As of October 2025 but apparently only fully operational as of April 10, European countries in the Schengen zone have implemented a new biometric Entry/Exit System registration process for non-European travelers. This includes fingerprinting and a facial scan. The registration is good for three years or until the passport expires. In theory, this means subsequent Continue Reading →
Category: Europe
The Spontaneous Traveler’s Shortlist
There’s a particular kind of traveler we love; those who seek out spontaneous travel. They’re not the ones who plan eighteen months out, research every hotel, and build a spreadsheet of packing lists. They’re the ones who see an intriguing opportunity, look at their calendar, and think: I could actually make this work—and they do! Continue Reading →
Comparing our European Hiking Adventures
We have five different walking, hiking, or trekking adventures in 2026. How should you choose which to join? Outside of just picking a location because it appeals to you, a great step is to compare the difficulty of the five tours. How to Judge Hiking Tour Difficulty In judging the difficulty level of hiking tours, Continue Reading →
Flights to Europe are Cheap Right Now
Flights to Europe are cheap right now. Here are flight costs I found from New York that coincide with our upcoming European trips: Florence (Via di Francesco Trekking Adventure): One-stop flights as low as $424Kraków (Tatra Mountains Hiking): One-stop flights as low as $398Berlin (Flaeming Skate & Biking): One-stop flights as low as $517 and Continue Reading →
2025 Travel Trends & Top Trips
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to imagine your ideal getaway—whether it’s an adventurous trip of a lifetime, an active challenge to accomplish, or a fun escape with friends and family. Now is the best moment to plan your vacation before the busyness of everyday life takes over. Exploring the great outdoors Continue Reading →
Europe’s Very Scenic Cycling Adventure: The Danube Biking Tour
How does “378 km of a fantastic time” sound? Along a very scenic cycling adventure? That is how the participants of the inaugural trip described their experience. For a lovely adventure that includes breathtaking scenery, active exploration, and cultural immersion, look no further than the Danube Biking Tour, an unforgettable cycling journey along Europe’s most iconic Continue Reading →
My 25-Year History With the Danube Bicycle Path
On April 4, 1997, I quit my desk job to start what is now Zephyr Adventures. My first task was to fly to Europe to find the very first location for our only tour that year, with two possibilities in mind: the northern area of Friesland in The Netherlands or the Danube bicycle path in Continue Reading →
Pack Smart, Skate Smooth: Preparing for Your Swiss Inline Tour
Just imagine inline skating through the countryside in Switzerland this August. Skate on designated and marked paths and see the beautiful scenery. Sample the Swiss cuisine and get immersed in the Swiss culture. If this sounds appealing our upcoming Inline Skate Tour in Switzerland this August is for you. The tour lasts six days and Continue Reading →
An Exploratory Adventure to Georgia and the Caucasus
We have added a new tour to our summer 2024 schedule! This summer, from August 15 – 23, we will run a new Caucasus Mountains and Georgia Hiking Exploratory Adventure. Why Georgia? It is exotic and not well traveled yet has a solid tourism infrastructure. It has excellent hiking, delicious food and wine, and a Continue Reading →
Should Your Next European Hiking Vacation be in Chamonix or Sifnos?
We at Zephyr Adventures run hiking and trekking adventures around the world, including multiple European hiking vacations. Two of our newest locations are Chamonix in the French Alps and Sifnos, a Greek Island. They are both very appealing but also very different! Hiking adventures in the French Alps and the Greek Islands have much to Continue Reading →