Winter Wonderlands: Best Railbookers Routes for Christmas Travel

Who doesn’t dream of exploring Europe by train, especially during those scenic, snowy winter months?

Though winter travel can be difficult, it’s often magical.

And just like the United States, European hubs and small towns set up charming Christmas markets each year. Vendors sell warm and delicious drinks while shoppers mill around on the hunt for the perfect gift. Around the continent, these quaint experiences attract thousands of attendees each year.

There’s just one catch for those who want to bridge train travel with Christmas markets…

It’s a pretty complex job to figure out train routes that will take you to the very best Christmas markets across Europe. Plus, it’s a busy season for train travel.

Thankfully, more travel companies are looking to connect the dots for interested travelers. That’s definitely the case with Railbookers, a platform that simplifies train travel around the world. The company offers curated trips that include train routes, tickets, and more.

Looking for a beautiful getaway this winter? I’ve got the best Railbooker routes for you.

Will you be shopping on Black Friday?

Railbookers is offering hefty deals from November 25 – December 8. Make sure to bookmark the page so you can take advantage. Offers are eligible up to two years in advance.

Best Railbookers routes through winter wonderlands

My pick: Vienna, Krakow, Warsaw, Berlin

7 Days & 4 Destinations

Poland should be on your radar no matter what time of year. I’m a little biased given my partner is Polish and we visit the country pretty often, but when it comes to winter delights, this country delivers.

The same is true for many central and eastern European countries, from Hungary to Austria. That’s why I’ve chosen this unique offer.

This Railbookers tour kicks off in Vienna, Austria before heading to Krakow, Poland. You’ll spend two nights in both cities. Krakow’s old town is one of my favorite places on Planet Earth. It’s out of a fairytale storybook—one that’s taken to new heights during the festive Christmas season.

Aside from winter wonderlands, you’ll also be treated to plenty of historical sites. If you like WWII memorials and landmarks, this is also a great selection.

Explore more here

Best for Short Trips: Explore Bavaria and the Romantic Road

9 Days & 5 Destinations

Southern Germany is another one of those fairytale-caliber destinations. From its healthy and sprawling forests to its ancient towns, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy.

But history is an important note here, as with the tour above. The towns included in this itinerary are some of the oldest and most picturesque in the country. You get to explore sites like Residenz Palace and Neuschwanstein Castle.

In the dead of winter, these spots are sure to be dusted with pristine white snow.

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Best views: Heidelberg, Bavaria, & the Alps

12 Days & 6 Destinations

If you’re more interested in soaking up stunning views from a train, then look no further.

This Alps-centric tour takes you high into the mountains of one of the world’s most scenic ranges. The journey starts in Munich, Germany, heading south before finishing in Lucerne, Switzerland.

I really can’t overstate how beautiful the Alps are—and especially during winter. Having spent time amid Norway’s fjords and India’s Himalayan foothills, I can assure you that the Alps meet the hype.

On top of that, countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland come alive with winter festivities and are often the peak travel season thanks to this.

Explore more here

Best full-scale trip: European Winter Wonderland

15 Days & 7 Destinations

The title says it all. If you want a close-up of the best winter wonderland scenes in Europe, then stick with this trip.

It’s a little bit long for some at 15 days, but it’ll take you straight into the continent’s most scenic and celebrated winter displays—including Christmas markets. This is also a fantastic gift for any loved ones who have an appreciation for winter delights and Christmas wonders.

I have no idea why Milan is on this list, but it’s another one of my favorite European cities, so why not start with a tour of Duomo?

Explore more here

6 Tricks to Simplify Holiday Air Travel from Goway

Goway is a travel-planning site for travelers who want to pick up and escape—with minimal fuss.

Given Goway’s extensive experience getting travelers from Point A to Point B without stress, the company also has a few expert insights for travelers facing a busy holiday season.

Want to get ahead at the airport without all the fuss and headaches?

Follow these six simple tips. Sometimes life is really that easy.

Tip # 1: Book flights first thing in the morning

Nobody likes waking up early—and definitely not going through security at 6 am. However, the best way to avoid flight delays and cancellations is to get there first. The later in the day your flight is scheduled, the more likely it is to be delayed.

Tip # 2: Give yourself a buffer day

If you need to have a Christmas party on December 22^nd, it’s best to fly to your destination on December 20^th. That’s doubly true if you’re going to be traveling through busy airports and flying out popular flight routes.

Tip # 3: Purchase seat selection

The holidays are a stressful time for air travel. Purchasing a seat protects you from getting a dread middle-row seat. It also prevents you from getting bumped, as airlines are more likely to bump a passenger who hasn’t paid for seat selection.

Tip # 4: Don’t wrap your gifts

It doesn’t matter if you’re checking your bag or bringing a carry-on, wrapped gifts are more likely to flag security agents. At best, a security guard rifles through your bag. At worst, it delays you from getting to your gate on time.

Tip # 5: Book transportation ahead of time

If you’re ordering a car at the airport, be prepared to pay exorbitant prices. Scheduling ahead prevents you from paying for surge pricing during busy times.

Tip # 6: If you’re traveling for the holidays, pre-plan the festivities

Lastly, if you’re heading to a destination for the holidays instead of home, then plan ahead in terms of decorations and meals.

First, ask the hotel concierge to help out with some decorations for your room. Most hotels will help you cobble together some kind of setup because they’re used to hosting families.

Second, call ahead at nearby restaurants to book a classic holiday meal for the big day. Don’t chance it with any last-minute orders.

Coolest Architecture in the US You Haven’t Heard Of

When it comes to well-known architectural feats, the US is home to a handful of standouts.

From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Statue of Liberty to the Gateway Arch, many are well-known around the world. Even some of our public libraries are like works of art.

On a smaller scale, the US is also home to dozens of major projects from world-renowned architects. Feats like Fallingwater from Frank Lloyd Wright remain at the top of the list for tourists, along with rentals and designs by the famous architect.

But what about those lesser-known architectural standouts?

Given the sheer size of the US and the scope of its cultural influences, there are incredible projects in every single state, and you might not have heard of them before.

Want to take a closer look at some of the coolest architecture in the United States? Here are the top picks from across the country.

Thorncrown Chapel

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

This quaint town is bursting with charm. Just outside the city limits and tucked into a mature and green forest awaits an awe-inspiring glass church. Constructed back in 1980, the church has 425 windows for a whopping total of over 6,000 square feet of glass.

Native flagstone was used throughout, which means that this utterly state-of-the-art and modern project somehow blends seamlessly in with the surrounding woodlands.

The Thorncrown Chapel is open to visitors throughout the year aside from in January and February, when it is open only for weddings and religious ceremonies.

Find a place to stay nearby

Glass House

New Canaan, Connecticut

This famous historic house museum was once the abode of famous architect Philip Johnson—you may have heard of him and his works before. This minimalist structure includes glass walls that frame the small 56×38-foot dwelling.

Just like Thorncrown Chapel, its glass elements are designed to encourage reflection. But it was completed back in 1949, which makes the Glass House one of the most innovative and impactful modern American projects from the last century.

The Glass House is open to visitors as a historic house museum.

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Bell Works

Holmdel Township, New Jersey

Bell Works is one of the US’s most impactful industrial research and development companies. In fact, this very structure is where Steven Chu discovered laser-cooling techniques that saw him nab a Nobel Prize.

The Bell Works Holmdel Complex is a fitting place for such a discovery. It was known as the ‘biggest mirror ever’ after its completion in 1962. Though stout, brutalist, and plain, this Eero Saarinen project leaves a strong impression on anyone who beholds it.

If you recognize the name Saarinen, that’s probably from his other major projects—which include the Gateway Arch and the TWA Hotel.

But when it comes to Bell Works, what’s inside matters most today. The interior is gargantuan in scale, creating a grand and empowering atmosphere. It’s also open public as a ‘metroburb‘. Sounds fun.

Find a place to stay nearby

Rentals in Holmdel Township

Shangri La

Honolulu, Hawaii

Did you know that there’s an Islamic-style mansion located in the heart of Hawaii? And that it’s called Shangri-La?

This construction belonged to Doris Duke, a socialist and tobacco heiress, who was inspired to build a palace of her own thanks to her travels through Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, and India.

Her interest in Islamic artwork and architecture is immortalized at the Shangri La property, which was completed in 1938. For the next 60 years, Duke filled the grounds with works of fine art.

The grounds also include multiple houses and unique projects that are based on iconic landmarks like the Shalimar Gardens and Chehel Sotoun. I highly suggest exploring photos and galleries of the grounds, as they’re filled with stunning tilework, delightful coves, and other hidden treasures.

Shangri La is open to the public as The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design. It regularly includes new exhibits from artists from around the world.

Find a place to stay nearby

According to Expedia, 63% of Consumers Are Taking Detour Trips in 2025

Want to take a sneak peek at travel in 2025?

Let’s take a look behind the curtain with the newly released ‘Unpack ’25: The Trends in Travel from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo’.

The annual report digs through a minefield of data collected throughout the year, which is used to lay out next year’s biggest travel trends.

Building on a well-rounded combination of data from major flight, hotel, and rental platforms, the report predicts things like JOMO (aka the ‘joy of missing out’), one-click trips, and detour destinations will take off.

I’m particularly intrigued by the latter. Detour trips take travelers off the well-trodden path and into new territory. Cheaper territory. Cooler territory.

According to the report, 63% of consumers say they’re likely to head to a detour destination next year. Here’s what you need to know about detour trips in 2025.

What are detour trips and detour destinations?

A detour destination is near a major tourist hotspot—but far enough away that visitors won’t run into crowds and pay exorbitant hospitality prices.

Detour destinations are also known as detour trips. Detour trips let travelers plan a day trip to the big city without spending all their time, energy, and money there. Plus, it lets travelers seek out lesser-known experiences, from delicious eats to off-the-beaten-track landmarks.

Why are they appealing?

Detour destinations and trips are appealing because travelers (like me) are fed up with overcrowded cities and pricey hotels and tours that offer a low-value experience.

In other words, as overtourism becomes a more endemic problem in popular destinations around the world, many travelers are looking to avoid them altogether. Detour trips let them pop in and out at their leisure, as mentioned above.

That being said, detour trips usually include at least one foray into a popular destination. For example, Girona is a popular detour destination for Americans who want to visit Barcelona—but don’t want to spend their whole trip in the Catalan capital.

That’s the key here. Detour trips give travelers the best of both worlds, and they’re usually accessible by a short journey by train, plane, or car.

Expedia predicts these 10 detour destinations will be huge in 2025

Want to skip out on the massive crowds and hefty price tags at some of the world’s hottest tourist destinations? Keep these options on your radar for next year.

Girona instead of Barcelona
Reims instead of Paris
Brescia instead of Milan
Cozumel instead of Cancun
Waikato instead of Auckland
Santa Barbara instead of Los Angeles
Fukuoka instead of Tokyo
Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai
Krabi instead of Phuket
Canmore instead of Calgary

The Quick Guide to Renting Cars Abroad: Everything You Need to Know

Who doesn’t love hitting the open road?

Americans drive more than just about any other country on the planet—so we’re more than comfortable behind the wheel.

Still, renting a car while traveling abroad is a big decision, and there’s plenty of fine print to consider.

There’s also the question of driver’s licenses, reading signs in other countries, and figuring out how to drive on the other side of the road, in some cases.

Also… what about all those unwritten road rules, like moving over when a car is on the shoulder and knowing when to flash headlights?

Let’s dig into the minutiae of renting cars abroad. Here’s what you need to know.

Renting cars abroad: the big questions

Do you need an International Driving Permit?

I’ve rented cars around Europe without an International Driving Permit, including in more rules-loving countries like Norway.

My partner had an IDP for a while, but it expired recently—and he was never actually prompted to demonstrate that he had an IDP when renting cars.

For context, we’ve rented cars and motos all over the world, from Poland to Australia to Vietnam to Spain.

So… do you need an IDP to rent a car? No.

That being said, I actually recommend having one. Sure, they’re great for renting cars, but they’re also United Nations-approved.

That means you’re joining an official and established global program, one that is recognized by 150 countries around the world and counting. Having an IDP signifies that you understand the rules of the road and have taken the necessary steps to verify your original driver’s license.

If you plan on renting cars abroad often—or on a whim, especially—then it’s helpful to have an IDP in your back pocket. That’s doubly true if you’re heading someplace with language barriers.

Your IDP license is a universal way to demonstrate your qualifications to be on the road.

How can you get an IDP?

You can apply for an International Driving Permit online. The process is usually quick and easy, costing between $20-$50, depending on who issues you the license.

The easiest way for Americans to get their IDP is via AAA, which lets you apply for one digitally.

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to apply for one. Just keep in mind that they only last for three years, meaning you need to re-apply for a new IDP once yours has lapsed.

What type of insurance should you target when renting cars abroad?

I’m a worry wart, so I always go for the most over-the-top insurance package I can find—and I haven’t once regretted it. That being said, you might be a little more comfortable exploring different packages.

Here are the most common when renting a car abroad:

Collision damage covers any damage done to the rental car regardless of who caused the accident
Liability policies cover any damage caused to other cars and passengers outside of your car
Personal coverage includes policies designed to protect injuries to yourself and other passengers in your car, along with your personal belongings

What happens if you get ticketed abroad?

The most common tickets handed out to drivers abroad are speeding tickets.

An increasing number of countries and jurisdictions rely on speed traps, meaning you might not realize you were going over the limit until the rental company charges you.

I’ve been hit with these tickets a few times, which were resolved by paying a small fee. The rental company automatically charged me for these, as they received the tickets and fines.

If you’re pulled over for a more serious infraction, the authorities will collect your personal information and your car rental information. Depending on the severity, you might be handed a heftier fine or even have your right to the rental revoked.

Renting cars abroad: the fine print

Choosing a manual vs. automatic car

Unless you’re an expert manual driver, always opt for automatic.

Remember—the US has some of the widest and most forgiving roads in the world. You don’t want to be desperately pulling at the gear shifter while trying to maneuver on narrow streets… or on the opposite side of the road.

Always look into road size and driving conditions

There are places you probably don’t want to drive—for a variety of reasons (more on this below). Always make sure you look into road size and driving conditions before booking a rental.

You need to make sure your rental fits the roads you’ll be driving on. Also, are the roads really drivable? Or will you make your vacation stressful?

Get an informal guide on the rules of the road

Aside from knowing the formal rules—like which side of the road to be on—you should also have a good understanding of the rules of the road.

There are places where you might not want to drive based on the driving culture.

Every traveler has a different level of comfort on the road. Just make sure you’re not renting a car in an aggressive driving culture like Sicily unless you’re comfortable really claiming your space on a freeway.

Don’t bank on GPS working

If you’re heading someplace even slightly remote, I recommend having a backup plan in case you lose service. That’s doubly true in any place where you’re going to be working with a language barrier—and a cultural barrier.

Getting lost probably seems impossible thanks to modern technology, but it’s more common than you think.

Forget Hectic Airports—Fly to These Regional US Airports Instead

From sea to shining sea, the United States is a beautiful, expansive country.

That’s great for fans of wide open space but otherwise terrible for travelers.

Just take it from me. I’m from Saint Louis, Missouri—one of those small cities with a modest airport. Since moving to Europe, heading home has become a complicated setup.

I have two choices, either to pay for another flight to Saint Louis or to land in Chicago and then take an Amtrak train home.

Neither is ideal, especially not after crossing the Atlantic.

Worst of all, flights to and from Saint Louis are egregiously pricey. For example, I paid around $600 for round-trip flights to and from Chicago and Barcelona… and another $300 for a round trip to and from Saint Louis.

That being said, those price points aren’t the same across the board. In fact, flying in and out of some regional US airports is an absolute steal.

Regional airports are less busy than major hubs, aren’t usually exorbitantly priced, and can even get you home faster after long international flights.

If you’re thinking about sampling one of the smaller regional US airports to streamline your travels, start with the options below. (Just a heads up on my metrics for this article – I’m counting international airports as long as the bulk of their flight routes are regional.)

Switch these hubs for regional picks

If you’re used to flying into a major hub but want to sample a more affordable option nearby, check out these regional selections.

Swap LAX for Long Beach Airport in Long Beach, CA
Swap Boston Logan for Manchester-Boston in Manchester, NH
Swap Boston Logan for TF Green Airport in Warwick, RI
Swap Seattle Tacoma for Paine Field in Everette, WA
Swap JFK for Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, NY

Best regional US airports

What makes these picks the best? According to a study from Value Penguin, these airports offer affordable tickets, aren’t overly busy, and don’t experience too many flight delays.

Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in Kailua-Kona HI; Kahului Airport in Kahului, HI; and Lihue Airport in Lihue, HI
Boise Airport ID
Spokane International Airport WA
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport MT
Long Beach Airport CA
Glacier Park International Airport MT
Palm Springs International Airport CA
Sarasota Bradenton FL

Worst regional US airports

According to the same study, these regional airports fall behind competitors because they’re pricier, busier, and experience more delays. Avoid them if you can.

Aspen Airport CO
McAllen Miller Airport TX
Corpus Christi International Airport TX
Lafayette Regional Airport LA
Lubbock Preston Smith Airport TX
Midland Airport TX
Northwest Arkansas National Airport AR
Springfield-Branson Airport MO (only runs flights in summer)
Durango-La Plata County Airport CO
Shreveport Regional Airport LA