There’s never been a cheaper time to enjoy the holiday cheer radiating from the tents and stalls of Europe’s Christmas Markets. Despite chill winds, snowflakes and global inflation, the US dollar exchange rate makes visitors feel welcomed and toasty warm. Here’s our pick of the very best places in Sweden, Finland, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Denmark to celebrate the season with kids at Europe’s top Christmas Markets.
Our review doesn’t cover all of Europe, however. This tradition is so big in Germany, that German Christmas Markets have their own review.
Where to Find Europe’s Christmas Markets
During winter, in towns large and small, picturesque European cities turn into holiday wonderlands. Historic town squares are filled with musicians on balconies and choirs on church steps. Each evening from mid-November until just before Christmas, dine and shop outdoors the way locals do. At booths decorated in evergreen bowers and twinkling lights, enjoy mulled wine while kids comb the stalls searching for the perfect gift. They may find a nutcracker, a hand-painted creche, or a cake baked with loving care.
Starting with the largest and most glorious of destination Christmas Markets to center your trip around (Gothenburg, Sweden) to weekend affairs that make a great complement to other sightseeing (Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens), here’s a look at what’s happening over the winter holidays.
Sweden Christmas Markets
Gothenburg (Göteborg), Sweden’s second largest city, home of Volvo and Hasselblad, is also the No. 1 city when it comes to Christmas celebrations. More than 1.5 million visitors go see Gothenburg when the city is decked out in all its glory. Shop for honey, knit socks and hats at several markets that only open select weekends. Be sure to sample a Swedish seafood dish — that is the holiday speciality.
At Liseberg, Gothenburg’s famous amusement park, they’ve figured out how to do things in a really big way. Immerse yourselves in 700 evergreens, nearly 4 miles of garlands and 5 million lights sparkling from the harbor thourgh town and into the park. Be sure to book a table for their groaning traditional buffet smorgasbord known as a julbord. This is the largest Christmas market (and the largest amusement park) in Scandinavia. The market runs till just before New Years.
Gammelstad is a traditional Christmas Market in Swedish Lapland. One December weekend, 70 stalls and cabins sell arts and crafts such as wooden toys, hand made candles and traditional straw work. Shop around for traditional foods served by the indigenous Sami people from Lapland. Don’t miss the imaginative marzipan sweets, lots of mulled wine (Skaal!) and decorated spruce trees.
The country has several of Europe’s most snowy Christmas Markets where you can catch reindeer sleigh rides, ice skating shows and ice bars outdoors. For more information, surf to the Visit Sweden tourism site.
All Year Round Christmas at Santa Claus Village, Finland
Finland has gone way beyond the European tradition of town square Christmas markets to promote itself as the home of Santa’s hideaway in the North Pole. Their office is in Santa Claus Village in Finnish Lapland. (The Claus’ secret home is hidden).
Since 1985 it has been open year-round. Nonetheless, it’s the wintry weekends leading up to Christmas that attract charter planes with loads of British and other European families. It’s a bucket list trip to fly directly into Rovaniemi for just one day, get a glimpse of Santa, and share your child’s Wish List with him.
Events are planned to offset the short daylight hours and cold, cold climate of winter. That makes Finland’s Christmas Market season especially welcome for Finns. All through December, families plan pikkujoulu or little Christmas get-togethers. At the public markets, sample the Scandinavian version of gluhwein known as glögi. Families will find special concerts and festive menus everywhere. But there’s nothing quite like Santa Claus Village.
Europe’s Christmas Markets in Finland: Helsinki
Helsinki’s Christmas Season typically begins in late November and ends a few days before Christmas. Annually since 1852, Senate Square Christmas Market has risen outside the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral. Whenever you visit, start here in the capital’s largest market, browsing more than 100 stalls. In addition to fabulous Finnish art and high style clothes, delicious edible treats include marzipan animals, gingerbread cookies, Christmas fruitcake and the flakiest prune-filled Christmas tarts imaginable.
All of Aleksanterinkatu Street is lit up. Yuletide shoppers peruse beautiful contemporary and traditional craft items including fur hats, silver ornaments and wreaths made of woven oat stalks. There are small markets in Old Porvoo and lots of shopping at the Art Factory Christmas and the Women’s Christmas Marksmallet at the Old Harbor.
Candles illuminate the museum village of traditional homes, Seurasaari. Visit the holiday displays about the Finns’ ancient traditions and special family programming. And, your family may spend hours indoors happily exploring beautifully decorated stores such as Stockmann’s, Marimekko and Iittala. For more information, see Visit Helsinki Tourism.
Europe’s Christmas Markets: Experience France By Barge
River cruising has exploded in popularity as a budget and super convenient way to see Europe’s great harbor cities. However, few realize that the best and most traditional Christmas Markets in France are best visited by barge. The France-based CroisiEurope river cruise company makes the discovery of France’s authentically magical holiday markets comfortable and easy. This year, their French Canal Boats are calling on Christmas Markets in French Alsace. One cruise starts in Strasbourg, whose well-preserved Old Town known as Petite France is an Instagram-worthy site. This is said to be France’s oldest and most popular Christmas Market of all. The other Croisieurope barge itinerary features Colmar, an Alsation town riddled with canals lined with traditional homes. Lights reflected in the bands of water make it a magical experience.
The cathedral towns of Metz and Reims (champagne territory) also host classic Christmas Markets with locally produced artisan goods and the edibles the French are famous for. Paris, a must-stop for its incredible shopping, is decorated to the hilt for the holidays.
There are several Paris neighborhood Christmas Markets, including one selling recycled goods for the eco-conscious and one with African style. Opposite the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries comes alive with stalls from mid-November to Three Kings Day. In addition to shopping, look for the surrounding an ice skating rink, Ferris wheel and decked-out evergreen tree.
Switzerland Christmas Markets
Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city so its popular Christmas markets are well worth a visit. Visitors enjoy the festive shopping venues plus outdoor concerts, evening light shows, pop-up restaurants and decorated shops. From the third week in November to just before Christmas Eve, drop by several Christmas markets held around the city. Europe’s Christmas afficionados love both the traditional small ones in Old Town and the Opera House’s huge Wienachtsdorf Market known as Zurich Christmas Village. Thanks to their tourism department, we sampled the market in New York City and loved some of the more than 100 vendors who came with foods, handmade goods and holiday products. Drop into one of their cozy lounges or sit in the warming chalet so you’re ready to shop the huts at Zurich Wienachtsdorf.
Additionally, Zurich Main train station hosts a contemporary market whose tree has more than 7,000 crystal ornaments. Keep this market in mind for those evenings when the temperatures drop as your kids may be more comfortable indoors.
Any time, we love the Marlitram, a festive red tram driven by Santa that circulates around Zurich. The angels onboard narrate Christmas stories for ages 4-9; tickets required from the Jelmoli department store. Pick up a Zurich Card or the Bike version to make getting around the city easier and cheaper.
Don’t miss the Christmas Markets in the lakefront city of Lucerne, which is so beautiful at any time of year. The Lucerne Advent Season opens Nov. 24 with tree lighting ceremonies at Europaplatz and in the Old Town. Both host Europe style Christmas Markets with a Swiss flair through the month of December. If you’re new to the tradition, why not book a Pine Boughs and Bright Lights Tour. As you stay warm strolling the city’s streets, an expert guide explains the local traditions and specialties to look for at the various markets.
Belgium Christmas Markets Thrive in Brussels
Throughout Belgium, Europe’s Christmas Markets season begins at the end of November, with the celebration of St. Nicholas. Belgium is a country where chocolate and french fries are the joys of everyday life. However, at the holidays, enjoy marzipan, klaasjes (flat hard cakes) and speculoos (St. Nicholas-shaped gingerbread) at the country’s many traditional Christmas markets.
In Brussels, the city center hosts a skating rink within its large Christmas market, which has an illuminated Ferris Wheel and street activities to keep the family busy. Visitors can get lost in the 240 wooden chalets shared among the top three markets. You must visit the Bourse (Stock Exchange), Place Sainte Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons (fish market). Shop at each for unique Christmas ornaments, handicraft items and seasonal gourmet treats. Choirs, processions, bands and concerts complete the holiday ambiance.
Learn about the history, manufacture and artistry of chocolate, which makes a great holiday gift. In fact, the gift shop at Choco-Story Brussels is the place to buy Neuhaus, Godiva and Leonidas confections. And don’t forget that a Brussels Greeter will help you shop and introduce your family to the city, at no additional charge.
Discover Europe’s Best Christmas Markets in Quieter Belgium Cities
In Belgium’s major towns, Europe’s Christmas markets often run through the first week of January (Three Kings Day). That gives your family a chance to visit one of the large, bustling urban markets then retreat to a quieter city for a different experience.
In Bruges, enjoy Christmas concerts and carillon (bell-ringing) music. This magical city is packed with traditional architecture. Add on holiday decor comprising garlands and Christmas lights and the Bruges during the holidays looks like a gingerbread kingdom. Shops boast exquisite lacework and more, and the Procession of the Eastern Star parades across the city’s canals. While in Bruges, don’t miss the opportunity to sightsee in a horse-drawn sleigh.
In Antwerp, the markets boast with entertainment provided by jugglers, musicians, painters, poets and musical groups. Many Belgian products, as well as gourmet goodies and crafts from other European countries, are widely available.
There are exceptions to that exceptionally long Christmas market season. Throughout December only, visit a magical Christmas Village composed of 155 decorated cottages in Liege. In Ghent, famous for its cathedral and churches, the most photogenic of Europe’s Christmas Markets opens only three weeks in December. As Ghent is a green city, and the market is located in a Low Emission Zone, most visitors driving into the zone will have to register their vehicles. Being in a car-free zone makes perusing the 150 wooden stalls even more fun for families.
Note that even the tiniest villages (many just a day trip from Brussels) will feature Nativity scenes and holiday concerts for a limited time. For more information, review the listings on Visit Belgium.
Austria Christmas Markets
Holiday lights and Austrian Christmas Markets illuminate the Vienna from mid-November until right after Christmas. The Austrian capital has several of Europe’s favorite Christmas markets to marvel at. Romantics like the charming Spittelburg district, where one can find mulled wines, sweet treats and warm knitted goods nightly. At the classically regal Schönbrunn Palace, beyond the usual Christmas Market attractions, head inside for the palace’s own children’s activities and programs. Stay after the holiday to this imperial market convert into a New Year’s market. Belvedere Castle, one of Vienna’s most recognizable buildings, is home to a Christmas Village with Baroque accents. Maria-Theresien-Platz is full of regional crafts, unique gifts and culinary delights.
For traditional handicrafts and Christmas music, head for the Old Viennese Christmas Market on the Freyung which dates to 1792. Buy beautiful handmade gifts at the Art Advent in front of Karlskirche, where kids love to play in the petting zoo. Allow time to visit the candle-making workshop, listen to music and sample only organic foods. Vienna’s City Hall or Rathausplatz hosts Vienna Christmas World at the Christmas Market. It is arguably the city’s most famous Christmas Market with beautiful ice rinks. One can find countless ways to get lost among 150 booths sharing the intoxicating Christmas spirit.
The picture perfect Salzburg Christmas Market specializing in klotzenbrot, a bread loaded with raisins, dried fruits and nuts, also has a Christmas Museum. The main market, one of several in town, runs till December 26 in the center of Cathedral Square. All year round at the museum, visitors can see holiday decorations from the period 1840-1940, many from the famous Wienerwerkstatte which once sold as souvenirs. Did you know “Silent Night, Holy Night” was written in the city of Mozart — also the birthplace of “Sound of Music”?
Denmark Christmas Markets
In Denmark, the hyggelig or cozy Danish Christmas season opens early, typically in mid-November, and runs about five weeks till a few days before Christmas. At Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s beloved pleasure park, pixies prepare more than 60 traditional stalls. The market showcases handmade decorations, Christmas gifts and sweets through New Year’s Eve. Families will enjoy the three different light shows that play continuously and the Toboggan Run. Warm up and stay that way with mulled red wine, hot cocoa and other winter beverages. The park’s lavish decor is inspired by Danish and Scandinavian tradition, and live reindeer add to the festive scene. Several other neighborhoods in Copenhagen host small markets, and stores everywhere show off their holiday decorations.
You may not have heard of Tonder, a market town that’s reigned near the German border in Jutland for more than 750 years. They host a marvelous, very traditional Christmas market with its own Santa Post Office to send greeting cards from. At Den Gamle By, the living history site comprising 75 historic houses in Aarhus, costumed re-enactors create the spirit of Christmas’ past.
Don’t forget that holiday music plays at churches and cathedrals at no cost, all over Denmark, in December. For more information, look at Visit Denmark.
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For summer vacation St John in USVI is an excellent place to visit. St. John is a true gem in the Caribbean with crystal clear waters, lush green mountains and gorgeous white sand beaches. Though it is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. Sixty percent of the island is national park land, creating the illusion that you are as far from civilization as possible. However, fine shopping such as upscale jewelry stores and boutiques are just a short distance away. Boating is also a popular activity for visitors of the islands. Rent a boat and island hop to neighboring islands and cays or enjoy a day of snorkeling, swimming, picnicking and relaxing aboard one of many day sail charter boats.
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I would suggest a car seat cover it helped me and my wife a lot from our last trip to Hawaii with my baby daughter here it is
Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawksnest Bay, and through the termites’ nests of Virgin Islands National Park. These are some beautiful places which are really attracts travelers to visit the islands.
Yes! Go to the Dominican Republic at least one time in your life.
Travel Forum are always helpful
Hello Clary, we are not attorneys but we do not see a need to have a power of attorney over your cousin for your trip. A permission to travel letter from the guardians, as well as a medical authorization letter — in case your cousin needs medical treatment — should be fine for your trip. This letter should come from the guardians, not you, so they should do it now rather than wait till your arrival to finish the paperwork. When they fill it out does not matter, since the letter will have the travel dates that your cousin will be with you. Have a safe trip and enjoy!
Hello
I’m traveling with my cousin who is a minor to South Korea in July 2018 its less than 20 days away along with the travel to consent letter should I get a temporary power of attorney. Also should I set a specific time frame to do these things or can I do it the day before we leave. I ask because I have to travel to where she lives and we are flying out of her city two days after I get there.
Its a lovely place. My experience was very excellent. I enjoyed such an amazing camel ride. Staff was well-trained & well-dressed up. Very helpfull staff ,I am very impressed. I suggest to all to go there & have some fun.
Royal Desert Camp is one of the best tent camps in Sam, Jaisalmer. We had visited on 31st Dec and stayed here for the night. There was an extra charge for the Gala Dinner, but it was worth the money spent. We were 3 girls on a road trip and it was a safe and good place to be at.
Being in the city of Royal Tents in Jaisalmer of moving sand ridges, you can’t get away from the seat travel. A rough ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the energizing things to do in Jaisalmer Royal Camps. It enables you to investigate the remote and segregated spots tucked amidst the abandon. Absolutely, the additional time you give on your safari, the more remote spots you are probably going to see and the more you may acclimate to and appreciate the abandon serenity.
Jaisalmer luxury camp in Sam Sand Dunes is an unquestionable requirement visit in the province of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when wanting to visit Thar Desert or the consequences will be severe, the purpose of going there is pointless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an expanding significant vacation spot of the city.
Visit Us : http://www.desertdreamroyalcamp.com/rooms.php
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There is a reason why Iceland is a favourite travel destination. It’s natural beauty of mountains, volcanoes, and bodies of water make this country seem surreal … https://www.merrchant.com/daily/2/travel-blogs/
Indeed Caribbean islands are popular with families in the summer because of less rates than in winter, and the beaches and cultural attractions are just as appealing.
If you are interested in visiting Cusco, getting in touch with its people, volunteering in our Nutrition and education projects, then visit http://www.takemeinyourheart.org
My wife and I (US citizens) want to to take my 16 year old niece (who is a FIlipino citizen) to Korea for a graduation gift. We plan to pick her up in Philippines and fly together to Korea. We have all parental permissions and have proof of ability to support her trip. Is it possible for my niece to obtain the visa? A travel agent in the Philippines is telling us no.
What a wonderful graduation present! We cannot speak on behalf of the government of Korea, as they determine their visa policy for citizens of all countries who want to visit. What we suggest is that you contact the Korea Embassy in the US – 202-939-5600 – as you are U.S.citizens, and ask them for their advice.
Regardless of the visas, it is important that when you travel with your minor niece you have the Permission Letters, so that is a great first step.
Have a safe trip, please let us know if we can be of help.
I want to know how much cost the whole trip can be required to visit this destination. I would like to specific answer on thanks in advance.
The Montcalm Club is a reward program offering free membership for all 5-star MontCalm hotels in London. Each of The MontCalm Luxury Hotels is uniquely and elegantly designed to enhance your stay whether you are in London for business, shopping, theatre or sight-seeing. We extend a diverse range of benefits for our valued guests. Become a member by registering online or at reception at any of MontCalm properties and earn 100 points straightaway & 10 points on every pound you spend on your room booking at any of our hotels. Collect the requisite points and redeem them for a free night stay at the Mont Calm Hotels in London. So, what you are waiting for? Join, Earn & Redeem at the montcalmclub. This time montcalmclub offering the loyalty rewarding in that people can save up to 15% on membership.
This is such a piece of paradise.
Love the pictures, outstanding post! You absolutely re-fueled my wish to visit Morocco. It’s been on my bucket incline for fairly some time. Sounds like you had a blast!
Indeed! Agra is one of the most beautiful places in India to visit. Taj Mahal is one of my favourites. Seeing Agra Fort in Person is quite mesmerizing too. Thank for the trip planning details. I will bookmark this for my future India travels.
A very nice information about Agra and its related places. People usually think a lot about making their trip well-organised. This will gonna help them.
Hurricanes strike without intimation, we need to take some preventive measures to reduce the impact of hurricanes. The information given here is really useful. I would like to add some of the tips that help to survive a hurricane like, create a plan for the family, secure your home with hurricane resistant products, always have a survival kit with you. Take some helpful hints from the professionals and secure your home and make sure you have an escape route ready with you.
Of course! Christmas is a magical time for children – and equally unusual for moms and dads who love nothing more than to see their little ones’ faces smiley with festive joy.
There are so many countries and their cities where people can enjoy these festivals, but I think London is the most popular place to enjoy the lightning of the festivals like Christmas.
Christmas is magical especially for kids. We were lucky enough to take our kids to Lapland when they were younger. Meeting the real Santa and his elves was wonderful.
Great article with good information
thanks for it
If anyone is looking for anything else to do in London, there is a Christmas market in Hyde Park that lasts through New Years. There are several other seasonal events that you can enjoy.
https://londonconnection.com/upcoming-events-london/
Great products!
Volunteer vacations, or voluntourism, is one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. By taking a volunteer vacation, you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people. One of my friends is a working as a volunteer for voyage humanitaire, these trips offer a great charity experience, Where you can offer your support to the needful people.
Nothing is more beautiful than Europe. Would definitely travel to Europe one day.
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand is known for its vibrant street life and ornate shrines. It is a city which is exquisitely decorated with Buddhist temples all around along with various natural beauties. The city of Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and is known as a hot and chaotic city.
How did Halloween get to be so big? The most fun we ever had was at the Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca, but I see now that in the US, it’s gone to a whole new level of madness.
A road trip through New England is beautiful at any time of year, but when the leaves begin to turn (anywhere from early September to late October) it can be spectacular.
The common wisdom is that the leaves get their signal to change color when night time temperatures drop below 40 F degrees. The farther north you go towards Canada, and the higher the elevation, the sooner this occurs. By mid-September you may see a whole range of colors in northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
In New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, those colors could reach their peak around early October. In Manhattan, New York City where my family lives, we always count on Columbus Day as being the height of leaf color around us, but a big storm or early frost can change all that.
The safest bet is to ask the source — tourism offices in the states you are interested in — as they monitor the climate and moisture in the leaves very closely. Here is a round up of resources for leaf peepers:
Leaf Peekers Guide Americas Fall Foliage
What a great list this is — I just got back from Norway and have to say that the Raumer railway, from Alesund up to Bergen, is another gorgeous ride. The Norway fjords are very beautiful.
I never knew South Dakota was an ice-cream hotspot, sounds like a great place for foodie familes. The local dishes–I need to try chislic–are making my mouth-water. Thanks for such an informative peice on a part of the country I know so little about.
We’ve just heard the good news that Finnair is increasing airlift to five airports in Lapland for the winter 2017-2018 season. Between Jan 1- March 24, 2018, Finnair will add four weekly frequencies to Rovaniemi, three to Kuusamo, and extra flights between Helsinki and Ivalo and Helsinki and Kittilä.
During the winter 2017-2018 season, Finnair will also operate new non-stop flights to Lapland airports from London Gatwick, Paris and Zurich.
we love this idea, to add actual storybooks to the amazing storytelling that goes on at Disneyland. Imagine you can follow up on the excitement of a thrill ride with the moral tale that influenced it, how much more meaningful that would become for our kids. thanks for sharing it!
My 16 yr old is planning to go to Costa Rica with an 18yr old and a 19 yr old. What papers do I need to fill out and have him bring?
Submitted by D.A. to moderator
This article explains the forms that we recommend and why they are needed for the 16-year-old: https://myfamilytravels.com/content/14513-permission-travel-letters-and-why-you-need-them
There is a field within the article where you can input your email address to request that blank forms are sent to you. Please check your Inbox and spam filter for a confirmation email that will ‘confirm’ your request, and once you have clicked on it, you should get a second email with the forms themselves.
My family has been in the wholesale end of the souvenir supply business dating back to 1952 when my Grandfather came out of retirement at age 51 and bought a local wholesale jobber distributor that sold some small wooden novelties made in the Ozarks.
Along with my father’s youth, energy and drive they built a small regional business into a national Importer/Distributor with regional warehouses serving the souvenir needs of Tourist attractions throughout the US. It’s an interesting story and one that started with cheap trinkets Made in Japan that transformed Asia into the powerful Manufacturing Revolution that feeds thousands of Big box Retailers today.
One of our oldest and most popular local attractions here in the midwest that is still operating under the original Family is Meramec Caverns. The attraction has been largely shut down early this spring due to some troubling environmental problems which I believe developed after a regional Flood of the Meramec washed out the visitor center. I believe its set to reopen soon. This is the type of “Attraction” that has kept families on the road and vintage souvenirs making a comeback.
Fairway Mfg. Company
Mark Sobelman, President
2424 Schuetz Rd.
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Thanks for the feedback, that travel stroller you got looks like a great solution with 2 kids, but it’s pricey! Let us know how you like using it on your trip.
Congratulations!
Traveler Carla K asks:
My eleven year old son will be traveling with his grandmother to Vietnam and Cambodia. They will have a plane change in Korea (which will be a port of entry, so I assume they will go through immigration and customs here as well).
This is my question: Do I need to sign and notarize three separate forms (one per country)?
Our answer:
We are not attorneys but we recommend that you have several copies of the same form, and that the form include the travel information about the whole itinerary. In terms of changing planes, there may not be a need to go through Immigration in Korea. However, if you have an original form that mentions all the flights/countries within a broad range of travel dates, and have photocopies that grandparents can leave behind if requested by an Immigration official, they should be fine.
We wish your son and his grandmother a safe and fun trip — it certainly sounds like a fascinating journey to us.Thank you and please get in touch with other questions.
The CPB has some useful advice on this topic on their web page: http://ow.ly/Q2WEY
Well the 1st of June started out soggy. I, along with most all the captains had to cancel due to the fact that it rained and lightened most of the day. The rest of the week was beautiful. None of my clients this week wanted to Tarpon fish, so I stayed inshore most of the week, but the reports I’m getting are still saying that the tarpon bite is remaining strong at Bean Point and along the beach. All my clients this week wanted to stay inshore to take home some fish for the dinner table. The bite this week was slow in the morning but picked up at the tale end of the high tide and was good through the outgoing tide. Most days we were able to catch 20 or so trout with about half being in the keeper range. The big trout of the week was 23″ with most of the trout being caught in 3′-4′ of water on small grass patches. The Redfish bite has been slow but we are managing to catch a couple each trip during the higher water along the mangroves. The Snook bite has been good as long as the tide is moving. Most trips we were able to catch around 15-20 with most being in the 25″ range. If you are looking to book at fishing charter or fishing trip and are near Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa areas book with Anna Maria Inshore Fishing, LCC call Fishing Guide Capt. Kyle (941) 345-7182 http://www.annamariainshorefishing.com or check out my brother Fishing Guide Capt. Ryan (941) 812-7435 http://www.bradentoninshorefishing.com
I just wanted to inquire how much a cruise is how long it is what the fees and baggage charges etc are there accommodation for children that are autistic _ is there a discount for people that are Disneyland annual pass holders
By Deb L, moved by Forums moderator
Disney cruises are really fun, and their staff is so well trained to work with all kids, that I think you will find them able to include a child with autism in the regular children’s programming. (Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line I know — see story — that has specific accommodations and loaner toy kits, for example, for guests on the spectrum.)
DCL Cruises run 4 to 7 days typically, pricing varies because some have theme park tickets bundled in, some leave from Florida, others from California and a ship will be in Europe this summer.
You can find out more about Disney Cruise Lines at their site: vhttp://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ – that would be the place to inquire if pass holders get any type of discount. One good cruise travel specialist we know is Magic For Less — http://www.themagicforless.com/ – and they can help you sort through the many choices.
Have a great trip, we don’t think you’ll go wrong!
From a quirky retail store, to a nature park with over 380 live animals, the Shell Factory is “must see” for families visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida. Located in Fort Myers, this iconic, offbeat roadside attraction offers a variety of activities, souvenirs and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
You can shop for Christmas decorations in the Christmas store (which is open year-round!), try out a hurricane simulator, watch hermit crab races, stroll through aisles filled with taxidermy, indulge in homemade fudge, channel your inner pirate in the Pirate room and more.
Thanks to Julianna Bryan for her fun suggestion.
Hello, my name is Joshua. You have a great site. I have a few questions that has branched off from reading your article by Kyle McCarthy about the road trip from Jacksonville Florida to Key West using A1A and also Route 1. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am in the navy and live in Jacksonville. I recently decided that I am going to take a long (month or longer) backpacking trip from Jacksonville to Miami (or Key west if I can make it). I am having trouble decideing which route to take A1A or Route 1. It seems as if you took both on your road trip. Maybe you can suggest which I take. If you can make any suggestions maybe you could consider I will be backpacking and looking for a decent sized shoulder on the side to walk on. I would like easier access to motels and food. I also wonder if I could plop a tent down anywhere in my travels? Also, I picture myself stopping for a cold beer here and there along my travels somewhere that a dirty backpacker would be welcomed. The problem is I am currently on deployment overseas so my research is limited and I am not very familiar with Florida at all yet. Any help for my backpacking trip would be greatly appreciated so I can start to plan it as much as I can at sea for now. The descriptions of your trip are very well detailed, I am just not sure which route to concentrate on or would be easier, more scenic and fun for a backpacker. I will continue to read your site as I love to travel and you have very detailed and relevant information. Thanks so much.
ubud would be super for a mother-daughter getaway. The Yoga Barn is terrific: it cascades down a hillside, first with welcome bungalow, then a really good restaurant, then a yoga building (photo below), then gardens and what I think are either cottages for accom or treatment rooms. And meanwhile you’re in ubud!
Some people stay at the yoga barn but it’s pretty expensive by ubud standards. I had a beautiful guest house– traditional compound with statuary and pool and ornate platforms — for $25 cDN and I left it for a better one. Plus today I went to beautiful spa, garden setting, 5 mins from yoga barn, and had massage , papaya scrub, and soak in a flower-filled tub — $27 cDN , so that’s maybe $20?
< The patio of my guesthouse.
Ubud is so very beautiful, my room is like a private bungalow by a ravine, beautiful greenery, sounds of cicadas and rushing water, and this little temple where the lady of the house does a ceremony every morning.
Ubud also has Balinese dance performances every night ($6), exquisite meals ($5)…
Contributed by user Teresa Plowright.