Summer is now officially underway (for those in the Southern Hemisphere it is winter). Schools are out and many people will go on vacation during this time. In Europe the height of the tourist season is upon them as the expected hordes will descend.  Crowds line up early to get into the famous attractions (best to get one of those passes that allows you to bypass the lines).  Personally I prefer to do my traveling in the fall when most of the tourists are gone. And it is a bit cooler as well in many places.

With summer now here, most have packed away the heavy clothes and now wear lighter (and often brighter) clothes. Word to the wise especially in places you are planning to do a lot of walking-consider a good pair over walking shoes over sandals or flip flops. Some places, like the Vatican museum, recommend that. Also some places in Europe have become strict about wearing beach wear off the beach.  Read those warning signs and take them seriously.

Wishing everyone a very happy summer!

In Memory of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. Thanks for the great music.