A Travel Guide: Western Europe
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate summer travel location, somewhere to soak up the local history, or eat cultural food and drink some of the best wines, Western Europe has it all. Taking a solo trip, gathering up some friends, or taking the whole family are all great ways to experience these beautiful country. Here are some of the best places to see.
Tuscany, Italy
The region of Tuscany is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich foods. The many wineries and pastarias will have you saying Buon appetito! The largest city in this region is Florence. Florence has many historic churches, most commonly known is the city’s Duomo. The medieval and renaissance periods flooded the city with famous artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Just north of this region is the Italian Riviera. This is where you will find Cinque Terre, a charming collection of five coastal villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Athens, Greece
Athens is home to many historical sites. Plan your day early to beat the mediterranean heat and hike up to the Acropolis. Here you’ll see the ancient ruins of the Parthenon. From this site, you can also look down on the Temple of Olympian Zeus. While you’re here, be sure to stop by a street cart for an authentic gyro. And for those stateside, it’s pronounce like “YEE-ro.”
Paris, France
If the city of Paris isn’t on your bucket list, add it right away. Some of the most famous sites to see in Paris are of course, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame cathedral. After touring all these historic sites, you’re sure to work up a hunger. The word “cuisine” is French for the kitchen, and its reputation for food precedes it. The neighborhood restaurants and bistros pride themselves on exquisite taste and presentation of their dishes or pastries.
Berlin, Germany
The city of Berlin has been shaped by many of the famous and historical figures who have passed through its streets, but also, it has been known to shape the people as well. The city is textured by history in every turn you make. Additionally, the locals are known for their seeking of a good time. For those who say New York is the city that never sleeps, I can tell you they have never been to Berlin!
A Travel Guide: The Best of Switzerland
There have been many misconceptions about Switzerland when it comes up as an idea for a vacation destination. Switzerland is usually thought of as a winter destination since the Alps and many mountainous regions are throughout. More so, it is known for high end watches, famous knives, deluxe chocolate and top notch resorts and spas. However, this small country has more than winter sports and an expensive culture to offer for all types of travelers.
Imagine walking on cobblestone that is hundreds of years old. Listen to the clip clop of feet. Smell the fresh crisp, clean mountain air. Walking through a small lakeside town, cafes and shops line the street. As the Alps lay as the backdrop for the scene that is Switzerland there does not seem to be a more perfect place to visit than Switzerland.
Switzerland has an assortment of traditions since it can be viewed as a small melting pot of cultures. Numerous languages and an array of people from all over make up this small country. Learning about the Swiss from the people can be an exciting and new way to learn more about the country.
Before heading to the great outdoors, some of the old and classic cities have plenty to hold. Geneva and Zurich have multiple experiences for everyone such as parks, museums, churches, top rated gourmet restaurants and other architectural buildings. Even if the larger cities do not hold appeal, the small villages and towns in the country are small and quaint and perfect for a quieter and more intimate feel.
Switzerland has some of the most diverse outdoor fun. Winter sports can continue all the way into April. The giant and picturesque scenery of the lakes have plenty offerings for all types of aquatic sports and even relaxation by the water. There are plenty of options for adventure and can be everything from high adrenaline to a fun calming activity.
No matter which type of traveler is heading to Switzerland, there are choices for everyone to the mountain climber to the spa enthusiast to the history buff. Heading to Switzerland in the spring offers more to do and things to see in one of the oldest and beautiful countries in Europe. Spring time in Switzerland will be a trip of a lifetime for anyone.
A Travel Guide: The Best of Germany
Check out these must-visit attractions and things to do in Germany. Travelers know that some sights just cannot be missed, so make an effort to see as many as possible. Gute Reise, have a good trip!
Olympiapark
Tour the site of the 1972 Olympic Games in Berlin. Hike the hill for a view of the whole city or go up on the roof of the Olympic Tower, the city’s highest building, which is over 700,000 feet. Go on an adventure tour or sightsee. In addition to Olympic attractions, Sea Life, an aquarium, and the BWM Museum are close by; a day can be filled just by wandering around this area.
Lake Constance
Experience Germany’s largest freshwater lake. It is best enjoyed in the summer, when many come to vacation. Visit castles, museums and gardens, or watch the world go by from a café. Go from shopping to gazing at buildings to picnicking by the lake in the same day.
Oktoberfest
If you find yourself in Munich from Sept. 22 to Oct.7, then head to Oktoberfest. Drink some beer, sing some songs and nosh on giant pretzels. With over 30 beer tents at the event, what could be better? Grab some lederhosen or a dirndl and get chugging. Make sure to alternate your drinks with water!
Neuschwanstein Castle
This magnificent castle is located near Füssen. View it from afar or take a bus up the hill for a closer look. If it looks like a palace fit for a princess, it is. Walt Disney used it as inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom.
Berchtesgaden National Park
Travelers who love to do anything outdoors will love Berchtesgaden National Park. Wander through the trails and marvel at the lakes, rocks, forests, grass and villages. Go for a hike or cycle through this natural paradise for a break from touristy attractions.
The Food
Schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, currywurst and Black Forest cake are all classic German dishes. Travelers to Germany know that they must try these and other eats at least once during their trip. Taste rouladen, which typically includes onions, mustard, pickles and bacon cooked in beef, or a Berliner, sweet, fried dough with a jam filling and sugar topping. Food is rich and filling, satisfying enough to power visitors through their stay.
About JB Hoover, Newport Beach
Based in Newport Beach, JB Hoover is the Founder and Principal of National Quality Construction in Tustin, Orange County, California. Prior to starting his own business, JB spent over ten years as Vice President of Construction at a Custom Boutique Homebuilder. JB mainly focuses on real estate rehabilitation, which consists of flipping foreclosed homes into dream houses for young couples or people buying their first home. Other than his passion for his professional endeavors, JB is also passionate about golf, travel, and cars.
As a student at Whittier College in Los Angeles, JB Hoover enjoyed cars so much that he used to flip and customize them to earn extra money. However, he found few cars that he loved too much to sell and decided to keep them instead. Today, JB’s car collection includes seven rare vehicles — some of which include a few Mercedes-AMG cars, which are modeled after racing cars and are known to be characterized by the company’s courage and passion in the car-making industry.
In fact, JB’s passion for cars is what inspired him to get into the construction and development business. He noticed one of his frequent buyers had a large collection of exotic vehicles, and questioned the buyer about their career. The buyer said he was a successful construction developer in the area, and built residential real estate for families and young couples. JB became fascinated by the business, and decided to pursue the same career path by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in real estate. He then combined his two passions of flipping cars and construction into a business that creates affordable homes for everyday buyers.
When JB Hoover of Newport Beach is not on the job, he enjoys traveling internationally. With four continents and dozens of countries visited under his belt, JB has truly experienced the different cultures, cuisines and different climates that he’s exposed to on his travels. He particularly enjoys Western Europe in countries like Germany, Italy and Switzerland.
In addition, JB Hoover enjoys golfing on several of the beautiful golf courses that overlook the Orange County skyline. As a player of over 20 years, JB is no longer the talented golfer he used to be, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying time outside in the California sunshine and attempting to become a scratch golfer again. Inspired by watching golf on TV and observing his grandfather and great-grandfather play the sport, JB Hoover played golf in high school and college and hopes that he, too, can play the game well into his 90s as his grandfather and great-grandfather did.
