Holiday Travel in Europe

After finishing up a 7 month internship in Estonia, I was lucky enough to spend December 2006 and early January 2007 traveling through a number of European countries. I was a bit nervous about traveling during the winter thinking that cold weather might put a damper on the beautiful cities I was visiting, but that was not the case at all.

I believe (and Al Gore would kill me for this) that global warming actually had a positive effect on my travels. Every country I visited (Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands) was experiencing above average temperatures. There were a few chilly days, but nothing some Belgian beer or glühwein at a Christmas Market couldn't warm up.

It was wonderful to see Europe during a time of year many travelers don't. There were Christmas Markets in every city with vendors selling traditional holiday foods and crafts, festive colored lights throughout the streets, huge decorated trees, and significantly less tourists than during the warmer months. Plus, you can find amazing hotel/hostel deals this time of year.

A few places really stand out. Budapest had my favorite Christmas market. My friend and I feasted on cheap, abundant servings of fried potatoes, huge sausages, roasted pumpkin, sauerkraut, rectangle pizzas with cheese and onion, and, of course, glühwein (or milled wine). The market is set up near the famous Gerbeaud chocolate house that displays a large Advent calendar on the facade. Grabbing some chocolate cake in Gerbeaud is also highly recommendable.

Brussels was also beautiful...especially the Grand Place. My mom and I grabbed some beers in a pub near the Grand Place and had an excellent view of the holiday light show that plasters reindeer and stars over every building in the square. To top it all off is the massive Christmas tree in the center. Sipping on a Trappist ale with that as your scenery is quite an experience.

Brussels also provided a great hotel deal. Since it is a popular business city, there are a number of very nice business hotels. Over the holidays these hotels don't have their usual business clientele, therefore offering cheaper rooms. We stayed at the Stanhope and enjoyed the spacey room (especially for Europe), great service and convenient location...and the greatly discounted price!

I think my mom and my favorite city was Bruges...although we were probably the only people there not on a first or second honeymoon. The city is an extremely well-preserved, romantic, medieval city that is called "Venice of the North" because of its canals. It was a wonderful place to spend New Year's Eve...but be prepared to spend some dough! Most restaurants had a set 5 course meal for the night and reservations have to be made days in advance. We found that the food was surely worth the price! Lobster, pâté, and deer-oh my!

After dinner we went to a celebration in the market square. In the center, an ice skating rink filled with NYE celebrants. The countdown to midnight began and then we heard the famous carillon chime to mark the New Year. Despite the light rain, Belgians-old and young- sang, danced and drank champagne (they shared it, too!) People set off fireworks in the street. The happiness was contagious. It was lively and festive, but not overly crowded or chaotic. I would highly recommend a New Year's Eve (or any old eve actually) in Bruges.

So, don't be scared to venture to Europe in the winter time. Going to a bathhouse in Budapest (think an outdoor heated pool on a chilly day), visiting Christmas Markets, watching ice skaters, observing new cultural traditions, trying special holiday food, or just drinking a beer by a toasty fireplace in a cozy pub can be wonderful experiences!