We Tried a 7 Day Christmas Market Cruise (worth it?)

Episode 950 | Filmed December 2024 | Nuremberg, Germany to Vienna, Austria

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🎶 Here’s where we got all of our copyright free songs used in this episode -

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Who are Kara and Nate?!

Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, we got married 2013 and were super “normal.” I was a teacher and Nate started a small printing business from the spare bedroom of our apartment.

We discovered the world of “travel hacking” while planning our honeymoon & became addicted ;)

So after 2 years of obsessively saving $35k and over 2 million miles and points, we sold our cars and apartment and left home January 10, 2016 for a “one year” trip around the world.

Our goal was to see as many places as possible before we ran out of money and went back home to “normal life.” We started this channel to share our experiences with friends and family, but quickly fell in love with living on the road and found a new passion for capturing our travels through video. So we did everything we could to keep going.

4 years later, we achieved our new goal of visiting 100 countries and all 7 continents. We had no plans to slow down, until 2020 forced us to ;) Which is when we bought a converted van to start exploring our own country for the first time!

After ~2 years of van life, we are back to full time international traveling! And now we are in our 9TH YEAR of finding the best adventures the world has to offer :)

We are incredibly grateful to be able to continue doing something we love every day. 😊🎥🌎 Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey!

0:00 Christmas Market river cruise!!
1:36 Day 1: Nuremberg
4:06 Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany
6:24 Ship tour
11:27 Cabin tour
17:47 Day 3: Regensberg, Germany
24:57 Day 4: Pass, Germany
24:43 Day 5: Linz, Austria
34:30 Day 6: Durnstein, Austria
35:26 Day 7: Vienna, Austria
40:46 Final thoughts
46:59 Bloops

[akfasso]

Thought you'd appreciate hearing that the glögi stand you raved about last year in Helsinki, now has a small cardboard sign out front saying: "Europe's Best - Kara and Nate." :)

[karolrust]

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the horrible tragedy at the Magdeburg Christmas Market. 🙏🎄❤️

[MagicalDayWithBae]

There's just something so wholesome and sweet about hearing Nate call his daddy, "daddy." <3

[bartholetbayana]

Exciting video, A year ago i took the no contact route, well i wouldnt say it didnt go well, but i missed her and sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and go for what you want, Without knowing and having a huge ego, we might actually miss out on our soul mate all in the name of not settling for less, I know who i am, and at the same time i know what i want for me, so i did all i could to get her back, and I must say, it was the best decision i have ever made, we have been together again for over 7 months, yes marriage isnt always rosey, but i am lucky to have her, just as she is to have me, we compliment each other.

[sneemkerry]

I just love how down to earth Kara and Nate are. Wearing high school prom earrings and an H&M suit, how awesome are these people! Love it!

[Zzzxcvbnn]

I think it’s really awesome that you guys brought both sets of your parents together for the Christmas market episode! I can’t imagine a more wholesome video that reflects your entire year of filming! Sending love to you guys and Merry Christmas!! ❤️

[JasonDaMason]

Jason here - longtime viewer (because you guys rock). The no music topic - to clear everything up: music rights organizations - especially in Germany - are getting pretty strict the last few years and REALLY want to get some money. For example - you have a Christmas market and you want some jingle bell rock - be prepared to pay FIVE DIDGETS for four weeks MINIMUM. That's also the reason why Nuremberg, the most important Christmas market in Mid Europe, has no music playing. Hope I cleared things up - Merry Christmas!

[gudfaderncc]

I really like the slower production tempo, you feels less stressed and happier ❤ Keep on with just one video every 14-21 days in 2025!

[sarahnoble]

Never been so happy to see your video in wake of Germany's attack at a Christmas market. So glad you're safe.

[francisbrissette]

Nates best quote : I LOVE SEEING MY PARENTS HAPPY. :)❤️

[lindapolakova]

When I’ve seen that you posted you were in Dürnstein, Linz, and Vienna, I screamed and told my boyfriend - Kara and Nate are in Austria 🇦🇹 ❤ I’m so happy you made it here and enjoyed your time with your family. Wanted to run into you soo badly - love your videos, they’ve helped me through tough times.

[PrestonthegreatOreo]

Hey guys, my name is Jason and I am one of the people that served you. I was so excited but I forgot to say hi just like to say hi.

[Minecraft-gwjv]

Prayers for Germany!!!
THE WORLD IS WATCHING!!!!

[jenniferz_]

So happy that you are safe and well. Thinking of everyone affected by the tragic event in the German Christmas 🎄 market.

[ErinK-oq]

With a lot of ugly in this world, your joy is always contagious and your humbleness and struggles you choose (because no one needs to) are relatable. This would be why I tune in and I get excited for all of your accomplishments, and I believe I am not alone. Thank you for taking extraordinary journeys and enjoying and celebrating the simple pleasures along the way. I look forward to seeing your new year, and wish you and your families (who are delightful) health above everything, and another year of showing the viewers the great joy in living life to the fullest

[Beefcakebuddyboy]

Also..
Ive been watching you two since the start. Congratulations on making it big. Its been sooo satisfying to see the transition from broke, budget travelers to big baller budget travelers.
Congratulations on yall many successes.
You guys are my and my puppers favorite channel, you guys have made it possible for me to clean, shower, sleep and eat without having to hide from him.
We can watch yous for hours

[tiaunawhite]

I looove these Christmas market videos!! Also whenever Nate’s parents are around it reminds me of how Nate used to have a southern accent like them, but I noticed over the years of travelling it’s disappeared! 🤣 I’ve been watching for about 5 years now!

[Nature-Lover--ch]

This was a great way to end the year of 2024. Happy 39th Wedding Anniversary to Nate's lovely parents & A very Merry Christmas to you all.
Enjoy your Christmas break and thank you for keeping us entertained throughout the past year ❤❤❤❤

[americanpatriot]

My wife and I lived in Germany for 6 years (1991-1996+) courtesy of Uncle Sam. We lived in Nuremberg, Vilseck, and Wurzburg, and when not working we were just like you guys traveling and taking in the culture and food. Last October we packed up all our kids and my mother-in-law and we spent 10 days in Germany. Our oldest, who was born in Wurzburg, met a fine young German man while studying at Heidelberg University, and she married him. Regensburg was about an hour south of us when we lived in Vilseck. This video brought back lots of memories for us. We can never fully express to our friends how magical Germany and Austria are, but you guys did a really good job. We are definitely considering doing this exact trip in the next 2 years.

[Sarah-otk]

Can we just appreciate how much work they do to to make these videos just wanted to say thank you ❤❤