There’s more to Washington, D.C., than just politics. It doesn’t matter if you lean blue, red, or some kind of purple, you’ll love the historic monuments, top-notch food, and cool hotel options across the DMV (D.C. - Maryland - Virginia). The sculpture is an impressive tribute.You’ve Gotta See Honest AbePerhaps the most famous Washington, D.C., site, the Lincoln Memorial is the highest-ranked attraction in the area. Best of all, it’s totally free, making it the most visited site on the National Mall. Unlike many museums and ticketed sites, the Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some of the best views and peaceful, special moments can be had when the crowds disperse after dark or in the early morning hours.The Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Reflecting Pool is beautiful in the evening.While the [National Park Service](https://nps.gov/linc/index.htm) offers no formal tours, Rangers are available to answer your questions every day from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (except Christmas). Fun fact: You can go [fishing](https://www.nps.gov/nama/learn/nature/fishing.htm) at the nearby Constitution Gardens, although you might get a few strange looks. How do I know? Well…Even though the fish weren’t huge, it was still a great view.The Smithsonian Museums are a must-seeIt’s not just “The Smithsonian,” but rather 17 different museums, exhibits, art galleries, and even a zoo! From the Air and Space Museum to the African American History and Culture Museum, this impressive collection can be visited entirely free of charge. To better control crowds, some of the sites require advance tickets or timed entry so it’s best to check [this page](https://www.si.edu/visit/hours) and plan ahead.The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History boasts the world’s largest collection of dinosaur bones, animal specimens, rocks, minerals, and tools. That’s over 150 million items! It also offers rotating exhibitions, special tours, and age-appropriate activities for kids.The Air and Space Museum has an impressive display of planes.One of the more unique museums in the District, the National Postal Museum has Earth’s largest collection of stamps. While you’re there, they’ll even give you free stamps to begin your own stamp collection.Georgetown, a quaint neighborhood in a big city.By George, it’s a Cool Town!Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, the Georgetown neighborhood features authentic cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, and a wonderful neighborhood vibe. One thing we love to do when arriving in a new city for the first time is to take a “[free walking tour](https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/dc-foot).” Are they really free? Sort of. They’re group tours that are totally free to join. At the end of the tour, you are welcome to pay the guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. This is a great place to try one.Europe? Nope, D.C.!From strolling along the scenic waterfront to dining at hip eateries to checking out the 200-year-old Tudor Place home and museum, you’ll want to spend an entire day here. Then, at night, enjoy bocce bowling at a place called [Pinstripes](https://washington.org/find-dc-listings/pinstripes). Pause a Moment at Moving Memorial SitesD.C. is home to some of the most sacred monument sites in the country. A visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a moving tribute to the sacrifices of our service members. The 19 soldier statues placed throughout the grass and bushes in the Korean War Veterans Memorial are so detailed that you’ll want to spend some time in silence to truly appreciate them. The National World War II Memorial honors soldiers from all 56 states and territories, each with their own pillar circling the fountain.The National World War II MemorialEach year, [Tri-State Honor Flight](https://www.honorflighttristate.org/) allows local veterans to fly from CVG to Washington, D.C., to visit and see the war memorials in person. These monuments are very special places to visit for everyone, though. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, as its website states, teaches millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred. It’s recommended to get your tickets in advance, as free timed-entry tickets are required to enter the permanent exhibition. The National ArchivesSee the Actual Documents That Started Our NationIt’s not just any archive, it’s The National Archives Museum. This is where our country keeps its most important original documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. And yes, you can actually see them in-person.The back of a $2 bill shows the signing of the Declaration of IndependenceAdmission is, as you might have guessed, free, and no reservation is required. However, $1 timed-entry reservations are recommended from March through September to avoid waiting in a long line. There are also [ongoing exhibits](https://museum.archives.gov/exhibits) that highlight different facets of American life.Feeling fancy? Georgetown Cupcake offers “designer cupcakes”Go Eat All The Food Movers and shakers get hungry - Washington, D.C., is known for having some of the best restaurants in the country. There are two ways I like to find a new restaurant when traveling. The first is TripAdvisor’s highest-rated restaurants. You can check out D.C.’s list [here](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g28970-Washington_DC_District_of_Columbia.html) and find a spot that fits your taste and budget. I also like to use the “Near Me” feature on the TripAdvisor app while traveling. This is perfect for when your stomach starts rumbling and lets you find highly rated restaurants that are close by. Camp Wharf S’mores Bar offers a great place to unwind.[Eater](https://dc.eater.com/maps/dc-best-restaurants-38) offers up their 38 best restaurants in the DMV, while the [Michelin guide](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/best-of/washington-dc-michelin-best-desserts) highlights some of the fanciest (and most expensive) places to get dessert. After dinner and dessert, cycle off some of those calories on a [bike tour](https://www.fattiretours.com/washington-dc/) of the city.Washington Union Station offers a beautiful photo op.Getting ThereThere are three airports serving the D.C. area. - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) - Baltimore / Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) You may have visited the latter, as it’s a popular Southwest hub that many Cincinnati flights connect through. The U.S. Capitol Building at sunset.Like New York City, having three different airports in one spot means more flight choices and better fares. I’ve seen roundtrip fares under $200 for most of the year, oftentimes closer to $100 - $150. There are nearly a dozen nonstop flights year-round from CVG on multiple airlines, including American, United, Southwest, and Delta. Flights leave CVG as early as 6:00 a.m. and return as late as 9:00 p.m., allowing you the flexibility to see as much as possible during the day, then hop on a quick 90-minute flight home.The end of March or early April offer an amazing display of cherry blossoms.Keep an eye on [Jay’s Deals](https://www.cvgairport.com/deals/) page for the lowest priced airfare, and I’ll see you in D.C. soon! -Jay

Beer, bourbon, and black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream. These Cincy region staples are becoming standouts at CVG through the airport’s partnerships with locally owned Braxton Brewing Company, Cork ‘n Bottle, and Graeter’s Ice Cream. These establishments bring local flavor to passengers from around the world.Braxton Brewing CompanyA large greenery wall and window for up-close plane viewing greet travelers as they walk into Braxton’s taproom in Concourse A, along with a bar, televisions, and rows of tables that allow customers, including families, to enjoy meals before or after flights. This taproom, which opened in spring 2023, is Braxton’s first full-service restaurant.“Food is very important to the overall experience, and our location at CVG is helping us lead the way on what having food at all our locations looks like,” says Braxton co-founder and chief executive officer Jake Rouse.Rouse and his team worked with CVG to establish a food menu that caters to a crowd who is looking for a quick bite to eat, especially during the airport’s busiest time: the mornings.The brewery adapted its existing Taco Fuerte menu to feature breakfast tacos and burritos, breakfast nachos, eggs and tots, and more signature items. “People are really loving the menu, the flexibility, and the quickness. We are getting good feedback on the beer as well,” says Rouse.Braxton has not yet used CVG to test new products, although that is something the company may tap into. For now, Braxton’s business is taking advantage of the airport’s captive audience.“We are opening our brand up to so many more customers and potential customers who could go buy our beer at the thousands of locations that sell it across Cincinnati." Down the way from Braxton is long-established Cincinnati sweet shop, Graeter’s. The family-owned, handcrafted ice cream business has been dishing out delicious treats to locals in the Cincy region since 1870 and has been serving travelers from around the world at CVG since 2013. The company started with a smaller scoop of the airport experience when it opened two kiosks: one in Concourse A and one in B.Passengers proved they were craving Graeter’s flavors while on the go, and the sweet shop worked with CVG to replace both kiosks with an inline store in Concourse A. Graeter’s chief of retail operations, Chip Graeter, says this decision was icing on the cake.“What really cemented us in the airport was when we opened our inline store in 2016. I was very proud and excited to be a part of that store,” says Graeter.The fourth-generation owner and operator of the business says starting the store at CVG was an easy process thanks to their relationship with the airport, contractors, and his highly reliable team. The airport store showcases its most popular items across three product lines: ice cream, candy, and baked goods. The busy mornings at CVG allow Graeter’s to serve delicious donuts and comforting coffees to thousands of travelers who fly out of the airport daily."We have the ability to reach people who would never see our store otherwise. They might have heard about Graeter’s in a publication or book, and they can experience it themselves without leaving the airport,” says Graeter.The chief of retail operations is proud to operate a business that brings joy to all. His family’s treats are a great way to sweeten a flight out of CVG and provide a taste of home to those returning.Another taste of home at CVG, especially for Kentucky travelers, can be found at Cork ‘n Bottle. Hundreds of bourbons, including rare varieties, wines, and spirits can be tasted and/or purchased at two locations: an inline store in Concourse B and a kiosk in Concourse A. Later in 2023, the kiosk in Concourse A will be replaced with a second inline store.“We are constantly looking for different business formats. We have found the CVG relationship to be very strong, and we think it’s because of the breadth of customer exposure that the airport provides,” says Tom Neyer, owner of Cork ‘n Bottle. “Being able to introduce Kentucky’s finest spirits to the global audience is good for Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region.”Cork ‘n Bottle took a similar flight path to Graeter’s and launched its business at CVG as a kiosk in 2018. After two years of successful business, the beverage shop opened its first inline location at the start of the pandemic. Cork ‘n Bottle persevered through its partnership with the airport.“CVG has been \[a\] transparent and constructive business partner,” says Neyer. “The people involved \[from\] top to bottom have been even-handed, fair minded, and are looking for a win-win.” Neyer says his stores at the airport are perfect for travelers looking to grab a bottle to enjoy once they arrive at their destination, or for travelers who want to relax before their flight and try some of the best locally made beverages. Either way, Cork ‘n Bottle’s locations are sure to lift spirits.CVG is always looking to bring more local businesses and flavors to the airport to provide a unique Cincy experience to the more than 7.8 million passengers it serves annually; this includes food, beverage, and retail store concepts. In mid-August 2023, the airport will be open for new business solicitations in these areas. If you’d like more information on how to start doing business at CVG, please [email procurement@cvgairport.com](mailto:procurement@cvgairport.com).

Who’s excited to fly? This guy!Five Things First-Time Flyers Need to Know!According to [Forbes Magazine](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2019/05/02/percentage-of-americans-who-never-traveled-beyond-the-state-where-they-were-born-a-surprise/?sh=d658af528984), 13% of Americans have never been on an airplane. Whether it’s fear, finances, or finding the right vacation spot, if you (or a friend) are part of the one-in-ten people who haven’t been airborne, I want to help!If you want to see the country, other countries, and enjoy new experiences, here are five things every first-time passenger should know.This Boeing 767 is ready to take you on a non-stop flight from CVG to Paris!#1 It’s statistically the safest mode of transportation.I’ve been on hundreds of flights and am still in awe at how we, as humans, figured out how to keep a 200,000 lb. object 30,000 feet in the air at a speed of 500 mph.While it’s truly mind-boggling, here’s a great article from [Travel + Leisure](https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/how-airplanes-fly) that breaks down the scientific stuff behind how a plane works.With [32,200,000 flights](https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2023-releases/2023-03-07-01/) worldwide in 2022, one thing remains very clear: commercial air travel is still the absolute safest form of transportation.Put another way, you are statistically safer riding in a plane than driving down I-75.Traveling at CVG is easy.“Accidents are rare in aviation,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association. “Flying is one of the safest activities in which a person can engage.”Download your airline’s app and keep tabs on your flight status, gate changes, and more.#2 Turbulence can be scary, but it’s perfectly normal.Nobody likes turbulence on their flight, and it’s certainly understandable that it can cause anxiety for some people, especially first-time passengers.But what is it? And is it dangerous?One of the simplest definitions of turbulence is described by the Canadian Mental Health Association as “just some sort of change in the air around your plane.”There are a few main causes of bumpy air, including mountains, storms, and jet streams. Pilots communicate with each other and ground control to alert each other to steer clear of potential turbulence. Even when you do hit a few pockets of rough air, your crew is in control of the plane.Think of it as hitting a pothole in the sky.Where will you head next?#3 Know before you go!Some people have no problem booking a trip the night before and leaving in the morning, but even for seasoned travelers, last-minute travel can be stressful. To alleviate pre-trip headaches, here are a few things I do to make things a little less hectic.Create a spreadsheet outlining each day of your trip. I like to make a grid that’s 24 boxes tall with one for each hour of the day. I then put each day of the trip in a new column. I like to include: When we should leave home for the airport What time the plane departs Arrival time Hotel check-in time Activities we might want to do each day Check-out time When we need to head back to the airport Arrival time at homeI sent a friend a copy of the spreadsheet I used, and she modified it for her trip to Italy and Germany from CVG. If you want to go a step further, I also include approximate costs at the bottom of each day and then automatically add them up for a total trip cost. It helps when booking future trips. You can also use a free Google Doc and make the spreadsheet shareable with everyone on your trip. When packing, it’s helpful to make a list of items in your phone or in a notebook as you pack. This will make packing for future trips much easier. Don’t forget critical items like medication and eyeglasses (always place them in your carry-on), passports for international travel, and something to entertain yourself with on the plane.Left: a packing list from my phone for a work trip.\ Right: the family checks out the view while heading to Grand Cayman. I’ve mentioned before how much I use Google Maps while traveling. It’s great for airports, too. Many airports have detailed maps showing where gates, restaurants, shopping, restrooms, water refill stations and other amenities are located. [CVG’s interactive map on the website is really useful].When connecting at a busy airport like Atlanta, the Google Map of the concourse is very helpful. Make sure to arrive early for your flight, especially during busy travel times (holiday weekends, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Even though CVG has some of the shortest security lines of any airport I’ve traveled through, it’s still a great idea to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip. Wear comfortable, layered clothing with shoes that are easy to remove when you go through security. Leave belts, large earrings, and other metal objects in your suitcase if you can. As the temperature in the plane can fluctuate, I always like to have a hoodie or zip-up to stay cozy during the flight.Quick tip: Whether using the CVG ValuPark or CVG Terminal Garage, always snap a photo of your parking section or row. It makes it easy to find your car when you return.#4 There are great resources for those who might need additional help when flying.I was chatting with a friend who uses a wheelchair, and he shared that travel for those who require accommodations can sometimes be extra stressful.There are comfortable restrooms for individuals with disabilities located throughout CVG, along with family restrooms near Gates A11, B11, and B13. There is also an adult changing table in the family restroom at gate B13.If you need to gate-check a wheelchair or other mobility device, speak with the airline at check-in or before your trip. They’ll be happy to answer any questions about the process.For those with hidden disabilities, CVG has worked with the [Hidden Disabilities Sunflower](https://hdsunflower.com/) organization to utilize the [Sunflower Lanyard] program. If you or someone you’re traveling with has a hidden disability, just stop by the information booth at baggage claim while you’re at the airport and grab a Sunflower Lanyard. This will let airport staff and security know that you may need some extra help or a little more time. You can also request a lanyard ahead of your trip by calling 859-767-3230 or emailing [info@cvgairport.com](mailto:info@cvgairport.com).Going through the security checkpoint at an airport for the first time can be intimidating. If you have a question about TSA or the security screening process, you can reach out to the TSA Cares line at 855-787-2227 about 72 hours ahead of your trip. They can help answer questions about any special circumstances you might have and let you know what items you can and can’t bring on a plane. You can also check out [this handy guide](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all), which details all kinds of items you might be bringing and breaks down if they belong in your carry-on or checked bag.My wife and son appreciate the Mamava pumping rooms at CVG.#5 Headphones are your friend!Among my must-pack items for every trip are my earbuds. Not only do they let me listen to music and enjoy shows and movies on longer flights with seatback TVs, but they also help me relax and stay calm.Yep. The guy who writes a travel blog sometimes has anxiety while traveling.Whether it’s a lack of sleep, a tight connection, or when I’m running late, I’ve experienced anxiety attacks while traveling. One tool I’ve found to help is to have a calming music playlist or simply some ambient sounds that I can use to drown out the noise around me, close my eyes, and get back to a better state.Everyone in our family has their own set of headphones.Pack your favorite pair on your next trip, and keep in mind that most seatback TVs do not have Bluetooth, so make sure to bring a pair of wired headphones. I also like to use a lighting-to-⅛” adapter so I can use the same wired headphones with my iPhone.As a bonus: while on the plane, putting headphones on with an eye mask can work as a polite signal to an overly chatty seatmate that you’ve enjoyed the conversation but you’d like to get some rest.I’m always on the lookout for a good flight deal.I’d love to share your favorite travel tips! You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I’ll see you at the gate (early, of course)!-Jay

Hello London!Thanks to [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us), CVG now has the region’s only nonstop flights to London! And who better to share some of the best things to see, do, and eat than some of our British friends who have decided to make the Cincinnati area their home!British Airways, now welcoming you at CVG!Say hello to our panel of experts from the UK:Sally Barker is an instructional aide at Lakota High School. Sally grew up in a small village called Cherington in Cotswolds, England.\Claudia Glen is a stay-at-home mom who previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry before arriving in the US. Claudia grew up in a small, picturesque village named Stock, in the county of Essex, located about 40 miles north of London.(Left) Sally Barker, (Right) Claudia GlenAlister Bates is a research scientist in respiratory aerodynamics at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Alister grew up in Ascot, Berkshire (pronounced Barkshire), in England.\"Ascot’s claim to fame is the Ascot Racecourse horse track. Every year in June, there’s a week of horse races that the late Queen would always come to watch, and it would be worth visiting if someone wants to see British people in top hats and tailcoats."Alister and his wife, Nara, in front of Tower Bridge.What brought you to the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky area?Sally: I came to the US after meeting my husband in England while he was flying in the U.S. Air Force. He was only there for six weeks then had to go back to the US. We carried on a very long-distance relationship then got married in my beautiful church in England in 1987. I then moved to the US, and we were based at Barksdale AFB. After leaving the Air Force, my husband went into the business world and that’s what brought us to West Chester, Ohio. We have lived here for 27 years and love it!\Claudia: My husband Stephen’s job brought us to Mason 10 years ago.\Alister: I originally came for a one-year research fellowship in Pulmonary Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s, but one year has now stretched into seven, in part because of the great opportunities I had to continue my research at the hospital.The Palace of Westminster contains the House of Commons and the House of Lords. I highly recommend going on a tour. -JayIf someone were planning a trip to visit the UK, what are some must-see things?Sally: You have to visit London! Nothing in the world compares to this city! Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Tower of London, The Eye–the list goes on and on!London is incredible any time of the year, but summer is a fan favorite!The Cotswolds, where I grew up, is stunning! The stone cottages, gardens, scenery, small villages, and the area is also home to Highgrove House...(Left) Sally pictured in a garden. (Right) A garden in the Cotswolds village of Bibury is stunning.Cherington is beautiful and has [an annual show](https://www.cheringtonshow.com/post/come-one-come-all-the-unforgettable-cherington-village-show) in July, which I grew up looking forward to and would highly recommend.\I also love [Bourton-on-the-Water](https://bourtoninfo.com/), a stunning town with beautiful scenery and gift shops.Bourton-on-the-Water offers scenic waterway views and leisurely strolls.Other places are Cirencester, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, and if you can make it to the coastline in the southwest, Cornwall is a beautiful area...\Claudia: A day hitting up all the main tourist attractions in London: Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Millennium Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. We did this route walking last summer and loved it. There are lots of places along the river to eat as well.Claudia in front of Buckingham Palace.Check out a British seaside town. We typically visit Southend, as it’s closest to where my family lives and is known for having the longest pier in the world! There are plenty of wonderful beaches all over the UK with many in Devon. I’ve been to Woolacombe, Cornwall, and St. Austell. Brighton is supposed to be very nice with lots of good independent shops and restaurants. Also, Aldeburgh in Suffolk is great.Woolacombe in North Devon is breathtaking.The Harry Potter Studio Tour is amazing for Harry Potter fans. It’s where they filmed the movies and has loads of sets, props, and green screen special effects, plus a huge gift store! The tickets have timed slots, and it gets booked up in advance.Harry Potter Studio TourA few other honorable mentions would be Oxford or Cambridge to experience the history and grandeur of these ancient University towns. Also, Canterbury in Kent (my college town) has Canterbury Cathedral (the most important church in the Church of England) and a beautiful river.Canterbury in Kent welcomes many tourists every year with picture-perfect views around every corner.Alister: For someone interested in the outdoors, the Brecon Beacons in Wales is a beautiful mountain range to hike on. If staying in London, the Royal Albert Hall is an amazingly beautiful building and puts on a classical concert series every day in the late summer. You can get tickets ahead of time, or you can show up the day of a show to get cheap standing tickets.For getting a great view of the city from up high, visit the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which you can go to the top of for only a few pounds.Royal Albert Hall features a massive pipe organ.Whenever I visit a new destination, I love trying new dishes. What would you recommend?Sally: My favorite was always a Ploughman’s Lunch! It’s delicious local cheeses, crackers, and pickles.A Ploughman’s Lunch looks amazing!Claudia: You can’t beat most Indian restaurants. I love two restaurant chains: Wagamama, a Japanese canteen chain that features mostly curry and ramen, and Nando’s, which serves Portuguese Chicken. Also, fish and chips are a great comfort food.Claudia shares a classic English meal.I love going for afternoon tea. This one is the Alice in Wonderland-themed tea at the Sanderson Hotel in London. I can also recommend the afternoon tea at the Cafe Royal and The Berkeley Hotel.A sampling of Claudia’s Afternoon Tea Experiences.Alister: If in London, absolutely visit one of the Indian restaurants near Brick Lane. Also, everyone knows about fish and chips, but make sure you order curry sauce for the chips.Got any travel tips you’d offer someone who is visiting the UK for the first time?Sally: Driving can be tough due to being on the other side of the road. Also, once you get into the country, the roads are very narrow. There is a lot of public transportation to the larger cities, but a car is needed if you want to explore the beauty of the countryside.Driving on the left in a right-hand drive car can prove challenging at first.Claudia: Check with your cell phone and credit card providers to ensure that they will work in the UK. Take an international travel plug and use public transport. It’s generally cheap and efficient.Don’t forget to pack your travel power adapter plug!Alister: Most of the things someone would want to see, particularly in a city, can be visited using public transport; you’re unlikely to need a rental car for nearly everything. Also, for someone visiting London who wants to experience the passion of English football (soccer), English Premier League tickets can be hard to get, so I’d recommend going to see one of the teams in lower leagues (leagues like Championship, League 1, League 2), several of which have stadiums relatively close to the center of London.Emirates Stadium in London is the home of the Arsenal.Have you flown with British Airways? What’s the experience like?Sally: I don’t think I’ve ever flown British Airways, but I will now!\Claudia: Yes, I have flown with British Airways many times. I love it. The staff are always so welcoming and hearing their British accents makes me feel at home. The amenities and food are good. I especially like their chicken curry.\Alister: I haven’t had the opportunity yet but will definitely be using it in the future to visit family in England.British Airways’ friendly crew are ready to meet you!Thank you to our entire panel for the insight. I can’t wait to get back to London and am even more excited to skip the connecting flight on this trip and fly direct!Have a great spot in the UK I should visit? I’d love to hear all about it. You can reach me at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).Let’s hop on a nonstop flight and have tea in London soon!- Jay

Sunset in beautiful Gdansk, Poland.Does it feel like everyone you know wants to plan a dream vacation to Europe? You’re not dreaming. According to KAYAK, people really want to grab a croissant in Paris or hear Big Ben ring out now more than ever. Searches for European flights by Americans are up 77% from this time last year. My wife and I have stayed in over 20 cities in Europe and have loved each and every trip.We feel blessed to have visited so many places in Europe and can’t wait to see more.I thought it might be helpful to answer some of the questions that we’re asked about most often when it comes to visiting Europe.I could spend all summer in the Gothenburg, Sweden archipelago.What keeps us coming back?1. The unique culture of each city and country. Although it’s roughly the size of the United States, there are about 50 countries and 24 official languages spread across the EU. You can hop on a train, and in just a few hours, you’ll have a completely new landscape, language, and culture. The [Schengen Area](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/) makes it easy to move between 27 different countries without border crossings or checkpoints.2. The people. We have met so many incredible people in our travels. From tour guides to taxi drivers to t-shirt vendors, we love meeting new friends on our travels and discovering more about their daily lives.This sign in the Copenhagen airport sent you to either catacombs… or cotton candy.3. The history. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.4. The food. Some of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed were in Barcelona, London, Bratislava, and Gdansk. There is so much we’ve learned about a country just from the food. From pierogies to paella, tapas to tiramisu… we always seek out an authentic meal wherever we end up.How about a pierogi sampler with microgreens in Poland?What’s the best way to get there?There are so many ways to get from CVG to your favorite European destination.- CVG offers two nonstop flight options: - [Delta](https://www.delta.com/) currently offers nonstop service to Paris. - [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) nonstop service to London begins June 5.However, with just one stop, there are hundreds of cities you can visit from CVG:- [Air Canada](https://aircanada.com/) stops in Toronto on your way to a dozen European destinations.- [United](https://www.united.com/), [Delta](https://www.delta.com/), and [American](https://www.aa.com/homePage.do) offer one-stop service to hundreds of cities via connections at airports like New York-JFK, Newark, Charlotte, Atlanta, or Chicago.- [British Airways](https://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en_us) can be your one-stop connection to London and beyond. Every major European city (and many smaller destinations) are just a short connection through Heathrow.History everywhere!Where should I go for my first trip to Europe?That’s a pretty big map with a lot of choices, right? Here are four ways to book a trip based on your personal preference:1. You have specific dates and want to see a specific country or countries.2. You want to see a specific country but can go whenever it costs the least.3. You have specific dates but are open to going wherever the fares are lowest.4. You are open to wherever the lowest fare takes you.I’d recommend hopping on [TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) and clicking on “Things to Do” in each destination you might be interested in. It’ll help you get an idea of not only what to do but the best time of the year for that activity.A sunny day at a castle in Lithuania.How long should I go, and how many countries should I see on a trip?There’s no right or wrong answer. For a first trip, I generally recommend one or two destinations and about seven to 10 days. That’ll give you time to adjust to the time difference and recover from any jet lag. You may also consider utilizing one of the many train services that stretch across Europe, especially the high-speed rail lines. It can be a great way to add more cities to your trip.What a view! Riga, LatviaSo, I need a passport, right? How do I get one?Absolutely. Everyone, including your kids, needs a passport to visit Europe. There are three ways to obtain a passport:1. Routine processing: You apply, get your photo taken, send in the application, and wait.2. Expedited processing: All of the above, except you’ll get faster service.3. In-person at an agency office: If you want to travel within the next nine weeks, you’ll need to visit a passport agency office.More details can be found [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html).Didn’t think that all the way through. (Got very wet.) Barcelona, SpainThe State Department updates the estimated processing time for passports on [this website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html).The current wait time as of May 1, 2023 is 10-13 weeks for routine processing and 7-9 weeks for the expedited option. For an expedited passport at an agency office, you must have international travel within 14 days.If you already have a passport, make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your trip. Check the expiration date carefully for each member of your family. Adult passports are generally valid for 10 years. However, children’s passports (under the age of 16) are only good for five years.We stumbled across a traditional dance competition and loved every minute.What’s your favorite country?It’s impossible to pick just one. We’ve loved something about every single place we’ve visited!So go on, book that next adventure! Keep an eye on my [Jay’s Deals] page for great international deals I’ve hand-picked for you.Always try the pink soup!Have a favorite Florida destination you’d like to share? Tell me all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial).I can’t wait to see you on a flight to London very soon!-Jay

Whether you’re flying with family for fun, booking it out of town for business, or sightseeing cities solo, CVG has done our research and we have answers on how early in advance you should book your flight. Here is a hint, the timeframe may have changed from what you have done in previous years.Flying within the United States?CVG can get you where you want to go in any direction within the United States with more than 50 nonstop flight destinations to choose from. Click here to view the list. CVG recommends you book your flight 90 days in advance, about three months, to get the best chance of getting a good deal.Flying outside the United States?CVG has nonstop flights to the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Paris, and starting in June, you can fly to London with the airport’s new airline, British Airways. If you want to book a trip outside of the country, it’s best to book at least three to five months in advance.What days of the week will get you the best deal on flights?Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are considered off peak days and carry the lowest fares as long as you’re staying over a weekend, although these prices typically only vary minimally. Don’t forget to arrive earlyExperts are predicting summer 2023 to be the busiest travel season in over a decade. To give yourself plenty of time, arrive at CVG two hours in advance for domestic flights, and at least three hours in advance for international flights.Ready to start booking? [Click here] to view fare deals of out of CVG.