The Blog
Like the way we think about travel?
This is where we work it out: routes and rhythms, the ethics of a cheap flight, the right way to miss a train. If it lands, Mise en Place is the same voice once a month, and the My Life in Burgundy waitlist is open.
Browse our articles…
Trains Are Romantic. Missing One Is Not.
(8 minute read)
A rail regular's guide to the small European train rules that trip people up: ticket types, when a seat reservation is mandatory (and when a pass still leaves you standing), the validation and railcard traps that get you fined, honest connection buffers, and the two habits that prevent most disasters.
Less Luggage, More Europe: The Multi-City Europe Packing Guide
(8 minute read)
Packing for a multi-city Europe trip is different from packing for a single stop. This guide covers how to pack light, choose the right luggage, build a simple travel wardrobe, plan laundry, and handle trains, cobblestones, and changing weather with less stress.
Two-Base Europe Trips: Fewer Hotel Moves, Better Vacations
(5 minute read)
The case for a two-base trip: pick two smart home bases, connect them by fast train, fly open-jaw, and add easy day-trips, so you pack once, move less, and spend the savings on better rooms. Includes six 10-to-12-day templates (Paris and Provence, London and Paris, Rome and Florence, and more) and a simple day-by-day rhythm.
A Field Guide to France's Train Stations: Vibes, Snacks, and Mild Existential Dread
(7 minute read)
A frequent rail traveler's honest, firsthand field guide to the French train stations we actually use, from Paris Gare de Lyon and Marseille Saint-Charles to Lyon's two, Dijon, Bordeaux, Pau, and the tiny rural halts. Where to be stranded, where to build in buffer, and which one to leave for the mall across the street.
Rail vs. Short Flights in Europe: Time, Cost & Stress Compared
(5 minute read)
Not sure whether to take the train or fly between European cities? Compare door-to-door time (airport transfers, security lines, baggage), real costs (bags, seats, station-to-hotel), and comfort factors. A simple rule of thumb: high-speed rail often wins on trips around 4–6 hours; short flights win when trains are much longer or require multiple connections.
How Far in Advance to Book Europe: Flights, Trains, Hotels & Activities
(8 minute read)
When to book a Europe trip: ideal windows for flights, hotels, high-speed trains, and timed entries, plus a copy/paste countdown from six months out to departure week. Book the hard-to-move pieces first and stay flexible.