I visit the Christmas Markets in Vienna just about every year. One thing I make sure to pack (not just for the Christmas Markets) is a strong carabiner. It never fails that the mug that I want most gets sold out immediately & I have to buy one of the ones in circulation (or not buy, but just not get back the Pfand/refund) . Obviously, it's super sticky & clipping it onto my carabiner frees up my hands so I can use them to stuff Raclette in my face. Thank you for another great video, Laurie!
My husband and I are 78 years old, and we're going on a bucket list Christmas Market Tour Dec 2024. We fly to Zurich, spend 2 nights there, then 3 in Lucerne, 2 in Basel, 3 in Strasbourg, 2 in Cologne, and 1 in Koblenz, returning home from Frankfurt. We will have the Eurailpass, which should help a lot. We tried not to have to pack up every night, but I think I overplanned on the number of hotels. We were hoping to see the markets from Zurich all the way to Cologne, but it feels like a bit much as December gets closer. So glad for your suggestions. We will fly carry on, but our hotel in Strasbourg (half way point) has a washer and dryer, so we'll have clean clothing! I loved your suggestion about booking tours during the daylight hours, before visiting the markets. And I want to do other things than walk around in the cold, so a gondola ride out of Lucerne is on my list. Thank you for your videos. You are really a big help!
Went to Vienna last December. It was so amazing that I want to go on a Christmas market trip every year now! Also it was freezing and I wore my full length hooded down coat every day. Always, always, check the weather well in advance and then track it to see if it changes.
Omg. So many museums, sites to see, history. We went to the opera! I have a friend who lives there and is actually an art historian so she was amazing as a guide. My parents, who are immigrants to the US, always talked about passing through Vienna as refugees and I never was interested in going. But now I’ve been there twice and if I had to pick a European city to live in, it would be Vienna. Really the perfect city!!
I was there the December prior and wow it was fantastic! This past December we were lucky enough to go to Tallinn Estonia and I highly recommend it too! Absolutely one of my new favorites. I'm ready to go back to both places!!
Does my heart good to see my Packing Queen occasionally forgets something. I get so frustrated with myself when I don’t have what I want. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Laurie, you are a rock star. We just booked Uniworld Christmas market cruise. Living in GA, I have next to NO cold weather clothes. I will be shopping your suggestions soon. You do the best practical travel videos on the tube.
We're doing the Christmas Markets this December: 3 days in Munich, 3 days in Strasbourg, 3 days in Paris. I love the trains in Europe. We picked three towns with great train links to visit other cities.
I was on Christmas Market cruise on Rhine at same time. I was repeatedly snowed on and occasionally rain. Still it was awesome. Weather proof hooded jacket layered over vest, plus layers, scarf and ear warmer, and my rainproof boots that came up my ankles that had grip on bottoms provided a variety of protection. Carried small umbrella in backpack, never used it, too crowded.
We are doing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and Cologna. Going Dec. 3. Your travel info is always so good. Cologna has 6 markets in that city so no traveling out of city but Frankfurt we are planning on taking the train to smaller cities around that area. I have never seen the coat with straps to put on your back. Last time we went I took a down jacket turning our the weather so I had to buy a coat much lighter I love that coat. Problem I had a coat with a nice big hood it kept falling down my face so I had ball cap, I put it on my head and put the hood up and lt held the hood up and it never was falling over my face. Thanks for all the trips keep them coming
Hi here is the water-resistant one (they don’t show on the site): bit.ly/3NSPkBQ and here is a puffer jacket: bit.ly/3YLjCLT They should also pop up when I talk about them during the video.
I went to the Christmas Market in Frankfurt last year and used Apple Pay just about everywhere. Same in a more recent trip to Norway and Great Britain. Always love to see your videos😊
I have been to many Christmas markets. Lots of rain, but not very cold except one time in Salzburg when our fingers were so cold that we bought mittens to go over our gloves!
Hi Laurie! I was stationed in Germany in 1974-1976 and I loved the Christmas market. I was in Hanau so the market wasn’t really big, so I could imagine the big cities are awesome! My friend that I was stationed with is accompanying me and we’re going to Frankfurt, Nuremberg and others on a trail to Berlin. And a stop in Rothenburg. We are so excited! We’ve been meeting each other in Chicago for their Christmas market, for several years now. Thanks for all the tips!
It makes me sad you missed out and had to adapt and overcome on your travels. However, it makes me feel a little less bad when I forget simple things on my travels. I don’t travel nearly as often as you, and if an expert also forgets little things I consider myself in good company. 😊 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you show me how to pack when you’re traveling I learned so much from you and you on RUclips channel. So much I know how to do packing for a trip great job 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️✌️
Hi. I’m also a seasoned, organized traveler who forgets to pack items sometimes. So frustrating! Have you considered doing a video on “juice jacking” from outlets that have been tampered with to steal your data when you plug in to charge (such as in an airport)? Amazon has small, inexpensive USB adapters that block data from transferring from your device.
We went to a Christmas market in Chicago last year (just a 2 hr drive from where we live near Milwaukee), and yes, the whitish hat and coat I wore really showed up on photos. I also put a piece of moleskin on the inside brim of the hat to cut down or prevent pigment from my sunscreen or makeup getting on the inside of the hat!
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Chicago was nice. We’re going to NYC the first week of December, and I hear Bryant Park has a nice little market. Plus, everything will be decorated for the Christmas season!
Laurie we are going on a Rhine River cruise next spring. Do we need a converter AND adapters? I’m a planner and I am slowly purchasing the thing we will need on our trip. I appreciate your help!
Thanks for this! Visiting the Christmas markets in Dec and staying with a friend who lives in the Rhineland-Palatinate state in Germany. Been watching your videos for months and proud I was able to pack for a week in Boston in one smallish 20 inch carry on, so Germany in the winter is going to be my big test!
I was hoping you would do a Christmas market video! Thank you so much for this! Im going on a Christmas Markets river cruise this December and i cant wait.
This is perfect timing as I will be going on a river cruise in December (Danube) beginning in Budapest and ending in Vienna. I may watch this multiple times 😉
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie packing tips, mostly, as I like to travel carry-on only (single traveler so need to pack light). Your videos helped me so much when I went to Greece last summer ☺️
Hi there, Laurie! I have so appreciated your traveling tips for the past few years now! My husband and I are going to visit our daughter who just moved to Berlin less than a year ago, leaving Thanksgiving day and staying till about December 7! We’re going to be in Berlin and then Munich, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with finding some of the pieces I need for my layers, specifically,thin but very warm and moisture wicking socks, and also Merino wool hat and scarf… Any help there would be amazing! Thank you so so so much for all that you do!❤
I would try a few and return what you do not love. I would think you can find quality scarves there so one would be good. Unbound is $$$ but they most likely have free returns so just try it. And have so much fun!
So glad you did this topic! My older son and I are going to London and Paris around Thanksgiving. Christmas markets are on the "to do" list. I've been concerned about how to dress and stay warm. I'm a subscriber and have watched so many of your videos, this one was specific to my upcoming trip 🎉🎉 Your efforts are so appreciated 😊
It’s your lucky day because they’re sold out at Nordstrom but I found the brand and they sent me three! TRAVEL20 is 20% off $100 and TRAVEL15 is $15% off $70. Here is the water repellent one but they have so many. I’m talking about them and showing them in a video that’s coming out tomorrow or Sunday: liketk.it/4ULuV
I have a ring attachment that's stuck onto the back of my phone case. Makes it easy to prop my phone up to watch RUclips, Netflix etc plus I can put my finger through the ring to hold it more securely to avoid dropping it or someone snatching it from me.
@TravelTipsbyLaurie as my finger is through the ring it'd be hard for someone to pull it off me. I mainly use it to avoid dropping my phone on the ground 😁
Hi there, i enjoy watching your videos. Would you consider making video of the destinations you visit, places you see, where you stay and also things to do. Thank you
@@Kimberly-Army You will love it; the best time is at dusk and evening for all the twinkly lights. Research how to take pics at night so pics will be crisp. Have so much fun. Here are 2 new videos that may help: bit.ly/ChristmasMarketDoNOTForget and bit.ly/TipsHowToAvoidPickpockets
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie I added a light colored hat to my list. Could see how that would help in pictures! Thank you for tips. I’m still confused about whether you can take Dayquill/Nyquil to these countries in case a cold comes up.
@@BamaBunny8 If going from the US, that is medical so it could be packed. If you are connecting through a foreign airport, I do not know that country's rules. Or could you buy something from a pharmacy over there? Have a great Christmas Market Trip!
Laurie, Can you do a video or give us your itinerary that you did? I assume you stayed at a hotel but how did you know where the markets were? How many did you go to? Would love more info on that.
We are going on a river cruise in April 2025. How was the weather on your trip? I’ve checked average temps but wondered about rain at that time of the year.
Laurie, can I ask what kind of plug to use in Belgium? Type C or Type E? I ask because I have a stopover in the UK for a night before heading to Brussels for a week. The only electronics I’m bringing are my phone and my dual voltage curling brush (so I don’t need a converter). Can I get away with bringing JUST a universal adapter (which has both the UK and the Type C prongs)… OR should I bring an additional Type E adapter as well? Any advice is appreciated!
Hi Laurie, I wanted to know if you have faced any issues in other countries just for being a US citizen recently. I want to travel but Im worried due to the country’s current state and reputation that I’ll have some sort of discrimination and become some target for whatever
Hi Lori. Love your videos! I have a question about this one. You mentioned your mother‘s CPAP machine motor. I’ve been using a CPAP for many years and I have no idea how to even separate that? What do you mean when they asked her to separate her CPAP motor? Thank you very much!
Laurie… we are going on a Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube in December. Love all your tips, but wonder if I need to bring a rolling carry on to the markets to take gifts back to the ship. Or do they mail home anything you buy? Hate to think about lugging around packages all day. Thanks for any suggestions! LOVE your travel Hacks! 16:10
What the gals did on my trip is they brought a super thin backpack to walk around in, and they put their goodies in that each day. They checked a duffel of dirty clothes and packed their stuff in clothing for their carryon and personal item
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Thank you so much! That is what we planned to do, but I wondered if anyone took a rolling carry on… cobblestone streets might not be good. We can’t wait!
@@deniseamat4380 You can totally do that, but another tip is the you are sandwiched in because they are so crowded at night. If you visit during the day, it is far less crowded. But at night is when they are magical b/c of the twinkling lights etc.
We were staying in Dresden, Germany end of November. One evening we took the trolley (not quite a train but it ran on rails) into town for the Christmas market. About 9:30 or so that night we are on the trolley back. All of a sudden the trolley veered off the main track onto a side street…stopped…lights off…driver grabs their stuff and walks to their house on that street. The tourists were all looking at each other…the locals hopped off. Apparently they have a hard stop at a certain time. We were still about a mile from our hotel. Couldn’t get a cell signal to find an Uber so we walked in the freezing cold back to our hotel. So yeah…research transportation options and schedules. 🤣
Some great ideas, but gosh, it's over 100 degrees out there, with such high humidity, going out to the alleyway to put garbage in the can feels like being waterboarded! It's too early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😂 BTW, that ankle length Ecco 'sneaker', I got in January at an outlet store in metro Detroit, so may not be sold out everywhere. Definitely, even if it will be colder weather, you need short sleeved and sleeveless T's!! BTW, I keep what I think will be enough cash for immediate purposes in a zippered pocket, away from my wallet, so if it is stolen, I'm not losing much.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Lake Louise is gorgeous. Good thing you're not there now, the whole West is burning, we get the fire even here, a couple of thousand km away. It's kind of far from me. Detroit in January (as in every other month) - because if my knees were better, I could walk to downtown Detroit from my house (I live right on the border) and Windsor is a really lousy place to shop. I think I buy more of my groceries at Trader Joes and Aldi in metro Detroit than I do in Canada!
You are putting me in the Christmas spirit already. The opening scene was just magical. I sit here in Texas with a feels like temp of already a hot , humid 101 degrees and dream of getting back to Europe. It probably won’t be this year, but 2025. I cannot wait! I can’t decide which Christmas market I want to go to…ALL of them😂😂, but I do want it to be cold. ❄️❄️. How many days do you recommend to take it all in without being rushed? Your tips are always so helpful and I always end up on Amazon or Nordstrom with something new in my cart. 💕🇨🇱💕
Ha! 100 degrees here today in Houston. I would research which other ones you would visit from your home base. I'm eyeing Vienna. But a direct flight from Houston to Munich may be easier. Maybe a river cruise to see them all.
So hot!! We could fly out of DFW or Houston from where we are in East Texas. I have been eyeing Vienna as well as Strasbourg. My son went to the one in Stuttgart, while he was overseas for work. It was smaller, but still looked like a scene from a Hallmark movie. 💕💕🎄
As a boater I always carry a pair of waterproof socks incase I get caught in unanticipated foul weather. I have a pair of light weight waterproof Hoka hiking boots that serves me well because I have a wobbly ankle I they kept my ankle stabilized over all the cobble stone walks
I wondered the same thing. The wives with me got the mugs like I mentioned. There is alot of local food, hot chocolate, mulled wine, trinkets hand made (but alot of cheap things too), local artisan goods, cheese etc. They are all different. That is why my tip to see other ones is good to plan.
My Christmas Market travel essentials that I forgot:
Water-repellent jacket: bit.ly/3NSPkBQ (in stock)
*NEW* down jacket: bit.ly/3SdSIJU
Pink waterproof jacket: bit.ly/4dnQ8sY (similar)
Striped sweater: amzn.to/4b7BLZE
Carry-On luggage: amzn.to/46r8zuJ
Backpack (15.6): amzn.to/3Hl05cK
Gloves: amzn.to/4ds5HA0
Clip for zipper: amzn.to/4aZDjoh
Hat with poof (not fleece lined): bit.ly/4eDPfy1
Blue sneaker boots: bit.ly/45MHala
Ecco sneaker: bit.ly/4bpjvKa
Waterproof sneaker: bit.ly/4eDPfy1
Inserts: amzn.to/3Yoq9gQ
Slippers: amzn.to/3Yu79NP
Black pants (size up one): bit.ly/3TJkzU4
Amazon pants (many colors): amzn.to/3LNlgGv
Striped gray sweater: amzn.to/4b7BLZE
Crossbody bag: amzn.to/3HaaqYQ
Umbrella: amzn.to/48RDW1Y
RFID wallet: amzn.to/4dSMWXo
Hidden money belt: amzn.to/3StMupC
Charger: amzn.to/3KimEAi
Adapters: amzn.to/47ZlYtU
Converter: amzn.to/3QHoy0b
Phone prop: amzn.to/3L52Lgj
*Forgot* to mention backpack with clipping zippers: amzn.to/3SMKY2g
Other travel tip videos:
Do I need to pack a converter: bit.ly/AdapterTravelConverter
Must-haves: bit.ly/NoPickpocketGearFromAmazon
Ideas for long flights: bit.ly/Outfits4LongFlights
I visit the Christmas Markets in Vienna just about every year. One thing I make sure to pack (not just for the Christmas Markets) is a strong carabiner. It never fails that the mug that I want most gets sold out immediately & I have to buy one of the ones in circulation (or not buy, but just not get back the Pfand/refund) . Obviously, it's super sticky & clipping it onto my carabiner frees up my hands so I can use them to stuff Raclette in my face. Thank you for another great video, Laurie!
My husband and I are 78 years old, and we're going on a bucket list Christmas Market Tour Dec 2024. We fly to Zurich, spend 2 nights there, then 3 in Lucerne, 2 in Basel, 3 in Strasbourg, 2 in Cologne, and 1 in Koblenz, returning home from Frankfurt. We will have the Eurailpass, which should help a lot. We tried not to have to pack up every night, but I think I overplanned on the number of hotels. We were hoping to see the markets from Zurich all the way to Cologne, but it feels like a bit much as December gets closer. So glad for your suggestions. We will fly carry on, but our hotel in Strasbourg (half way point) has a washer and dryer, so we'll have clean clothing! I loved your suggestion about booking tours during the daylight hours, before visiting the markets. And I want to do other things than walk around in the cold, so a gondola ride out of Lucerne is on my list. Thank you for your videos. You are really a big help!
Oh how magical! It is kind of tiring packing up often. But maybe pack outfits together. Wow it’s going to be great
Went to Vienna last December. It was so amazing that I want to go on a Christmas market trip every year now! Also it was freezing and I wore my full length hooded down coat every day. Always, always, check the weather well in advance and then track it to see if it changes.
Totally! What did you do during the day there?
Omg. So many museums, sites to see, history. We went to the opera! I have a friend who lives there and is actually an art historian so she was amazing as a guide. My parents, who are immigrants to the US, always talked about passing through Vienna as refugees and I never was interested in going. But now I’ve been there twice and if I had to pick a European city to live in, it would be Vienna. Really the perfect city!!
@@vtcs1963 Wow so special going there I bet!!
I was there the December prior and wow it was fantastic! This past December we were lucky enough to go to Tallinn Estonia and I highly recommend it too! Absolutely one of my new favorites. I'm ready to go back to both places!!
What app is best for weather in Europe?
Merrill sells a spray for your shoes that will waterproof your shoes, it works really well
Does my heart good to see my Packing Queen occasionally forgets something. I get so frustrated with myself when I don’t have what I want. Thanks for sharing ❤️
Oh and the last thing!!! I was so mad at myself
This will be my first Christmas Market in Edinburgh. You’ve helped me a great deal with minimising my carry-on, and I’d like to thank you Laurie 😊
Have fun! Hope it’s delightful
Laurie, you are a rock star. We just booked Uniworld Christmas market cruise. Living in GA, I have next to NO cold weather clothes. I will be shopping your suggestions soon. You do the best practical travel videos on the tube.
Have fun! You’ll do fine.
We're doing the Christmas Markets this December: 3 days in Munich, 3 days in Strasbourg, 3 days in Paris. I love the trains in Europe. We picked three towns with great train links to visit other cities.
Ooh have so much fun!
Thanks for the tips! Doing my first River Cruise, which is a Christmas Market Cruise. 3 weeks from today!
Have fun!
Going to Strasbourg, France this December for the Christmas markets! Thank you for the handy tips🖖🏻Love your channel❣️
Oh what a sweet one! Hopefully you can visit others nearby.
Me too!
I was on Christmas Market cruise on Rhine at same time. I was repeatedly snowed on and occasionally rain. Still it was awesome. Weather proof hooded jacket layered over vest, plus layers, scarf and ear warmer, and my rainproof boots that came up my ankles that had grip on bottoms provided a variety of protection. Carried small umbrella in backpack, never used it, too crowded.
Sooo crowded! I meant to say to be prepared to be breathing on very close strangers.
First trip coming up at the beginning of Dec. So excited. Thanks for your tips.
Ooh I have a first time to a Christmas Market video coming out tomorrow!
Thanks for having a cold themed video on this scorching hot day in Canada. Going to the European Christmas markets is top of my travel bucket list.
It's so fun and magical. We're hitting 100 degrees today in Houston!
We are doing Christmas Markets in Frankfurt and Cologna. Going Dec. 3. Your travel info is always so good. Cologna has 6 markets in that city so no traveling out of city but Frankfurt we are planning on taking the train to smaller cities around that area. I have never seen the coat with straps to put on your back. Last time we went I took a down jacket turning our the weather so I had to buy a coat much lighter I love that coat. Problem I had a coat with a nice big hood it kept falling down my face so I had ball cap, I put it on my head and put the hood up and lt held the hood up and it never was falling over my face. Thanks for all the trips keep them coming
did you add straps to carry the jacket yourself I can find it
Oh I’ve gotta go. April was my last visit.
Hi here is the water-resistant one (they don’t show on the site): bit.ly/3NSPkBQ and here is a puffer jacket: bit.ly/3YLjCLT They should also pop up when I talk about them during the video.
I went to the Christmas Market in Frankfurt last year and used Apple Pay just about everywhere. Same in a more recent trip to Norway and Great Britain. Always love to see your videos😊
Thanks for sharing! The wives told me somebody’s account got broken into while doing that the previous winter 🤷🏼♀️
Just booked our first Christmas market trip, great video, thank you!
I have been to many Christmas markets. Lots of rain, but not very cold except one time in Salzburg when our fingers were so cold that we bought mittens to go over our gloves!
They can be quite comfortable. The forecast was mid 40s and 40% chance of rain. Hope these packing tips help.
Hi Laurie! I was stationed in Germany in 1974-1976 and I loved the Christmas market. I was in Hanau so the market wasn’t really big, so I could imagine the big cities are awesome! My friend that I was stationed with is accompanying me and we’re going to Frankfurt, Nuremberg and others on a trail to Berlin. And a stop in Rothenburg. We are so excited! We’ve been meeting each other in Chicago for their Christmas market, for several years now.
Thanks for all the tips!
Ooh those will be beautiful I bet!!! And so nice to be there together!
I'm doing a solo trip from Bavaria (Munich) to Austria to Slovakia to Hungary this Christmas!! I can hardly wait!! Thank you for all the tips!
Hope you enjoy it!
It makes me sad you missed out and had to adapt and overcome on your travels. However, it makes me feel a little less bad when I forget simple things on my travels. I don’t travel nearly as often as you, and if an expert also forgets little things I consider myself in good company. 😊 Thank you for sharing!
Avalon Christmas cruise day after thanksgiving ❤️
I’m doing the one in Dec. have a great time.
Love Duluth Trading Dry on the fly shorts, capris and pants that can be turned into capris ❤❤❤❤
Hi there! Thanks for the tips. Going to Brussels and Bruges this December (2024) for the Christmas 🎄 markets. 😊
Have such a beautiful time! Maybe Bruges is the one that was closed certain days. I cannot remember. So we went to another city.
I’m going to Germany for the first time this fall, and saving this video 👏🏼 So glad you made this for those of us first timers 😂
I’m so glad this will help. I know you’ll have a fun and exhausting time.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Absolutely! Going for a wedding! I’ll need a vacation from my vacation by the time I’m back stateside 😆
Thank you show me how to pack when you’re traveling I learned so much from you and you on RUclips channel. So much I know how to do packing for a trip great job 👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️✌️
I'm so glad! Have many great travels
Hi. I’m also a seasoned, organized traveler who forgets to pack items sometimes. So frustrating! Have you considered doing a video on “juice jacking” from outlets that have been tampered with to steal your data when you plug in to charge (such as in an airport)? Amazon has small, inexpensive USB adapters that block data from transferring from your device.
Hi I have used a NORD vpn🤷🏼♀️. I’m not techy so that would be a hard one for me but useful. Never heard of that term but it’s so important.
My first is this year. 🎉 Germany.
EEEK one of the best I have heard.
Going on a river Christmas on the Rhine in Dec, very excited!
Hope you enjoy it! We loved the Rhine
Thank you for this! Doing a Rhine River riverboat Christmas market trip in Dec and just love your videos in general, so this was a true bonus! 🌲
Ugh after all these years I could not believe I forgot some of these essentials. Have a beautiful cruise!
We went to a Christmas market in Chicago last year (just a 2 hr drive from where we live near Milwaukee), and yes, the whitish hat and coat I wore really showed up on photos. I also put a piece of moleskin on the inside brim of the hat to cut down or prevent pigment from my sunscreen or makeup getting on the inside of the hat!
Ooh I love moleskins as band-aids and half blister protectors! I too want to go to a Christmas Market in the US.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Chicago was nice. We’re going to NYC the first week of December, and I hear Bryant Park has a nice little market. Plus, everything will be decorated for the Christmas season!
Laurie we are going on a Rhine River cruise next spring. Do we need a converter AND adapters? I’m a planner and I am slowly purchasing the thing we will need on our trip. I appreciate your help!
Watching this by 30°C, feeling now refreshed... 🥵🥶
Yes supposed to be 100° today here
I am going to Strasbourg France in December for their Christmas markets! Thanks for the tips!!
It’s going to be beautiful! That may be the one that was closed certain days?? Surely not. There was one.
I bought the waterproof OnCloud sneakers you recommended. They are super comfortable for daily use and will be great for rainy days.
Thanks for this! Visiting the Christmas markets in Dec and staying with a friend who lives in the Rhineland-Palatinate state in Germany. Been watching your videos for months and proud I was able to pack for a week in Boston in one smallish 20 inch carry on, so Germany in the winter is going to be my big test!
Sounds great! It is a test but mixing and matching will help. Remember that a sweater will not be dirty if you rewear t-shirts under them.
Yay! Hello Laurie, thanks for sharing with us! God Bless you and your family!
Same to you!
I was hoping you would do a Christmas market video! Thank you so much for this! Im going on a Christmas Markets river cruise this December and i cant wait.
This is perfect timing as I will be going on a river cruise in December (Danube) beginning in Budapest and ending in Vienna. I may watch this multiple times 😉
What would be helpful for you? What do you think passengers like yourself would search for?
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie packing tips, mostly, as I like to travel carry-on only (single traveler so need to pack light). Your videos helped me so much when I went to Greece last summer ☺️
I would recommend taking a day pack to hold your purchases. You can also put a water bottle in it to keep your hands free.
Such a great tip for the Christmas Markets!
Hi there, Laurie! I have so appreciated your traveling tips for the past few years now! My husband and I are going to visit our daughter who just moved to Berlin less than a year ago, leaving Thanksgiving day and staying till about December 7! We’re going to be in Berlin and then Munich, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with finding some of the pieces I need for my layers, specifically,thin but very warm and moisture wicking socks, and also Merino wool hat and scarf… Any help there would be amazing! Thank you so so so much for all that you do!❤
I would try a few and return what you do not love. I would think you can find quality scarves there so one would be good. Unbound is $$$ but they most likely have free returns so just try it. And have so much fun!
So glad you did this topic! My older son and I are going to London and Paris around Thanksgiving. Christmas markets are on the "to do" list. I've been concerned about how to dress and stay warm. I'm a subscriber and have watched so many of your videos, this one was specific to my upcoming trip 🎉🎉 Your efforts are so appreciated 😊
I’ve been buying woolx clothes. It is expensive but I always get something when it’s on sale.
Thank you for the information 👍@@rachelsuchla2408
I love the idea of jacket straps. Where can I find them?
It’s your lucky day because they’re sold out at Nordstrom but I found the brand and they sent me three! TRAVEL20 is 20% off $100 and TRAVEL15 is $15% off $70. Here is the water repellent one but they have so many. I’m talking about them and showing them in a video that’s coming out tomorrow or Sunday: liketk.it/4ULuV
I have a ring attachment that's stuck onto the back of my phone case. Makes it easy to prop my phone up to watch RUclips, Netflix etc plus I can put my finger through the ring to hold it more securely to avoid dropping it or someone snatching it from me.
Good point, but the phone is the easiest item to steal that can make thieves rich quick. Just be very observant if holding it while walking around.
@TravelTipsbyLaurie as my finger is through the ring it'd be hard for someone to pull it off me. I mainly use it to avoid dropping my phone on the ground 😁
I am going on a Christmas market River cruise in November were traveling on the Danube! I am so excited! Thanks so much for your tips and tricks.
You will love it and be so tired lol!
Would love the Christmas Markets!
It was a bucket list!
Hi there, i enjoy watching your videos. Would you consider making video of the destinations you visit, places you see, where you stay and also things to do. Thank you
Hi, the best place to see that is on my instagram. My viewers here do not watch those types of videos here yet.
Thank you for putting the product links. I love the Ecco shoes and the luggage. We are doing the Viking Christmas Market cruise this coming December
Oh how beautiful that will be! Is this your first Christmas Market experience?
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie yes. I’ve never been to a Christmas Market. I’m a little scared and excited. I keep hearing about pickpockets.
@@Kimberly-Army You will love it; the best time is at dusk and evening for all the twinkly lights. Research how to take pics at night so pics will be crisp. Have so much fun. Here are 2 new videos that may help: bit.ly/ChristmasMarketDoNOTForget and bit.ly/TipsHowToAvoidPickpockets
Ha I just realized the christmas market is the one you commented on lol @kimberly-army
Doing a Rhine River Christmas market cruise this December! We can’t wait. It’s a little early to pack but my list is definitely started!
Hope these tips help you not forget the items I did not pack! Have a great cruise.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie I added a light colored hat to my list. Could see how that would help in pictures! Thank you for tips. I’m still confused about whether you can take Dayquill/Nyquil to these countries in case a cold comes up.
@@BamaBunny8 If going from the US, that is medical so it could be packed. If you are connecting through a foreign airport, I do not know that country's rules. Or could you buy something from a pharmacy over there? Have a great Christmas Market Trip!
I travel with bubble paper and hand warmers when I travel during the winter.
Smart ideas!
Laurie, Can you do a video or give us your itinerary that you did? I assume you stayed at a hotel but how did you know where the markets were? How many did you go to? Would love more info on that.
Going this year 15 days- Vienna, Munich and Prague.
Oh my gosh! Magical!!!
Going to Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal for Christmas Market and New Year’s Eve with family.
It will truly be magical!
BTW, your new haircut is adorable
Always great tips Laurie! Thanks again..
Hope these tips help for your next Christmas Market.
Thanks for another awesome video. Which kind of adapter do I need for Italy. The two prong or three prong?
I think that’s Europe-just research it before buying.
Hi. How do you get backpack straps on the coat? Thanks.
Hi, they come with it but only xs left. Here is their site: bit.ly/DrawstringPufferJacket
Laurie, do you use laundry sheets, if so what brand?
Hi, I did in 2019 from Amazon and got the non scented ones. These look great: amzn.to/3zlwMGG
We are going on a river cruise in April 2025. How was the weather on your trip? I’ve checked average temps but wondered about rain at that time of the year.
Did you take your regular curling iron and use an adaptor in Europe?
Laurie, can I ask what kind of plug to use in Belgium? Type C or Type E?
I ask because I have a stopover in the UK for a night before heading to Brussels for a week. The only electronics I’m bringing are my phone and my dual voltage curling brush (so I don’t need a converter). Can I get away with bringing JUST a universal adapter (which has both the UK and the Type C prongs)… OR should I bring an additional Type E adapter as well? Any advice is appreciated!
Hi and so exciting! I just know it’s the adapter for Europe.
Hi Laurie, I wanted to know if you have faced any issues in other countries just for being a US citizen recently. I want to travel but Im worried due to the country’s current state and reputation that I’ll have some sort of discrimination and become some target for whatever
Hi Lori. Love your videos! I have a question about this one. You mentioned your mother‘s CPAP machine motor. I’ve been using a CPAP for many years and I have no idea how to even separate that? What do you mean when they asked her to separate her CPAP motor? Thank you very much!
Hi Susana. Yours may not have one. Hers is old. Google your company + how to find motor.
Please make a video on seat cushions
Laurie… we are going on a Christmas Market Cruise on the Danube in December. Love all your tips, but wonder if I need to bring a rolling carry on to the markets to take gifts back to the ship. Or do they mail home anything you buy? Hate to think about lugging around packages all day. Thanks for any suggestions! LOVE your travel Hacks! 16:10
What the gals did on my trip is they brought a super thin backpack to walk around in, and they put their goodies in that each day. They checked a duffel of dirty clothes and packed their stuff in clothing for their carryon and personal item
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Thank you so much! That is what we planned to do, but I wondered if anyone took a rolling carry on… cobblestone streets might not be good. We can’t wait!
@@deniseamat4380 You can totally do that, but another tip is the you are sandwiched in because they are so crowded at night. If you visit during the day, it is far less crowded. But at night is when they are magical b/c of the twinkling lights etc.
@@TravelTipsbyLauriethank you! A lot to think about! Bless you! Denise
We were staying in Dresden, Germany end of November. One evening we took the trolley (not quite a train but it ran on rails) into town for the Christmas market. About 9:30 or so that night we are on the trolley back. All of a sudden the trolley veered off the main track onto a side street…stopped…lights off…driver grabs their stuff and walks to their house on that street. The tourists were all looking at each other…the locals hopped off. Apparently they have a hard stop at a certain time. We were still about a mile from our hotel. Couldn’t get a cell signal to find an Uber so we walked in the freezing cold back to our hotel. So yeah…research transportation options and schedules. 🤣
Oh my word! Hilarious and scary and adventurous all in one ride!! 🤷🏼♀️
Take a coat you love and already have to your seamstress. She can add the backpack straps for you.
Some great ideas, but gosh, it's over 100 degrees out there, with such high humidity, going out to the alleyway to put garbage in the can feels like being waterboarded! It's too early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😂 BTW, that ankle length Ecco 'sneaker', I got in January at an outlet store in metro Detroit, so may not be sold out everywhere. Definitely, even if it will be colder weather, you need short sleeved and sleeveless T's!! BTW, I keep what I think will be enough cash for immediate purposes in a zippered pocket, away from my wallet, so if it is stolen, I'm not losing much.
I’m so glad you found it-Detroit in January? Why? Missed you but know you’re doing well. Took my mom to Lake Louise etc in June 🙌🏻
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Lake Louise is gorgeous. Good thing you're not there now, the whole West is burning, we get the fire even here, a couple of thousand km away. It's kind of far from me. Detroit in January (as in every other month) - because if my knees were better, I could walk to downtown Detroit from my house (I live right on the border) and Windsor is a really lousy place to shop. I think I buy more of my groceries at Trader Joes and Aldi in metro Detroit than I do in Canada!
@@jenharvey8360 Yes, I heard that Jasper was hit. So sad! Hope all is well with you.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie Fine thanks, I meant we get the smoke, not the fire! Hope you are enjoying your summer.
You are putting me in the Christmas spirit already. The opening scene was just magical. I sit here in Texas with a feels like temp of already a hot , humid 101 degrees and dream of getting back to Europe. It probably won’t be this year, but 2025. I cannot wait! I can’t decide which Christmas market I want to go to…ALL of them😂😂, but I do want it to be cold. ❄️❄️. How many days do you recommend to take it all in without being rushed? Your tips are always so helpful and I always end up on Amazon or Nordstrom with something new in my cart. 💕🇨🇱💕
Ha! 100 degrees here today in Houston. I would research which other ones you would visit from your home base. I'm eyeing Vienna. But a direct flight from Houston to Munich may be easier. Maybe a river cruise to see them all.
So hot!! We could fly out of DFW or Houston from where we are in East Texas. I have been eyeing Vienna as well as Strasbourg. My son went to the one in Stuttgart, while he was overseas for work. It was smaller, but still looked like a scene from a Hallmark movie. 💕💕🎄
Would love the river cruise too!
@@rhondamcgee2114 The small ones are sometimes the BEST and really local.
When i travel in the winter i use a safety pin to secure zippers on my pockets.
We are going this Christmas market, how cold is Switzerland,and Paris? I am afraid of slippery roads and falling…
As a boater I always carry a pair of waterproof socks incase I get caught in unanticipated foul weather. I have a pair of light weight waterproof Hoka hiking boots that serves me well because I have a wobbly ankle I they kept my ankle stabilized over all the cobble stone walks
Ooh I bet those are great shoes for Europe especially Christmas time.
Pack two pair of gloves. It’s really easy to lose a pair if you take them off and put them in your pockets. I speak from experience 😊
Ooh good tip for that winter time trip.
I buy matching gloves 2 pairs at a time in case I lose one glove.
Some ATMs allow you to specify which denomination to get
That would be helpful. These nor the Amsterdam one this spring did not.
Are you able to get cash from ATM’s on the ship?
Ours did not have one but it was old.
Just say no to the 'poof'
The only good thing about getting old is not having to take off your shoes going through security!
Woohoo! Such a treat! Use that benefit !!!
Christmas market is on my travel list. What is the best Market you have been to?
I want to do Austria or German ones...even some in the US would be awesome. At night all the decorations are just magical.
I went to Charlottenberg Christmas market in Berlin. It was stunning, the setting, the food, music and whole atmosphere was amazing.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie If you have not been there the Biltmore at Christmas is amazing. I recommend the night tour
The Rathaus in Vienna and the Christmas market in Salzburg are really wonderful!
What do you shop for at the Christmas market?😊
I wondered the same thing. The wives with me got the mugs like I mentioned. There is alot of local food, hot chocolate, mulled wine, trinkets hand made (but alot of cheap things too), local artisan goods, cheese etc. They are all different. That is why my tip to see other ones is good to plan.