Click photo for larger view. ©2014, David A. Porter

American baby boomers have been pouring into the city of Slovakia by the thousands with the recent popularity of river cruising. Bratislava, the capitol of Slovakia (part of the former Czechoslovakia) is set along the Danube River and is bordered by Austria and Hungary.

Perhaps the most magical time to visit Bratislava is during the Christmas season where you’ll find the town square glittering with Christmas lights, and the square packed with local vendors selling regional foods and Christmas items.  Further, because the Christmas season is outside of the travel pattern of the typical American traveler, you’re going to enjoy hanging out with the locals.  It’s very likely that the only Americans that you’re going to encounter this time of year are those on Christmas Markets river cruises.

I snagged these photographs while sailing the Danube with Viking River Cruises in the town square of Bratislava on December 8th, 2014.  I’m going to guess that the temperature was somewhere around 50º, and as you can see, the square was completely packed with festive locals.

Not uncommon to occasions like this, the food vendors were very busy serving up their local cuisine.  Here’s our friend Karen with Carol after making an offer for some of the local sausage.

Click photo for larger view. ©2014, David A. Porter

You know, many of America’s baby boomers seem confined to predominantly summertime travel.  But we strongly encourage you to consider a little thinking outside of the box.  On this early December river cruise, we found a great deal of sun, a few afternoons of drizzle, and temperatures in the 45º-60º range.  Absolutely festive and delightful.

To learn more about European Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises, CLICK HERE.

Travel Tip: booking a river cruise with a travel agent is exactly the same price as booking it yourself.  Therefore, consider booking with a travel agent.  A seasoned travel agent will have great advice based on personal experience. Further, a good agent may well have extra perks for you.

For a no-obligation chat about booking a fun Christmas Markets river cruise, call our travel agency office at (480) 550-1235.  Or, use our convenient online information request form by clicking here, and we’ll reach out to you. 😀
 
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