Globe Corner Blogs

Let's Go Ireland: On a Budget

I often travel by myself.  Sometimes it is great; I love the freedom and flexibility to do whatever I feel like doing at that particular moment. Sometimes it is not so great, and I become so painfully lonely that I shop just so I can talk to sales clerks. I used to think that I was not the “tour group type,” but lately I have started to take some traditional tours, and not only have I enjoyed them, but I have made lots of good friends. The problem seems to be finding the right tour group.

Recently a friend told me about a group of backpackers who organize trips to Europe that are based in the North End of Boston. There was also a great article about them in the Boston Globe today (Local Backpackers Flock Together). Since I just found out about them, I haven’t actually participated in a tour. However, I am glad that they are on my radar for future trips.

As a side note, the new 2009 Let’s Gos have arrived. They are a longtime budget traveler favorite. New titles include: Britain, Europe, France, Italy, Spain & Portugal with Morocco, Western Europe, Australia, Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, Germany, Hawaii, New York, Paris, and Thailand.

Reykjavik Graffiti--photo by Nicole

Keflavik Airport. Reykjavik. Iceland. For an hour more, anyway. My trip here is coming to a rapid conclusion, and I am sitting at an internet station (free- thank the Norse gods!) in the slick, airy Scandinavian airport terminal. Sandwiched between a Kaffir coffee shop (the Icelandic Starbucks, according to Lonely Planet) and the ubiquitous Viking gift shop, I am trying to think of eventful travel exploits worthy of reportage. Continue Reading »

While it may be raining elsewhere in Europe, London swaggers with its flawlessly sunny weather and proves the doubtful Austrian wrong – in so many different ways! The maze of crooked streets, hidden and not-so-hidden parks and squares offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor time. Continue Reading »

Cycling Southern France: Loire to Mediterranean is one of the new cycling books and maps we’ve just received. Info on each long-distance or area ride includes text and annotated 1:200K Michelin map images. The 8.5″ x 6″ guide is spiral bound.

Also just in–regional maps for European cycling in the high (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) and low (Benelux) countries, as well as guides with maps for both U.K. mountain biking (in the Lake District, Downs, the Dales, the Midlands and the Peak District) and long-distance cycling routes.