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Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you through an eight-day Dolomites itinerary, from the wildflower meadows of Val Gardena to the glamorous mountain town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It's Italy, but not as you've ever pictured it... imagine cowbells instead of Vespas, dumplings alongside pasta, and pale jagged peaks that glow pink at sunrise. The Dolomites have exploded in popularity, and the famous spots now come with timed bookings, daily visitor caps and serious summer crowds. Tyla shares exactly how to plan around them, from the best time to visit the Dolomites to which hikes are genuinely worth it, where to base yourself, and why the earliest alarm of your trip will also deliver its most magical moment. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the glowing peaks and alpine lakes of the Italian Dolomites! In this episode, you'll learn… Why June and September are unbeatable for hiking in the Dolomites The bookings you must make in advance or risk missing out!How to dodge the crowds at Lago di BraiesWhy the region feels more Austrian than ItalianWhere to stay in Val Gardena - Choosing between Ortisei, Selva and Santa CristinaThe smarter and quieter way to experience Alpe di SiusiWhether the pricey Seceda cable car is worth the splurgeHow to hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loopWWI history hidden in the mountains at Cinque Torri and LagazuoiWhy you should never head up a mountain without cash in your pocket!Places & Links Mentioned Car Rental Platforms - Discover Cars and Booking.comArrival Airports - Venice, Verona and Innsbruck (Austria)Val Gardena villages - Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and Santa CristinaHiking - Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm, Seceda and Tre Cime di Lavaredo Mountain passes - Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo and Passo GardenaLakes - Lago di Carezza, Lago di Braies and Lago di SorapisEastern Dolomites villages - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dobbiaco and MisurinaEpisode 22 - How to Plan a Ski Trip to EuropeWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message What do you actually need to pack for Europe? In this episode, Tyla shares her complete Europe packing list, built from years of full-time travel, living out of a carry-on and moving cities every two weeks. From sweltering Greek islands in peak summer to snowy winters above the Arctic Circle, Tyla has packed for every season and made plenty of mistakes along the way. She explains why packing light is the golden rule for travelling Europe, how to travel carry-on only without running out of outfits, and how to avoid the budget airline baggage fees that can cost more than the flight itself. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to pack like a pro! In this episode, you'll learn… Why cobblestone lanes, fifth-floor walk-ups and tiny lifts make packing light essential in EuropeThe carry-on dimensions that work across most budget airlinesWheels vs backpack: settling the great luggage debateHow to build a capsule wardrobe for EuropeExactly what Tyla packs for one week vs two weeksA season-by-season guide to what to pack for Europe in summer, winter and the shoulder seasonsThe small, unsung heroes that transform your tripRolling vs folding + other clever space saving tipsTyla's 10 things to leave at home!Links & Resources Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesFree Europe Trip Starter Kit (28-page guide with the full Europe packing checklist, free when you join the newsletter)Travel Money Cards - Wise and RevolutWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message Welcome to Travel with Tyla, your regular audio-escape to Europe! Since swapping tropical beaches in Australia for breathtaking mountains and lively village squares in Europe, Tyla's built up a wealth of trip planning knowledge and is here to help you create the European trip you've been dreaming about.  Expect thoughtfully crafted itineraries, hidden gems, and honest advice on skipping the tourist traps, from where to find the best gelato to which destinations are worth lingering a little longer, and the mistakes to avoid along the way. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to start dreaming up your next European adventure. Ready to get started? Download your free Europe Trip Starter Kit  What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you through 7 marvelous days in Montenegro. From exploring the medieval stone towns surrounding Kotor Bay to the wild alpine landscapes of Durmitor National Park.  This trip is designed to split your time evenly between the coast and the mountains, requires you to rent a car, and steers you away from the cruise-ship trail towards the family-run konobas and quiet corners most day-trippers never see. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the majestic mountains, beautiful bays and roaring rivers of Montenegro! In this episode, you'll learn… Why September into early October is the ideal time to visit and why July and August are worth avoiding!How to get from Tivat Airport to Kotor without getting scammed at the taxi rank Where to base yourself around the Bay of Kotor? Compares Kotor old town, Dobrota and PerastHow to spot a tourist trap on the main square and find a proper Montenegrin konoba Exploring in Perast - getting to Our Lady of the Rocks and hidden viewpoints What to do at the top of Mount Lovćen - the cable car, alpine coaster, Falcon Fly and sunset barsThe best hikes in Durmitor National Park - from the Black Lake to the Ice CaveWhite-water rafting the Tara River - which sections suit families and which ones bring the big rapidsWhat to eat on each side of the country - Adriatic seafood vs hearty mountain cuisine Bonus: How to extend your trip - including Budva, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, and pairing Montenegro with DubrovnikPlaces & Links Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesBook Car RentalsPrivate Airport TransfersGet your eSIMAirports - Tivat Airport and Podgorica AirportBay of Kotor - Kotor old town, Dobrota, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, St George Island, Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and Fortress of San GiovanniMount Lovćen - cable car, alpine coaster, Falcon Fly, Aerobar, Njegoš Mausoleum, and Monte 1350 BarThe North - Žabljak, Durmitor National Park, Đurđevića Tara Bridge, Tara Canyon, Black Lake, Ladena Pećina (Ice Cave), Ćurevac viewpoint, Jablan Lake, Sedlo Pass, and Durmitor RingBonus extensions - Budva, Sveti Stefan, Lake Skadar, Pavlova Strana viewpoint, Ulcinj, Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana, Cetinje, Lipa Cave, Herceg Novi, Tivat, the Prokletije (Accursed Mountains), Kolašin, Dubrovnik (Croatia)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla hands the microphone to Josefine from Red White Adventures for a complete Madeira travel guide with everything you need to plan a trip to Portugal's most underrated island. From the shoulder-season sweet spots and the best levada walks to the trickiest airport in Europe and the corners of the island most visitors never reach. Closer to Africa than mainland Portugal, this tiny speck of green in the Atlantic packs lush ancient forests, cloud-topped peaks and hidden waterfalls into an island you can drive across in an afternoon.  So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the wild green mountains and misty levada trails of magical Madeira! In this episode, you'll learn… Why Madeira feels more like Hawaii than a typical beach island and why it's still one of Europe's most underrated escapesThe best time to visit Madeira, and why the shoulder season (March-April and September-October) beats the summer crowdsThe truth about Madeira's notorious airport and why pilots need special training to land thereWhether to rent a car or rely on the local buses, plus the steep reality of driving there!Where to base yourself - comparing Funchal, Calheta, Santana and the natural pools of Porto MonizWhat a levada actually is and why these trails are ideal for beginnersWhy the famous PR trails need to be pre-booked and paid for in advanceHow to use Madeira's live webcams and microclimates to always find sunshine somewhere on the islandActivities to do beyond hiking: including whale and dolphin watching, the historic Monte toboggan ride, jeep tours and wine tastings!Local dishes to eat and drink while you explore the islandA bonus detour to the Azores and which island to choose (Spoiler: Do both!)Places & Links Mentioned SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Use code TYLA30 for 30% off the Red White Adventures' 7-Day Madeira Guide (with a map of 100+ locations)Travel Blog - Red White AdventuresFollow Josefine on Instagram @redwhiteadventuresBlog Post #1: 12 of the Best Hikes in MadeiraBlog Post $2: Best Coastal Trail - Vereda do LaranoVisit Madeira - official PR trail bookings + live island webcamsLocations mentioned - Funchal, Rua de Santa Maria, Monte, Câmara de Lobos, Calheta, Ponta do Sol, Santa Cruz, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1), and the Azores (São Miguel, Terceira & Furnas)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you on an 8-day itinerary along Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast, from the walled city of Dubrovnik to the idyllic island escapes of Korčula and Hvar. Croatia is one of those destinations where trip planning can quickly spiral into overwhelm. Not because it's a difficult country to visit, but because the ferries between islands run on limited schedules and getting the order wrong can cost you an entire day of your trip!  So join Tyla, as she break down this route and shares all her top tips including how to experience Dubrovnik's Game of Thrones-famous Old Town without getting swallowed by cruise ship crowds, when to visit for the best weather and prices, plus why this trip works brilliantly without renting a car. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the walled cities, sandy coves and lush vineyards of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast! In this episode, you'll learn… Why late May, early June or the second half of September are the smartest months to visit Croatia's Dalmatian Coast (and why the ferry schedules are important for timing your visit!)Where to stay in Dubrovnik if you'd rather skip the steep steps, loud noise and inflated prices of the Old TownWhy waking up early and walking Dubrovnik's city walls at 8am is the single most important tip in this whole episode!Three ways to spend a free day in Dubrovnik, from sea kayaking past hidden caves to a peacock-filled island escapeWhy Korčula's Old Town is one of Croatia's most beautiful and genius historical sightsPlus, the 400-year-old sword dance you can only see on Korčula!Why Hvar has a split personality as Croatia's answer to Mykonos and a sleepy island filled with stone villages and lavender fields Whether you actually need a rental car for this trip (spoiler: NO!)Where and why to extend your trip if eight days along the Dalmatian Coast isn't enoughPlaces & Links Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesDubrovnik Cruise Ship Schedule Dubrovnik Old Town - including the Stradun (main street), city walls, Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace and Fort LovrijenacMount Srđ Cable Car (for views over Dubrovnik)Lokrum Island (peacocks & monasteries) and Betina Cave (sea kayaking)Dubrovnik's beaches - Banje Beach (busy) and Sveti Jakov Beach (quiet)Korčula Old Town - St Mark's Cathedral and the Moreška sword danceLumbarda village (Pošip and Grk wine tastings) and Vela Pržina BeachHvar Old Town - St Stephen's Square and Fortica FortressThe Pakleni Islands - Palmižana and JerolimHvar's quieter side - Dubovica Beach, Sveta Nedjelja and Velo GrabljeDiocletian's Palace (Split)Extend Trip - Plitvice Lakes National Park and TrogirWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message Welcome back for Part 2 of this two-part European transport series!  This episode covers the transport options that either unlock Europe's best hidden gems or cause unnecessary stress. In this practical two-part series, Tyla breaks down everything you need to know about navigating Europe's complex and layered transport systems. Sharing her honest advice and extensive knowledge from years of traveling across the continent using every mode of transport imaginable and making many mistakes along the way.  So if you're curious about navigating Europe by ferry, rental car or city transport, I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to take notes as we break down how to navigate Europe like a pro! In this episode, you'll learn… Tip and ticks for navigating ferries in Greece, Croatia, Italy's northern lakes, Adriatic crossings and Scandinavia The difference between hydrofoil ferries and regular ferriesWhy advance bookings for ferries in the summer months are essential Essential documents needed to rent a car in Europe (Hint: international driver's permit)When renting a car makes sense and when it doesn't!Things to look out for when comparing rental cars (i.e. automatic versus manual transmission availability, petrol vs electric) European road rules: From driving on the right in continental Europe to different speed limits, vignette requirements and restricted traffic zonesHow to navigate major European cities by metro, bus and tramWhy it's important to download local transport apps before you arriveWhen taxis and ride-share apps (Uber and Bolt) are the better option Links & Resources Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesFerry Booking Platforms - Ferryhopper.com and Navigazione Laghi (Italian lakes)Car Rental Platforms - Discovercars.com and Booking.comPublic Transport Apps - Google Maps and CitymapperRideshare Apps - Uber, Bolt and Free NowWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message The flights are booked and accommodations are sorted, but a crucial question remains: How do you actually get around Europe once you are there?  In this practical two-part series, Tyla breaks down everything you need to know about navigating Europe's complex and layered transport systems. Sharing her honest advice and extensive knowledge from years of traveling across the continent using every mode of transport imaginable and making many mistakes along the way.  So if you're curious about navigating Europe by plane, train or bus, I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to take notes as we break down how to navigate Europe like a pro! In this episode, you'll learn… Why budget airline advertised prices are almost never what you actually end up paying (the hidden fees breakdown)Why online check-in 24 hours before your departure is a non-negotiable for budget carriers (and what happens if you miss it!)When flying makes sense versus when trains are actually faster and more practical for getting between destinationsWhy booking train tickets months in advance can save you significant money due to dynamic pricingThe difference between Europe's high-speed trains and regional trains The economics and logistics of European overnight trains and why they're experiencing a major revivalWhether a Eurail Pass actually offers value or if booking individual tickets in advance is cheaperWhy buses are often the better choice in Eastern Europe and the BalkansHow traffic delays affect buses and why flexibility with connections mattersThe best apps and platforms for comparing and booking each transport type (see below)Places & Resources Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesFlight Search Tool - Google FlightsTrain Booking Platforms - Omio and TrainlineBus Booking Platform - FlixBusWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you on a 3-day journey through ancient Athens and recommends five stunning, yet often overlooked Greek islands. This itinerary begins with exploring the many layers of Athens from the iconic Acropolis to hidden neighborhoods where locals go about their daily lives. Then to avoid the mistake most visitors fall into by following the well-trodden path to overcrowded Santorini and Mykonos, Tyla steers you toward islands that offer the same breathtaking beauty, authentic Greek charm, and sparkling Aegean waters, but with far fewer tourists and a genuine sense of discovery. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the ancient temples and tranquil islands of Greece! In this episode, you'll learn… How to arrive at Athens International Airport and reach the city center via metro, bus or private transferStrategic tips for experiencing Athen's central neighbhourhoods without falling into tourist trapsHow to book Acropolis tickets in advance and the difference between standard tickets and combo tickets Hidden gems and the neighbourhoods most visitors missWhere to find authentic Athenian food and markets Best months to plan your visit that balance weather, ferry accessibility, and manageable crowds Why ferries to Greek islands are best booked via third-party sites like Ferryhopper or Directferries Why the islands of Hydra, Milos, Folegandros, Spetses and Serifos deserve to be at the top of your Greek island travel list! How mixing different island types (Cycladic vs. Saronic) creates more varied experiences compared to visiting multiple similar islandsPlaces & Resources Mentioned Welcome Pickups (airport transfer service)Athens neighbourhoods - Monastiraki, Plaka, Filopappou Hill, Psyrri, Kolonaki, Lycabettus Hill, Exarchia, Kerameikos, Metaxourgeio, Ano Petralona, Koukaki and Makrigianni Acropolis Tickets + Museum Tickets Buy Ferry Tickets - Ferryhopper and DirectferriesGreek Islands - Hydra, Milos, Folegandros, Spetses and Serifos What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message After a month-long hiatus, Tyla returns to the podcast with a personal life update. In this intimate episode, she catches listeners up on what's been happening behind the scenes - including an unexpected Eurovision triumph, a week battling illness, last-minute wedding planning chaos, welcoming extended family to Bulgaria for the first time, and celebrating her own fairytale forest wedding in her favorite place in the world! So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and settle in for a short but entertaining tale of life updates, personal stories, and the adventure that comes with balancing travel content creation with major life milestones. In this episode, you'll learn… Why the Travel with Tyla podcast took a month-long hiatus and what caused the silenceHow Bulgaria's unexpected Eurovision win caught everyone by surprise at the 2026 contestThe reality of getting seriously ill while trying to manage a podcast and wedding planningHow last-minute wedding planning differs from thoughtful advance planning (spoiler: it's chaotic but not impossible)The experience of welcoming extended family to Bulgaria for the very first timeWhy a forest wedding in Bulgaria became the perfect family celebrationWhat's coming next for Travel with Tyla in the second half of 2026What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla steps away from traditional travel itineraries to explore one of Europe's most important cultural events - the Eurovision Song Contest. She takes you on a journey from the contest's humble 1956 beginnings in a Swiss concert hall to the grand stages of Vienna in 2026, explaining everything you need to know about this beloved annual tradition that brings an entire continent together through music, performance, and flamboyant excess. While most Europeans grew up watching Eurovision every May, many people around the world have never quite understood what it is, why it matters, or how the whole thing actually works. This episode demystifies the contest format, explores iconic performances that became cultural moments, explains the chaotic voting system, and provides everything you need to tune in for the 70th anniversary edition taking place in Vienna on May 16th, 2026. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and welcome to the mania and magic of Eurovision! In this episode, you'll learn… How Swiss broadcaster Marcel Bezençon used new television technology in 1956 to connect Europe through music just over a decade after WWIIWhy Eurovision is taken very seriously and not seriously at the exact same time The story of ABBA's 1974 victory with "Waterloo" that launched them from Swedish hopefuls to global superstarsHow the contest format works across three nights: two semi-finals and the Grand Final featuring 26 countriesWhy the "Big Five" (France, Germany, Italy, UK, and formerly Spain) automatically qualifyThe famous "douze points" scoring system combining professional jury votes and public televotesWhy neighboring countries often vote for each other and influence resultsIconic Eurovision moments including Celine Dion's 1988 win and Dana International's groundbreaking 1998 victoryHow Australia competes despite being on the opposite side of the world Where to watch Eurovision 2026 for free on YouTube in the US, BBC iPlayer in the UK, and SBS in AustraliaWhy five countries (Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain) are boycotting the 2026 contest The most important rule: embrace the absurdity and lean into the chaos for maximum enjoymentLinks & Places Mentioned Eurovision.tv (official website with broadcaster listings)Eurovision Song Contest YouTube ChannelVienna, Austria (2026 host city)Wiener Stadthalle (venue for semi-finals and Grand Final)Rathausplatz (Eurovision Village location)Casino de Lugano (Lugano, Switzerland - first contest 1956)Notable Winners: ABBA (Sweden, 1974), Celine Dion (Switzerland, 1988), Dana International (Israel, 1998), Lordi (Finland, 2006), Alexander Rybak (Norway, 2009), Loreen (Sweden, 2012 & 2023), Conchita Wurst (Austria, 2014), & Måneskin (Italy, 2021)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you on an unforgettable eight-day journey through Scotland, combining the medieval magic of Edinburgh with the wild, dramatic beauty of the Scottish Highlands. She shares a thoughtfully crafted itinerary that flows intentionally from one breathtaking location to the next, balancing iconic must-see sights with those quiet, still moments in nature that make Scotland truly unforgettable. While many travelers rush through Scotland hitting only the major tourist spots, this itinerary rewards those who slow down and leave space for the unexpected. From standing on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle to swimming in the crystal-clear Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland offers a fantasy element and sense of adventure unlike anywhere else in Europe. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the wild yet calming beauty of Scotland! In this episode, you'll learn… Why Edinburgh's Old Town is unlike any other European cityHow to experience the Royal Mile's medieval closes and courts Hiking to Arthur's Seat for breathtaking 360-degree views over the entire cityWhy Stirling Castle is arguably more impressive than Edinburgh CastleHow to drive the spectacular Road to the Isles from Fort William to MallaigThe tragic history behind Glencoe's haunting beauty and the 1692 MassacreHelpful ferry logistics for reaching the Isle of Skye How to time your visit to the Fairy Pools for minimal crowds and why swimming in ice-cold water is worth it!The otherworldly landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula including the Quiraing and Old Man of StorrWhen is the best times to visit to balance good weather with avoiding peak summer crowdsEssential Highland driving tips for single-track roads with passing bays and why stopping spontaneously creates the most magical momentsLinks & Places Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesEdinburgh CastleSt. Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh)Palace of Holyroodhouse (Edinburgh)Arthur's Seat (Edinburgh)Dean Village (Edinburgh)Stirling CastleLoch Lomond (Trossachs National Park)Inveraray (Loch Fyne)Rannoch MoorGlencoe & The Three SistersGlenfinnan ViaductMallaig (fishing village)Isle of SkyeFairy Pools (Isle of Skye)Portree (Skye capital)The Quiraing (Trotternish Peninsula)Old Man of Storr (Skye)Kilt Rock (Skye)Eilean Donan CastlePitlochry (Victorian spa town)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you on a fascinating journey through Europe's five tiny but mighty microstates. These countries are so small you could walk across then in a single day or drive through them in less than an hour, yet despite all the odds they've somehow managed to maintain their independence while empires have risen and collapsed around them.  Most travellers focus on Europe's major cities and well-known countries, overlooking these five sovereign nations and this is a BIG mistake as they all offer something entirely different. Imagine miniature worlds with their own currencies, governments, passports, and even football teams. Some exist because powerful neighbors couldn't agree on who owned them, others because they were too small or too useful to conquer, and one was founded by a stonemason fleeing a case of mistaken identity. So it's time to grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to Europe's tiny but mighty microstates! In this episode, you'll learn… How Andorra has been jointly ruled by both Spain and France since 1278 Why Monaco's ruling Grimaldi family traces its lineage back to a nobleman dressed in disguise in 1297The incredible story of how Liechtenstein's army went to war with 80 soldiers and returned with 81How San Marino was founded by a Croatian stonemason and became the world's oldest surviving republicWhy Vatican City is the only country to exist inside a European city Strategic tips for visiting each microstate in one dayWhich microstates require rental cars versus easy public transport access How to plan a three-week itinerary visiting all five microstates from Rome to BarcelonaWhere to collect unique passport stamps and souvenirs Links & Places Mentioned Custom Trip Planning ServicesAndorra la Vella (capital of Andorra)Casa de la Vall (Andorra's former parliament)Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andorra)Grandvalira (ski area in Andorra)Monte Carlo Casino (Monaco)Prince's Palace (Monaco)Oceanographic Museum (Monaco)Vaduz Castle (Liechtenstein)Monte Titano (San Marino)Palazzo Pubblico (San Marino)Vatican Museums (Vatican City)Sistine Chapel (Vatican City)St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla takes you through five unforgettable days in Kraków - Poland's former royal capital and one of Europe's most architecturally extraordinary cities.  Listen along to this thoughtfully crafted itinerary that balances the city's joyful side of pretty squares, colourful buildings, and hearty Polish cuisine, with its more somber recent history, including the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz.  So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to the haunting history and spellbinding squares of Kraków! In this episode, you'll learn… Why Kraków is one of the few major Central European cities to maintain it's original historic centreHow to experience Rynek Główny (Europe's largest medieval square) without the crowds!Strategic planning tips for visiting Wawel Royal Castle and CathedralHow to choose a reputable small-group tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau Why the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz is worth visiting both during the day and at nightHow to visit the underground wonder of Wieliczka Salt MineEssential Polish foods to try including pierogi, borscht soup, zapiekanka street food, and pączkiWhy a vodka tasting is a quintessential Kraków experiencePlaces & Links Mentioned Rynek Główny (Main Square)St. Mary's Basilica (Main Church)Cloth Hall (Renaissance Arcade)Wawel Royal Castle & CathedralJagiellonian UniversityKazimierz (Jewish Quarter) Stara Synagoga (Old Synagogue)Remuh Synagogue & CemeteryAuschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and MuseumWieliczka Salt Mine Czartoryski Museum (Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine)Stary Kleparz MarketCustom Trip Planning ServicesWhat's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show

Send Tyla a message In this episode, Tyla is joined by special guest Meri Wynn from Family Tripping - a family travel YouTube channel that shares practical tips and honest insights on making European family travel accessible, affordable, and truly memorable. While package holidays are the default for many families, Meri shares her top tips for DIY trip planning and how it can save you thousands while also creating richer and more authentic travel experiences. From choosing the right accommodation to avoiding family travel fails, this conversation covers real strategies that make family travel in Europe not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable for parents and children alike. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and prepare to escape to Europe's top family-friendly destinations! In this episode, you'll learn… Why Europe works so well for families with young childrenHow staying in apartments instead of hotels can save you money and reduce mealtime stress The power of asking AI to find discount codes for expensive attractions and toursWhy Eastern Europe offers exceptional value for family holidaysBudget-saving tips, including flying budget airlines without paying for seat selection (kids under 12 sit with parents automatically)Essential packing items for family travelHow to pace your days differently as children grow from toddlers to confident explorersWhy involving kids in trip planning makes them more engaged and the experience more enjoyable for everyoneHow the life skills children develop through travel go beyond what they learn in the classroomMistake to avoid when travelling as a family in EuropeMeri's Top 3 family-friendly destinations in Europe! Links & Places Mentioned Family Tripping - YouTube, Instagram and WebsiteLapland, FinlandIceland - Blue Lagoon, lava shows & volcanoesPoland for skiing - Białka Tatrzańska recommended over ZakopaneBillund, Denmark - The home of Lego!Barcelona, SpainLake District and York, Northern EnglandSlovenia (upcoming family trip!)What's next? ✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's start planning your dream trip to Europe!  ✨ Browse and download our collection of itineraries at travelwithtyla.com ✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration ✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode! Support the show