What I packed for Christmas Market: My festive shirt: bit.ly/3sKDguY Hotel slippers: bit.ly/2Z4vzRS Watch band jewels: bit.ly/3PDslt6 Carry-On bag (2 wheels): bit.ly/3ZavIxM My carry-on: bit.ly/3Zfigc4 or Blue luggage: bit.ly/Blue20InchCarryon Waterproof boot tan: bit.ly/44eHNnr Black boot waterproof: bit.ly/3PnGHRw Blue water-resistant shoe: bit.ly/45qwsRn Blue also here: bit.ly/44YoBKK Water-resistant phone using gloves: bit.ly/3fjEJ4Y Cuddl duds: bit.ly/47ZwHF7 Thermal base layer: bit.ly/44KpJRB Striped tee: bit.ly/44Xt5Bl My fave exercise tee: bit.ly/44aRPVS Insole pad: bit.ly/3Gj3aJX Poncho: bit.ly/3FO9Z64 Compression cubes: shoptripped.com/Laurie-Holiday23-Carryon-Green (all colors) Plaid pants: bit.ly/3xmjKnA (old) Cashmere sweaters:bit.ly/3Ppgsd2 Joggers: bit.ly/3pa27H9 Black denim: bit.ly/3PhL5RQ Mock turtleneck: bit.ly/44Rc2ku Wide stripe sweater:bit.ly/43ZDtaq Electronic cord organizer: shoptripped.com/Laurie-Holiday23-Pouch-Teal My neck pillow: bit.ly/3sJU6tV Striped backpack: bit.ly/38dZ2KH Gray backpack: bit.ly/3gddd9o (both version 15.6) Crossbody slash-resistant: bit.ly/3HNQLg1 Bigger purse: bit.ly/3J5AF1u Lanyard crossbody: bit.ly/3C7aswB Waist band stretch: bit.ly/2WoDMhZ Waterproof Jacket: bit.ly/3L5lCIC White one: bit.ly/3WdSN08 White or black hat: bit.ly/3RxsizL Neck pillow packing hack thing: bit.ly/3Z4GMfC Day pack backpack: shoptripped.com/Laurie-Holiday23-Daypack-Grey Fingernail file case: bit.ly/38DY1yA Purse hanger / phone prop: bit.ly/3Ew1dJi Scarf: bit.ly/3VgH5As Take a walking tour during the day in Brussels: gyg.me/XLFVwQiy Need supportive shoes-these are my favorites: bit.ly/TravelWalkingShoes (great for cobblestone roads) **JUST FOUND THIS: bit.ly/TSAUnitedKingdom Freebies for my viewers: Seat Back Checklist: bit.ly/FreeAirplaneSeatList bit.ly/EuropeFreebie bit.ly/FreeUltimatePackingList bit.ly/EveryTripEssentials

I live in Germany and Christmas markets are just a way of life. What you need are plenty of wet wipes for sticky fingers and plenty of small change. Most stands will only use cash. A deposit will be charged for crockery and glass, so you could need to have up to €10 ready for a hot chocolate or glühwein but the deposit will be refunded when you bring the cup or glass back. (Most towns have a ban on disposable containers, so plastic spoons and dishes aren't a thing. Any food you can hold in your hand will simply be wrapped in a paper napkin.) The cups and glasses are nice souvenirs. You aren't supposed to take them away with you, but people do. The deposit is usually €2-3 so they're a cheap keepsake. You'll need to have a plastic bag (bin liner) handy, as they will have the last drops of sticky mulled wine, egg nog etc still in them. Also, bear in mind how much you can fit in your case for the return journey. I have never experienced rain or even very cold temperatures at Christmas markets, so I don't think its necessary to overdo the layers of sweaters. Snow is nice, if you can get it. Those plaid trousers mark you out as an American tourist straight away. Best stick to jeans. Make sure you have really deep pockets in the jeans to stow everything in and try and avoid taking any bag at all. It gets very complicated with a sausage in one hand and a mulled wine in the other and nowhere (clean) to put anything down. In the pockets you only need to have: tiny coin purse with lots of change. If possible, divide the money into two in different pockets. Credit card in one purse just in case. Tram ticket to get you back to hotel Hotel room key card - if you like, ask if you can leave this at the hotel reception, like in the old days with real mechanical keys. Wet wipes A foldable tote bag and a thin plastic bag if you want to keep your cup Hand cream in a tiny tube or tin Your phone - don't forget to take pictures! You don't even necessarily need tissues - all the stands have paper serviettes you can pick up if your nose starts running Christmas markets have opening hours and in smaller towns, limited opening days. Check these before expecting to have your morning coffee there on a weekday. Best time to avoid crowds (and pickpockets) is about 4 pm. It's already starting to get dark so you have the atmosphere but the office workers haven't come out yet. There will be tourists, families and pensioners, of course, but you do still need some gatherings of people to create the actual atmosphere. The bigger markets can be confusing so pick a meeting point on arrival so you can split up or meet there if you lose each other. You can go and look at the lovely hand-made gifts while your partner enjoys a second Bratwurst or a beer, and meet up at arranged time and place later. Prevents arguments!. There will be stalls with little Christmas gifts to browse, candles and Christmas decorations, but, in Germany at least, the main focus is on food and drink. (I was at a fantastic Christmas market in San Jose, CA, a few years ago, but it was almost impossible to find a decent snack to eat there!) You will be able to find flyers or see posters around town which will announce any programme events such as a brass band playing carols or a kindergarten group doing a sweet little display. Look out for "Turmblasen" - this is a German custom of playing brass instruments from the top of a local tower (often a medieval town gate or maybe a church tower). Enjoy the bustle, the noise and the smells and try lots foodie treats! If the mulled wine goes to your head, don't worry : nowadays many drinks are offered as a non-alcoholic alternative.

I remember going to a Navy SEALS talk and his comment was “cotton kills.” Cotton holds water and will chill your body; better to have wool or wool blend socks which are also less likely to stink at the end of the day. Similarly a silk or merino wool inner layer will keep you more comfortable and wick away moisture as you are walking around or running to catch the train. Also most puffer coats will fold into their own pockets and close the envelope with a zipper.

Take the white jacket to an alternation shop or seamstress and have backpack straps added to the inside. Take the other jacket and show what you need added.

I visited German Christmas Markets in college! The Gluhwein really warmed you up and those candied almonds!

I was an Active Duty Army Nurse RN, and was blessed to call Heidelberg Germany home for 3 1/2 years. The Christmas Markets are magical!!!

I've got a pair of reading glasses specifically for travel that fold down flat into a case the size of a credit card. Frees up so much space in my crossbody

Going to the Christmas markets in France, at the end of November! So excited!

Well this is certainly a timely video! My husband and I are going on an eight day river cruise through Europe this December, with lots of stops at Christmas markets. Great tips! Thank you!

A Christmas Market trip is definitely on my Bucket List! It’s just deciding which one to do first. I’ve learned from others that you should pack sheets of bubblewrap for the goodies you might be bringing home. Some of things, like ornaments, might be breakable. Have fun Laurie! ✈️ 🎄 🍷

Love this video! Can't wait!! two weeks from Friday we leave, and I am ordering a few of my must-haves tonight!!! Bought my daughter the jammies! Laurie you are the BEST!

REI makes a great merino wool layer set. It is the bomb.

Going on a Romantic Danube and a Taste of the Christmas Markets cruise the week of Thanksgiving. This video was just what I was looking for. Love all of your videos.

I did a Christmas Market Tour in December 2022. I started in Germany then went north to Latvia, Estonia and Finland. I took the Santa Claus Express train all the way up to Rovinimi. I usually travel carry on only and did so for this trip. The weather was as low as -25C. I wore two layers of EVERYTHING: socks, pants, tops, gloves and winter coats. I wore a light puffer coat under my usual winter coat. I was warm and toasty. I don't know why I never used this trick before since I live in Canada.

We did a Viking River Cruise that was the Christmas Market trip. All you tips are good whatever way you see the markets!!

I know from experience that drinking the hot wine at the Christmas market will keep you so warm, you might be wearing a tshirt.😂

Pack a pocket foldaway reusable shopping bag for the edible treats you buy at the market (eat them before/while packing to travel home). I wear “magic” (stretchy wool one size fits all) gloves with the special finger ends that can still work a phone (camera), sometimes under a larger waterproof pair. Earmuffs/blanket scarf worn tall if you want warm ears but not hat hair. Peaked hood on your jacket/coat or a baseball cap to avoid rain specs. Never an umbrella; it’s too crowded. Great tips, and a bit of inspiration, as ever!

Oo, this is right on time, Laurie! My sister and I are going to Poland for the Christmas markets in December 😊❄️🌨️🎁🥂🎄🎅🤶🦌🛷

Rick Steve(s) is an expert leader on traveling overseas. He’s got great information on traveling, if you’re a female. Also, his bags are another great suggestion.

I have a short neck BUT I love this neck pillow. It keeps my neck straight and I don't get a stiff neck from head falling forward. As always, great tips.

Thanks for all the great ideas! I too am going to Brussels for the Christmas markets. I’m so excited!

I am going on my third Christmas Market cruise with Viking December 1-12 on the Seine. I’ve done the Rhine & Danube markets before & can’t wait. Love the video as we can always learn from your videos Laurie. I’m purchasing compression cubes for my hubby’s large clothes. Thank you.

We went to the Christmas Markets last year. Now I want to go again. Definitely agree with packing thin layers. My other tip would be to pack hand warmers!

Pack cashmere lined leather gloves. They are thin-ish and very warm. They are expensive but last years and years.

I’ve taken sneaker boots on two vacations to Christmas markets and they are great. The cups that the Glühwein comes in makes a great souvenir. Layers are good.

My traveling days are over, unfortunately, but I highly recommend the black pinstripe backpack. It lives in my hall closet. which doubles as my safe room for severe weather. It’s always packed as it’s my hospital/hurricane/tornado go bag. I do like the tip of using a smaller compression cube with a day’s outfit for the bottom of the bag. One suggestion, Laurie, if I may. Please unpack those clown print pants and pack either dark grey, navy or black. Enjoy your trip!

Some tips from a german: you need really warm feet, so I recommend the warm insoles for your shoes, the ones that are removable. Be aware of pickpockers, I am only taking a minimum of cash, which I have directly on me in a pocket of the inside of my jacket/coat. You can take a thin backpack for your souvenirs, nobody wants to steal this, and they will watch were you put your money, and after several Glühwein you are not that attentive😘🙃. As it can be crowded and everybody is eating and drinking beware of getting some stains on your jacket, so it is helpful to have some cleansing wipes. Looking forward to the Christmas season😍

Love your shoe recommendations! I purchased a pair of the comfy wedges for our upcoming cruise that you recommended and I love them 😊

OOH, thank you. Headed to a Christmas market cruise in early Dec!

We are taking an Amawaterways river cruise this December. We have been to the Christmas markets before (actually had to buy a suitcase in Strasbourg to accommodate all the glühwein mugs I just HAD to keep, 19 in total)!

I love using an infinity scarf with a hidden pocket for Xmas markets. I keep cash for purchases and if I need to top it up from my cross body bag, I’ll pop into the bathroom or a shop to open my bag.

My tip is take a Tauck River cruise to see the markets. They are the best. Includes tips, drinks all the time , awesome food and quality cultural experiences.

My husband and I are going to the UK the day after Thanksgiving (God willing) to see the London Christmas lights, visit the Dickens Museum, go to York for the St Nicholas Fair, and then to Windsor to see the Castle decorated. Great tips for us to include for our festive plans! Thank you!

I think a cashmere sweater is a good warm layer. Also, silk long underwear and silk socks are a light, but a nice warm base layer.

Turn your neck pillow around so the opening is in the back. Now your head is not being pushed forward and you have the support in the front. 😊

Love your tips. I just came back from 16 days in Europe going over with just a carry on plus a small backpack as the personal items bag. My insight from the trip is to bring a suitcase just a bit bigger than the carry on so you have room for all the purchases as airline will only include the FIRST check in case! We bought a case to bring the things back in the end!

Thank you as always!!! Love the tips! xo

Lived in Belgium for 3 years so got to visit a LOT of Christmas markets--LOVE THEM!! Getting to go this year to visit friends and hope we can make the rounds of a few markets. The last time I was there (2019) it rained every time we tried to go😔

I have been watching your videos for a while and there's one hack that I do for my coats and hoodies I use a belt put it through the sleeves and wear it like a crossbody so I don't stretch the hoodie out and I can carry my coat.

Thanks Laurie. Great tips. A Christmas Market is on my bucket list.

Are you listening in to us?!! 😂 How did you know I was going to a Christmas market!?!!😂 Going to the UK in December, but a quick two day trip to Brussels from there. Can’t wait, I’ve always wanted to go. I’ll leave my bag in London and just take a small bag for those two days. (Hope to bump into you in your plaid pants! 😉🎄)

If you buy a travel blow dryer and straightener with dual voltage you do not need a converter. Just ensure your appliances are on the higher voltage when in Europe and use an adapter!

Perfect timing Laurie!!! We will travel with the kids to do a Christmas Markets trip to Europe!!! Thanks 🙌

Don’t wear wide leg pants if you’re going up and down stairs. My foot got caught in my pant leg and I fell down the stairs in the metro in Paris. Luckily I was holding the railing but I did twist the hand my luggage was in and that was 2022 and I’m still having issues with it.

This is so good even if you're not going to a Christmas market! Thank you!

Thin wool underwear is a must for Europe. Doesn't add any bulk and keeps you warm and dry. Same with wool socks. I wouldn't travel without them.

Going to Ireland the beginning of December for two weeks. Thanks for the assist!

Great video! So helpful, but maybe a little expensive after I start purchasing all of the great suggestions...

Thank you for showing the neck pillow you stuff with clothes! The TUBE, travel pillow! I had mentioned it to you a couple of years ago and I love it .

A Christmas Market trip is definitely a must to do. Agree 100% with the Peeps eye glass cleaners. Nothing beats it. Thanks for your tips 💖

Thanks for the tips going on a river cruise out of Germany in Dec for Christmas markets. I have a scarf with a zipper to hide items. Live the jacket with backpack straps.

11/29 I’m going to Christmas Market in Rome, Italy. Can’t wait- never been overseas either. No idea what I need.

What brand compression packing cubes do you use? My pilot and I are doing Christmas markets in Germany Prague and Salzburg ❤love your tips

We are heading to Tallinn Estonia this year for Christmas markets and I can't wait. Last year we went to Vienna and it was fantastic. Great tips and my goal is to do a carry-on only. This will be a challenge for me but I'm determined.

Hi Laurie, Im new to your channel and THANK YOU!. Coming from a tropical country like the Philippines, your travel tips here are just so helpfull. We will be leaving for a trip to Switzerland come November and truly looking forward to their christmas markets.😊

I watch all your videos as if I’m a world traveler. Lol Not! I travel domestically maybe two or three time a year. Your tips are so helpful for all travelers. Thank you for all your travel tips and tricks!

I take my dual voltage curling iron and don’t have to worry about packing a converter. It’s rated to 240V and have had no issues in many European countries.

So helpful, thank you!

Hi Laurie! Thank you so much for all of the wonderful and informative videos! They have all been very helpful in helping my husband and I plan for our 28 days Europe trip. We are flying American Airlines to Rome spending a few days there and taking a 25 day European cruise. Your videos have encourage us and hopefully taught us how to pack using carry on only. We will see how all of that works out fingers crossed! Laurie I have a question for you with regards to going thru Airport Immigration and Customs. Coming back we are flying on British Airways from Rome Italy to Heathrow London and London to the US. Would you happen to know if we have to go thru Immigration and customs once we land in London? I know we have to once we enter the US but was wondering if that will be something that we will have to do also in London? Thank you so much for all of your advise and please keep putting out more wonderful videos! 😊

I have gotten away with 1 shoe that I wore on board 2/pant. The secret is to have an accommodation that has a washer and dryer as well as the hygiene accessories you need.

I plan on taking my first long haul flight to Australia. I am learning to go carry on luggage only.

If your aren't having to fly on standby- take full size luggage -- you get a free check in bag on international flights, and you have someplace to put any souvenirs you purchase-- you can still pack light-- plus, some of us have to carry certain personal items that won't fit in a carry-on

Hi Laurie what do u think is the better choice between carry on luggage with side pocket or an expansive packing space? We r traveling for 10 days and plan washing clothes once.

Then buy a suitcase there for your Christmas Gifts!! Been on 2. Love market trips.

Danke, Lory! 🌹👏❤

Thank you! We’re going to Germany in Mid December for 10 days. My Son, DIL and her family live there. I’m so excited!

What abut the shirt you are wearing? Don’t see it listed. Love it!

Wonderful tips

Hi Laurie. Where can we find the eyeglass cleaners?

I am like you Laurie, I get HOT all the time. HACK: take any puffer /winter type jacket to your local drycleaner that has a seamstress and you can have them sew in the back pack type straps like you show in your video with your Poseidon/Teal puffer jacket. We also have a local shoe maker that can sew straps onto jackets, back packs etc.

My sister and I are going on a Viking rhine Cruise the week of Thanksgiving this year. We were wondering if any of the countries we will visit will have any markets that early. Cruise is done the day after Thanksgiving. Thanks for tips!

Hi laurie! I love your videos. They are so helpful. Have you ever been to Egypt? I am looking fo packing suggestion. Thank you! Tami

the German christmas markets have become increasingly less authentic over the last twenty five years . when i first went there was a lot of local artisans selling hand made traditional items or creations of their own ( not necessarily traditional ) making , but more and more commercially made booths have cropped up with items made in china or NOT Germany . there is one item that my wife likes that we can still get, and that is the hand made porcelain dishes from poland . other than that we have not been going the last few years .

This sounds so fun! My downfall would be wanting to purchase things and not being able to get them home……which might be better for my finances!🤷🏼‍♀️🤣😇

Please share how you pack what you buy overseas. Do you travel with a half-empty carry-on bag, so that you can bring home your purchases?

What is the best Christmas market to go to and what time of the year is best.

Super Fun🎄😍

Love all your tips!! I am curious if you have had any issues with your carry on size traveling within Europe. I am traveling with my family this fall to Belgium and want to visit Rome for a couple of days. Thank you!!

Lori! I watch your video's all the time - to prep for the next vacay or just dream (and I finally bought one of your cute Lovevood backpacks yesterday - super cute) ! Anywhoodles - your carry on for intra-continental European flights - do you take your 22" or 20" carryon? I'm nervous my US carry (22") on will get denied once I get to to Amsterdam and to then fly to Berlin. Thank you for the help!

CUTE Pink shoebags!! Link?

Just in time!!! We confirmed London weekend after thanksgiving ❤ Off to buy those boots!!! 😻 and a few other items I’ve been looking at! 😉 Laurie!!! BTW Chelsea is $180 over at Macys if you can create a link???

I was looking at your gray backpack on Amazon, and while most people in the reviews loved it, several also mentioned that they had issues with poor quality…separating zippers, ripped seams, etc. How is yours holding up?

I've never heard of Christmas market!🤷

super😮❤

Have you ever brought a foldable or Packable duffle type bag with you for "extra" gifts (souvenirs)? I'm taking a carryon and personal bag to Europe and thought the foldable bag would be ideal if I can't fit my treasures in the carryon & personal bag coming home. I would have to check my carryon suitcase coming back to US, but that is acceptable to me. The duffle type bag folds up, usually into itself, rather small and can easily be packed on the way to Europe. If you have, what brand did you use? Also, have you ever bought a dual voltage curling iron or flat iron to use in Europe? I'm going to France. If so, what brand do you recommend? Thanks!

Do you use a scarf with a zipped pocket to hold passports, cash and cards?

Which tour company goes to the Belgium Christmas Markets? I have done Bavaria and it was amazing!

"It's gone to be cold!" Yeah 20 °C is very cold! 🤔

Where do they sell thin elastic water resistant pants to go over pants?

MAKKKA PAAKKKKAAAA

‼️‼️You need an adapter *AND* voltage converter. Best to buy a dual voltage item, because only then can you get away with only an adapter.

Bit of a random question, but has Chris ever had a passenger come up to him after a flight and tell him that she/he watches your videos?

Hi, if my hair drying brush is dual voltage, do I still need a converter?

It will be raining!

The cups used for the mulled wine make GREAT, CHEAP, UNIQUE souvenirs ! You are charged a deposit for the cup when you get your drink. Just don’t return it. Between Christmas and New Year, small towns in Germany are DEAD ! Even the tourist office in Bacharach was closed. Stick to a city

Oh thank you! I’m sailing in December! First time on Christmas markets! Woohoo! @travelcharlee