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Armchair Europe

© Roxanne Nelson

We're now almost midway into autumn, but it certainly feels more like winter in some parts of the world. Cold or not, this is a great time to travel to Europe because of the much thinner crowds and great airfares. This time of year is always cheaper and less hectic, and these days, more so than ever. Many conferences have been cancelled, or turnout is light at the ones that still continued on. Would be travelers have cancelled or postponed their trips, hoping that a safer time will come.

I can understand that people don't want to travel right now. It really even isn't the concern of another hijacking but more of a feeling of wanting to be in a familiar place. Plus especially for Americans, there are too many incidences taking place around the world which may put them in jeopardy. While Europe has been relatively safe, and at the moment, I can't think of any place I'd rather be than in Tuscany, the feeling of security wins out. In case something really really awful happens again, many want to be close to their families and homes.

So, there's always armchair travel. Read, look at photos, and dream. Hopefully by next year some of the initial fear that we may be feeling will dissipate, and we'll be packing our bags again.

Here are my recommendations. Snuggle into a cozy armchair, pour a cup of tea or hot apple cider, and bon voyage.

First, any of the Insight travel guides on any country are worth looking at. They have great photos, nice uncluttered text, and give you real information rather than just hotel listings and overrated restaurants.

Restoring a Home in Italy by Simon McBride and Elizabeth Helman-Minchilli is a feast for the eyes. Of course I am partial to Italy, but this is a beautifully photographed book that features great shots of old Italian homes and really pulls you into the lifestyle.

Speaking of Italy, The Most Beautiful Villages of Tuscany by James Bentley will take you on a tour that's almost as good as being there. (Almost!). Again, gorgeous photography really brings the region alive. Other good reads on Tuscany include Frances Mayes' Under the Tuscan Sun and Elizabeth Romer's The Tuscan Year: Life and Food in an Italian Valley.

The Most Beautiful Villages of Provence takes you on a journey to that fabled region. Hugh Palmer's photographs are stunning and Michael Jacobs'text is great. Actually, there is a whole series of The Most Beautiful Villages... and although I haven't seen them, I'm sure that they're as good as these two. In Europe, they include TMBV in Dordogne, TMBV of Greece, TMBV of Ireland, TMBV of Brittany, TMBV of Burgundy, TMBV of France, TMBV of England. I guess they are heavy on the French villages, possibly because there are so many beautiful ones there.

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