Dec 2012 Trip - France, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic

Dec 15 - 30, 2012. It was a very memorable Trip. Not only I got to revisit my favorite cities Paris and Venice, we also had the chance to explore new places. Christmas markets and food are definitely our most favorite part of the trip. Despite the winter weather and shorter day time, we had such a blast seeing things and trying different food. During the mid trip we met up with my sister, her boyfriend (now fiance') and a great friend in Germany, which only made the trip better :)

  Paris  

Place de la Concorde - night time Christmas market shopping. It was a big Christmas market on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. From afar it was absolutely gorgeous.  In terms of the vendors and the goods they sell, I'd have to say it was a bit disappointing because it felt more like a street fair.

Vendome

Arc de Triomphe @ night 

 

@ Daytime 

La Defense - Business District.  There's a decent Christmas market in the center of the plaza. There was a pretty good one for scented soaps.

Eiffel Tower - We went there at 9. Bought ticket for the highest level and went up there in 40 mins. Maybe it was winter and a bit rainy? The queue was not bad at all. Last time I lined up during the day for over 2 hours.

For the best view of the Eiffel Tower, walk along Pont d'Iéna (northwest) and look back often :)

Pass Jardins du Trocadéro, go up the stairs of Palais de Chaillot and stand in the middle for the best photo spot of the Eiffel Tower.

View of Arc de Triomphe from Eiffel Tower

 

Venice

Always a favorite, I love the famous water town, regardless of how touristy it is. The little hidden local cafes/restaurants are my favorite.  They hide mysteriously in narrow alleys and welcome you with warmth. To get the most out of Venice, go outside of the St. Marco area and walk to (or take the ferry to) other sestieri (Administrative District) like Castello, Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. The local neighborhoods are truly nostalgic and charming.  The map is complex but the entire city is all walkable. 

Christmas lighting along the alley

 

 Misty night @ Ponte Rialto

 

St Marco

 

Along the Grand Canal

 

Facing Ponte Rialto on Grand Canal

 

The only bridge without parapet in Venice in the Costello district (the other one is in Torcello)    

 On Ponte Rialto

 

Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) - It was the bridge that connected the court and the prison, it was the last chance for the prisoner to get the last glance of Venice before losing his/her freedom.  The myth is that if you and your love are on the gondola and kiss when you pass the under the bridge, then you will enjoy lasting love.

 

Gondolas

 

Murano

Find some time to hit the ferry to Murano and see the world famous glass production.  

 

Burano

Unfortunately we got there late and the beautiful and colorful houses looked misty :(

 

              Prague
                  Czech Republic                  

Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) The Christmas market in Prague is pretty good, there are lots of local eats . Watch out for the food portion, in Prague many vendors weigh the portion of your food (by grams). One time we got a big scoop of gnocchi on a plate and cost us $15!

On the way to Pražský hrad (Prague Castle). The view of the city from the ramp up to the castle is stunning.  Look down often! :)

 Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) - where the artisans of the castle used to reside. Very little houses (or maybe we've grown much bigger and taller these days?)

St. Vitus Cathedral @ Prague Castle 

 

View of Malá Strana (Lesser Town) You will pass the Karlův most (Charles Bridge) when you walk back from the Castle towards Old Town Square.  Again, stop often, there are a lot of famous statues on the bridge, and the view of the city is picturesque

 Try their local pastry Trdelrjk - It's a sweet roll that's really crispy yet soft.

    Nürnberg     Nuremberg           Bavaria   

The Nurnberger Christmas Market was absolutely our favorite one. The vendors mainly concentrated in the Main market area (Hauptmarkt).  Besides the yummy Nurnberger sausages, the goods that they sell are very traditional and good quality.  We love the fruit cake, gingerbread cookies, nutcrackers, toy smokers and decorations. It was very crowded but festive.  We were there 23rd to 25th, unfortunately things closed early and it was pretty tough to find food at night. There's a very good restaurant named Bratwurst Röslein in the main market

On the way to Nürnberger Burg (Nuremberg Castle)

  Baden-Baden               Baden-     Württemberg  

A world-famous spa town located at the border of France and Germany, on the west side of the Black Forest.  Baden-Baden combines the French and the German cultures.  It was Christmas day when we got there.  A bit quiet but we managed to find the Christmas market open and the Leopoldsplatz is a nice shopping area. We had a very nice local cuisine (deer/fish) for our Christmas dinner. The next day we went to enjoy a spa day at the Caracalla and later that night, celebrated my sister and her boyfriend's engagement. Congrats!

Leopoldsplatz 

Christmas Market 

 

Black Forest Cake! When I was little, I promised myself that I had to try to real Black Forest Cake in Black Forest.  I guess this was it!

 

Strasbourg, Alsace

Strasbourg is a small city bordering Germany. Honestly it is pretty German to me. (the structures etc).  The Alsace  The Petite France has Neolithic style timbered framing houses which is very historical and neat.

 

That is for our trip. We would love to go back to all the places in a heartbeat!

My Hurricane Sandy Travel Experience

Before I share my experience traveling through the storm, I would like to direct your attention to my other blog, which is not travel-related, on information about how to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

http://cattym.blogspot.com/2012/11/please-help-hurricane-sandy-victims.html


The Friday before Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast, I was planning to spend my weekend in NYC as usual weekends.  My travel is typically flying out on Friday night and returning Monday morning, then make it to the office right on time.  However, this time the storm did look like my travel was going to be impacted.
After calling American Airlines (AA), they told me that they could not change my entire itinerary because there weren't flights impacted on Friday, and I could only change the Monday return flight.  Therefore I chose the Sunday night return, even though the storm was schedule to hit on Tuesday morning. Following the storm news closely, I realized that they would be shutting down subway services and grounding flights on Monday.  Even though the entire weekend was only cloudy, I knew I could not take a chance against the city plan.

On Sunday, I headed to the airport early, because whenever there's a change on the itinerary over the phone, the check in would be at the agent's desk. Also there would be lots of travelers trying to get on to the earlier flights last minute, which can lengthen the wait. Of course, the line was unusually long, maybe 50 people on the main line.
I was lucky to just qualified for AA gold, which I lined up in a much shorter line.  A gentleman in front of me was very upset that AA had canceled his flight without notice and refused to pay for his cab ride home.  In this situation, it really wasn't the airline's fault.  If you want to be notified for any changes or cancellations to your flights, you would have to opt in with your email/phone #, it's privacy reason that the airlines would not automatically opt you in.  For weather related reason, normally the airlines would not offer meals, transportation, nor free changes to or refunds from the affected flights if your ticket is non-refundable.  Travel insurance should have covered that. Anyway, I was lucky to check in on time (Long line at the TSA checkpoint too, since the TSA agents had to go home before the public transportation shut down) and boarded on time. There were 100+ people on stand by for my flights and I really did feel lucky to change it earlier and avoided the hassle.

My flight took off and landed safely.  On my way back home, the scenes of the streets in NYC before the storms were still very vivid to me.  I kept my prayers for the people in my most beloved city.

Tips on TSA Checkpoint

Last Friday afternoon I was on my usual travel back to my lovely hometown, and for holiday weekend travels, there are usually higher traffic of travelers, frequent and non-frequent.  As I went through the TSA checkpoint, I was waiting for my turns to pick up bins for baggage/personal item checks. In front of me there was this trendy lady, probably on her holiday travel, scrambled things out of her luggage and threw them onto the bin, and oops she forgot her laptop, took it out and placed it on another bin, and finally got everything on the belt. She stood in front of the scanner, the TSA agent asked her to take off the sunglasses on top of her head, and to remove the scarf.  She did them. The agent asked to check her pockets, there were her keys, she ran over to the moving belt, tried to throw it to the bin and missed it. "Anyway" she said, she finally walked over the scanner and it went off!!! She was wearing too many jewelries - oversized earrings, ring that made a statement, beaded necklace, etc.  I felt bad for her, the TSA checkpoint must not be her friend that day!

Checkpoint doesn't have to be a hassle, and you could get everything on the bins and belt within seconds!  Here are my simple steps:

1. While waiting, start untying your shoelace.  Remove heavy jewelries (always keep your engagement ring/wedding band) and put them in the handbag and be sure to zip up the bag
2. Take 1 (2 with laptop) bin(s). 
3. Place the carry-on luggage to go on the belt first
4. Place the laptop in the first bin 
5. Place your shoes in the second bin, remove liquids in a transparent bag and place the bag next to the shoes
6. Place your handbag over the shoes

The order sounds weird because most people want to put the heavy item last, and want to pick up the shoes first, but always remember to make you valuables (wallet, money, jewelries) go last.  NEVER put jewelries on the bin and make it go first. Someone on the other side could have a chance to pick it up before you get there.

Pack all the liquids in a bag is always easier. Refer to http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm for the liquid requirements.  

Happy Travel!

What to Pack - How to efficiently pack for every travel

When I do my bi-weekly travels (commute), I really don't need to pack much because I have what I need in my fiance's or parents' place. But to be safe, I always pack some extra clothes just in case I need them.

But for a week long vacation to a destination, that's a different story. I used to start packing for my travels 2 days in advance, maybe I procrastinate or got too comfortable with packing, I do it the day before the trip now. My rule of thumb is simple - pack what is absolutely necessary first.  Sure, you might say, "I'm planning to read my book on the flight", or "I'm going to the Caribbeans so I need my sunscreen."  However, the fact is that these times are NOT absolutely necessary - if  you can easily buy it during the trip, then it's not the first thing to go into your luggage/bag.

I'll categorize items into Types to show the degree of necessity for your travel.  You might need items in  Type 3 or 4 for sure, but they are easily accessible in case you forget to pack them.
I like to pack light so I do not recommend a lot of things to bring on the trip, so items in Type 5 are not my favorite things to bring.

Type 1 - Absolutely necessary

• Passport (International travel), Licensed ID (Domestic travel), Driver's License (Car Rental)
• Money (Bills and spare change), Credit Cards
• Prescribed Medicines (if taken regularly)
• Dietary Supplements (if taken regularly)
• Prescription Glasses/Sunglasses/Contact Lenses (and Solution. Yes you can buy solutions during the trip, but for International travels I prefer to use the brand I trust)
• Mobile Phone
• Chargers and adapters 
• Small Note (International Travel) - emergency numbers, number to call to report loss of credit card, addresses of your country's embassy, rental car company and hotels
• Few Undergarments and clothes (Yes you can buy during the trip, but you'll to wash it) 
• Security purses (to store passports etc)
• Medical Insurance cards

Type 2 - You'll need it and most likely you won't be buying during the trip

• Undergarments, clothes and pajamas for the entire trip
• Camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Non-prescription sunglasses (depending on the travel)
• Watch (an inexpensive one)
• Swimsuits  (depending on the travel)
• Fleece (spring/late summer/fall)
• Winter Gear - Gloves/Scarf/Hat (winter)
• Hiking Socks and Boots (for hiking of course)
• Rain Boots (a must in Venice)

Type 3 - You'll need it but you can easily buy during the trip, available in most airports:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Contact Lenses cases
• Brush
• Toiletry Kits and Tools
• Flip Flops
• Ear plugs/Eye Mask
• Travel size Personal Hygiene Products
• Snacks

Type 4 - You might need it and you can easily buy during the trip

• Spare Battery
• Feminine Products (depending on timing of travel ;) can be Type 3)
• Sunscreen  (depending on the travel)
• Bug Repellent
• Travel Pillow
• Beach Towel (depending on the travel)
• First Aid
• Poncho (not Umbrella - much heavier)
• Packet of Tissue

Type 5 - Not recommend to bring

• Jewelries and expensive watches 
• Handbags or travel bags with no or broken zippers
• Large book (if you can't finish the reading during the flight times then it adds unnecessary weight to your travel)
• Fragrance (adds weight and slow down at the TSA checkpoint)
• Laptop for entertainment use (adds weight)
• Full size personal hygiene products (a lot of the skincare bottles/jars are heavy; and they could go above TSA limit and required to be checked in)
• Hair Dryer (most motels/hotels have it)
• Body Wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Lotion

The Impact of Too Much Traveling

Two weeks ago I was literally flying everyday for a week, for both leisure and work.  

I like picking up a magazine or two at the airport, and this time I ended up picking up TWO of the same magazine in a week.  No wonder when I was flipping the pages, all the articles seem familiar!! :)

By the way, I love magazine like "REAL SIMPLE" that shares small but great tips to simplify things in your life. Sometimes I pick up on things like the health benefits of certain fruits, how often should you replace the sponge in the kitchen, or how to make your vacuum more effective etc.  I like it so much that I think it's probably more cost effective subscribing to it, considering I've already spent half of the cost of subscription buying one issue...HAHA :)

Cheapest Day to Buy/Fly

According to FareCompare.com, the cheapest day to fly is Wednesday for domestic flight, followed by Tuesday and Saturday (Friday and Sunday are most expensive); the cheapest day to buy is Tuesday afternoon.


Sounds strange? Not necessarily.  Working in an industry dealing with large amount of data, 
I can totally understand that based on researches on travel demands, purchasing trend and behavior, airlines can easily identify the price elasticity in specific time periods and the flights with lowest average price. Why Wednesday? Because many fliers are business travelers, and when they go to meetings, they usually travel to the destination earlier in the week, for few days or the whole week; also, leisure travelers tend to take few days off before or after the weekend for the vacation, so that generally rules out Wednesday. One year I started my trip on Wednesday evening, to fly to Italy, the ticket price I paid was more than $50 less than if I had to travel on other days.  Saturday can be inexpensive too, because business travelers have already flew back home on Fridays and next week's travels start on Sundays; also Leisure weekend travelers would fly on Thursday or Fridays. 


In terms of cheapest day to buy, I think the most straightforward reason is that during other times people are just less price sensitive, which airfares are heavily driven by the theory of price elasticity of demand, this will explain it. Perhaps the airlines are rolling the weekly discounts after evaluating the ticket sales on Monday, but then the deepest discounted fares are usually sold out quickly. When booking travel to Europe for my parents, I realized that the price dropped at least $30 between booking Sunday and Tuesday!
One last key is to be flexible, if you are not in a hurry to go somewhere, then you will have plenty of chances to find cheaper tickets. Sign up for Fare Tracker from websites such as Kayak.com that gives you notifications when it spots the lowest airfare during your targeted travel time


Good luck and safe travels!

Best time to travel

I live in Chicago, at this time of the year it supposes to be in the 30s, however last week we were hit with a "heat wave" in the middle of March! For two days it was running high 60s to mid 80s. Tourist were in T-shirt, tanks, shorts, and flip flops. I feel happy for them, they must have gotten great deals in airfare and hotels visiting a destination that supposes to be winter at this time and enjoying the summer weather. 

That was a little ordinary, right? Sure, we could have gotten hit with a blizzard too.

Most people travel in the summer time, with their children on summer break and warm weather, who isn't in the mood to get out there and visit a new city/country?  Since there are more tourists in the summer and the day time is longer, museums generally have longer hours.  You will see more animals in the zoo, or see some seasonal shows or events, such as NYC Central Park summer concerts, Tanglewood Boston Symphony Orchestra summer, Chicago street fairs, to name a few. 
Unfortunately the trade off is that the prices you'll end up paying could be double or even triple the off peak season price.  Whether you're visiting museums, going up the tallest building/tower for sightseeing, or eating in local favorite restaurants, lines are much longer for sure.  For example, there's a great burger joint in New York City called Shake Shack Burger, the main one located inside the Madison Square park.  When I was living in NYC, I went there during winter and there were 8-10 people in front of me on the line; but when I went there again during the summer, the line was literally circling half of the park's walking path! Many tourists will either wait for hours or end up eating in less popular restaurants.  

If any time other than summer is not possible, I will have some other tips in my future posts, but if you're traveling with friends, significant others or parents on a vacation, then the best way is to find time that works for everyone's schedule and avoid holiday/major event (I'll explain more later) time.  While traveling on a holiday together means everyone doesn't need to take extra days off, prices will pick up accordingly and that means everyone pays a premium and gets less out of it.  How do $100 more for airfare and $50/night more for hotel sound? Not to mention 20%-30% longer wait time for attractions and restaurants, a 5-day vacation during holiday might turn out to be what you could do in 4-days non-holiday time. (Unless you're lying on the beach or not doing much)


So that sums up the pros and cons of seasonal/holiday travel.  Safe travels everyone!