"'Tis the Season of Heisse Maroni and Punsch" BillNJ's Profile

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Wonderful Trip to Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava

In November 2010, I visited Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava. The majority of my trip (8 days) was in Vienna -- where I attended a 6-day workshop and also did quite a bit of sightseeing. After the workshop concluded, I had shorter stays in Budapest (2 days) and Bratislava (1 day).

During my stay, I had the opportunity to experience the Christmas markets in all 3 cities. While the markets were largely similar, there were some interesting regional differences (in food, drink, background architecture, decorations, songs, goods for sale, etc.).

After spending 8 days in Vienna, I wholeheartedly agree with its ranking as the #1 city in the world for quality of life. The architecture is beautiful, there are many great museums and musical performances, the streets are clean and safe, the public transportation system is easy to navigate, the local culinary specialties are delicious, and the people are interesting and friendly.

The architecture in Budapest is also very impressive. I saw most of the main sights on the hop-on, hop-off bus tour -- but 2 days is not nearly enough time to explore Hungary's capital city.

And, while Bratislava is smaller and not as impressive as Vienna and Budapest, its Old Town has a lot of charm. Unfortunately, my train from Budapest arrived too late to take an organized tour of the city -- so my sightseeing in Bratislava consisted of self-guided walks through the Old Town during my 1-day visit.

Great Public Transportation Makes Travel Easier

The Hauptbahnhof in Cologne, Germany

One of the things that I like most about Europe is the great public transportation. On my 2008 trip to Europe, I didn't rent a car. Instead, I took trains between cities -- and, inside the cities, I walked or took buses, trams, subways, and taxis. I especially liked the great Hauptbahnhof (central train station) in Cologne, Germany.

Welcome Cards, Bus Tours, and Local Guidebooks

Great Guidebook About Aachen, Germany

When I visit a new city, I like to stop in the tourist office. If the city offers a Welcome Card, I generally purchase it. I have found that most Welcome Cards include a free or discounted bus tour of the city -- which I enjoy because it provides a guided overview of the main sites. If a bus tour isn't available, I check to see whether there is any literature that helps provide an overview of the city and its main attractions. In Aachen, Germany, I purchased a small guidebook entitled "Charlemagne Guides You Through Aachen". This book helped organize and enrich my visit to this wonderful, historical city.

Food and Drink

Full Irish Breakfast at Bewley's in Dublin

When I travel, I like to experience the local food and drink. When possible, I try to include photos and descriptions of meals in my VT pages. On my recent trip to Ireland, I enjoyed the full Irish breakfast. In the north, they sometimes refer to their variation of this meal as the Ulster Fry. Whatever you call it, it is delicious!

I Try to Provide an Overview in My VT Pages

View from the Top of Liège's Montagne de Bueren

In my VT pages, I try to provide an overview of my destinations and experiences. I also sprinkle in some of my opinions and commentary. I hope my tips and photos are of some help to others who are planning a trip or just trying to learn more about the world. If you do check out any of my VT pages, please leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Intro Updated Nov 30, 2010
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Comments (273)

madhavii Apr 26, 2012 at 7:15 AM Report Abuse

thanks and your page is really cool c",)
risse73 Apr 23, 2012 at 4:26 PM Report Abuse

Bill, it's nice to hear you're going to Providence, R.I. I've only driven by there, but never actually explored that area of the US. I hope you fare better and will be able to take some time off to explore the area during your weekend seminar next week. Have fun!
richiecdisc Mar 25, 2012 at 11:09 AM Report Abuse

Sounds great, Bill. Just let us know. We look forward to showing you around!
Kuznetsov_Sergey Mar 25, 2012 at 7:41 AM Report Abuse

Thank you Bill for visiting my Dresden page! Have a nice trip there this year!
lucygwt Mar 24, 2012 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday Bill....warm regards from Indonesia,Lucy
Donna_in_India Mar 24, 2012 at 10:23 AM Report Abuse

Hi Bill - happy, happy birthday!
Bunsch Mar 24, 2012 at 9:18 AM Report Abuse

A very happy birthday to you, Bill!
mikelisaanna Mar 24, 2012 at 8:18 AM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday!
Bokhari76 Mar 24, 2012 at 4:50 AM Report Abuse

Hi! Happy Birtdhay Bill. Best wishes.
HORSCHECK Mar 24, 2012 at 2:28 AM Report Abuse

Bill, happy birthday from very sunny (18 C) Germany. I hope you are doing well and looking forward to reading more about your latest travels.