1. A Travel Hack That Saves You Money
Ever landed in Europe, only to find your phone refuses to cooperate or charges you an arm and a leg for roaming? Here’s my go-to workaround: instead of buying a pricey international plan from your carrier, grab a prepaid European eSIM before you go. A recent tour member showed me how to use Airalo to get a week of high-speed data for less than the cost of a single day with my USA mobile provider. No more hunting for Wi-Fi or stressing over surprise charges. It’s a simple switch in your phone’s settings, and you’re online everywhere from Venice’s Piazza San Marco to the backroads of the Serengeti.
P.S. I’ll be trying the Airlo eSIM next month as I travel around Europe’s Christmas Markets. I’ll let you know how it’s going in December.
2. Destination Deep-Dive: Budapest, Hungary—Most People Only See it on a River Cruise
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is quickly rising to the top of my list of Europe’s most picturesque cities. I snapped this image of hilltop Buda, with my cell phone, a couple of months ago on a sightseeing cruise. It is two cities in one, split by the Danube River into two distinct parts: historic Buda on the west and lively Pest on the east. The town is fun, safe, and entertaining all year round; however, in December, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, thanks to its charming Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and warm, festive atmosphere. Here’s your guide to exploring Budapest during the holiday season, ensuring you make the most of its sights, tastes, and Christmas cheer.
3. Behind the Scenes: How I Discover Europe’s Best-Kept Secrets
People often ask how I find the off-the-beaten-path places that end up on my tours. The secret? I talk to locals—taxi drivers, market vendors, and fellow travelers at the next table. I follow my nose (and sometimes my stomach) down alleys, cobbled lanes, and remote villages. I also rely on decades of connections, a bit of curiosity, and a willingness to get lost.
I often say, “I’ve spent years poking around Europe’s nooks and crannies in search of excellent food, good wine, better beer, and sparkling water.
Every time I stumble onto a gem, I test it out myself before ever adding it to a tour. That’s how you end up sipping wine in a centuries-old cellar, discovering a festival you never knew existed, or finding a trucker’s restaurant on the back roads of France.
Exclusive Offer for TTTD Subscribers
Well, I’ve never done this before, but here goes. I have two seats available on two of my upcoming Christmas Market tours. If your plans are flexible, and you can find a flight, MAKE ME AN OFFER! I have a bottom-line number, and it’s many hundreds of dollars below my website rates.
This Member-Only offer is valid through Friday, November 14. Call, text, or email me! 904-612-8149 or david@davidmciffin.com
Ready to Explore Europe with me?
If you’re craving more than the usual sights, explore my small-group tours for 2025 and 2026. Each itinerary promises cultural immersion, local flavor, and plenty of surprises along the way. You’ll never see Europe the same way again.
P.S. Considering the time involved with this TTTD, I’ve decided to roll it our every two weeks. Thanks for joining me, and please pass this along to those you think might be interested. – David
Please note the travel details, promotions, and offers mentioned in this TTT Dispatch are timed and dated and subject to change.