Musings from a Midwest U.S. mom on travel
Viking Danube River Christmas Delights Tour
I visited ports in Eastern Europe in December 2023. Four countries in eight days that included Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.
Budapest, Hungary
Famous for architectural marvels dating back to the Roman Empire, Budapest is a feast for the eyes and all the senses. Learn more about this Eastern European capital city known for its love of paprika.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava served as the Hungarian capital from 1526 until 1784, when most of the middle Danube basin was in the hands of the Turks, and the Hungarian parliament continued to meet there until 1848. The Habsburg rulers were crowned kings of Hungary in the city's Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin
Getting there - travel tips
Rental vehicles
After years of bad experiences with national rental car companies, I've converted to Turo. Turo allows you to rent a vehicle from an individual.
On my most recent trip to Colorado, we bypassed the airport shuttle to the rental car area offsite and the headache of long lines to pickup a reserved vehicle. After a nightmare experience last summer with a mechanical failure while on vacation in desolate Utah, we vowed there must be a better way.
Enter Turo! Reserve online (including 4 wheel drive options) and they deliver to you at the airport! It could not be easier. It's also about half the cost of a normal rental. We were able to get a Cadillac Escalade with all the features (leather heated/cooled and massaging seats, sunroof, beverage cooler, etc.) for much less than a regular rental.
Is TSA precheck worth it?
If you will be traveling more than twice per year or are traveling with young children, older parents or on high traffic holidays, yes! Do yourself a favor and spend the $80 for TSA precheck. If you're traveling internationally, I also highly recommend it. You will save yourself waiting in long lines for security, not have to remove your shoes, and possibly not miss your flight! If you have close connections at an airport where you have to change terminals and pass through security, do it!
Lodging
I trust the member reviews on TripAdvisor and I also do a search of where a property is located and how old it is before I book. If I'll be in one destination for at least three days, I look for a VRBO so I have access to a kitchen to save on eating out.
Otherwise I look for local establishments with high regard. Bed and breakfasts, historic hotels and national park lodges are all good options to get a feel for the local flair and fare.
Maps
Mobile phone service is not the same everywhere. I've saved myself more than once by printing out a map before I left home. It's old school and my kids make fun of me. But no one likes to be lost.
Construction
If you are traveling in the summer months, you will more than likely encounter some kind of road construction on your journey. A bit of pre-planning and some patience will go along way to save your sanity.
Packing
Pack as light as possible, if you'll have access to a washer and dryer, even lighter. Research what airline you're flying and their policies for checked bags and carryons. As assortment of tops, bottoms, outerwear, swimwear and undergarments. Take at least two pair of shoes! Your feet will thank you. If you're doing any hiking, invest in good socks and some Glide cream to avoid blisters. Remember your toothbrush!