2 - How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

How to Plan a German Christmas Market Trip

Christmas time is all about wonder and magic and there is no better place to spend your Yuletide than at Germany’s famous Christmas markets. Sure, you find Christmas markets everywhere, but none can evoke the sense of awe and childlike wonder that German Christmas Markets can, with their medieval castles and old town squares making for an almost fairy-tale setting. Are you tempted to see all these wonderful sights for Christmas? Well, here is how you can go about planning a German Christmas Market trip, in order to experience its magic in the best way possible:

 

Plan Your Trip Sometime Between 20th November to 23rd December

Christmas is celebrated on December 24th in Germany, which is why Christmas markets usually remain till December 23rd, which is more often than not, the final date. Most of these markets are month-long starting from November 20th or so. It is recommended that you plan your trip accordingly, so as not to miss out on anything.

 

Do Your Homework and Find the Christmas Market that Appeals to You the Most

It is always better to plan your itinerary so as to make sure you don’t miss out on the places that you find interesting and also, so you can pass on the places that particularly appeal to you. That being said, some of the most renowned Christmas Markets in Germany include the ones in Dresden, which has the world’s oldest Christmas Market, Nuremberg, where the world’s largest Christmas Market is held, and Konstanz, which set against the backdrop of the Alps, on the banks of Lake Constance. Apart from these there also some amazing Pink Markets in Frankfurt, Cologne, and Munich that are LGBTQ- oriented. Moreover, Munich has more than 30 Christmas Markets of its own, while Berlin has a whopping 60 Christmas Markets of its own. 

 

Venture to Try Each Town’s Specialties

Be it a special kind of baked goodie or a particular kind of sausage, every German town has its own local delicacies, and it is absolutely imperative that you try them all for the full experience! What’s more? Every town has handicrafts that are unique to it. For instance, Nuremberg is known for its Prune People, which are a specialty.

 

Don’t Overlook Small Towns and Cities

Sometimes the splendor and popularity of big cities and towns tend to blind us to charming little cities right under our noses. Now, the thing about big and popular towns is that most people flock to their markets, making them extremely cramped and congested. Do yourself a favor and visit a small lesser-known town or city instead, so you can actually enjoy their Christmas markets without being hindered by the crowds. 

 

Dress for the weather 

Christmas markets are held outdoors, in Germany, in the dead of winter. Thus, it is important to know that there’s no escaping the cold, but you can avoid the worst of it by donning scarfs, hats, thermals, and gloves. And make sure to wear boots to keep your feet dry and warm in wet conditions. Compassionately, most markets have heater tents where you can catch a bit of a break from the bone-chilling cold.

 

Enjoy the overall ambiance 

There may not be actual sights of sugar plum fairies dancing at these Christmas markets, but the atmosphere is pretty darn close. Sounds of music and laughter from merry-go-rounds fill the air. Fairies stroll together and eat treats. The aromas of fresh vegetables and spiced wine puff through the air. So, before to get stressed about what to do, remember why you’re ultimately there: to relax, step back, and enjoy the scene and the wonderful mood. 

 

All Christmas markets sell amazing fest food, so they usually open at about 11:00 in the morning to catch the excited lunch crowd. The ideal time to go, in our opinion, though is in the evening and into the night. There are plenty of sparkly lights, and standing around sipping some hot cocoa or gluhwein and observing the shoppers is an ideal way to pass some time. 

 

Christmas markets are something the German people do very finely. If you and your partner or spouse get into a “Bah, humbug!” state of mind after Thanksgiving, this will give your attitude a complete makeover. So, is there a German Christmas Market Trip in the offing? Well then, Travel Gooru is your one-stop destination for anything and everything travel related, that you might need, right from comparing airline ticket prices to booking hotel rooms and car rentals, we’ve got it all!

1 - How to Experience the Magic of Inis Mor

How to Experience the Magic of Inis Mor

When you think of Ireland, the places that come to mind are most probably all the major tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Guinness Storehouse situated in Dublin. However, a hidden gem that is often overlooked by eager travelers and enthusiastic tourists is the magical isle of Inis Mor. Pronounced ‘Inishmore’, it is the largest of the Aran Islands and happens to be quite close to Galway. The charm of this island remains undiminished despite being sparsely populated, or perhaps because of it. If ever there was an opportunity for time travel, this is it, with the locals freely conversing in their rustic Irish Gaelic and using horse-drawn carriages as a regular mode of conveyance. 

 

Whether you’re taking the island by bicycle, foot, or pony and trap, there are plenty of sights to be explored, a warm welcome to be received and plenty of craic to be had. 

 

Visit the Seven Churches of Aran

The name is a bit of a misnomer as well as an exaggeration, seeing as there are, in actuality, only two churches in all. What is not an exaggeration, however, is the sheer breathtaking beauty of this ancient spiritual destination. In fact, it is actually more of a complex comprising of the old graveyards at Na Seacht d’Teampaill and church ruins. Dedicated to Saint Brecan, and located near the village of Eoghanacht, this site used to be one of the most beloved and popular monastic destinations for devotees all along Ireland’s West Coast.

 

Aran Bike Hire 

The most underrated and fashionable way to take in the picturesque of Inis Mor has got to be by cycling through the island, stopping at your leisure to soak up the peaceful attractiveness. Glide through the countryside and weave through the village with a bicycle from Aran Bike Hire. You can easily find a huge array of bikes for rent for a day or overnight. Whisk yourself out as far as Dun Aonghasa (the oldest of the island’s four large forts) and back to your accommodation to enjoy a calming pint after a busy day of adventure. Each rental comes with a complimentary island map, helmets and roadside assistance is required.  

 

When you come back after enjoying the amazing views and the breath-taking Dun Aonghasa, make sure to enjoy the views of Inis Mor on the walk back to your bicycle. There are some stunning little shops and a café near the bike park for you to peruse and refresh after crossing this amazing spot off your bucket list.  

 

Go Wool Shopping

Aran Islands’ woolen products are famous all around the world. Featuring one of a kind patterns and stitches particular to specific Irish clans, these wonderful warm fuzzies include everything from scarves and mittens to sweaters and cloaks. Honestly, what better way to carry back a little bit of Irish history with you? 

 

Go for A Hike

Sometimes the best way to really discover all the treasures a place has to offer is by wandering around or just taking a hike, quite literally. This is actually one of the best ways to truly experience Inis Mor in all its boundless beauty since the terrain on this island is not very rock and hence, actually quite perfect for walking. So, be sure to carry a pair of sensible walking shoes along! 

 

Check out The Dún Aonghasa

Probably the most famous and well-known tourist attraction in Inis Mor, Dun Aonghasa is a hill fort built really high up on the top of a cliff, presenting a phenomenal view of the entire island and the Atlantic Ocean. This prehistoric structure is believed to go as far back as 100 BC, which means that it has been around since the Bronze and Iron Ages. Wow! Now, isn’t that something?

 

Pay a Visit to The Worm Hole

This place is as interesting as its name suggests. The Worm Hole, as it has come to be fondly called, refers to a square-shaped depression that has been carved out in the rocky bottom part of a cliff. This spot has become extremely popular for cliff diving into the ocean. So, Inis Mor has a lot to offer adventure enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, extreme sports lovers, and adrenaline junkies as well. 

 

Are you looking for cheap international flights, rental cars, and hotels? Well, look no further. Travel Gooru has got you covered. Whether booking a room or comparing flight ticket costs, we are your one-stop destination for all things travel-related! That too at no additional cost! Reach out to us now for happy and safe travels around the world!