It’s the “hidden gems,” Jan Meert said — referring to lesser known travel sites off the beaten tourist path — that can really make the European living experience so much richer.
Meert became the president of Bavaria Community and Spouses Club, an organization open to the whole Bavarian Army community, last year after the predominantly-volunteer group elected her.
Meert and her family are finishing off their ninth year in Europe as active military. Together, they’ve built a pretty impressive travel portfolio, including lots of convenient, local and unique attractions often overlooked by travel agencies and passing visitors.
Many of the sites are family-friendly, tailored to appease the demanding energy of small children, and make for great, drive-able weekend adventures.
Since becoming president of BCSC, Meert has enabled a vision of inclusivity and expanded the scope of community impact. She’s reached out to single Soldiers and new military families and forged relationships with key community leaders. The group meets regularly for lunches, day trips and other committee meetings. To learn more, or get involved, make the connection at www.bavariacsc.com or email president@baavariacsc.com.
Meert’s top travel spots in Europe:
Europe
Rad + Reisen: Self-Guided Bike Tours
When to Go: All year round
Where: Europe
When to Go: All year round
Where: Germany, France, UK, Belgium, Netherlands
This is a great place to take small kids after long days of traveling and sightseeing at nearby cities.
Belgium
When to Go: All year round
Where: Belgium
When to Go: June – September
Where: Oostende, Belgium
When to Go: August
Where: Brussels, Belgium
Bruges Christmas Market & Ice Festival
When to Go: November – January
Where: Hasselt, Belgium
Czech Republic
When to Go: All year round
Where: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
When to Go: All year round
Where: Sedlec, Czech Republic
France
Where to Go: All year round
Where: Paris, France
Germany
Pick-Your-Own Farms in Germany
When to Go: All year round
Where: All over Germany
Nachtmann Crystal Factory Outlet
When to Go: All year round
Where: Neustadt an der Waldnaab, Germany
Rudesheim Seilbahn: Castle Tour & River Cruise
When to Go: All year round
Where: Rhine River, Germany
Draisinen Bike Tour on Former Railroad Tracks
When to Go: All year round
Where: Kusel, Gernany
Germany’s Longest Suspension Bridge
When to Go: All year round
Where: Moersdorf, Germany
When to Go: All year round
Where: Hamburg, Germany
Spargel (White Asparagus) Picking
When to Go: April – June
Where: Germany restaurants, festivals, harvesters
When to Go: May – September
Where: Rhine River, Germany
Grape-Picking via Eberbacher Winery
When to Go: September – November
Where: Hallgarten, Germany
Netherlands
When to Go: All year round
Where: Den Haag, Netherlands
When to Go: September
Where: Zundert, Netherlands
Valkenburg Underground Christmas Market
When to Go: November – December
Where: Valkenburg, Netherlands
Poland
Boleslawiec Polish Pottery Festival
When to Go: August
Where: Bolesławiec, Poland
United Kingdom
When to Go: August (Tickets go on sale starting in June!)
Where: London, UK
When to Go: May – September
Where: Newbury, UK