Explore Europe

[011] Oktoberfest in Munich & Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart

Explore Europe Oktoberfest & Volksfest Podcast Episode Show Notes

Welcome back to the first episde of our second series of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys. Today we're visting the most beer famous festival in the world, Oktoberfest in Munich! 

But we're also sharing our insiders tip, which is to go to the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart for the exact same experience without the cost and hassle of getting to Munich with millions of other tourists. 

Whichever festival you visit, make sure you dress up in traditional Lederhosen or Dirndl and we think you'll have one of the best experiences of your time in Europe. Prost!

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Oktoberfest episode: 

The official Oktoberfest website for Munich: https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/

Book a table in the tents here: https://www.oktoberfest.de/en/ressort/The+big+tents/

The official Cannstatter website for Stuttgart: https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/landing-page/

Book a table in the tents here: https://www.cannstatter-volksfest.de/en/tents/

Some useful keywords when booking:

Reservierung = reservation

Hauptschiff = main section

Stehplatz = standing only

Tisch = table

Mittags = midday/daytime

Abends = evenings

Essensmarken = food vouchers

Getränkemarken = drinks vouchers

Einlassband = entry wristband

The website for the Tannenbaum Ski Club which organises trips to both Oktoberfest and Canntastter Volksfest: https://www.tannenbaumskiclub.org

Looking for a Dirndl or Lederhosen? Check out C&A: https://www.c-and-a.com/de/de/shop/damen-sale-dirndl-trachten

Discover more of Jen Gale's easy to implement sustainable living tips here: www.asustainablelife.co.uk

Podcast Conversation Timeline

00:01 - Welcome to the 2nd Series of Explore Europe

1:49 - Today’s episode is dedicated to the German beer festivals - Oktoberfest and Cannstatter Volksfest.

2:17 - But, why is is called Oktoberfest?

2:57 - When is Oktoberfest?

3:21 - What we all want to know is…has John been to an Oktoberfest festival and if so, would he recommend it?

4:00 - The best way to travel to Oktoberfest? (…and John mentions his favourite - booking.com!

7:24 - All the details on booking a table and making the most of your time at the festival.

8:57 - Munich or Stuttgart? Who has the best Beer festival?

12:08 - Food - Part 1: What type of fare can I expect?

13:01 - More information on how to book your tickets and table

21:17 - Money Part 1: So, how can you pay for items at the Oktoberfest?

22:43 - Should you wear German traditional clothes to attend? …Michelle gives you some money saving tips.

26:55 - Oktoberfest = alcohol……so, what about families? Is it child-friendly?

28:56 - Food Part 2: More on the subject of the glorious food on offer at the Oktoberfest.

29:46 - With over 10,000 in attendance, John and Michelle discuss safety at the festivals. Is it safe to visit?

31:08 - Money Part 2: Should you bring a credit card with you?

31:31 - John gives some insider tips for getting to the Stuttgart Oktoberfest from the KMC area.

33:33 - Michelle and John tease an upcoming episode destination and maybe even be attending an Oktoberfest this September too.

35:07 - Michelle’s Episode Round-up

35:33 - Jen Gayle’s Sustainable Travel Tip - stay away from cheap souvenirs made in China!

 

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Are you planning to visit Oktoberfest or Cannstatter Volksfest? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

 

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[012] Paris in France

Explore Europe Paris Podcast Episode Show Notes

Here are the notes for this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys.

Paris, the capital of France, is a global hub for art, architecture, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. As well as landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the 12th-century, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, the city is known for its cafe culture and designer boutiques.

Paris is just a 2.5 hour train journey from Kaiserslautern or London. So the only question is really, why wouldn’t you visit?

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Paris episode: 

Deutsche Bahn: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml

The apartment where John stayed in the heart of Paris: here 

The Hop-on and Hop-off boss: https://www.hop-on-hop-off-bus.com/paris-hop-on-hop-off-bus-tours

The Louvre Museum: https://www.louvre.fr/en

Musée d’Orsay: http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html

The Eiffel Tower: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en

The boats in Paris: https://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en

Notre Dame Cathedral: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/

Moulin Rouge: http://www.moulinrouge.fr/?lang=en

Sacré-Cœur Basilica: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/

Discover more of Jen Gale's easy to implement sustainable living tips here: www.asustainablelife.co.uk

Podcast Conversation Timeline

00:01 - Michelle and John tell us where we will be exploring

00:54 - Why did John go to Paris and who did he take with him?

1:18 - Find out what mode of transport John, Chloe and Joe took from different parts of the world to get to Paris?

4:45 - Would you drive to Paris?

5:45 - John’s unexpected accommodation booking

7:32 - It would be Explore Europe without hearing all about John’s adventures on the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus

9:53 - John gives us a great tip for buying your bus tickets

10:39 -  John divulges all the info of what you will see on the sightseeing tour bus

13:32 - The Eiffel Tower

14:31 - Notre Dame - including Michelle’s most expensive round of drinks and John’s expensive ice-cream purchase

15:34 - Louvre Museum - the architecture and artwork. Plus, tips on getting tickets so you don’t get stuck in the queues.

20:27 - Michelle talks about her must-see stop in Paris - Musee D’Orsay

21:27 - Boat tours, walking tours, guided tours of Paris

22:01 - Hold your horses… John’s talking about nooks and crannies… a favourite of ours

23:06 - The Moulin Rouge experience

25:21 - A little tip about food and drink

25:47 - John tells all about the most expensive street in Paris

26:43 - Anything else that John would recommend for a weekend in Paris?

27:29 - The Palace of Versailles

29:37 - Bateaux Mouche

30:10 - Do you need a Visa to visit Paris?

30:35 - What currency do they use?

31:11 - Is Paris child-friendly?

32:16 - What about safety? Is Paris safe?

33:25 - Food and drink - Michelle gets to grips with the idea that John didn’t really go to any restaurant and instead gives us her favourite french dish

34:51 - The overview of Paris and Michelle’s round up of this weeks episode

37:10 - This week’s Sustainable Travel Tip with Jen Gale - think twice about flying!

 

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Are you planning to visit Paris? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

 

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[013] Copenhagen in Denmark

Explore Europe Copenhagen in Denmark Podcast Episode Show Notes

Here are the notes for this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys.

Home to the children’s story teller, Hans Christian Andersen, the city of Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and very much the beating heart of the country. It’s a very advanced city in terms of infrastructure, architecture, sustainability, tourism and culture. Which makes it such a joy to visit and get around.

Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in Europe and as I grew up reading Hans Christian Andersen Fairytales when I went there I had to make a pilgrimage to the little mermaid of course! 

 

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Copenhagen episode: 

Harbour Cruise: https://www.stromma.dk/kobenhavn/sightseeing/sightseeing-med-bad/grand-tour/

Vor Frelsers Kirke/Church of Our Saviour: http://www.vorfrelserskirke.dk

Christiansborg (another tower): http://kongeligeslotte.dk/en/palaces-and-gardens/christiansborg-palace.html

Copenhagen Card: https://copenhagencard.com

Tivoli Gardens: www.tivoli.dk

 

Cafes & Restaurants

Grospiseri restaraunt on top of the old car auction building! (book in advance): https://www.grospiseri.dk

Manfreds restaurant: http://manfreds.dk/en/

Relæ  http://www.restaurant-relae.dk/en/

Noma the best restaurant in the world (very experience, book well in advance): http://noma.dk

Reffen (street food): https://reffen.dk

Torvehallerne food hall: https://torvehallernekbh.dk

Souls plant based restaurant: http://www.soulscph.dk

Mad og Kaffe coffee hause: https://madogkaffe.dk

 

Accommodation: 

Budget hostels

Generator: https://generatorhostels.com/destinations/copenhagen

Dan Hostel: https://www.danhostel.dk/en

Budget Hotels

Cabinn: https://www.cabinn.com/hoteller-koebenhavn-copenhagen

Wake Up: https://www.wakeupcopenhagen.dk/

  

Neighbourhood guides:

Nyhavn: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/nyhavn-gdk474735

Vesterbro: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/hipster-vesterbro

Frederiksberg: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/posh-frederiksberg-0

Nørrebro: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/multicultural-norrebro-0

Meatpacking District: https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/meatpacking-district

 

Discover more of Jen Gale's easy to implement sustainable living tips here: www.asustainablelife.co.uk

 

Melanie’s Links:

Dejlige Days Blog: www.dejligedays.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKBGJkKT0SG-t-uKglBHMOQ

Dejlige Days Welcome: www.dejligedayswelcome.com

 

Podcast Conversation Timeline: 

00:01- Welcome to Explore Europe and a big welcome to the show, Melanie Haynes! Where are we exploring today?

00:47 - How did Melanie end up living in Copenhagen?

2:37 -  How difficult is it to adjust to the dark winters of Denmark?

3:16 - Melanie explains what Hygge is and why is it an important part of Danish life

6:27 - What shall we do when we visit Copenhagen, Melanie?

9:24 - Although we’re missing John in this week’s episode, Melanie steps in to give us the nooks and crannies of the area - thanks, Mel!

9:50 - And…..even the hop on, hop off bus gets a mention!

10:18 - Information about the Copenhagen card and taking the boat tours

12:14 - A must see: Tivoli Gardens

- What to do there

- What fare is on offer

- What ticket should you buy

18:31 - Michelle digs deeper into what else Melanie would suggest to see in Copenhagen?

18: 39 - Canal cruise and Nyhavn

18:56 - Melanie tells us all about the Smørrebrød (the traditional open sandwich). Plus, Melanie teaches Michelle how to pronounce it.

20:10 - The longest walking street in Europe

20:31 - The neighbourhoods of Copenhagen

22:07 - Melanie and Michelle talks about ‘Danish Style’

22:37 - The cafe culture

24:20 - It’s food time. Melanie gives us her favourite spots to eat and tips for eating out on a budget

28:05 - The street food of Copenhagen

29:41 - Isn’t it all pork based dishes in Denmark? Melanie dispels the myths and offers some tips for all the vegetarians listening

31:15 - Where is the best (and worst) places to stay in the city?

34:34 - How do we get to Copenhagen? Where is the airport and what transport is best to get around?

36:23 - What airlines fly in and out of Copenhagen?

38:15 - What is the currency and can I use my credit card?

39:55 - Do the locals speak English in Denmark?

41:10 - Getting in touch with Melanie and how she can help you.

43:31 - Michelle’s overview of Copenhagen

44:09 - Sustainable Travel Tip by Jen Gayle

 

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

Hearing these insider tips from Melanie makes me want to go back again so if you do visit, please write in and tell us all about your trip. We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

 

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[014] The Mont Blanc Trail

Explore Europe Mont Blanc Trail Podcast Episode Show Notes

Here are the show notes for this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a unique trek of approximately 200km around Mont Blanc that can be completed in between 7 and 10 days passing through Italy, Switzerland and France. It’s one of the most famous and exhilarating treks in Europe. Hikers, climbers and mountaineers will love the authenticity of the overnights offered by mountain refuges and gites along the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Our special guest, Kaiserslautern school music teacher Gretchen Lynch, explains that you do not need to be a hardcore mountaineer to do the Mont Blanc Trail. She shares her short version of the trail with us along with all of her tips that will ensure even total beginners to hiking can accomplish this unforgetful bucket-list trek. 

Here are some detailed notes and links from our Explore Europe Mont Blanc Trail episode: 

Website about Tour:  http://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/

What to bring - everything fits fine in a 30L backpack from Decathalon.

• fold up hiking poles
• lightweight gloves and hat
• sleep sack, sleep clothes
• poncho
• 2 pairs of hiking shorts and shirts
• long sleeved micofiber shirt
• light fleece
• Sunscreen & bugspray
• toiletries, microfibre towel
• gallon ziplock bags to keep clothes dry in case it rains
• YakTrax or crampons if you hike early in the season for the snow crossings
• ear plugs
• good hiking shoes
• flip flops if you don’t want to wear the ones provided (I brought them but they were not necessary!)
• cell phone and charger, - get one that works in Switzerland
• hydration bladder or water bottles
• Pack light - you are carrying everything!

Entire tour takes about 2 weeks.  We did half of the tour, but took a bus through the mountain from Chamonix France to Courmayeur Italy to cut our tour to one week.  The bus is just 15 Euro per person.

We parked near the trail’s end in Chamonix.  It was free and so nice to come out right near our car when we finished a week later!

We put our kids in camp so we could do this as a couples trip (we went with another couple whose daughter stayed with family friends.) Germany’s sleepaway camps are very affordable compared to the United States.  We have been very happy with Camp Adventure which offers one and two week sessions and is a bilingual camp, so everything is in both English and German. https://www.campadventure.de/en/ 

Each day you hike about 6 hours and then stay in a refuge. Refuges are like hostels, but they are on the hiking route (many high in mountains and must be stocked by donkeys or helicopters!) and almost always provide breakfast and dinner. For about 10 Euros you can also buy a sack lunch for your hike. Price per night ranged from 41 (and that one was our favorite!) to 70 Euros per person.  

We hiked through three countries - starting in Italy, then Switzerland, and finished in France. The main language on the train was French, even in Italy. We didn’t hear German at all! The refuges all had English speaking staff and most of the hikers also spoke English.

Other than lodging, our only costs on the trip were gas (we filled in Germany near the border and didn’t have to refuel til we got back home), the 15 Euro bus ticket, lunches (either 10 sack lunches from the refuges or purchased from grocery stores along the route), coffees along the route, and wine/ beer at the refuges. Beer was pricey compared to Europe - about 7 Euros for a half litre, 4 for .33 litre. House wine was about 8-12 for a half litre carafe to share at dinner.

Make sure you take out both Francs (get at an ATM on the drive down) and Euros and have enough cash to pay for both your lodging - they almost always only take cash - and your lunches/ snacks/ drinks. You can pay in Euros in Switzerland but you will get a bad exchange rate - like Euro for Dollar.

BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE. We made the mistake of waiting too long and some of the refuges were full, therefore instead of having nice even 6 hour hiking days, we had one day that was 2 hours and one day that was 10! Dinner is generally served starting at 6:30 or 7pm, so you need to be at your refuge prior to that. Breakfast is normally at 7am.

Check out the website and see if there is damage to the trails. If so you will have to amend your route.

THE VIEWS ARE GORGEOUS. Just GORGEOUS. The entire way.

You will never really be high enough up to get Altitude sickness. But you have views of higher mountains since you climb a loop around the Mont Blanc range.

Our favorite refuge was Gite Le Moulin in Argentiere. The owner cooked the most AMAZING French cuisine. All the food we had on the trip was good, and specific to the country we were in. Pasta in Italy, baked Swiss cheese in Switzerland etc. I believe all of the refuges could cater to Vegetarians/ Gluten Free etc. if contacted in advance.

It IS important to be in pretty good shape for the trip. You don’t have to be an amazing athlete, but definitely have good cardiovascular fitness. If you aren’t regularly exercising you might want to spend the three months before the trip doing some uphill treadmill walking or find some good trails in the area and use them.

For the most part the trail isn’t dangerous, but there were a few snow crossings, stream crossings, and a couple places with steep drop offs. All of the drop offs had wire ropes to hold on to. There was a trail at the end with a long section of ladders and cables. I’m afraid of heights and found this scary, but it is possible to avoid that section by taking an alternate route.

Best time of year to hike is July, August, or September. We did the last week of June which was still early and much of the snow wasn’t melted. You can’t really do any earlier than that. Early October would likely be chilly but still okay.

 

Podcast Conversation Timeline: 

00:01 - Introduction to our wonderful episode on the Mont Blanc trail

1:22 - What brings Gretchen to Germany?

2:18 - How did Gretchen meet her Husband?

03:54 - Where are we exploring today and why should we do it?

05:23 - How dangerous is it to climb Mont Blanc?

06:20 - Can you take the family to Mont Blanc?

08:15 - Details of  Day 1 of Gretchen’s Mont Blanc adventure

10:42 -  Day 1: Accommodation and tips on booking accomodation at different times of year

12:32 - Food at the hostels and accomodation - what to expect

13:15 - Were there any language barriers? How did Gretchen cope with so many different European languages?

14:12 - Booking accommodation in Mont Blanc

14:41 - How fast do you need to walk the trail?

15:55 - Michelle is so happy with the idea of a packet lunch provided by your accommodation. Gretchen tells us more details

16:57 - What do you need to take with you?

18:50 - Information about the villages, trail incline and time taken to climb

20:01 - Michelle delves into more detail about Gretchen’s favourite spot along the tour

20:56 - Gretchen tells all about the ladder climbing

24:14 - Is Gretchen brave enough to take the ladder route if she had to do it again?

24:55 - What are the dangers of the hike?

26:35 - Anything else to consider when planning a trip to Mont Blanc, Gretchen?

31:03 - Are you able to keep in contact with your hiking buddies whilst on the trail via cell phones etc?

32:24 - What did the final day have in store for Gretchen and Co?

33:19 - Mont Blanc Cable Car from Chamonix

33:35 - What currency should you carry and should it all be in cash?

33:10 - Did you have to pre-order your meals when you arrived at the accommodation?

35:28 - How about dietary requirements?

36:36 - How much does a 5 night trip cost?

38:35 - Would Gretchen recommend this trip for everyone?

40:13 - Is the trail signposted or do you need to a great map-reader?

42:39 - Michelle’s ‘Mont Blanc Trail’ overview

43:17 - The sustainable travel tip with Jen Gayle

 

A Massive Thank You For Listening!

I am already planning to replicate Gretchen's Mont Blanc Trail trek next year - I love the way she makes it feel less intimidating! Would you try it? We would love to hear all about your trip and any tips you have for fellow explorers. Leave a comment below or tweet us at @explore_europe and use the hashtag #ExploreEurope

 

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[015] Dresden

Explore Europe Dresden Podcast Episode Show Notes

Here are the show notes for this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys.

Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony. It's situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the border with the Czech Republic and was part of the former East Germany until reunification in 1990.

The city has experienced dramatic changes since the early 1990s. It still bears many wounds from the controversial bombing raids of 1945, but it has undergone significant reconstruction and the buildings have been mostly restored to their former glory.

Dresden is once again a cultural, educational and political centre of Germany and Europe. 

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Dresden episode:

The Indian restaurant that John raves about: http://www.littleindia-dresden.de/

The Fish restaurant: https://kastenmeiers.de/

The Opera: https://www.semperoper.de

The famous Frauenkirche: https://www.frauenkirche-dresden.de/

Segway tours in Dresden

Walking tours: http://www.dresden-cultour.de/de/fuehrungen/stadtfuehrungen.html

The Palace with the lovely gardens: https://www.grosser-garten-dresden.de/de/startseite/

Podcast Conversation Timeline:

00:01 - Introduction
1:00 - John gives us a brief overview of Dresden’s history
2:20 -What is the transport like in Dresden? How about getting to and from Dresden, and parking the car?
3:16 - Did John use booking.com for his hotel reservation? Find out here…
3:50 - John gives you more history about Dresden and it’s East Germany past.
So, What did John and Ramona do whilst in Dresden?
5:10 - Did John eat the best indian curry he’s ever had in Germany?
5:59 - John tells all about his very sophisticated outing to the Dresden Opera house….and his star spotting experience too!
8:15 - A must see highlight of Dresden - The Frauenkirche
11:01 - Where is John’s Explore Europe favorite hop on and hop off bus in today’s episode?
11:24 - The palaces of Dresden
12:43 - Find out how to get around the city centre?…..
Meanwhile, John makes a bold statement about Dresden!
15:23 - Do you have to pre-book tickets for the tourist attractions?
17:04 - John recommends an amazing fish restaurant to visit
17:59 - Michelle goes through the practicalities of travelling to Dresden: Visa to visit?/ Cash vs Card debt/ English speaking?/ Is it safe?
20:23 - Would John recommend Dresden with kids?
21:18 - The walking tour of Dresden
23:10 - The beautiful Christmas Markets - a must see during the holiday season
24:42 - Michelle’s overview of the awesome Dresden
25:23 - The sustainable travel tip with Jen Gale

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you next time for another episode of Explore Europe!

[016] Christmas Markets

Explore Europe Christmas Markets Podcast Episode Show Notes

Here are the show notes for this episode of Explore Europe brought to you by Used Car Guys.

Is there anything better than living in Europe and especially Germany at this time of year. Nothing says Christmas quite like the traditional Weihnachtsmarkt that you will find in every big city, small town and even the tiny villages.

We’ve recommended our favourite Christmas markets throughout this episode, but I’ll bet once you have visited a few, you will have your own. Everyone is unique and each one is worth a visit.

Here are the links from our Explore Europe Christmas Markets episode:

Kaiserslautern Christmas Market

The Rhein Galerie Ludwigshafen

Mannheim Christmas Markets

Heidelberg Christmas Market

Trier Christmas Market

Saarbrücken Christmas Market

Traben-Trarbach Christmas Market

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Baden-Baden Christmas Market

Deidesheim Christmas Market 

 

Podcast Conversation Timeline

00:01 - Welcome to the Christmas Markets episode of Explore Europe

01:14 - John’s tells us about his local Christmas Market - Kaiserslautern

2:00 - Where is the Kaiserslautern market?

2:35 - Try the highly recommended drink of the markets - Feuerzangenbowle

3:43 - Michelle delves into not one, but THREE Christmas Markets in her local area of Mannheim

4:34 - John and Michelle are amused with the items that are on sale at the market. A little hint - it’s not quintessentially Christmas

7:39 - Getting to Mannheim - Especially, where should you park?

09:01 - All the information about the beautiful Heidelberg Christmas market

10:01 - What’s the best form of travel to get to Heidelberg?

11:22 - John divulges some great tips for smaller, local markets around other areas in Germany

12:35 - Trier Christmas Market - all the information you’ll need for a successful visit

13:51 - Saarbrücken Christmas Market - including some great tips from John

15:09 - You won’t believe the highlight of the Saarbrücken Market! Find out here…

15:57 - What currency should you take? Do they accept credit cards at the markets?

16:21 - Do they serve german or french food at Saarbrücken Christmas market?

17:02 - Michelle tells all about the best Christmas market she has visited - Strasbourg

18:38 - John has a fascinating fact about Strasbourg for your next pop quiz

19:01 - How do you get to Strasbourg Christmas market?

22:09 - If you’re an adventurous explorer, Michelle explains how to visit an array of markets in one day.

25:39 -  Traben-Trarbach Christmas Market - Weather and dog friendly

27:49 - Deidesheim Christmas Market - lots of nooks and crannies in this part!

30:55 - John and Michelle’s podcast challenge for you

31:18 - The practicalities of visiting the markets - Parking / Is it safe? / Cash vs card / Child-friendly?

33:39 - Michelle’s Christmas Market round-up

34:20 - Sustainable Travel Tip with Jen Gale

 

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you next time, Explorers.