Need a place to visit over the holidays. If you happen to be in Munich or the Bavaria Region I recommend trying wine country for a relaxing Staycation. There are many charming villages and areas around the Main River.
The last time I attended the ITB Berlin happened in 2019. It’s been a few years, the world of travel has changed. Restrictions, lock downs and a war gave travelers reasons to ponder.
March 2023, ITB Berlin welcomed back the tourism industry albeit on smaller scale. This time around, only professionals attended the three day trade fair from March 7th to 9th. After much discussion, public days were cancelled. However, that did not dull the pumped up feeling of being back for the big travel event.
Host country Georgia took front and center stage. The mountainous destination talked up offerings ranging from winter sports to distinctive cuisine. My view of the ancient country is a one with Georgian designers Demma, head of Balenciaga and London based David Koma both occupy prominent roles in the fashion industry as innovators. Hopefully, I’ll pay a visit the Caucasus nation.
Saudi Arabia made its presence felt with the biggest stand in Hall 2. The Middle East Kingdom has set an ambitious target of spending over $800 billion over seven years positioning itself as a travel destination with underwater resorts and promoting historic destinations such as Medina. A spokesperson for the travel office told me “We need to spend to get noticed.” Spending that amount of money, it will be impossible not to notice.
There were elephants in the room, traveling these days means turbulence. Going to an airport, a traveler can be forgiven for having a sense of dread. Labor shortages along with industrial actions have hindered travel schedules. Airline customer service is lacking. Horror stories of long delays, cancelled flights and lost baggage are common. Putting anything underneath the plane is a game of roulette, Good Luck! Recently, I was told about a flyer from Berlin to Lima, their luggage went into the Suitcase Black Hole, to be never seen again.
Staying with the times, Sustainable Travel topped several conferences. I am still uncertain how to approach this subject. Mass travel or accessible movement for all will leave an environmental footprint. Let’s face it, when on a holiday, most travelers want to leave the problems of the world behind. But during the Maldives conference, the low laying country expressed concerns about rising ocean levels. Saying “Responsible Travel” is easy, putting the concept into practice, that is still an answered question.
All and all, ITB Berlin like travel is making a recovery. My fingers are crossed.
Tune into the Clipper Inspired Podcast travel episodes.
I will tell you all about it.
Valentino Who? The Royal Chambers fashion pieces in Dresden would inspire any fashionista. Intricate couture looks fashioned for royalty displayed are an eye full of rich materials and details. The Schloss museum located in the historic center of the Baroque city is worth a style visit.
Located on the Baltic, Wismar, the Hansa City is a Gothic Experience worth visiting. As a travel destination the small ciry on the coast has not been overrun by mass tourism. Walking around the narrow streets it is easy to see why Marnau decided to film Nosferatu here. Wismar has the feeling of a place were Vampires once roamed at night.
Sometimes in life you go to a place that brings back memories. I had train sets a kid, loved playing with them for hours.
Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg brought back those days imaging being the train conductor.
Spread out over three floors the attractions are set up based on a destination of the world, Rio or Rome.
The attention to detail is a marvel with moving street traffic and working lights and of course the trains coming and going from depots.
Flight No. 211 to Abu Dubai or the Millennium Falcon landing from distanced worlds, the model a miniature airport serves many destinations. Passenger terminals, car parks, ground transport, maintenance vehicles landings and take offs are part of the attraction.
Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg advertises itself as the largest model train set in the world.
A small village in Lower Franconia offering enchanting views and pleasant hikes. After all of this, a bit of wine tasting to top off a good day.
Nuremberg, the historical first city of Franconia region Germany offers a visitor delightful views. I spent a day walking around the old city acquainting myself to a relaxing vibe along the city walls and riverfront.
I liked the shopping district, of course, a mixture of small brands and big stores. While, Strolling around I walked into the Peach Patrol store to check out a local leather bag designer. Satisfying my luxury itch, Breuninger’s four floors, plus the famed department store ground floor cafe looking out on the street was a treat. Of you have to try one of the city’s many sausage restaurants and famed Nürnberger Bratwurst.
Lastly, a walk up to the palace for a view of the city is a tourist must.
I had a casual hike around the Beer Region of Franconia, Germany. The landscape made me think of The Shire from THE HOBBIT films.
More to come on the undedapprecicated Amalfi city. I had a two day then loved the coastal resort.
