About Matt Long
Who am I? I am a typical Gen-Xer and recovering cubicle-dweller who has a passion for all things travel. My site brings a unique perspective that is hard to find online. I am not a backpacker, nor am I...
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Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
11 April 2013 11:55 PM | 15 Comments -
20 Things Every Smart Traveler Should Know
11 March 2013 11:55 PM | 33 Comments -
Five Foods You Must Eat in Europe
12 November 2012 8:10 PM | 23 Comments -
Five Reasons to Stop Dreaming and Travel Now
16 April 2012 11:55 PM | 44 Comments -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
28 February 2012 11:55 PM | 30 Comments
As Seen In:
Europe/Middle East Archive
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Dear Europe: When Did You Capture My Heart?
Posted on September 17, 2012 | 13 CommentsWhen I was ten my parents packed up the family roadster and we made the long, very long drive from Missouri to Orlando, Florida. The object of our desire was Disney World and was the culmination of years of begging and whining on my part.... -
Down the Rabbit Hole in Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona
Posted on September 12, 2012 | 7 CommentsIf you ever visit Barcelona there’s one thing you can’t miss; the city-wide obsession with the early 20th century architect Gaudi. Opinions on this great master’s work are varied, from hatred to passionate love. Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about his work but... -
Rebuilding American History in France – The Hermione Project
Posted on September 9, 2012 | 2 CommentsIn 1789, the Marquis de Lafayette sailed from Rochefort, France headed for Boston, where he would change the course of world history. La Fayette brought with him the news that the French Empire was entering the American Revolution in defense of the rebel colonists and... -
Five Reasons to Visit Brussels
Posted on September 5, 2012 | 8 CommentsI knew I’d like Brussels well before my first visit; it’s just one of those places with which I have always felt a connection. So it was never a question of whether or not I’d enjoy my week in the Belgian capital, it was to... -
Scottish Winemaking in Rural France (No, Really)
Posted on August 29, 2012 | No CommentsI was already mesmerized by the perfect French countryside on the drive to Chateau de Mayragues. By perfect I mean that the hills dotted with red flowers and rustic barns seemed to have jumped out of a work by Monet. THIS was France, this was... -
Capturing Christmas Magic at Brussels’ Winter Wonders Festival
Posted on August 26, 2012 | 7 CommentsBrussels smells like sweet dough just before it’s cooked to a golden crisp. The intoxicating aroma of street vendors frying thousands of waffles for locals and tourists alike is always a fixture in the Belgian capital, but the culinary delights are only magnified during the... -
How I Experienced the Best of Amsterdam in…8 Hours?
Posted on August 23, 2012 | 18 CommentsI’m not necessarily proud of the fact that I only spent a few hours in Amsterdam, but that was the plan from the beginning. We rented a condo in Brussels for a week and had planned a series of day trips to nearby cities. That’s... -
Finally Dancing on the Bridge in Avignon, France
Posted on August 12, 2012 | 12 CommentsWhen I first started French lessons in middle school, my instructor taught us a popular French folk song, “Sur le pont d’Avignon” or “On the Bridge in Avignon.” According to the song “On the bridge in Avignon, we all dance, again and again.” I don’t... -
Five Reasons to Visit Costa Brava Spain
Posted on August 7, 2012 | 8 Comments1. Beauty – Sure, most people know that the Costa Brava region is pretty, but it’s more than just nice beaches. My first exposure to the region was in Barcelona; a giant metroplex but one that manages to retain its traditional character and beauty. Much... -
Five Travel Surprises in a City You May Not Know: Albi, France
Posted on July 25, 2012 | 10 CommentsBefore my French Escape trip, I wasn’t familiar with many of the small towns I visited in Southwest France. I’m not proud of that because not only are these towns amazing places to visit, they each have interesting and long histories which are worthy... -
Discovering True Hospitality at a Fishing Hut in Costa Brava, Spain
Posted on July 19, 2012 | 7 CommentsI ate a lot in Spain, I think it’s a regulation or something that visitors be inundated with a cornucopia of delicious foods at all times of day. I was on a culinary blog trip to the Costa Brava region of Spain, along the country’s... -
Five French Towns You Should Visit ASAP
Posted on July 17, 2012 | 39 CommentsFrance is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, thanks in large part to the capital city, the City of Lights, La Belle Ville Paris. But as I recently discovered there are many amazing towns and cities sprinkled throughout the country and... -
Photo Tour of a 17 Course Lunch at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain
Posted on July 10, 2012 | 13 CommentsLast week I wrote about my afternoon with the best chef in the world, Ferran Adria. What I didn’t mention was that on the same blog trip to Costa Brava I was also fortunate enough to eat at what is technically the 2nd best restaurant... -
Learning from a Culinary Master – An Afternoon with Ferran Adria
Posted on July 4, 2012 | 8 CommentsI felt bad, I didn’t know who he was at first. The announcement that we would meet the top chef in the world came on the first day of a blog trip to the Costa Brava region of Spain and while everyone else erupted in... -
Following the Path of Van Gogh in Arles
Posted on July 3, 2012 | 7 CommentsI may not be an art aficionado, but there are certain artists I love and Van Gogh is near the top of that list. I’m not sure why I enjoy his work so much, but the colors and composition have always spoken to me. That’s... -
More Than Just a Flashy Drink – Discovering the Real Cognac in France
Posted on June 27, 2012 | 6 CommentsCognac in the United States has never been more popular, yet it’s also never been more misunderstood. This classic French after dinner drink enjoys a starring role in the exploits of music super stars and some of the top athletes in the country. But it... -
Beautiful or Grotesque – Stumbling Upon Gaudi in Barcelona
Posted on June 24, 2012 | 11 CommentsI’m not an art critic, I wouldn’t even say that I particularly care for art. I’m not completely boorish though, there are some artists I like and I do indeed have many works, originals and reproductions hanging with reverence in my home. But architecture, that’s... -
Free Isn’t Always Good – Why You Should Pay for a Tour Guide
Posted on June 17, 2012 | 17 CommentsLast year I wrote about my belief that a good tour guide can transform a travel experience into something remarkable. I’m not talking about full-week, coach tours from hell. I’m referring to tour guides you can hire for a day or half a day to... -
My New Favorite Tour Type – Biking Through La Rochelle, France
Posted on June 12, 2012 | 4 CommentsI’ve written a lot about day tours and how much I enjoy them. Rather than committing to a week long, herded around like lemmings kind of experience, a well done walking or day tour can add a lot of value to a trip. One style... -
Costa Brava in Five Senses
Posted on June 11, 2012 | 5 CommentsA lot of people have tried to describe Spain’s Costa Brava in a variety of ways. As I sat down to give an overview of the region, I could only think of how my senses were set on fire every day with new stimuli;... -
Power of Travel: How Spain Changed Everything
Posted on June 4, 2012 | 15 CommentsThe last couple of weeks have been an odd combination of incredible shock after losing my job and simultaneous joy as I explored parts of France and Spain. My time in France was solitary, journeying through the southwest part of the country on a personal... -
Five Tips for Traveling in Europe
Posted on June 3, 2012 | 17 CommentsI’ve been traveling to Europe for twenty years, but with each trip I learn something new not only about the continent of course, but how best to travel there as well. Here are some tips for anyone traveling to Europe, be it for the first... -
The Perfect Trip for the First Time International Traveler
Posted on May 29, 2012 | 9 CommentsOk, this is geared mostly towards my fellow Americans and Canadian friends, but could certainly also be applicable to many within Europe as well. I’m always amazed at the initial fear some people have when thinking about leaving the country for the first time on... -
Thoughts and Musings about Exploring France – Not Paris
Posted on May 28, 2012 | 12 CommentsLast week, as I hope you know, I traversed the South-West region of France to see and explore areas completely new to me. I have been to Paris many times, I speak French, I love French culture and yet I had never gone further outside... -
New Adventure: Follow As I Discover Costa Brava, Spain
Posted on May 26, 2012 | 5 CommentsI’m writing this as I zoom around South West France by train, partway through my great French escape. While I have sincerely loved exploring new areas in France this week, I also can’t help but think about the grand adventure on the horizon for me... -
Cathedrals, Wine and Rural Escapes – Follow Along As I Explore France
Posted on May 16, 2012 | 8 CommentsWhen I was twelve years old I asked my mother to enroll me in after school French lessons. Already at that age I was in love with the idea of exploring the world but knew the best way to do that from small town America... -
Exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle Through Photos
Posted on May 16, 2012 | 13 CommentsOur trip to Iceland was a surprise, probably the best birthday surprise I’ve ever received. But because of that, I wasn’t able to plan and instead my partner was in charge of our schedule. Luckily he did an amazing job putting together a fun and... -
Five Foods To Avoid in Italy
Posted on April 24, 2012 | 31 CommentsI’m a Europhile, without question, but sadly I haven’t spent very much time in Italy. It only takes a few moments though to fall in love with true Italian cuisine, but much longer to discern what is best left alone. That’s why I’m thrilled Italian... -
Five Things You Might Not Know About Iceland
Posted on April 10, 2012 | 25 CommentsLike many visitors to Iceland, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the country and learned a lot about its history while touring around. Also like many tourists, there were quite a few facts that surprised me, including these that I bet you haven’t heard before.... -
Retro Chic – What the Hell is the Atomium?
Posted on April 4, 2012 | 8 CommentsIt’s the world of fast cars, polka dots and Mad Men. Thoughts of the nuclear age and space consumed the public and everyone had emerged from World War II looking forward to the future with promises of technological advances and better lives for everyone. It... -
Five Things To Do In London That Aren’t The Olympics
Posted on March 27, 2012 | 17 CommentsLondon will soon be reveling in the global hoopla that comes along with hosting the Summer Olympic Games. Many people will use the opportunity to add London to their travel list and explore what is truly one of the great cities of the world. While... -
How To Harass a Whale in Iceland
Posted on March 18, 2012 | 9 CommentsSomething I never get tired of doing when I travel is interacting with wildlife in some manner. In Australia this meant a rare kiss from a koala and in Alberta the result was a fantastic dog sled ride through the frozen woods around Lake Louise.... -
How To Spend a Long Weekend in Iceland
Posted on March 11, 2012 | 20 CommentsIceland captivates the imaginations of many and while I can understand that feeling, it’s hard exactly to explain why. It could be because of the stunning landscapes, fun activities or a mixture of both, but more and more people are traveling to this northern island... -
42 Things I Love About Brussels
Posted on March 8, 2012 | 10 CommentsI’m still a little surprised that it took me 35 years to first visit Brussels. I love Western Europe and have spent a significant portion of my life learning more about the people and culture that make the region so much fun to visit and... -
Symbol of Strength – The Homomonument Gay and Lesbian Memorial in Amsterdam
Posted on March 6, 2012 | 2 CommentsThere are probably millions of monuments and memorials around the world, erected in commemoration of any of a thousand different groupings of people. One minority that traditional has been underrepresented in remembering its past is the gay and lesbian community. The reasons for this are... -
Why the Blue Lagoon in Iceland Isn’t a Natural Wonder
Posted on March 4, 2012 | 12 CommentsEarlier this year one of my favorite travel magazines made an announcement that surprised me a bit. In a special “Wonders of the World” edition, National Geographic listed the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as one of the most impressive wonders of the world. Now this... -
So What’s Reykjavik Really Like?
Posted on February 28, 2012 | 30 CommentsWhen I was in Junior High School, Hard Rock Cafe T-Shirts were all the rage. People tried to get the most obscure location shirt they could find, to impress friends I suppose. I didn’t participate in this particular fad, but a shirt I saw a... -
Comparing Bruges and Ghent – Flemish Travel Showdown
Posted on February 22, 2012 | 11 CommentsWhen I was planning our trip to Belgium, I solicited the advice of friends and experts who had visited the low country before. Almost immediately, I sensed a strange division amongst the respondents and it all revolved around two seemingly innocent towns near Brussels, Bruges... -
Five Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Iceland
Posted on February 21, 2012 | 70 CommentsI recently got back from a surprise trip to Iceland for my birthday. Since it was a surprise, I didn’t know a whole lot about Iceland before my first visit, although I had some ideas. More than anything though, I wish I knew a few... -
Where the Powerful Travel – Top Presidential Vacation Destinations
Posted on February 19, 2012 | 5 CommentsToday is Presidents Day in the United States; a day to celebrate, um, Presidents and more importantly it’s a day off from work. What connection does this have to a travel blog? Well, Presidents are human too and need vacations just like anyone else. Not... -
Exploring the Quirky Brussels Comic Strip Museum
Posted on February 15, 2012 | 2 CommentsBelgium has an obsession. No, it’s not with waffles, french fries or beer; ok, it is, but that’s not what I want to talk about. Their appreciation of and respect for the 9th Art known as the cartoon is the real obsession and although it’s... -
My Four Least Romantic Travel Experiences
Posted on February 13, 2012 | 19 CommentsJust to preface this post, these are my personal least romantic experiences. I don’t mean to say that these activities are themselves inherently unromantic, but for us they were anything but romantic. 1. Flying anywhere - I can’t think of anything that can ruin a... -
Surprise! I’m in Iceland with the Photos to Prove It
Posted on February 12, 2012 | 26 CommentsSo a couple of weeks ago on my birthday my partner announced that my present was a surprise trip to an undisclosed location. When we arrived at the airport last Thursday night I still had no idea where we were headed; an exciting adventure for... -
Travel Snobbery and the Importance of Being a Corny Tourist in Paris
Posted on February 8, 2012 | 43 CommentsYou may have noticed that if I like something, I tend to write about it a lot. You only need search the site for posts on Jordan and New Zealand to see the results of my travel affection. Well my first, and still dearest, travel... -
The Cartoon Walk – Looking for the 9th Art in Brussels
Posted on February 7, 2012 | 3 CommentsI couldn’t help but notice that her clothes were pretty small for what was a well formed physique. What was even more strange was that she was a cat. Cartoon cat actually and just one of the many ways in which Brussels pays homage to... -
Five Surprisingly Romantic Cities
Posted on February 5, 2012 | 21 CommentsSome cities you expect to be romantic; Paris has made billions of dollars on that premise alone. Other cities surprise you though with their ability to charm and to help create those special romantic moments between you and your loved one. Here are some of... -
Why Bother with Manneken Pis in Brussels
Posted on January 30, 2012 | 6 CommentsHe’s 400 years old and only two-feet tall, but he’s the most recognizable resident of Europe’s central city, Brussels. He’s Manneken Pis, the little boy peeing, and countless travel articles and blog posts have been written about him, usually accompanied by the exact same photo.... -
Five Reasons to Visit Jordan
Posted on January 24, 2012 | 14 Comments1. Safe and stable so far - The reverberations of the 2011 Arab Spring have been felt throughout the Middle East, and they’re not over yet. The instability in Egypt especially has had a lasting impact on tourism not only in that country, but surrounding... -
Reflections on a Petra Dog
Posted on January 22, 2012 | No CommentsI took this photo in Petra, Jordan, while on a 10-hour exploration of the ancient site. It was hot, scorching really, and every living thing was seeking shade of some sort, including this little guy. Dogs traditionally are not well cared for in certain... -
In Honor of the Fry: Exploring the Frietmuseum in Brugge
Posted on January 18, 2012 | 5 CommentsThe Belgians are awesome. Unlike some other countries I won’t mention, they don’t care if everyone knows they like the best things in life. My best I mean the worst for them physically. To spend any time in Belgium is to learn to love beer,...
