Jack Baumann

Jack Baumann has traveled frequently since he was a child, which sparked a passion for adventure, history, and cultural exchange. It was from this love of culture and adventure that brought Jack to the U.K. to study for his Masters in Ancient Greek and Roman Archaeology. While studying in Wales, he traveled around Europe by himself often, and it was here that the idea for Guidester was born. After returning home and working another full time job, Jack was able to scrape together enough resources to form a company and begin his great quest to help people travel better and smarter to Europe.

Winter sunset view of the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Travel Guide

The Milan–Cortina 2026 travel guide most people are searching for is packed with ticket links and venue logistics. But the truth is, the most seasoned travelers aren’t chasing the stadium experience. They’re chasing the atmosphere. In February 2026, while the world focuses on the podiums of the Winter Olympics 2026, a quieter kind of magic

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Travelers enjoying a guided tour in Rome, overlooking historic architecture—an example of small-group travel in Europe.

Is a Guided Tour Worth It? Guided vs. Independent Travel

What’s the Real Difference Between Guided and Independent Travel? Before deciding how to explore Europe, it helps to understand what each travel style actually involves – because the differences affect your experience far more than most travelers realize. A guided tour is a professionally curated experience where your itinerary, hotels, transportation, major attractions, and local

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famous old town of Ferrara, Italy

Why Ferrara Is One of Northern Italy’s Best-Kept Secrets

Ferrara doesn’t announce itself. There are no dramatic hills, no iconic postcard skyline, no crowds spilling out of train stations. And that’s precisely why it feels like a discovery. Tucked between Bologna and Venice, Ferrara is a Renaissance city that moves at a different pace—measured, elegant, and remarkably intact. For travelers who feel Italy’s most

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Landscape in Douro Valley, Portugal

Douro Valley Travel Guide: What to See, Where to Go, and How to Visit

Portugal’s Douro Valley is not simply a beautiful wine region—it is a working landscape shaped by geography, history, and human persistence. Terraced vineyards cling to steep schist hillsides, the river carves deep curves through the valley, and small villages continue rhythms of life established long before tourism arrived. As Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region, the

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4 Days in Malta Itinerary: History, Culture & Coastline

Rising from the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a crossroads of civilizations — Phoenician traders, Arab seafarers, Norman knights, and British governors have all left their mark on this tiny but influential archipelago. Its rich history spans more than 7,000 years, and its temples at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are among the oldest freestanding

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Provence, France Roman amphitheater in the Old Town of Arles

Arles and Nîmes: Exploring the Best Roman Ruins in Provence

Forget dusty museums. In Provence, the Roman Empire isn’t a history lesson—it’s a living, breathing part of the landscape. Beneath the region’s golden sunlight, ancient roads, weathered arches, and colossal amphitheaters whisper of an empire that once ruled the continent. Nowhere is that Roman legacy more alive than in Arles and Nîmes, two southern French

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pizza overlooking the naples skyline, the birthplace of pizza

Where to Eat the Best Pizza in Naples: Birthplace of the Margherita

The narrow streets of Naples are alive with energy: scooters weaving past crumbling Baroque façades, voices rising in animated conversation, and the irresistible aroma of dough blistering in wood-fired ovens. This is the city where pizza was born — and still reigns supreme. From centuries-old pizzerias to modern masters, Naples remains the ultimate destination to

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Why the Isle of Islay Should Be on Every Traveler’s Radar

The Allure of Islay The Isle of Islay, often called the “Queen of the Hebrides,” is a small Scottish island with a big reputation. Famous worldwide for its smoky, peated whiskies, Islay is also home to rugged coastlines, sweeping beaches, ancient history, and welcoming villages. Whether you come for a whisky pilgrimage or to enjoy

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10 Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe to Visit Now

Tired of shuffling through crowds at the Colosseum, fighting for a photo op at the Eiffel Tower, or waiting in long lines at Stonehenge? Europe’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are world-renowned, but the most famous often come with heavy crowds. What many travelers don’t realize is that the continent is filled with underrated UNESCO World

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Louvre Museum Travel Guide

Beneath the glittering glass pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei, the world’s most visited museum invites you into a labyrinth of art and history. The Louvre holds more than 35,000 works spanning 9,000 years—from Mesopotamian relics to masterpieces by da Vinci, Delacroix, and Michelangelo. In this Louvre Museum travel guide, we’ll help you navigate its

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