Here’s what we’ll be looking at in 2019.

You are given the window seat, on one of the last Air Berlin flights over Switzerland.

Happy Travels.

All we need to do now is add more listings to the database and help promote the travel providers we do list.

—

Michel

Until we can get the module to capture and store the automated screenshots effectively, we have decided to manually grab screenshots and then use the generated images for website thumbnails.

The Web Page Screenshots are saved to a Public Photos album.

I’ve added a comment on each image that links to the website listing on Meta-Travel.

We could also add Social Connections and relative RSS feeds to the photos; although these are available on the website’s listing page.

—

Michel
Meta-Travel Guidelines.

It must be painful to watch the heart pump out its little blood red dot and look to see who all those people are, doing the liking.

A problem many of us probably don’t have.

With a few well chosen #hashtags though, we should at least spark some interest.

Even if we don’t get thousands of likes, we usually expect to get into double digits within a few minutes, before the picture drifts out of visibility.

But nothing. Not one like?

Well, I did get one and I was wondering how the person found me; and even added a follow to the like?

The photo was not showing up anywhere; except on the @TravelNotesPhotos account page and the location page – Hanoi, Vietnam.

I deleted the photo, changed a few hashtags and tried again.

Zilch.

I try not to use anywhere near the (so I’ve heard) 30 #hashtag limit and I certainly don’t post enough to be considered a spammer.

Perhaps I was being penalised for making just 68 posts since August 31, 2016.

I’d heard of banned hashtags, as you do, but didn’t think my Hanoi Street Barber was doing anything wrong.

So I rummaged around, tested tags I commonly use in the search box.

Could #FineArtAmerica be the problem?

No. All clear.

Instagram doesn’t seem to be so flooded with the cross promoting brigade, as there’s no way to get to the art from the photo; unless someone goes to the profile page.

I visit other people’s profiles, but I seldom click on their link; unless it looks like it could be an interesting blog.

I read that if one hashtag is banned, the whole lot wouldn’t work.

Then I hit the jackpot.

List of Banned Instagram Hashtags (2018)
by Alexandra | Jan 15, 2018 | Instagram Tips

Amazing.

My ‘banned hashtag’ was #Asia. One I didn’t think to test.

Thanks for reading, and thanks to Alexandra!

Anyone interested in Instagram should look through these Instagram Tips.

https://thepreviewapp.com/instagram-tips/

If you have any Instagram Tips or questions, just post away.

I’ll be adding more of what I find interesting as we move forward.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Artists and Photographers on Instagram.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

◕‿◕

Michel
Instagram.com/TravelNotesPhotos/

Standard Membership:
Can create a member profile for free; join a group; add comments and rate content.

Promotion Level:
Awarded to members with a descriptive profile, including a proper profile photo (not a company logo), a nice Cover image, and active in a regional group.

Tourist:
Tourists can earn more points for their general Meta-Travel contributions and helpful comments.

Verified Member:
Verified members can add a website and exchange community points for Meta-Travel credits.

Travel Blogger:
Travel bloggers and photographers showcase their work, for extra community points.

Travel Critic:
Travel critics savour life in hotels and restaurants; the proof is in the pudding.

Tour Guide:
The tour guide waxes lyrical about the places to visit and things to do there.

Travel PR:
Public relations is good for business and these folk know how to travel right.

Travel Scribe:
It’s all about crafting the written word; travel scribes live for the thrill of the quill.

Travel Editor:
Travel Editors are highly respected members of the Meta-Travel community.

More posts will be added to cover the actions allowed for each level and feature members who work their way up the achievement ladder.

Michel
TravelNotes.org – The Online Guide to Travel.

Our premium yoga mats are 24″ wide by 72″ tall and 0.25″ thick.

Rest assured that these products are made from environmentally friendly eco-friendly PVC.

The top of the mat has the image printed on it, and the back is solid black with textured dimples for better floor grip.

Each yoga mat includes a black carrying bag with a black shoulder strap.

Choose your favourite travel pics to custom print on your personalised yoga mat.

Our yoga mats are printed on-demand and available to ship to any destination in the world within 2 – 3 business days.

Michel
TravelNotes.org – The Online Guide to Travel.

My first experience of a traditional Christmas Market on mainland Europe was when I lived in Montreux (Switzerland), in 1996.

I had been skiing over Christmas in Switzerland, France and Italy before that but I don’t seem to remember much of a fuss being made about the Christmas markets during Advent in those days.

Perhaps because we were in such a rush to test the snow on the ski slopes and hit the apres-ski bars; before they closed for midnight mass, on Christmas Eve.

If you could have one Christmas wish, what would it be?

I thought so.

I took the photo above in Strasbourg, six years ago; when we had snow in Europe before Christmas.

Christmas in Europe seems to start in November; even if it may be hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it’s too warm for the birds to think about flying south and the ground outside is still spring green.

While you might think that all Christmas markets would be open during Christmas, quite often the opposite is true.

Some markets might only be open for a few days; in late November. Others, including ones like Bratislava, tend to wind down for Christmas Eve – so that people can get home to their families, or dress up for church.

I think the atmosphere of a Christmas market is better when you visit one in December, possibly on or after December 6th – the celebration of St. Nikolaus (the day St. Nicholas died in AD 342).

In 2009, I was pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas market – along the river in Ljubljana – still in full flow; on New Year’s Eve.

Choosing a Christmas Market

If you like the taste of Gluhwein and the smell of roasted chestnuts on a cold winter’s evening, then you’ll love the Christmas market atmosphere; the glittering lights in historic city centres beckoning you to the wooden stalls offering a wide range of artefacts and local produce.

Make a bulk purchase of regional hams and salamis and you could get a bottle of Schnapps thrown in.

Germany is Famous for it’s Weinachtsmarkte

This was the scene on November 20th (2016) as Augsburg was getting ready to open it’s Christkindlesmarkt, the following day.

A to Z of Christmas Markets

Christmas in Amsterdam: (Dec 06 to Jan 11)
There are a number of Christmas markets in and around Amsterdam. The Haarlem Christmas Market takes place on the weekend of 10th and 11th December and the Westergasfabriek Funky Xmas Market on the 11th. A vintage Christmas experience in Alkmaar also competes for your attention on the same weekend.

Christmas in Augsburg: (Nov 21 to Dec 24)
Located on the marketplace in front of the Augsburg town hall, the Christmas market in Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest. As well as the specialities found at other Bavarian markets, Augsburg is also famous for its Angel play and advent calendar.

Christmas in Baden-Baden: (Nov 21 to Dec 30)
The Baden-Baden Christmas market spreads out in front of the Kurhaus Colonnades. Visit if you feel like a little spin on the roulette wheel while you’re at it.

Christmas in Barcelona: (Nov 25 to Dec 23)
Located along the Avenida de la Catedral, the Fira de Santa Llucia has been a Christmas tradition in Barcelona since 1786. Also visit the Christmas is Holy Experience at Sagrada Familia – from 6pm to 8pm on 21st, 22nd and 23rd December, 2016.

Christmas in Berlin: (Nov 21 to Jan 01)
Germany’s capital is home to some 60 Christmas markets; ranging from traditional markets, with handicraft and nativity scene, to extraordinary ones, with ice skating rink and Ferris wheel.

Visit Berlin even puts out a special PDF document to list all the various opening times with links to individual Christmas markets around Berlin.

Christmas in Bratislava: (Nov 18 to Dec 22)
The first time we stayed in Bratislava at Christmas, the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel (close to the US Embassy) offered visitors an amazing festive deal. Even today, if you can get a double room here for €85 or under, take it!

The collection of stalls outside the hotel is not the main Christmas market, for that you’ll need to walk up to Hlavne namestie (Main Square). It’s not far. That’s the beauty of Bratislava, its much smaller than Prague or Vienna and has a very cosy feel.

Christmas in Brussels: (Nov 25 to Jan 01)
Experience the ‘Pleasures of Winter’ (Plaisirs d’Hiver/Winter Pret) in Belgium’s capital, where some 240 chalets await you; between the ice rink at the fish market (Marche aux Poissons) to Place Sainte Catherine. Use metro stations Bourse or Ste Catherine.

Christmas in Budapest: (Nov 11 to Jan 01)
Located on Vorosmarty ter (square), I was lucky enough to visit the Budapest Christmas Fair ten years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The nice thing here is the performances of Hungarian folk music with folk dancers clothed in colourful, traditional dress. Not to mention the spicy sausages oozing grease.

Christmas in Colmar: (Nov 25 to Dec 30)
The timber-framed houses in Colmar are divine any time of year but once the lights and Christmas decorations get added you really do have the Magic of Noel glittering all around you.

Christmas in Cologne: (Nov 21 to Dec 23)
Cologne has a number of Christmas markets to choose from. Although Neumarkt is the scene of Koln’s oldest Christmas market, Alter Markt – in front of Cologne’s town hall – is probably the city’s most attractive.

Cologne’s Cathedral is the scene for another Christmas market; or you can try the Harbour Christmas Market, overlooking the Rhine.

Christmas in Copenhagen: (Nov 11 to Dec 31)
Visitors to Copenhagen shouldn’t miss the Tivoli Illuminations. You can then move on to a number of other Christmas markets around wonderful Copenhagen.

Christmas in Ceske Krumlov: (Nov 25 to Jan 06)
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic Christmas atmosphere then Ceske Krumlov could be the place. The old medieval-style market comes to life on Advent weekends; in a slow-moving, appealing way. Don’t miss out on a walk up around the castle; added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments in 1992.

Christmas in Dresden: (Nov 24 to Dec.24)
Dating from 1434, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt (named after the bread-like sweetcake made around Christmas time) is the oldest Christmas market in Germany; celebrating its 582nd anniversary in 2016.

The Dresden Frauenkirche has been completely renovated since we last visited Dresden, so enjoy the sightseeing too.

Christmas in Frankfurt: (Nov 23 to Dec 22)
This is the time of year when Germany’s financial centre takes its mind off the money markets.

Standing in Frankfurt’s Paulsplatz, the Christmas tree seems to tower above the surrounding facades. Look back down again and start seeking out those special Christmas gifts.

Frankfurt’s Christmas market is set in the oldest part of the city, near the Romerberg. Specialities include Brenten (almond cookies), Bethmannchen (marzipan balls), and Quetschenmannchen (prune figures).

Christmas in Innsbruck: (Nov 15 to Jan 06)
I’d probably put the Innsbruck Christmas market in third place; behind Vienna and Salzburg but if you’re in Tyrol (or Tirol, as the Austrians say) then I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

The Golden Roof seems to attract visitors like a magnet, and that’s where you’ll find the main Innsbruck Christmas market. There are also Christmas markets at Marktplatz and along the main shopping street of Maria-Theresien-Strasse.

Christmas in Konstanz: (Nov 24 to Dec 22)
The Weihnachtsmarkt am See might not rank in the premier league of German Christmas markets but if you’re in the Lake Constance (Bodensee) area it’s pleasant enough; stretching as it does from the main square, under the main road that leads to the train station, and out onto an area around the lake.

Christmas in Krakow: (Nov 25 to Dec 26)
If you fancy a Polish Christmas, Krakow’s Rynek (main square) is the place to go; although some might prefer the smaller Wroclaw at Christmas (Nov 18 to Dec 22).

Christmas in Lille: (Nov 18 to Dec 30)
Being just an Eurostar ride away from London St Pancras, Lille is popular with visiting Brits. Be sure you don’t arrive too late or you’ll have to sit at a restaurant and look at the spinning Big Wheel that you’ve probably seen so many pictures of, as the nearby wooden chalets on Place Rihour close at 8pm during the week.

Christmas in Ljubljana: (Nov 25 to Jan 01)
If you can get a room at the Grand Hotel Union Ljubljana you’re perfectly placed to enjoy a stroll along the Ljubjanica river in the centre of the town; where the Ljubljana Festive Fair is located.

The abundance of blue lights in the old town make for a different feel to your night photography.

Christmas in London: (Nov 18 to Jan 02)
Once the Regents Street Christmas lights are turned on in November it’s hoped that the tills keep ringing all the way in to the New Year.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland returns to London for the 10th year.

Christmas in Lubeck: (Nov 21 to Dec 30)
An UNESCO World Heritage site, Lubeck’s Christmas market was first mentioned in historical documents way back in 1648. Today the city markets itself as the ‘Christmas Capital of Northern Germany’.

The Christmas we spent in Luxembourg couldn’t have been more picture perfect. Strolling around the old city after breakfast, it felt like we had the whole UNESCO World Heritage Site to ourselves.

Christmas in Luxembourg: (Nov 22 to Dec 24)
During the Winterlights Festival, Luxembourg’s Christmas markets can be found on Place de la Constitution, Place d’Armes (Chreschtmaart) and Place de Paris (Marche Saint-Nicolas). The markets close at 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Christmas in Metz: (Nov 23 to Jan 15)
There are a number of Christmas Markets in Metz but the main Festive Fair takes place around Place St Louis. The Marche Gourmande (Nov 19 to Dec 28) is located north of the Cathedral.

We stayed at the 4-star La Citadelle MGallery by Sofitel, close to the Chapelle des Templiers. If you want to eat at the hotel restaurant, you meed need to reserve a table in advance though; especially during the build up to Christmas.

Le Republicain Lorrain publishes a full listing Marches de Noel in and around Metz.

Christmas in Montreux: (Nov 24 to Dec 24)
Having lived in Montreux for a while, with a stunning view of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva), I still have a soft spot for the French-speaking region of Switzerland.

The Christmas market in Montreux has expanded since I had my first experience of Montreux Noel and there’s now a weekend Medieval Market at nearby Chateau de Chillon (Dec 03 to Dec 18).

Christmas in Munich: (Nov 25 to Dec 24)
Munich’s traditional Christmas Market is held on and around the Marienplatz. Originally called the Nicholas Market, the festive tradition dates back to the 14th century. The town’s annals first mention Christmas activity near the Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady) in 1642.

The Neuhauser Strasse Christmas manger market is also worth a visit.

Although the main Munich Christmas Market spreads out from the Town Hall, there are plenty of other Christmas markets around Munich to choose from.

Christmas in Mulhouse: (Nov 24 to Dec 23)
If you really want to visit a Christmas market in Alsace and the hotel rooms in Strasbourg and Colmar are either fully booked or too expensive, then you might want to consider Mulhouse as an alternative.

Some of the villages around South Alsace only have a Christmas market for a day or two; many competing with each other on the same day.

Christmas in Nancy: (Nov 25 to Dec 31)
As the Patron Saint of Lorraine, Saint Nicholas is afforded a special parade and celebrations on Place Stanislas (above), during the first weekend of December. Nancy’s main Christmas market is held around place Maginot.

Christmas in Nuremberg: (Nov 25 to Dec 24)
The famous Nurnberger Christkindlesmarkt is located on the Nurnberger Hauptmarkt (main market square). While the earliest Christmas market was held here in 1628 and some two million visitors are attracted to Nuremberg’s Christmas market annually, it is neither the oldest nor largest Christmas market in Germany.

Christmas in Paris: (Nov 11 to Jan 08)
From Champs-Elysees to Montparnasse; La Defense to Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the Alsace-influenced wooden chalets spring up around the capital of France.

Christmas in Prague: (Nov 26 to Jan 06)
The Christmas markets in Prague are centred around the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. In the last few days before Christmas you’ll probably see plenty of live carp for sale; as it’s tradition to eat the fish on Christmas Eve.

Christmas in Rome: (Nov 26 to Jan 06)
The Mercatino di Natale e Festa della Befana (Italy’s good witch who gives Italian children presents on Epiphany – 6th January) takes place around Rome’s Piazza Navona.

When in Rome, you’re also at the home of the Christmas Eve Mass (Solemnity of the Lord’s Birth) – at the Vatican.

Christmas in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: (Nov 25 to Dec. 23)
The medieval setting in the walled city of Rothenburg makes the Reiterlesmarkt a special event for those who like to feel as though they’re stepping back in time.

The German Christmas Museum is also located in Rothenburg; a glittering place to visit any time of the year.

Christmas in Salzburg: (Nov 17 to Dec 26)
Although Salzburg’s Christkindlmarkt on Cathedral Square is the main event there are plenty more Christmas markets in and around Salzburg to keep you feeling festive for well over a month. Be sure not to miss the Advent market in the courtyard of Hohensalzburg Fortress (up on the hill) or the Christmas Market down on Mirabell Square.

Christmas in Strasbourg: (Nov 25 to Dec 31)
Marketed as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg staged its first Marche de Noel in 1570 – making it the oldest in France – and now boasts eleven Christmas markets to choose from.

The Christmas market in Strasbourg (Alsace) is so popular that coach tours are even organised from Switzerland and hotels seem booked out months in advance.

Christmas in Stuttgart: (Nov 23 to Dec 23)
Although a seemingly modern metropolis in southern Germany, Stuttgart’s Christmas market tradition still goes back over three hundred years.

Christmas in Tallin: (Nov 18 to Jan 07)
Estonia’s Christmas tradition is celebrated around the huts radiating out from the country’s tallest Christmas tree, on Town Hall Square.

On December 17th and 18th the Christmas Village, at the Estonian Open Air Museum, shares the story of an Estonian village from a century ago.

Christmas in Turku: (Nov 26 to Jan 13)
Billed as the ‘Christmas City of Finland’, Turku’s Christmas Markets are located in the Old Great Square and Market Square.

If you have to work over Christmas you might be pleased to know that the Christmas atmosphere continues in Turku right up to St. Knut’s Day, on the 13th of January.

Christmas in Vienna: (Nov 11 to Dec 26)
While first stop might be the traditional Christmas market in front of Vienna’s City Hall, you’ll also want to visit the Christmas Market at Schonbrunn Palace, the Old Viennese Christmas Market (Altwiener Christkindlmarkt) at Freyung (they’ve held a Christmas market here since 1772), and the picturesque setting for a Christmas market at Spittelberg.

Christmas in Wurzburg: (Nov 25 to Dec 23)
Located in the Franconia region of Northern Bavaria, this romantic setting might be a little off the beaten track for most people, but that’s what’s makes a winter visit along the Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) so appealing.

Christmas in Zagreb: (Nov 26 to Jan 08)
The capital of Croatia holds its traditional Christmas Fair in the streets surrounding Jelacic Square.

Christmas in Zurich: (Nov 24 to Dec 24)
If you arrive in Zurich by train you’ll be greeted by Europe’s largest indoor Christmas market.

Stroll out along Bahnhofstrasse for some elegant Christmas shopping under dripping lights, then cross the Limmat for a little romantic Christmas atmosphere in Niederdorfstrasse; as you make your way up to Bellevue and the Wienachtsdorf at Sechselautenplatz, in front of the Opera.

Switzerland at Christmas

On December 6th, many restaurants put out bowls of nuts, oranges and chocolates for their customers.

The Christmas market itself is not as big an event as in neighbouring Germany, Austria or France but many places do have smaller markets that run for a few days.

With Montreux and Zurich already listed, other notable Christmas markets in Switzerland can be found in Basel (the largest Christmas market in Switzerland – Nov 24 to Dec 23), Bern (Dec 03-24), Geneva (holds a number of marches de Noel around the city), Lucerne (Luzerner Christkindlimarkt) and St. Gallen.

A number of smaller towns also hold shorter events, but they really do need a sprinkling of snow (seriously lacking this year) to give them a romantic, Yuletide feel.

Travelling Around Europe at Christmas

If you travel in Europe around Christmas you’ll probably stumble on at least one Christmas market without expecting to, or maybe just a row of empty wooden huts.

If you intend to visit one of the more famous Christmas markets, be prepared to pay inflated hotel prices; if the hotel rooms aren’t already fully booked.

Another option is to stay somewhere else, then travel in to the Christmas market and experience its unique atmosphere for a day.

At various Christmas markets around Europe I’ve seen many pleasant displays of arts and crafts with artisans busily creating new items before my eyes; smelt various aromas of regional produce being cooked under my nose; drank all sorts of fruity, spicy and very tasty variations of mulled wine (Gluhwein in German or Vin Chaud in French); heard the sweet sound of innocent choral voices in a variety of foreign tongues; felt snowflakes touch my rosy cheeks before silently melting away; and bought some truly original gifts for loved ones.

I hope this inspires you to visit a Christmas market or two on your travels.

Although I have written a number of Christmas Market articles over the years, this piece has been expanded with new images, and may not be reproduced anywhere else online or in print media without permission.

Links and social media shares are welcomed and even encouraged, if you think it will interest your family and friends.

And to play you out…. here’s a nice little Christmas compilation.

What’s your favourite Christmas song?

Michel – TravelNotes.org

Travel Photography Prints and Image Licensing Rights are available to online buyers.

Seven-night room only deals from London Stanstead can be had on the Algarve from £62 per person (Studio 17 by Atlantichoice), departing 9th January and returning on the 16th.

Or there’s Malta (Cardor Holiday Complex) out of London Luton from £88 per person, departing 15th January and returning on the 22nd.

Flight and six nights hotel from London Stanstead to Marrakesh (Hotel Aday) is advertised at £104 per person for an early February departure. Or there’s a return flight and half-board at the Barcelo Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa, departing January 6th for £110 per person.

A number of three to four night city breaks in Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice, Warsaw and Berlin are also on offer for under £100. Breakfast is included in Venice from £95 per person, for a January 22nd departure from London Stanstead.

Deals to the Mediterranean beaches in April and May are of course a little more expensive.

Holiday packages have already been offered by easyJet, Jet2 and Monarch for quite a while and now Ryanair also hopes to position itself in the travel marketplace for people who are searching for more than just flights with Ryanair Holidays; to maybe become the ‘Amazon of travel’, according to Ryanair’s marketing director, Kenny Jacobs.

New Five Pound Notes.

According to a Bank of England reply to a tweet on 28th November, 2016 the new plastic fivers are made with a trace of tallow; a substance derived from boiled carcasses of animals and used in the making of many candles and soaps. The main components in rendered animal fats can also be found in thousands of other everyday products, including lipstick, plastic bags, cycle tyres, crayons, and latex condoms.

Hi @Jools_Orca there is a trace of tallow in the polymer pallets used in the base substrate of the polymer £5 notes

— Bank of England (@bankofengland) November 28, 2016

The Royal Mint released the polymer note, featuring a portrait of Winston Churchill, on 13th September, 2016. While serial number AA01 000001 was given to The Queen, some of the other early serial numbers have already been offered online for hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. Other eBay auctions have closed with less than the face value being paid.

Designed to be cleaner, safer, stronger and flexible the new £5 polymer note is the first of the Bank of England’s currency notes not to be printed on paper. For all their flexibility, the new fivers do bend and it is advisable not to fold them, says Bank of England governor Mark Carney, as it could damage the plastic.

There was also an uproar when Sir Winston Churchill was chosen to be featured on the rear (replacing 19th-century welfare reformer Elizabeth Fry, one of only two women to appear on British currency not including the Queen of England) which just goes to show that you can’t please everyone.

I actually like the note and the printed Winston quote: ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’.

This might not be the image you want as a print or on a t-shirt, but it could look great as a cushion (throw pillow).

Polymer tenners are scheduled to be introduced in 2017, featuring Jane Austen (with the quote: ‘I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading’); and plastic twenties could be in circulation by 2020.

Shop For Prints.

Browse Travel Photographs.

Michel
TravelNotes.org – The Online Guide to Travel.

Individual prints are also available for that special place on your wall.

Bangkok Floating Market graces the cover.

Skiing in Aspen, Colorado.

Tourists in Budapest.

Moscow Kremlin in Winter.

Forbidden City, Beijing.

Holy Cow.

Mount Aso.

Suzhou Canals.

New Zealand Mt Cook.

Guilin Limestone Peaks.

Autumn in Baden Baden.

Kota Bahru Indoor Market.

Sydney Opera House.

Thank-you for your support.