Expat travel tips and advice from Dispatches Europe

20/12/2025

Surprisingly active news week for this late in the year, with a huge announcement for High Tech Campus and other highlights. But this time of year, is anyone thinking about anything other than travel and fun? So, we have included a curated list of great ski destinations.

See the newsetter here: https://mailchi.mp/38530269d447/new-newsletter-featuring-christmas-markets-real-estate-in-spain-and-ways-to-chase-away-the-winter-blues-6148569

20/12/2025

While some want to create their own traditions, or use the holidays to squeeze in some travel and adventure, others simply want to escape the stress, chaos and cost that comes with hosting Christmas at home.

From flocking back to family homes and big Turkey dinners to lounging on a sunny beach abroad and eating out, more Europeans are choosing to travel for Christmas.

20/12/2025

The Ocean Mist, a restored ship turned floating hotel in the harbor district of Leith, seemed like a perfect fit for its mix of old-world romance that might feel like the setting of a period novel and its connection to the area’s centuries-old maritime trade history.

Eager to indulge my love for literature with a Scottish setting, I went straight to a spot with its own backstory: a restored boat with 17 guest “cabins” in the Leith port district.

19/12/2025

Bruges is one of Europe's most enchanting cities any time of year. But it really shines at Christmas with its Christmas Market and elaborate light displays.

Bruges is one of Europe's most beautiful cities, but it outdoes itself at Christmas, with special light displays and a great market.

16/12/2025

If you're one of the rare few who never sees their suitcase again, it's likely your meticulously packed belongings ended up in Scottsboro, Alabama, and will soon find new homes courtesy of the many treasure-hunting shoppers at Unclaimed Baggage: the nation's only lost-luggage retaile

Everyday, thousands of travellers come to a town in Alabama to sift through lost bags filled with everything from wedding dresses to medieval suits of armour.

15/12/2025

“In recent years, Italy has become a central destination for roots tourism, a growing trend where travellers journey not just to see the sights, but to reconnect with their heritage,” says Jennifer Sontag, CEO and founder of ViaMonde, a relocation agency which helps Americans trace their heritage in Italy.

Americans are tracing their Italian ancestry with the help of genealogy experts, DNA testing, and a rise in roots tourism.

14/12/2025

Our final Christmas Market post for 2025 is the Royal Christmas Fair in the Dutch capital of Den Haag. We're saving the best for last ... and kicking ourselves that we didn't go years ago!

We skipped the Royal Christmas Fair in Den Haag for years in favor of road-tripping to German Christmas Markets. Big mistake ....

14/12/2025

Winding through Champagne, Alsace, and Burgundy, the French Rail Collection itinerary is designed around world-class wine, giving travelers the opportunity to sample more than 35 wines across three distinct regions.

A new seven-day rail tour visits Champagne, Alsace, and Burgundy with guided tastings, luxury stays, and more than 35 wines along the route.

13/12/2025

Variety is the spice of life, so this week's newsletter has everything from housing in London and Spain to a spicy Christmas Market in St. Pauli. That and a round-up of things to do in Europe in winter.

Discover this week’s top stories. We have Christmas markets, real estate in Spain, the language barrier in Spain and how the Dutch support Egypt, plus chase those winter blues away!

13/12/2025

Relatively unknown Nordic ski destinations are emerging as unexpected rivals to traditional budget favourites like Italy and Bulgaria, offering some of Europe’s best value for money, new research reveals.

Resorts such as Beitostolen, Geilo, and Pyha have been ranked among the most affordable European ski trips

12/12/2025

Sure, you can hang out in Zagreb in summer on the way to coast. But winter is when it really shines, with one of the world's best Christmas events.

Sure, you can hang out in Zagreb on the way to coast. But winter is when it really shines, with one of the world's best Christmas events.

10/12/2025

Even visitors from countries like Britain and France, whose citizens don’t need visas, would have to share five years’ worth of social media.