5 Spots in Europe for a Beautiful Autumn

I'm so excited to be guest posting here today on Route Bliss and if you don't know me, I'm Casey from True Colours.  I post about travel, tips on how to make it easier and all about this beautiful world we call home.  Travel for me is a huge passion and a way of life and I love sharing all the places I travel to with my readers, showcasing all the places out there that make our world what it is.

Since we're in the midst of Autumn, my favorite season of the year and because I just returned from Europe where the Fall colors were gorgeous, I wanted to share some favorite spots in Europe where you can get your fill of those Autumnal leaves!  Europe does Fall well but certain cities in particular will allow you to capture that does of Autumn magic, as the light fades and the leaves sparkle in golds and reds.  So here are 5 spots in Europe that do a fantastic Fall!

Amsterdam is one of those cities that just exudes magic in the Fall.  The trees changing color beside the canals, the cobblestones covered with floating leaves, Autumn is the time to visit this charming city.  Bundle up and wander the streets of this Dutch metropolis and take in the enchanting colors around you.

As Copenhagen is much father North than many European capitols, the Fall arrives early here.  There is something about the stark Scandinavian architecture next to the golden hues of Autumn that compliment each other so well here.  Wander the canals of Nyhavn or the pathways of Tivoli gardens and take in the whole Autumn scene.

There is something about the stone buildings and architecture of Ireland, coupled with the changing Fall colors that just makes this time of year in Dublin magical.  Wander the grounds of Trinity College or Grafton Street and you won't be disappointed.  The huge this time of year in the Irish city are pure enchantment.

I've visited London in Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall and this time of year is my favorite in the English capitol.  Whether you're wandering the streets of Notting Hill as the leaves fall or exploring South Kensington or meandering through Hyde Park, you'll fall in love with London this time of year.  The tourist crowds are smaller, the trees changing colors and the leaves falling around you, it's a lovely time of year in London.

Perhaps one of my favorite spots in the whole world during the Fall, Paris does not disappoint.  The parks of Paris are my favorite to take in Autumn in the French city, from the Jardin du Luxembourg to the Tuileries, leaves are falling, the colors are changing and it's the perfect time to see Paris in all its glory.

Bonnie Rose Guest Post

Hi "A Compass Rose" readers!  I'm so excited to be here guest posting today!  I'm Casey from True Colours, a travel blog that encompasses my passion for traveling, my background as an expat and third culture kid (which I have in common with Bonnie) and my advice and tips for everyone out there looking to add a little more travel to their lives.  

For many people looking to make that leap to do more international travel, it can seem daunting and many times it's hard to explain in a conversation all the things that are helpful to know before you travel abroad.  However, it's important to make a mental checklist for yourself to check off a few things before you head off to another country, wherever that might be.  So in no particular order, here are some travel tips for first time travelers outside of your native country or before you take that amazing trip you've always wanted to.

1.  Make sure your passports and travel documents are updated and current.

Many countries require your passport be valid for 6 months before the expiration date to enter the country, so confirm the dates before you leave and make sure your passport is current and valid.

Also, confirm that the country you're visiting doesn't require a separate visa as that can take longer to acquire and requires extra work.

2.  Be aware and respectful of the foreign culture you're traveling to.

There are many places in the world that have very distinct customs or beliefs that you should be at least aware of when traveling internationally.  For example, if you're traveling to the Middle East, be aware of their religious traditions and be respectful with how you dress and act.  Each country will have its own customs and cultural differences, so be aware of those from researching them before you go.

3.  Learn a few key words and phrases of the local language.

Nothing puts a smile on a local's face like someone trying to speak, at least a few words, in the local language.  Know that when traveling outside of your home country and your home language, the rest of the world is living in their own language, so be mindful of that.  Nobody hates it as much as when the foreigners show up in their country and expect everyone to speak their language.  Show some respect for the local language and it will work wonders.

4.  Arrange activities and other specialty items through your hotel or in advance.

Though unfortunate, in many countries, locals will take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist and they will charge you much more for experiences than if you book through your hotel or in advance. Sometimes it can also be safer arranging certain activities through your hotel as they will know the reputable people to go through to make sure you have a memorable experience as well as a safe one.

5.  Travel with photocopies of important documents.

This isn't an absolute necessary step and while I still always do this, I've never had to actually use them while traveling but better safe than sorry. I always travel with a photocopy of our passports, my marriage license and any other documents needed for specific trips.  I carry copies of our passports in case our passports were to get lost or stolen and our marriage license mostly because we have different last names and if anything were to happen, we'd have proof that my husband and I are married.  I carry both hard copies in my bag which I lock in the safe in our hotel room at the destination and upload digital copies to my email account in case I'd need to access them while on the go.

Traveling internationally doesn't have to be a big hurdle and once you do it, it becomes easier and easier.  But it's also about learning from each culture and not expecting that culture to be exactly like your own.  You'll get more out of your travels if you take in all that the culture has to offer and cherish how unique it is.  Another important thing to remember when preparing for your trip abroad is that wherever you are going, there are people just like us, living their lives and in the end, we're all just the same.