Just about every year, I get to run a tour to the Normandy Invasion Beaches which includes the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.  It is one of the least popular tours we run, but for me, it is the most profound and compelling trip I take, no matter that I have done it over a dozen times.  In today's blog post, I will describe my experience in visiting the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.

Last month The Traveling Professor conducted the 2nd Annual Travel Survey where we asked all subscribers to our mailing list to answer 9 short questions.  Some things did not change (we have about 80% women travelers and 20% men travelers) but there were a few surprises regarding The Traveling Professor's small group tours.  Read the blog post to find out more how people responded to our travel questions.

The culinary scene in Ireland has improved quite a bit over the years.  It is full of varied and interesting culinary experiences.  On our small group tours to Ireland, we enjoy a good meal, close to our hotel, for a reasonable price.  So, if not going on a small group tour to Ireland with The Traveling Professor, read today's Ireland blog post and you can enjoy the same Dublin dining experiences that we have on our small group tours to Ireland.

Paris is considered by many as the food capital of the world.  On The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Paris, we enjoy nice meals without breaking the bank.  Whether it be for lunch or dinner, there are places to dine in Paris on the high end without blowing your entire food budget on one meal.  Check out The Traveling Professor's blog post to find elegant dining experiences at a reasonable price.

The major overseas legacy carriers:  American, Delta, United and even British Airways, Lufthansa along with their "alliance airlines" control the most passenger traffic between the U.S. and Europe.  You have heard the horror stories of poor customer service, old planes, unfair fares, tight seats, lousy meals, passengers being treated like cattle, etc.  But now, there are some new kids on the block in terms of airlines going to Europe.  Are they worth a look?  You bet they are.  Check out The Traveling Professor's blog post and find out how to get to Europe cheaper and in more comfort.

One of the nice things about Venice is that it is away from it all, with winding unmarked streets, pedestrian traffic only.  One of the bad things about Venice is that it is away from it all, with winding sometimes unmarked streets, pedestrian traffic only.  There is no taxi or car service within Venice. The Traveling Professor has a lot of experience with his small group tours to Italy and today, he gives his advice on getting to your hotel from the Venice train station or Marco Polo airport.

Hoteliers in Paris have admitted to me, Paris tourism is in a slump by as much as 30%. What that means is the savvy traveler can find bargains - if they know where to look.  For instance, we found a 5-star luxury hotel in the 5th arrondissement for $154 a night, right next to a 2-star hotel charging $150 per night.  I'll take the upgrade for $4 any day or night.  The key to finding the best rates is to know what leverage you have and then to apply it.  In today's blog post, The Traveling Professor tells you the tips to get the best hotel rates possible on your next tour to Paris.