The notion that all Irishmen are drunkards isn't true, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy a few pints while singing a tune. In fact, much of the stereotype is propagated by college kids flocking to the capital city of Dublin to enjoy the bustling nightlife. Many come here expecting overflowed taps and lush greens, which the country certainly lives up to with its nickname, "the Emerald Isle," but there's more to this island than booze and grass. People forget that Ireland produced the foremost literary figures of the 20th century, including Nobel laureates W.B Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde. Its history as a Viking settlement in 988 A.D. instilled strong values and national pride into its people, helping them escape the Great Famine in the mid-1800s and gaining independence from the U.K. in 1922. ... read more

Scandinavians are known for their simplicity, not only in furniture design popularized by Ikea, but also in their way of life. In fact, these people have a state of mind the Danes call "hygge," which is best described as snuggling on the couch under a warm, cozy blanket and watching a good movie. It's about slowing down to smell the roses, so it's no surprise these folks were voted the world's happiest people. While Americans deem Denmark's socialist system as promoting laziness, the Danish view it as a communal responsibility to each other, whether it be paying higher taxes to support universal health care and social security, or volunteering their time to help the underprivileged. They see it as investing in the future by giving families with newborns 52 weeks of parental leave, whereas maternity leave ... read more

Long perceived as a "hipster" city, this preconception of Portland is in reality, not too far-fetched. That is, if hipster entails liberal politics, environmental consciousness, temperate climate, food carts, and fervor for beer and coffee. This city prides itself on being different, as evidenced by their slogan, "Keep Portland Weird," and if strange is good, then Portland is great. But as unique as this town is, other city governments around the country are taking note and following suit; renown for their dedication to public transportation, high walkability, and large bike-share program, Portland's city council is setting an example for running a sustainable town. Sustainability is also dependent on natural resources, which is quite abundant in the Pacific Northwest. As Seattle is flanked by Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Portland is also surrounded by water; the Willamette ... read more

Our friends bailed on us for this trip, but that didn't discourage Kristina and I from flying across the country to return to a city we were both familiar with and very fond of. The allure of Seattle drew us back for another taste of its food and natural setting, making this the first time we've ever repeated a destination. What isn't a surprise: Seattle is currently the fastest growing metropolitan area in America, attracting residents and visitors to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, whether for the first time or for life. The Emerald City is nestled between Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west, with Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains to the east. It was settled in the mid-1800s, but exploded in size during the Klondike Gold Rush in Alaska during the late ... read more

Music may be Vienna's finest export, but no less important are its political sway as a United Nations headquarter, historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and social prowess as the world's most livable city with the highest quality of life according to numerous publications. Its role as the Austro-Hungarian Empire's capital before WWI made Vienna the foremost city in the German-speaking world, while its occupation by the four powers post-WWII imparted American, English, Russian, and French influences. Furthermore, close proximity to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia helped turn Vienna-Prague-Budapest-Bratislava into the most popular itinerary for travelers in Eastern Europe today. In short, Vienna is a melting pot of cultures, although you wouldn't know walking down its streets. As you venture around the city, you'll also encounter erected monuments and humble... read more