Europe Up Close

As long-time readers of our site will know, I love Europe. We travel there as much as we can (while not ignoring the rest of the world!). I am always on the lookout for great travel sites that focus on Europe - and I've got a fun new one! EuropeUpClose offers great columns and advice on traveling in Europe. Whether you're looking for travel tips, country-specific information, or inspiration for your travels, EuropeUpClose has it all.

Terri and Bill in Pienza

We were lucky enough to speak with Terri Fogarty, publisher of EuropeUpClose, about travel, giving back, researching trips, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE: What is your travel background? How did you become interested in Europe?

TF: I am a former university administrator who gave it all up to do what I love: travel and help other travelers design their dream vacations to Europe. I fell in love with Europe on my first trip to Paris more than 20 years ago. Since then, my husband Bill and I have traveled throughout Europe more than 30 times. I have planned hundreds of trips to Europe for my clients over the last 10 years.

Europe has won me over because Europeans seem to understand what life is all about: family, friends and food. They have perfected the the art of living and as the Italians say “dolce far niente” - the sweetness of doing nothing.
My posts are designed to share with  my readers my years of experience as a travel agent and a traveler…what I learned and what I love.

WE: Please tell us about your site, www.Europeupclose.com...

TF: EuropeUpClose is an informational website that grew out of our love for Europe and our interest in sharing with others what we have learned about travel in Europe.  As it grew, we recruited other writers who wanted to share their knowledge and love for Europe as well.

WE: What was the genesis of www.Europeupclose.com?

TF: I worked in the travel industry as a travel agent specializing in Europe and found that many people have misunderstandings, inaccurate information, and a load of questions regarding travel in Europe. Therefore, we wanted to design a website that provided candid, accurate destination information, as well as travel tips, travel news and deals. We are also developing a forum where readers can offer their opinions, ask questions and connect with others who are interested in Europe

WE:  What can readers find on your site?

TF: Readers can find general destination information and the highly descriptive, detailed travel experiences of our writers and ourselves that covers more than twenty countries in Europe. We offer travel tips, opinions, hotel and restaurant recommendations and reviews, and lots of wonderful photos to illustrate our stories.

WE:  What is your background, traveling in Europe?

TF: My husband and I have been to Europe more than thirty times, usually traveling there twice a year.  Our writers either live in Europe or they have traveled extensively throughout Europe and are eager to share their insights and love for this diverse, beautiful part of the world.

WE:  Who contributes to your site?

TF: We have several freelance writers who regularly contribute to our site. Some are professional travel writers while others are people who, like us, want to share their love of Europe …or their knowledge of their favorite countries in Europe.

Unlike most blogs, our writers do not post their own stories. They submit the articles, and I add photos as necessary. Consistent with our desire to provide our readers with quality, interesting information, we then edit each article for typos, readability, and fact accuracy.  

WE:  What suggestions do you have for travelers just beginning to research
their trips?

TF: I think people who haven’t been to Europe before might begin by checking  out our travel tips, and then… read, read, read about the countries to which they think they may want to travel. I also think that they shouldn’t be too ambitious. Trying to see too many countries in too short a time relegates you to just “skimming the surface”. I think it is better to choose a country or two and travel to just a few cites. That way you can learn more about the culture and traditions of the people in that country. If you are always on the move, by the time you get home it will all be a blur.

And being a former travel agent, I believe in the importance of experience in planning a trip. Knowing the ins and outs of what is possible, what is challenging, or what is impossible is essential in order to assure a positive, memorable travel experience.  For those with little or no prior travel to Europe, I recommend working with an agent who is an expert for the country to which they want to travel.

WE: How do you recommend travelers give back, while they are in Europe?

TF: I think one of the best ways a traveler can give back while in Europe is to be a good ambassador from his or her own country. Make your country proud that you are representing it. And truly respect the people of the country to which you are traveling.  We can learn from others and if you are open to new ideas and new experiences, everyone will be better for it.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

TF: We are a small company that began this journey just a few years ago. We love the beauty of Europe, we love the diverse cultures and people of Europe, and we love learning and sharing Europe travel information with our readers.

Finally, I read every comment that is posted and if someone asks a question that stumps me, I do the research to find the answer. 

WE: Thanks so much, Terri! I love your site and especially appreciate the RSS feed - Europe Up Close in my Mailbox!

For more information, please see:
http://www.europeupclose.com/