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

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