You have heard The Traveling Professor say before that he flies over 100,000 miles per year.  I also have Platinum status on American Airlines and belong to their "Million Miler" club.   But since I take small groups of travelers to various destinations in Europe and South America, I hear from well over 100 flyers per year on their experiences.  Over the years, I have compiled my Top 5 Best Tips on Airlines for today's blog post.

One of the reasons I love to travel, whether it be on a small group tour to Norway or any of the countries we go to or by myself, is to eat. I've come to love German food, Italian food, French food as well as Spanish and Scandinavian food.  In today's blog post I tell you about some of my favorite dining spots that you should try too on your next tour to Europe.

I have been to Europe well over 100 times.   Over that time, I have learned quite a bit about traveling there.   In today's blog post I give travelers seven essential tips on Europe travel.  The Traveling Professor talks about rest, what to plan for, money matters, itineraries, air travel.  I give very specific tips with websites to go to that will make a trip to Europe easier and hassle-free.

A pilgrimage to the Vatican is a must for those visiting Rome.   There is the Vatican Museum with the glorious Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter.   However, the crowds can be absolutely brutal in terms of the number of people queuing up for both the Vatican Museum and the Basilica.   Without careful planning, it is not unusual for travelers to wait for hours to get in.   Take a look at my blog post and get my advice for saving time and money, without having to wait in line.

There are some essential devices I carry with me on both international and domestic trips to make my travel more comfortable, safe, and secure.   For instance, when I do check luggage, I want to know where it is at all times.  I want my flight to seem to go smoothly and comfortably.  I want my phones and other electronic devices to work overseas just as they do at home.  Take a look at my blog post to see what I always pack with me on trips wherever I go. 

Lodging costs typically make up the most expensive part of a vacation to Paris and in Paris, hotels can be expensive. However, there are several good 2-star picks, and The Traveling Professor has them for you.  2-star Paris hotels can be a great value, but usually they do not have a restaurant (not a big deal in Paris) but probably does not have A/C.   Don't expect a spa or turn-down service.  However, with these picks, expect to get a good night's sleep at a good price.

Let's face it, travel is expensive these days.  But we all love going to Italy.  The Traveling Professor's small group tours to Italy are probaly the most popular of our tours.   There is a way to go to Italy, enjoy it in luxury, without breaking the bank.  In fact, if this blog post doesn't save you a ton of money on your next trip to Italy, the next time you go, I will meet you there and buy you the biggest gelato to be found.

The Traveling Professor has published blog posts on packing several times.   They are well-received by half the population because I always get the comment, "that's great Professor, but how about packing tips for women?".   In this guest blog post from blogger Debbie Damato, get a woman's perspective of what to pack on your next trip.

For me, there are two parts of Italy.  There are the over-touristy destinations like Rome, Florence, and much of Venice.  They are filled with massive amounts of people, trinket shops on nearly every corner, people trying to sell you all other types of trinkets, long lines, and frankly, some overrated sites.  However, peel away the skin of the onion and discover one of the best-kept secrets in Italy; Padua.  Relatively uncrowded, much cheaper than the other cities mentioned above, much more relaxing, and more fascinating in terms of history and culture, it is The Traveling Professor's favorite Italian city.

Here are 14 of the best Paris restaurants, for every taste and budget.  The Traveling Professor has been going to Paris for over 15 years on a labor of love, researching the best restaurants, just for you.   In this list are restaurants of all kinds - casual, lunch spots, dinner spots, romantic places, expensive places and super deals.  Whether you travel with The Professor on one of his small group tours to Paris or travel on your own, check out his Paris Restaurant Review.