Life's Little Adventures

Paris Day Trips

At long last: My travel app for easy one-day trips to intriguing destinations outside of Paris is available for download to Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPodTouch devices — and soon it will also be ready for Android devices as well.

"...The Île de France has no regional unity, it does not offer any precise boundaries..." This undefined region within easy daytrip range of Paris is truly the heart of France. Its best attractions are fully explored on my Paris Day Trips: A Travel Guide app. 

To view free samples of this you will first need to download the FREE travel app SUTRO WORLD (click), which also allows you to sample pages and illustrations from over 300 of the very best travel apps anywhere. Listings are grouped by region. For mine, touch "Europe" and then scan down to "Paris Day Trips: A Travel Guide." Open that, then touch words in bold face blue to explore further. If you like what you see, click on the low, low price in the upper right corner to begin a quick download to your Apple iDevice. It's that easy.

 

SO, just what Little Adventure am I up to now in 2012? Why, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.

e-Guides Continued

Hello, Earl Steinbicker here. A few weeks ago I wrote on this blog about how the entire world of travel guides is changing completely, almost overnight, from pages printed on paper to interactive digital files read on such small devices as the Kindle, Nook, smart phones, or iPads.

Now I have taken action on these developments. My first effort, my little baby, is now available on Apple’s iTunes website for downloads to Apple’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, for the low price of only $2.99. I give you:

Waltzing Through Vienna

But this waltz goes far beyond five walking tours in Vienna itself, also describing one-day adventures and self-guided tours in the Wienerwald, the Wachau Valley, up the Schneeberg, down into the Burgenland, and on to such destinations as Mariazell, St. Pölten, and Linz.  Every trip can be taken by public transportation; no car needed.

But that's not all. The interactive indexing allows it to also be used as a conventional guide, independent of suggested tours. And there are plenty of restaurant recommendations, and lots of photos.

Thanks to a computer program developed by Sutro Media, this is surely the future of travel guides. And it's here now!

Coming next: Innsbruck and the Alps.

 Let your cell phone be your travel guide!

Check it out by clicking the line below: 

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waltzing-through-vienna/id414967727?mt=8

I am the author, Earl Steinbicker, and all of the above images were taken directly off the screen of my iPod Touch, shown exactly as they will appear on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's got far more up-to-date information than most $20 printed guides, and costs only $2.99. 

 

NEW! June 28 2011. Waltzing Through Vienna has been greatly improved in a new edition with a new name, Vienna & Beyond, free for current holders of the app. It now includes many "Diagram Maps" especially created for the small screen, making it easier to find your way around. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

 

AND NOW Innsbruck & the Alps is available for download to your iPhone, iPad, or iPodTouch. CLICK HERE to learn more.

 

SO, just what Little Adventure am I up to now in 2012? Why, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.

 

June 2011. My new London's Backyard travel guide for the iPhone, iPad, and iPodTouch — describing all the wonderful discoveries that lie just outside the city — is now available for download at a very low price. Check it out Here.

February 2012. It's now available on ANDROID for those devices, at only $2.99 for a download with free future updates. CLICK HERE for a free preview.

The Future of Publishing

I’ve been writing travel guides for over thirty years now, and have had many little adventures during that time — some of which are recounted on these pages.

Now Comes the Biggest Adventure of All!

e-Guides!

The entire world of travel guides is changing completely, almost overnight, from pages printed on paper to interactive digital files kept constantly up to date and delivered via the internet or cellular phone system to such hand-held devices as Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Sony’s Reader, Samsung’s Galaxy — and most notably for travelers, Apple’s iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

Are these just a digitized version of traditional guidebooks? They could be, and unfortunately some are. But that’s missing the point. Those who create them are re-inventing the whole idea of travel guides to take advantage of exciting new possibilities. Here’s an example of how this might work:

Check This Out!

Let’s say you’re walking down the street in a strange city, not sure of what’s there, what to visit next, or even how to get to it. You simply pull out your handy i-Phone (or other such device), open the application (“app”) for that town, and browse. For every attraction there’s an interactive entry, complete with photos and a live Google map that can pinpoint the exact spot you want, fill the whole screen, and can be expanded into neighboring streets with the flick of a finger. Want to know what that museum has to offer? Just touch its name and all is revealed. Want to know still more? A touch on the screen over its website address opens that for your perusing.

Hungry? The guide suggests various restaurants. Touch their names and their files open. Another touch takes you to their website, where you can examine a menu, check prices, hours of operation, and more.

Want to know how to get to that out-of-town attraction without a car? It will tell you, and then connect to the correct schedules.

How did we ever do without this?

Recently I’ve begun investigating just how best to use this technology to present my travel information. Some early observations are:

A few months ago I purchased a Kindle, the model with both 3G and WiFi connectivity, and downloaded several travel guides into it. The Kindle is great because its e-ink screen is easy to read under almost all light conditions, the unit is lightweight and small enough to carry easily, and connects to the internet over both cellular and WiFi systems. Photos and maps, however, are in black-and-white only, and have a very limited range of tones. So far, the maps that I’ve seen on it are taken from the printed book versions of the guides, making them quite difficult to read. This could be overcome by creating special maps with larger type and more contrast. If I decide to put my guidebooks on the Kindle, I will certainly draw new maps. The reading material is sold by Amazon.

Recently I acquired an Apple iPod Touch, which is quite similar to their iPhone except that you can’t make calls from it, and its connectivity to the internet is by WiFi only. This is not a really serious drawback as once text and images are downloaded there is no need for a net connection. And it is much, much cheaper. The beauty of this device, and of the iPhone, is its tiny size. It can easily be carried in a shirt pocket, yet the text, photos, and maps are entirely readable. Apple’s iPad is a bit larger and heavier, but still easy to carry as you go about exploring. Travel guides and other books, plus music, are sold on Apple’s iTunes store. A good selection of recent travel guides is available online through Sutro Media. The photo on the left is of me holding my new toy as it displays a European travel website.

Now I must get to work! More will follow as things develop. Stay tuned.

 

SO, just what Little Adventure am I up to now in 2012? Why, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.

Daytrips From London

Oh, happy day! The first copy of my new guidebook just arrived from the printer, and it's all I hoped for. The operative word in the title — and what distinguishes it from my earlier books about England — is "From." This time I've eliminated the walking tours inside London in order to make space for new discoveries within daytrip range of the city. These include a preserved 19th-century canal village where you can ride a canal boat, take a waterside walk, visit the National Waterways Museum, or just watch the activities from a canalside café. Another is to a highly secret World War II military intelligence center where the Nazi codes were cracked and early computers developed. A third features a secluded 14th-century moated manor house, Winston Churchill's country estate, and one of the greatest of England's stately homes, along with the optional opportunity for real country walks. Then there's that Thameside village just west of London long favored by leading artists, and where the Keeper of the Royal Swans pursues his strange and uniquely British ceremonial duties.

 

 CLICK HERE for Free Sample Chapters!

 

SO, just what Little Adventure am I up to now in 2012? Why, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.

 

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This book is also available from Amazon Great Britain for £13.50, or Amazon in Europe for €15.50.

 FIND OUT MORE or purchase the book from Amazon by clicking below:

Free Sample Chapters From Daytrips Books

These are complete chapters from my Daytrips series of travel guides, with maps, photos, and everything you need to know when taking the one-day adventures. I'll be adding more from time to time, so bookmark this site and visit often. Enjoy!

Clicking on the title takes you directly to the chapter.

BRITAIN:

Arundel. Like a vision from a fairy tale, the picture book town of Arundel nestles snugly at the base of its massive castle.

Battle. Relive the Battle of Hastings on the very spot where it took place in 1066 on this very easy daytrip from London.

Bletchley Park. Relive the most guarded secrets of World War II while experiencing the earliest days of computing at this estate outside of London.

Bluebell Railway. Europe's best standard-gauge preserved steam railway is an easy daytrip from London.

Bristol. Explore England's most interesting harbour by steam train, tiny ferry, or on foot while visiting the world's first transatlantic steamship and other 19th-century triumphs of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Dover. England's great seaport is guarded by a 12th-century castle high atop the fabled White Cliffs.

Greenwich, London. Englands maritime history, the Prime Meridian where time begins, great pubs, plus the fantastic Thames Barrier and the Millennium Dome.

Guildford. Over a thousand years of history have left this attractive old town with a rich architectural heritage as well as opportunities for boat trips.

Hampstead, London. Just minutes from Trafalgar Square but a world apart, lovely Hampstead Village and the heathland rising behind it has long been a refuge for England's artists and writers.

Hastings. Heart of the 1066 Country, Hastings is both an ancient seaport and a modern resort. A daytrip from London.

Ipswich. This ancient town, first settled in prehistoric times, has plenty of character and a peculiar charm that slowly takes hold as you stroll its venerable streets. 

King's Lynn. This ancient seaport on the River Great Ouse abounds in atmosphere and is near both Castle Rising and Sandringham, a home of the royal family that can be visited.

London's Docklands, from my guidebook Daytrips London. Explore London's new futuristic city set in the colorful remnants of an industrial past, then stroll through Limehouse, along the Thames, all the way to Tower Bridge.

Portmeirion, Wales. Here's a gem of a Daytrip by my fellow writer Judith Frances Duddle, taken from her recent guidebook, Daytrips Scotland & Wales. If you were ever a fan of The Prisoner, you won't want to miss this.

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch. Ride a miniature steam train through an unusual landscape to a seaside nuclear station, then visit one of England's great harbors.

Sevenoaks. A real country walk to some of Britain's most interesting estates, not far from London and easily reached.

Stoke Bruerne Canal Walk. An 8-mile walk along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal to the most colorful old canal village in Britain.

Warwick. England's most magnificent castle is surrounded by glorious gardens and a well-preserved town of Tudor splendor.

Wells. England's smallest city slept right through the turmoils of history, guarding its complete and untouched medieval ecclesiastical complex from the nearby Witch of the Wookey Hole.

Winchester. The first "capital" of England was an important town from Roman times until the 12th century, after which it remained a great religious and educational center. There are few places where the past has survived to delight the present quite so well.

Woodstock. One of the grandest of England's stately palaces, Blenheim, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, lies within easy daytrip range of London or Oxford.

EUROPE:

Ammersee, Germany. A cruise on a delightful lake, an historic monastery, and Beer, Beer, Glorious Beer — all near Munich and easy to get to.

Bamberg, Germany. A medieval inland port untouched by the ravages of war, and home to the best beer.

Bayreuth, Germany. This daytrip from Munich is a must for all lovers of Wagnerian opera.

Berchtesgaden, Germany. The castle, the salt mines, Germany's most beautiful lake, snow-capped Alps, and the famous Eagle's Nest — all together in one spot. This daytrip from Munich or even Salzburg in Austria is taken from my guidebook Daytrips Germany.

Berlin Kreuzberg, Germany. This off-the-beaten-corner of Berlin features a fabulous technical museum and neighborhoods full of alternative types.

Bokrijk, Belgium. The rural past lives again at the Flemish Open-Air Museum, where old structures from all over the Flemish provinces are reassembled into villages, and where the old crafts are kept alive. A great place to sample Belgium's country brews. This one-day trip from Brussels is taken from my guidebook Daytrips Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg.

Bremen, Germany. This easy daytrip from Hamburg combines a remarkable degree of sophistication with a true zest for life, and includes a harbor cruise. Taken from my guidebook Daytrips Berlin & Northern Germany.

Bremerhaven, Germany. This daytrip from Hamburg or Bremen explores Germany's great seaport, visits ships and a WWII submarine, and allows you to experience the hardships of 19th-century emigration. Taken from the 7th (2009) Edition of Daytrips Germany.

Burgenland, Austria. A short Daytrip from Vienna takes you to Europe's most mysterious lake, some really quaint villages, unusual foods, great wines, and the birthplace of the symphonic form.

Chantilly, France. The most beautiful chateau in France, enchanted gardens, a magnificent forest, one of the nation's best art museums, stables that resemble a palace, and a world-famous racetrack all lie just outside Paris.

The Chiemsee, Germany. Ride a steam train to a gorgeous lake, take a cruise, visit one of crazy Ludwig's palaces, then a fishing village and an ancient convent. All in an easy daytrip from Munich. 

Dresden, Germany. Visit the Baroque splendors of the famed "Florence of the North" on a daytrip from Berlin.

Eisriesenwelt, Austria. The world's largest perpetually-frozen ice cave can be explored on this easy daytrip from Salzburg. 

Èze, France. This ancient village between Nice and Monaco clings to its rocky perch, overlooking the Riviera from high above the blue Mediterranean.

Füssen and Neuschwanstein, Germany. THE dream castle to end all castles was built in the Bavarian Alps by crazy King Ludwig II in the 19th century. A daytrip from Munich.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Explore an Alpine village at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, and wander through a white-water ravine on this easy daytrip from Munich.

Giverny, France.   Wander through the Impressionist painter Monet's gardens, home, and studio, then explore the ancient town of Vernon.

Hallein, Austria. Travel through a salt mine deep in the Earth, visit a prehistoric Celtic village, explore the Celtic past, and find the origins of that favorite Christmas carol, Silent Night.

Hallstatt, Austria. An advance sneak peek at my forthcoming guidebook, Daytrips Austria. This one-day trip from Salzburg takes you deep into the mountains where an ancient village clings to its perch above a mysterious lake. Visit a salt mine, see prehistoric remains, rent a boat, examine the painted skulls of long-deceased residents, or just relax in the town square.

Hamburg, Germany. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is Germany's greatest port, an intensely colorful metropolis alive with commerce and trade.

Herculaneum & Vesuvius, Italy. This daytrip from Naples explores the buried Roman city of Herculaneum, then climbs the volcano that buried it.

Hoorn and the Historic Triangle, Holland. Ride an ancient steam ttrain through rural Holland, then take a cruise through the IJsselmeer to an historic village before visiting one of Holland's most enjoyable towns. Taken from my guidebook Daytrips Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg.

Innsbruck, Austria: Ascent of the Hafelekar. An easy but exciting mountain adventure in the Alps.

Kitzbühel, Austria. One of the world's best winter resorts is equally attractive in the warmer months. An easy daytrip from Innsbruck. 

Lake Starnberg, Germany. Close to Munich but a world apart, a cruise on this lake near the Alps takes you to charming villages, castles, and two stunning small museums.

Lindau, Germany. This daytrip from Munich takes you to an ancient lakeside town, with opportunities for boat rides past Switzerland and Austria, or even to ride in a zeppelin.

Lucca, Italy. Visitors to Florence should not miss this medieval gem of a town, an easy daytrip as well as an eye-opening experience. Fully encircled by ancient ramparts, it is drenched in atmosphere, art, and memories of the past. This complete chapter is taken from my guidebook Daytrips Italy.

Lüneburg, Germany. Just outside of Hamburg and very easy to reach, this well-preserved medieval town dates from the discovery of its salines springs over a thousand years ago.

Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany. This easy daytrip from Berlin explores the life and times of Martin Luther as well as the beginnings if the Protestant Reformation. Taken from Daytrips Berlin and Northern Germany.

Mariazell, Austria. Austria's foremost place of pilgrimage and the home of its national shrine also delights visitors with mountain, lakes, and some railfan choices.

Michelstadt, Germany. The loveliest place in the heart of the fabled Odenwald is just a hop from Frankfurt and well worth the visit.

Miltenberg, Germany. One of the most beautiful of Germany's medieval towns is an easy daytrip from Frankfurt. This complete chapter is taken from Daytrips in Germany's Rhineland.

Mittenwald, Germany. One of Bavaria's most enchanting towns is easily seen on a daytrip from either Munich or Innsbruck. From watching violins being made to ascending a spectacular mountain peak to wandering through a whitewater gorge, there's plenty to do and see on this chapter from Daytrips Bavaria.

Moret-sur-Loing, France. An easy daytrip from Paris takes you to a small medieval town right out of an Impressionist painting, with memories of France's great premier Georges Clemenceau, Napoleon and others.

Munich Nymphenburg, Germany. One of the most splendid royal palaces in the world, Nymphenburg can keep you enthralled for the better part of a day.

Netherland Open-Air Museum at Arnhem. Stroll into the past in Holland's largest and oldest outdoor folk museum as you watch old skills brought to life and enjoy taste treats. There are windmills and watermills of course, and you can ride on vintage street trams. 

Nürnberg, Germany. The most German of German cities — full of Old World delight and more recent history — is an easy daytrip from Munich.

Oberammergau & Linderhof, Germany. The setting for the great Passion Play, plus crazy King Ludwig's most enjoyable palace, both on a daytrip from Munich.

Ostia Antica, Italy. The best-preserved Roman town lies just minutes from Rome by rail or car. Why bother with Pompeii?

Paris, France. My guidebook Daytrips France features (along with the rest of the country) five one-day walking tours of Paris — plus this bonus chapter on the many other attractions that visitors usually miss.

Piber Stud Farm and Barnbach, Austria. Visit the home of the famous Lipizzaner Stallions, stars of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, then a most unusual church and a glass-blowing center. 

Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Germany. Bavaria's classic medieval town has hardly changed since the Thirty Years War of the 17th century.

Rüdesheim & Bingen, Germany. Wine lovers will love this daytrip to a famous wine village on the Rhine. It includes both chairlift and cable car rides, a walk high above the river, and a ferry ride to the historic home of Hildegard von Bingen. There are also three highly unusual museums.

Salzburg, Austria. Visiting the places associated with Mozart, plus a lot more. An easy daytrip from Munich. Taken from the 2007 edition of my guidebook, Daytrips Bavaria.

San Gimignano, Italy. Visit an incredible medieval town with its ancient towers on this daytrip from Florence. Taken from my guidebook Daytrips Italy.

Sans Souci, Germany. Probably the easiest daytrip you can make from Berlin — and it takes you to one of the world's greatest palace complexes. Immerse yourself into a day of sumptuous, decadent living. Extracted from my book Daytrips Berlin & Northern Germany.

Schneeberg, Austria. Ride up Vienna's "Snow Mountain" on an ancient steam train, then hike to its summit for a view.

Trier, Germany. Explore the greatest collection of Roman remains north of the Alps in this, Germany's oldest city. Taken from the pages of Daytrips in Germany's Rhineland.

Var Valley, France. Ride a narrow-gauge train from Nice on the Riviera to the lowers Alps, stopping at a mountain resort and a walled town with a castle. Taken from Daytrips France.

Vianden, Luxembourg. Just a short hop from Luxembourg City by car or train & bus lies this nearly unspoiled medieval village, complete with its fairytale castle. Taken from the pages of my guidebook, Daytrips Holland, Belgium & Luxembourg.

Wachau Valley, Austria. This daytrip by train and boat from Vienna takes you down the Danube River through a dramatic valley, visiting a great abbey, a ruined castle steeped in history, and a town where the wine flows freely. 

Zaanse Schans, Holland. Just minutes from Amsterdam and easily reached, this collection of preserved working windmills, old village buildings, and boat rides offers an enjoyable and inexpensive Dutch treat.

Texel, Holland. A relaxing daytrip from Amsterdam to an island in the North See filled with natural wonder.

Vienna's Kahlenburg Heights, Austria. In the hills just north of Vienna, overlooking the Danube, is one of the world's great abbeys. From there immerse yourself in the world of Beethoven while enjoying the new wine.

Wendelstein Mountain, Germany. This roundtrip by rail or car from Munich includes an Alpine village, a cable car up a mountain, a cave, some nice hikes, and a cog-wheel train down the mountain.

The Wienerwald, Austria. Vienna's own circle of woods and protected countryside is full of historic sights.

Zugspitze, Germany. One of the classic daytrips in Bavaria is an excursion to the top of the Zugspitze. At nearly ten thousand feet, Germany's highest peak offers a fantastic panoramic view across four nations. Daytrips Bavaria shows you the best way to do it.

ISRAEL:

Ashkelon. An easy daytrip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem takes you into one of the world's oldest inhabited town, with Roman ruins and an Arab village.

NORTH AMERICA:

Doylestown, PA. Just north of Philadelphia and easily reachable by car or commuter train, Doylestown offers three truly unique attractions, including two of the strangest museums you'll ever see, a stunning art collection, a "Castle for the New World," historic sites, and a covered bridge.

Pennsylvania's Amish Countryside. You'll need a car for this one-day excursion into the heart of the Amish countryside, a mere 60 miles west of Philadelphia. From the pages of my Daytrips Pennsylvania Dutch Country & Philadelphia.

Strasburg, PA. A railfan's delight, riding steam trains and playing with model trains.

Jim Thorpe, PA. An historic town at the base of the Pocono Mountains, with a great mansion, train rides, a coal mone, whitewater trips, and much more.

PACIFIC:

Fossicking in the Gem Fields, Queensland Outback, Australia. Beware — this trip has addictive features — you may not come back until you find the big one. To fossick is to search for mineral deposits like sapphires or rubies, explains author James Postell in his guidebook Daytrips Eastern Australia.

 

SO. just what Little Adventure am I up to now in 2012? Why, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.

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Unknown Paris

Been to the Louvre? Climbed the Eiffel Tower? Visited Notre-Dame? There's a whole lot more to Paris, much of which remains unkown to foreign visitors. I've devoted an entire chapter to these delights in my guidebook Daytrips France, and I'd like to share this with you. For free, of course. CLICK HERE to download the chapter, and click on each map for a full-size image.

 

 

SO, just what Little Adventure am I up to in 2012? WHY, just the most challenging one of them all! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT.