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You could argue all day about where to find the best European Christmas Markets. These markets are a distinctly German tradition, but they have spread across Europe.

If you’re used to shopping in big malls after fighting for a parking spot, these will be a whole new shopping world for you…. They might just be worth a winter trip.

There are great Christmas markets across the continent. Some have been around since the middle ages… some have only recently become traditions. Even the newer Christmas Markets in Europe are fun to see. They’ve taken lessons … read more

German Christmas markets are a kaleidoscope of colors and lights. These are street markets that are usually held in town squares and spill over into adjacent pedestrian zones.

There are Christmas markets all over Europe, but the tradition of Christmas markets in Germanic speaking parts of Europe seems to go back to the Middle Ages.

The markets generally coincide with the Christian “season” of Advent which starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, so…. Starting about the last week of November, you’ll find the Market Squares in many German cities transformed.

Lights twinkle, and … read more

Would you prefer armchair travel… as opposed to actually being out on the road? We have several friends who love to hear about our trips, but they tell us that they’d never like to go “there”… and it just doesn’t seem to matter where “there” is.

We prefer to go and see things for ourselves. All of your senses are challenged… smell, taste, feel. It’s not just seeing things. You can read that a rain forest and its animals are beautiful or amazing or… choose your own adjective… but… Until you’ve scrambled through a … read more

If you pack efficiently, you’ll get more in, but how do you do that? What packing method should you use?

We think all travelers develop their own packing method over time. You begin to see what works for you, and you get better and better at it as you travel more.

We’ve heard repeatedly that rolling your clothes is the best way to keep them from wrinkling. Hummm… It’s never worked for us. Maybe it’s the way we roll them. Our backpacker friends swear by this. For big items like pants, skirts, shirts, blouses, and sweaters, … read more

Travel luggage options run the gamut from backpacks to matched sets of luggage. When you go out to buy luggage, first take into consideration your travel style.

Will you be traveling often or only once in a while. Will you be going first class with all of your luggage handled for you, or will you be handling your own luggage?

The way you travel and the way you pack will help you figure out which travel luggage options are good for you. There are all kinds of bags available.

The most popular bags right now seem to be … read more

Making travel luggage recommendations is a little tricky. People have different travel styles and different needs, but if you pick the right bag for your needs it will make your travel life easier.

Generally speaking, the first travel luggage recommendation we’d give you is to get the smallest bag you can live with… preferably carry-on size as far as we’re concerned. This can vary from airline to airline, but a general rule of thumb is a total of 45 inches or 115 cm (height plus length plus depth).

If traveling with only carry-on luggage works for you, you can … read more

I love travel quotes, don’t you? Through the centuries different philosophers, travelers and writers have said things about travel that ring true to all travelers.

Travel quotes tell us why travel is good for us, why travel is good for the world, and sometimes just give us amusing quotes about travel.

There are some quotes about just getting going:

In the 6th century BC, Lao Tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” Now, maybe he was alluding to life experiences in general, but when you are contemplating a trip, sometimes it seems … read more

Affordable Oslo… sounds like an oxymoron doesn’t it?  Scandinavian countries are expensive.  Norway may just top the list.

So what can you do so you can afford to visit this picturesque and lively capital?  For one thing, get outside.  The Norwegians love outdoor activities… so join them and wander in Oslo’s parks for free.

Use public transportation not taxis.  Start by getting the shuttle train in from the airport.  You can buy a 24 hour pass for the public transportation system.  You should also look into the Oslo Pass.

The Oslo Pass will give you free admission to more than 30 museums and … read more