Merry Christmas with a Fast Five About Markets!

I love a great Christmas Market.  I go to Bryant Park in New York every year and it makes my holiday season bright.  There are Christmas Markets the world over, but some of the best and most famous are in Europe.  That being said, here's five awesome ones!

 

 

1.    Nuremberg, Germany.  The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt.  It's open from 10 am to 9 pm from November 29th this year.  They close for the season at 2 pm on Christmas Eve.

There's rides, there's booths of food and gifts, there's arts and crafts for the kids, there's a stagecoach tour.  It's bright, it's festive, it's social and it's delicious.  I can't imagine anything else to say about this one.  Lots to do and it's been around since the time of Martin Luther.  So, add history and English speaking tours to this time honored tradition and it's a good time for all.

https://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X86BncjOAc

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187310-d8820187-Reviews-Nuremberg_Christmas_Market-Nuremberg_Middle_Franconia_Franconia_Bavaria.html

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/nuremberg/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kVMx3EG8Kc

2.    Sallzburg, Austria.  There are many Christmas Markets in Salzburg and all over Austria.  A big fan favorite is the Residenz at Cathedral Square, but there are many.  Residenz opens on November 21st.  All markets are open by November 30th.  Most open at 10 am and close somewhere around 9 pm.  Some close early on Christmas Eve for the season.  Some are open after Christmas.  Some are open for a few hours on Christmas, but I don't advocate for that.  That should be family time.

The Market at Cathedral Square is a great place to gather.  Highly Christian, you get a great traditional feel at this one in addition to all the fun food, shopping, activities and rides.  History is a big part of this market, and there are readings for the kids, and many things that are traditionally about Advent, the Christian faith, and St. Nicholas himself.  It's a great place to gather and enjoy the festivities during the season.

https://www.salzburg.info/en/salzburg/advent/salzburg-christmas-market

https://www.panoramatours.com/en/salzburg/explore/topics/advent-christmas-in-salzburg/christmas-markets-salzburg/

https://www.austria.info/en-uk/highlights/christmas-markets-in-salzburg/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srm-J4SW0PM

https://www.christmasmarketsaustria.com/salzburg.php

3.    The Gdansk Christmas Market.  Gdansk, Poland.   It's historic, it's lively, it's traditional in some ways and progressive in others.  They have shopping, food, arts and crafts activities, art exhibits of light and beauty, and of course, Santa.  This market was voted the best in Europe this year, and the people of Gdansk are proud of the honor and striving to win it again for next year.

The hours for this one are 12 to 8 pm November 22nd through December 23rd.  They're open later on the weekends, and the market sprawls all over downtown.  It may be in the north, but isn't that where Santa likes to be?  

https://bozonarodzeniowy.pl/en/

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/gdansk/#:~:text=From%2022nd%20November%20to%2023rd%20December%202024&text=This%20heralds%20one%20of%20the,dining%20and%20enchanting%20shopping%20zones.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS6miWic07g

https://www.intothebloom.com/gdansk-christmas-market-guide/

https://notesfrompoland.com/2024/11/28/gdansk-christmas-market-voted-best-in-europe/

4.   Go to London!  London has markets everywhere and people visit from all over the world.  There's always so much to do and so much to see.  Every neighborhood and all along the riverfront there are great markets.  Harrods is a great place to visit during the holidays.  It's all amazing, and known around the world.

Most markets run all the way through November and December with varying hours.  You can find a complete listing just about anywhere online, and you can get a map of the markets at tourist information bureaus all around the city.

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/whats-on/christmas/best-christmas-markets-in-london

https://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/christmas-markets-and-fairs-in-london

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/london-christmas-markets/

https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/christmas-markets-festive-fairs-shopping-london

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/london/

5.    Budapest, Hungary and all of their markets!  I've seen this city at the holidays, and it's fabulous.  There are several markets and they all have activities, shopping, lights, food, and on and on.  The most popular one is Vorosmarty Square Market which opens on November 15th and runs all the way through December.  They basically open at 11 am and close at different times on different days of the week.  However, remember that in Hungary, they celebrate those holidays.  The market will close on December 24th at 2 pm.  They will open on Christmas and the day after in the afternoon, but the folks of Budapest enjoy their family time at the holidays.

Budapest has also won best Christmas Market in Europe, just in a separate competition, so I promise you, you'll have a good time.

https://budapest-travel-tips.com/calendar-budapest/christmas-market-in-budapest/#:~:text=The%20V%C3%B6r%C3%B6smarty%20square%20Christmas%20market,15th%20until%20December%2031st%2C%202024.&text=Monday%2DThursday%20and%20Sunday%3A%2011,%3A00%20to%2018%3A00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd6eDVTZ3k0

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g274887-d26851329-Reviews-Budapest_Christmas_Market-Budapest_Central_Hungary.html

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/budapest/

https://www.budapestbylocals.com/budapest-christmas-fair/

There you have it.  Europe is beyond famous for their Christmas Festivals and Markets.  They are ranked by more than one company every year.  There are countless competitions where you can vote for your favorite market and favorite market city.  There's so much to do and so much to see and so much to eat.  It's something that everyone should do for Christmas at least once in a lifetime.  There's nothing quite like it and it's positively intoxicating.  As always, I love to find the best things that you can do while traveling, and I love Christmas Markets.  So, do Christmas the European way this year; pick a venue, pack your bags and enjoy!

https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/christmas-markets/



https://www.eurostar.com/us-en/destinations/christmas-markets

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-christmas-markets-europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/christmas-markets

https://www.insightvacations.com/en-us/destinations/europe/christmas-markets

https://www.goaheadtours.com/tours/special-event-tours/christmas-market-tours

Freebies for the Holidays!

 

I've been writing for years.  I've sold thousands and thousands of books.  This season, I've decided to make all the Kindles absolutely FREE!

So, from 12/20/24 through 12/24/24 all my novels are FREE on Kindle!  check it out!

Happy Holidays!

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Terri-Dixon/author/B06Y1C2MS7?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Just a Word About Points and Cards

 

Just another little bonus blog for you travelers out there.  I'm no expert on playing with points and cards, but I do know a few things.  I've been around the block and I've learned that sometimes cards are worth it and sometimes they are not.

There is no such thing as free.  You will always pay for what you earn when it comes to points.  Should you accept an offer for a Chase or Capital One credit card that offers you a pile of points for signing up?  Sure, as long as it fits your needs and budget.  

Here's what I mean.  Sometimes you'll earn up to 80,000 points when you sign up.  There are rules.  You must spent X amount of dollars in the first one to three months.  You may find that the card has a yearly membership fee upwards to $695.  It's part of the program.  No one wants to give you stuff for free.  Remember that.  It's a business for profit.

That being said, consider your choices carefully.  Does this mean you shouldn't do this?  No.  Points can be useful and they should be taken under consideration.  However, do you really want to spend $4,000 in three months?  Here's my advice.

Consider what your monthly bills are.  Take into consideration how many of those bills you can pay with a credit card.  Consider how much you spend on groceries, gas, fun, clothes and everything else.  Here's what I did.  I didn't buy anything that I wouldn't normally have purchased to meet the amount charged.  I figured out what I spent, and then I put it all on the card and paid it at the end of the month.  NO UNNECESSARY OUTRAGEOUS PURCHASES!  I just put them all in one place and paid that one bill.  I cannot stress enough that you should not put yourself in unnecessary debt to earn points on a credit card.

Therefore, things you should consider while shopping for a points card.  How big is your monthly budget, and will you meet the financial spending requirements to earn the points on the card in the time allotted?  If not, keep shopping for a card.  

Another thing to consider is how easily transferrable the points are.  You can easily find yourself pigeon holed.  What I mean by this is that you may only be able to use the points on the credit card's travel program or you may only be able to use the points on certain deals with the card.  I've seen both of these situations over the years and avoid them like a plague.  There are great cards you can get that allow you the flexibility to use them on their travel program, transfer them to other travel options or even just cash them in.  Flexibility is key, so read the rules carefully before applying.

One of the more obvious things to consider is the yearly fee.  How much do you want to pay each year for your program?  Some of the cards have no fee.  I've seen fees as high as $695 a year.  This is a personal choice.  Make sure you pay attention to the fee that may be required each year for the card.

And finally, check out the fees.  All credit cards have them.  I don't mean interest fees.  You should never charge enough that you have to make payments to catch up anyway.  That's always a huge mistake.  What I'm talking about, in addition to yearly fees, is international fees.  That's right.  It's a huge one.  If you have a card that charges you 3% to 5% transaction fees in foreign countries, you could be paying a fortune while you travel.  The last two countries I visited didn't use cash much if at all.  When choosing a card, find one with no international transaction fees.  You'll save a ton of money, particularly if you're visiting western Europe.

Hopefully my basic advice will help you with your travel bug and the points you desire to collect to help you fund your dream trips.  I can't stress enough that you may want to let your budget guide you more than your dreams, however.  Dream locations tend to be expensive.  That's why they are our dreams.  If you really want to see the world, be practical.  There's so much to see.  Some of my very best trips have been the ones that I planned for a reason other than it was on my bucket list.  Maybe pick an off season or as I always say, "Look at the most popular location in an area, take a hard left and go to a less popular venue."  You'll almost always be surprised.

So, check out the card game, but don't let it become a shell game.  Go ahead and use credit cards for points.  Just make sure you read carefully, choose carefully, don't overspend to get points, and enjoy!

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/l/best-travel-credit-cards-v2/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20929645143&accountid=9033979427&utm_content=157289040403&utm_term=kwd-327472849838&network=g&device=c&placement=&location_physical=9003419&device_model=&creative=693308188533&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLQUq9to0vWSV7A2_2owyO2Eo6iNJ-U6MQM5AivkV7-_BZTBqG4US1BoCjX4QAvD_BwE

https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/travel-and-miles/?external_id=WWW_XXXXX_ZZZ_ONL-SE_ZZZZZ_T_SEM2_ZZZZ_c_Zg_a7136ead-dba5-4140-bd6d-1957cc7386ef_686552190634_771949&target_id=kwd-2862791295&oC=CO5w44SUmn&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLVxx2TxsaTg2FZeeidCxTUoJDXhvLhWOWEQMksqFF-BpKOHWaMMIwBoCLSsQAvD_BwE

https://www.comparecredit.com/credit-cards/tips/best-airline-credit-cards/?utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=9123840126&ad_group_id=97900334571&utm_content=722470581115&utm_medium=search&acquisition=prospect&ad_position=&network=g&ad_extension_id=&placement=&geolocation=9003419&kw=credit%20cards%20with%20travel%20points&kwid=kwd-3604483153&kwmt=e&product=credit_cards&glcid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLXj3elhrCFpGUtPvOR-z7h1GvDug2slDfvvDH0v1xokU--1jWUmCNhoCm3gQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLXj3elhrCFpGUtPvOR-z7h1GvDug2slDfvvDH0v1xokU--1jWUmCNhoCm3gQAvD_BwE

https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/travel

https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel

https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/travel/

https://www.fool.com/money/credit-cards/landing/top-travel-credit-cards/?advertisingadgroupid=129825492419&advertisingadgroupname=ta-cc-co-adw-na-travel-5-na-na&advertisingcampaignid=15229637448&campaign_group=643982279418&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLZYi5H7tLRp68wvZFYVdm5TqXbwOnwnBFHcUsFs5XrRfHOz_mhlwCRoCzDIQAvD_BwE&publisher=ta-cc-co-adw-na-travel-5-na-na&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&testId=ta-cc-travel&cellId=2&campaign=the-ascent&source_system_name=fool_splitter

https://financebuzz.com/top-travel-credit-cards-f?utm_source=GoogleAdWords&utm_medium=paid-native&utm_campaign=SG-FBZ-PM-CreditCards-Consolidated-tROAS_21175616867_&utm_content=&utm_term=&mt=&device=c&devicemodel=&targetid=&target=&keyword=&campaignid=21175616867&adgroupid=21175616867&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmMC6BhA6EiwAdN5iLUSiSN63mLQCmYIfDsewSiPZUwegKF1fCdJ6iWZS58xucWjEQCyY3RoC8x8QAvD_BwE

https://karaandnate.com/travel-credit-cards/

I Always Enjoy the Plumbing When I'm in Europe...Portugal was No Exception!

 

This is just a short bonus blog this week.  I've spent a good amount of time in Europe over decades, and one of the things that always intrigues me is the toilets.  I'm not joking.  Everywhere you go, the toilets are different.  They are a form of art in Europe, and I'm always fascinated.

I've seen so many kinds of toilets, that I can't cover it all here.  I've pushed buttons, stepped on floor buttons, pulled chains, held valves open, flushed, and even dealt with bidets.  Some have water in the bowl, some don't.  Some have seats, some don't.  It's always an adventure.  In public toilets be prepared to pay a half Euro or a Euro to go.  It's the way it is.  I love the toilets in apartments and hotels; they normally have a toilet and a bidet, with a sprayer for the toilet.  It's wild to us Americans.

One of the things that I rarely saw was an automatic flush toilet.  They aren't popular in Portugal at any rate.  Some of the toilets I saw were as old as plumbing itself, but few automatic modern models.  I actually only saw automatic flush at the airport.  While it is true that I didn't visit every toilet in Porto, I saw a good sampling and no automatic flushes.  I even saw some that asked you not to flush the toilet paper and had a receptacle next to the toilet for the paper. 

So, remember when in Europe, pay attention.  We hear all the time about the extremely modern toilets in Japan.  We haven't flushed a public toilet in ten years here in America.  Europe is an experience.  Germany is home to the largest toilet in the world.  Europeans have kept all of their history alive and we should experience and enjoy it; toilets are no exception.  While you're making plans for museums and wonderful views, don't forget to notice the evolution of plumbing in Europe that's right in front of you all day. I promise, it will enrich your trip and it's something to fully enjoy!

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/health/toilet-tricks

https://www.ourescapeclause.com/toilets-in-europe/

https://medium.com/@nathanschen/thoughts-on-european-bathrooms-f775f66788ff

https://ortonbaths.com/the-significance-of-wc-in-european-toilet-terminology/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyepcOa0-j8

https://algarvedailynews.com/readers-views/5004-world-s-cleanest-bathrooms-are-in-portugal

Hot Waters, Mud Volcanos, and a Rift as Old as Time on This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.    Laugavallalaug Hot Spring (or Hot Pot), Highlands of East Iceland.  Iceland is famous for a lot of things and all things thermal head that list.  The highlands of Iceland are a beautiful but wild place and this is one of those times that most people will want to take a tour.  The one that comes to mind is traveling with Bliss Mobil.  This is the luxury way to take a trip in the highlands, with luxury RV's specifically created for overlanding a country like Iceland.  You can choose from a variety of sizes and styles of RV and there will always be a support group with you as you make your way along your route.

That being said, you can always make other arrangements for traveling in the highlands.  I've done it on a budget just by taking the bus to a stop and renting a farmhouse in the interior; hiking on day trips from that location and then returning to Reykjavik.  So don't think you have to book a luxury tour.  

The thing about finding a natural hot spring in the highlands is that these are the most pure and natural settings.  The Blue Lagoon (If you can find it open between volcanic eruptions) is fine.  The local pool complexes and seaside hot tubs are great.  But, if you want to visit a truly natural setting hot spring, Laugavallalaug is a great spot, because not only do you have a strictly natural view, you have a waterfall to see and swim under.

https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/laugavallalaug

https://www.blissmobil.com/

https://icelandtravelguide.is/locations/laugavallalaug-hot-spring/?srsltid=AfmBOorZMClSoGkCdQqXohw0S1Qw87JHRe5EYx8vFvOwl69AqMQAYu31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsbNhK2Kpw8

https://anywhereweroam.com/iceland-highlands/

2.    The Hebron Dual Tours, Jerusalem, Israel.  That's right, I said it.  I know it's dangerous to visit Israel these days, but that always provides a conundrum for me.  How can you understand anything without learning about it first hand?

There are a couple of companies that provide the Dual Tour; one of them is AbrahamTours, but there are more.  This gives you a day with the morning on the Israeli side and the afternoon on the Palestinian side.  Sounds like a true adventure, right?

I believe that tolerance is only gained through education and understanding.  This tour provides meetings and visits to different areas that allow you to learn about both sides of this age old controversy.  It gives you the chance to make up your own mind about the issues that this part of the world live with 24/7 365 days a year.  I highly recommend it as one of the most educational tours you'll ever take.

https://www.abrahamtours.com/tours/hebron-tour/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293983-d2422852-r682321636-Abraham_Tours-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

https://www.musement.com/us/jerusalem/hebron-dual-narrative-tour-48668/

https://www.viator.com/tours/Jerusalem/Hebron-Day-Trip-from-Jerusalem-Israeli-Palestinian-Sites/d921-6540HEBRON

https://www.arwtravels.com/blog/hebron-dual-narrative-tour-most-divided-city-middle-east

https://www.gojerusalem.com/items/994/Hebron-Dual-Narrative-Tour/

3.    Mount Entoto Natural Park and Kuriftu Resort and Spa, Bishoftu, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  That's a mouthful, but basically what I'm talking about is an amazing natural area with more activities and magnificent views than you can possibly imagine, and all not far from Ethiopia's capital.

The spa is everything you can imagine from luxury services and luxury accommodations to adventure and nature.  There's a hotel, and there's also camping facilities (more along glamping).  You can take part in so many excursions and activities, you'll never run out of things to do.  And all in a natural African setting that is unmatched.

You can zip line, hike, go off roading with ATV's.  You can do watersports and the list goes on and on.  You can also spend your time getting a massage or hot stone therapy amongst so much more at the spa on site.  It's a great way to be pampered and be in the middle of nature with amazing views, and all just outside Addis Ababa.

https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?selected=18799607&locale=en_US&HotelID=18799607&siteid=1&semcid=US.UB.GOOGLE.PT-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a115093754495.b1130884031602.g1aud-2051518675148%3Akwd-844544804135.e1c.m1CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoGOHKzYZidt1ickwNC-h36Lt236zX-_gCsx3NSfAD_heYjy3C8_dihoCSWQQAvD_BwE.r149da2b7d0d03af54a5abc265ed7f4c30038d63af6bcb4e09baaad36b7fe5dcc3.c1D7y61b5HhZOc5fIrs7EcvQ.j19003419.k1.d1558125288346.h1e.i1.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9bq6BhAKEiwAH6bqoGOHKzYZidt1ickwNC-h36Lt236zX-_gCsx3NSfAD_heYjy3C8_dihoCSWQQAvD_BwE&startDate=2024-12-17&endDate=2024-12-18&regionId=6221175&destination=Kuriftu%20Resort%20%26%20Spa%20Bishoftu&theme=&userIntent=&useRewards=true&sort=RECOMMENDED

https://kurifturesorts.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1510664-d1813539-Reviews-Kuriftu_Resort_Spa_Bishoftu-Bishoftu_Oromiya_Region.html

https://www.hotels.com/ho602587424/kuriftu-resort-spa-bishoftu-debre-zeyit-ethiopia/

https://www.brilliant-ethiopia.com/hotels/luxury/kuriftu-resorts

4.    The Hargeisa Money Market, Hargeisa, Somaliland.  If this isn't one of the most unique markets I've ever heard of, wow.  Most of the time when we visit a market in a foreign country, we look at crafts, produce and groceries, clothing and art.  It's a way of life for the traveler.  Most of us who travel visit a market to get an idea of the city we've just landed in.  What do they eat?  What do they wear?  It's a good way to get acquainted with your vacation venue.

The Hargeisa Market is unique, and to be fair, came to exist out of inflation.  There was a time when $1 got you 10,000 Somaliland Shillings.  That's a crazy exchange rate.  Nowadays, Somaliland has gone quite digital, so if you have service while in the country, ZAAD is the service that you can use right on your phone.  You can exchange money, and pay with ZAAD.  It's similar to Google Pay or Ally Pay in China.  

However, if you want that cash experience, you'll certainly have it at the market.  You will find vendor after vendor with piles of money just waiting to make a deal.  You'll also feel really rich when you need a wheelbarrow to take your currency with you.  It's not a lot of value, and that's why there are no thieves robbing the vendors in the market.  The Somaliland Shilling is virtually worthless, but a trip to the market can be a hoot.  Just remember, it would take over 100,000 Shillings to buy a Big Mac meal, so it's pretty much just for fun.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g482880-d15685315-i481094030-Somaliland_Travel_Agency-Hargeysa_Somaliland.html

https://saxafimedia.com/money-kilograms-unique-market-somaliland/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QjCBRrd9p4

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170912-the-surprising-place-where-cash-is-going-extinct

https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/mobile-for-development/programme/mobile-money/developing-a-currency-exchange-functionality-to-drive-mobile-money-usage-a-new-mobile-money-innovation-in-somaliland/

5.    The Mud Volcanos of Azerbaijan.  Azerbaijan is home to the world's largest concentration of mud volcanos.  They have half of the entire world's known mud volcanos and they also have some of the largest mud volcanos.  They are scattered around the country, but the country is small and the landscape is one of a kind.  I say, enjoy the car rental and take some day trips while visiting Baku.

Some of the larger volcanos are Boyuk, Kanizadag, and Toraghai.  The volcanos emit mud, obviously, but some of them shoot flames into the air on a regular basis.  They're mostly found in the desert, because it's a desert country.

If you enjoy natural phenomena, this is a great place to visit.  If you love volcanos, it's a must see.  There are several places to see them, so take your pick.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1071609-d3988978-Reviews-Mud_Volcanoes-Qobustan_Daghlig_Shirvan_Region.html

https://azerbaijan.travel/explore-mud-volcanoes-near-baku

https://nature.new7wonders.com/wonders/mud-volcanoes-azerbaijan/

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/azerbaijan-mud-volcanoes/index.html

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/mud-volcanoes-of-azerbaijan

And there you have it.  I found some weird stuff this week, but I would love to see any bit of it  I hope you agree and find an adventure that suits you listed here.  I'll be back soon with more potential adventures and some good advice.  In the mean time, pick an adventure and enjoy!