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TravelStories Episode 47: Turkey Day Travel and Travails

Dec 16, 2024

Tom and Trevor delve into their Thanksgiving travels across Europe, sharing delightful anecdotes from Budapest and Vienna. They highlight the enchanting Christmas markets and the luxurious atmospheres of the Park Hyatt and Párisi Udvar. The duo navigates the challenges of family travel during the holidays, sharing laughs about flight mishaps and cultural quirks like European tipping. Their experiences encapsulate the joy and chaos of holiday globetrotting, leaving listeners inspired for their own adventures.

51:26

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Quick takeaways

Traveling during Thanksgiving poses unique challenges, as seen through the hosts' experiences with lost luggage and overbooked flights.

The hosts highlight the contrasting culinary experiences in Budapest and Vienna, emphasizing the importance of understanding local dining customs and tipping etiquette.

Their luxurious stays at iconic hotels like the Park Hyatt Vienna and Párisi Udvar exemplify the appeal of Europe as a family-friendly holiday destination.

Deep dives

Hungarian Currency and Travel Insights

Hungary does not use the euro despite being part of the Schengen area, opting instead for the Hungarian forint. The exchange rate can be confusing, as one forint equals only a fraction of a dollar, making mental calculations tricky for travelers. For example, 3,000 forints is approximately equivalent to $10, which can pose a challenge when budgeting during the visit. Additionally, travelers noted that dining costs in Budapest unexpectedly rivaled those in nearby Vienna, indicating a potentially higher expense than anticipated.

Intro

2min

Surprises in Sin City: Travel Tales

11min

Thanksgiving Travels: From Hawaii to Budapest

16min

Adventures in Europe: Travel Tales and Tips

16min

Reflections on the 747-400 and Flight Experience with Lufthansa

3min

Thanksgiving Travel Frustrations and Airline Inconveniences

2min

Reflections on Thanksgiving Travel Challenges

3min

Episode 47: Show Notes

What happens when Thanksgiving travel takes you across the Atlantic and through the heart of Europe? In this episode, Tom and Trevor share their Thanksgiving travel experiences through Budapest, Vienna, and even a nostalgic stop in Bratislava. They provide insightful perspectives on international travel during the holidays, exploring iconic destinations, and managing the inevitable surprises of globetrotting with family. Hear about Trevor's family trip to Budapest, the challenges of holiday travel, and memorable stays at the luxurious Párisi Udvar and Park Hyatt Vienna. Learn about the breathtaking Christmas markets of Austria, the charm of Budapest’s historic baths, what makes Europe a family-friendly travel destination, and Vienna’s famed zoo. They also recount the magic and mishaps of travel during the festive season, why they would do it again, lessons on European tipping culture, and more! To discover tips, tricks, and stories that will inspire your next holiday adventure, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:38] Tom and Trevor’s Thanksgiving travels and the destinations they explored.
[01:38] Tom’s journey westward to Las Vegas, his experience flying Spirit Airlines, and staying at the Encore and Rio.
[12:38] Why traveling on Thanksgiving was not a good idea, his time in Hawaii, and Tom's experience of traveling home.
[17:30] Trevor’s family trip to Budapest, including the stunning Park Hyatt Vienna and the challenges of traveling with a toddler.
[22:41] The history and charm of Vienna, what makes the Christmas markets special, and why the hotel stay cost more than expected.
[26:32] Booking shuttle transfers, driving through Bratislava, staying at the stunning Párisi Udvar, and what Trevor enjoys about traveling in Europe.
[31:41] A deeper dive into Vienna’s attractions, more Christmas markets, and visiting the oldest zoo in Europe.
[36:30] Eating out on the last night in Austria and an interesting cultural lesson on tipping.
[40:34] Pitfalls of Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa, including a stressful Frankfurt connection.
[49:05] Final thoughts on the joys and mishaps of Thanksgiving travel.

Quotes:

“I’ve not always had the best opinion of Spirit, but honestly, if you go in with the right attitude, sometimes you are pleasantly surprised.” — @TktweetsKim [0:04:04]

“There is so much to see in Europe. You could throw a stone and hit three countries.” — @tmount [0:30:08]

“It seems like you can – spit and you will hit a Christmas market or a palace in Europe.” — @TktweetsKim [33:42]

“Even among Europeans —they have different tipping cultures. Tipping is almost a third rail in so many different places.” — @tmount [38:22]

“Lufthansa is always a fun airline to fly.” — @tmount [46:04]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: