There’s something truly special about winter in Austria. The crisp mountain air, snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights, and the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine floating through the air. It all feels like stepping into a Christmas card.

From the grand palaces of Vienna to the cozy lakeside villages of the Salzkammergut, Austria transforms into a winter wonderland of Christmas markets every December. Whether you’re hunting for handcrafted ornaments, sipping hot Glühwein, or listening to live carolers in the town square, the spirit of the holidays comes alive here like nowhere else.

Tucked between the glassy waters of Lake Hallstatt and the towering Dachstein Alps, the tiny Austrian village of Hallstatt looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. Colorful alpine homes cling to steep hillsides, swans glide across the lake, and church steeples reflect perfectly in the still water.

It’s no wonder Hallstatt is often called one of the most beautiful villages in the world, and once you arrive, you’ll understand why.

When it comes to European destinations that effortlessly blend breathtaking scenery, timeless charm, and rich cultural history, Austria stands in a league of its own. From snow-capped Alpine peaks to elegant coffee houses and fairytale villages straight out of a postcard, Austria offers something for every traveler—whether you’re chasing adventure, romance, or a little bit of both. Here are 10 reasons Austria should absolutely be on your European bucket list (and why you’ll fall head over heels the moment you arrive).

Florence, the jewel of Tuscany, is a city that effortlessly blends art, history, and world-class cuisine. Whether it’s your first time in Italy or a return trip, Florence never fails to inspire. From Renaissance masterpieces to bustling piazzas, every corner offers something memorable. Here’s my guide to the must-do experiences in Florence.

Italy is one of those destinations that never goes out of style. It’s packed with ancient history, incredible food, stunning architecture, and postcard-worthy landscapes. It was always on our bucket list to visit the country and shortly after getting married, we took the leap to visit with another couple! On this trip, we set out to experience a mix of big-city highlights, hidden gems, coastal beauty, and even a new country tucked inside Italy’s borders. From ancient Rome to the colorful cliffs of Cinque Terre, Tuscan sunsets, and the canals of Venice, every day brought a new adventure.

When it comes to travel, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to make your everyday spending work for you. For us, that’s meant putting almost everything on our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, a card we’ve had in our wallets for over 11 years. From international flights to Disney vacations, this card has been the backbone of how we earn and redeem points to make travel more affordable and accessible plus it gives us extra protection. If you’ve ever wondered whether this card is worth it, let me break down exactly why it’s been our go-to for more than a decade.