#danube river travel tips

[savvytravelers]

14-Night Danube Cruise

Embark on an unforgettable 14-night Danube cruise with Savvy Travelers, indulging in luxury and adventure along this iconic river!

[czechiatours]

Why a Multi-City Tour Is the Best Way to See Central Europe

Central Europe, with its blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, has become a dream destination for travelers worldwide. From the enchanting cities of Prague and Vienna to the scenic Danube River, Central Europe is best experienced through a multi-city tour, which allows you to sample the region’s unique cultural, historical, and natural highlights. Czechia Tours offers an ideal way to experience a multi-city tour across Central Europe, making it easy to plan a journey that maximizes your time and enjoyment.

Here’s why a multi-city tour through Central Europe, especially with a reliable provider like Czechia Tours, is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking both comfort and a bit of the unknown.

1. A Diverse Blend of Cultures and Histories

Central Europe boasts some of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in the world. On a multi-city tour, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the distinct, yet interconnected, histories of each location. In Prague, known as the “City of a Hundred Spires,” marvel at Gothic and Baroque architecture as you walk through centuries-old streets. Then, contrast this with the imperial grandeur of Vienna, where music and art history come alive. Each city on a multi-city Central Europe tour has a unique story to tell, and Czechia Tours allows you to piece together these tales into a cohesive narrative, all while offering seamless travel from one city to the next.

2. Maximize Your Sightseeing in a Shorter Time

Planning a trip across multiple cities can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the region. Czechia Tours simplifies the logistics, ensuring you can enjoy an adventure through Central Europe without the hassles of transportation planning, ticket purchases, or local travel details. With organized transfers between cities and expertly crafted itineraries, you’re free to immerse yourself in the experience rather than worry about the next step. A multi-city tour is the best way to cover more ground without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those wanting to explore as much as possible in a shorter time.

3. A Balance of Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems

Central Europe’s allure lies in its famous sights as well as its lesser-known treasures. A multi-city tour typically includes both, ensuring that you don’t miss iconic landmarks like Prague Castle or Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, but also allowing you to explore hidden spots that add charm and intrigue. In Budapest, for example, a typical Czechia Tours itinerary may include both a visit to the famous thermal baths and a stroll through the less-touristy neighborhoods like the Jewish Quarter, where you can discover vibrant street art and unique eateries. Each city offers these “off-the-beaten-path” locations, enriching your travel experience by letting you see Central Europe from a local’s perspective.

4. Convenience and Peace of Mind

With a structured multi-city tour, your accommodation, transport, and key sightseeing plans are prearranged, which is ideal for travelers who want a worry-free experience. Czechia Tours manages the details, from securing your stay at reputable hotels to organizing smooth, comfortable transportation between cities. Guided tours add an extra layer of insight, helping you dive deeper into each city’s history and cultural nuances. Instead of piecing together plans, you can fully relax and take in the beauty of Central Europe without the stress of figuring out logistics in a foreign place.

5. Local Insights and Guided Expertise

One of the biggest advantages of a multi-city tour with Czechia Tours is the knowledgeable guides who accompany you. With their local insights, guides can offer a deeper understanding of each city’s culture, traditions, and hidden histories that aren’t easily accessible in guidebooks or on travel blogs. They’re also great sources of tips for local cuisine, nightlife, and customs. This not only enhances your experience but helps you avoid tourist traps and make the most of your time in each city. For example, while a standard tour in Berlin might take you to the Brandenburg Gate, your guide might also lead you to the lesser-known East Side Gallery, where the Berlin Wall’s history is beautifully told through graffiti art.

6. Adventure Through Central Europe’s Scenic Routes

Central Europe isn’t just about its cities; the scenic routes connecting them are a significant part of the adventure. A well-curated multi-city tour includes picturesque train rides or comfortable coach journeys through beautiful landscapes. Between Prague and Vienna, enjoy the Bohemian countryside dotted with vineyards and castles. On the way to Budapest, marvel at the vast plains and river landscapes that tell their own story. With Czechia Tours, you can savor these vistas along the way, turning what might otherwise be a mundane commute into a memorable part of your journey.

7. A Multi-City Tour That Fits Your Style and Budget

One of the best things about taking a multi-city tour with Czechia Tours is the flexibility to choose a trip that suits your style, budget, and travel interests. Whether you’re interested in luxury accommodations, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly hostels, Czechia Tours offers customizable packages that cater to a range of preferences. This allows you to tailor your multi-city Central Europe experience, balancing sightseeing, relaxation, and local exploration as you see fit.

8. Central Europe’s Gastronomic Delights on One Tour

Food is an integral part of any travel experience, and a multi-city tour allows you to sample the best of Central Europe’s culinary traditions. Czechia Tours ensures you can indulge in local delicacies across cities, from Czech dumplings and goulash in Prague to Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna. You’ll also have the chance to try some of Budapest’s famed paprika-infused dishes and sample wines from the Tokaj region. The varied flavors and culinary influences in Central Europe will make each meal an adventure in itself.

9. Creating Unforgettable Memories in Diverse Settings

Every city on a Central Europe tour offers something memorable. From the fairy-tale charm of Cesky Krumlov to the historical allure of Krakow, each destination on a multi-city itinerary provides unforgettable moments. Whether it’s an evening boat cruise along the Danube in Budapest, a scenic view of Prague from the Petrin Tower, or a sunset over Vienna’s rooftops, each city will leave a lasting impression, creating a tapestry of experiences that you’ll cherish long after your journey ends.

Conclusion

For those looking to experience the heart of Europe, a multi-city tour through Central Europe with Czechia Tours is truly the best way to explore. This structured yet flexible approach ensures you see the top sights and hidden gems, all while traveling with ease and comfort. From cultural immersion to breathtaking scenery, Central Europe’s cities have so much to offer—and with Czechia Tours, you can experience it all without the stress.

Embark on an adventure through Central Europe and discover why a multi-city tour is the ultimate way to explore this enchanting region.

[travellhq]

Ultimate Winter Travel Spots in Europe

Europe transforms into a magical wonderland during winter, offering travelers everything from snow-covered villages to vibrant Christmas markets. Whether you are looking to ski in the Alps, chase the Northern Lights, or explore cozy cities with festive charm, there’s a winter destination in Europe for everyone. Let’s dive into some of the ultimate winter travel spots that should be on your bucket list.

1. Prague, Czech Republic: A Winter Fairytale

Why Visit in Winter:

Cobblestone streets dusted with snow.

Picturesque Christmas markets.

Gothic and baroque architecture illuminated at night.

Top Experiences:

Explore the Old Town Square and its giant Christmas tree.

Take a stroll across Charles Bridge at sunrise when the city is quiet and snow-covered.

Visit Prague Castle for a wintery panoramic view of the city.

Warm up with a cup of mulled wine or traditional trdelník (chimney cake).

Pro Tip: Stay until New Year’s Eve for spectacular fireworks along the Vltava River.

2. Interlaken, Switzerland: Ski and Adventure Paradise

Why Visit in Winter:

Easy access to the Swiss Alps for skiing and snowboarding.

Scenic train rides with snowy landscapes.

Adventure activities like paragliding, sledding, and ice climbing.

Top Experiences:

Ski or snowboard in Jungfrau Region, which includes Grindelwald and Wengen.

Ride the Jungfraujoch train to Europe’s highest railway station, known as the "Top of Europe."

Enjoy snowshoeing or sledging on Mount Harder Kulm trails.

Take a boat ride on Lake Thun for breathtaking winter scenery.

Pro Tip: Book accommodation early, as winter in Interlaken draws outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.

3. Reykjavik, Iceland: Northern Lights and Ice Caves

Why Visit in Winter:

One of the best places to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

Unique experiences like ice cave tours and glacier hiking.

Soak in hot geothermal pools while surrounded by snow.

Top Experiences:

Take a Northern Lights tour from Reykjavik (best seen on clear nights).

Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes.

Relax in the Blue Lagoon or one of the many local hot springs.

Explore Vatnajökull Ice Caves, only accessible in winter.

Pro Tip: Bring waterproof clothing, as Iceland's weather can be unpredictable with snow and rain.

4. Vienna, Austria: A City of Music and Christmas Magic

Why Visit in Winter:

Vienna’s Christmas markets are among the best in Europe.

The city becomes even more enchanting with twinkling lights and festive decor.

Attend concerts and operas during the holiday season.

Top Experiences:

Visit Schönbrunn Palace and enjoy its Christmas market.

Stroll through the Rathausplatz Market to shop for unique crafts and taste traditional treats.

Attend a New Year’s concert at the Vienna State Opera.

Ice skate in front of the stunning Vienna City Hall.

Pro Tip: Stop at a traditional Viennese café and savor a slice of Sachertorte with a cup of hot chocolate.

5. Tromsø, Norway: The Arctic Wonderland

Why Visit in Winter:

One of the northernmost cities in Europe, offering prime Northern Lights viewing.

Arctic experiences like dog sledding, whale watching, and snowmobiling.

Polar night phenomenon: the sun doesn’t rise for several weeks in winter, creating a surreal blue twilight.

Top Experiences:

Go dog sledding with Alaskan huskies.

Take a Northern Lights cruise on a heated boat.

Visit the Polaria Arctic Aquarium and learn about Arctic wildlife.

Explore Fjellheisen Cable Car for panoramic views of the fjords and Tromsø city.

Pro Tip: Dress in layers and bring thermal clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.

6. Budapest, Hungary: Thermal Baths and River Cruises

Why Visit in Winter:

A blend of cultural landmarks, festive markets, and relaxing hot springs.

The Danube River adds charm to the winter landscape.

Top Experiences:

Soak in the outdoor thermal pools at Széchenyi Thermal Bath while snowflakes fall around you.

Take a night cruise on the Danube River and see landmarks like the Parliament building lit up.

Visit the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square for food, gifts, and performances.

Enjoy an ice-skating session in City Park Ice Rink, one of Europe’s largest open-air skating rinks.

Pro Tip: Try a chimney cake with cinnamon and pair it with mulled wine from the market stalls.

7. Rovaniemi, Finland: The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

Why Visit in Winter:

Visit Santa Claus Village, where Christmas lasts all year.

Stay in a glass igloo to watch the Northern Lights from your bed.

Experience the magic of Finnish Lapland with reindeer rides and snowmobile safaris.

Top Experiences:

Meet Santa at Santa Claus Village and send a postcard from the Arctic Circle post office.

Stay in an ice hotel or cozy glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Visit the Arktikum Museum to learn about Arctic nature and culture.

Go on a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests.

Pro Tip: Book igloo accommodations in advance as they are very popular in winter.

8. Salzburg, Austria: A Winter Wonderland with Musical Roots

Why Visit in Winter:

The birthplace of Mozart and home to "The Sound of Music."

Stunning Alpine backdrop with festive markets and snow-covered streets.

Top Experiences:

Explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views of the snow-covered city.

Visit Mozart’s birthplace and museum.

Enjoy a performance at the Salzburg Festival or the famous Advent Singing concert.

Take a day trip to Hallstatt, a picturesque village by the lake.

Pro Tip: Don't leave without trying a slice of Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet soufflé dessert.

9. Tallinn, Estonia: A Hidden Gem for Winter Lovers

Why Visit in Winter:

A medieval city with cobblestone streets and fairytale towers.

Less crowded than other European capitals, perfect for peaceful exploration.

Top Experiences:

Explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, covered in snow.

Visit Raekoja Plats Christmas Market with a beautiful tree and festive stalls.

Walk along the city walls for views of the snow-covered rooftops.

Warm up with a traditional Estonian dish like blood sausage or sauerkraut.

Pro Tip: Bring warm boots, as Tallinn’s cobblestone streets can get icy.

10. Zermatt, Switzerland: A Winter Sports Paradise

Why Visit in Winter:

Home to the iconic Matterhorn peak.

A car-free village with a cozy, Alpine atmosphere.

One of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Top Experiences:

Ski or snowboard on Matterhorn Glacier Paradise slopes.

Ride the Gornergrat Railway for views of the Alps.

Explore the village’s charming boutiques and après-ski spots.

Dine at a mountain restaurant and try the traditional Swiss fondue.

Pro Tip: Zermatt offers excellent hiking trails if skiing isn’t your thing.

Final Thoughts

Winter in Europe is magical, with endless possibilities ranging from snow adventures in the Alps to cozy city breaks filled with festive markets. Whether you prefer chasing the Northern Lights in Iceland, skiing in Switzerland, or exploring historic cities like Prague and Vienna, Europe’s winter destinations offer something for everyone.

Plan ahead, pack warm clothes, and get ready to experience the charm of these ultimate winter travel spots in Europe.

[veghelyicsaba]

Seamless Travel: Renting a Private Car with Driver from Budapest to Vienna and Vice Versa for Your Vacation

Traveling between Budapest and Vienna is a journey filled with rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures. For those looking to experience the best of both cities without the hassle of public transportation, renting a private car with a driver offers a luxurious and convenient solution. This personalized mode of travel ensures comfort, flexibility, and a unique opportunity to explore hidden gems along the way.

The Benefits of Renting a Private Car with a Driver

Comfort and Luxury: A private car provides a comfortable and spacious environment, ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers. You can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing that your journey will be smooth and stress-free.

Flexibility: Unlike rigid train or bus schedules, a private car allows you to travel at your own pace. You can plan stops along the route, explore off-the-beaten-path attractions, and create a customized itinerary that suits your interests and schedule.

Local Expertise: Professional drivers with local knowledge can offer insights into the region’s history, culture, and hidden treasures. Their expertise ensures that you not only reach your destination efficiently but also gain a deeper understanding of the places you visit.

Safety and Convenience: Professional drivers prioritize your safety and comfort. The vehicles are well-maintained, and the drivers are experienced, ensuring a reliable travel experience. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with parking.

Exploring the Route: Budapest to Vienna

The journey between Budapest and Vienna is approximately 243 kilometers (151 miles) and typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by car, depending on traffic and stops. Here are some fascinating stops and attractions you can enjoy along the way:

Gödöllő: Just a short drive from Budapest, Gödöllő is home to the stunning Gödöllő Palace, the former residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) of Hungary. The palace and its gardens offer a glimpse into royal life and are perfect for a leisurely tour.

Esztergom: Known for its impressive basilica, Esztergom is one of Hungary’s oldest towns. The Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and offers panoramic views of the Danube River and the surrounding area.

Bratislava: The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, lies conveniently on the route between Budapest and Vienna. The charming old town, Bratislava Castle, and vibrant cultural scene make it an excellent stop for exploration and dining.

Parndorf: For those interested in shopping, Parndorf Designer Outlet is located near the Austrian border. It offers a wide range of international brands at discounted prices, making it a great spot for a shopping break.

Rust and Lake Neusiedl: This picturesque town in Austria is famous for its wine and stork nests. Nearby Lake Neusiedl is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers beautiful scenery and recreational activities like bird watching and boating.

Tips for Renting a Private Car with a Driver

Book in Advance: To ensure availability and secure the best rates, it’s advisable to book your private car and driver well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Choose a Reputable Service: Look for car rental services with positive reviews and ensure the drivers are licensed and experienced. A reputable service will provide transparent pricing and excellent customer support.

Specify Your Needs: Communicate your travel preferences, including the number of passengers, luggage requirements, and any special requests. This will help the rental service provide the most suitable vehicle for your journey.

Plan Your Itinerary: While flexibility is a key benefit, having a rough itinerary helps in making the most of your trip. Discuss your plans with the driver, who can offer suggestions and optimize your route.

Understand the Costs: Clarify the cost structure, including any additional charges for tolls, parking, or extended hours. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that you understand the payment terms.

Enjoying the Journey

Traveling between Budapest and Vienna by private car with a driver transforms a simple transfer into a memorable part of your vacation. The scenic route, historical towns, and personalized service create an enriching travel experience that goes beyond mere transportation.

Whether you’re admiring the architectural marvels of Budapest, exploring Vienna’s imperial heritage, or discovering charming stops along the way, renting a private car with a driver offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure. Embrace the journey and enjoy the seamless transition between these two magnificent cities, making the most of every moment on your vacation.

Private Transfer Budapest to Vienna- We offer door-to-door private transfers with sightseeing & tourist stop options between Budapest and Vienna, and across the Central-European area at best prices.

[jgbngfbjnfkb]

Europe Tour Packages

Embark on a European Adventure: Comprehensive Europe Tour Packages from India

Traveling to Europe is a dream for many, with its rich history, diverse cultures, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes. For Indian travelers, Europe offers a variety of experiences, from the romantic streets of Paris to the historic ruins of Rome, the scenic Swiss Alps, and the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam. Opting for a Europe tour package from India can simplify the travel planning process and ensure a memorable and hassle-free vacation. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect Europe tour package from India.

Why Choose a Europe Tour Package from India?

Opting for a tour package to Europe from India offers numerous benefits:

Convenience: Packages typically include international flights, accommodation, transportation, meals, and guided tours, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about the logistics.

Cost-Effective: Bundling services together often results in significant savings compared to booking each component separately.

Local Expertise: Tour operators with extensive knowledge of the region ensure you visit all the must-see attractions and hidden gems, enhancing your overall experience.

Popular Europe Tour Packages from India

1. Classic Europe Tour

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Highlights:

Explore the iconic landmarks of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Visit the historic city of Rome, with its ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Discover the scenic beauty of Switzerland, including the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, and Interlaken.

Enjoy the charming streets and canals of Amsterdam.

2. Eastern Europe Tour

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights

Highlights:

Explore the historic cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna.

Visit the beautiful castles and palaces in these cities, including Prague Castle, Buda Castle, and Schönbrunn Palace.

Enjoy a cruise on the Danube River, witnessing the stunning landscapes and architecture.

3. Romantic Europe Tour

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Highlights:

Spend time in the romantic city of Paris, visiting the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and taking a Seine River cruise.

Explore the canals and charming streets of Venice.

Visit the picturesque town of Lucerne and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Experience the romantic ambiance of Florence with its art, history, and culture.

4. Adventure and Nature Tour

Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

Highlights:

Trekking and hiking in the Swiss Alps.

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Visit the stunning fjords of Norway.

Adventure activities such as skiing, paragliding, and bungee jumping.

Cost of Europe Tour Packages from India

The cost of Europe tour packages from India varies based on the duration, type of accommodation, and included activities. Here’s a general idea of the price range:

Budget Packages: ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 per person for a 7 to 10-day trip

Standard Packages: ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,50,000 per person for a 10 to 12-day trip

Luxury Packages: ₹2,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 per person for a 10 to 14-day trip

Tips for Choosing the Right Europe Tour Package from India

Identify Your Interests: Select a package that aligns with your interests, whether it's history, culture, adventure, romance, or nature exploration.

Check Inclusions: Ensure the package covers essential services like international flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and entry fees to attractions.

Read Reviews: Look for reviews from previous travelers to gauge the quality and reliability of the package.

Compare Packages: Compare different packages to find the one that offers the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Europe tour packages from India offer a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the diverse attractions of this enchanting continent. Whether you're seeking a classic cultural journey, a romantic getaway, an adventurous expedition, or a nature retreat, there’s a Europe package that suits your needs and budget. By choosing a well-designed tour package, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience in the beautiful and historic landscapes of Europe.

Start planning your European adventure today and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning beauty of this diverse continent!

[roomchailimited]

Enchanting Danube: A Traveler’s Guide from Dhaka to Central Europe’s Schengen River Cruises

Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Danube River, where the beauty of Central Europe unfolds before your eyes. This guide, tailored for travelers from Dhaka and across Bangladesh, will take you through the planning stages with Roomchai Limited, explore the majestic sights along the Danube, and provide practical tips to ensure your journey is seamless and memorable.

Planning Your Dream River Cruise

Selecting the Right Travel Agency

Choosing a reliable travel agency is the first step in crafting an impeccable Danube river cruise experience. In Bangladesh, top agencies like Roomchai Limited, Obokash, and ShareTrip offer comprehensive packages to suit diverse preferences:

Roomchai Limited: Renowned for personalized travel solutions, Roomchai Limited provides tailored river cruise packages, assisting with flights, visas, and tours, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Obokash: Known for its competitive pricing and extensive range of tour packages, Obokash offers attractive options for European river cruises.

ShareTrip: This tech-savvy agency makes booking effortless with its user-friendly app and website, offering various European travel packages including river cruises.

Booking Your Flights

The journey begins with a flight from Dhaka to a major Central European city such as Budapest, Vienna, or Munich. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines are popular choices, providing excellent service and convenient connections. Roomchai Limited can assist in securing the best flights to match your travel schedule.

Navigating Visa Requirements

Traveling to Schengen countries necessitates a Schengen visa. Roomchai Limited’s visa assistance services simplify this process, ensuring all required documents are in order and guiding you through each step of the application.

The River Cruise Adventure

Embarkation Cities

Most Danube river cruises start from key cities along the river, each offering its own unique allure:

Budapest, Hungary: Known for its stunning architecture and thermal baths, Budapest is a perfect starting point. Explore Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and relax in the famous Széchenyi Baths before boarding your cruise.

Vienna, Austria: The cultural heart of Europe, Vienna boasts imperial palaces, opera houses, and cozy cafes. Visit Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and enjoy a concert in the city of music.

Munich, Germany: While not directly on the Danube, Munich is a convenient gateway. Discover Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and enjoy Bavarian hospitality before starting your river journey.

Highlights Along the Danube

As you sail along the Danube, you'll encounter enchanting cities and towns rich in history and culture:

Bratislava, Slovakia: This charming city features a medieval old town, the impressive Bratislava Castle, and vibrant street cafes.

Dürnstein, Austria: Nestled in the Wachau Valley, Dürnstein is known for its vineyards and the striking blue tower of the Dürnstein Abbey.

Melk, Austria: Famous for the grand Melk Abbey, this town is a highlight for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Linz, Austria: A blend of old and new, Linz offers modern art museums, historic streets, and panoramic views from Pöstlingberg.

Passau, Germany: The "City of Three Rivers," Passau boasts a beautiful old town and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Onboard Luxury and Activities

Danube river cruises are synonymous with luxury. Enjoy spacious cabins, fine dining, and a range of activities including wine tastings, cooking classes, and live music performances. Roomchai Limited ensures you receive top-notch services and amenities for a truly indulgent experience.

Practical Travel Tips

Currency and Payments: The Danube flows through multiple countries, each with its own currency. Carry Euros for Austria and Germany, Forints for Hungary, and Koruna for Slovakia. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some local currency for smaller vendors is advisable.

Language Basics: While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, learning a few phrases in Hungarian, German, and Slovakian can enhance your interactions and experiences.

Packing Essentials: Pack comfortable walking shoes for city explorations, smart casual attire for dinners, and layered clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

A Danube river cruise offers a captivating journey through the heart of Central Europe, blending scenic beauty with rich cultural heritage. Whether you choose Roomchai Limited, Obokash, or ShareTrip to plan your trip, you are assured an extraordinary experience. Prepare for an adventure filled with enchanting landscapes, historic wonders, and unforgettable memories. Bon voyage!

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for travelers from Dhaka or Bangladesh, ensuring they are well-prepared for their Danube river cruise. Feel free to modify and expand upon any sections to suit your audience's interests.

[tripo-holidays]

5 Ways To Make Your Europe Vacation Memorable

Embarking on a European vacation is a dream for many travelers, and rightfully so. With its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, Europe offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you're planning your first trip or seeking to make your return visit even more memorable, we've curated five essential tips to ensure that your Europe tour packages with Tripoholidays are nothing short of extraordinary.

1. Embrace Cultural Immersion: Dive Into Local Life

One of the most enriching aspects of traveling in Europe is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. Instead of just ticking off major tourist attractions, take the time to interact with locals, sample authentic cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. Whether it's joining a traditional cooking class in Tuscany, attending a flamenco performance in Spain, or exploring charming villages off the beaten path, embracing cultural immersion will deepen your appreciation for the destinations you visit.

2. Explore Beyond the Capitals: Discover Hidden Gems

While iconic cities like Paris, Rome, and London certainly deserve their acclaim, don't overlook the charm and beauty of Europe's lesser-known destinations. Venture off the tourist trail to discover hidden gems and offbeat attractions that offer a more authentic glimpse into local life. Whether it's exploring medieval castles in rural France, hiking scenic trails in the Swiss Alps, or discovering historic towns along the Danube River, exploring beyond the capitals will reward you with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.

3. Opt for Unique Experiences: Create Lasting Memories

When planning your European vacation, look for opportunities to incorporate unique experiences that cater to your interests and passions. Whether you're a foodie, history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, there's something for everyone in Europe. Consider booking a wine-tasting tour in the vineyards of Tuscany, taking a hot air balloon ride over the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, or embarking on a cycling adventure along the picturesque coastline of Croatia. By prioritizing unique experiences, you'll create lasting memories that truly highlight the essence of your European journey.

4. Immerse Yourself in Nature: Escape to Scenic Beauty

While Europe is renowned for its bustling cities and cultural attractions, it also boasts breathtaking natural landscapes that are perfect for outdoor adventures. Take a break from city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Europe's national parks, forests, and coastal regions. Whether you're hiking in the majestic Swiss Alps, cruising along the fjords of Norway, or relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches of the Greek Islands, connecting with nature will rejuvenate your spirit and add a sense of serenity to your European vacation.

5. Travel with Purpose: Make a Positive Impact

As responsible travelers, we have the power to make a positive impact on the destinations we visit. When planning your European vacation, consider ways to minimize your environmental footprint and support local communities. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, opt for sustainable transportation options, and seek out locally owned businesses and artisans. Participate in voluntourism activities or conservation projects that allow you to give back to the places you visit. By traveling with purpose, you'll not only enrich your own experience but also contribute to the preservation and sustainability of Europe's cultural and natural heritage.

In conclusion, a trip to Europe with Tripoholidays offers endless opportunities for adventure, discovery, and cultural enrichment. By embracing cultural immersion, exploring beyond the capitals, seeking unique experiences, connecting with nature, and traveling with purpose, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime. So why wait? Start planning your unforgettable European vacation today and embark on a journey of a lifetime with Tripoholidays.

[teamtriphobo]

Exploring Europe: A Solo Traveler's Guide to the Best Cities

Europe is a continent that effortlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a dream destination for solo travelers. Whether you're an experienced globetrotter or a newcomer to the world of travel, Europe has something to offer everyone. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, delectable cuisine to unique local experiences, this article will take you on a journey through some of the best cities to visit in Europe as a solo traveler. Get ready to be captivated by the old-world charm and modern allure of these incredible destinations!

Visit the best trip planner!!

Barcelona, Spain:

Kickstart your European adventure in Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, and a hub of art, architecture, and vibrant culture. Explore Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, including the iconic Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Stroll down Las Ramblas, a bustling street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. Don't miss out on the bustling Boqueria Market, where you can sample delicious local cuisine. Embrace the beach vibes at Barceloneta and mingle with locals at cozy tapas bars.

Smart Travel Tip: Buy a Barcelona Card for free public transport and discounted entry to major attractions.

Prague, Czech Republic:

Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires," is a fairytale-like destination filled with breathtaking architecture and a rich history. Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the majestic Prague Castle, and cross the iconic Charles Bridge. Don't forget to savor traditional Czech dishes and local beers at charming pubs. Take a sunset cruise along the Vltava River to witness the city's beauty from a different perspective.

Smart Travel Tip: Purchase the Prague Card for free entry to over 50 attractions and public transportation.

Amsterdam, Netherlands:

Amsterdam is a laid-back city known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and open-minded culture. Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, visit the world-class Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and take a boat tour through the enchanting canals. Experience the diverse food scene at food markets like Albert Cuypmarkt and sample some authentic Dutch cheese and stroopwafels.

Smart Travel Tip: Get an I Amsterdam City Card for unlimited public transport and free access to top attractions.

Budapest, Hungary:

Nestled on the banks of the Danube River, Budapest is a mesmerizing city with a blend of old-world charm and modern elegance. Marvel at the Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda side, then head to the Pest side for a vibrant nightlife experience. Relax and rejuvenate in one of Budapest's thermal baths, an essential part of the city's culture.

Smart Travel Tip: Take advantage of the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounted entry to various attractions.

Edinburgh, Scotland:

For a taste of medieval charm and rugged landscapes, head to Edinburgh, Scotland's enchanting capital. Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views, and stroll along the Royal Mile. Don't miss the vibrant Edinburgh Festival if you're visiting in August, where you'll experience a burst of creativity and culture.

Smart Travel Tip: Get the Edinburgh City Pass for savings on attractions and skip-the-line access to major sites.

Porto, Portugal:                               

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is known for its colorful buildings, port wine, and scenic riverfront. Explore the charming Ribeira district, visit the Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore) for its architectural beauty, and enjoy a boat cruise along the Douro River. Indulge in the city's gastronomic delights, such as the famous Francesinha sandwich and fresh seafood.

Smart Travel Tip: Purchase the Porto Card for free access to public transport and discounts on attractions.

Ljubljana, Slovenia:

Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, is a hidden gem in the heart of Europe. The city's car-free center is perfect for leisurely strolls, with its charming bridges and riverside cafes. Take a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle for breathtaking views, and explore the lush Tivoli Park for some tranquility amidst nature.

Smart Travel Tip: Consider getting the Ljubljana Card for free public transport and admission to major sights.

Stockholm, Sweden:

Stockholm, the "Venice of the North," is a captivating city spread across 14 islands. Explore the well-preserved Old Town (Gamla Stan), visit the impressive Vasa Museum, and take a boat tour to admire the city's scenic beauty. Embrace the Swedish fika culture by indulging in coffee and pastries at cozy cafes.

Smart Travel Tip: Utilize the Stockholm Pass for free entry to multiple attractions and unlimited use of public transport.

Conclusion:

Embark on a solo adventure through these incredible European cities, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. From the artistic wonders of Barcelona to the enchanting canals of Amsterdam, from the medieval charm of Edinburgh to the vibrant spirit of Budapest, Europe has a treasure trove of experiences awaiting every traveler. Embrace local modes of transport, interact with friendly locals, and indulge in regional cuisines to make the most of your journey. As you explore these cities, remember that solo travel is not just about visiting attractions; it's about creating unforgettable memories and discovering yourself along the way. So pack your bags, wander fearlessly, and let Europe's magic unfold before your eyes!

[wise-journey]

The Resplendent Beauty of Budapest

There is a ravishing allure in the air of Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. It possesses a timeless charm, wrapped in history, culture, and an enticing gastronomic scene.

When to Go

The ideal time is the European spring and autumn. The weather is comfortable enough for strolling around. However, visiting in winter offers a unique charm as the city is adorned with holiday lights and covered with a blanket of snow.

How to Get there

Through its well-connected international airport, Budapest is accessible from all corners of the world. The city also has excellent railway links that make it simpler for European visitors.

Where to Stay

Budapest offers a wide range of accommodations. Luxury seekers can opt for the historical Gresham Palace, whereas travelers on a budget can find numerous hostels and guest houses in the city center.

What to Do

Budapest offers an array of experiences ranging from historical tours to thermal baths to vibrant nightlife. Culture The city's heart can be felt in its rich culture. Walk the cobblestone streets of Castle Hill, visit the historic House of Terror Museum, and be mesmerized by the grandeur of the St. Stephen's Basilica. Gastronomy Tasting the local cuisine is an adventure of its own. Sample hearty stews, goulash, and langos at the buzzing Great Market Hall. Delight in Gundel pancakes for dessert, and don't forget to try the famed Hungarian Tokaji wine. Activity Try a soothing dip in one of the city’s famous thermal baths, or walk across the iconic Chain Bridge. For a more active pursuit, biking along the Danube or hiking up to the Citadel for panoramic city views is recommended.

Where to Eat

Budapest has dining options for every palate. From street food stalls offering local delights to Michelin starred restaurants such as Onyx and Costes, dining in Budapest is a feast for the senses.

Sights & Tours

The Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman’s Bastion are must-see sights. Taking a river cruise on the Danube is highly recommended and provides a different perspective of the city's grandeur.

Tips

- The city has a well-structured public transport system. Using it can save costs. - English is commonly spoken, but learning a few basic Hungarian phrases can be useful. - Respect local customs and traditions for an enriched travel experience.

Money

The local currency is Hungarian Forint (HUF). ATMs are widespread and credit cards are generally accepted. It is, however, recommended to carry some cash for street vendors and smaller establishments.

Nightlife

The city comes alive at night with bustling pubs, lively 'ruin bars', and high-end nightclubs. The Szimpla Kert, known for its eclectic decorations and ambient music, is a must-visit.

Transportation

The city's public transport consisting of trams, buses, and metro is efficient and offers an economical way to explore Budapest. Taxis and bike rentals are also available.

Shopping

Budapest’s shopping scene ranges from high-street brands to unique antique stores. The Váci Street and Fashion Street are hotspots for fashion lovers, while the Central Market Hall is ideal for buying local food products and souvenirs. In summary, Budapest is a city full of life and beauty. It offers an alluring blend of history, culture, cuisine, and adventure. It’s a city that both soothes the soul and sparks the spirit of adventure in its visitors. Read the full article

[stocklivemarket]

If you are thinking of traveling to Vienna, Austria, you are in the right place. Vienna is located in the northeast of Austria in Central Europe. It is located at the easternmost tip of the Alps within the Vienna Basin. The Danube River runs through the middle of the city. It is the capital of Austria and also the city with the largest surface area. When to go to Vienna? Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Vienna. Typical continental climate characteristics are seen in Vienna, the capital of Austria. The city experiences four seasons distinctly. Summers are hot and precipitation is rare in summer. Winters are quite harsh. In the spring and autumn months, average air temperatures and a warm wind prevail. Summer months in Vienna are warm. With an average temperature of 19 degrees, July is the hottest month of the year. It is also the month with the most daylight with 9 hours. June, on the other hand, is the rainiest month of the year despite the average temperature of 18 degrees. In the city, where the continental climate is dominant, there are not very hot days even in summer. The maximum temperature value seen is 24 degrees. July and August are the best months to visit the city. You can explore the city in weather conditions that are not overwhelming but you will not feel cold. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqWA-m-GjSQ[/embed] Winters in the city are quite harsh and cold. January is the coldest month with an average of -1 degrees Celsius. Temperature values are below minus degrees in most of the winter days. For this reason, if you are visiting the city in winter, you should definitely come with clothes suitable for the weather conditions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Autumn and spring are experienced distinctly in Vienna. In the spring period, March is a month when the effects of winter are still felt intensely. Besides the average temperature of 5 degrees, it is the windiest month of the year. In May, the average temperature rises to 15 degrees. In September, the beginning of autumn, the sun still shows itself. It is one of the warmest periods of the city with an average temperature of 15 degrees. May and September are good times to visit the city. Vienna Hotels Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the most populous city in the country with a population of about two million. The total population of the city consists of one million nine hundred thousand people. There are accommodation facilities, hotels and hostels in many parts of the city. In particular, these centers were gathered in the heart of the city and located in the side streets. Since the historical accumulation of the city of Vienna is quite high, the time you need to allocate to the region is a little more than other European countries. Accommodation services follow a policy of continuous self-renewal in order to provide a good service in the face of high demand. In line with this high demand, we recommend that you make an early reservation so that you don't miss the rooms that sell out quickly. When should early reservation be made? Since it's almost impossible to find vacancies in the area during school holidays, Valentine's Day or semester breaks, we recommend doing a good review of the area before making any travel plans and then choosing a property that matches the location and amenities. What you should not forget is that some facilities specific to special days offer special discounts. It offers early reservation, 12 installment options and discounts up to 50%. You can get information about reservations via internet sites and telephone. You can compare prices from booking sites such as Booking.com, and get information about the facility's proximity to city centers and the facilities it offers. Since the city is a very famous European country with its historical location, buildings, monuments and castles, you may be confused when comparing facilities in the region.

Therefore, we recommend that you list your criteria first, act in accordance with your budget and determine whether the facilities offered by the hotels are suitable for you. Finding a suitable accommodation facility is a very important detail for the complete completion of your holiday. That's why we recommend doing a thorough research before staying at any property. Places to Visit in Vienna Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the most popular tourism cities in Europe and even in the world. The city has nature, history, culture, entertainment, and everything one can expect from a trip. The streets surrounded by buildings that smell of history are one of the most beautiful features of Vienna. Historical buildings take people on a journey through time, from cathedrals to magnificent palaces. The immaculate gardens where you can enjoy the nature set in every corner of the city are perfect for activities such as resting, picnicking and short walks. The ambitious museums, where you can taste the culture, are one of the most distinctive and assertive aspects of the city. Being one of the capitals of culture, art and music, Vienna is truly impressive with its museums, worthy of its name. You can even visit the city just for its museums. If you haven't seen Vienna yet, you should create an opportunity to see this city as soon as possible. Prater The world-famous amusement park Prater, which has been featured in many movies and whose iconic Ferris wheel is photographed by everyone at least once, is among the most important symbols of Vienna. There are many features that distinguish the Prater from ordinary amusement parks. During your time here, you will be full of adventure and fun, enjoy the city view from the top and learn the history of one of the oldest and most famous entertainment centers in history. Read more about Prater St. Stephen's Cathedral A 12th-century building, St. Stephan's Cathedral is located in the heart of the city on Stephanasplatz square. The cathedral, which is considered one of the most important symbols of Vienna, is also one of the most important gothic structures in Austria. Especially the colorful symbols on the roof of the cathedral symbolize the history of Vienna. Read more about St. Stephan's Cathedral Hofburg Palace The Hofburg Imperial Palace was built in the 13th century. Originally a medieval defensive fortress, the Hofburg was expanded by the rulers of the era and spread over a huge area, almost becoming a new city. The palace, which has hosted the Austrian Habsburg dynasty in winter for more than 600 years, is now the official residence of the President of Austria. In addition to the history of Austria, it has also been an important center in European history for centuries. Read more about Hofburg Palace Vienna Museum District The Vienna Museum Distric is one of the largest cultural sites in the world. There are many museums, cafes, restaurants, shops and different art institutions in the area within the boundaries of the historical center of Vienna. In the area established on an area of 640,000 square meters, a post-modern atmosphere has been created with examples of modern architecture as well as baroque-style buildings. The modern furniture called Enzi, which is in the open air as well as the museums, is also very interesting. Read more about The Vienna Museum Distric Ringstrasse The Ringstrasse is a 5.3-kilometer circular boulevard that wraps around Vienna's historic city center. On the boulevard, there are many places such as the most magnificent structures of the city, interesting buildings and must-see museums and restaurants. The most important buildings of Vienna, one of the capitals of culture and art, are located on the street. Ringstrasse, one of the most beautiful streets in Europe in terms of history, architecture and aesthetics, is at the top of tourists' travel lists. Read more abour Ringstrasse Belvedere Palace Belvedere Palace is located in the center of Vienna, the capital of Austria.

This palace, which is one of the important points of the city, was built between 1668-1745. The palace, which is one of the Baroque style buildings, consists of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Orangery Gallery, stables, and gardens. In addition to these sections, the large and well-kept garden of the palace is also worth visiting. Read more about Belvedere Palace Vienna Opera House The Vienna Opera House, which has a worldwide reputation, has a capacity of 509 standing audiences with 1709 seats. In addition to opera performances, ballet performances and concerts are exhibited in the building, however, concert tickets are extremely expensive. Vienna Opera House, which is also used for touristic trips, opens its doors to visitors every day of the week between 09:00 and 17:00 except Sundays. There are many daily visits to the Vienna Opera House, which provides touristic services other than concerts. Read more about Vienna Opera House Albertina Museum Vienna is one of the arts and cultural capitals of Europe. One of the most famous museums of the city of Vienna, which also hosts many museums, is the Albertina Museum. In the Albertina Museum, which contains more than 65 thousand drawings, there are also over one million prints using techniques such as lithography, woodcut, and engraving. The Albertina Museum also houses one of the world's most important and largest collections of graphic works. Read more about Albertina Museum Burggarten There are many places to visit in Vienna, the fashion and culture capital of Europe. Fascinating with its many historical museums, works of art, churches and many more, Vienna has become one of the tourism centers where many tourists flock every year. Among the places to visit in the city is Burggarten, which is one of the unique resting places of sunny days. When this area was first established, it was called the Kaisergarten, that is, the Emperor's Garden. Read more about Burggarten Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Palace, which has 8 million visitors annually, is the most visited historical structure in Austria in this respect. In 1996, it was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. This palace, which served as the summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty throughout history, was transferred to the Republic of Austria in 1918 and opened to visitors. This palace, which is one of the most eye-catching places in Austria, clearly reveals the reflections of the taste understanding of the monarchy period in Austria. Read more about Schönbrunn Karlskirche Karlskirche (Karlskirche) is one of the largest buildings in Vienna. The church was started to be built by Emperor Charles VI in 1716. Emperor Charles had this church built in the name of the patron saint of the city of Vienna, with the hope that the people affected by the plague would recover as soon as possible. The construction of the church began in 1716 and was completed in 1737. The designer of the church is ‌Johann ‌Bernhard ‌Fischer. However, since Fischer died in 1723, the task of completing the construction was left to his son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer. Read more about Karlskirche Natural History Museum The Natural History Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most remarkable museums in the city of Vienna with its deep collection. The museum is open to visitors on Wednesdays between 09:00 and 21:00. On other days, visiting hours are between 09:00-18:30. The entrance fee to the museum is 14 Euros. Most of the works on display in the museum are from the collections of François de Lorraine, the husband of Maria Teressa. The museum has many interesting exhibits, from insects to dinosaurs. It is also a valuable meteorite collection since one of the most remarkable exhibits of the Natural History Museum. Read more about Natural History Museum Leopold Museum The Leopold Museum, one of the museums in Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the museum where the most comprehensive collections of Austrian Modern Art are exhibited.

In this sense, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Leopold Museum is one of the centers of Austrian art. Read more about Leopold Museum Hundertwasser House The Hundertwasser House, located in Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a different structure, a product of Expressionist architecture. The Hundertwasser House is a joint work of the famous artist Freidensreich ‌Hundertwasser and the architect Joseph Krawina. It is thought that the artist took Gaudi, who attracted attention with his architectural works in the city of Barcelona, as an example in the design of this building. In the architectural field, these two show a significant similarity. Read more about the Hundertwasser House Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Vienna Zoo, known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is one of the largest zoos in the world, opened in 1752. This imperial-era building combines medieval Europe with modern times. The reflections of the Baroque style, which is the famous architectural style of the period, can be seen in the octagonal breakfast pavilion. This unique work, which reflects only a part of the magnificent architecture of the city of Vienna, is one of the most eye-catching places in the modern world. Read more about Tiergarten Schönbrunn Stephansplatz One of the most important squares in the city center of Vienna is Stephansplatz. This square not only marks the official "ground point" of the Austrian capital city of Vienna, but also expresses the square that has a place in the hearts and histories of the people of the city, which is unforgettable and always evident. Located in a very central location in this square, the U-Bahn is a central stop, which is very advantageous for the city's visitors and the locals in general to get anywhere. Read more about Stephansplatz Haus Der Musik Haus Der Musik, which was opened in 2000 in Vienna, the capital of Austria, has the distinction of being the first sound and music museum in Austria. You will be able to witness the history of instruments from past to present, across an exhibition area of 54,000 square meters in the museum. The whole process is revealed, from the time when instruments entered human life in the earliest times to the era of today's music. At the museum, this event is held with a series of high-tech interactive multimedia presentations. Read more about Haus Der Musik Vienna Town Hall Vienna Town Hall, known as the German Wiener Rathaus, is still an active place today. The building is an architectural work made in neo-gothic style, reflecting the effects of 19th century architecture. The construction of the building, which draws attention with its neo-Gothic architectural design, continued between 1872 and 1883. During the construction of the building, Rathausmann, one of the symbols of the city of Vienna, was placed on the tower. In addition, a large park has been built in front of the building. Read more about Vienna Town Hall Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum One of the most notable and must-see places in Vienna is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This museum, which is a must-see for those interested in decorative and fine arts, has features that reflect the texture of the city in Vienna, which is called the capital of fashion and art. It was opened for the first time in 1891 by order of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The museum is located next to the Royal Palace. Read more about Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum Austrian National Library The Austrian National Library, known as the State Hall, was established in Vienna, the capital of Austria, in 1368. The building is inside the Hofburg Imperial Palace. There are approximately 7.5 works in the archive of this national library located in the city of Vienna. This library was originally established as the Imperial Palace Library. The first foundation date is thought to be probably the 16th century. The library is located in the old city wall of Vienna. In front of the building, Emperor II. There is a statue of Josef (1765 – 1790).

Read more about the Austrian National Library Viennese Cuisine Your trip to Vienna continues, if you can't decide what to eat, then it's time to talk about what to eat in Vienna. In addition to its cultural texture and history, Vienna is a city worth seeing with its cuisine. In Austrian cuisine, apart from the unique characteristics of the country, traces of Italian and French cuisines are frequently encountered. The most distinctive feature of the Viennese cuisine, where you can come across all kinds of dishes, is the different aromas that emerge from the blending of sauces with different tastes. In addition to the main dishes, desserts have a very important place in Austrian cuisine. You can read below some of the main flavors that you should definitely try on your trip to Vienna. Viennese Schnitzel is one of the delicacies that you should not leave without eating when you come to the city. Meat cooked with a sauce prepared with coconut and mustard is served with potato salad. Tafelspitz, which is considered one of the national dishes of Austria, is a dish prepared by boiling beef with vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. The detail that makes the dish special is hidden in the cut of the meat. It would not be wrong to call Semmelknödel a bread patty. Meatballs obtained by kneading roasted bread pieces, milk, onion, egg, flour and spices are served with a special sauce after boiling. Zwiebelrostbraten is one of the delicacies that meat lovers must try. The mashed meat is served with roasted onions. The sauce drizzled on it adds a completely different flavor to the dish. Although Griebnockerlsuppe is one of the crown jewels of Austrian cuisine, it is a very foreign flavor to our culture. A kind of soup was created by blending the dough morsels made from semolina with spices. Wurst is the famous taste of the streets of Vienna, sausages. You should definitely try the hot dogs prepared in Vienna. Sacher Torte is one of the must-try desserts in the city. Intense chocolate and apricot marmalade cake will be an unforgettable flavor especially for chocolate lovers. You should stop by Cafe Sacher to try the most delicious version in the city. For those who like fruit flavored desserts, Apfelstrudel will be an impressive flavor. The dessert, which is prepared by putting apple pieces and raisins in the thin dough, is served hot by pouring powdered sugar on it. Linzer Torte, which has gained worldwide fame as the first written pie recipe in the world, is among the flavors you can taste in the city. Consisting of a lot of ingredients, the most overpowering flavors of the pie include cinnamon, lemon, jam and hazelnut. Shopping in Vienna Wouldn't you like to beautify your Vienna trip with shopping? There are many options for shopping in Vienna. You can discover different things from luxury world brands to designer stores, antique shops to flea markets. Nightlife in Vienna Vienna is a world-renowned city for nightlife with its quality music and cult venues. It deserves to be known as 'The City of Music' because there is everything from classical to electronic music in the city. This is also reflected in the nightlife. In Vienna nightlife, there are places suitable for every budget, from shabby places to stylish ones. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Electronic music lovers should definitely spare a night for the nightclubs set up under the arches of the metro road on the Gürtel road. There are many options in every corner of Vienna for those who want to spend the night in a stylish place accompanied by a nice meal, in a more shabby and youthful atmosphere. Apart from these, you can also attend operas, musicals, dance performances, theaters and many other events. When you travel to Vienna, do not leave without tasting the nightlife! Festivals in Vienna Many festivals are held throughout the year in Vienna, which is one of the most popular cities for culture, music and art.

In Vienna, which has festivals in every conceivable area, especially film and music festivals come to the fore. The most important feature that distinguishes Vienna from other cities is the ball culture that has been going on since the city's history. Apart from its festivals, Vienna is also a very pleasant city with its balls throughout the year. Held annually in October, The Viennale is one of the city's most important film festivals. The festival, which has been going on since the 1960s, gives special importance to short films, experimental film works and documentaries. The Music/Film Festival, which runs from June to September, is the city's most popular open-air film festival. In addition to special film screenings, there are concerts, live music performances and food stands selling delicacies from all over the world. Independent films are exhibited at the Film Festival under the Stars, held in Karlsplatz in July. In particular, films of German and English origin with connections to Vienna are shown. New Year's concerts, which take place on the first of January, are one of the traditional events of Vienna. Concerts in Wiener Musikverein usually perform classical music works. The May Festival takes place in Prater Park, one of the city's most entertaining venues. During the festival, which takes place on May 1, the left-wing mass of the city organizes parades for Labor Day. The Vienna Festival has been taking place since the 1920s. The festival, which lasts from mid-May to mid-June, hosts the most important cultural events in Europe. During the festival, many events are organized in different areas. The festival, attended by more than 200,000 people, opens with a free concert in front of the City Hall. The Vienna Jazz Festival (Jazzfest Wien) is one of the periods when jazz music dominates in the city. Various performances take place at the most important stages of the city such as the Staatsoper and Burgthheather during the festival, which is held in July-August. Another festival held between July and August is the dance festival called ImPuls Tanz. Although performances take place in different parts of the city during the festival, the starting point of the festival is the Museum District. The Vienna Opera Ball is one of the most popular balls in the world. The history of the balloon performed in the Vienna State Opera dates back to the 1930s. It takes place with the participation of many important participants such as Austrian government officials, international government officials. The Life Ball is one of the largest AIDS relief events in the world and one of the most important events of the Vienna summer term. The ball starts with a red carpet in front of the Vienna City Hall and continues with a ball inside the building. The night is followed by an all-night party in the Volksgarten. As part of the event, a fashion show featuring famous designers and popular models is held. Vienna Public Holidays New Year (January 1) Day of Enlightenment – Brackish Waterfall (January 6) Easter (14-17 April) Labor Day (May 1) Ascension Day (May 25) Clean Monday (27 February) Memorial Day of the Virgin Mary (August 15) National Holiday (October 26) All Saints' Day (November 1) Christmas (December 24-26) Official Language of Vienna What languages do you need to know when traveling to Vienna? The official language in Vienna is German. The vast majority of Viennese people can speak English. English is also used in most of the touristic signs in the city. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();

[savvytravelers]

Danube River Excursions

Embark On Unforgettable Danube River Cruises

Europe’s legendary Danube River offers the quintessential river cruise experience for first-time cruisers and repeat guests alike. Cruise through up to four countries in seven nights or eight countries on our all-encompassing 14-night journey, discovering grand capitals as well as charming off-the-beaten-path hamlets. Our distinctive sailings include a variety of excursions that compel many to return. Read on to learn more about the Danube River and the unique experiences you’ll only have with Savvy Travelers.

Geography of the Danube

Europe’s Danube River begins in Germany, flowing through 10 picturesque countries and four iconic capital cities – Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, and Belgrade. The portion of the waterway southeast from Budapest, known as the Lower Danube, showcases the lesser-visited countries of Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Destination Highlights

Each city and town we visit holds its own special charm, from magnificent Old-World architecture to medieval town squares and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover some of the top destinations and experiences on our Danube River journeys.

Discover More on the Danube

The destinations along the Danube River offer unique history, traditions, local delicacies, and enriching experiences. Get inspired for your journey by reading the stories below.

Why Cruise the Danube

“Ama” means love – and we put love in everything we do, including our incredible Danube River experiences. Learn about the Savvy Travelers difference and why there’s no better way to cruise the Danube River.

Legendary Experiences Await

With an award-winning fleet of ships, including the innovative AmaMagna, cruising the Danube River nearly year-round, no two river cruises are the same. Immerse yourself in spectacular landscapes and distinct cultures on any of our Danube itineraries.

Our Heritage on the River

Our Co-Founder and President grew up in Vienna, at the heart of the Danube River. Each itinerary is thoughtfully curated under his guidance as the “Godfather of River Cruising.” Much of our crew also hails from the regions we sail through.

Highest Rated River Ships

Our award-winning Danube River fleet includes the innovative AmaMagna, featuring ultra-spacious suite accommodations with full balconies, multiple bars, four unique restaurants, an expansive wellness studio, a chic onboard cinema, and a full-sized pickleball court. Many of our ships also have signature view-enhancing twin balconies.

Exclusive Experiences

Our heritage and relationships have granted us access to exclusive events just for our guests on the Danube River. Attend an intimate Oktoberfest celebration in Vilshofen, Germany, enjoy a private tour at Austria’s Greinburg Castle, and savor the flavors of Wachau Valley wine paired with live music at the historic Klosterhof Restaurant in Spitz.

A Variety of Excursions

With up to eight included excursions each day, it’s easy to personalize your experience. In Dürnstein, Austria, take a guided hike or a walking tour, choosing the activity level best suited for you. We also offer culinary-themed special interest tours. All excursions are our treat to you.

Danube Itineraries

We offer a variety of unique itineraries along the Danube River, including 7-night, 5-night, and a 14-night river journey, sailing during spring, summer, fall, or winter.

New for 2025! Celebration of Music

Journey down the Danube, following the echoes of Mozart and Strauss through Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna. Experience the region's rich history, iconic architecture, and live music.

Magna on the Danube

Indulge your passion for architecture, music, landscapes, and culinary delights on this beautifully curated itinerary designed for the AmaMagna, with plenty of daytime scenic sailing.

Gems of Southeast Europe

Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania as you sail along the lower Danube, showcasing Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, grand cities, and the Iron Gates.

Grand Danube

Explore the history and mystery along the Danube, from the capitals of Budapest and Vienna to timeless towns, immersing yourself in colorful folktales and traditions.

Celebration of Classical Music: the Danube

Experience the Danube's influence on classical music through themed journeys, whether you are a musician, a classical music connoisseur, or a discerning traveler.

Majestic Capitals of the Danube

Delight in the Old-World grandeur of Europe’s capital cities along the Danube during this special 5-night journey, celebrating spectacular journeys with royal treatment.

Melodies of the Danube

See firsthand why the Danube has inspired generations of artists, poets, and musicians. Let the melodies of the Danube carry you through scenic and historical gems.

Romantic Danube

Travel into the heart of Old World Europe, where empires were built and some of the world’s greatest music was composed. Be romanced by the Danube's regal splendor.

Legendary Danube

Delve into Europe’s history from the medieval city of Nuremberg to Budapest, cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and the Wachau Valley, with biking, hiking, and wine tasting.

Blue Danube Discovery

Discover art, history, and cultural treasures as you cruise to famous destinations. Visit cathedrals, Baroque abbeys, and the Wachau Valley winemaking region.

Iconic Christmas Markets

Walk through historic towns during Christmas, enjoying twinkling trees, handcrafted treasures, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and festive sounds.

Christmas Markets on the Danube

Explore traditional Christmas Markets in Regensburg and Salzburg, shopping for handcrafted gifts, sipping mulled wine, and cherishing the festive season in European style.

Unforgettable Land Packages

Enhance your Danube River journey with optional land programs before or after your sailing, accompanied by our wonderful Cruise Managers. Stay at four and five-star hotels and enjoy included amenities and excursions.

Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, timeless customs, and traditional cuisine of each port. Enjoy regionally-inspired cuisine prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Local Recipes

Wiener Schnitzel

Hungarian Goulash

Cozonac

Sacher Torte

Chef Joanne Weir’s Apricot Frangipane Puff Pastry Tart

Chef Joanne Weir’s Fresh Apricot Ice Cream

Embark on a journey through history, culture, and culinary delights with Savvy Travelers. Cruise the legendary Danube River with expertly curated itineraries, luxurious accommodations, and exclusive excursions. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, savor authentic dishes, and unwind aboard state-of-the-art river ships. Elevate your journey and explore the treasures of the Danube with Savvy Travelers!

[bestplacevisit]

Vienna is located in the northeast of Austria in Central Europe. It is located at the easternmost tip of the Alps within the Vienna Basin. The Danube River runs through the middle of the city. It is the capital of Austria and also the city with the largest surface area. When to go to Vienna? Typical continental climate characteristics are seen in Vienna, the capital of Austria. The city experiences four seasons distinctly. Summers are hot and precipitation is rare in summer. Winters are quite harsh. In the spring and autumn months, average air temperatures and a warm wind prevail. Summer months in Vienna are warm. With an average temperature of 19 degrees, July is the hottest month of the year. It is also the month with the most daylight with 9 hours. June, on the other hand, is the rainiest month of the year despite the average temperature of 18 degrees. In the city, where the continental climate is dominant, there are not very hot days even in summer. The maximum temperature value seen is 24 degrees. July and August are the best months to visit the city. You can explore the city in weather conditions that are not overwhelming but you will not feel cold. Winters in the city are quite harsh and cold. January is the coldest month with an average of -1 degrees Celsius. Temperature values are below minus degrees in most of the winter days. For this reason, if you are visiting the city in winter, you should definitely come with clothes suitable for the weather conditions. Autumn and spring are experienced distinctly in Vienna. In the spring period, March is a month when the effects of winter are still felt intensely. Besides the average temperature of 5 degrees, it is the windiest month of the year. In May, the average temperature rises to 15 degrees. In September, the beginning of autumn, the sun still shows itself. It is one of the warmest periods of the city with an average temperature of 15 degrees. May and September are good times to visit the city. Vienna Hotels Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the most populous city in the country with a population of about two million. The total population of the city consists of one million nine hundred thousand people. There are accommodation facilities, hotels and hostels in many parts of the city. In particular, these centers were gathered in the heart of the city and located in the side streets. Since the historical accumulation of the city of Vienna is quite high, the time you need to allocate to the region is a little more than other European countries. Accommodation services follow a policy of continuous self-renewal in order to provide a good service in the face of high demand. In line with this high demand, we recommend that you make an early reservation so that you don't miss the rooms that sell out quickly. When should early reservation be made? Since it's almost impossible to find vacancies in the area during school holidays, Valentine's Day or semester breaks, we recommend doing a good review of the area before making any travel plans and then choosing a property that matches the location and amenities. What you should not forget is that some facilities specific to special days offer special discounts. It offers early reservation, 12 installment options and discounts up to 50%. You can get information about reservations via internet sites and telephone. You can compare prices from booking sites such as Booking.com, and get information about the facility's proximity to city centers and the facilities it offers. Since the city is a very famous European country with its historical location, buildings, monuments and castles, you may be confused when comparing facilities in the region. Therefore, we recommend that you list your criteria first, act in accordance with your budget and determine whether the facilities offered by the hotels are suitable for you. Finding a suitable accommodation facility is a very important detail for the complete completion of your holiday.

That's why we recommend doing a thorough research before staying at any property. Places to Visit in Vienna Vienna, the capital of Austria, is one of the most popular tourism cities in Europe and even in the world. The city has nature, history, culture, entertainment, and everything one can expect from a trip. The streets surrounded by buildings that smell of history are one of the most beautiful features of Vienna. Historical buildings take people on a journey through time, from cathedrals to magnificent palaces. The immaculate gardens where you can enjoy the nature set in every corner of the city are perfect for activities such as resting, picnicking and short walks. The ambitious museums, where you can taste the culture, are one of the most distinctive and assertive aspects of the city. Being one of the capitals of culture, art and music, Vienna is truly impressive with its museums, worthy of its name. You can even visit the city just for its museums. If you haven't seen Vienna yet, you should create an opportunity to see this city as soon as possible. Prater The world-famous amusement park Prater, which has been featured in many movies and whose iconic Ferris wheel is photographed by everyone at least once, is among the most important symbols of Vienna. There are many features that distinguish the Prater from ordinary amusement parks. During your time here, you will be full of adventure and fun, enjoy the city view from the top and learn the history of one of the oldest and most famous entertainment centers in history. St. Stephen's Cathedral A 12th-century building, St. Stephan's Cathedral is located in the heart of the city on Stephanasplatz square. The cathedral, which is considered one of the most important symbols of Vienna, is also one of the most important gothic structures in Austria. Especially the colorful symbols on the roof of the cathedral symbolize the history of Vienna. Hofburg Palace The Hofburg Imperial Palace was built in the 13th century. Originally a medieval defensive fortress, the Hofburg was expanded by the rulers of the era and spread over a huge area, almost becoming a new city. The palace, which has hosted the Austrian Habsburg dynasty in winter for more than 600 years, is now the official residence of the President of Austria. In addition to the history of Austria, it has also been an important center in European history for centuries. Vienna Museum District The Vienna Museum Quarter is one of the largest cultural sites in the world. There are many museums, cafes, restaurants, shops and different art institutions in the area within the boundaries of the historical center of Vienna. In the area established on an area of 640,000 square meters, a post-modern atmosphere has been created with examples of modern architecture as well as baroque-style buildings. The modern furniture called Enzi, which is in the open air as well as the museums, is also very interesting. Ringstrasse The Ringstrasse is a 5.3-kilometer circular boulevard that wraps around Vienna's historic city center. On the boulevard, there are many places such as the most magnificent structures of the city, interesting buildings and must-see museums and restaurants. The most important buildings of Vienna, one of the capitals of culture and art, are located on the street. Ringstrasse, one of the most beautiful streets in Europe in terms of history, architecture and aesthetics, is at the top of tourists' travel lists. Belvedere Palace Belvedere Palace is located in the center of Vienna, the capital of Austria. This palace, which is one of the important points of the city, was built between 1668-1745. The palace, which is one of the Baroque style buildings, consists of the Upper and Lower Belvedere, the Orangery Gallery, stables, and gardens. In addition to these sections, the large and well-kept garden of the palace is also worth visiting. Vienna Opera House The Vienna Opera House, which has a worldwide reputation, has a capacity of 509 standing audiences with 1709 seats.

In addition to opera performances, ballet performances and concerts are exhibited in the building, however, concert tickets are extremely expensive. Vienna Opera House, which is also used for touristic trips, opens its doors to visitors every day of the week between 09:00 and 17:00 except Sundays. There are many daily visits to the Vienna Opera House, which provides touristic services other than concerts. Albertina Museum Vienna is one of the arts and cultural capitals of Europe. One of the most famous museums of the city of Vienna, which also hosts many museums, is the Albertina Museum. In the Albertina Museum, which contains more than 65 thousand drawings, there are also over one million prints using techniques such as lithography, woodcut, and engraving. The Albertina Museum also houses one of the world's most important and largest collections of graphic works. Burggarten There are many places to visit in Vienna, the fashion and culture capital of Europe. Fascinating with its many historical museums, works of art, churches and many more, Vienna has become one of the tourism centers where many tourists flock every year. Among the places to visit in the city is Burggarten, which is one of the unique resting places of sunny days. When this area was first established, it was called the Kaisergarten, that is, the Emperor's Garden. Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Palace, which has 8 million visitors annually, is the most visited historical structure in Austria in this respect. In 1996, it was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage. This palace, which served as the summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty throughout history, was transferred to the Republic of Austria in 1918 and opened to visitors. This palace, which is one of the most eye-catching places in Austria, clearly reveals the reflections of the taste understanding of the monarchy period in Austria. Karlskirche Karlskirche (Karlskirche) is one of the largest buildings in Vienna. The church was started to be built by Emperor Charles VI in 1716. Emperor Charles had this church built in the name of the patron saint of the city of Vienna, with the hope that the people affected by the plague would recover as soon as possible. The construction of the church began in 1716 and was completed in 1737. The designer of the church is ‌Johann ‌Bernhard ‌Fischer. However, since Fischer died in 1723, the task of completing the construction was left to his son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer. Natural History Museum The Natural History Museum, located in Vienna, Austria, is one of the most remarkable museums in the city of Vienna with its deep collection. The museum is open to visitors on Wednesdays between 09:00 and 21:00. On other days, visiting hours are between 09:00-18:30. The entrance fee to the museum is 14 Euros. Most of the works on display in the museum are from the collections of François de Lorraine, the husband of Maria Teressa. The museum has many interesting exhibits, from insects to dinosaurs. It is also a valuable meteorite collection since one of the most remarkable exhibits of the Natural History Museum. Leopold Museum The Leopold Museum, one of the museums in Vienna, the capital of Austria, is the museum where the most comprehensive collections of Austrian Modern Art are exhibited. In this sense, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Leopold Museum is one of the centers of Austrian art. Hundertwasser House The Hundertwasser House, located in Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a different structure, a product of Expressionist architecture. The Hundertwasser House is a joint work of the famous artist Freidensreich ‌Hundertwasser and the architect Joseph Krawina. It is thought that the artist took Gaudi, who attracted attention with his architectural works in the city of Barcelona, as an example in the design of this building. In the architectural field, these two show a significant similarity. Tiergarten Schoenbrunn Vienna Zoo, known as Tiergarten Schönbrunn, is one of the largest zoos in the world, opened in 1752.

This imperial-era building combines medieval Europe with modern times. The reflections of the Baroque style, which is the famous architectural style of the period, can be seen in the octagonal breakfast pavilion. This unique work, which reflects only a part of the magnificent architecture of the city of Vienna, is one of the most eye-catching places in the modern world. Stephansplatz One of the most important squares in the city center of Vienna is Stephansplatz. This square not only marks the official "ground point" of the Austrian capital city of Vienna, but also expresses the square that has a place in the hearts and histories of the people of the city, which is unforgettable and always evident. Located in a very central location in this square, the U-Bahn is a central stop, which is very advantageous for the city's visitors and the locals in general to get anywhere. Haus Der Musik Haus Der Musik, which was opened in 2000 in Vienna, the capital of Austria, has the distinction of being the first sound and music museum in Austria. You will be able to witness the history of instruments from past to present, across an exhibition area of 54,000 square meters in the museum. The whole process is revealed, from the time when instruments entered human life in the earliest times to the era of today's music. At the museum, this event is held with a series of high-tech interactive multimedia presentations. Vienna Town Hall Vienna City Hall, known as the German Wiener Rathaus, is still an active place today. The building is an architectural work made in neo-gothic style, reflecting the effects of 19th century architecture. The construction of the building, which draws attention with its neo-Gothic architectural design, continued between 1872 and 1883. During the construction of the building, Rathausmann, one of the symbols of the city of Vienna, was placed on the tower. In addition, a large park has been built in front of the building. Vienna Kunsthistorisches Museum One of the most notable and must-see places in Vienna is the Kunsthistorisches Museum. This museum, which is a must-see for those interested in decorative and fine arts, has features that reflect the texture of the city in Vienna, which is called the capital of fashion and art. It was opened for the first time in 1891 by order of Emperor Franz Joseph I. The museum is located next to the Royal Palace. Austrian National Library The Austrian National Library, known as the State Hall, was established in Vienna, the capital of Austria, in 1368. The building is inside the Hofburg Imperial Palace. There are approximately 7.5 works in the archive of this national library located in the city of Vienna. This library was originally established as the Imperial Palace Library. The first foundation date is thought to be probably the 16th century. The library is located in the old city wall of Vienna. In front of the building, Emperor II. There is a statue of Josef (1765 – 1790). Viennese Cuisine In addition to its cultural texture and history, Vienna is a city worth seeing with its cuisine. In Austrian cuisine, apart from the unique characteristics of the country, traces of Italian and French cuisines are frequently encountered. The most distinctive feature of the Viennese cuisine, where you can come across all kinds of dishes, is the different aromas that emerge from the blending of sauces with different tastes. In addition to the main dishes, desserts have a very important place in Austrian cuisine. You can read below some of the main flavors that you should definitely try on your trip to Vienna. Viennese Schnitzel is one of the delicacies that you should not leave without eating when you come to the city. Meat cooked with a sauce prepared with coconut and mustard is served with potato salad. Tafelspitz, which is considered one of the national dishes of Austria, is a dish prepared by boiling beef with vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. The detail that makes the dish special is hidden in the cut of the meat.

It would not be wrong to call Semmelknödel a bread patty. Meatballs obtained by kneading roasted bread pieces, milk, onion, egg, flour and spices are served with a special sauce after boiling. Zwiebelrostbraten is one of the delicacies that meat lovers must try. The mashed meat is served with roasted onions. The sauce drizzled on it adds a completely different flavor to the dish. Although Griebnockerlsuppe is one of the crown jewels of Austrian cuisine, it is a very foreign flavor to our culture. A kind of soup was created by blending the dough morsels made from semolina with spices. Wurst is the famous taste of the streets of Vienna, sausages. You should definitely try the hot dogs prepared in Vienna. Sacher Torte is one of the must-try desserts in the city. Intense chocolate and apricot marmalade cake will be an unforgettable flavor especially for chocolate lovers. You should stop by Cafe Sacher to try the most delicious version in the city. For those who like fruit flavored desserts, Apfelstrudel will be an impressive flavor. The dessert, which is prepared by putting apple pieces and raisins in the thin dough, is served hot by pouring powdered sugar on it. Linzer Torte, which has gained worldwide fame as the first written pie recipe in the world, is among the flavors you can taste in the city. Consisting of a lot of ingredients, the most overpowering flavors of the pie include cinnamon, lemon, jam and hazelnut. Shopping in Vienna There are many options for shopping in Vienna. You can discover different things from luxury world brands to designer stores, antique shops to flea markets. Nightlife in Vienna Vienna is a world-renowned city for nightlife with its quality music and cult venues. It deserves to be known as 'The City of Music' because there is everything from classical to electronic music in the city. This is also reflected in the nightlife. In Vienna nightlife, there are places suitable for every budget, from shabby places to stylish ones. Electronic music lovers should definitely spare a night for the nightclubs set up under the arches of the metro road on the Gürtel road. There are many options in every corner of Vienna for those who want to spend the night in a stylish place accompanied by a nice meal, in a more shabby and youthful atmosphere. Apart from these, you can also attend operas, musicals, dance performances, theaters and many other events. Festivals in Vienna Many festivals are held throughout the year in Vienna, which is one of the most popular cities for culture, music and art. In Vienna, which has festivals in every conceivable area, especially film and music festivals come to the fore. The most important feature that distinguishes Vienna from other cities is the ball culture that has been going on since the city's history. Apart from its festivals, Vienna is also a very pleasant city with its balls throughout the year. Held annually in October, The Viennale is one of the city's most important film festivals. The festival, which has been going on since the 1960s, gives special importance to short films, experimental film works and documentaries. The Music/Film Festival, which runs from June to September, is the city's most popular open-air film festival. In addition to special film screenings, there are concerts, live music performances and food stands selling delicacies from all over the world. Independent films are exhibited at the Film Festival under the Stars, held in Karlsplatz in July. In particular, films of German and English origin with connections to Vienna are shown. New Year's concerts, which take place on the first of January, are one of the traditional events of Vienna. Concerts in Wiener Musikverein usually perform classical music works. The May Festival takes place in Prater Park, one of the city's most entertaining venues. During the festival, which takes place on May 1, the left-wing mass of the city organizes parades for Labor Day. The Vienna Festival has been taking place since the 1920s.

The festival, which lasts from mid-May to mid-June, hosts the most important cultural events in Europe. During the festival, many events are organized in different areas. The festival, attended by more than 200,000 people, opens with a free concert in front of the City Hall. The Vienna Jazz Festival (Jazzfest Wien) is one of the periods when jazz music dominates in the city. Various performances take place at the most important stages of the city such as the Staatsoper and Burgthheather during the festival, which is held in July-August. Another festival held between July and August is the dance festival called ImPuls Tanz. Although performances take place in different parts of the city during the festival, the starting point of the festival is the Museum District. The Vienna Opera Ball is one of the most popular balls in the world. The history of the balloon performed in the Vienna State Opera dates back to the 1930s. It takes place with the participation of many important participants such as Austrian government officials, international government officials. The Life Ball is one of the largest AIDS relief events in the world and one of the most important events of the Vienna summer term. The ball starts with a red carpet in front of the Vienna City Hall and continues with a ball inside the building. The night is followed by an all-night party in the Volksgarten. As part of the event, a fashion show featuring famous designers and popular models is held. Vienna Public Holidays New Year (January 1) Day of Enlightenment – Brackish Waterfall (January 6) Easter (14-17 April) Labor Day (May 1) Ascension Day (May 25) Clean Monday (27 February) Memorial Day of the Virgin Mary (August 15) National Holiday (October 26) All Saints' Day (November 1) Christmas (December 24-26) Official Language of Vienna The official language in Vienna is German. The vast majority of Viennese people can speak English. English is also used in most of the touristic signs in the city.

[celestialmark]

Ethereal - Jeong Jaehyun

Jaehyun was indeed way more than his good looks. Jaehyun was gentle, honest and sincere, you felt it all in the way he smiled, the way he talked and in the way he kissed you. He was the living definition of ethereal, and his beauty shone the most on the inside.

Characters: Jeong Jaehyun x reader

Category: fluff, au, life lessons

Word count: 16.7k

Warnings: drinking (but nothing too major), emotions, a lot of it.

Writer’s notes: it’s been a hooooooot minute and this is a lot of words. how have you all been? ;; skdjsjskd this was written in 2 weeks that consisted of a lot of urges to pull my hair out and constantly squeezing my brains for words and words and words. but nonetheless, I had so so much fun writing this, I enjoyed it thoroughly and I wish I had a Jaehyun in my life skdjlksjd hope you enjoy this you guys! <3 stay safe, keep healthy! lots and lots and lots of love to all of you as always x

Winter one.

There’s an indescribable feeling settling on Jaehyun’s chest when he leisurely looks down at the view below him from where he stands by the ledge of the Fisherman’s Bastion. He’s smiling contently to himself, dimples appearing but remaining hidden by the stretch of his turtleneck that shields him from the cold winter air. The sight before him, he thinks, was definitely one to die for, the Danube river stretching from one side to another, the mighty bridge allowing vehicles to pass in and out, the Parliament building sitting tall and proud on the other side of the river, all with a touch of snow from last night’s downpour which makes the scenery all the more breathtaking. Though the tips of his fingers are freezing, the negative temperatures making them stiff and red, Jaehyun feels warm on the inside, a familiar feeling that courses through his body whenever he got to see places like this.

Jaehyun tightens his grip around the camera he’s holding, with the straps hung loosely around his neck and raises it to capture the view. He trains his eyes on the LED screen, half clicking the button until the viewer appears, automatically adjusting the lens so that it focuses on the right places and presses down on the button completely, the screen turning pitch black momentarily until his photo reappears on the screen. When he’s satisfied after studying it for a few seconds, he repeats the process, changing angles every single time to make sure he remembers all he’s seen, forever.

He turns slightly to his right, curious to see how far the river stretches and how much his camera could capture when he spots a person who appears to be struggling to take a photo of herself from the way she’s awkwardly holding her camera up in the air, lowering it one second and then raising it again, obviously unsure if she’s captured in the frame or not. Jaehyun unknowingly smiles behind his camera, silently watching the girl continue her attempts, feeling apologetic for finding amusement in her struggles. He snaps a quick photo of her before finally letting go of his camera and letting it rest above his abdomen.

“Would you like me to take a picture of you?” He asks as he walks closer to the stranger.

You snap your head to your right and you see a guy, a fellow tourist you assume, approaching you with a smile grazing his lips, gesturing to your camera that’s been making your arm ache for the past few minutes. You mentally deadpan at yourself because this person has definitely seen you sturggle for who knows how long and maybe even seen you smile uncomfortably at the camera. And though he’s smiling at you, the upward twitch of his lips never dissipating even when he’s right in front of you, you subtly narrow your eyes at him, skeptical. Traveling alone meant that you had to look out for yourself and though this guy might not look like a snatcher that’s out for your camera, you just couldn’t be too sure, after all, this was usually how people get robbed right before their own eyes from being too careless and trusting.

He breaks the train of your inner debate when he chuckles, retracting his outstretched hand to his side when he sees you eye him from head to toe. “I promise I'm not going to steal your camera.” He lifts his own camera, strapped around his neck, “I’ve got my own.”

You tear your eyes off of him immediately and slap yourself mentally. How many times could you possibly embarrass yourself in front of this stranger in a span of three minutes? Your mind goes into haywire then, feeling the need to explain yourself, “No– that’s not what I meant,” you blubber, the desire to change his first impression of you burning within you, not really knowing why considering you might never even see him again. “I was just, actually–”

“My offer still stands,” he interrupts, smile returning, eyes doing the same and dimples you hadn’t noticed from earlier, appearing.

You hang your head low, hoping the cold weather is enough to mask the tint of red that’s spreading across your cheeks as you take a step forward to finally hand him your camera. “Sorry,” you mumble more to yourself.

He’s studying the features of your camera as soon as he receives it, “Don’t mention it,” he reassures. It takes him no less than ten seconds to finally get grips with your camera settings and as he does so, you’re shifting in your spot, trying to think of poses for the picture. You start to feel conscious about yourself then, the stranger’s eyes fixated on the screen and inevitably on you. The thought makes you move too much in one place in futile attempts of giving him a good photo to take.

He cocks his head to the side, looking directly at you now, “Comfortably. Pose comfortably, whatever you want. It’s your photo.”

His velvety voice takes you off edge and sure enough, you relax after his instructions. You don’t do anything extraordinary as you manage to stay still in one spot lifting your lips upwards into a small smile, your eyes directing themselves to the lens. You hear the click of the shutter then and just when you think it’s finally over, it’s the stranger’s turn to shift in his spot slightly, the camera still lined within his vision.

“Another one,” he insists, adjusting the camera so that you’re in the centre of the viewer. “The view is really nice. Might as well take a few more.”

You don’t protest because it seems like this man knows what he’s doing and he’s already snapping away even when you’re not ready and you try not to get flustered in the process of finding the right poses. But it didn’t even matter anymore because he’s clicking away photo after photo without even so much of an instruction from him nor waiting for you to move in your spot. You watch him blankly as he continues to shuffle in his place, changing all the angles in all ways he feels needs be. When he’s done, you’re still dazed and it’s only when he hands your camera back to you that you finally blink.

“The photos came out great,” he smiles warmly.

They did? You’re not too convinced seeing you didn’t even move a muscle.

“Thanks.” You glance to your left and your right and just as suspected, he was by himself too. “Do you want a picture here too?”

He contemplates for a second, already knowing he doesn’t need anymore pictures here, convinced he has enough saved from earlier. But you’re smiling at him gently and a couple pictures more won’t hurt. “Sure.”

So you switch places, the stranger now standing by the ledge, you taking his previous spot a mere metre away from him. You don’t need to give him any cues because looking at him through the screen of his camera, he didn’t need to pose, him just standing there was already a photo worthy moment. You snap multiple pictures of him, each one seeming to come out better than the last and you wonder how that was even possible because this man really wasn’t doing much. You reason maybe he just really knows his angles well. Nonetheless, this man was for sure captivating, with his tall stature clad in a light brown trench coat with a fluffy turtleneck in darker shade of brown laid underneath, black slacks and a pair of impossibly white converse. Maybe he’s a model? Well, he could definitely pass as one, his big eyes that radiate warmth, smooth features in every aspect of his face topped with his dimples.

He looked breathtaking.

And you have to force yourself to take your eyes off of him when you return his camera, forgetting completely about the fact that you hadn’t just snapped what seemed like a million photos of him.

“Thanks,” he breathes, turning the camera off without inspecting your photos.

You nod, “you’re not gonna check them? I’m not sure I did a good job– I can take more if you want.”

He smiles with a shake of his head, “No, that’s okay. You didn’t check yours either. I’m sure the photos came out great.”

You chuckle, “You shouldn’t be, not with my photography skills anyway.”

He chuckles this time and your eyes land back on his dimples, “All that matters is that I have a souvenir of this place.”

“Me too.”

“You’re here by yourself?”

“Mhm. You?”

“Yeah,” he exhales a breath, the winter temperatures making it possible for his breath to become visible, the smoke-like condensation seeping through his lips. He lets his eyes wander to the view before him once again, “It’s the exact same as I last saw it. Nothing’s changed.”

Intrigued, you carry on with the conversation, “You’ve been here before?”

You see him nod from the corner of your eyes, following where his eyes are focused. “Yeah, I was here last year. And the year before that. And the year before.”

You nod slowly, unknowingly becoming more and more invested in the subject with the stranger. “Are your family here?”

He shakes his head, “No,” he then turns to you with a small, but breathtaking smile. “Just, I just really like it here. I find myself coming back every time.”

You blink just as you clear your throat, your pulse unconsciously speeding up with the eye contact that had just occurred.  Silence fills the air and you’re almost sure the mood had just transcended into an awkward one after being flustered, so,  in attempts of lifting the mood, you suggest something you don’t give much thought to.

“Well then maybe you could tour me around.”

And you deadpan at yourself as soon as the last word is uttered, your eyes widening at how bold you’ve gotten, not to mention, in front of someone you had just met for the first time out of nowhere.

You hear him chuckle beside you and that’s when you feel his whole body turn towards you. You wearily follow suit, greeted by one of his hand extended to you, “Gladly.” His smile broadens, something to let you know he isn’t kidding.

“I’m Jaehyun.”

Jaehyun. A nice name for a man with impeccable visuals.

His hand is warm in contrast to your cold one when you accept his handshake.

“Y/n. I’m y/n.”

Winter two.

When you look over the same view you saw for the first time the past year, you realise that nothing much has changed. The river still stretches on, the bridge still standing tall and buildings on the other end of the river rising upwards in same way you remember them to. It was still as beautiful as ever despite the winter weather nipping at your skin. Jaehyun’s words ring in your head then, that not matter how many times he’s visited this exact same place, everything is still as he recalls. You smile to yourself at the memory of him, recalling the wasted opportunity of him touring you around (despite it being a casual joke on your end but one he’d taken seriously) due to conflicting schedules and flights. It’s a pity you think, because he looked genuinely keen on showing you to some of his favourite places. Though he did leave you a list of places to see, you never got to see any of them with him, the terrible reminder of your impending flight the next day disrupting the chances of what could have been.

You inhale the winter air, the coolness transcending through your insides, closing your eyes in the process to relish in the beauty and tranquility of it all despite the many other tourists roaming the area, mentally thanking yourself for having come here again. Budapest was and is still beautiful, a certain beauty to it you were quite unable to pinpoint as of now.

“Beautiful, huh?”

You swear you remember that voice anywhere, even when you’ve only heard it once. Your eyes snap open and true enough, you find the same companion you shared this view with a year ago, smiling at the view before him, his dimple peeking through his cheek. Your head almost spins from having craned it too fast to see who the owner of the voice was and you notice the subtle drop of your heart when your assumptions prove to be right. He finally turns to you, that same blinding smile you remember adorning his gentle features, his brown soft locks falling just above his eyes.

“Y/n,” he breathes, the name rolling off his tongue in a pleasant way, as if he’d been dying to say it for far too long.

Your throat runs dry and you’re trying to convince it’s because of how taken aback you are. “J-Jaehyun.”

You see his shoulders slump, the smile briefly leaving his lips before emerging again, this time a tad bigger, exhaling a rather big breath. “You remember.”

You nod, trying to stop the rapid blinking of your eyes, “And, so, so do you.”

He nods too, tugging his winter coat closer to his body. “What a coincidence,” he says, tearing his eyes off you to marvel at the river again. “A very pleasant coincidence.”

You fall silent, not really knowing what to say, your mind struggling to come up with a decent response to hopefully mask your flustered nature. But when nothing comes to mind, you follow his gaze forward, thinking that maybe if you looked somewhere else other than his face, your sanity will come back.

“I still haven’t forgotten about that tour,” Jaehyun pipes up, voice clear yet soft. “The offer still stands,” he adds and then turns to you again, making you look at him. “That’s if, you’re not going to bail on me tomorrow.”

His words make you chuckle, his down to earth nature naturally easing you. “For the record, I wasn’t purposely bailing on you.”

“Oh yeah?” He challenges. You nod. “Coincidentally then?”

You smile a teasing one with a shrug of your shoulders. “Maybe.”

Your answer makes Jaehyun laugh and it gets caught in the wind that blows past, but not before it reaches your ears, pride settling in your chest for having made him do so. “Well then can I try again tomorrow? The pictures you took the last time came out really great, I want to make it up to you.”

“Jaehyun there were mere pictures. It’s okay, you don’t have to,” you defend, even though your mind says the exact opposite, because in fact, you did want to see those places he had mentioned, and you most definitely wanted to visit them with him.

It’s Jaehyun’s turn to shrug his shoulders, a small smile grazing his lips as his eyes grow a little smaller with the gesture. “I want to. And besides, most people would just accept an offer for a free tour, you know?”

You narrow your eyes playfully at him, “Not from a stranger, no.”

You catch him bite his lower lip when you don’t make things easier for him, finding too much fun in your little exchange even though you’re unsure where this side of you is coming from.

“But I’m not a stranger though,” Jaehyun points out. “You know me.”

You wag your index finger at him, “Correction. I know your name.”

“And that’s not enough?”

“You could be a a dodgy guy for all I know.”

“You think I’m out to harm you.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“But you’re thinking it.”

You fall dead silent because Jaehyun’s unknowingly become too close to you, your ability to pick up on his advances clouded by the determination of brewing a witty comeback just to win a game you weren’t aware you were playing. And it doesn’t help that Jaehyun is suddenly wrapping an arm around your shoulder, his grip firm and strong, pulling you away from where you're standing and landing so close to his chest. From his shoulder, you see a big crowd of people walk past, all too focused and lost in the earpieces stuck in their ears and wandering eyes, making it almost impossible for them to spot you in their tracks, too engrossed in the building that stood before them.

“Still think I’m dodgy?” Jaehyun asks amusingly, a crooked smile hanging on the corner of his lips, looking down at you but never letting go of you.

You blink, avoiding his eyes, training them to the lints that had formed on his coat.

“S-so about that tour? Is it still up for grabs?”

------

“I didn’t know what you liked so I got you a latte. Hope that’s okay?” is the first thing Jaehyun says to you when you meet him at exactly ten in the morning at your agreed meeting place. He sounds unsure and he’s watching you with expectant eyes.

You nod, smiling. “This is perfect, thank you.” After taking a careful first sip, so as to not burn your tongue so early in the day, you look around you, the high end shops surrounding the street on either side. “So Mr tour guide, what do you have planned for today?”

“Well, I’m glad you asked,” he plays along with a goofy smile, pretending to scroll through his phone as if the agenda had been written on it. “And to answer your question, you’re going to have to wait and see, it’s a surprise.”

Your mouth forms an “o”, your expectations rising. “Exciting!” And you really mean it. Because feeling nervous earlier was one thing, looking forward to the day ahead was another thing, and if you were being honest, you don’t remember how you felt earlier in the morning at all, now that you were casually strolling the streets of Budapest with Jaehyun.

As you manoeuvre through the Parliament Building and as you climb the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica, you learn a few things about Jaehyun that rise during your conversations on the trek to your destinations. You learn that Jaehyun is the head of the marketing team in a company he refuses to name (which you presume must be a renowned one and that he was just being humble), that he lives alone in an apartment in the suburbs to escape the busy city life that he has to see every single morning for work, that he’s an only child hence, has a very close relationship with his parents who still worry about him venturing onto these solo trips every year despite being a working adult.

You huff, placing both your hands on your hips when you arrive at a landing after climbing so many steps you had lost count of. “Oh, I had completely different assumptions about you,” you say in between trying to catch your breath, allowing people to walk past you as they continue their climb.

Jaehyun turns to you, a brow slightly raised, the teasing smile threatening to form on his lips poking on something you had just said. Your eyes widen, mortified at the fact that you had just exposed yourself thinking about him in your spare time. “Wait, that’s not what I meant– wait.”

Jaehyun dismisses it, shaking his head lightly. “Well what did you assume in the first place?”

That was one more thing you had learned about Jaehyun in the midst of talking to him passively, was that he had a tremendous talent for making you eat your own words. Either that or you just really didn’t think your words through before speaking them out loud. At this point, you really didn’t care anymore, besides after today, Jaehyun would just be another memory, another stranger you’ve met in the passing.

“Definitely not the head of the marketing department.”

“Oh?”

“Mhm.”

“Then what?”

“A model, maybe.”

Jaehyun chuckles as you both halt at the bottom of another set of winding stairs above. You nod truthfully, remembering your first impression of him all too well from last year; tall and undeniably blessed with outstanding features. “Yeah. A model for a clothing brand, maybe.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Jaehyun says lowly, turning away from you to hide the growing smile on his face and the reddening of the tip of his ears (which by the way was definitely not caused by the cold).

Jaehyun was good looking and he deserved to know that even if it was through an indirect statement. “It is,” you nod as you continue your ascent after sucking in a huge breath. Jaehyun follows closely behind, cheeks hurting from smiling too much. “So, only child, huh?” you call out behind you, raising your voice slightly to ensure he hears you. You hear him hum, “Does it not get lonely sometimes, no?”

Jaehyun ponders for a second, his childhood flashing before his eyes. “Sometimes, yeah. But not too much, I have a bunch of crazy friends. They’re almost like brothers to me.”

You nod absentmindedly, an imaginary picture of what Jaehyun’s friends could possibly be like popping up in your head. You think they must be a nice bunch too, considering how pleasant your company has been. You draw yet another huge breath in, your hand gripping onto the cold metal handrail, the many stairs leading up to your destination that wasn’t even in sight yet, making your lungs yell for air. “The view better be worth it,” you grumble to yourself but Jaehyun hears.

“Trust me, it is,” Jaehyun pipes up from behind you, surprising you a little but you take his word for it anyway.

And sure enough, Jaehyun was right. The view from the top of the dome sure was breathtaking, the roofs of the buildings below coated with snow that had fallen earlier in the morning and the vague outline of the mountain in the distance, and although it was all you could see, besides the minuscule people and the various roads and alleys, somehow, it felt so ataractic to be here with the sun peeking through the clouds, even when the cold wind makes you shiver under the many layers of clothing you had. The view was surreal in your eyes, but how it made you feel was definitely something else indescribable.

“Well?” Jaehyun asks, stepping beside you by the ledge.

“You were right,” you admit. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Jaehyun has been here before, but right now, sharing the exact same view he’s seen countless of times, he thinks the view had just become even more magnificent than all the times he’s stood here the previous years.

------

When the sun sets, you learn that the capital city of Hungary, is divided into two, that the Chain Bridge connects the hilly areas of Buda to the flatter areas of Pest. You learn this as Jaehyun navigates you through Christmas markets where you find hand-made products that range from ornaments to clothes, to warm and fresh local food that you indulge in with Jaehyun. Other people weave in and out these booths just like you and the fairy lights tangled amongst the bare branches of a huge tree that’s firmly rooted in the middle of the square, gives the place a homey and cozy feeling. When the evening snow begins to fall, the two of you are taking a sip of your hot mulled wine in a cup.

“Are you tired or do you still have some energy left?” Jaehyun asks lowly.

“Both?” You reply honestly.

Jaehyun chuckles and discards his cup in a nearby bin when he finishes his wine. “We have one last place to see,” he announces. “But don’t worry, it’s a pretty cool and chill place.”

You nod, liking the idea of ending the day somewhere you could relax. “I’m down.”

You find yourselves in front of a place called “Szimpla Kert” and when you take a peek inside, it’s dark, neon and fairy lights scattered everywhere. When Jaehyun leads you inside, you realise it’s almost like a bunch of outdoor bars grouped together in one place, with random tables and seats decorating the place, along with music playing throughout the entire place. Jaehyun finds a seat for you both, right beside a heater to keep yourselves warm, the place still cold despite the roof that covers it.

“First round is on me,” Jaehyun winks before he’s dashing off to the nearest bar he comes across.

You look around the place, taking in its smallest details; broken and abandoned TV’s adding touch to the unconventionality of the interior, with random pictures and paint splayed on the walls. You spot an old (and possibly broken) arcade machine on the other corner and when your eyes fall onto your own table, you realise it’s not the same as the others either. You think it’s unique; how nothing in this place doesn’t make any sense, but you like it anyway, almost seeming like a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the chaos that is your life, despite it not being the image of tranquility in your head.

You watch as Jaehyun re-emerges from somewhere, with what looks like two cocktails in his hands. He sets them down on the wooden table before taking a seat next to you on the wooden log. “I honestly can’t remember the names of these two but I asked the bartender to give me their best ones.”

You reach for the yellow one, leaving Jaehyun with a clear looking one and take a sip. The bartender wasn't wrong, the cocktail tasted divine, picking up on the fruity taste of the mango added with alcohol to which you assume is vodka and a bunch of other ingredients you couldn’t quite make out. Nonetheless, it was good and so you take another sip from the straw. When Jaehyun sees you satisfied, he begins to drink his own, the cool of the cocktail sending shivers down his spine.

“So what made you come back here?” Jaehyun asks, starting the conversation in hopes of getting to know you a little better.

You shrug your shoulders, recalling the time the opportunity of being able to travel presenting itself amidst your busy schedule back home. “Not sure,” you confess, glancing at him. “It just felt like the right place to be.”

Content with your answer, with it having spoken so much more than the actual length of the words themselves, Jaehyun smiles, somehow knowing how it feels to be in the same position, though never really knowing your whole story. “I get that.”

“Yeah?” you re-confirm, leaning over the table to look at him a little longer, resting the side of your head against the palm of your hand, your cocktail now half empty, the alcohol beginning to sink in your system. “Is that why you come back every year?”

“Yeah,” Jaehyun nods, staring straight ahead before directing his gaze at you. “Up until this year.”

You almost miss the last part but you don’t and even when you do hear it, it doesn't make sense to you. Before you could ask him to elaborate, he’s sipping away at his cocktail, prompting you to do the same and no one speaks after that. When your glasses are completely empty, you rise from your seat and Jaehyun follows your every move.

“Second round is on me,” you wink at your company, in the same manner he did earlier. Unknown to you, the playful gesture bothers him way more than it had its effects on you from when he did it.

It isn't long before you return, with four shot glasses gathered up in your palms, careful enough not to trip on anything to save the drinks. Jaehyun raises a brow when you set them down in front of him, silently examining what appears to be clear fluid in the glasses; Palinka shots.

“Are we drinking to die tonight?” Jaehyun asks unsurely, eyeing the drinks.

You roll your eyes as you reclaim your seat beside him, “I’m pretty sure you know what these are given you’re like an unofficial local here.”

Jaehyun’s laugh resonates from his chest and vibrates through his whole body. “Of course I know what they are. I had too much of those one time and I almost passed out in public.”

You grin, picking up a glass and handing it to him before taking one for yourself. “Well then, cheers?” you raise yours to his which he meets with his own, eliciting a small “clink” in the process. You down the drink it one go, taking a big gulp. You blink hard for three seconds, the strength of the alcohol coming at you full force, making your throat burn and your face grimace.

“Wow,” you manage to croak when you recover shortly. “That’s something else.”

“Right?”

“I love it.”

You ignore the feeling of your head beginning to spin when you down your second shot with Jaehyun, your cheeks now rosy while the tips of Jaehyun’s ears now coloured a shade of pink. He’s grinning incredulously at you, “I’ve never drank this with anyone before.”

You turn to him, lazily blinking in the process. “Really?”

Jaehyun nods, “Yeah. I always came here alone.”

You raise a brow playfully, bringing your face closer to his. “What an insult to all the girls you’ve brought here before.”

Jaehyun laughs lowly, eyes trained on you (your lips). “What makes you think I’m lying?”

You bring your elbow to rest on the wooden table, resting your jaw against your hand which you have balled into a fist. “With that face of yours, it’s impossible you haven’t brought anyone here.”

Jaehyun feels the need to get closer to you, so he does, scooting in his seat until his shoulder almost touches yours. “And what’s with this face of mine?”

You blink long and hard, your face feeling all too warm, but your eyes don’t miss the way Jaehyun’s brows knot together. The sound you emit next comes out more like a giggle and you reckon it’s the alcohol working in you but the answer you say next isn’t exactly induced by the intoxication either.

“Handsome.”

Jaehyun gapes at you for a moment, blinking, dumbfounded. He’s been complimented many times before, but they all didn’t matter to him.

Until tonight.

Winter three.

The Danube river is the second largest river in Europe, after the river Volga. It flows through ten countries, Hungary, being one of them and has a whopping length of nearly three thousand kilometres. This fact amazes you as you lean back and sit on a bench situated not too far from the glorious Parliament Building, a warm cup of coffee in your hand that heats the tips of your fingers. You wonder what it might look like in other cities it flows through, what the views might be like over there, and if there are people who ponder on the same questions as you.

As you exhale another breath of cold, crushing December evening air, your mind drifts to Jaehyun, tilting your head to let your eyes fall on the other side of the river, vaguely making out the outline of the Fisherman’s Bastion through the light fog, where Jaehyun had magically appeared out of nowhere the previous year and where he kindly took photos of you the year before that. Maybe that’s why the Danube river reminds you so much of Jaehyun, because on two occasions, it had been the same view you both shared, a little something you like to consider a common thing between you both. The river looks incredible and the mere thought of its properties is enough to fascinate you in more ways than one, much like Jaehyun. His appearance has always been so.. alluring. But underneath all that, he was just as captivating, the many layers to his personality in the brief moments you get to witness them, a testament to that.

“I’m beginning to think you're following me.”

All the hairs on your skin stand, fate seeming to work for the third time in three consecutive years because when you look to your left, there stands Jaehyun with that same smile he always greets you with, the very man on your thoughts just half second ago.

“Excuse me? I was here first.”

You’re grinning when he takes a seat beside you, happy to see him. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this,” he jokes, his smile getting wider, his dimples catching your attention.

You roll your eyes playfully, “I know. I’m kind of tired seeing you here.”

Jaehyun shrugs with a chuckle escaping his lips, “I feel the same way. So who is it gonna be? Do you leave or do I?” You laugh then, making him laugh with you. When the silence falls, Jaehyun’s gaze on you doesn’t, in awe of how the world works. “How have you been, y/n?”

“Good,” you nod, pressing your lips into a thin line. “I’ve been good. Still the same. How about you?”

“I’ve been well, thank you.” So you spend the next half an hour filling each other on what’s happened in the past year. Jaehyun talks about his job and how it’s allowed him to meet new people from different places, his friends who are still as loud and as boisterous as ever and his plans of maybe adopting a pet to keep him company at home. You let him ramble on and on, spurring him to talk even more when you ask him questions here and there because if you were being honest, there wasn’t much to fill him in in relation to your life. Now that you think about it, you don’t recall ever talking about yourselves during your encounters with Jaehyun. Maybe a small thing or two, but nothing major, nothing in depth like his stories.

You wonder if he’s noticed.

Jaehyun’s in the middle of a sentence when your eyes become empty, his words drowned out by your thoughts and even though you’re looking at him, you speculate he's noticed because he stops talking abruptly. You see him smile lightly, tracing his eyes at the ground before looking at you, the silence allowing him to gather his words.

He’s definitely noticed.

“I want to know more about you y/n.”

So that’s how you end up leading the way the very next day, Jaehyun letting you tour him this time, as if he hadn’t already been to this place you’re planning on taking him. All he was instructed was to bring something to wear for swimming to which he immediately countered with an “swimming?! In this freezing weather?!” But he does as he’s told anyway, at least with what he’s told you this morning that he might have struggled to find something to wear at such short notice.

When you arrive at the Szechenyi Thermal baths, Jaehyun’s mouth forms an “o” and you unknowingly grab him by the wrist to pull him inside with you. It takes about five minutes to validate the tickets you’ve bought online the night prior and ten minutes for the two of you to get changed and lock your belongings away safely. Jaehyun appears by the corridor in shorts that fall below his knees while you come out in a bikini bra with shorts to pair it. When you see each other, you both burst out laughing, the exact same thought crossing in your minds: who’s crazy enough to be swimming outdoors during such a harsh Winter? But the steam outside, floating from the hot surface of the water serves as some sort of reassurance that maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as you both initially thought it would be.

“This is crazy,” Jaehyun mumbles but he’s grinning anyway, stopping just right by the door that leads to the outdoor baths. “I’ve heard of this place before but I've never actually been here.”

You nudge his arm with your elbow, a teasing smile on your face. “I’m a great tour guide, amen’t I? To have found such a place you actually haven’t been to.” You walk past Jaehyun and reach for the door, an icy gust of wind immediately greeting you making you shiver to the core. “I’m gonna run, I’ll see you there!”

“You are.. great,” Jaehyun finds himself mumbling when you disappear in the mist. He follows suit not too long after, realising just why you sprinted your way to the waters so as to avoid the freezing air. He finds you by the bottom of the pool stairs, soaking yourself in the hot waters that completely cancels out the cold. Jaehyun sighs in relief when he steps in, sinking himself in until he finds himself beside you.

“This is the best thing ever?” Jaehyun comments, feeling all his muscles relax as the currents warm his body.

“Right?” you almost exclaim, feeling all too excited. “I don’t even feel the cold anymore?”

You’re not sure how but Jaehyun gets you talking about yourself as you round the pools together, seeing many other people on the way, basking in the comfort of the hot waters as yourselves. You begin to share about your life, in the same way he did last year, trying to give as much detail as him but careful enough not to overshare. You tell him you work at a pharmacy, owned by your parents that’s most likely going to be passed down to you. You talk about your parents too and what they’re like, how they’ve dedicated their whole lives into ensuring a good future for their business. You mention your older brother whom you haven’t seen in almost two years, having moved four years ago as soon as he’d graduated university to seek a bigger opportunities abroad.  

“So is working at the pharmacy what you really want to do?” Jaehyun asks softly after a while when you finish talking, the questioning having remained in his head ever since the mention of your family’s business.

You remember your older brother asking you the exact same question years ago, just before he’d left for good, knowing all too well that he’d have the same fate as you had he not eased your parents into letting him go for years on end up until his graduation. The thing was, your brother saw so much potential in you, so much more than you would ever see in yourself, no matter how hard you looked and maybe that’s why you doubted yourself so much all these years. And every single time, your doubts always overpowered even the smallest possibility or desire of leaving.

Of course it wasn’t what you wanted. It really wasn’t.

And you’ve been scared to admit that to your brother, let alone yourself. But looking at Jaehyun now, peering into your eyes as the subtle rays of the sun peek through the clouds momentarily, falling onto his features, you feel safe, safe enough to admit what you couldn’t before.

Maybe not so forwardly.

“I don’t want to leave my parents,” you answer honestly, forcing a small smile. That was another reason, if not, probably the biggest reason holding you back.

Jaehyun only smiles at you warmly, signalling he understands and doesn’t press onto the matter further, thinking maybe it was a too much of a big question to ask so early in the day. Nonetheless, he appreciates your honesty.

Jaehyun offers you a hand out of the pool after another two hours of conversation and splashing each other with water on the face until either one surrenders. You’re immediately shivering when you step out but Jaehyun is quick to clad your shoulders with a towel before taking his own even when he’s shivering way more than you are.

When Jaehyun decides it’s too early to go back into town, you take a stroll around the vicinity of the baths after getting changed, traipsing along the paths with evidence of snow being scraped off of them to the side where it mounts slightly higher before it levels off again. Jaehyun is a good listener, picking up certain details about your previous mentions to ask you more questions in attempts of getting to know you better. It feels unusual because you feel that you’ve always been one to be on the listening end, definitely not on the talking one. But Jaehyun makes it so easy despite the unfamiliarity of it all. You’re not sure how, but it didn’t matter, it made you stop and think about yourself for a while.

You hear distant echoes of screams and cheers up ahead and it grabs your attention as well as Jaehyun’s. As you walk further, you reach a bridge and right under it reveals an ice rink so vast and and so wide, with a lot of people gliding through the ice, some with ease, some not so. You stand there, watching people below for a while. It looked so much fun.

“Have you much experience with ice skating?”

You laugh unknowingly, “Why do you think I'm up here and not down there?”

Jaehyun laughs shortly but not for long when he’s grabbing you by the hand and tugging you along with him. “No no Jaehyun we are not ice skating!” you plea from behind him but he takes no notice, continuing to pull you with ease, his hand surprisingly warm on your skin. To Jaehyun, it was the perfect time to be ice skating; the sun was about to set, the streetlights about to illuminate everything in the path, and definitely the perfect time to be holding your hand.

Jaehyun leaves you with no choice when he pays for two pairs of skates without your consultation, earning himself a grimace from you when he hands you your own pair. You watch him quietly, puzzled as he skilfully secures his skates on, one foot at a time. He stands then, the blades adding a little more to his already tall stature and when he sees your skates still in your hands, unmoved since he’d given them to you, he takes you by the shoulders with his palms, gently guiding you to sit on the bench he had just been on. He bends to the ground then and wordlessly unzips each one of your boots so that he can take them off and replace them with skates. You keep your eyes on him, his brows furrowed and lips pressed together as he focuses on his task.

For the first time, you didn’t feel as cold.

“Well?” He says when he stands again after making sure your skates were tight enough, outstretching his hand for you to take.

Turns out Jaehyun doesn’t let go of your hand the whole time you skate around the rink, not after you almost flat on your face the moment you step onto the ice, his fast reflexes preventing a potential injury just in time. And it feels nice, so nice to be laughing and giggling with him as you glide along the ice while dodging other people, his hand holding yours so firmly it makes skating less daunting. Jaehyun uses his other hand to fish his phone out of his pocket and take pictures of you, though you’re unsure they come out nice because you can’t stop laughing for some reason, especially not after you almost lose balance and almost fall on your back. When you reach the edge, mutually deciding to slow down to catch your breaths, Jaehyun pulls you close to him until your body’s pressed up against his, his arm naturally landing itself around your shoulder, his phone up in the air so that he can take a picture of you both. You’re too astonished to even realise his intentions that the camera captures you staring up at Jaehyun, stunned, while he, on the other hand, smiles widely at the device.

“So will I see you here next year again?” Jaehyun asks after he swallows a bite of his burger at the best burger place he claims he has ever been to, to which you agree on when you take the first bite of yours, your stomach growling from not having eaten anything all day since breakfast in addition to all the swimming and ice skating.

You grin teasingly, leaning closer to him, narrowing your eyes, “Why? You want to see me again?”

“Yes.”

You were joking just half a second ago but Jaehyun was most certainly not. Not in the way his eyes remain on you and definitely not in the way he answers without hesitation. He’s caught you off guard yet again and you’re blinking up at him, at a loss for what to say.

“So will I be seeing you next year?” he repeats, this time more adamant. “Will I?”

You lean away from him and laugh it off casually. “Have you always been this persistent?”

“When I want something, yeah.”

Jaehyun insists on taking you back to your accommodation and you didn’t have the heart to refuse. The journey back feels long and it’s mostly because it’s eerily quiet between the two of you, neither of you having enough courage to start a conversation. Jaehyun’s playing with the tips of his fingers on the subway, his lower lip caught between his teeth, too lost in his own thoughts. He had always been one to be honest and definitely forward, but he wished he wasn’t any of those tonight because he’s convinced it’s exactly what had probably scared you away. You’re eyes shift on anything on the moving train but Jaehyun, feigning interest on the ads plastered on the ceiling above, as if you could even understand the language, but at this point, you were desperate to get your mind off Jaehyun, his presence right beside you, let alone the mere thought of him, creating a haze in your mind.

Attachment was never part of the plan.

Yet here you were, wondering what the next year might be like if it didn't consist of meeting Jaehyun and going off to places that definitely was not on your agenda.

Jaehyun stands awkwardly in front of you as you come to a halt just outside the front entrance of your hotel. You take one good look at him as he keeps his eyes to the ground because Jaehyun had found you on your last day of your stay this year which meant that this wa the last time you’d get to see him for maybe another year, if you decided to be honest with yourself tonight.

“Jaehyun?” you call out, grabbing his attention immediately when he stops kicking the ground.

He looks up at you, an apologetic smile on his face. “Thanks for today, I had so much fun. And for bringing me back too.”

“It’s no problem.”

His words from earlier echo in your head, making you wish you were as sure as he was when it came to wanting something in life because you knew, it was something you had been running away from all your life. And you were sure he knew that too and in a sense, it felt like he was testing you; trying to see if you had enough courage to make decisions in relation to what you wanted. Maybe Jaehyun knew what you wanted even before you even had the chance to figure  it out. Either that, or he was just really good at making guesses.

It was time to be honest.

So you step forward until you’re close enough to him and he watches you without blinking, his whole attention on you. And when you reach up to plant a chaste kiss on his cheek, you could almost swear you felt the heating up of his cheeks during the short contact.

“I’ll see you next year, Jaehyun.”

Winter four.

You’re not sure how you’ve been surviving for the past four years without keeping in contact with Jaehyun because you feel it the most today; you miss him. It doesn’t make sense at all. How could you miss someone you’ve spent just a day with, maybe at most, two days, for the past few years? Was that enough to miss someone this bad? According to your experience, yes. Because standing right here, right in front of the Shoes by the Danube Bank, a memorial created to honour the Jews who lost their lives during the second World War, overlooking the calm stream of the river, you wished nothing more than to see him. Unknowingly, seeing Jaehyun had become the highlight of your trip, if not, your year and what made this year scarier was that you were expecting to see him, especially after what you had said to him last year. And expectations always meant there were greater chances of disappointments. This year wasn’t like the previous ones because this time, it would no longer be all about coincidences and luck, it was all about the desire to see each other. And on your end, the feeling of missing him too.

It didn’t make sense, none of it did.

But then again, when did anything ever make sense?

Jaehyun had always found you in places that overlooked the river and in the next few days that come during your stay, you come back to all the spots by the Danube in hopes of seeing him there. But you don’t. He doesn’t show. And you’re beginning to lose hope, your insides crushing at the thought of what you’re feeling being a one-sided thing. Had Jaehyun given you mixed signals last year? Was he even giving signs? Did you misinterpret everything? It was certainly feeling like you were wrong about your whole situation the whole time when the sun rises on the second last day of your stay, your time running out and your week coming to an end. The days seem to fly even when you’re doing nothing but roam the city aimlessly and even when you try to make the most of the time you have left without Jaehyun, none of it feels the same. Budapest reminds you too much of him and seeing pieces of him in everything you looked and visited, only added to the emptiness you tried so hard to suppress.

This will definitely be your last time here.

“Stop worrying,” you speak into the phone, picking up a Christmas tree ornament from the table of one of the booths in the Christmas market. “Mom, I’m fine here, I promise.”

“You say that all the time,” she replies, her tone not one tad bit satisfied with your answer. “I wish I went with you.”

You roll your eyes playfully, handing the small star shaped ornament to the vendor so that you could pay for it. “And you do this every year too. I’ve been traveling for four years straight and I come back in one piece all the time, don’t I? I’ll be fine this time around too.”

“Don’t mind your mother! She’s just being a worry wart!” your hear your dad distantly on the line, making you smile. Your mom hisses at him just as you hand money to the woman behind the table. “Is there a reason why you always leave at this time of the year? And to the same place too?” your mom asks, concern in her voice.

There hadn’t been a particular reason at first, remembering how your finger had landed randomly on Hungary on the map when deciding where to fly to spontaneously, feeling the need to just get away for a while back then. And it had been your plan to do the exact same thing when it came to deciding where to go next after the first. But you found yourself coming back to the same place every single time and surely there was obviously a reason why.

But your mom didn’t have to know that.

“No particular reason mom,” you reply after seconds of silence, retrieving the ornament from the woman, now safe in a small turquoise paper bag. “I just really like it here in Budapest. It’s beautiful.” You thank the vendor before walking away and it takes another five minutes of convincing your mom you’re okay on your own before you’re putting your phone away in your pocket.

It’s early in the day, yet the markets are already being swarmed by people. You’re so distracted that you don’t notice a crowd rush past you, making you stumble forward when someone bumps against you, continuing on in their path after sparing you a mere glance and an inaudible apology. You’re lucky enough the paper bag in your hand doesn’t fall, for sure the ornament shattering into pieces if it did.

At such an unconventional time, your thoughts come back to Jaehyun, the memory of him shielding you away from a bustling crowd at the bastion flashing before your eyes. Everywhere really did remind you of him and it was starting to get on your nerves because with every little reminder came with a little spark of hope that you would be seeing him this year too, setting you up for even greater heights of disappointment.

Exhaling a sigh, you carry onwards, not really knowing where you’re headed. You keep your eyes plastered to the ground, thinking that maybe it could temporarily solve your inner dilemmas. If you didn’t see your surroundings, then there’d be no reminder of Jaehyun’s absence. Focus on your shoes, focus on the grey linings of the pavement, focus on anything but the fact that the reason for your visit might have bailed on you. Jaehyun wasn’t obliged to meet you, you knew that, but still, the thought left a sour taste in your mouth–

You get the fright of your life when you’re hauled off the street by the arm and into an alley that appears to be deserted by the public. But what surprises you even more is how close you are to the culprit of your heart dropping to the ground from shock. Both of your arms have landed on the stranger’s chest, most likely as a defence mechanism, a barrier between the both of you. And you’re preparing for the worst, to be taken away or to be harmed because this was exactly how people go missing. Now you understood why your mom had been so worried and you silently wish she tagged along with you.

But nothing happens.

“You’re gonna get run over by those crowds if you continue to not pay attention.”

You look up.

“Hi.”

You’re glad to see him but your first instinct is to hit him.

“How are– hey! Ow!”

“I thought you weren’t coming you idiot!”

“I’m sorry!”

“You should be!”

You push yourself away from him, straightening yourself and tugging at your clothes. You find him grinning at you and it pisses you off even more. He crosses his arms across his chest and leans on the wall behind him.

“So you were waiting for me, huh?”

You roll your eyes at him, finding no humour in the situation. His face reminds you of the stress from the past few days induced by wondering if he'd even show up. “I don’t find how this is funny.”

“Were you?”

“Where the hell have you been anyway?”

He grins even more.

“Don’t answer my question with another question, y/n.”

“I thought we agreed on this last year?” You counter again.

“Were you or were you not waiting for me?”

Jaehyun was still as persistent as you remember him last.

“Fine. Yes.”

You shut your eyes at your confession, already planning in your head for possible escapes to run away from the situation. But he doesn’t let you because he’s tugging at your arm again, hard enough that you land on his chest again. The only difference this time is that he has his arms around you, squeezing your body into a tight hug.

“I’m sorry I'm late. Something came up at home.”

Unknowingly, you relax in his embrace, the exhaustion of wondering and waiting catching up to you. “I fly back tomorrow,” you mumble.

Jaehyun stills for a bit before he tightens his hug around you. “Are you free today?”

“Mhm.”

“That’s enough time.”

None of you budge from your position, letting Jaehyun hug you for as long as he wanted, for as long as you became sure he was really here. Besides, he served as a nice human heater from the cold for the meantime.

“Missed you,” he murmurs.

Glad to know you weren’t the only one.

------

Spending the whole day with Jaehyun had never been this good and you think it’s because he hasn’t let go of your hand all day. You didn’t have any particular destination in mind today, silently agreeing with one another that today didn’t have to be all about lists of places to go to, it would just be about wandering anywhere and everywhere with each other. You didn't mind at all, even when you both loose yourselves in places you have never come across. Maybe getting lost was the only thing on today’s agenda. Every now and then, Jaehyun would steal quick glances at you, a shy smile playing on his lips and you feign ignorance by pretending not to notice because if you looked his way and met his eyes during those occasions, you weren’t sure if it would be healthy for your heart. You were already slowly melting just feeling his thumb rubbing circles on your skin, what more if you actually caught his eyes.

In the middle of the laughs and the mini facts you share about each other in the midst of playing twenty one questions during your trails, Jaehyun is snapping pictures almost every five minutes, of sceneries and buildings around you but mostly, of you doing the most mundane things like staring up at the structures, picking up random things in shops or laughing at something he had said. Jaehyun tried to be discrete about it at first but it was hard to keep that up when he was constantly lifting his camera almost every chance he got.

“I’m pretty sure you have enough pictures of me already, Jae,” you point out, shaking your head when he takes another one of you walking towards him after buying a chimney cake for you both to share. “And I’m pretty sure you’re going to end up deleting half of them too.”

Jaehyun finally lets go of his camera and lets it hang around his neck, taking the cake from you so that he can rip off a piece for you. “You’re right.”

“Exactly so–”

“You are pretty.”

You stop chewing on the piece of cake. “What? That’s not what I meant.”

“But it’s what I meant.”

You don’t argue anymore because Jaehyun resumes on eating the cake and you feel that if you poked on the topic further, it would worsen the already reddening of your cheeks. So you dismiss it, pretend like you’re not a blushing mess by continuing to eat another piece of chimney cake that he's handing over to you. Too bad that the reason Jaehyun is grinning so widely to himself is in fact because of the blushing of your cheeks.

When the sun sets and the moon takes over in the vastness of the night sky, you find yourself shoulder to shoulder with Jaehyun in one of the cars of the Budapest Eye, a Ferris wheel that gives you an aerial view of the city. You’ve seen Budapest from up high before, when Jaehyun had taken you to the St Stephen’s basilica, climbing an awful lot of stairs to reach the dome. But Budapest at night was something else too with the lights making everything glow in its path. The Chain Bridge looks magnificent from up there and you’re silent as you marvel at the view, the car stopping briefly to allow more passengers to jump in at the bottom car.

“It’s so.. beautiful,” you say, eyes sparkling at the view outside the window.

Jaehyun agrees, “Yeah,” though his eyes are not on the bridge. “So beautiful.”

You turn abruptly and catch him already staring at you and it spurs him to look away immediately, clearing his throat in the process. You take your phone out of your pocket and press for the camera icon, scooting away from Jaehyun. “It’s not fair that you have pictures of me and I have none of you.”

Jaehyun chuckles, “You could’ve just asked.”

“Yeah yeah,” you dismiss, not in the mood to have another exchange with him. You take a picture of him right there and then, not even bothering to give him a heads up. It’s a picture of him looking straight ahead, his dimple showing on the side of his face, looking cosy and warm. Even when he isn’t trying, he still looked as good as ever.

“Hey, I wasn't ready,” he complains and tries to have a peek at the photo.

“Now you know how I felt the entire day,” you counter, unamused. “The picture looks good though.”

“Good enough to be your wallpaper?” Jaehyun asks teasingly.

Of course it was. Probably every single photo of Jaehyun is good enough to be anyone's wallpaper. But he didn’t need to know that. “Hey, don’t get ahead of yourself.”

Jaehyun laughs and scoots over to you, making the car shake slightly, prompting you to hold on to the bar next to you. “Hey be careful,” you warn him, earning yet another chuckle from him.

“Let’s take a picture together, so you have one of us too,” he suggests and takes your phone swiftly off your hands. Jaehyun slings an arm around your shoulders and naturally, you lean towards him, even going as far as resting your head between the space of his neck and shoulder. It seems to satisfy Jaehyun because you can see his smile broaden through the screen of your phone just before he presses the button to take the picture.

It feels nice to be this close to Jaehyun and he gives your shoulder a light squeeze as a silent affirmation that you didn't have to pull away so soon, that you could stay right where you were even as he lowers your phone after the picture’s been taken. Your arms find shelter around Jaehyun’s waist in the seconds that come, as the wheel continues to spin and as the car ascends again. You release a sigh of relief, feeling the calmest you’ve ever been in so long and it makes you close your eyes, to feel Jaehyun’s warmth a little more, to bask in his presence while he’s here. Jaehyun’s rubbing at your shoulder gently with the palm of his hand, leaning closer to you until his temple rests on the top of your head.

Neither of you speak for a while, the silence too delicate and fragile to disturb. It’s refreshing; not having to think or worry about anything for now, Jaehyun’s mere presence enough to cancel out every little insignificant thing. You take it all in because tomorrow would be a whole different story.

When the wheel stops spinning and your car halts at the bottom, you peel yourself away from Jaehyun and prepare to leave when you notice the tips of his ears are a deep shade of red. You can’t stop looking at them even as he helps you off the car. “Jae? Your ears, they’re really red.”

“Oh?” His hands fly to touch either of them. “I feel really warm.”

You frown at him, “It’s minus five degrees.”

“Oh, must be the cold.”

So in order to fight the “cold”, Jaehyun insists on grabbing mulled wine on your trek back to your hotel and as you down the warm beverage, the more honest your conversations get. Maybe it’s the certain percentage of alcohol in the drink or the fact that time was ticking against the both of you, but it seemed very fitting to be honest around each other now. You also get to understand Jaehyun a little better.

“Remember when I thought you were a model at first?” you recall your earliest memories of Jaehyun, his hand clasped in yours. “And how shocked I was when you said you were head of a marketing team because I really did think you were a model.”

Jaehyun smiles at you fondly. “You’re not wrong. I was a model once.”

“No way? Really?”

“Mhm.”

“What happened?”

Jaehyun stops in his steps, a sad smile adorning his lips, eyes kept to the ground. You look back at him, his hand pulling on yours as he stops walking. He looks up at you then, eyes a little sorrowful, “I got tired of it. Tired of having to look perfect all the time.”

When your paper cups are empty and discarded, both of you find yourselves seated on a bench that gives you a great view of the Chain Bridge up close. You sit as close to each other as possible to preserve warmth, the cold not enough to bother you both, especially you, not when Jaehyun had so much more to say.

“That’s when I knew modelling wasn’t for me,” he starts, gazing at your intertwined hands. “Getting praises left and right for how I looked was great for a while, it boosted my confidence a lot. But at some point, it got too much,” he looks at you, “It felt like my appearance was the only thing that mattered. No one knew me and no one took the time to get to know me. One look at my face and they thought that that was all they needed from me. I got validation for my looks rather than for who I was as a person.”

Jaehyun draws in a breath, “It just wasn't fulfilling. And I felt pressured to look good all the time. I just knew it wasn’t for me then.”

You stare at him, studying his features. Who would’ve known that his appearance gave him such huge burden at some point. Yet you understand where he's coming from, relating all too well what it feels like to have to put up a front all the time.

Jaehyun is about to say something next and you’re sure it’s something that will change the topic altogether, but you don’t let him just yet because you had to let him know.

“You’re way more than your appearance, Jae.” He trails his eyes on you then, lifting his head up for the first time. “Way way more than your looks. You’re kind, you’re intelligent, you’re hardworking and you’re good at taking care of people around you. Not to mention, your touring skills too.” Jaehyun’s eyes on you don’t falter for even a second and you avoid his gaze by resting your head on his shoulder. “I wish people could see that, how great of a person you really are.”

“You mean that?”

“Mhm. I really do.”

Jaehyun stares out into the river feeling his chest a lot lighter, never really knowing it had been that heavy in the first place. Everyone had insecurities and what Jaehyun had just spoken of, was definitely his. For so long, he'd been carrying it with him, everywhere he went, everything he did, feeling like nobody really saw him from the inside out.

Until now. Until you.

And that was definitely the tipping point for him.

The final push that made him so sure he was definitely falling for you.

“What do you think will happen to us next year?” Jaehyun asks softly, playing with your fingers. “You know this unspoken no-contact-with-each-other rule is getting really hard.”

Jaehyun sounds like he’s joking but you know he’s serious. If you were being honest, it was taking its toll on you too. The past year had consisted of mornings with thoughts of Jaehyun and wondering and asking how he might be doing. You were at home, not even in Budapest yet you still thought of him almost every single day. But the idea of not having contact with Jaehyun seemed more ideal because it meant this whole thing didn’t demand any sort of commitment. It was a one time thing during a specific time of year. It also meant limiting the chances of a potential heartbreak because if you were going to be very very honest with yourself, a whole day with Jaehyun was enough for you to unconsciously become attached.

“I was thinking of maybe going to another country,” you answer finally after so long, weighing all your what ifs and possible outcomes of what you’re about to say. “You know my dad, I think my dad’s been more open-minded to me traveling and seeing the world now.”

“Yeah?”

You nod against his shoulder, “Mhm. Remember how I told you it took my brother years and years to finally convince my parents to let him live abroad? Well, my dad sat down with over coffee a few months back and said he really likes seeing me talk about my travels. He said it’s probably the happiest he’s ever seen me.”

Jaehyun is smiling at you when you lift your head off his shoulder, “And I was thinking I could go somewhere else so that I'd have a different country to talk to him about.” It was a shallow reason but not exactly a lie. Your dad had been hesitant of letting you go, much like Jaehyun’s parents, but the more you left home every year, the more lenient and supportive he had become in allowing you to fly. It sparked hope in you, that these travels would be the key for you to ease them into realising that maybe staying at home forever and working at a place you've known all your life wasn't exactly what you wanted.

But the bigger reason why you didn’t want to come back to this place that had become your ultimate favourite had something to do with the past week in Jaehyun’s absence. Everywhere here reminded you of him and there were too much memories in all the places you walk by, too much memories of a person who probably was just as unsure as you as to where this whole thing between you was heading towards. You were only beginning to figure out your life and you weren’t confident you needed one more thing that needed figuring out on your list.

“I’m really happy for you y/n,” Jaehyun says genuinely but a question lingers in his mind. Where was he in the picture? “Do you have your eyes set somewhere in particular?”

You shake your head because you had no clue, besides, you had only made up your mind just there. “Not yet, no.”

Jaehyun purses his lips together in a thin line as he falls silent. Was he expecting too much? Because the utter disappointment certainly felt like it. “So, I guess I won’t be seeing you next year then?”

His voice breaks your heart because his words come out in a bare whisper, sounding more like a statement for himself rather than a question for you.

“Jae–”

“It’s alright.”

It really wasn't, but in his eyes, you didn't need to know that. You were under no obligation to see him despite how he felt for you and maybe your decision would be the best for the two of you.

“Can you just, come here?” Jaehyun asks extending his arm out, beckoning you to come and rest against him. You follow, leaning into him until you’re comfortably pressed up against his side, his arm around your waist keeping you secure. Jaehyun exhales a breath, a small and brief fog getting lost in the air. “I hope you had fun today, y/n, I did.”

“Jae please don’t.”

You’ve made your decision but you were definitely not ready for a goodbye yet.   You take your head off of his shoulder so that you can look at him, his sad eyes a reminder of what awaits tomorrow. Your eyes are reflected on his and they appear just as miserable as his. You lean forward until your forehead touches with his, taking in what’s left of your time together. You feel the warmth of his breath on your skin and suddenly you're too aware of how close you both are to each other. So when you pull away, your eyes drift to his lips just as his are on yours.

And you feel like you're going to regret it forever if you don’t do what your brain’s telling you to do. So you shut your eyes and lean in close, until your lips meet with his, time standing still, bodies warming at the contact.

Jaehyun reciprocates the kiss, shifting his hands so that one keeps you still by nape, one caressing your jaw. If Jaehyun couldn’t tell you with words how much he wanted you to stay, he hoped he could express it in the kiss that makes his head spin and his heart hammer against his ribcage.

Because he wanted nothing more but to keep seeing you, even if it meant waiting another year.

But it mustn’t have been enough.

Because you don’t change your mind.

And you still leave the next day, without any promise of a next year to look forward to.

Winter five.

It feels unusual not to be in the same place for the fifth winter in a row but at the same time, it feels good to be somewhere you’ve never been, all the places you have yet to see, endless. The grand city of Paris known as the city of lights, well recognised for its exquisite cuisine, unique culture and historic monuments, but also known as the city of love. You’ve researched a tonne of information prior to landing and the word “love” related to the city intrigues you the most. The internet and travel brochures list many reasons as to why Paris is indeed the city of love but being here now, having strolled down the Champs Elysees and having followed the River Seine along its path, you could definitely feel and see why it was recognised as a romantic city. In almost every direction you looked, couples were scattered everywhere, holding hands, taking pictures of one another, sharing a laugh. Love was all around and it wasn’t even Valentine’s day. You feel loved too because you’re greeted with smiles as you walk past people, making your insides warm and fuzzy.

But there’s also that feeling too.

You miss him.

And you can’t get the image of him from that night out of your head because he was smiling yet his eyes spoke of a different story. No matter how much you try to push him out of your thoughts, even going as far as picking some place else as to avoid him, it was almost impossible because your subconscious had developed this habit of naturally looking for him the moment you stepped on a plane to fly off to somewhere. Maybe picking Paris was a mistake because now you were imagining what it would be like to see the view from up the Eiffel Tower with him. After all, the greatest views of your life have so far been shared with him. And to think that Paris is indeed the city of love... you couldn't help but wonder if this trip would have been more meaningful if you hand’t been so scared that night.

You catch yourself sighing again as you turn the page of your book, your half empty cup of coffee sitting in front of you on a table that overlooks the River Seine. Brené Brown says that “vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” You lift your eyes off the page and contemplate, letting your eyes wander over the crystals on the river that shine as a result of the sun’s rays shining on the surface. Vulnerability. Weakness. Courage. These three words ring in your head and though very different from one another, seem to complement each other very well.

Vulnerability.

What was it like to be vulnerable? You sit and contemplate and come to the conclusion after minutes of trying to recall times where you have been vulnerable, that in fact, no memory comes to mind. With this discovery, comes the realisation that you had so much inside of you to unpack, so much emotions repressed deep down and so much issues that needed to be addressed and talked about. Vulnerability suddenly seemed so daunting to you because it meant letting people in and you weren’t certain you wanted to allow that yet. You’ve been putting up your walls so high all your life that it’s horrifying to even think about lowering them down even just a tiny bit.

Your train of thought gets interrupted with the shrill ringing of your phone. You’re quick to fish it out of your bag and slide the green button across the screen just in time to hear you dad’s voice on the other line. “Hey, dad.”

“Hey sweetheart, how’s Paris?” He sounds excited to hear from you, you can literally hear him smiling through the phone.

He makes you smile genuinely, as if what you were thinking seconds prior to this phone call didn't just make you contemplate your whole life altogether. “Paris is great. Absolutely beautiful dad, I wish you could come and visit sometime.”

He chuckles on the line and you can imagine the wrinkles on the corner of his eyes appear. “That would be great. I can’t wait to hear all of your stories when you get back.”

“In three days dad, I’ll see you in three days,” you reply, the thought of going back neither making you happy nor sad.

There’s a long pause that follows before your dad speaks again. “Everything alright sweetheart?”

Everything was alright. But it didn’t really feel like it.

“Y-yeah. Just, uhh, thinking.”

You hear shuffling in the background followed by a quiet sound of a door opening and closing and you figure your dad had just gone out to the patio, his favourite part of the house back home, most likely looking upwards to see if there were any stars visible in his night sky.

“Listen love, I know you fly back in three days, but no rush okay? Take as much time as you need,” he reassures and somehow he’s unintentionally lifted so much weight off of your chest, the sincerity coated with a hint of worry in his voice triggering your waterworks. “Take all the time you need to think. We owe you at least that. I’ll deal with your mom.”

“Dad.”

“Alright I gotta go. Stay safe and take lots of pictures! Love you.”

Weakness.

Your parents were your absolute weakness, and possibly the biggest hindrances to all the things that your heart would’ve desired. You could never imagine breaking their hearts, that was the absolute last thing you’d ever want to do. That’s why you think you’ve been living such a sheltered life with no risks, no boundaries overstepped and certainly no rules broken. You’ve been programmed to portray the image of the most perfect child to your parents that even the thought of disappointing them makes you grimace and your chest tighten. They take pride in you, always showing you and all the things you’ve achieved, off to friends and family and the absolute perfect person they know you to be.

But why wasn’t it fulfilling at all?

Love was making your loved ones happy, wasn’t it?

You’ve known nothing all your life but to put family first and now that your dad was pushing you to spend time away from them and dedicate it to yourself, you’re beginning to think that maybe you hadn't been so discreet with what you’ve worked so hard to hide. Now that he was urging you to put yourself first, it felt like abandoning everything you’ve known all your life and starting on a clean, blank slate. He definitely saw something you didn't.

But where do you even begin?

“Oh my God I can’t believe you’re here!” You shriek as you see a familiar man standing by the revolving doors by the entrance of your hotel. You pick up your pace and run to the person you haven’t seen in so long, tears almost brimming your eyes as you find yourself crushed in a tight hug.

Your brother laughs against your shoulder, tightening his hug, “And I can’t believe you didn't tell me you were in Paris? Which is literally what? Right beside where I am?”

You hug him some more before you finally let go of him, eyeing him from head to toe, unconsciously picking out on things that have changed over the years, but much to your surprise, you don’t find any. “How did you know?”

Kun chuckles, “Mom called.”

You roll your eyes playfully, “Of course.”

“She’s just worried about you,” Kun defends.

“When is she not?”

“Feisty as always,” Kun comments, ruffling your hair.

Kun fills you in on what’s been happening in his life in the years he’s been away from home. He tells you all about Berlin and how much he loves it there, how in love he is with work and how different but magnificent the place is. He looks happy, really happy, the happiest you’ve ever seen him in all the years you’ve lived with each other and with your parents. As you listen to him gush about his plans and a possible promotion in Denmark over brunch and warm croissants, you can’t help but feel a wave of admiration for him. Growing up, Kun has always been your role model. Not in a sense that he always pleased your parents, because growing up, Kun, despite having good grades and never getting in trouble, he and your parents were just never on the same page when it came to talks of the future. You admired him because from the very beginning, he always knew what he wanted and sought and fought for it even if it meant hurting those who loved him the most.

“Earth to y/n?” Kun waves a hand in front of your face when he sees you’ve zoned out, your food half touched.

You blink a couple of times before you’re able to refocus on your brother again, “Sorry. What were you saying?”

Kun shakes his head with a smile, “I was asking how mom and dad are at home.”

“They’re okay. Still the same,” you reply and hope it would suffice but the way Kun is looking at you tells you he needed more. “The pharmacies are doing okay. Mom and dad say business is as at its best right now. That’s pretty much what they’re still up to.”

“Mom still as uptight as ever?”

You nod, smiling, “Yeah. She hasn’t changed one bit.”

“Expected that one,” Kun agrees teasingly. “And dad?”

“Dad’s been..” you start, remembering your phone call with him yesterday. “He’s been okay, still goofy.”

“You know dad’s been telling me about your yearly travels,” Kun admits, his tone of voice shifting to a more serious one, taking a sip from his water. “How come you didn't tell me? I know you have my number. And if it weren’t for mom, I would’ve never known you were so close.”

You sigh, dropping your knife and fork on the table, “I know, I’m sorry. It’s just I didn't know what to say or how to tell you. I didn’t even really understand what I was getting myself into. I just.. wanted to go away.”

“Well I can’t say I'm not surprised given I know what you’re like,” Kun says. If there was one person who had known you best, it would be him. “But hell, y/n, I'm so happy for you? I really really am. It mustn’t have been easy leaving on your own like that.”

“You make it sound like I’m a baby, Kun.”

“You know that’s not what I mean.” Kun leans forward and crosses his arms on the table so that he can rest his weight on it. “What I meant was that, growing up, you were always working so hard to please mom and dad. You always prioritised what they wanted more than anything else and I think in that process, you forgot all about what you wanted. So much that you don’t even know what you actually want because you’ve never had the time to actually think about it.”

Kun’s eyes are sincere and his words even more so. “Dad’s been worrying about you, you know. And not in the way that mom is, like you know with your safety and all that during your travels. But with your life in general.. He’s worried he hasn’t been a great parent to you, that he never really took the time to listen to you or what you wanted.” Kun pauses and releases a sigh, “Dad.. I think he knows you’re not happy at home, y/n.”

Right on instinct, even at this moment, you’re thinking about how horrible your dad must feel for seeing right through all the layers to conceal the truth.

“Was it..” you pause, thinking if it’s the right question to ask but Kun is gazing at you tenderly, just needing his little sister to voice what’s on her mind.

“Was it hard leaving home?”

Kun smiles, “It was harder proving to them I didn't want to stay.” You nod slowly, recounting the endless fights and arguments Kun had with your parents, getting the worst end of it from your mom. “Because I love them to pieces and I saw how much it broke their hearts when I told them.”

“Yeah?”

“And of course, it was hard leaving you too,” he teases, breaking the atmosphere that had almost become suffocating.

You roll your eyes, “You don’t have to lie.”

Kun just laughs, his shoulders shaking as he does before he falls silent again with you, the distant chatters of people in the café filling your ears.

“You should give it a thought, y/n,” he suggests, making you look up from your plate. “About what you want. Mom and dad.. they’ll be okay. Sooner or later they’re going to realise you were made for so much more. And they’re going to be okay with it, because more than anything, they love you and love means letting go too.”

You spend the rest of the day goofing around with your older brother, waves of nostalgia hitting you when it takes you back to older and simpler times. You take lots of pictures together and send it to your parents to which they’re more than ecstatic to receive, your mom’s worries and concerns easing slightly with the knowledge you were with family. Kun teases you nonstop about not having a boyfriend but his teasing backfires when he realises he’s single too, pretending to weep about it in the end. You wonder if you’d tell him about Jaehyun but decide against it knowing more questions would unfold at the mere mention of his name.

“Will you please get in touch with me and stop ignoring my calls and texts?” Kun pleads the next day when you bring him to the airport. “I want to know my sister’s whereabouts too and what she’s up to.”

You laugh as you embrace him for the last time, “I don’t want you tagging along though if I do though.”

“Rude.”

“I’ll pick up your calls, I promise.”

Kun pulls back from the hug and grips you by the shoulders to take one good look at you, “If only my schedule allowed me to stay longer, one day wasn’t enough.”

You smile at him reassuringly, “It’s okay. There’ll be plenty more trips in the future,” he raises his brows at you and gives you a knowing look, “that I promise I will let you know of.”

Kun smiles immediately and pats your head, “Good. Enjoy your last two days okay? And think about what I said.”

You nod eagerly, feeling relieved to have had that conversation with Kun yesterday. “I will. Have a safe flight.”

“Love you.”

When you walk along the River Seine once again, you notice many things along the bridges you didn’t notice before, paintings and artists being some of them. It makes you stop in your step when a particular painting of the Eiffel Tower, located just behind where this particular stand is, catches your eye. It’s a painting of the tower at night, the thousands of lightbulbs lighting up and glistening in the painting with the dashes of yellows and oranges just like it would in real life. You’re tilting your head to the side to really figure out what it is about this painting, besides its perfection, that has you so captivated and feeling some sort of way. You must be staring for so long because the man that’s running the stand approaches you and says something you don’t quite hear the first time around.

“Can I help you, miss?” he asks again in French to which you politely decline with your limited vocabulary.

The sun has fully set when you climb the Eiffel Tower, braving the cold winds to gape at the view below you. It’s all so breathtaking, the way all the lights fall into place, shedding incandescence in all the right places. You can see the river stretch on for miles on end, the buildings that try to rise as high as the Eiffel and the roads that lead to anywhere and everywhere. It’s so gorgeous that you know, even as you take your camera out of your bag, that no photo could ever capture just how magnificent it all was. You give up trying to capture the perfect picture after taking three, choosing to just stop and marvel at the view some more.

Courage.

You don’t have any recollection of moments you’ve been courageous, the closest that comes to mind is probably when you had to stand up in front of an entire lecture hall to give a presentation about the causes and consequences of the rise and fall of economies back in university, or maybe that time you broke it to your parents that you had flights booked for Budapest on a whim, something that up to this day, surprises you greatly they actually let you go. But nothing significant or life changing sticks out, nothing worth giving yourself a pat on the back for accompanied with the words “I’m proud of myself.” You suddenly begin to feel so small then, one big question resonating in your head.

What had you accomplished?

“God, I should’ve known I'd find you here.”

You carry on with your business, turning on your heels to see what the view might be like on the other end of the railing, not really wanting to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation, your distance to them too close you could hear everything.

“You’ve always liked your views.”

Still too close so you keep walking.

“Y/n.”

You freeze. It couldn’t be.

But it really is.

Because when you turn around, Jaehyun is there, eyes set on you with that same smile you can’t stop thinking about.

Your face must have given away how shocked you feel internally because you see Jaehyun chuckling. “What are you...” you can’t even find your voice because it’s as if all the thinking about Jaehyun day and night has actually brought him here to you.

Jaehyun takes a step forward and he sees you flinch, really confirming that he really is real. He stops there in his spot, afraid that if he advanced any further, he’d scare you away completely.

“Look y/n, hear me out. I just need you to listen, okay?” Jaehyun takes a deep breath and that’s when you realise that he’s breathless.

“I don’t know how to say this– but, I�� I, like you y/n. And if I'm going to be very honest, I’m pretty sure I’m in love with you. Which I know sounds crazy considering the short amount of time we’ve spent with each other. But I know, I just know and it’s taken me so long to figure out what to do because I've never even felt this before and I don’t want to scare you away, that’s the last thing I want to do–”

If there were to be a good time to be courageous it would definitely be now and you’re sure you were going to thank yourself later.

In the middle of Jaehyun’s messy confession, your legs take over, bringing you right to him, circle your arms around his neck and prevent him from uttering yet another coherent sentence by kissing him. He pulls you close just in time to confirm this was indeed your reality, that he wasn’t just in your thoughts anymore, that he really was here kissing you too.

For the first time ever, you felt courageous and it felt so liberating.

The heavens pour just when you reach the bottom of the Eiffel Tower and you’re a laughing mess with Jaehyun as you scurry under the rain to get to your hotel, which, you’re thankful is just close by. You’re drenched to the skin when you reach the reception of your hotel, the two of you leaving a little trail of water on the shiny marble floors. You shoot the receptionist an apologetic smile before pulling Jaehyun to the side.

“Whereabouts are you staying?” you ask out of curiosity, gathering up all your hair on top of one shoulder.

Jaehyun smiles bashfully, a hand flying upwards to rub his nape, “Actually... about that.”

“What?” You squint your eyes at him.

“I don’t know yet.”

“What do you mean you don’t know yet?”

Jaehyun swipes his tongue over his lower lip and stuffs his balled palms into the pockets of his wet jeans. “Well, this is actually the fifth country I've been to the past two weeks and I was gonna stop looking for you here–” he purses his lips to stop. “I, I must have forgotten to book myself a hotel and the airlines apparently lost my luggage today.”

You gaze at him in awe, droplets of water dripping down the side of his face, your body warm and your insides even warmer. You can’t suppress the smile that’s getting bigger on your face.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“You are one crazy man, Jaehyun.”

But as crazy as he is, you give him shelter for the night, pulling him by the hand to your hotel room. If Jaehyun liked to steal glances at you before, he surely loved to stare at you now, even as you’re using the hairdryer to dry his clothes. You don’t reciprocate his gaze because he was currently half naked with a towel wrapped around his waist. It takes another thirty minutes for his clothes to dry, just enough time for you to finally breathe now that he isn’t smiling at you.

Jaehyun had suggested to take the sofa for the night and you’re quick to say no when you realise that the sofa is literally half his height. His would suffer in the morning having to compromise his height like that the whole night. So that’s how you end up face to face with him on your single bed, faces and bodies just inches away from each other’s, warm and cozy under the sheets. He’s playing with strands of your hair (that has since dried) and it almost lulls you to sleep, if it weren’t for everything you wanted to say to him.

“I think I finally know what I want to do, Jae,” you mumble, your lids closed as he continues the ministrations of his fingers on your hair.

“Yeah? Enlighten me.”

“I want to paint.”

Memories of your childhood replay in your head, the long forgotten hobby re-igniting a spark of passion within you. No wonder the painting by the river earlier captivated you so much, it reminded you of something you had once felt so passionate about.

When Jaehyun doesn’t say anything and when he stops playing with your hair, you open your eyes to find him smiling at you, dimples showing, gaze on you soft, his happiness for you literally written on his face. So you scoot closer just as he welcomes you into his arms, feeling like you’re  right in the place you’re meant to be.

“You are amazing,” he breathes.

“It’s taken me twenty five years to figure out what I want to do with my life Jae, what part of that is amazing?” you muse, tracing your index finger on his forehead to swipe a piece of hair away.  

“And it’s taken me twenty six years to figure out what I want in mine,” Jaehyun chuckles. “That’s one year later than you. I think you’re doing a pretty great job y/n.”

You stare up at him, let your eyes linger on every single one of his features, your finger tracing the soft of his skin. He was even more beautiful up close. Jaehyun watches you closely, studying your expression of awe. Little do you know he had the exact same thoughts as you having you this close to him.

“Jae can we talk about what you said in the tower earlier?”

Jaehyun avoids your gaze and rests his forehead on yours, cuddling you even closer. “Please don’t remind me. That was not how I intended to confess, I swear.”

“But was it true? That you’re, you’re?”

“Yeah, it’s true. I am.”

“Jae look at me,” you say, cupping his cheek. “Please?”

So he opens his eyes and for a brief moment, you swear you see his pupils dilate when he gazes at you. Taking a deep breath, Jaehyun finally finishes off what he had started earlier but not before seeking approval from your eyes which he receives almost immediately.

“I realised that what I've wanted my whole life was to be understood, y/n, just for someone, anyone, to really see me. And I didn’t even realise I wanted that until you saw right through me.” Jaehyun was definitely something else.

“Remember what you said to me last year by the river? That I was so much more than my appearance, that I was way more than what people perceived me to be? I, I didn’t know I needed to hear that until I did. And that’s when I knew, you ripped the words right out of my mouth because finally, someone understood.” Jaehyun smiles softly at you, eyes unmoving the whole time he speaks.

“Someone finally saw me,” he finishes. “You saw me.”

In the silence of your thoughts and in the comfort of Jaehyun’s confession, you let yourself be brave one more time and allow yourself to fall, fall for the beautiful person he is through and through.

The word vulnerable reappears in your head along with the memory of Jaehyun asking the right questions to lead you to what you’ve learned about yourself in the past couple of weeks, maybe even the past few years. With every question came with some sort of an answer that led you closer to discovering just what you might really want in your life. And it gets you thinking that maybe you have been vulnerable before. Once you began looking for Jaehyun, was the exact same time you let him in.

You kept looking for him everywhere because with him, everything seemed to make more sense.

And even though you didn’t have the right words to tell him that for now, you hope that your lips would suffice for now, leaning upwards to catch his soft lips with yours, silently letting him know you felt the same way.

No words would be enough to describe how alive you feel, how alive Jaehyun makes you feel, awakening parts of you that have slept for far too long.

Jaehyun was indeed way more than his good looks. Jaehyun was gentle, honest and sincere, you felt it all in the way he smiled, the way he talked and in the way he kissed you. He was the living definition of ethereal, and his beauty shone the most on the inside.

“Come back to Korea with me,” Jaehyun murmurs when you pull away, keeping yourself warm and safe in his embrace. “My friend’s getting married and I need a date. I want you to be my date.”

You laugh heartily, the sound echoing in the room.

“I would love to be your date, Jae.”

You were definitely not returning home just yet.

[veghelyicsaba]

Exploring Budapest and Beyond: Renting a Private Car with Driver for Your Family Vacation

Budapest, Hungary's enchanting capital, is a city steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking architecture. While there's much to explore within the city limits, the surrounding areas also offer a wealth of attractions and scenic beauty. For families looking to make the most of their vacation, renting a private car with a driver in Budapest is an ideal way to travel comfortably and conveniently to nearby locations.

Why Rent a Private Car with a Driver?

Renting a private car with a driver offers several advantages, especially for families:

Comfort and Convenience: Traveling with children can be challenging, but having a private car ensures a stress-free and comfortable journey. You can travel at your own pace, take breaks whenever needed, and enjoy the privacy of your own vehicle.

Local Expertise: A professional driver with local knowledge can provide valuable insights, recommend hidden gems, and navigate the best routes. This allows you to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about directions or traffic.

Customized Itinerary: Unlike group tours, a private car rental allows you to create a personalized itinerary. Whether you want to visit historical sites, enjoy nature, or explore charming towns, you can tailor your trip to suit your family’s interests and schedule.

Safety and Reliability: Professional drivers prioritize your safety and comfort. The vehicles are well-maintained, and drivers are experienced, ensuring a smooth and reliable travel experience.

Top Nearby Locations to Explore

Budapest is surrounded by numerous attractions that are perfect for day trips. Here are some must-visit destinations:

Szentendre: A picturesque town known for its art galleries, museums, and charming streets. Szentendre is just a short drive from Budapest and offers a delightful mix of culture and history. Don’t miss the open-air SzentendreSkanzen Village Museum, which showcases traditional Hungarian village life.

Visegrád: Located along the Danube River, Visegrád is famous for its medieval citadel and stunning panoramic views. The Visegrád Castle, once a royal residence, offers fascinating insights into Hungary's history.

Gödöllő: Home to the magnificent Gödöllő Palace, the former residence of Queen Elisabeth (Sisi) of Hungary. The palace, with its beautiful gardens and opulent rooms, provides a glimpse into royal life.

Eger: Known for its historic architecture, thermal baths, and wine cellars, Eger is a charming town in the Bükk Mountains. The Eger Castle and the Valley of the Beautiful Women, a wine lover’s paradise, are highlights not to be missed.

Lake Balaton: Often referred to as the "Hungarian Sea," Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. It’s an ideal destination for swimming, sailing, and enjoying the scenic beauty. The lakeside towns of Tihany and Balatonfüred offer cultural attractions and delightful dining options.

Tips for Renting a Private Car with a Driver

When planning to rent a private car with a driver in Budapest, consider the following tips:

Book in Advance: To ensure availability and secure the best rates, it’s advisable to book your private car and driver in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Check Reviews and Credentials: Choose a reputable car rental service with positive reviews and ensure the drivers are licensed and experienced.

Specify Your Needs: Communicate your family’s specific needs, such as the number of passengers, luggage requirements, and any special requests. This will help the rental service provide the most suitable vehicle.

Plan Your Itinerary: While spontaneity can be fun, having a rough itinerary will help you make the most of your time. Discuss your plans with the driver, who can offer suggestions and optimize your route.

Understand the Costs: Clarify the cost structure, including any additional charges for tolls, parking, or extended hours. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that you understand the payment terms.

Making Memories on the Road

Renting a private car with a driver for your family vacation in Budapest allows you to explore the city's surroundings with ease and flexibility. Whether you're wandering through the artistic streets of Szentendre, marveling at the medieval splendor of Visegrád, or relaxing by the shores of Lake Balaton, a private car offers the freedom to create unforgettable memories.

Embrace the adventure and enjoy the journey, knowing that every detail is taken care of by a professional driver, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with your family and discovering the beauty of Hungary.

Car Service Budapest - We offer door-to-door private transfers with sightseeing & tourist stop options between Budapest and Vienna, and across the Central-European area at best prices.

[youngfreckle]

Some crazy shit I’ve been apart of while visiting Europe

-Came out of the metro in Paris and walked right into a yellow jacket riot. Scary but remarkably controlled. Parisian police all carry MP5s and are in full riot gear

-Was interviewed, recorded, and put on the Norwegian news for being the first in line for a seasonal ferry that brings life back into the isolated community of Gryllefjord after 9.5 months of darkness

-Experienced the devastating heatwave in Chamonix that created a never seen before lake on the Mont Blanc glacier and is now contributing to the mass melt of the glacier

-Watched authorities rescue the sunken boat and the lost bodies in Hungary from the Danube River boat accident that killed over 25 Koreans

-Was apart of a crowd of over 1,500 people watching the astrological clock in Prague turn to the hour. The clock was first installed in 1410!!! and is still the same it was back then making it the oldest operating clock in the world!

-Met a couple from Hawaii when I was in Italy that the husband told me his wife was the first nurse at the hospital to see Amanda Eller, the yoga teacher who went missing in Maui after going on a hike but was later rescued. (This was big news for like a month in the US) Turns out she didn’t just get “lost” but in fact she was tripping hard on mushrooms and walked the other way into the woods on her own, unlike what all the news reports state about her going missing. Thus, her claim that it was a “spiritual experience” is probably true.. look it up.

-Got pulled over by two smoking hot Austrian female cops (like literally the Baywatch of cops) that ran out from BEHIND a building and WAVED my car and the car behind me off the road and told us to pay them money right then and there because them “having to do paperwork would not be in our best interest” and “speeding tickets in Colorado are way more expensive.” Corrupt? Yes. Btw we were NOT speeding, but there was no arguing with those scary hot babes ESPECIALLY when your German is garbage.

-While in Switzerland I got to witness on several occasions the running of the beautiful ladies (female cows) dressed up in ribbons and flower crowns, and cleaned and brushed to perfection, marching orderly down the street. The ladies marching from tip to tail in a line, never getting distracted by the mass of people that line the streets to cheer them on and marvel at them.

-Stumbled out of a park in Bavaria right into a traditional German concert where everyone was dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, including all the spectators.

-The first time I saw complete darkness on my trip after getting out of northern Scandinavia was in Copenhagen (although it was only for 4-5ish hours). I had complete daylight for almost a month and it shocked my body (eye blinders are LIFE). Nordic humans are remarkable and their countries are the best in Europe btw.

-Took over 30 ferries in Norway, traveling the entire country north to south.

-In the Czech Republic, I watched a woman defecate in front of me, wipe her ass with leaves, and then pass out on the bench adjacent from me in a park.

-In another park story this time in Copenhagen, I watched a pack of 13 dudes roll into a park, spread out, whip out their dicks and start peeing. After 30 seconds or so their pack leader gave out a long whistle and then all the bros zipped up their pants and joined him and rolled out of the park as fast as they came into the park.

-In Germany, anytime you get onto one of their highways, cars will blast past you in the left going as fast as their motors can possibly go and yes everyone drives German made vehicles like Audi, BMW, VW, Porsche, and Mercedes so they go fucking fast.

[roomchailimited]

Schengen Wonders: From Budapest to Bucharest with Roomchai Limited

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, starting in the vibrant city of Budapest and ending in the historic streets of Bucharest. With the expertise of Roomchai Limited and other top Bangladeshi travel agencies like Obokash and ShareTrip, you can explore the wonders of the Schengen area with ease. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your trip.

Journey Overview

Starting your adventure from Dhaka, this trip covers two iconic capitals, each offering unique experiences. Roomchai Limited, along with Obokash and ShareTrip, provides packages that include flights, accommodations, and guided tours, ensuring a smooth and enriching journey.

Visa Requirements: For Bangladeshi passport holders, a Schengen visa is required. Roomchai Limited offers comprehensive visa support, making the process straightforward.

Stop 1: Budapest, Hungary

Getting There: Direct flights from Dhaka to Budapest take approximately 12 hours. Roomchai Limited often has great deals on flights, so keep an eye out for special offers.

Must-See Attractions:

Fisherman’s Bastion: Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. This fairytale-like structure is a photographer’s paradise.

Heroes’ Square: Discover Hungary's rich history through impressive statues and monuments.

Central Market Hall: Explore local produce, souvenirs, and Hungarian delicacies.

Danube River Cruise: Experience Budapest’s stunning architecture from the water, especially beautiful at night.

Local Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like paprika chicken and dobos torte. Explore Budapest’s diverse food scene, from street food to fine dining.

Traveling to Bucharest

From Budapest, travel to Bucharest via train or a short flight. Trains offer breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains, making the journey an experience in itself.

Stop 2: Bucharest, Romania

Top Attractions:

The Arch of Triumph: A symbol of Romanian independence, perfect for a photo op.

Stavropoleos Monastery: A serene oasis in the bustling city, featuring beautiful Byzantine architecture.

National Museum of Art: Explore Romanian art from medieval to modern times.

Bucharest Botanical Garden: A peaceful retreat featuring a vast collection of plants and flowers.

Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on ciorbă (sour soup) and cozonac (sweet bread). The city’s vibrant culinary scene offers both traditional and modern dining experiences.

Travel Tips

Currency: Hungary uses the Forint (HUF) and Romania uses the Leu (RON). It’s advisable to exchange currency in advance.

Language: While English is common in tourist areas, learning a few phrases in Hungarian and Romanian can enhance your interactions.

Transport: Both cities have excellent public transport systems. Consider purchasing transport passes for unlimited travel.

Why Choose Roomchai Limited?

Roomchai Limited offers tailored packages with a focus on Bangladeshi travelers, providing personalized service and attention to detail. Their packages often include unique experiences, making your journey memorable. While competitors like Obokash and ShareTrip also offer excellent services, Roomchai’s customer-centric approach sets them apart.

Conclusion

Exploring Eastern Europe’s hidden gems from Budapest to Bucharest is a captivating experience. With the help of Roomchai Limited, along with other top travel agencies, your journey will be seamless and unforgettable. Dive into the rich cultures, histories, and cuisines of these remarkable cities and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your adventure today with Roomchai Limited and discover the magic of Eastern Europe!