Berlin

Spending two weeks in Europe, traveling to areas you have always dreamt about. Start out in Berlin, a city full of grit and history and food for days. Then fly an hour north into Copenhagen, the city of Hygge. Train through Sweden and end in Norway. You can spend one week here, and barely scratch the service. Norway has beauty that you have to see to believe.

In July of 2023, I was diagnosed with celiac disease. Being someone who loves to travel and enjoy the many different aspects of food that ties into local culture, I thought traveling as I knew it was over. I was so wrong, and after spending the last year traveling and researching great places to travel if you are celiac or gluten intolerant, I am happy to share some of my personal findings and hope this will help you.

There is something romantic and historic about traveling city-to-city in Europe by sleeper train. It's also efficient, sustainable and comfortable. The experience might just be a highlight of your trip. We're living in a true renaissance for overnight train lovers, as low-cost carriers recently threatened to eliminate sleepers entirely. Now, new routes are flourishing, classic city pairs are back and train operators are investing in state-of-the-art train cars with smart amenities and modern touches. Driven by a loyal fan base and an important focus on sustainability, you'll find getting from capital to capital super easy, and a perfect addition to your European journey.

The history of the 20th century is right before your eyes in Berlin. From the dark days of WWII through the years of a divided city. Until now, the modern capital of Germany is right there for you to experience in numerous ways. See how industrial and historic spaces have been both reimagined and repurposed. Berlin is a modern western capital that is thriving thanks to the new generations of Berliners. From museum row to the Mitte neighborhood, Berlin is one cool capital.

In December 2024, I went on a Western European vacation with my family. We relished the holiday festivities, with Berlin, Germany as the final stop on our journey. After two weeks on the road and visits to five countries, I was looking for a place where I could both enjoy myself and recharge for the last leg of our trip. I found it at the Grand Hyatt Berlin. Grand Hyatt Berlin seamlessly blends elegance and ease, offering the signature Grand Hyatt hospitality with refined sophistication. From the attentive staff to the superb culinary delights, the serene rooftop pool and the spacious, supremely comfortable rooms, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to allow guests to fully enjoy their stay and the unique history of this city.

In May of 2024, I was able to go on a site inspection of the DoubleTree Berlin Ku’Damm as it is a new hotel in a great location of Berlin, my current home city. The wonderful staff are there for all your needs in this modern-looking establishment and you are even greeted with a warm cookie. Located next to public transportation and Berlin’s best shopping district, this hotel provides a great location for traveling Berlin, while being in a safe, quieter area where you can relax after each day.

I traveled to Berlin, Germany, in August of 2024 for a work program and was fortunate enough to stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Berlin. This city-center property is situated on a quiet street with easy access to Tiergarten Park and Potsdamer Platz. From starting the day with an expansive breakfast buffet to enjoying the rarity of a European city hotel pool to the friendly staff, I immensely enjoyed my stay at this property.

Berlin, a city steeped in history, stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of time. From the remnants of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city, to the iconic Brandenburg Gate that witnessed historic events – every corner tells a story. Explore Berlin for a long weekend, where you can feel the echoes of history, making it a top destination for those drawn to the richness of the past.