Exceptional destination knowledge is the foundation of your business—and we’re committed to providing the best. And, while the holiday season is well behind us, it’s the perfect time to start planning your clients’ unforgettable journey to Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets later this year!
To expand your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve on everything Europe has to offer, explore our three destination specialist courses dedicated to Northern, Southern, and Central Europe, all of which can be found in our Education Hub.
This month’s Hot Tip was written by your colleague, Sandra Kelley, CTA, CTC, who recently returned from such a trip and generously shares her knowledge and expertise.
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Here is what Sandra has to say about European Christkindlmarkts:
Travelers spend long hours discussing their summer vacation plans. Yet there are so many opportunities to generate interest during off-peak seasons as well. Do you have clients who get the winter doldrums? Or families who have a Thanksgiving break?
Take advantage of your clients’ needs and recommend a European winter vacation. Specifically, why not craft an itinerary around one of the traditional Christkindlmarkts? Visitors stroll amongst numerous stalls with hand-crafted goods, food, holiday decorations, souvenirs, etc. from local artisans and vendors, enclosed in an atmosphere of festival lights, carnival rides, ice skating, eating, and music. Most Christkindlmarkts are surrounded by churches, palaces, or city centers, adding local atmosphere and breathtaking architecture.
The most storied Christkindlmarkts are in Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Switzerland, to name a few. Most markets open the week prior to Thanksgiving and close shortly after the New Year.
While many people would put the European Christmas markets on the top of their bucket lists, there may be a few who might hesitate. How can you effectively address and alleviate their qualms?
Not Enough Time: Your travelers can become fully immersed with itineraries of two or three days (plus flight days). The larger markets are in major European cities, with plentiful and hassle-free transportation options. Some clients might prefer longer itineraries, such as those offered on Danube or Rhine river cruises, which visit several Christmas markets.
Weather: It’s winter, but the numerous options for nearby warm cafés, restaurants, and stalls selling mulled wine (a traditional Christmas drink) add to the ambience of the holiday spirit.
Distance: Most Christkindlmarkts are located in major European cities with nonstop flight options from the U.S.
Cost: Chain and boutique hotels may offer Christkindlmarkt holiday packages, some of which include city tours or experiences. Advance planning is key to the best selections.
And …?: Major European cities have an extensive network of trains, trams, subways, buses, and taxis, offering your clients many options for maximizing their stay. In addition to the markets, encourage visits to museums, palaces, churches, concerts, city tours, or dinner cruises. There are noticeably fewer crowds than in summer, giving your clients more time to be immersed in these experiences.
Christkindlmarkts offer a chance to experience traditional retail transactions with the maker of the ornament, the Käsekrainer (sausage roll), or the cuckoo clock. These markets immerse the traveler in another era, where plazas are filled with those enjoying the lighted decorations, shopping, eating, and holiday activities.
Your clients may not be aware of the memorable experience that awaits them with a winter vacation to Europe. As a trusted travel advisor, you can be proactive and send a short itinerary with key highlights/attractions to your clients, or a holiday card with an image of the Stephanplatz Christkindlmarkt in Vienna, along with your contact information, for example.
With the celebrations and age-old traditions found at Christkindlmarkts in Europe, your clients will experience a memorable and vivid holiday season!
Thank you, Sandra!
