Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget

December has arrived. The trees have shed their leaves, the temperature has dropped, and the decorations have been erected. Germany celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm and passion exhibited through Christmas markets throughout the country. And in Berlin, there's no exception. With a huge variety to choose from, here is your guide to 5 of the best Christmas markets in Berlin:

Right up until January 3rd, 2016, Prague will be flooded with holiday cheer and Christmas Markets open to locals and tourists all over the city. These markets are an old tradition originating from Dresden, Germany during the late Middle Ages. They're held outside on the main streets or big city squares. And as many come together to celebrate the holidays, the setting couldn't be more beautiful. With the markets come fun Christmas events in Prague with music, plays, and shows in the open air along with dancing, food, and beverages of all kinds. And don't forget to pick up a few seasonal gifts for your loved ones back home. Find out more on the Christmas markets of Prague:

Of all the ways to explore a new city during your travels, nothing beats a free walking tour. Visiting landmarks with a rich history, listening to authentic tales, and discovering hidden gems only the locals know allow you to cover a lot of ground and expand your knowledge of a particular city within just a few hours. There are hundreds of tours offered free of charge all over the world, so take advantage of falling in love with each new destination you visit. If you never considered it before, here are 5 reasons why you should join a free walking tour:

Sometimes trying to navigate your way through a subway and train network in a new language can be harder than it looks, and Berlin's system (BVG) is no exception. Trains from all over Europe arrive in Berlin's Hauptbahnhof (main train station) every single day. So what do you do when you arrive in the German capital at one of the busiest train stations in the country? Head straight to the closest BVG ticket machine, get yourself an unlimited 48-hour travel card, and start touring!

For those who love the idea of relaxing, taking it easy, and pampering yourself on vacation, consider taking time to treat yourself to a spa day. Travelling can be a great experience: walking, exploring, spontaneous discoveries, carefully planned tours...all of these things are exciting and new. But sometimes travellers don't get enough downtime for themselves and risk going home more exhausted than when they left. And isn't the point of travelling supposed to encourage relaxation and escape from the stress of work and normal life? If you're visiting Prague, consider taking advantage of the abundance of affordable spas scattered around the Czech Republic's capital between sightseeing and tours.