In this 2 Part episode, host Genni Franklin is joined by her mom (and OG travel partner), Gloria, to recount the beginning of their magical multi-city European Christmas market adventure.

They share how they turned a bucket list dream into reality—on a budget—using points and miles to book flights to Germany, planning a strategic 13-hour layover in Amsterdam, and kicking off their holiday itinerary in Berlin. 

From how they chose their destinations to why AirTags might actually stress you out, this episode is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes planning, and hilarious mother-daughter moments.

Whether you’re dreaming of glühwein and twinkling lights or just want a cozy travel story to escape the summer heat, you’ll get helpful tips for planning your own festive getaway—without breaking the bank.

And don't forget to listen to Part 2!

🎄 Topics covered:

• Using Chase Ultimate Rewards and Flying Blue to book Europe flights
• Pros and cons of long layovers (and how to handle them)
• What to expect from economy meals on KLM
• How to store luggage at Schiphol Airport
• Why Gloria loves collecting Christmas mugs and Genni’s ornament tradition
• How to survive Europe in December as a Floridian
• Hotel strategy: points vs. location convenience
• Planning vs. winging it: how they tag-teamed the logistics and the sightseeing

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Welcome to the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Podcast
• 00:20 Introducing the Christmas Markets Adventure
• 00:50 Booking Affordable Flights and Tackling Layovers
• 01:30 The Inspiration Behind the Trip
• 04:10 Planning the Itinerary and Choosing Destinations
• 06:07 Researching and Preparing for the Trip
• 10:25 Exploring Berlin's Christmas Markets
• 11:42 Travel Logistics and Flight Experiences
• 23:02 Navigating Amsterdam Layover
• 26:53 Arrival in Amsterdam and Customs Experience
• 27:27 The Air Tag Debacle
• 31:22 Exploring Amsterdam During Layover
• 34:08 Navigating Amsterdam's Public Transport
• 36:03 Canal Cruise and Wandering Amsterdam
• 40:34 Final Hours in Amsterdam and Return to Airport
• 43:11 Arrival in Berlin and Hotel Stay
• 45:18 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

 🎧 Listen now and come back next week for Part 2, where they’ll cover the rest of the trip through Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and Paris—plus their favorite Christmas market of all and how they made the most of their short stays. 

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