Bavaria is an absolute must, and Munich is the center of it all. You could easily spend a week exploring the city, but be sure to venture out of town and discover some of the villages and towns that dot the landscape, as well as one of the world’s great castles Neuschwanstein- the inspiration for the Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty castle. The Rhine and Mosel wine regions offer their own selection of castles and unique towns, such as Trier, which was founded in 15 B.C. and beautiful scenic drives. Another enjoyable travel option is to venture along the highways and byways of the famous Black Forest and explore its beautiful countryside.

KarenBrown.com has several interesting itineraries for travelers to Germany. Each offers detailed descriptions of various regions, as well as driving directions and suggested pacing. In addition to this helpful information, our readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Germany’s best lodging experiences:

Romantik Hotel Markusturm

With its cheerful yellow exterior, tucked on a quiet residential street, the Hotel Bulow Residenz is a hidden gem just across the river from the main part of Dresden. The elegant setting has earned this boutique hotel the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award as the “Most Romantic” hotel in Germany. The restaurant, The Caroussel, has held a Michelin star rating for more than a decade and is an excellent spot for a formal dinner. The hotel also has a cozy bar tucked in the old wine cellar, and guests often enjoy breakfast, an afternoon cup of coffee or a glass of champagne in the ivy-covered courtyard.

The Romantik Hotel Markusturm was chosen as the winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Germany. Located in Rothenberg, a fanciful medieval town surrounded by turrets, ramparts and walls, the hotel is just as charming as its surroundings. Hosts Lilo and Stephan Berger will make you feel right at home and pamper guests with inviting individually decorated guest rooms and plenty of hearty cuisine, complimented by Stephan’s signature homemade beer.

At Gasthaus Die Krone, visitors enjoy comfortable accommodations, excellent food and warm hospitality-all at a reasonable price. The hotel, located in the Black Forest village of Staufen, was named by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Greatest Value.” Guest rooms are simply decorated with light pine furnishings and beds topped with soft pillows and crisp, white comforters. The hotel’s restaurant is housed in two rooms and features wainscoting and country curtains, infusing it with plenty of German charm. The guest house is located in Staufen’s pedestrian-only area, so you’ll enjoy the quiet and avoid the noises from cars and buses.

The Romantik Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof is an excellent spot for every type of traveler. Its location is unusual, located on a sand-dune island in Germany’s northernmost spot; the hotel is surrounded by acres of prairie land. There is a wellness center where guests can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, as well as a sauna and swimming pool. The inn’s restaurant serves breakfast far longer than traditional breakfast hours, so you need not rise early and rush to get in the morning meal. Children will adore the hotel as there is plenty of room to run and play, and the hotel has a children’s program, baby sitting services and a room filled with toys. Hiking, fishing and golf are among the many local activities available. Karen Brown readers have chosen Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof as Germany’s best “Splendid Splurge.”

Explore more of our hotels in Germany and find all the details you need to plan your next great trip.

Italy offers so many unique and interesting experiences; it can be difficult to narrow them all down for one vacation. Perhaps the best way to approach Italy is to plan to follow several different itineraries and focus on a few unique places. You might decide to combine a visit to Sicily with a driving trip that takes you from Rome to Milan. Another option is explore southern Italy and hit Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the remote area around Apulia. A unique option would be to head inland and explore the mountain towns and lake regions of Italy. For more information, check out our list of itineraries for Italy.

Il San Pietro di Positano - Italy

In addition to these wonderful itineraries (complete with maps, local attractions and excellent lodging suggestions), also check out what KarenBrown.com readers have voted as Italy’s best hotels and inns:

If you wish to bask beneath the romance of a Tuscan sun, look no further than Locanda dell’Amorosa, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Most Romantic” hotel. The hotel is located in what once was a small village, which has been converted into a hotel, restaurant, extensive wine cellar and wine-making facilities. You can wander the grounds, take a dip in the pool or sip a glass of wine from one of the well-appointed common areas and share your daily adventures with other guests. The guest rooms are simple, yet elegant with a few antiques and lovely views. The hotel’s restaurant boasts an amazing setting, perfect for a romantic Italian dinner for two, featuring traditional Tuscan recipes and an extensive wine list.

Hospitality and Italy are practically synonymous, and a stay Il Falconiere Relais is further proof of that fact. This Tuscan hotel was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Italy. Just outside of Cortona and nestled in the Italian countryside, the hotel provides an excellent home base for day trips to Florence, Assisi and Siena. After a day exploring, return to the inn for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel guests can opt for special themed visits, one of which includes a mini cooking school and another includes guided tours of five different wine regions, such as Chianti and Montefalco.

Albergo Villa Belvedere is proof that you can eat your cake and have it too. This beautiful villa was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Greatest Value.” While not luxurious, the guest rooms are clean and comfortable with simple furnishings, and some have pleasant views of Lake Como. Breakfast and dinner, both filled with hearty fare, are included in the rates, adding to the value of this lakeside retreat. The Cappelletti Family and their warm hospitality are another huge plus, and you’ll be treated more as a friend than a hotel guest.

Spend a few days at Il San Pietro di Positano and you may never want to leave. Located in Capri on the Amalfi Coast, this glorious hotel boasts spectacular sea views and has its own private beach cove. The guest rooms, many of which offer an excellent view, are spacious and elegant. The hotel’s restaurant is fabulous with a huge wine list. There’s a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis court. During the summer season, complimentary boat charters are available for morning rides along the coast.

Here is more information about these hotels in Italy and other Italy details.

Your journey might begin in Dublin, a beautiful city full of quaint, historic charm. Dublin is a perfect spot for exploring on foot, and driving here is not recommended so save your rental car for trips out of the city. Museums, historic sites and, of course, the Guinness Brewery await guests to the Republic of Ireland’s capitol city. From there, you can head north up to the coast and the attractions of Northern Ireland and Belfast, or perhaps head south and enjoy the Killarney Lakes or take a trip to Blarney Castle.

The Quay House, Connaught, Ireland

We have created a variety of unique Ireland itinerary ideas for visitors to Ireland, all of which are detailed on our site. KarenBrown.com readers have chosen the following lodgings as Ireland’s best:

Located in Ireland’s picturesque region of Connemara, the Quay House has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Most Romantic” inn. The view alone invites romance. Most of the guest rooms and studios face the town harbor of Clifdon. The inn is the oldest building in town and originally served as the harbor master’s house. It now houses seven guest rooms and seven studios, each with a unique theme. The decor ranges from posh Irish country to the eclectic Out of Africa safari room.

The enthusiastic innkeepers at Ballyvolane House encourage their guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Their passion for innkeeping has earned Ballyvolane the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Ireland’s “Warmest Welcome.” This idyllic Irish country home is surrounded by spectacular gardens, and also offers seven kilometers of private salmon fishing along the River Blackwater. The tastefully furnished guest rooms include special items such as clawfoot tubs perfect for a long, restful soak. Spend an hour with a good book in the drawing room or ask the innkeepers to prepare a picnic lunch and you can find a sunny spot on the inn’s grounds. Four-course dinners are served each night in the beautiful dining room, featuring an ever-changing seasonal menu.

The grounds at Ballaghtobin are part parkland, part tillage farm where acres of wheat and Christmas trees are grown. An old ruined Norman church rests next to the charming ivy-covered main house. The interior is elegant and includes three lovely guest rooms, each with a private bath. Guests are encouraged to put on their walking shoes and tour the extensive grounds, taking what 18th-century Irish gentry would no doubt praise as a proper country walk. Ballaghtobin was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Greatest Value.”

If you plan a trip to Dublin, The Merrion is ideal if you want to treat yourself to one of Ireland’s poshest hotels. Named by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s top “Splendid Splurge,” the Dublin hotel consists of a main section and a garden wing, both with elegant rooms and suites. There is a full-service spa and fitness center, which includes an infinity pool. There are also two restaurants (one is the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland) and a relaxing pub. Christmas at The Merrion, and just about everywhere else in Ireland, is a special time and the hotel is decorated to the hilt for the season.

If you need more information, KarenBrown.com has it. Read further for more on Ireland hotels and related trip planning information.

Moosehead Lake, Maine

A trip to Boston, New England’s largest city, is a staple of any tour of the region. After exploring the historic sites of the city and surrounding area, you can head to Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard for a seaside experience. Perhaps you want to enjoy the scenery of rural New England. If so, drive along Route 7 through Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont and you’ll find plenty of fall foliage and quirky villages to enjoy. Another option includes exploring the coastal towns of Maine, where you’ll find lighthouses dotted along the rugged shoreline.

See our collection of itineraries for more New England itinerary details. There are many great places to stay. Here are the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award winners for New England:

If it is romance you seek, book a stay at the Lodge at Moosehead Lake. Located in Greenville, Maine, this inn was voted by Karen Brown readers at New England’s “Most Romantic,” lodging. Set on seven acres of lawns and gardens, this idyllic retreat offers views of Moosehead Lake and the mountains beyond. The hand-carved beds add a special touch to the guest rooms in the main lodge. There are four suites in the carriage house, and each offers something unique, such as a two-person Jacuzzi tub surrounded by river rock or perhaps a deck with a spectacular lake view. The innkeepers are experts at pampering their guests, and the property offers plenty of places to relax. The huge deck commands a wonderful view. The pub, which is stocked with board games and a pool table, offers a wide selection of beverages, including several signature cocktails. Dinner at the inn includes plenty of Maine specialties, as well as lake and mountain views.

If you long for the Norman Rockwell experience, book a stay at Maple Leaf Inn in Barnard, Vermont. The picturesque white Victorian farmhouse, the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers Choice Award for New England’s “Warmest Welcome,” is surrounded by 16 wooded acres. The interior is decorated with hand-stenciled walls, handmade quilts and unique samplers created by the innkeeper. Antiques and king-size beds decorate the guest rooms, most of which also have a fireplace and whirlpool tub. Gourmet breakfasts are served by candlelight in the inn’s dining room. Check out our review of this Vermont inn for more details.

For those on a budget, the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic, Conn., has been named by Karen Brown’s readers as New England’s “Greatest Value.” Accommodations at the inn are spread among five different buildings and range from standard rooms with two queen beds to spacious suites with fireplaces and views of the Mystic River. Continental breakfasts are served in the inn’s Hospitality Room, which also houses a center for business travelers.

If you wish to pamper yourself beyond compare, The Wauwinet, a luxurious inn on Nantucket Island will be sure to please. The inn, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as New England’s best “Splendid Splurge,” is located at the edge of the sea and borders a nature preserve. The romantic rooms and cottages are luxuriously appointed with fine linens, antiques and even fresh wildflowers. Some rooms offer stunning views of the bay. Guests can walk along the shore or take a sea trip aboard the Wauwinet Lady. There is a full-service spa and an award-winning, gourmet restaurant. Guests can go fishing, take a cooking class or take an eco-tour of the Great Point Wildlife Preserve, and these are just a few of the many activities one can enjoy at the Nantucket Island inn.

Visit the Mayan antiquities of the Yucatan Peninsula or explore the world of the Aztecs. These ancient societies rival Greeks and Romans for architectural genius, and there are dozens of fascinating ruins and, of course, the famed pyramids. Another truly unique vacation idea is taking a train journey through Copper Canyon, which is deeper and covers more area than the Grand Canyon. Of course, there are plenty of fantastic beach towns, from the Pacific to the Gulf Coast.

KarenBrown.com has several interesting trips outlined with comprehensive Mexico itinerary details. Our readers have also chosen the following hotels and inns as Mexico’s best:

Just a couple of miles from the bustling resort town of Ixtapa, Zihuatenejo is the place where you’ll find what Karen Brown readers have chosen as Mexico’s “Most Romantic” lodging. La Quinta Troppo is located on a hill overlooking the ocean, which is a mere 5-minute walk away. There are just eight guest rooms, so privacy is a guarantee. Most of the rooms boast a view of the spectacular Bay of Zihautenejo, and each has a unique feature. El Jardin de Frida and La India include private garden areas with a hammock. The hotel owners offer tours of the area on their private boat. There is a lap pool, set in a beautiful garden area with plenty of places to sit and relax. Guests are greeted with a margarita upon check-in, and each morning, a tropical-style continental breakfast is served.

Karen Brown readers have chosen La Casona in Mexico City for the “Warmest Welcome” award, and despite its city location, you’ll feel more like a guest in a private home than a hotel guest. The late 19th-century hotel boasts beautiful architecture and decor. Each of the rooms is unique and filled with historic charm, but there are plenty of modern amenities, including wireless internet and room service. This Mexico City hotel is located in a residential neighborhood, about four blocks from the Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city’s main boulevards.

Located in the state of Chiapas, Casa Felipe Flores is a perfect spot to bask in Mexican charm. The Chiapas bed and breakfast, which was chosen by Karen Brown readers as the “Greatest Value” in Mexico, has five guest rooms decorated with Colonial-style furnishings, hand-woven fabrics and Mexican crafts and art.

Quinta Real, Guadalajara

After years of searching Guadaljara, we have found the perfect hotel at Quinta Real. Our readers also named this boutique hotel as Mexico’s best “Splendid Splurge.” Located in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, this Guadaljara hotel is stunning with its ivy-covered brick exterior. The interior is equally impressive filled with posh guest rooms and suites that rival any five-star hotel. The hotel has an indoor-outdoor restaurant in a garden setting, as well as an inner courtyard with fountains, trees and gardens.

For more information on travel and hotels in Mexico, explore the many resources available at KarenBrown.com today.

Doing a little research using KarenBrown.com, you can find several interesting itineraries to consider. Travelers could spend time exploring the coast or perhaps stick with a region like Southern Oregon, which offers everything from cave exploration to a world-class Shakespearian festival. Exploring Portland with its day trips to hot spots such as Mount St. Helens is another option. Discovering Seattle and the Cascade Mountain region is yet another fun-filled itinerary. Travelers also might consider exploring the San Juan Islands or heading up into British Columbia, where you’ll find Victoria Island and all the sites of Vancouver. For more information, check out our Pacific Northwest itineraries.

As for lodging, readers at Karen Brown’s World of Travel have chosen some of the region’s best hotels and inns. Here are some award winners:

For a romantic interlude, try the Channel House in Depoe Bay, Oregon. This secluded inn was named by KarenBrown.com readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Most Romantic place to stay. The guest rooms all afford a sea view and also include a fireplace and an outdoor whirlpool tub where guests can relax and listen to the waves as they crash upon the shore. You can take a whale-watching trip, drive to some of the area’s lighthouses or take a trip to the world’s largest sea lion cave.

Although it’s billed as a fishing lodge, the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is probably one of the world’s most romantic. While it’s a great spot for a men’s weekend retreat, you could celebrate the happiest of honeymoons here, as well. The Van Zante family’s hospitality has earned the lodge the Warmest Welcome award by Karen Brown readers. The lodge boasts views of the river and tree-covered mountains. There are plenty of guest rooms and suites to choose from, as well as two guest houses. All feature romantic, contemporary dcor, and many have fireplaces. Several suites include outdoor soaking tubs.

Named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Greatest Value, the Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast is a secluded retreat located on Washington’s Orcas Island. Guests at Otters Pond will be enchanted by the natural setting. The Washington bed and breakfast is surrounded by 20 acres of protected wetland and home to plenty of birds and a few of the namesake otters. A few guest rooms include a fireplace (some a clawfoot tub), and there is a huge outdoor hot tub sheltered by a Japanese-style teahouse with shoji screens.

The Sooke Harbour House is one of those places where you can just relax and pamper yourself to your heart’s content. The oceanfront setting, located on the whimsically named Whiffen Spit Beach, offers stunning sea views. There is a full-service spa as well, so you can book a relaxing massage. Each of the guest rooms this British Columbia bed and breakfast has been individually decorated with a special theme and features handmade artwork, from pottery to pillows to Native crafts. Several rooms include an outdoor soaking tub on a private patio or balcony, and all of the guest rooms have a fireplace. The Sooke Harbour House was named as the Pacific Northwest’s best Splendid Splurge by KarenBrown.com readers.

Check out our selection of properties for Oregon, Washington or British Columbia hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Ranked by readers at KarenBrown.com as Austria’s Most Romantic lodging is Schloss Kapfenstein. Perched atop a hillside and offering expansive views of the surrounding hills, this Kapfenstein, Austria, castle hotel was once a fortress. The innkeepers raised their family here, then transformed their castle into a romantic hotel. You’ll find spacious guest rooms, including intimate suites in the gate keeper’s quarters and in the castle tower. The innkeepers’ son serves as executive chef, preparing the delicious food, In the summer, meals are often served on tables outside where guests can enjoy the wonderful views. The grounds include a vineyard that has produced award-winning vintages.

Landhaus Zu Appesbach in Saint Wolfgang is another charming KarenBrown.com award winner. This ivy-covered manor is the recipient of the Readers’ Choice Award for the Warmest Welcome, and you will enjoy no shortage of hospitality. Like most destinations in Austria, there is no shortage of beauty, either. Woodlands and expansive lawns decorate the acreage, and the hotel looks out to a stunning lake with the hills behind. There is even a pier and swimming dock. Many of the twenty-seven guest rooms include a balcony or deck with a lake view. There are plenty of places to relax, including a drawing room, a cozy bar or perhaps on the veranda. Your host, Maximilan, sets the gold standard for Austrian innkeepers. His hospitality is unparalleled.

If you want to pack all the Austrian charm possible into a more affordable hotel, try the Hotel Wolf. This Salzburg hotel won our 2007 Readers’ Choice Award as Austria’s greatest value. The hotel is located in the center of Old Salzburg, and the family-owned lodging offers a variety of charming and comfortable rooms. An expansive breakfast buffet is served each morning. Best of all, the hotel’s location can’t be beat. Many of Salzburg’s most popular attractions are just minutes away.

If its luxury and romance you crave, Salzburg’s Hotel Goldener Hirsch is sure to fit the bill. Rated by KarenBrown.com readers as Austria’s best Splendid Splurge, the hotel features a variety of individually decorated guest rooms. Many of the furnishings are antiques. Within the hotel, you’ll find a bar and a restaurant that serves traditional Austrian cuisine.

Whatever cities or regions you choose, Austria has something special for everyone. You might try hitting the highlights of Austria with a tour that begins in Salzburg and journeys by car or rail to Vienna with plenty of interesting stops in between. Perhaps you wish to visit the southern lakes or enjoy the fresh, clean air and scenery on a trip to various mountain villages. Be sure to pack good walking shoes, a camera and your sense of adventure. Check out our downloadable itineraries for more information about itineraries in Austria.

With several hundred wineries spread among scenic Napa and Sonoma counties, you’ll have plenty of tastings to select. There are also hot-air balloon rides for the not-so-faint at heart, plenty of shops to explore, gourmet restaurants and top-notch spas.

One particularly special town is Calistoga, where you’ll find hot springs that have soothed many a visitor for hundreds of years. A trip to Calistoga wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Chateau de Vie (winner of Readers’ Choice Award for California’s Warmest Welcome).

This Calistoga bed and breakfast is surrounded by vineyards, and offers a variety of amenities. Each morning, coffee and tea is placed outside your guest room door, and whenever you are ready, there is a full, seasonal breakfast to enjoy. There is a lap pool, as well as a hot tub in the private garden where you can relax under the stars. The inn sells its own Chateau de Vie wines, so be sure to pick up a bottle as a souvenir.

Check out our itineraries for more details on Wine Country travel.

San Francisco is an iconic town, famous for its skyline, its marvel of a bridge, and its many unique neighborhoods. You’ll need several days exploring the city before heading north to Mendocino. Along this four-hour drive, be sure to make time for the Point Reyes National Seashore, which offers bird-watching excursions, nature trails and the often-photographed Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Mendocino, your next big stop, is a bit like a trip to an old New England fishing village. After exploring the town, you’ll want to head up to the Avenue of the Giants, where you’ll feel a bit Lilliputian compared to the trees, the world’s tallest.

For a lavish treat near San Francisco, head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and the posh Inn Above Tide (winner of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Splendid Splurge). The view is absolutely spectacular — a panorama of city lights and rugged coastline. The spacious, contemporary rooms are pricey, but this is one experience you’ll always treasure. All guests enjoy a great view, whether you choose a simpler double room or the opulent Penthouse. Many rooms have private decks, fireplaces or spa tubs. Here’s more information on this San Francisco Boutique Hotel/Inn.

You can find more information on this area here: California Travel Plans.

From the North to the South

One way to hit a lot of major attractions is to plan a coastal trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles; you’ll be amazed at the scenery and the myriad of places to visit. You’ll want to spend at least two or three days exploring San Francisco, hitting the big sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and maybe Alcatraz and Chinatown. From San Francisco, head south toward Monterey and Big Sur, where you’ll find some of the best views on Earth, as well as some of the best bed and breakfasts. 

If budget is an issue, the Sea View Inn in Carmel (winner of the Karen Brown Reader’s Choice Award for Greatest Value in California) offers the best location with the best rates. The charming historic Victorian is within walking distance to Carmel’s beautiful beaches, and the home’s third story offers a peak view of the sea. Continental breakfast is served, as well as afternoon tea and evening wine and sherry.

If it’s romance you seek, the Tickle Pink Inn is ideal for couples. Many of the rooms boast stunning ocean views, and guests can enjoy a soak in the ocean-view spa. Several rooms have wood-burning fireplaces and balconies. The Deluxe Ocean View Suites include the aforementioned, as well as a whirlpool tub and wet bar. Upon arrival, guests are treated to a glass of champagne, and each night there is a wine and cheese reception. The Tickle Pink Inn won the Readers’ Choice Award for Most Romantic in California. Check out this great California inn.

After your stop in Carmel, head south to Hearst Castle and on to Santa Barbara, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. After that, it’s just over an hour’s drive to the edge of Los Angeles, where you’ll find everything from the finest shopping to art galleries to museums to amusement parks to spectacular sunsets at the beach. Head into Orange County for a trip to Disneyland or the art Mecca of Laguna Beach.

Check out our detailed California Travel Itineraries to make your next trip a memoriable one.