Get off the freeway.

Over the years, we’ve gotten on a tour bus once or twice. We took a coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound, hoping to take a helicopter back. But the weather didn’t cooperate. And we did a shore excursion — our first and last — to Ephesus years ago.

Not a lot of time on organized tours, but enough to convince us that we’d be miserable on a coach tour for any length of time. So we almost always travel independently. To get where we’re going, we’ll either take a train, rent a car, or hop on a boat. We make virtually all the arrangements ourselves. And we spend tons of time at travel sites doing research before we go.

But no matter how much you plan or how many arrangements you make in advance, independent travel is harder than just getting on a bus. You usually end up carrying your bag yourself – which isn’t that fun when you’re running for a train. Driving abroad can be pretty stressful. And you have no advocate when things don’t go exactly as planned.

We’ve learned from our experiences. So we don’t make the same mistakes we once did. And the biggest one – the absolute worst thing you can do when planning a trip for yourself – is to bite off more than you can chew.

Our first trip to Europe was a long time ago. And like everyone else back then, we bought “Europe through the Backdoor” by Rick Steves and started making plans. And what plans they were – eight cities in 18 days. We flew into Amsterdam, caught a train the next morning for Heidelberg, went to Paris, then took an overnight train to Rome.

By the time we got there, six days later, we were absolutely exhausted. Our immune systems said “enough,” and we caught colds. Our three days in Rome were spent in bed. And there was still Florence, Venice, Lucerne, Brussels, and Amsterdam to go.

Allow plenty of time to poke around.

We spent most of our time packing and unpacking, getting to train stations, and riding trains. Fortunately, we ignored Rick’s travel advice and reserved our hotels in advance. Otherwise, we’d have spent our remaining time in Europe looking for places to stay.

We’ve taken dozens of trips since then, and each one has gotten more leisurely. Where two-night stays used to be the norm, we now try to stay at least three nights wherever we go. And very rarely do we schedule a one-night stand.

The other thing we’ve done is shorten the distance between destinations. On our recent trip to the South of France, we stayed in Arles, Avignon, and Aix – cities which are less than a couple of hours from each other, but all distinctly different. We really enjoyed not having to get up at the crack of dawn on travel days, having a long, leisurely lunch in one of the towns en route, and still arriving in the next city in time for a glass of wine on the plaza.

There’s plenty of travel advice and trip planning tips on this site. But if you only take away one thing, make it this – the more places you try to see, the less you’ll enjoy your vacation.

Pick a compact area that interests you. Spend several nights in each place. And let yourself sleep in, putter in antique shops, and linger over meals.

Get off the freeway Image Flickr: hans s
Allow plenty of time to poke around Image Flickr: Bob Doran

Porta Portese market

Known as mercato delle pulci, Rome’s flea markets have their roots in ancient times. They’re a great way to experience an authentic slice of Roman life. And you’ll often find a one-of-a-kind item that becomes a treasured souvenir or a thoughtful gift.

Most visitors to Rome who enjoy flea markets and antique shops know about the Porta Portese market. With 4,000 vendors, it’s one of the biggest flea markets in Europe. And it offers an astonishing array of goods – everything from plastic shoes to 16th-century religious icons.

On our last visit, it was absolutely packed — and sweltering. The junk-to-quality ratio was at least 20-to-one. And we got tired of watching out for pickpockets. To us, Porta Portese is more hassle than it’s worth.

The good news is that there are dozens of Rome flea markets that are less crowded, more accessible, and more fun. Many flea markets only operate between October and June, closing for the hot summer months. Others are open year ‘round.

There’s a nice selection of specialty markets for collectors of old books, prints, antiques, jewelry, and art objects. If you’re in town on a Sunday, there’s probably a flea market somewhere in Rome with your name on it.

Here are some of the best flea markets in Rome:

Mercatino dei Partigiani is held in a parking lot the first Sunday of every month except August. If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ll appreciate the prices here. There’s usually some furniture, WWII collectibles, vintage items, dishes, silver, and an assortment of knick knacks.

Located in Parking Ludovisi not far from the Piazza del Popolo and Via Veneto, Underground is a relative newcomer. On the first Sunday of the month, it has something for everyone – jewelry, old prints and books, cameras, binocular, religious items, and old suitcases.

Ponte Milvio takes place on the first weekend of the month on the banks of the Tiber. It runs all the way to the Ponte Duc d’Aosta. Look for small antiques and collectibles, jewelry, linens, books, old lace, and art.

Porta Portese trinkets

Borghetto Flaminio is open on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. It’s located in a couple of warehouses near the Piazza del Popolo gates. For a modest entrance fee, you can explore nearly 250 vendors selling vintage clothing, costume and antique jewelry, handbags, linens, antique objects, and silver.

Also on the second Sunday of the month, nearly one hundred vendors gather in front of Villa Gloria to see a little bit of everything from slightly used designer fashions and sportwear, antiques, old typewriters, bicycles, and books.

Located in a tree-lined piazza not far from the Tiber in the Prati district, Piazza Mazzini offers more pleasant surroundings than some of Rome’s markets. They usually have around 80 vendors, and they’re open the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month except in August.

Via Sannio is your best bet if you’re only in town during the week. It’s open Monday through Saturday and located under the Aurelian walls. There’s no telling what you’ll find here. But clothes for almost any occasion, Army surplus items, camping gear, and shoes are always on hand.

Collectors interested in books, etchings, engravings, comics, and magazines should visit Mercato delle Stampe which is not far from Piazza Navona. It’s open Monday through Saturday mornings.

On the first and third Sundays, Soffito Sotto i Portici takes place in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, not far from the Spanish Steps. Lots of cool, old objects here, including pocket watches, cameras, jewelry, candlesticks, picture frames, and toys.

Held the fourth Sunday of the month on a square in stylish Parioli, Piazza Verdi has all kinds of vintage items and antiques. Look for fine china and glassware, jewelry, silver, crafts, rare books, musical instruments, and linens.

If you want to visit Porta Portese, go early – it opens every Sunday at dawn – enter from Piazza Ippolito Nievo, and keep a close watch on your purse or wallet. Bargain hard, but don’t expect great deals even if you do.

Read about flea markets in Southern California here.

1) Mercatino dei Partigiani
2) Underground
3) Ponte Milvio
4) Borghetto Flaminio
5) Villa Gloria
6) Piazza Mazzini
7) Via Sannio
8) Mercatio della Stampe
9) Soffito Sotto I Portici
10) Piazza Verdi
11) Porta Portese

View Rome’s best flea markets in a larger map

Porta Portese market and Porta Portese trinkets Image Flickr: krynn1978

Pocket watches

London has delightful antiques shops that will appeal to both serious collectors and casual shoppers alike. With dozens of dealers all in one place, the antique malls are especially convenient, and there are several great ones to choose from. Plus, they’re usually open during the week when most of the markets are closed.

If you’re interested in high-end furnishings and fine art, there are top-notch antique dealers around St. James, Bond Street — where you’ll find the Fine Art Society and Waterhouse and Dodd — King’s Road, and Kensington Church Street — home to Haslam and Whiteway and Rafferty and Walwyn.

Gray’s Antique Mall opened in 1977 in a 19th-century terracotta building in the West End. Today, there are more than 200 antique dealers selling everything from Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry to Hawaiian shirts. You won’t find many bargains here, but there’s an amazing selection of high-quality collectibles.

Vintage Mode in Grays Mews sells gowns, handbags, shoes, and accessories. And there are shops that specialize in Bakelite, antique dolls, timepieces, medals, perfume bottles, pewter, old photographs, gems, advertising, and compacts.

Gray’s is a must-visit for travelers who appreciate beautiful, old things.

Opened by Bernie Gray in 1976, Alfie’s Antiques Market occupies the old Art Deco Jordan’s Department Store on the east end of Church Street. There are four floors of stalls here and a rooftop restaurant where you can have breakfast, lunch, or a glass of wine. Alfie’s has a little bit of everything, but it’s especially strong for vintage fashions, 20th-century decorative arts, and fine, antique jewelry and watches.

The dealers here are extremely knowledgeable, and many have been tenants since the 1970s. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, there are more than a dozen antique shops on Church Street.

In Islington, Camden Passage is best on Wednesdays and Saturdays, when the stalls are filled with dealers. There are antique stores in arcades on both sides of Islington High Street and Camden Passage. Circa 1900 has beautiful Art Nouveau jewelry, Christina Tattum has antique boxes, Gordon Gridley has fine art and decorative objects, David Webb has classic jukeboxes, and Finbar MacDonnel has old prints.

Old toys

With 200 dealers on two floors, Admiral Vernon Antiques Market is the largest arcade off the Portobello Road Market. It’s packed on Saturdays, but if you want to miss the crowds, most of the shops are open during the week. You’ll find armor, antique guns, cameras, jewelry, silver, glass, clocks, and toys. There’s a café on the lower level.

In a beautiful building on the King’s Road, Antiquarius is one of the most attractive antique malls in London. There are over 80 dealers selling top-quality glassware, jewelry, furniture, clothing, decorative arts, and timepieces. In business since the 1960s, Antiquarius is an enjoyable destination.

If you’re looking for reclaimed architectural items like chimneys, fireplaces, doors, columns, paneling, flooring, lighting, or stained glass windows, the London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company (LASSCO) is your best bet. Most of the things here are expensive, but they are truly one of a kind.

With nearly 30 dealers specializing in antique silver, London Silver Vaults has the largest collection in the world. In addition to jewelry, there are boxes, pipes, perfume bottles, card holders, letter openers, clocks, tea services, and more. The building, which dates from 1876, was originally the Chancery Lane Safe Deposit.

Francophiles will enjoy The French House which sells French furniture from the Renaissance to the Napoleonic era. The owners travel to France once a month, so there’s always something new. Doors, fountains, fireplaces, and garden benches, and old lighting are also available.

Lovers of antiques should set aside some free time in London to search for treasures in these great spots.

Read about the best antique shops in Barcelona here.

1) Gray’s Antiques Market
2) Alfie’s Antiques Market
3) Camden Passage
4) Admiral Vernon Antiques Market
5) Antiquarius
6) London Architectural Salvage and Supply Co,
7) London Silver Vaults
8) The French House

View London’s best antique shops. in a larger map

Pocket watches Image Flickr: ?serendipity
Old toys Image Flickr: karen horton

Barcelona’s Palau Nacional

Barcelona has an original style all its own. Most of Europe’s major design trends made their way here, were influenced by Catalonian sensibilities, and emerged distinctively different. Which makes shopping for antiques in Barcelona especially enjoyable. The treasures you find here will be truly unique.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find an example of Barcelona’s fabulous version of Art Nouveau, known here as Modernisme.

Barcelona’s antique shops are grouped together on several streets, most of which are in the charming Gothic Quarter or Bari Gotic. You’ll find everything from antique dealers selling museum-quality furniture to vintage clothing stores.

Carrer del Banys Nous is the traditional home of Barcelona’s antique shops, although lately, some hip clothing boutiques have been creeping in. You’ll find teacups, tapestries, and vintage fashions at Heritage. And L’Arca de L’Avia sell antique textiles, lace, and linens.

Not far away, Carrer de la Palla also has several antique stores including Artur Ramon Art which specializes in 18th and 19th-century art and objets d’arts. Angel Batlle at number 23 has old posters, maps, and postcards.

In the Eixample district, at Passeig de Gracia 55 (in the Bulevard Rosa shopping center), the Bulevard des Antiquarius has more than 70 antique shops selling furniture, jewelry, paintings, crystal, and dolls. Prices here are firm and most purchases come with a written guarantee.

Barcelona’s Bari Gotic

If you’re willing to sift through some junk, El Encants, Barcelona’s biggest flea market, has a little bit of everything. It’s on the north side of the traffic circle at Placa de les Glories Catalanes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Coin and stamp collectors should go to the Sunday-morning market in Placa Reial. And book collectors will enjoy the Sunday market at Sant Antoni.

The Mercat Gòtic de Antiguitats takes place every Thursday in the Placa Nova, the square next to the Cathedral. Prices here are higher because of the number of tourists, so do a little bargaining.

Barcelona

At the end of Las Ramblas near the port, the Fira Brocante Antique and Flea Market is held on Saturdays and Sundays. Look for the statue of Christopher Columbus. We found a great cast-iron dog there that we use as a door stop. Since it was the first day of our trip, we lugged it all over Spain and Portugal, but it’s now a family treasure. You should not pay full price here.

If you’re visiting Barcelona, be sure to leave yourself enough time to do some treasure hunting in the city’s charming antique shops.

Find Paris shopping tips here.

Barcelona’s Palau Nacional Image Flickr: harshilshah100
Barcelona’s Bari Gotic Image Flickr: puroticorico
Barcelona Image Flickr: papalars