Thoughts on (Christmas) travel

Everyone that is a part of travel industry has “an obligation” to write about Christmas and Christmas travel in a way it’s been done for such a long time. It became “an obligation” only because they made it one. As far as I know, travelers didn’t ask of them to do it, they didn’t force them. And every year thousands of magazines, websites and bloggers write the same stories, talk about the same subjects and put up the same pictures. You get bored. We all get bored! Don’t you just ignore them all??!

The second thing that happens is that they all start talking about some “exotic” destinations. This year, I’ve seen articles about Mexico, Indonesia, Nevada…and some other crazy destinations that have nothing to do with this time of year.

Isn’t it all about your opinion, your view of Christmas?

Christmas is not here or there. It’s where you find it in little things…in a cafe you coincidentally find and like, in a certain room of a certain hotel, in a park that looks special in winter time, in skating under bright Christmas lights, in shopping at a fancy department store. Your winter dream, your Christmas dream.

In the way that travel agencies and travel magazines present it, makes it boring, it makes them boring. There is never anything new; you read and re-read the same lines, about the same places every year. Don’t you think you can write those articles too?!

I’m asking what’s new? What’s different? What’s special? That’s what I want to know. Don’t you? And don’t ask me, what is in my opinion, a great Christmas travel destination, or any time anyway. I’m telling you now, I don’t know. I can only share my knowledge and my ideas. That is where you come in and find yourselves in small specifics – that’s when you put the pieces together, you take all the things that appeal to you and combine them together. That’s called travelling, because that’s when you enjoy it and remember it. It’s not a pin on a map or a country added to a number in your head.

And if you get to a point when you don’t know how to put all the pieces together, you can always ask me for advice…

I can’t write about Christmas travel the way that they do. I had a day when I made myself do it. It wasn’t a mistake, it only showed me it wasn’t my thing; it’s not my philosophy, it didn’t make me feel good. It was fake. I don’t write about places I haven’t visited, I don’t give my opinion about something I don’t know. I let others do it. Because I don’t want you to fake your travel. I want to help you find what you like about travelling and help you decide with the stories I tell and the places I show you. I want you to create your own travel experience and remember it for a long time with a big smile on your face.

Be creative…you can make it magical!

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Takashi Murakami in Frankfurt

After MOCA in Los Angeles and Brooklyn Museum in New York, © MURAKAMI exhibition came to Europe. MMK Museum fur Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt is presenting the most comprehensive retrospective of Takashi Murakami’s work, 1991-2008. The whole museum was transformed into an exhibition space for Murakami’s pieces, and so the name of the exhibition is © MURAKAMI Museum. You can visit it until January 4, 2009, when it will be moved to Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao as the last platform where the work will be presented.

Takashi Murakami is a Japanese artist who combines stylistic characteristics of traditional Japanese art with pop culture. He became famous in the early 1990s with his theory called Superflat. It’s a self-proclaimed art movement that refers to expansion and exploration of two-dimensional medium of anime, Japanese animation through painting, photography, video, animation etc. He is one of the most influential artists in the recent decades because he is trying to create a link between high and mass culture.

His work includes paintings, wallpapers, installations and films. Throughout years of work, Murakami created his characters and, with that, fantastic iconography. Along success came a company called Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. that produces T-shirts, calendars, plush creatures and other sorts of Japanese kitschware. Kaikai and Kiki are the white and pink duo that appear in sculpture and paintings, too. Murakami also worked under artistic direction of Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and created the famous monogram.

Takashi Murakami’ s activities include, not only his artwork and Kaikai Kiki, but work as a curator, editor, event organizer, radio show presenter, author, and a newspaper columnist as well as a manager of young artists.

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

A cup of coffee in Graz

It’s official! I’m going to Graz with my best friend Matea. I’ve been working really hard lately and I still have a lot more to do, so I didn’t plan any trips in the near future. That was the cold truth, lol, because I travel very often.

sketch by Daniel Belasco Rogers

So a few days ago, I met Matea for our usual cup of coffee (which always lasts for modest three hours ). I don’t remember what we were talking about at that point but she said: “Why don’t we go to Graz?!” Totally out of the blue, unrelated to anything! “Really, why not!”, I said. It was the trip we usually took twice a year but, for a long time now, we didn’t go. It’s not far, anyone who knows the distance between Zagreb and Graz, know that it’s about 2 hours by car and a little more by bus. Actually with the new speed limits in Slovenia, it might take us a lot longer, lol! Because it’s so close we very often say: “Let’s go to Graz for a cup of coffee!”

We always have a great time and it’s only for a day; the 24 hours I can always take out of my schedule. It’s our way to escape the rush in our lives and thoughts and to just enjoy. The date is set for the second week in December. That’s great news for you too! I have decided to make special photos to put on my blog (maybe even some of the others), tell you a story about the Christmas market, take you for a walk around town and show you a few special places that I have in mind!

Every time we went to Graz, it was nice and sunny. This time, I’m hoping for snow…just to set the mood. Shhhhhhhhh! Don’t tell Matea…

For great travel ideas and even better friends!

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Cafe Gerbeaud in Budapest

I love visiting Budapest in winter. Especially now, before Christmas, walking around the city of beautiful architecture and art, soaking the great atmosphere. There is a place that I love to go to, that for me represents Budapest and where I feel like one of the artists from around hundred years ago, drinking good coffee and drawing in the warm corner of the cafe.

Vorosmarty square

Just walking into Cafe Gerbeaud, you’ll feel like you have walked into a different time. With marble floors, wood panneling on the walls, rococo plaster work on the ceiling and sparkling chandeliers, the interior is even more that you expect looking at the beautiful building in the center (Pestum). Connoisseurs will recognize secessionist style furniture and a little french influence.

The magic continues once you open the menu…you have to order a coffee and a piece of cake. Coffees are delicate and fine, and cake selection is completely exceptional. Try a well-known Hungarian Dobos cake or Esterhazy cake.

Esterhazy cake

Cafe Gerbaud is also know by their bakery goods that they have diligently perfected since they opened their doors in 1858. So if you stop by in the morning for breakfast, to read the newspapers, it will be as appealing. French brioche, English apple pie with vanilla sauce of traditional pogatscha with cottage cheese will spoil you. But those are the little pleasures we should all enjoy.

You can take a part of that experience back home with you. Cafe Gerbaud will offer you, in the Green Salon, handmade bon bons, house jams, preserved fruits and cakes beaufully packaged. It won’t be an easy choice…

…and you will keep on coming back…

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Must visit places

Europe is about a lot of things. So many places, cultures, languages, people and styles to explore and enjoy. Wherever you choose to go, you will be enchanted by something that catches you in the moment and as soon as you start living and breathing as the people around you, your vacation will feel too short but nevertheless irreplaceable.

So which are those places? Is it Paris? Rome? London? Florence? Barcelona?… That’s what everybody thinks of  when we ask what are the “must visit” places for you in Europe. We all know these cities and they are at the top of the list for most travelers. Since we all know that, there is no need for me to talk to you about something that you already know.

I’m here to talk to you about places smaller in size but bigger, more special in impression or feeling they create. Places that take you to another time, sweep you of your feet with their charm or just make your heart beat a little faster because of great design, shopping, amazing food or views. Places that you might not have heard of or you might not find while walking the streets. Those are the places that you will enjoy, that will help you experience the spirit of the city and remember your trip as a more special one.

I hope that you will enjoy more in reading about and finding these little places rather than chasing popular demands. Because that’s what travel is all about; taking what you like the most of the city, or any place and enjoy it, make is your own, make it your unique experience…

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Christmas markets in Germany

Germany has so many beautiful Christmas fairs, you couldn’t count them all! They have a strong and lasting tradition…but among them all, let’s see what makes them so special…

Berlin Christmas Market (Berliner Weihnachtszeit), one of the most visited Christmas fairs in Europe, actually consists of a number of different markets spread throughout city squares. Nostalgic Christmas Market (Opernpalais) sells jewelry, glassware and ceramics. Another market is held on Brietscheidplatz from where you can continue your Christmas shopping along Kurfurstendamm (Berlin’s leading shopping street). If you have kids, take them to Alexanderplatz. They will be overjoyed with the fairyland, a train for children, a 40-meter-high ferris wheel, a series of merry-go-rounds which might even get you on there. It will also attract you with a 20-metre-high spruce, two huge Christmas pyramids and more than 150 Christmas stalls with arts and crafts. Berlin’s Christmas market is also well know by many master craftmen and artists. And for a real traditional Christmas market experience head for Splandau (NW suburb of Berlin).

Things to look for: mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, toys

gingerbread

Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is visited by 200,000 visitors every year and when you see the Hauptmarkt square all decorated and buzzing, you understand why. If you are looking for a traditional Christmas market to visit, this is the right place to be. Organizers have banned funfair and rollercoasters so the visitors could enjoy in the local traditional festivities. Local choir and other performances will enrich the atmosphere and give you the real Christmas feeling.

Things to look for: spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, wooden crafts, figures made from dried prunes

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Christmas markets – hot wine, pastries & gifts

The time of Christmas markets is quickly approaching, travel agencies have already offered two – three days long arrangements to most popular destinations around Europe that attract thousands of people every year. Maybe you are thinking of visiting one of those places as we speak.

The idea of Christmas fairs is generally the same, though there are some differences between regions and countries. East Europe is well-known as a destination that every traveler puts on his travel map at this time of year. Visiting some of the best fairs in Germany like Nurberg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Etfurt or Dresden you cannot miss, as well as Vienna’s market in Austria, Budapest’s in Hungary or Prague’s in Czech Republic. All the markets open on the last week of November and last till Christmas Eve, marking the weeks of Advent. They work from morning to late evening, around 8 or 9 pm and are usually held on main squares.

Christkindlmarkt, Vienna

Particularly attractive during late afternoons and evenings, when it’s dark and all the lights and people create the seemingly warm atmosphere, Christmas markets turn into shopping bazaars. The original concept was to present and sell hand-crafted work typical for that region and for the period (Christmas time). But nowdays, you’ll find things such as hand-crafted work, Christmas ornaments to gloves and scarves, candels, jewlery, sweets and more. So don’t believe everything you hear!

booth, Vienna

The second reason why people visit Christmas markets is because of the food. There is always something typical for the region you are in but where ever you go, you will find the inescapable grilled suasages, deep-fried potato cakes and hot mulled wine. Just to keep the winter cold away… And where there is food, there is music too. Coming out of the numerous wooden booths or sometimes as live performances in the later hours of the day. Kids won’t be neglected either. With so many sweets to choose from and shows to watch, you will not have to worry about the little ones.

Erfurt

Nurberg

My disclaimer is that you really don’t have much to do there for three day. Have fun, enjoy the atmosphere and then take a walk around the city, go shopping or sit in one of the local cafes or restaurants. In the end, all you want to do is to experience the Christmas spirit…

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Approaching the Christmas season…

Finally it got colder… you can feel the Christmas season approaching. With the temperature down, the white mist and all the works quickly coming to an end, you can almost feel that buzz on the streets. Most of the city is decorated with thousands of lights, booths are almost ready and installed, we are just waiting for everything to light up and add color to the winter before us.

I love winter. Walking the streets, taking photographs, laughing with my friends…and then, when you feel really cold, when you feel the wind on your cheeks and when you can barely feel your fingers, sit in a warm cafe, under the yellow light and drink hot tea, one of those special coffees or even hot chocolate and share stories like these.  There is nothing like it…

Staying at home makes it as good. Gazing through the window and listening to the music whether you’re enjoying the moment or waiting for something to come. It’s almost time to read Christmas Carol again. To refresh the memories of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, and to remind us the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

Enjoy the days that are coming, dream big dreams and translate your story into travel if you have a chance…

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

Renting a hybrid

Taking the idea of renting a car to travel a step further, you might stumble upon high gas prices. Considering how much that would cost you, especially if you are renting for a longer period, that might not sound as the greatest idea, right? So where does that lead you…

I leads you to renting a hybrid. They might have a little higher daily rate but there is a significantly less fuel consumption. Depending on the how much kilometers you’ll pass or for how long you’ll rent it, you might just need to partially refuel the car. When you add environment protection to it, it makes you feel even better. Although it sound great in theory, it’s somewhat more challenging in practice.

Finding hybrids at rent-a-car companies is still a rare miracle these days, even though they have been around for quite some time.  A tip for searching them is to look in larger cities and countries with the biggest network or in countries that are oriented to environmental protection and development. The expansion of environment offerings around Europe should be an important part of every rent-a-car company since that is what customers are demanding more and more, since gas prices are high, automobile industry is making a huge turn and  the green movement is finally making people conscious.

Now, officially, Avis takes the first prize when it comes to renting hybrid cars. “The launch of the 20 Prius vehicles onto the UK fleet follows the announcement, in February, that Avis Germany introduced natural gas VW Tourans to its fleet at 19 locations in 15 cities across the country.

Avis Portugal introduced hybrid cars to its fleet in 2005 and currently operates 50 hybrids across the country, reducing its CO2 emissions by over 50 tonnes. Avis Scandinavia also offers customers the chance to rent environmentally friendly vehicles with over 400 ethanol-powered Saab 9-5 BioPower cars, 75 Ford Flexi-fuel and 20 Toyota Prius vehicles on its fleet. “ *

A few more Priuses can be found at Europcar and Alamo but that’s about it. What car rental companies can offer you is lower emission vehicles as a green choice. So be clear what you want and what you are asking from them.

One more tip…when you’re booking online, hybrids can also be found under prestige category.

Happy hunting!

Stella – European Travelling Advisor

* from Avis News

Car rental – crossing country borders

After surviving the technical stuff, let’s focus more on what happens when you decide to expand your travel appetites and cross country borders.

First of all, most of the time when you book online (in advance), you get a better deal. But booking online to travel abroad will need a telephone confirmation so that the company can prepare everything for you. If you’re renting a car in the UK and want to travel to Ireland or continent, that might bring high surcharges. In that case, for crossing to the continent, you will get a return ticket for Channel Tunnel. Though I wouldn’t recommend, as an alternative, taking a train or a ferry boat and then rent again, it’s possible. There is one more thing that makes your life more complicated when crossing from the UK to the continent or the other way around…which side of the road you are driving at. Avis arranges a switch for you, from right-hand drive to left-hand drive. Which is great but don’t expect that service from everyone. Think how that would influence your driving and, above all, if you are ready to switch sides of the road.

Why is it also important to tell upfront the rent-a-car company where you’re planning to go? Because there is an imaginary border between Western and Eastern countries. What happens is that you might get a cheaper car and have to pay for extra insurance. That doesn’t apply to all Eastern Europe only to some. What irritates me sometimes is the label, that people who don’t know anything about countries in Eastern Europe, put no matter what.

Always ask at the car rental for unfamiliar law in countries you plan to visit. Signs are the same but speed limits, headlights, safety seats for children etc. are not. European superhighways come with tolls. Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia have a system of vignettes that you buy after you cross their border. Vignettes are valid for a period of few months up to a year. Prices are reasonable except in Slovenia which has extremely high prices. EU is pressuring them to cut the cost for tourists but they haven’t answered so far. On the other hand Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Croatia (Mediterranean countries) have toll booths on highway exits.

Don’t let all of this discourage you. Now you know what you can expect and is not as bad as it sounds!

Stella – European Travelling Advisor