Much of what we hear about Europe in the news these days is similar to what’s going on in the U.S.: currency fluctuation, fears of economic default, political battles. And yet, take a vacation in Europe, and you’d hardly know these troubles exist. Because their cultures have survived far worse events historically than the devaluation [...]

The first time I visited Amsterdam, I told my husband, “I could live here.” Before we had arrived, I was a bit of a reluctant visitor. I knew nothing about the city except its somewhat lurid reputation. In my mind, it was a mecca for naughtiness and excess in Europe: as Las Vegas is to [...]