Travel Rule #1 - If Something Sounds Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

I screwed up. The following post describes my worst travel planning mistake during these past 20+ years.

Fortunately my traveling companion was very sympathetic.

I consider this error a wake up call.

Son Phil has lived in the Netherlands for the past eight years. During this time, we've taken some great excursions. By the fall of 2023, I'd grown rather confident of my trip planning skills.

For years, I had heard how fantastic European Christmas markets are. Phil lives just miles from the German border. Checking online, it appeared that the market in nearby Munster opened mid November. This made sense to me since Christmas decorations are up by Halloween in the US. I easily booked hotel lodging in Munster.

"Wow, the hotel prices are really good!", I said to Phil.

This should have been my first clue.

European Christmas markets are extremely popular; as insanely busy as New York City in December. I think my optimism overrode sensibility.

Travel Tip: Remember the adage: "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is".

One week before my departure, smart Phil did his own checking. He pinged me saying, "Hey Mom, Christmas Market doesn't open until the weekend AFTER we're there, November 27".

I have to admit, I wasn't that surprised. This trip was way too reasonably priced. Feeling a tad disappointed but undaunted, I said, "We'll still go, maybe there will be some stores decorated early".

In a nutshell, nope, there are very few Christmas decorations before the official opening day. Still, we did encounter some great sightseeing and enjoyed a meal at a restaurant we were told books out months in advance during the Christmas season.

Munster Cathedral

Munster was heavily damaged during WWII but in the decades since, much has been rebuilt to reflect its ancient history.

Stairway to Heaven?

The city is full of interesting architecture.

You Are a Week Too Early For Christmas Market

Our favorite landmark? The Munster astronomical clock in Munster Cathedral.

Munster astronomical clock

Phil and I ended up having a relaxing time in Munster; something not possible during true Christmas Market days we learned. Phil and his girlfriend returned to the city two weeks later to experience the market "all decked out". He reported back that the entire city was a mob scene. They ended up returning back to the Netherlands for dinner because the restaurants were all booked up (had been for months).

Travel Tip: This year, Munster Christmas Market opens on November 25, 2024.

Stay tuned. My final blog post is coming soon. "The Covid Project" is finally finishing off with my quintessential review of many of New Hampshire's finest inns.