Tag: europe

What Travel Trends and Infographics Reveal About Summer in Europe
Infographic 1: How to Travel Through Europe and Not Break the Bank

Nyssa P. Chopra https://thecultureur.com/infographic-how-to-travel-through-europe-and-not-break-the-bank/

This first infographic is all about practical, money-saving tips that still leave room for amazing experiences. It’s perfect for anyone planning a longer trip or navigating Europe on a tighter budget.

Key Tips & Takeaways:
- Hostels still hold value – They’re not just about saving money; they offer community and local insight, especially in major cities.
- Avoid overpaying for tours – Instead of big-group experiences, opt for walking tours, self-guided itineraries, or local-run excursions that feel more personal.
- Smart eating = big savings – Choosing lunch over dinner for dining out or shopping at markets can cut costs without sacrificing taste.
- Transportation matters – Trains and public transit offer efficient ways to move between cities, while flying can still be economical if booked early.
- Currency exchanges are tricky – Use banks or ATMs in your destination country rather than converting cash at the airport to get better rates.
My bespoke twist: Many of these tips also apply to customized travel. You don’t need a five-star hotel or a private jet to feel intentional. Even budget travel can be bespoke when it’s shaped around your interests—whether it’s art, food, surf, or hidden gems off the tourist trail.

Infographic 2: Where Is Europe Traveling This Summer?

Source: nSight™ Travel Intelligence

This infographic offers a broader perspective: where travelers in Europe are going, how long they’re staying and what cities are capturing global attention.

Key Trends & Insights:
- Paris is the most booked European destination (15%)
- London is the most searched (23%) and second most booked
- New York tops the global bookings chart—showing how strong U.S. appeal still is for Europeans
Booking & Search Patterns by Region:
- Northern Europe tends to book U.S. destinations like New York
- Southern Europe is highly focused on Spain (6 of the top 10 searches!)
- Eastern Europe sees Rome and Dubai leading bookings
- Western Europe travelers also favor U.S. cities like Vegas and NYC
Short Trips, Strong Intent:
- 60% of trips remain within Europe
- 76% of trips are under four nights—showing the rise of the “mini-break”
- Most U.S. travel is to the East Coast, including NYC, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: These stats are a great reminder that short trips can still be powerful. Bespoke travel doesn’t require weeks—it requires intention. If you only have 72 hours in a city, make them unforgettable with personalized activities, like a private cooking class, a locally led walking tour or a custom-curated stay.

The Big Picture: Use the Data, Then Make It Yours

These two infographics tell us something powerful when viewed together: you don’t have to spend a fortune or follow the crowd to have a meaningful experience. Whether you’re saving on public transit or searching beyond the most booked cities, there’s room to make your travels personal.

Bespoke travel is about carving out moments that reflect you—not your itinerary, not the algorithm, and not what everyone else is doing.

So take the tips, look at the trends—but then, make your trip your own.

With love, Ava
May 18, 2025
How to Plan a Bespoke Trip Without a Travel Agent

Because you know yourself better than anyone else.

Planning a trip is hard. It takes time and commitment. While this is not the only way to plan a bespoke trip, I want to give some insight into what I have done to plan trips.

1. Start with a Feeling, Not a Destination

Instead of asking where, ask what you want to feel. Do you crave stillness or stimulation? Seaside breezes or mountain air? Gourmet indulgence or creative inspiration? Let the emotion guide your destination.

Example: Instead of saying “I want to go to Italy,” say “I want to spend slow mornings surrounded by olive groves.” That might lead you to a private villa in Tuscany instead of Rome.

2. Research Research Research

This is THE most important step of your travel itinerary. It is important to start planning your trip 6 months to a year out. Every time my family has traveled, we have booked the villas 6-7 months before our departure. It takes time to research each house, restaurant and activity. The best method for research is truly social media. Looking at blogs such as mine, TikTok videos and Pinterest boards will help make your dream become reality. It takes a long time to research the hole-in-the-wall restaurants or find the villa perfect for you.

3. Book Experiences First, Then Housing

Start with what you want to do, then find a stay nearby that enhances it. Let the experience anchor your trip. Make sure you don’t spend half of the day in the car driving from place to place. When traveling to Mallorca this past summer, we booked a winery tour and beach club that was super important to my family. We did this step first before booking our villa.

I have only used Airbnb, but sites such as Withlocals and GetYourGuide are great for initial browsing as well. But, don’t stop there—many bespoke vendors operate off-platform.

Villa I stayed at in Mallorca, August 2024

4. Build in Spontaneity and Splurge Strategically

The beauty of planning your own trip? Freedom. Leave a few afternoons or full days open for whatever catches your eye—a local festival, a hidden beach or that tiny café you pass in the morning. Being stuck on an hour-by-hour itinerary leaves no room for spur of the moment experiences. And remember, You don’t need a limitless budget to create a bespoke experience. Choose 1–2 luxury moments—like a private catamaran tour or a Michelin-starred dinner—and balance the rest with charming but cost-effective options.

5. Enjoy your trip!!

With love, Ava

May 11, 2025
An Honest Look at My Summer Abroad in France and Spain

Beyond the perfect itinerary

Sometimes, the best travel lessons come not from guidebooks but from experience. This past August, my family and I created a carefully curated itinerary through southern France, Barcelona and Mallorca. With private chefs, vineyard tours and villas that felt like home, it was the kind of trip I would dream about. And yet, even bespoke journeys have their unexpected turns. Here is what I loved about my trip, and what I would do differently next time.

What I loved

Mallorca’s Private Catamaran
Hands down, this was one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip. We chartered a private catamaran off the coast of Mallorca, and the world slowed down for four hours. Spanish tapas, crystal-clear water and the perfect sea breeze.

My beautiful mother on our private catamaran

The Charm of Our Villas
Every house we stayed in felt like a destination in itself. Whether it was sipping red wine on our rooftop balcony or gathering around the table for chef-prepared dinners, these spaces gave the trip a sense of rhythm.

The Michelin Star Meal in Arles
Tucked into the quiet streets of Arles, one dinner in particular stole the show. My family got an 8-course meal with wine pairings. Every course was a masterpiece—artful, intentional and unforgettable. They blended flavors that were surprising, yet delicious. It was the kind of evening that reminds you why food is an essential part of travel.

One of the courses at Inari resturant

A Wine Lover’s Dream
We spent an afternoon in Mallorca touring a private vineyard, tasting local wines paired with meats, cheeses and olives grown on the land. It was a one of a kind experience. As the owner described it, “It isn’t a wine tasting… it’s a wine drinking.” My favorite part was dancing with my sister, Emily, to ABBA at the end of the tour.

The Local Side of Arles
Arles surprised me. It felt unspoiled, raw in the best way. With no American tourists in sight, we immersed ourselves in its markets, Van Gogh exhibits and Roman Ruins. All of which were unfiltered and fully French.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time

Too Much Time in Tiny Towns
As charming as Arles and Saint-Paul-de-Vence were, five days was too long. Since these towns are small, three days would be the perfect amount of time. By day three, we’d seen it all. In hindsight, I would’ve rebalanced the itinerary.

More Time in Barcelona, Please
Barcelona had energy. We barely scratched the surface—flamenco shows, late-night dinners and stunning architecture came in a flurry. I wish we’d had another day (or three) to settle in, explore local neighborhoods, and just be. Next time, I’ll prioritize time in the bigger cities.

Final Thoughts

This trip reminded me that bespoke travel is about more than luxury—it’s about fit. It’s about learning how to match the pace of your itinerary with your energy, carving out time to explore deeply instead of just broadly. Would I change parts of the trip? Yes. Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

Next up: slowing down a little more, staying curious, and letting the best parts unfold naturally.

With love, Ava

May 4, 2025