The best pastries in Paris -- for free.

Five years ago, patissier extraordinaire Pierre Herme started le Jour du Macarons, a charitable celebration that takes place on March 20.  Several of the best patisseries in Paris offer their most appealing pastries free of charge. And patrons are encouraged to make a charitable contribution in return.

If you’re not familiar with macarons, they are an irresistible sandwich cookie made with almond-flour meringue and filled with everything from blackcurrent-violet pastry crème to caramel and fleur de sel.

Advance reservations for the Eiffel Tower now available.

Every visitor to Paris should go to the top of Eiffel Tower at least once.  Although there are other places in Paris with good views, nothing can compare to the 360-degree panorama you’ll enjoy here.  But during the summer, the lines at the Eiffel Tower can be two hours long -- or more.   And spending that much of your precious vacation time in line is a sin.

But now -- finally -- you can make reservations and buy tickets for the Eiffel Tower in advance.  You need to select a time for your visit and then show up as scheduled.  But you shouldn’t have to wait.

Art Nouveau splendor and a soothing soak at the Hotel Gellert.

With wonderful architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, Budapest is a wonderful destination.  Since joining the European Union in 2004, it has many of the advantages of Western Europe.  But it’s managed to maintain most of its Eastern European mystique.

Straddling the Danube, the cities of Buda and Pest offer lots to see and do.  And you’ll likely be worn out after a full day of seeing the sights.  But there’s a great way to unwind in Budapest when it’s time to kick back.  Visit one of the city’s 118 natural thermal springs for a soak. 

Image Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oansari/