Getaway Guide To A Brexit Summer
Quick, before it melts. Friends are scurrying to take advantage of an inspiring plunge in the Pound and Euro, the prime currencies of Britain and about 25 European countries, including the Irish Republic. In case you missed it, the crashing coinage began spilling off the cliff with the baffling votes by Brits to hoist their nation out of the European Union a few weeks ago. The end line for travelers is that our strong dollar buys more in transportation, hotels, meals and tchotchkes when traveling over there than it did before the referendum. And Philadelphia has an International airport that gets you there. So, where to go? Here are some of my favorites. -- Jay Lloyd
SCOTLAND
The Scots are not happy. They voted overwhelmingly to stay in the European Union. But their hospitality is the stuff of legends. And there are now bargains galore from the Firth of Forth to the scenic Highlands. If you're a golfer, head for St. Andrews. But if you want to play "The Old Course", the birthplace of the game, arrange for an agent who will book your tee-time. Coming or going, pay a visit to Edinburgh where a stately castle dominates the skyline and provides an eye-filling view over a city of history, culture, tempting eateries and ancient alleyways with hidden gems of pubs. Everyone here seems to have a Sean Connery story to tell. As of this writing American Airlines from Philly offers the best non-stop fare.
IRISH REPUBLIC
The Irish Republic uses the Euro as its currency. The exchange rate plunge has put your visit in bargain basement range. It's a rare chance to experience the urban nightlife of Temple Bar in Dublin or quaff a mug of Guinness at the home of the world famous brew in the circular lounge of the "Guinness Storehouse". Then take a train to County Cork and visit the seaside city of Cobh, the last port stop of the Titanic. Nearby, the village of Kinsale has gained a reputation as a restaurant Mecca. Then there's the sheer fun and splendor of Blarney Castle and it's storied stone. American flys non-stop from Philly, but summertime fares are still high because of stratospheric demand.
FRANCE
As the song writer said, "I Love Paris". It is truly a magical city. Quaint narrow streets that once echoed to the hoofbeats of the King's Musketeers, footsteps of the French Revolutionaries, Benjamin Franklin and John Paul Jones seamlessly blend with the modern. They follow the Seine from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame. You can wander among street artists, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and jazz clubs on the Left Bank. see the city from the river by "Hop-On, Hop-Off" barges. Stroll from the Louvre to the Opera House with a stop for a drink at Harry's, the Paris Haunt of Ernest Hemingway. You will think hard about following his footsteps as an "Ex-Pat". Currently for summer travel from Philadelphia, Air Canada offers the best fare, but it involves a stop that adds hours to the trip. Non-stop flights are launched here by Delta and American Airlines.
ITALY
There are always bargains to be found in the cities and picturesque Italian countryside. But with the fractured Euro as the currency, it is time to brush up on the language beyond "Buongiorno". Many of us have traveled to Italy to absorb the preserved ancient Roman sites including the Colosseum that sparked dramatic childhood tales of Gladiators. Then there are the restaurants of Rome and Tuscany. A visit to the Vatican is on the itinerary of many, followed by a stroll and a glass of wine at one of the many Piazzas. A high speed train carries you comfortably to Florence for a visit to the city, it's famed marketplace, the Duomo and iconic statuary or a short ride into the Tuscan countryside for hilltop views. Again, Air Canada offers the best fare with one stop. American Airlines flys non-stop from Philly.
HOLLAND
I really have a warm spot for Holland. Before KYW, I broadcast for Radio Netherlands from studios in Hilversum, about 20 miles outside of Amsterdam. Traveling through Holland is easy, the rail system is excellent, so are the highways. Getting around Amsterdam is a joy. Many places can be reached by Canal Boat and trolleys run all night. The preferred mode of transit throughout the country, but especially Amsterdam is bicycle. They can be rented, and bicycle lanes here are wide and drivers are courteous. It's the most bike friendly town on the Planet. Nightlife is bustling, watering holes range from traditional Dutch taverns to modern glitzy Vodka bars. See Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum. Visit the town of Delft where artisans still craft the world renowned Delft Blue chinaware and stop at the seaside resort of Scheveningen. During WWII, the Dutch underground would trap German infiltrators by asking everyone to pronounce the name of the town. Only the Dutch could do it. The best price for a non-stop flight from Philly is via American Airlines.
SPAIN
Spain is famous for its food and wine which varies from region to region. Along the Andalusian coast, a Spanish Paella will lean heavily on seafood. In the interior, more chicken, while Catalonia offers a mix. For history buffs, standing over the Bay of Cadiz evokes images of Sir Francis Drake, scuttling the first Spanish Armada, the arrival of Hannibal, elephants in tow from ancient Carthage and the forced deportation of Jews who survived the Inquisition.
In wildly popular, cosmopolitan Barcelona you'll be engulfed by the absorbing architectural designs of Antoni Gaudi, the large public marketplaces, a waterfront, displaying a global gathering a fine yachts and some of the most tempting tapas bars on the continent. The best fare to Madrid is an American Airlines non-stop. The best fare to Barcelona from Philadelphia is a Delta one-stop, then an American non-stop.
Go. Enjoy.
