Gift a Foreign Language This Year

We are big fans of giving and getting experiences for the holidays. Not only do we not need anymore stuff, experiences generally let us spend more time together. It's like giving memories. We've given tours, escape rooms, and more over the years. With so much about on-time delivery questionable right now, giving an experience is also easy to print and put into a card or send by email. 

I got excited last year about going on bigger trips this year, including going to France, so I gifted ourselves a lifetime subscription to a language service, that way we could learn French this year and then other languages for future travel. If you have other recipients who love to see the world and want to feel as much as a local as they can, then gifting them a language is useful, fun, and easy to pack. 

Which language-learning services do I recommend? Keep reading!

I have always had good luck with Pimsleur. I like that the lessons build on one another and get progressively more complex. You learn words and then phrases which can be really useful when you're in a new city. I know much of the world speaks English, but it's nice to know the local language when you can, because it shows that you're trying. I've used both Spanish and French Pimsleur lessons and I highly recommend them for ease of learning wherever you are and the use of repetition so you recall things more easily. 

You can learn to speak a new language, with an authentic accent, in 30 days from just $14.95. 

If your gift recipient (or you, I'm not gonna judge.) might need a little extra help with learning something new, Babbel offers live online classes, podcasts, games, videos, and short lessons. It gives them a whole arsenal of tools in which to soak up the most knowledge. Babbel Online has a tiered learning system, so wherever you are in your vocabulary expertise, you can find the class that's perfect for your level. 

Unlimited access to the app and online classes start at just $6.95/month when you purchase a whole year, or pay a little more if you would rather pay twice a year, quarterly, or monthly.

It can be difficult to figure out what to get for everyone on your list, especially people who seem like they already have everything. Well, knowledge is always a great gift, plus these lessons can be fun and something the whole family can engage in. Happy gift-giving!

Do you have a favorite language learning app, service, or game?

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links that may result in my compensation should you make a purchase through those links. This allows me to keep bringing you useful content and I thank you in advance.

25 Best Christmas Markets Around the World

Every year I think about traveling for holiday markets and one day I will make that a reality, but until then, I will be making do with the markets around here that I usually frequent or am trying for the first time this year, like the Scanfair (a Scandinavian holiday market with food, gifts, and music). I love the idea of bundling up, sipping on a hot chocolate or coffee, and finding awesome things for my home and to gift to others. If you also think this sounds amazing, planetcruise has put together the 25 best Christmas markets. 

Click the graphic for a larger view or check out the full article here to learn more about each market. Considering Christmas markets, basically, started in Germany, I'm not shocked to find so many on the list.

Do you have a favorite holiday market, fair, or other gathering?

Heading to Palm Springs in Winter

We've started a new tradition where we get away from the cold, rainy weather in Portland and spend a week somewhere warmish. Last year we went to Tucson, and this year we're heading to Palm Springs. 

Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

Though Palm Springs is definitely known for its golf courses – it hosts many tournaments each year – it has much more to offer, especially if you love outdoor activities. The desert location makes it an ideal destination for hiking and biking. The city has a long list of canyons and parks with outdoor trails. San Jacinto Mountain is one of the most popular points of interest in Palm Springs. Excellent hiking is available in the summer, and winter activities, like skiing and snowshoeing, when the mountain gets snow. Ride the aerial tram – the world’s largest rotating tramcar – the 8,500 feet to the top for stunning views of the city and the Coachella Valley and the chance to engage in some fine dining in the clouds.

Photo by Jess Joyce on Unsplash

By now, you know I'm not a hiker or much of an outdoor person at all. My speed is more viewing it from the aerial tram and a restaurant at the top. There's a museum and gift shops up there to explore if you don't plan on hiking, and of course there's the view. The weather can be drastically different up top than from the valley, so dressing warmly and bringing a coat is suggested.

You’d probably expect a place like Palm Springs to have some great museums, and you’d be right. Aviation fans can marvel at America’s largest collection of World War II flying aircraft at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Learn all about your destination at the Coachella Valley History Museum, that also features an early 1900s schoolhouse and home, plus a Sunday farmers' market. There's free admission the first weekend of every month. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum to view some of the world’s most gripping art. The museum has 28 galleries, two sculpture gardens and more. Second Sundays and parking are free.

Photo by mark tulin on Unsplash

For travelers who love shopping at their destination, Palm Springs offers something for them too. From local artwork and antiques to upscale fashion stores and vintage furniture, you’re sure to go home with some great treasures. The downtown area is full of trendy and specialty shops and is easily walkable. Parking is also free and plentiful. I'll definitely be hitting up the Shag Store to indulge in my love of all things mid-century modern. I'll also be coffee shop hopping, because there are a ton of great ones on the main strip, including one that is dog-themed that donates to a local rescue.

Photo by Cesar Cid on Unsplash

Pretend you’re in Hollywood by exploring the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. Take a walking tour of the famous residents of the city who had contributed in some way to the community. Each of these former occupants have their own star on the Walk with their name and a golden palm tree and these stars can be found on Palm Canyon Drive, Tahquitz Canyon Way and Museum Drive. Go online to find an audio guide for an even more informative tour.

Photo by Bob Osias on Unsplash

I'm looking forward to to just seeing the gorgeous 50s homes and other buildings. I see that famous drag queen Trixie Mattel has a beautiful pink hotel in the city called the Trixie Motel. There's also a former hotel that Liberace purchased and turned into a lavish home. It's now a private residence, but you can still walk by and enjoy the gates and piano mailbox. I'm excited about seeing some new and creative street art as well. The city is full of murals and large art pieces. 

Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

If local cuisine is a passion of yours, many of Palm Springs’ fine dining establishments are chef-owned. You can find food from all over the globe made with fresh and local ingredients. Experience more restaurants offerings during Restaurant Week, where you can eat a three-course meal for a set price. This usually happens during the first week of June. 

I've been to quite a bit of California, but neither of us have been to Palm Springs, so we're excited to check out the sites, the outskirts, and possibly hit up a beach at nearby Salton Sea, a large lake with a wildlife refuge.

If you'll be taking time to travel this winter, where will you be headed?