Last summer, I felt like a king while exploring the splendid chateaux
near Paris. An hour outside of Paris, Vaux-le-Vicomte is one of several
sumptuous palaces studding the region around Paris.
Mykonos is the classic Greek-island stop and, along with Santorini, it's
the most touristy.
I'm not the cocktails-at-happy-hour type of traveler. Public squares
like Il Campo are the physical and cultural heart of Europe's cities and
towns.
While the countries of southern Europe struggle with financial
instability, those living in northern Europe are in stronger shape,
thanks to their ability to produce more while consuming less.
While their economies may be undergoing turbulence in 2012, positive
changes in France and Spain are also in the air -- making this year a
good time to touch down in these essential European destinations.
From the summer Olympics to the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's
sinking, several major events will make the British Isles a popular
destination in 2012. From July 27 to August 12, London will host the
Olympic Games.
