This Wednesday, we have two Australians on the list – Carolyn from Holidays to Europe, warning us of various scammers you may encounter when travelling and Andrea from Rear View Mirror, who takes us across the north of Germany in winter. Enjoy!
Don’t be caught out by scammers when travelling
by Carolyn from Holidays to Europe, an Australian based business passionate about sharing their European travel expertise and helping travellers to experience the holiday in Europe they have always dreamed of
As happens everywhere in the world, tourists are prime targets for scammers and pickpockets and it pays to keep your wits about you whenever you are out and about. Security should be of the highest priority when travelling, not only in Europe but wherever you choose to travel.
When I’m travelling, my husband always carries our valuables (passports, credit cards, bank cards and cash) in a moneybelt around his waist and hidden under his shirt. We prefer a flat moneybelt, not the old ‘bum bag’ style. Touch wood, we’ve never had anything stolen but I’ve heard plenty of horror stories including people having the straps of their backpacks cut whilst they are wearing them. On my first trip to Europe 25 years ago, I did a Contiki tour and I can still remember the tour guide telling us to wear our backpacks on our front so that we could see them at all times. “You might look stupid,” she said, “but it just might mean you keep your valuables.” It’s advice I still heed to this day. Read more
A Winter Drive Across Northern Germany
by Andrea from Rear View Mirror (formerly Destination Europe), a fellow Australian who, after 6 years of living in France, has given up herParis apartment to live a nomadic life slowing travelling around Europe, experiencing each destination like a local.
The Germans often complain of their cold, snowy winters but I love a bit of chill in the air and I love Germany in winter. Indulging at the Christmas markets with a semi-sweet hot cider (I can’t stand mulled wine) is a daily event when there as is enjoying the country’s most famous sights surrounded by few tourists. Most of all I simply love the snowy landscapes.
My recent travels around the Balkans have given me a new found appreciation for German roads. When driving in Germany I don’t have to concern myself with potholed roads, cars driving the wrong way down the highway and wild dogs getting in my way. I miss the relaxing days cruising down the autobahn at 180km per hour. Thankfully this 1000km road trip from Cologne to Berlin is an easy, stress free drive and it takes in a mix of big and small cities along the way. Read more
