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Mistletoe and Gluhwein

25th November 2009 Print

Nobody enjoys Christmas traditions quite like the Europeans. If you're planning to head over to the continent for a spot of Christmas cheer, ensure you get the most out of your travel money. Make your pounds go further in these difficult times and plan your currency in advance.

 

Don't be fooled by most high street and online currency dealers ‘commission free' offers. Rates are based on large margins, meaning you could get stung with uncompetitive rates. By using your bank plastic you may not fare much better either. Most cards have an average of a 2.75% foreign exchange mark-up, in addition to overseas ATM withdrawal fees. At £1 - £1.75 per transaction, that's a shocking amount of money wasted, which could've been used towards generous helpings of gingerbread and gluhwein!

 

Here are some other handy budgetary tips to get you on your way:

 

Take a prepaid currency card with you

Make sure you take a prepaid currency card with you. A Caxton FX euro card has no overseas ATM Fees and no commission, just great rates. Top it up with euros before you go away and then use like you would your other debit or credit card.

Keep an eye out for great deals

 

Caxton FX has teamed up with Hotel Club to offer all of their Currency Card customers up to a 15% discount on all hotel bookings for the hotel properties listed on Hotelclub.co.uk. Caxton FX card customers can also receive a 10% Discount on SIXT holiday cars. For more information and terms and conditions, go to caxtonfxcard.com

 

Dynamic Currency Conversion

 

If you're given the option to pay in local currency or sterling, always choose the local currency. This is a new process called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). The retailer or ATM invites you to pay in sterling and then does the exchange rate at an unfavourable rate, which costs you money. During last year's ski season, Caxton FX research shows that around £30,000 was wasted at just five of the most popular ski resorts in Europe through DCC.

 

Where to go?

 

With so many great places to choose from, it can be tough to pick a Christmas shopping hotspot. We've done some of the hard work for you and here are 6 of our top picks....

 

Graz Christmas market, Austria

 

21 November - 24 December 2009

 

Austria is packed with Christmas markets but Graz is among the most vibrant, with six locations for festivities. The oldest takes place around the Franciscan church, where tourists enjoy local arts and crafts, regional farm produce and hot wine. The nearby City Hall has a huge advent calendar projected on to it. There is also a giant Christmas tree and vintage merry go round.

 

Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

03 December - 30 December 2009

 

The tree, which stands in front of the Neo-Renaissance palace on Preseren Square, is nothing short of spectacular. The beautifully lit stalls sell an array of goods. From pretzels to homemade candles, woven baskets and furniture to rocking horses and sleighs and even wooden shoes, there's a perfect gift for everyone.

 

Lille, France

 

03 December - 30 December 2009

 

The tree, which stands in front of the Neo-Renaissance palace on Pre?eren Square, is nothing short of spectacular. The beautifully lit stalls sell an array of goods. From pretzels to homemade candles, woven baskets and furniture to rocking horses and sleighs and even wooden shoes, there's a perfect gift for everyone.

 

Tallinn, Estonia

 

29 November - 9 January 2010

 

Since joining the EU, Tallinn has provided an alternative Christmas destination for English tourists bored of their usual jaunts to France and Italy. Its medieval city and Baltic quirkiness make for a charming Christmas market. Expect Estonian handicrafts: hand-made Christmas decorations, woollen sweaters and socks, painted silk, colourful felt hats and patch blankets. If you're feeling brave tuck into some marinated eel and blood sausage.

 

Riga, Latvia

 

30 November - 28 December 2009

 

Held on Dome Square, the Riga Christmas Market celebrates Christmas as well as the tradition of decorating Christmas trees, which it is said the Latvians began in the beginning of the 16th century. Handmade crafts, including toys and decorations (many of them carved from wood), can be purchased at the Riga Christmas Market. You can also sample traditional foods like gingerbread, sauerkraut, smoked meats and more.

 

Krakow, Poland

 

1 December - 31 December 2009

 

This Polish city has one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets. The action is in the Rynek Glowny central square, where wooden stands sell a colourful array of Christmas decorations, trinkets, jewellery and toys. Look out for the szopka creches: glittering portable theatres for traditional Nativity puppet plays. Open-air pork stalls, selling every kind of cut and sausage, along with sticky mulled wine.