I lived in a village in the Swiss Alps for two years when I was a little girl and I remember the delicious crunch of the new fallen snow under my shoes on a cold, still Christmas Eve when I was allowed to attend midnight Mass in the village church. The bells rang sharp and clear in the frosty air, the stars twinkled in the dark sky and I knew I would soon see my Christmas presents. All was well with my wee world.

All that, as well as the larger world around me, is much changed. But a night in December, on a snowcovered mountain high above Zurich, its lights aglow in the valley below, brings back the memory of that Christmas Eve.

The Christmas markets, special treats of the season in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, evoke the Christmas in a child’s imagination. A grownup’s, too. A funicular ride to the top of another part of the Alps above Innsbruck in Austria and a romantic Christmas market on the tiny Isle of Women (Fraueninsel) in the Chiemsee in Bavaria spell an Alpine Christmas as it ought to be.

“Every Southerner knows the past is not dead,” the novelist William Faulkner famously said, “it’s not even past.” Not just for Faulkner’s kinsmen, but for all of us at Christmas. The Christmas season in the German speaking world begins with the Christmas markets, usually held from the beginning of Advent in late November to Dec. 23 or even into Christmas Eve, an ancient tradition that originated in Germany, with credit going to Dresden as the oldest market dating from 1434. In fact, an earlier market took place in Bautzen, Saxony, in 1384 and an even earlier December market is recorded in Vienna in 1294. Today, there are Christmas markets all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as in the United States where the largest is in Chicago.

Germany’s large cities, such as Dresden, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Frankfurt and Munich all have numerous markets, large and small. In Munich, Marienplatz, the city’s central square, is a busy warren of stalls. Crowds of marketgoers jostle one another for a look at a crystal ornament, a piece of jewelry, or a hot sausage to go with the cup of gluehwein.

Nearby is the medieval market, less noisy and redolent with the fragrance of flammbrot in the oven, a pizza like bread topped with meats or cheeses and baked in a wood burning oven. Everything is hand-made; shopkeepers and demonstrators dress in medieval costumes, lending stalls a Gothic air.

A smaller market specializes in nativity figures and scenes. One of the newer markets is located in the courtyard of the splendid Royal Residence. The most innovative of Munich’s market is Tollwood, on the huge field where the annual Oktoberfest in held. Tollwood was organized in 1991 and combines traditional booths with a wealth of international ones, some outdoors and dozens of others in tents, lighted from outside in bright colors. Huge sculptures adorn the grounds. Tollwood is a site for theatrical performances and in the bar-café tent, Munich’s music scene plays along with beer and sausages.

In Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, the chief market is in the railroad station. An enormous fairy-tale Christmas tree, adorned with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystal ornaments, presides over the market, the largest indoor market in Europe. Truly a wonder to behold.

Smaller markets are scattered throughout the city. On one of the downtown squares, just off Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, a “singing Christmas tree” entertains passersby in the late afternoon. The members of a Zurich gospel choir sing American gospel songs, swaying to the music in tiers in front of a large tree.

In Innsbruck, Austria, the Christmas market has taken over the Old Town. Stalls are set up beneath the vaulted stone arcades, leading to stalls in the narrow streets and alleys. Enormous replicas of fairy-tale figures adorn many of the second and third floors of the Old Town houses. The children are especially delighted.

Innsbruck, the capital of the state of Tirol, was once a powerful independent state, and in the 15th century the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Tirol was divided at the end of World War I when the southern part was ceded to Italy, and on a three-day weekend Innsbruck is overrun with Italians up to shop at the Christmas market and to enjoy the Austrian hospitality. Tiroleans are open and friendly to visitors.

Skiers get out early on the northern and southern slopes surrounding the city, the site of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. Snow bunnies can ride up thousands of feet on the Hungerburg funicular and the ascent of the cable car that would leave James Bond breathless. At the top, there’s a splendid view of the city and a comfortable café-restaurant from whence to watch the skiers glide down the mountainside.

Visitors don’t have to climb to the top of the mountain to visit the spectacular Bergisel ski jumping stadium on the outskirts of the city. Designed by Iraqi born Zaha Hadid in 2002, the ski jump is used in January for a skiing event; in the summer, athletes train on a special plastic covering.

But perhaps the real charm of Christmas markets lies in the small towns and villages of Bavaria and Tirol. In Berchtesgaden, a historic old market town that has long been a winter and summer resort, the past is both dead and alive. Berchtesgaden was a favorite of Hitler’s. The houses occupied by Hitler and his Nazi henchmen were all destroyed at the end of World War II, with the exception of a hotel used by the Nazis. Tourists can visit Hitler’s bunkers beneath the hotel, and nearby is a small museum reflecting Hitler’s stay. The grim, gray Eagle’s Nest remains a curiosity, but more for its precarious perch on the mountaintop than for its association with the Nazis. The 20th century significance of the town is not mentioned in brochures or by tourist organizations. The locals want this past to stay dead.

Faulkner’s words come alive, however, in the curious ancient Christmas tradition on the feast day of St. Nicholas. As a rule, children leave their shoes outside their bedroom doors on the night of December 5th in anticipation of goodies left by St. Nick. In Berchtesgaden, however, it’s the white-bearded Bishop Nicholas who roams through the village accompanied by a crew of fearsome buttnmandl and krampus, the former covered from head to tow in straw, the latter in fur with both groups wearing hideous masks with a long red tongue that frighten more than the village children. Attached to their backs are enormous cow bells weighing up to 45 pounds that clank in cacophony as they run through the village streets with long switches in hand. Anyone in the path of these young men is subject to a blow on the legs — not a gentle one – and having black coal smeared on his or her face. Sometimes a girl is cornered and pushed to the ground; a child screams under the force of a blow to his legs. This is a violent reminder of a barbaric past, despite the concept that the original purpose was to drive out evil spirits, so beware.

Berchtesgaden still honors the coming of the Christ child by ringing bells and Christmas shooting, a custom dating back to the 17th century. Guns are fired every afternoon at 3 during the week before Christmas, to the accompaniment of church bells.

Not far from Berchtesgaden is Bad Reichenhall, a small spa town made rich by its saline springs. In the early 20th century, King Ludwig I of Bavaria built saltworks and a spa house in pseudo medieval style. The special Christmas market in Bad Reichenhall, where the Reber bakery and restaurant claim to make the original Mozartkugel (chocolate marzipan balls) sold everywhere in Salzburg, is an indoor craft market held in the graceful town hall in the second weekend of Advent.

As silent as Berchtesgarden is noisy, the lovely Fraueninsel (Isle of Women) Christmas market entices visitors from neighboring towns. The island on the Chiemsee is populated by a beautiful old Benedictine convent (now used as a school), a few hotels and restaurants, a handful of charming cottages and, at Christmas time, a Christmas market sprawling over the entire little island. Lit by candles and torches, the market is a magical place, especially when snow falls. In the cemetery adjacent to the convent, candles flicker in red glass containers beside each grave. This custom is honored as well in the Berchtesgaden cemetery.

Candles, nativity scenes, special pastries, wooden Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas trees galore are part of the Bavarian, Tirolean and Swiss traditions. In these regions, children are traditionally not allowed to see their tree before sunset on Christmas Eve, but the decorations and lights everywhere, and the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets create excitement and anticipation that goes well beyond anything commercial. Christmas is still taken seriously here, and when the bells ring out with the message of the Christ child on Christmas Eve, everyone knows something special is about to happen.

When You Go:

United Airlines flies nonstop from the U.S. to Munich and Zurich. Swiss flies from New York nonstop to Zurich. Lufthansa flies from the U.S. to Munich.

Train connections between Munich, Innsbruck and Zurich are frequent and convenient. Tickets can be purchased in the U.S. from RailEurope at www.raileurope.com.

The post Christmas Markets in the Alps appeared first on Traveling Archive.

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Courtesy Catherine Smith

People rarely rave about the meals they eat at gas stations, but that is not the case in Franklin, North Carolina. Hungry diners – locals and tourists alike – happily line up in the Hot Spot gas station parking lot, waiting for a table at Caffe Rel, a European bistro offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

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Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog heals his wounds after an ill fated attempt to shut down an illegal puppy mill in Tennessee.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

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10 Walking Mistakes You May be Making

Courtesy Wendy Bumgardner

Walking is great exercise: It’s easy on joints and doesn’t require special gear or a gym membership. There’s more to an effective walking workout than simply putting one foot in front of the other though. Learn how to correct these common trip-ups.

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Branding for a Changing World

Courtesy Gary Szenderski, Book of Szen

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a great brand? Have you thought it must be some kind of “secret sauce” or unique algorithm that makes it so great? What about your own brand? Are you sure how to take advantage of what makes it special? You have questions. We have answers. Join me beginning April 1st as we explore the science and art of branding.

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Mushing Mania

This winter kicks off mushing season in Alaska, with festivals and races that are legendary worldwide. Here’s how to have an adventure with these animal athletes any time of year.

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Some Very Interesting World War II Facts

Four of every five German soldiers killed in the war died on the Eastern Front.

Over 100,000 Allied bomber crewmen were killed over Europe.

Had it been necessary for a third atom bomb, the city targeted would have been Tokyo.

The Siege of Stalingrad resulted in more Russian deaths (military and civilian) than the United States, Canada and Britain sustained (combined) in all of World War II.

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Meet the Woman Who Helped Book Hotel Rooms for 80 Homeless People in Freezing Chicago

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11 Etiquette Rules You Probably Didn’t Realize You Should Follow When Flying

Courtesy Carina Wolff

When it comes to traveling, most of us spend our time trying to figure out what to pack and what our itinerary looks like. With all that hustle and bustle, we can sometimes get so caught up in ourselves that we forget some etiquette rules to follow when flying. Spending long hours in a cramped space can cause some sticky situations, but if you’re doing your best to be courteous and polite, you’ll help yourself and everyone have around you have a more enjoyable journey. Plus, you would want everyone else to act the same, right?

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LA Road Trippin’ – A Musical Map of Los Angeles

Courtesy Air New Zealand

When you think of Los Angeles, it’s easy to imagine sun-drenched streets, impossibly-beautiful people – and, of course, great music. This is a guide to the top musical hotspots in LA which continue to inspire today’s musicians, from areas which launched rap superstars to the cities which have inspired thousands of great songs.

If you’re flying to LA, take some time out to explore its musical history and get closer to the places which inspired the music you love.

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Paul McCartney’s Lost ‘Bruce McMouse Show’ Film Heading to Theaters

By Jon Blistein/RollingStone

The Bruce McMouse Show opens with Wings performing “Big Barn Bed,” after which the camera travels through the stage into an animated world where the McMouse family lives. While Bruce McMouse shares stories from his past with his family, his son runs in and informs him that Wings are currently playing right above them. Bruce decides that the band needs his help as a producer, and as the concert continues, a host of animated mice flock to the stadium to enjoy the show.

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The Coolest New Things Coming to America This Year

Courtesy Thrillist Travel

As a species, we are forever enamored of new things. As we look ahead to what 2019 will bring, we at Thrillist get particularly hyped about what new attractions we can expect.

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How to Meditate

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Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and clarity and promote happiness. Learning how to meditate is straightforward, and the benefits can come quickly. Here, we offer basic tips to get you started on a path toward greater equanimity, acceptance and joy.

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A Taste of Iceland

Courtesy Tony Tedeschi, Never Stop Traveling

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8 Popular Destinations Where Air Pollution Could Ruin Your Trip

Air pollution does a lot more than cause canceled or postponed vacations — it kills millions of people worldwide every year, according to the World Health Organization. Some of the worst places for air pollution are also home to bucket-list-worthy sights. But missing them might be the least of your problems if smog ramps up during your visit: Symptoms of air pollution sickness include nausea, coughing, headache, itchy eyes — and air pollution can cause long-term breathing problems.

Here are some of the worst destinations for smog, especially if you already suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems.

India

The Taj Mahal attracts thousands of travelers every day, but the city it’s in is one of the worst in the world for air pollution. Smog in Agra can cut visibility so dramatically that you can’t see much more than an outline of the giant tomb, and visitors who don’t cancel their trip during a period of heavy smog can be seen wearing face masks to visit.

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Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Aside from a few key considerations, nude resort etiquette is general resort etiquette. There’s also the fact that most everyone is naked. Skip the potential awkwardness at a clothing-optional experience and go with an open mind, plus these helpful tips.

Dont’ stare

Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It’s fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, but if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.

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Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?

Scroll down for the answer

Beginner’s Guide to Train Holidays: Swiss Glacier Express

There is something glamorous about taking a train holiday. You’re traveling the world, but you also get the chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Sip tea, listen to live music, enjoy a five-star meal, all while the gorgeous scenery provided by Mother Nature glides past. The Swiss Glacier Express is all that and more.

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The World’s Most Sung About Cities

An interesting piece of research has revealed The World’s Most Sung About Cities and 12 of the top 20 are in the US.

With a total of 161 songs mentioning The Big Apple, New York has been officially revealed as The Most Sung About City In The World, with LA and Miami also appearing in the top five.

Over 200,000 songs have been analyzed to create Music Mapped – a first-of-its-kind interactive music map that plots the places around the world that have been  mentioned the most in songs since the 1960s.

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Live the Dream on a Romantic Adventure in Africa with African Travel, Inc.

There’s nothing more magnificent than celebrating a special romantic occasion in Africa. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, wedding or anniversary, you’ll experience the romantic trip of your dreams with African Travel, Inc. by touching an ancient culture, discovering the magic of the wild and relaxing in spectacular luxury.

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Martin Scorsese’s Film on Bob Dylan’s ‘Rolling Thunder Revue’ To Be Released

By Chris Willman, courtesy Variety

Netflix describes Scorsese’s look at Dylan and famous friends in ’75 as part documentary, part concert movie and part “fever dream.”

For years, rumors have circulated among Bob Dylan fans that a documentary about his legendary, star-studded “Rolling Thunder Revue” tour of 1975-76 was in the works, and occasional whispers had a name attached: Martin Scorsese. Now, the cat can come officially out of the bag. Variety has exclusively learned that Netflix plans to release the movie in 2019, with the director’s name actually in the title: “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese.”

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Revolutionize Your Healthy Travel Game

Courtesy Well and Away

Traditional guidebooks are handy for learning about museums and city landmarks. But would you ever reach for one to explore a new city like a local?

We had this challenge, and for years traveled with bookmarked pdfs and digital lists from friends, but the research that went into curating the perfect itinerary that balanced cool hidden gems with healthy destinations. So together with a small team of travelers, designers and wellness junkies, I’ve created Well + Away to offer the guidebook of the future: one that will show you a new city from the point of view of a hip-healthy local.

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Typical French Restaurant Vocabulary: How to Order in Paris

Words and Phrases You’ll Need to Eat Out

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Are you a bit nervous about eating out in Paris or elsewhere in France, worried you may not be able to get by without fluent French? Use this guide to learn basic expressions and understand most signs and menu headings at restaurants in Paris.

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15 Surprising Things TSA Allows Past Airport Checkpoints

By Benet Wilson

Some items — like guns (real or replica), large scissors and flammable liquids — are never allowed. But the agency continues to make changes when it comes to what can get past the checkpoint.

Below are 15 surprise items you can actually take past the checkpoint. But in case you still have questions, you can take a photo of the item and send it to either AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or via Twitter. Staff are online with answers from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays

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Burping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises

Courtesy The Daily Meal Staff

In Italy, Never Order A Cappuccino After A Meal

When you’re dining the Italian way, be sure to order an espresso or a coffee after a meal. Do not order a cappuccino, as Italians believe milk beverages slow down digestion.

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You’re probably not visiting any Inuit tribes soon, but it’s interesting to know that this culture shows appreciation through… flatulence? Yup, a good meal is praised by letting one rip afterward.

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The Spring

By Lord Byron

Now that the winter’s gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes, and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream;
But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth,
And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring
In triumph to the world the youthful spring.
The valleys, hills, and woods in rich array
Welcome the coming of the long’d-for May.
Now all things smile; only my love doth lour;
Nor hath the scalding noonday sun the power
To melt that marble ice, which still doth hold
Her heart congeal’d, and makes her pity cold.
The ox, which lately did for shelter fly
Into the stall, doth now securely lie
In open fields; and love no more is made
By the fireside, but in the cooler shade
Amyntas now doth with his Chloris sleep
Under a sycamore, and all things keep
Time with the season; only she doth carry
June in her eyes, in her heart January.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: The Beatles pioneered electric guitar feedback on what hit single?

Answer: In the opening note of the 1964 song, “I Feel Fine,” Paul plucks a note on his bass, which causes John to get amplifier feedback from his guitar.  The idea was the brainchild of John, who plays the lead-guitar intro riff.

The post Nude Resort Etiquette, Walking Mistakes, Branding appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Courtesy Catherine Smith

People rarely rave about the meals they eat at gas stations, but that is not the case in Franklin, North Carolina. Hungry diners – locals and tourists alike – happily line up in the Hot Spot gas station parking lot, waiting for a table at Caffe Rel, a European bistro offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

Once inside, guests are comfortably seated, surrounded by an eclectic display of art. A dessert counter filled with triple layer cakes, dessert tortes, and other sweet treats reminds diners to save room. The wait staff, dressed in freshly pressed white dress shirts, serve up a variety of dishes you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the area, let alone at these prices.

But from the outside, Caffe Rel is unassuming; just another gas station restaurant, except for the sign that reads, “It’s about the food.” If you didn’t know it was the area’s top-rated restaurant on Yelp, TripAdvisor and Facebook, you probably wouldn’t think twice about stopping in, but that’s exactly how owner and chef Richard E. Long likes it. In the fifteen years they’ve been in business, he has never done any advertising, believing his food will speak for itself.

Chef Richard is the last guy you would expect to be running a restaurant out of a gas station. His extensive resume of close to 50 years is mostly filled with time spent managing kitchens in five star hotels, restaurants and private clubs. He got his start working under chef Otto Indemauer III at the Hershey Resort in Pennsylvania, and after seven years, went on to complete his training at the Greenbrier Resort’s exclusive culinary training program.

He took classes at Le Cordon Bleu and had the opportunity, as part of the Greenbrier team, to cook for political heads, like Secretary of State Alexander Haig, and even the Iranian hostages after their return home in 1981.

And it is for each one of these highly esteemed reasons that he intentionally chose to end up in Franklin, a small rural mountain town of about 4,000 residents, running a restaurant out of a gas station.

In 2003, after more than 30 years in the industry, chef Richard chose to leave his six-figure salary and highly respected position to open his own restaurant. He selected the local Hot Spot’s vacant restaurant space simply because it was the exact opposite of what he was leaving behind.

“I wanted to drop the pretension and cook for real people who appreciate good food at a fair price. I was tired of all the nonsense and tired of the average guy not being able to take his family out for a meal without going bankrupt.” To chef Richard, the food is more important than anything. He explains, “It’s about the food, like the sign says. I want to serve food to people who have never eaten my type of dishes.”

Menu

Cultural Mistakes to Avoid Traveling Abroad

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

Courtesy Joe Cortez

One of the biggest mistakes rookie travelers make is assuming that cultural norms around the world are very much aligned with their home country. As a result, new adventurers often end up in trouble with the locals simply due to the fact that they did not understand that a simple gesture – like a handshake, a tip, or even pointing – is looked down upon.

Before traveling, it is important to understand what behaviors are considered acceptable, and which are considered rude, unwarranted, or unwanted. By understanding these common cultural mistakes, travelers can make sure their next international interaction does not start a conflict.

Understand the tipping rules in your destination country

In North America, tipping is seen as a customary gesture to wait for staff at restaurants and bars. In fact, it is considered rude and unorthodox to refuse a server a tip, even if their service skills were less than acceptable. What about the rest of the world?

In certain parts of the world, it is not only unwarranted to give a tip, but can be considered rude. In Italy, the tip is always included as part of the bill, and leaving extra can sometimes be looked at as an insult. In parts of China and Japan, offering a tip can be considered a rude gesture to the staff, though some major cities are becoming accustomed to accepting gratuities from tourists. In New Zealand, tips are not expected, and should only be given when someone has gone out of their way to assist.

Before visiting a destination, be sure to understand the tipping culture at your destination. If there is any doubt about the culture, err on the side of adding extra for only excellent service.

Be careful with the hand signs you make while abroad

Depending on where a traveler ends up, even making the simplest hand gestures can result in big trouble for a traveler. Many know which gestures are unwelcome in North America – but what about the rest of the world?

The customs for hand signs vary around the world, but the consensus is clear: any pointing gesture at a person or a gesture using the back of one’s hand could be considered rude or vulgar. Around the world, pointing at someone is still considered to be rude and potentially threatening body language. In Western Europe (especially Ireland and the United Kingdom), giving a backward “peace sign” isn’t considered hip – it’s considered the same as extending a middle finger. Other potentially rude gestures include the “OK” sign, and a thumbs up.

When using hand signs around the world, the more open and vague, the better. Instead of pointing, offer an arm motion to show where something is or what direction to go in. When it comes to hand signs, it may be better to avoid them entirely.

Don’t touch the locals (unless you know them well)

By-in-large, Americans are also known as a very affectionate lot. In addition to pointing and tipping, Americans are known for touching – even when the locals are uncomfortable with it. In Europe (and other parts of the world), touching is generally reserved for close friends and family – not strangers.

In a study done by researchers at the University of Oxford and Aalto University, over 1,300 Europeans responded with the areas of the body they would not be comfortable making contact. Across the respondents, the message was clear: touching was tolerable from family members, but nearly forbidden from strangers. If a touch is absolutely necessary, opt for a handshake, unless the other party initiates.

A word of caution for those who seem too eager to greet their new American friends: in many cases, would-be assailants could be using a physical greeting to attack an unknowing target. A hug can be an easy way for a thief to pickpocket a victim, or even begin a violent attack. If someone seems too affectionate, it may be time to get away.

Cultural differences don’t have to endanger a traveler’s experience while they are abroad. By knowing how to act while in another country, travelers can make sure they get the most out of their next adventure without offending the locals.

Beginner’s Guide to Train Holidays: Swiss Glacier Express

There is something glamorous about taking a train holiday. You’re traveling the world, but you also get the chance to relax and enjoy the journey. Sip tea, listen to live music, enjoy a five-star meal, all while the gorgeous scenery provided by Mother Nature glides past. The Swiss Glacier Express is all that and more.

The world is a big place, filled with so many beautiful things. Picking how you spend your first train holiday may seem overwhelming at first. With all the wonders to see through the window panes of your train, how can you choose between them? Switzerland is an excellent choice for first time train travelers looking to see the world, with a few less carbon emissions.

Swiss Glacier Express Train Options

Glacier Express Train is Eco-Smart

When it comes to traveling in order to reduce your carbon footprint, taking a train is a great idea. Avoiding the airport all together, the Glacier Express offers options where you can travel in and out of Switzerland without ever setting foot on a plane!

Full Ride on the Glacier Express Train

Your breathtaking and awe-inspiring train holiday with the Glacier Express can be as long or as short as you’d like. There are an array of options including meals, hotel stays, various destinations, and travel extensions. Whether you stay on the Glacier Express the whole way through, or choose other travel options, there are packages to suit your travel needs. The length of the Glacier Express starts at either Zermatt, or St. Moritz. Take your time as you enjoy the full ride from terminus station to the other.

The 180 mile (289.68 km) journey averages around 24 mph (38 kph), so taking in the sights won’t be difficult! The soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps will great you through the extraordinarily large viewing windows on the Glacier Express. This full ride lasts approximately eight hours, as you cross 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, cross river valleys, explore mountain passes, and see all that Switzerland has to offer!

Extended Journeys and the Matterhorn

Swiss Alps Matterhorn

Spend days three and four taking in the grandeur of the Matterhorn. Your package for your holiday can even include a trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe’s highest open-air cog railway. There have been plenty of studies that show taking a single, extended holiday each year can help to reduce harmful emissions. By reducing the amount of times you travel, you can help the environment. Days five, six, and seven will be traveling on the Glacier Express all the way to St. Moritz. By extending your holiday, you will get to experience these amazing additions to your vacation.

Skiing in St. Moritz!

This region is well known for the amazing ski resorts and hotels. Take on the slopes yourself by traveling during ski season and extending your train holiday with a longer stop in St. Moritz.

Rail Passes

You can purchase a deal that also includes rail passes on different trains to Lake Geneva or Chamonix. These trips would be great extensions at the beginning of your Matterhorn journey in Zermatt.

Swiss Alps Hotels

Booking with a company that takes your personal preferences into account allows for you to choose your own hotels. Choosing green hotels while you travel will help to eliminate your impact on the environment while you travel!

Tickets

Your packages can also include ticket upgrades. You can choose to travel in first class while on the Glacier Express to experience five-star dining, extra space, a luxurious bar car, and exciting stories and informative anecdotes from the on board staff. A longer holiday made for really immersing yourself in the beautiful Swiss Alps!

Magical Journeys of Switzerland

Start your five-day holiday by entering Switzerland via Zurich. Then you’ll board a train to the sweet Alpine town of Chur. You don’t have to fly into Zurich however, you can choose to save on emissions and take a full day to ride the train from London to Chur! Once there, you’ll spend the night in the hotel of your choosing, then board the Bernina Express towards Tirano, Italy. Spend the day exploring Tirano before heading back to Chur and boarding the Glacier Express! The Glacier express will take you from Chur to Brig, where you’ll spend another amazing night before boarding the Jungfrau Mountain Railway.While riding the Jungfrau, you will pass the awe-inspiring Aletsch glacier before heading on into Interlaken.

For the Love of Trains Glacier Express Train is Amazing

The Glacier Express can take you through the world and help you experience it in new ways! Whether you use it as a means to get to another destinations, or travel along its entire route, the Glacier Express is an amazing way to see the beautiful Swiss Alps!

Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Aside from a few key considerations, nude resort etiquette is general resort etiquette. There’s also the fact that most everyone is naked. Skip the potential awkwardness at a clothing-optional experience and go with an open mind, plus these helpful tips.

Don’t Stare

Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It’s fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, but if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.

Get Nude

While there are no clothes cops patrolling clothing-optional resorts or beaches, it’s somewhat of a gimme that guests who booked the experience are there to be fully clothes-free. When booking a nude resort, be open to embracing new and unexpected occurrences, but feel free to ease into clothing freedom with beach cover-ups.

Use a Towel When Sitting

Nude resort etiquette calls for guests to sit on a towel. Resorts will have them at the ready, but bringing your own beach towel is a great way to easily identify your seat. Grabbing someone else’s towel by mistake isn’t something you want to do at a clothing-optional beach.

Don’t Take Photos Without Consent

Clothing-optional resorts take great care to ensure their patrons feel safe and comfortable. As such, many have strict policies around photography, some going so far as completely banning smartphones. Seize the opportunity to unplug, relax, and make new friends. If you’re not used to being without your phone, bring a great book to read.

Pro Tip: Bring a Beach Bag

The obligatory towel, sunglasses, sun lotion, a cover-up, and anything else you’d walk around a clothed resort with is also essential at a nude resort. Even when wearing nothing, there’s still a lot you’ll need — including a beach bag to carry it all in.

Branding for a Changing World

Courtesy Gary Szenderski, Book of Szen

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes of a great brand? Have you thought it must be some kind of “secret sauce” or unique algorithm that makes it so great? What about your own brand? Are you sure how to take advantage of what makes it special? You have questions. We have answers. Join me beginning April 1st as we explore the science and art of branding.

The UCI course is online and runs for 6 consecutive weeks. There are no prerequisites for the class which includes 5 live weekly ZOOM meetings. Join students from around the world and have an opportunity to learn how to take your own personal brand or the company you’re working for to the next level. Class size is limited. For more information

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