While on a recent flight I was able to sit back, relax and read a book from my favorite travel writer - Rick Steves. I have been using his great knowledge and experience on 8 European trips in the last 9 years - his hints and hotel recommendations have been wonderful and we read his books many times prior to departure and while on the trips - some vendors even give discounts by just showing the book.

Even funnier is seeing other travelers with the same book and chatting with them over what was fun and can't miss locations. His current book Postcards is different, very different, rather than making recommendations Rick is very thoughtful and reflective in his travels (most we have been to as well). For example, Rick talk about his experiences over the years whereby Europe and some locations specifically - Rothenburg - have went from a wonderful medieval town to something more akin to Disneyland. His thoughts on Munich were right on and even his discussion on high tide and low tide in Venice is not what one would expect.

He also was caught between finding new locations and getting offers of freebies but as a writer he wants to be objective and also not creative the next big thing.

So while I enjoyed his travel books and guidance this was a different side of Rick and it was informative and a better look into what makes him such an icon in the travel world.

We will be going to Europe again in 2010 and will follow his advice with confidence.

Review by Bargains4Seniors.com Contributing Writer-Steve Kriner

European holidays proffer a potpourri of destinations for holidaymakers to enjoy. Families can expect to have a fun-filled, memorable excursion should they decide to take a European holiday vacation. Here are some tips to make your vacation a success.

1. Make a trip to Paris, the city of love. Paris has always enchanted the true-blooded ancient art inclined families. If you happen to be one, head straight to the Louvre, a place revered by medieval art history lovers. Apart from housing the legendary 'Mona Lisa' it has an enormous collection of 18th century masterpieces ranging from paintings and sculptures to an assortment of other collectibles. It is a good idea to get the "Museums and Monuments Card" from the tourism office for unlimited visits if you plan on visiting museums and art galleries during your stay.

2. To give your children a special treat, include Disneyland Park, Paris in your travel itinerary. This is your chance to enjoy adventure and action packed rides at the park that are fun for the whole family. Children can get to meet celebrated Disney characters and watch the magical cinematic illusions at the Walt Disney Studios as well.

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, the tower over the Cathedral, is an original and architectural masterpiece. It has fascinated voyagers since long due to its mysterious design. This is certainly a must see place cultural, historic and architectural indulgence is on your wish list.

4. Take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Titlis in Switzerland. Apart from seeing the country's highest mountain peak, you can also take in a variety of breathtaking scenes from 10,000 feet above sea level. The ride lasts for 45 minutes and is very enjoyable.

5. If you want to mix art and religion with some pleasurable sight-seeing, the Sistine Chapel in Rome is an excellent option. A celebrated work of art, it showcases the exceptional aesthetic proficiency of Michelangelo.

6. Enjoy the Amsterdam City canal cruise and witness marvels of Dutch history and culture. The cruise offers travellers a view of the famed historic canals and old cities situated on its banks along with some visually captivating scenery. Dinner is also served aboard these cruises apart. Musical Cruises are also available for those who love music.

7. The kids are guaranteed to love this one. A visit to the chocolate factory at Hanau is a must when you are travelling with young children. Get a firsthand account of delicious chocolate being churned out and sample some of the best varieties of these dark treats.

8. Take a trip to Innsbruck and the Swarovski Crystal Factory (Wattens, Austria). Here you can shop for rare and exquisite pieces of crystals apart from witnessing the making and polishing of the crystal artwork.

9. If you are planning to rekindle some romance, Venice beckons you. Take your partner for the famous boat ride over St. Marks Square and enjoy the magnificent sights of roman architecture in the form of the Basilica, Ducal Palace and the Bridge Of Sighs.

10. Nature lovers will enjoy the Rhine Falls, a massive waterfall situated in Zurich. You can also take the cogwheel train to the Jungfrau peak and visit Interlaken (situated between two lakes), the picturesque town where numerous Bollywood films have been shot.

Europe is considered to have some of the best countries, where one can find diverse culture each one having its own unique identity. The breath taking view of the Alps and the beautiful cities having immense historical importance is something worth for the eyes and should not be missed at all costs. If you are planning a trip to Europe, then indeed it is a good choice. Since the size of Europe is quite large, if you do not plan your tour itinerary in an appropriate manner, you are surely going to miss something. However, with the help of Europe route planner, you can now accordingly plan the vacation and get the maximum out of this trip and that too within your budget.

With Europe route planner, you can systematically cover all the places of interest in an easy manner. But for that, you have to categorically mention your priorities such as choice of destination and the time, so that the itinerary can be designed as per your choice and requirement. Moreover, your budget is also taken under consideration. This way, the agents will not have any trouble while reserving rooms or making travel arrangements.

There is a greater degree of flexibility, as it enables you to specify your interest before getting the itinerary planned. if you are more interested in visiting historical sites, places of religion or you crave for the beautiful sea shores, everything is planned well in advance, so that you do not have any trouble. Besides, hiring a local guide, renting a cab and hotel reservations can also be done before hand, as per the plans and the routes chosen by the tour planners and approved by you. This way, you can relatively avoid and inconveniences and trouble that generally occur.

Another added advantage of Europe route planner is that you access its services at any point of time. As of now, the services have been extended online, from where you can collect all the detailed information and check out the viability of the trip. Moreover, you can also collect the smallest details that need to be taken care of while in tour. This way, you can escape from any inconveniences.