Holidaze and the German Gaze
End-of-year travels and chaos, favorite bylines in 2024, one final media opp of the year
Greetings from Berlin, where we are spending a few days visiting friends and going to Christmas markets. As is always the case when coming back a place where you once lived, it feels both familiar and strange.
We moved to Berlin in March 2020, about two weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. People always ask what that experience was like, and my answer is always the same: We were so grateful to be in a country where people took the rules seriously, and we were allowed to be outside as much as we wanted without needing a permission slip of sorts, unlike in countries including France, Italy and Spain. (Here’s an essay I wrote about the experience, which was my first story for CNN.).
And, because of my job as a journalist, we were able to get what was called “emergency care” for our little guy to attend kita (essentially, day care) when schools were closed multiple times. The only families exempt were those with parents in “system-relevant” professions such as healthcare, teaching, public transportation, and the media (hallelujah — what a refreshing concept that a government views journalism as an essential aspect of a functioning democratic society).
During that time, we also met some lovely humans who became incredibly close friends. Trauma bonding played a role, perhaps, but I’m delighted that we’ve stayed in close touch with many of them and make it a point to see each other whenever possible.
Of course, no place is perfect, either. Germans smoke like chimneys — which always baffles me, as they revere the concept of “frische Luft,” or fresh air. Some Berliners also seem to have this weird, unsettling way of freely staring at anyone they perceive as an Ausländer (foreigner). And the entire city seems to be covered in unsightly graffiti — even the inner courtyards and stairways of apartment complexes (including that of our Airbnb, whose grungy, crack-den exterior belies a beautiful, clean apartment). I do not miss any of these aspects of day-to-day living.
But in many ways, Germany took such good care of us during an incredibly difficult, tumultuous time of our lives (here’s another essay I wrote, this one for Deutsche Welle), which is something I’m always reminded of when we come back. Danke schön, Deutschland.
Recently Published Clips
For Afar, a newsy-ish story about Expedia’s predictions for 2025 travel.
For CNN, an update of a story I wrote that ran in January about the best places for US expats.
More to come in early 2025 in Robb Report, CNN, and Afar, plus my first piece for Tripadvisor.
A Must-Read
This time of year is an appropriate time to reflect on one’s blessings and privileges, and on that note, I highly recommend reading this piece in Esquire, written by an award-winning former journalist who is now homeless. It’s a straightforward, searing look at the systems that so easily and often fail so many.
My Favorite Bylines of 2024
One of my career goals for as long as I can remember is breaking into at least three new-to-me outlets every year, and I’m proud to say I did that again this year with The Robb Report, AARP, the New York Post, and Tripadvisor.
And, below, some of my favorite stories from 2024. A sincere thanks to all of you who helped me with sourcing, resources, and inspiration for these — and everything else I worked on in 2024.
CNN Travel: Hotels are leaning into their spookier sides to sell ‘rooms with a boo’
National Geographic: 7 Must-Do Experiences in Amsterdam
Afar: How a Miniature House Became the Most Coveted Souvenir in Aviation
Travel + Leisure: This Design-Centric, 5-Star Swiss Resort Is a Haven for Wellness Seekers and Aficionados — Here’s What a Stay Is Like
CNN Travel: Fashion that doesn’t fly: The turbulent issue of airline dress code policies
NY Post: Inside Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship (bonus: this is, quite possibly, my favorite lede ever)
Afar: A Hotel Suite With an Airplane Inside, and 4 Other Aviation-Themed Hotels
And, finally, my favorite piece from 2024: A culture of commemoration is still thriving in this Dutch town 80 years after its liberation, which I wrote for CNN Travel.
Media Opp
For CNN Travel, I need to speak to tourism experts for a big-picture piece about overtourism in 2025. Sources must be well-spoken in this topic (is it getting better? Have we learned our lessons?), and be able to address not only the issue but potential solutions (how are travelers adapting? What about local communities?).
I’m looking for government sources, DMOs, tourism experts, and strategic thinkers about big ideas, and innovative, strategic solutions. etc. Please do not pitch if your source is, say, a hotel in a tourism hotspot that is offering an off-season discount; that’s not the depth I need. Please send pitches by Friday, Jan. 3, to blanebachelor[at]gmail[dot]com with a few sentences about qualifications, insights, etc. I will have an OOO on my email as of next week, but trust that I’ll get back to you if it’s a good fit. Thanks!
And That’s a Wrap (Until 2025!)
I had planned to send this last newsletter of the year a week ago, but the usual crunch of deadlines and invoicing and school stuff and soccer and all the other bits and pieces in the life of a frazzled freelancer/middle-aged mama just got in the way. So be it.
But I do want to extend a huge thank you to all of you for being here. I’m so grateful for your support of this newsletter and my work, and I look forward to seeing what 2025 brings (seriously, how are we upon a quarter-turn of the century?). On that note, I’ll be at IMM in January, so drop me a note in the comments below if you’re attending. I’d love to meet in person.
Until then, I’m looking forward to some proper time off starting next Monday through the first week of January. Best wishes for a lovely, peaceful, restorative holiday, wherever you are in the world.
Blane
Thanks for recommending the Esquire piece. It's quite moving.
Wishing you happy, healthy holidays & New Year Blane!!