The Swiss are a whole different breed of European. They do “la bise” three times instead of two, simplified the French counting system for 70 through 100, and will not take your Euro, at least not at fair market value.

Here are some even more interesting facts about one the most beautiful, and quirky, countries in the world – the Confederation Helvetica:

Photo Credit: firmatography on Flickr

• Swiss women did not get the right to vote in federal elections until 1971. In some cantons, women couldn’t vote in local elections until the early 1990s.
• Forget all the meat and veggies. Traditional Swiss fondue is served with bread only and made with stinky gruyere cheese and white wine.
• Speaking of white wine, Swiss whites come in bottles with screw off tops and are typically slight carbonated. Mmm, delicious.
• At grocery stores like Migros and Co Op, separate budget brands offer everything from oranges and pasta to breads and milk. They even offer budget chocolate bars, normally priced at 20 centimes (the equivalent of about 18 cents).
• Speak Romanish? The almost dead combination of Italian and Latin is still one of the four official languages in Switzerland. The others? French, German, and Italian.

Stay neutral,

Emily Hansen

Wholesale Expert

After we asked you guys to name your cheap summer travel destinations, we asked for your favorite “must-see” things or places in Europe.

We had an overwhelmingly 130 responses and – after much deliberation – we are pleased to present the top 30 “must-see” spots in Europe according to our readers. Make sure to click on the linked text to see a picture of the suggestion on Flickr.

The Monasteries of the Meteora, Greece (Suggested by Kyanne)

The Sacre-Coeur, Paris, France (Suggested by Monica)

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy (Suggested by Jenna)

Interlaken, Switzerland (Suggested by Caitlin S.)

Grant Museum of Zoology, London, UK (Suggested by Harriet Baskas)

Marienplatz, Munich, Germany (Suggested by Kara)

The British Lawnmower Museum Didn't Make the Cut

Belem, Lisbon, Portugal (Suggested by Oscar)

Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italy (Suggested by Giovanna Palatucci)

The Narva Gate, St. Petersburg, Russia (Suggested by Chris)

Worm’s Head, Swansea, Wales (Suggested by Renee O.)

La  Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, Valencia, Spain (Suggested by Cara Z.)

Bruges, Belgium (Suggested by Hannah Kim)

Saint Melo, near Rennes, France (Suggested by Graeme)

Dubrovnik, Croatia (Suggested by Emily Osvold)

The Keukenhof, near Lisse, Netherlands (Suggested by Marisa)

Mercat de la Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain (Suggested by Jenn Vargas)

Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic (Suggested by Lauren)

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, United Kingdom (Suggested by Ng Sook Zhen)

However, the Sacre-Coeur did

Isle of Skye, Scotland (Suggested by Cassie S-C)

Sainte Chappelle, Paris, France (Suggested by Jamie)

Dunnottar Castle, near Aberdeenshire, Scotland (Suggested by Brianna C.)

Bonehouse of Sedlec, Kunta Hora, Czech Republic (Suggested by Karina Giraldo)

Chiesa di San Ignazio, Rome, Italy (Suggested by Arielle)

The Gorges of Verdon, Provence region of France (Suggested by Lauren)

Canterbury, England (Suggested by Cherie)

Mount Vesuvius, Naples, Italy (Suggested by Kassie)

Jungfaru, Switzerland (Suggested by Sarah)

The Vasa Museum, Stockholm, Sweden (Suggested by Jordan Brooks)

Nyhavn, Cophenhagen, Denmark (Suggested by Marie Z.)

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland (Suggested by Gloria)

Check out STA Travel’s top 30 recommnedations and see how they compare to our readers.

The Sacre-Coeur Photo Credit: ndrewfgg on Flickr

We’ve already covered the essential countries for European fashion in France and Italy. Now we’ll venture off of the catwalk a little bit with destinations in some of the less celebrated fashion capitals of Europe.

Munich:

Munich is the heart of Bavaria. Known for its mind-blowing beer, savory schnitzel and over the top oom-pah bands, Munich is also a great city to cure the common fashion bug for both the seeker of traditional culture and patron of modern conveniences.

Perhaps the best thing about Munich is that all the main sites are within walking distance of a number of shops. The area around Marienplatz, the most famous part of the city, hosts shops like H&M and Zara, some of the largest department stores of Germany, and Galleria Kaufhof.

Whether you are looking for some traditional Bavarian dress (tracht & dirndl), beer steins, Birkenstocks, or a new pair of shorts, you will find it. Easily accessible by metro or by foot, this pedestrian-only avenue from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz is perfect for shopping, beer, food, and people watching. (Karlsplatz is a 5 minute walk due east of the train station or take the metro to Marienplatz and explore the city from here.)

North of the Train station, starting at Oedonplatz, traverse down the old royal avenue of Brienner Strasse. A few blocks to the east you can find the Luitpold block. This mall hosts a variety of stores but most importantly, the lavish Café Luitpold. For a real delight, indulge in some of their cherries or chocolates.

From here, head east a few more blocks (or north a few blocks from Marienplatz) to Maximillianstraße to find the most exclusive stores of the city like Dolce & Gabbana and Escada.

If you need a refresher, the farmer’s market (Viktuailenmarkt) offers the best würste of all kinds, beautiful flowers and fruits harvested by local farmers. The Viktuailenmarkt also offers a chance to interact with the locals to practice your rusty German and get real insight on the best that Munich has to offer.

Zurich:

When you think of Switzerland, you think of bank accounts, watches, knives, and chocolate, but surprisingly Zurich offers some of the finest shopping in Europe.

Some of the best retail shops can be found along Bahnhofstrasse. Not only can you find enormous department stores (complete with food courts), but you can also find staples like H&M and Zara and everything from flowers, to wine and chocolate. I suggest enjoying this shopping avenue by starting at the train station and working your way south on Bahnhofstrasse.

Some of the more famous stores can be found as far south as Paradeplatz. Also, you can find more small shops and large department stores on the streets to the west. If you’re in need of some chocolate therapy, stop at Confiserie Sprüngli for some of the finest chocolates in the world! They have a café at Paradeplatz, a boulevard restaurant along Bahnhofstrasse, and another café closer to the train station at Lowenplatz.

On the opposite side of the Limmat (a five minute walk to the east and south of the train station) lies the Niederdorf district. Among the winding narrow streets and 14th century houses, you will find many inexpensive restaurants and eclectic boutiques. Also, due to its close proximity to the university, there are a great number of pubs and clubs for the night owl in all of us. Its charm will entertain you as you wonder among the fashionable boutiques and antique stores.

Barcelona:

Barcelona is the place to be for tapas, beaches, never-ending parties and Zara!

The main shopping route can be found from the lower end of Las Ramblas up to Placa de Cataluyna and all the way down Passeig de Gracia to Metro Stop Diagonal. I suggest starting at Metro Stop Liceu and walking (if you have the energy) all the way to Diagonal.

My picks: Custo (near Liceu),  Zara, H&M, Desigual, and department stores like Sfera and El Corte Ingles. If you forgot your swimsuit and your hostel mates invite you to go to Sitges, Sfera has an entire third floor devoted to Roxy/Billabong.

If you’re looking to hit the beach looking like a local, I suggest Calzedonia. Another Spanish must is Bershka; their styles for young women are sure to catch people’s attention. The more haute-couture stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can be found along Passeig de Gracia. While perfect for window shopping, there is no need to spend money at these lavish stores thanks to Barcelona’s abundance of amazing style at affordable prices.

While you are in Barcelona, you MUST check out the market on Las Ramblas near metro stop Liceu: El Mercat de la Boqueria. In addition to the mounds of fresh fish, fruit, and cheeses, the Mercat has a number of tapas bars where – if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat – you will be treated to some of the best seafood you’ve ever been delighted to try! Even if you do not have time to stop and grab some tapas, make sure you get a very refreshing smoothie from one of the vendors (from 1-2 euros each).

The other must in Barcelona is around Bari Gothic (the Gothic Quarter). Along the pedestrian-only Carrer de l’Argenteria and Portal d’Angel, you can find numerous boutiques and mainstream clothing stores. The shops along these streets among the Gothic Quarter have every good imaginable as well as the culture to make you feel at home. Best way to get here is to begin at metro stop Jaume I and explore the area between the church Santa Maria del Mar and Las Ramblas near the Mercat de la Boqueria.

Adios!

Chug-a-lug people. St. Pat’s day is almost here so you know what that means? Green beer, embarrassing photos, thrown worshiping and that artistic way of speaking English known as the belligerent slur. Which countries around the world pound the most creative juice each year?

According to an international survey, Luxembourg easily takes the cake for the most alcohol consumed per capita in a year: 15.5 liters. Closely followed by France, Ireland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic who all clock in over 12 liters per person per year. Very impressive!

Let us give a round of applause, or shots, to the top 5 countries while we take a gander at the 15 followers:

6) Spain
7) Denmark
8) Portugal
9) United Kingdom
10) Austria
11) Switzerland
12) Belgium
13) Germany
14) Australia
15) Netherlands
16) Finland
17) South Korea
18) Greece
19) New Zealand
20) United States

It’s no surprise that the U.S. hits all the way down at #20. The U.S is 1 of 6 countries who’s legal consumption age is over 20:

1) Fiji – 21
2) India – up to 25 (depends on state)
3) Micronesia
4) Pakistan – 21 (non-muslim)
5) Palau – 21
6) U.S. – 21

Please drink responsibly while searching through your lawn.

Photo Credit: wickenden on Flickr