There are many people who want to visit Germany but are reluctant to do so, as most of the tours being offered online are just variations of the same themes – visit landmarks, tour the countryside, take in the culture by watching arranged presentations- the works. Many travelers avoid these formula tours, and instead make their own research about the country they intend to visit, plan the places they would see, then make the necessary arrangements themselves. This is a much better way, as one avoids being forced to endure tiring and boring forays, the time and money for which could be better spent on more productive pursuits. In Germany, as elsewhere, there a lot of things one can do, aside from the activities being aggressively promoted by the tour operators. One can try the dark-themed underground tours, or a tech tour where the object is to visit the plants of world-renowned German companies, such as Adidas and Volkswagen. Or if you want something really fun and productive, a Christmas Market tour.

You might have heard about the German Christmas Market, a centuries-old tradition which was believed to have started in the 1620s and which continue to be observed by the Germans today. What you should do is schedule your trip to Germany around December, when the Christmas Markets are open. To make your vacation a real and unique treat, you should plan a trip that will cover as many Christmas Markets as you can during your stay. This means that you’ll plan your trip not just around one or two cities, but all the major ones that has great Christmas Markets, from Berlin all the way to Munich, Cologne and Hamburg, including towns in between. Your vacation will thus become a huge shopping trip.

Doing your Christmas shopping for gifts on your trip to Germany is an excellent way to steer clear of the usual presents you give your loved ones yearly. The Christmas markets that start to emerge around the end of November offer wide selection of products that are uniquely German, such as marionettes, lambskin shoes, crib figurines, glass artworks, nutcrackers, toys and many more. Each market offers produce distinct to each region, and with Christmas bazaars in all corners of the country, that means endless possibilities for really adventurous shoppers. Whatever plans you may make, be sure to include in your itinerary the Berlin Christmas market. It is the most popular one with nearly a million visitors attending it every year, but despite the flood of shoppers, you’ll surely appreciate spending some time in this place, as you get to feel the festive atmosphere of the markets as well as find new products that are just being introduced by manufacturers.

Amid your shopping, don’t forget to take in the authentic German traditions and celebrations that are being held to make each German Christmas Market more memorable and unique. Relive the Pied Piper’s path in Hamelin, where the old fashioned Christmas market is held in ancient streets filled with half-timbered buildings, much like as it were in the popular legend. The nativity scene (creche) here is unique, too, as it is actually a petting zoo, which will surely bring much fun for kids. More fun for the kids awaits you in Heidelberg, as activities like baking cookies and making candles are held especially for them. You may find it tiring going to the different Christkindlsmarkt locations, but the rare opportunity to experience something really unique  is quite worth it.

Marice Willard is a travel writer who writes for Zencarhire.com  -  Zen car hire offer cheap car hire in 17,000 location worldwide. Why not make the most of your time in Germany and book your car hire Germany today!