Travel blog

The quality of a destination’s food has become one of the first considerations for travelers—there’s no better way to appreciate a new culture than by pulling up a seat at the table and digging in. At the end of each year, there is a glut of must-eat lists. Here are a few of our favorites for 2018.

There’s no better time to experience Germany than during the Advent season, when all of Deutschland sparkles with lights and gemütlichkeit, or winter cheer. From late November through the third week of December, Christmas markets dominate the town square of nearly every city and hamlet. Decorated stalls spill over with handmade ornaments, wooden toys, and weihnachtspyramiden, the traditional candle-powered merry-go-rounds that are staples in most local homes. From the Marienplatz of Munich, with its enormous decorated fir, to the Erzebirge pyramid in Erfurt, German Christmas Markets are the ideal way to usher in the season and celebrate the holidays. And the best way to learn about this brightly festive season is by following this, YMT’s Ultimate Guide to German Christmas Markets.

6 Months Until Your Departure

Purchasing travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself from the unexpected before or during a vacation. It’s a relatively low cost, hassle-free expense that we highly recommend all travelers build into their budget. It can cover a wide variety of potential problems, especially for guests who become sick or injured between booking the trip and the departure date, saving you potentially thousands of dollars should you have to use it.

A transatlantic cruise typically spans over a three to four week period, and will take you across multiple countries. Not only do you get to look forward to living on a ship for several weeks, but you also are able to enjoy the added land portion, allowing you to see the best of what of these foreign countries have to offer. One of the best things about transatlantic cruises is that very little is required from you! Slow down, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy hassle-free travel. Booking this type of trip is a big decision and if you are weighing your options, consider these five reasons you will love a transatlantic cruise:

When you think about your past vacations, the most memorable ones are likely the trips where you truly immersed yourself in the local culture by doing things you already enjoy. Whether your love of dancing inspired you to learn basic Flamenco steps in Spain, or your fascination with art gave you a feeling of belonging in Italy, one of the best tips for creating your travel bucket list is to do so based the hobbies and interests you love! Easier said than done? Don’t worry, we’ve started a list for you below based on some common interests. Use the section that is relevant to your personal preferences as a foundation, and expand it further to create your ultimate travel bucket list.

Whether you find yourself in Brussels for business, vacation, or on a layover between destinations, this cosmopolitan city is not to be missed. Thanks to its compact size and proximity to France, Germany, and the Netherlands, Belgium’s capital is easy to get a lot out of, even if you find yourself with only a day and a half to spare. To help, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite things to do and see:

Greece is one of our most popular destinations for countless reasons. The warm weather, the friendly locals, the natural beauty, and absolutely fascinating history all attract their fair share of guests—but it’s the food that leaves the biggest impression. Greece is renowned for its fresh, flavorful cuisine—healthy and natural, Mediterranean food is a treat for your palette as well as nourishing for your body. Here are some of our favorite authentic Greek foods:

You’ve set your sights on paradise and now you’re ready to pack your bags—but before you book your trip to the Aloha State, here are some tips for first-time travelers to Hawaii:

Modern Berlin is a relatively new city because so many of its finest treasures were bombed out in World War II. That doesn’t mean, however, that there isn’t any history scattered throughout this German capital. While the Berlin Wall may no longer stand, reminders of it are all around—from Checkpoint Charlie to the Brandenburg Gate, the Palace of Tears to the remaining sections of the Wall itself. Discover the proud remnants of Germany’s past and the ever-evolving designs of its post-modern future. Here are the top 10 things to see in today’s Berlin: