I’ve got it all wrong? Is there something I left out? Let me know by leaving a comment!

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I feel like every time I need to research a new location to write about, I want to travel there. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but next time I make it to Europe, I’m going to need at least three months to see and do all that I’ve been writing about recently. My latest travel interest is the city of Lisbon. Lisbon is a city of around a half a million people located on the western coast of Europe, where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s not hard to understand why anyone would want to travel there. The natural beauty of the city alone is enough to keep many coming back.

The architecture in Lisbon is legendary. Throughout the city you can find different examples of Roman, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, and Traditional Portuguese buildings. Many people come to the city for this reason. There are several districts in Lisbon, each one offering something different than the other. For example the trendy Chiado District maintains examples of 18th century architecture, with its quaint sidewalk cafes and clubs. The western side of the city is home to Monasto Forrest Park, which is filled with large trees, fields and many kinds of animals. Lisbon’s opera house, the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, hosts a relatively active cultural agenda, mainly in autumn and winter. The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art), is very popular and is known for housing some of the finest art in the world. Scenic oceanside towns are just a short drive away with a rental car in Portugal. Villages like Cascais, and Sesimbra, are nearby, while a trip south will bring you to the breathtaking Alentejo coastline.

Combine all that with the warm Mediterranean climate, and it sounds like a dream vacation to me! Questions, comments, concerns? Feel free to leave a comment.

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Congratulations to Kat and Judy who knew the correct answer to last week’s trivia question. The famous building is in fact located in Amsterdam. Now onto this week’s travel trivia.

There are only a few ancient Egyptian monuments and buildings that are not located in Egypt and the monument featured below is one of them.

Q. Where is this park and why is this Egyptian Temple located there?

Good luck!

-Hans Ericsson

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For those of you who ski or snowboard, the mountains in and around Innsbruck, Austria offer some of the finest winter slopes in the world. The region attracts millions each year with it’s powder fields, massive snowfalls, and active night life. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to take a ski trip to this area. My friends and I picked up a rental car in  Munich, Germany and were soon on our way to Innsbruck, Austria.

I was asleep for about an hour and a half when my traveling companions woke me up with some news I didn’t want to hear: We were lost. I was baffled. I had printed out directions that I thought were clear, but somehow we were in the town of Fugen. I gave them the benefit of the doubt, and could understand why we were lost. We had after all just been on an intercontinental flight.  Apparently when my companions stopped for a bathroom break in their haste they got on the wrong highway.  We were only an hour behind schedule once we made it to our hotel in Innsbruck, and ended up having a terrific time, so all was forgiven.

There are many places in Europe that are great to get lost in while on vacation. Scenic parks, museums filled with beautiful art and ancient ruins are a few places that come to mind. However, getting lost while driving to these locations isn’t something that most of us would consider a good time. That’s why there are many options for finding your way back on track, including a GPS rental from Auto Europe.

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Living in New England, you get used to crippling snowstorms, icy roads and sub freezing temperatures. Many people choose to celebrate winter by partaking in winter sports that have grown so popular over the years, like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and tubing. However, it doesn’t mean that most of us are looking for 6 more weeks of winter. We have plenty of snow, and many of us are planning our summer vacations already. I’ve asked around, and most people I know, while still enjoying the slopes and winter woods, are very much ready for the summer to arrive, regardless of whatever the famous marmot in Punxsutawney has to say about it. 

What’s so great about taking a summer vacation to Europe? 

Nice, France

It’s beautiful, clean, hip and has some of the best oceanside dining in the world. The city is in one of the most beautiful regions of France, and is in close proximity to other fun cities like Cannes, Monte Carlo and Antibes, all accessible with a rental car in Nice. The Mediterranean coast is a huge draw, and it only takes one visit to understand why. 

Split, Croatia

Croatia’s second largest city is an exciting place that has a long and eventful history. Split offers many museums and Roman ruins with a spectacular mountain backdrop on one side, and beautiful coast line on the other.  There are many fascinating day trips you can make with a rental car in Split, such as Brela Beach, Baska Voda and Makarska, all of which you can find in under an hour. 

Zurich, Switzerland

The Cultural Capital of Switzerland has much to offer all kinds of travelers. Maybe you want to get a panoramic view of the city by hiking up to the top of the Uetliberg, or take a swim in Lake Zurich? It’s so accessible most people need at least a week to take in all this city and surrounding area has to offer.  Those who rent a car in Zurich need even more time! As if the natural beauty of the region wasn’t enough, the city hosts a plethora of museums, opera houses, high class dining establishments, as well as a vibrant nightlife. 

These are just three prime summer destinations to think about on your summer vacation in Europe this year. Where are you planning to go?

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Well, no one managed to get the answer to last week’s trivia question! The correct answer was Turin, Italy. Here’s an easy one for you all this week.

In what capitol city would you find this famous building?

Good luck everyone!

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