christmas

The second time my family flew to Germany we were greeted by dreary gray skies. We deboarded the plane on the tarmac and lugged our bags to the airport through the rain. Even though it was freezing and we were all damp, my mom made me and my brothers stop in front of the airplane so she could take a picture. That’s because we weren’t in Germany for a vacation; we were there to stay.

Christmas is just around the corner—still stuck on what gift to get for your travel enthusiast friend or relative? Here are a few recommendations sure to please any travel-lover.

As you gear up for the Christmas season, you’ll probably have your holiday playlist on constant repeat. While this might be the most wonderful time of the year, you can only take “Frosty the Snowman” so many times before you need to switch it up. To add a little more variety to your Christmas tunes, take a listen to some of the favorite holiday songs from around the world. Here are just a few:

Before reading this post, had you ever heard of the town Leavenworth, Washington? Unless you’re a local Washingtonian, probably not. What most people don’t know is that this quaint little town, hidden in the Cascade Mountains, is quite the Bavarian-influenced mountain resort. There are plenty of things to do in Leavenworth year-round, but it’s especially beautiful in the snowy winter months. Many people know that Germans love celebrating Christmas, and this Bavarian village is no exception. You can take a tour of Leavenworth’s reindeer farm, attend the Christmas Lighting Festival, enjoy the “Christmas in the Mountains” concert, and so much more. If you’re looking for a stunning winter getaway destination, Leavenworth should be at the top of your list. This spunky little town is sure to win your heart over the holidays.