Attracting droves of tourists every year, Europe promises the ancient, the diverse, and the completely fascinating. Most travelers scurry past the major sites and cram in as much as possible in order to get through a list of 'must sees.'

Unfortunately, much is overlooked due to lack of time and money while the infinite unique treasures sometimes hidden for the resourceful traveler remain undiscovered and unappreciated. Not that visits to the key attractions should be dissuaded! On the contrary, I'm simply inviting the European travelers to dig a little deeper into their destination country and find the gems that will make them smile as they recall them even decades later.

Remember and celebrate the taste of a fresh German pretzel, the sweet smell of the air in a Tuscan vineyard, or the baby soft petals in a colorful field of Dutch tulips. Savor an entire spectrum of sensory bliss as you skip from one country to the next, searching for that tiny unique detail that you will fondly relish for the rest of your life.

When pondering European crystal, the Czech Republic or Austria normally comes to mind. Germany, however, holds its own when it comes to the crystal and glass market. Its sleepy town of Bodenmais, near the German/Czech border, snuggles in among the surrounding Bavarian Forest and promises more than just delightfully sparkling treasures.

Scenery fit for a postcard, Bodenmais is as breathtaking as it is full of fun. The little village, which traces its history as far back as 1300, is chock full of crystal and glass shops along its quiet streets. The Joska factory is the highlight – an enormous complex of shops for watching demonstrations, blowing your own glass, savoring a delicious meal, and of course – purchasing exquisite crystal. Joska has a family-friendly atmosphere about it – little hands and feet can explore its Kinderland.

Full of activities, education, and a grand playground, children play safe while the crystal lovers of the family enjoy the delicate wares that the factory has to offer. Not ending its premium customer service at the checkout counter, Joska packs its customer’s finds in cushioning packing paper and study boxes and will even ship internationally, if needed.

There are plenty of other activities in Bodenmais besides those involving glass. What’s crystal without candles to heighten the ambiance? Joska stocks a selection and there are several candle outlets throughout the town. Or handmade wood accents for the home? Bodenmais is home to talented craftsmen. Shopped out? Cross-country skiing is avidly enjoyed in the countryside of Bodenmais.

Stores offer ski rentals for visitors before skiing and more offer hearty meals after enjoying the sport. For a more relaxing experience, explore the Silberburg (Silver Mountain). The mines are not only interesting but provide special therapeutic results to those suffering from respiratory disorders. A myriad of other recommendations can also come from one of many friendly families that run the adorable mountainside bed-and-breakfast homes throughout the town.

Full of dazzling crystal, Bodenmais welcomes both local and international visitors to its quaint paradise. Whether in a 'shop-til-you-drop' or 'just let me relax' mood, Bodenmais beckons you to just breath in the crisp alpine air and enjoy all that awaits.

About the Author

Vicki Landes is the author and photographer of Europe for the Senses, a Photographic Journal. She has been soaking up Europe for the last six years and has visited 42 countries. Learn more at Europe for the Senses

Camping with your kids can be a great experience; what better way to bond than to get away from everyday life and have an adventure? Not only will your children have fun, they’ll learn new skills, take on responsibilities and get fresh air and exercise.

Forward planning, however, is essential. Imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere with the wrong gear or without an important item! This is a guide on what to pack for your camping trip, so you and your kids have a great time away.

The most important thing, as you can probably guess, is a tent! Make sure that your tent is the right size for the number of people going on the trip – it’s uncomfortable to be squashed up together, but there’s no point taking a 6-man tent for 3 people. Remember that you might have to carry your tent for a long way, so take its weight into account.

A good sleeping bag and floor roll are essential for a good night’s sleep. There’s nothing worse than lying down on cold, hard ground! If it’s cold weather, make sure your sleeping bags are well-insulated and your floor roll is thickly padded.

A lantern for those midnight chats or (inevitable) long toilet trips is another must. Get one with a long battery life, and make sure it’s charged!

Be sure to take enough water flasks; each camper should have their own, but they should be the right size. Smaller water flasks will hold enough for your kids but be light enough to carry on long days in the wilderness.
Family first aid kits can be bought in stores, or you can make your own. Make sure to take plasters, antiseptic, scissors, tweezers and paracetamol. A good camping trip is sure to include some insect bites and scrapes but you can ensure happy children by being prepared.

The right clothing is another essential; after all, you’re going to be wearing it all day in all weathers! Children’s waterproofs, walking boots, thick socks and warm fleeces will make sure that your little campers are all wrapped up and happy outdoors.

Make sure everything fits into your rucksack! A good rucksack should be big enough to hold everything, light enough to easily carry, and comfortable enough to have on your back on long walks. Padded straps are great for spreading the load, and a lot of modern rucksacks have handy pouches for water bottles and rings on which to hang compasses and whistles.

You might also want to think about energy bars, for midnight snacks or long treks. When you’re camping you can’t just pop to the fridge, so a supply of food can be a lifesaver when hunger strikes. Bars like Kendal Mint Cake have a lot of calories and are eaten by walkers everywhere.

These are all the basics you’ll need on your camping trip; remember, your kids will be outside for a prolonged length of time, so reliable equipment and clothing is a must. Make sure you buy from a reputable, specialist shop who can give you any extra advice you might need.

About the Author

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