Travel to Europe for Christmas: Winter Wonderland
One of the most picturesque times of the year to be in Europe is during the pre-Christmas season; especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many of these regions are snow-covered and lit brightly for the holidays.
Austria has some particular traditions around Christmas times. Advent wreaths are a very important one in the country. They are usually decorated with ribbons and four candles to signify the four weeks leading to Christmas Eve. Innsbruck, and old town in Austria bustles with busy Christmas markets and the “sound of music” fills the air in Salzburg and Vienna.
Around Christmas time, Switzerland is a fabulous place for children. Numerous markets open in the streets with handmade treasures and activities for little ones. On December 6, St. Nicolas day, children set out their shoes in hope that Santa Claus will fill them with nuts, chocolates, tangerines and homemade cookies. Swiss children also look forward to receiving a graetimaa — man-shaped bread decorated with raisins and spun sugar.
In Germany, Christmas markets reign throughout the country, in towns small and large. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Stollen breads are popular foods during the holiday season. Nurnberg, famous for packaging its delightful gingerbread in countless ways, has one of Germany’s best Christmas bazaars. Hand-carved wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, festive wreaths, and aromatic candles line the booths, when you stroll by cradling a cup of hot, spiced wine.
In the alpine areas of all three countries, winter festivals are spectacular. Running from November through February, these areas offer horse and carriage racing, hot air ballooning, ice-skating and more. This could make for a very romantic getaway or a family vacation. Germany’s “Viva winter Fun — Party at the Zugspitze” was one of last year’s most sensational.
December 6, 2006 3 Comments
Using an American Cell Phone in Europe
Not all American phones get service in Europe and not all mobile providers offer plans that stretch beyond the Atlantic. The ones that do work are a bit pricey but can be effective.
The standard phone network in Europe is called GSM, or Global System for Mobile Communications. Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson all produce GSM-enabled phones. Make sure your phone is “GSM-enabled.” If not, and you’re thinking of buying a new mobile phone that you can use in Europe, look for anything labeled “tri-band” or “quad-band” to get the “world phone” option. Dual-band doesn’t always work. My personal opinion is that Blackberry offers the best international communication hardware.
Once you have the right phone, next you need to purchase the right international calling plan. T-Mobile offers a very affordable option, if used sparingly ($1 to $2 a minute). What is especially good about this particular plan are no additional fees.
Lastly, before you go on your trip, stop in at your provider’s store and ask one of the customer service employees if your phone is cleared for use in Europe. Some phones you need to manually change the network while others do it automatically.
Just so you know it works; as you cross each border you’ll usually get a text message welcoming you to the new country’s network. Good luck and have a safe trip!
December 4, 2006 No Comments
Buying Alcohol at the Airport Duty-Free Shop?… BEWARE!
This message is a warning to all of you thinking you’re getting a good deal when you go to the duty-free shop in an airport.
Do not buy any bottles of alcohol before going on the plane! You have to check it (meaning you have to go back through security and re-check a bag). If you don’t re-check it, they take it away from you at the gate.
Quick story. A friend of mine was traveling to see his family this Thanksgiving. For the ease of storytelling, we’ll call this friend Jimbo. Jimbo bought his father a bottle of Johnnie Walker: Blue Label. This is most expensive bottle of scotch whiskey in the store and cost over $100. When he got to the gate, the bottle was sealed and still in the shopping bag from the duty-free shop. The gate attendants told Jimbo he couldn’t take it on board and had to leave it with them. He was late for the flight and couldn’t return it. Jimbo proceeded to empty out the entire bottle in the garbage so that the airport employees didn’t go home with a free bottle of Blue Label.
Consider yourself warned.
Tip: You can still buy alcohol, but do it after you land
Additional Info for Smokers: You might want to check the local prices of cigarettes where you are going, to see if it’s worth getting some before you get to your destination.
November 29, 2006 No Comments
Interactive Map of Oxford University in England
For those of you interested in planning a trip to England, I strongly recommend making a stop in Oxford. It is a beautiful city with lush gardens and fascinating individuals. Below you can see an interactive map of Oxford. University Park and the Christ Church War Memorial Gardens were my personal favorite places to sit and relax.
The bottom of the map shows a map of the city while the top shows a “real-life” 360 degree view. Hit one of the buttons on the bottom and notice how the pictures on the top changes. This interactive map is provided by Panoramic Earth and powered by MAI Technology. Hope you enjoy it.November 27, 2006 No Comments
Necessary Travel Vaccines
Before going on your trip, it is very important to take the necessary medical precautions before stepping on the plane. Consult your doctor on your travel plans and ask him which vaccines you should take before your trip. The vaccines you got when you were a child also may need to be updated. Below is a list of vaccines that you may need to take before going away:
- Hepatitis A (or hepatitis A immune globulin)
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (or the flu)
- Japanese encephalitis
- Measles (mumps of rubella)
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
- Typhoid Fever
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Yellow Fever
Again, it is very important that you consult your doctor before going on a prolonged trip. Some of these vaccinations may be needed or overdue. Good luck and have a safe trip!
November 27, 2006 2 Comments
Picking the Right Souvenir
When travelers go away on vacation, it is very common that they come home with a souvenir to remind them of the trip they just returned from. Most of the time, these small personal gifts are useless. They break, lose value, or simply become boring but, ironically, no one has the heart to throw them away. Below are a few helpful hints for picking the right souvenir on your trip so that you’re not wondering “why did I get that piece of junk” when you get home.
[Read more →]
November 15, 2006 2 Comments
Tips on Proper Japanese Etiquette
Proper etiquette in Japan is dramatically different from what is considered to be etiquette around the rest of the world. If you are planning to visit Japan in the near future, either for business or leisure, below are a few reminders and tips to make you more familiar with Japanese etiquette so that you don’t make a fool of yourself.
1. Inside the house – When entering into someone’s house, it is customary to take off your shoes and change into slippers. These slippers will most likely be provided by the host. Upon entering a room with a tatami floor, be sure to take off your slippers.
2. Table manners – Blowing your nose, leaving food on your plate, and talking about disappetizing topics are considered bad etiquette. Most importantly, unlike other cultures in East Asia, it is considered extremely rude to burp at the table.
3. Eating at a restaurant – Do not leave a tip! When leaving, simply say to your server, “gochisosama deshita” (“thank you for the meal”). In most restaurants, it is common to take the receipt to the cashier and pay at the front.
4. Bowing – If the greeting takes place on a tatami floor, than it is customary to get on your knees in order to bow. If the opposite person is a higher status than yourself, you are supposed to bow deeper or longer than him or her.
November 6, 2006 2 Comments
Interactive Map of Skiing Resort in France (Serre Chevailer)
If you are planning on a ski trip to Europe soon, France might be the place for you. The food is magnificent, the weather is beautiful and the slopes are exhilarating. To help give you a better idea, below is an interactive map of Serre Chevailer, a ski resort in France.
[Read more →]
November 1, 2006 3 Comments
How to Make the Most of Your 15-Hour Flight
Traveling overseas can be stressful. Beyond the meticulous packing and the currency exchange, the most discouraging part to many is the long, almost never-ending, flight. However, below are a few suggestions for making your flight feel like therapeutic treatment before and after a long trip.
- Dress Comfortable – Bring slippers, sweatpants, or pajamas (if you can). What you wear on your flight will definitely affect your mood. Dress-down and relaxing clothing will make you more comfortable on your flight.
- Sleeping pills – If you have trouble sleeping on airplanes, it might be best to try taking sleeping pills. Only do this for long flights. Take the pills upon take off and next thing you know it, you’re landing. Some examples are Ambien, Rozerum, Sonata, and Lunesta. Consult your doctor about this.
- No Coffee! – It is extremely important that you do not drink coffee before your long flight. It will keep you awake and make you antsy while everyone around you will be comfortably asleep. If you need a drink in the morning to wake you up, try orange juice from the airport stands
- COC (Carry-On if Can) – A rule among many travelers, it is always best to carry-on your luggage. It relieves the stress of worrying about your checked luggage and gets you in your seat quicker
[Read more →]
October 30, 2006 No Comments
List of 33 Things to Bring With You When Backpacking Through Europe
For any of you who are interested in backpacking through Europe, whether you are a college student, a vacationer, or just a free-spirit, below is a list of 33 necessary things to take with you on your journey.
- Backpack
- Passport
- Foreign currency (see tips here)
- Chapstick
- City Guide
- Language Dictionary
- Two Changes of Clothes
- Gloves
- Jacket
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Calling Card
October 25, 2006 1 Comment
Make your Money Go Further
Our monthly reports tell you what countries and currencies offer the best deals. Travel and buy smart!