Here are 6 places and things to do in Europe that I never wanted to do, but when I did them, I loved them.
Tyrolean Evening with Gundolf Family, Innsbruck, Austria: I thought this was going to be a corny, ridiculous folk dancing show. Boy, was I wrong. I loved it and everyone we take on our small group tours to Austria loves it. Be prepared for knee-slapping, yodeling, hootin' and hollerin', people playing saws, chopping wood, singing, dancing, and lots more than that. The food is good and there is as much beer as you like. It is a thoroughly enjoyable evening and worth going to Innsbruck just to see the show.
Taking the Ferry from Copenhagen to Oslo: Who wants to get on an old rickety ferry in the North Sea, overnight no less?. I didn't until I took the lovely DFDS ferry that puts on a spectacular show while arriving in the fjord in Oslo in the morning. Don't fly, take the ferry.
Beer Gardens in Bavaria: I don't like beer that much and who wants to spend the whole day hanging around with lots of people that drink? But a beer garden is much more than that. It's not so much about drinking but relaxing and socializing. It's a great way to spend the day. My favorite beer garden is Augustiner in Munich.
Eating Irish Food: For years I have heard how bad Irish food is. Not in Dublin. The food is great in Dublin and all around Ireland. We love dining at places like Rustic Stone and Pitt Bros Barbeque. Love the Irish Breakfast at the Brooks Hotel too.
The Blue Lagoon: This place in Iceland is often cited as one of the biggest tourist traps that can be found. Yes, it is a bit pricey (everything in Iceland is pricey) but I love it. We always like to go on our day of departure. We spend the afternoon at the Blue Lagoon bathing in the warm and relaxing geothermal waters and then we go on to the airport to catch a flight home, all in a good mood.
Looking for the Loch Ness Monster: Again, I thought "another tourist trap". But the cruise from Inverness to Urquhart Castle is as pretty as it gets. The ship is first-class and comfortable. By the way, a sighting of the Loch Ness monster is guaranteed - if you visit the onboard bar enough.
Join The Traveling Professor on a small group tour.