Fall is here and that means it is time to start thinking about holiday travel! If you have ever dreamed of visiting the European Christmas markets, then you need to hear these ideas and tips from Sarah from Family Backpack. This episode just may get even Scrooge in the holiday spirit!

ON THE PODCAST

00:30 - Talking with Kim about her recent trip to California

06:18 - Kim's next trip to Barbados

08:39 - Upcoming trips in October

13:24 - Talking with Sarah

16:44 - Cities Sarah visited in Europe

18:28 - How far in advance to start planning

21:50 - Dates for Christmas markets

23:30 - What to expect at these Christmas markets

25:23 - Sarah's favorite markets

27:07 - Other things to do around the markets

32:10 - Tips to visit Christmas markets

35:09 - Glühwein

36:45 - Handmade merchandise

38:53 - Best place to take a family photo

40:14 - Sarah's favorite travel gear

45:16 - Previous Holiday Episodes/Posts

ABOUT FAMILY BACKPACK

Our presenting sponsor is The Family Backpack, a time-and stress-saving tool for parents researching and planning family vacations. The Family Backpack has researched and curated over 2,000 posts from over 200 blogs to provide parents the best of family travel content from over 600 destinations worldwide – all in one easily searchable place. Whether trekking around your own city, road tripping with your kids or flying around the world, visit TheFamilyBackpack.comfor itineraries, tips, packing lists, tons of travel inspiration and more!

ABOUT SARAH WILSON

Sarah Wilson is a writer and the Director of Travel Communications at The Family Backpack. Sarah loves to travel and explore with her husband and 3 girls - both around their hometown of Nashville, TN and around the world! Follow Sarah on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS

• Plan your trip early if you can.
• In bigger cities the markets will start late in November but some will end before Christmas.
• Be sure to look up when markets are open so than you can plan your destinations accordingly.
• Look at other things to do in the area. For instance in Baden-Baden, Germany you can visit one of the many spa locations and enjoy a relaxing experience. They have spas for just men, just women, both genders, and families.
• A Christmas market in a big city would be a great place to start off your trip since you could spend days.
• Traveling with kids, you should try giving them a budget to for them to spend at the markets you are visiting. You could also give them a separate budget for gifts to each other.
• Each market usually has a unique handicraft item that they are known for, especially in the smaller towns.
• Dress warm but don't worry if you forget your gloves and hat, you can always buy something handmade there!

BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

With the holiday lights and trees, any market can make a great family photo. If you can get a good one at night with all the colored lights, that would make for a great family photo. Some of the locations you may actually be able to find a frame that you can stand in with your family that has the name of the city or town you are in.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Sarah loves to wear her Waypoint Goods travel scarf, which are themed after cities, but they have a hidden zipper pocket that you can hide your passport or phone or even some money! She also loves her On the Go 247 bag, which are developed for traveling moms, and are very versatile.

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Mony's Tacos

Episode 02 - Visiting San Diego, California

Waypoint Goods

On the Go 247

Episode 077 - Top Holiday Destinations for Families

Episode 082 - Visiting London with kids

Christmas Hotels

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