Travel | Please, Don't Gawk.

Discover the charm of Innsbruck with me!

During our stay in Germany, my partner and I planned to visit Austria. PSA: If you’re going to Austria in Feb/March, please add another extra layer of warmth, even when you think you won’t need it; trust me, you will…we were freezing our butts off.

Pro Travel Tip: We wanted to remove our layers after walking for so long. Bring a thin cloth tote, so you don’t have to hold things on one arm.

About Innsbruck: We took the train, which took about two hours, bright and early. It’s the perfect place for skiers, but for people like me who don’t (yet), they have plenty of restaurants and museums. We went to the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, AKA “Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum.”

It was awesome! You’ll love this place if you’re into antique tools and history. We spent the whole day there, and because this museum is so large, there were many different floors and exhibits to explore. They have preserved medieval displays that go way back to the 14th century.

We saw wood carvings, fashion, interior displays of homes, art, and huge stoves, plus they had some fun activities for kids to interact with.

Food: After the museum, we went to see the golden roof, which, to be honest, was not something I was excited to see, but we saw it anyway and then made our way to this restaurant called Marian von Burgund for some appetizers.

What I love about Europe: The ease of sitting in a restaurant and not being hounded to order more in order to sit in a place. We sat there for hours chatting and enjoying the moment, which I wish we could do more of in the States.

Travel Tip: Have y’all ever heard of “The German Stare”? It’s when Germans stare blankly at you; they don’t mean anything by it, but it happens to me when I visit sometimes. I also found this in Austria. But all you do is smile at them; generally, they smile back and say hello. Don’t be alarmed; it’s mainly curiosity 🙂

Zugspitze: A Peak Experience

The winter has been kicking my butt. What better way to beat it than going off to an even colder part of the world. 🤣 That’s right, we’re talking about the Zugspitze 🏔, in the southern part of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the Austria–Germany border. Epic views and delicious food.

Helpful Apps I used during my trip:

Airalo: Cheap and easy way to use your phone. It offers eSIMs for over 100 countries and regions. Way cheaper than paying your phone company. *Make sure that your phone is unlocked* [ on iPhone: Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock = No SIM Restrictions]
Omio: A travel booking app that helps you find and book the best transportation options, including trains, buses, and flights, across Europe and North America. The prices are sometimes cheaper on here too.
CityMapper: A transit app that provides real-time updates on public transportation, bike-sharing, and ride-sharing options in over 70 cities worldwide. Great for last-minute changes or bus/train cancellations.
TikTok – I needed to find fun places and visual stimulation; what better way to do it than by using this app! Let’s be friends: @pleasedontgawk

Let’s start with a little history lesson. Did you know that the first recorded climb of the Zugspitze was in 1820?? It’s become a popular spot for hikers, climbers, and tourists. My partner and I went there for some mid-afternoon snacks, and it was so worth it. I felt like I was in some kind of action film because so many skiers looked like titans with their noisy gear and rosy red cheeks from the cold. Watching them ski was awesome!

At the top of the Zugspitze, you’ll find the Gipfelhaus restaurant, where we were. This place is a must-visit, housing Bavarian cuisine, and panoramic views. It almost felt like being in outer space (not that I’ve been, but🤣). The people were so kind and accommodating. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!

Our favorite part was taking the cable car to the top and being in Austria and Germany simultaneously. The views were breathtaking; during warmer months, it’s great for hiking trails, skiing, or snowboarding on the glacier. After experiencing this place, it really made me want to take up skiing, and I’m almost committed to learning, lol.

For History Buffs: The Zugspitz Museum tells you all about the mountain’s geology, flora, and fauna, as well as its fascinating history as a tourist destination. There used to be a hotel back in the day up there (though I think they built a new one), and apparently, a glacier destroyed it.

At Lunch: My partner and I wanted to sit in a quiet place and enjoy the view; we were contemplating living outside of the U.S. and how different life would be. Of course, not trying to glamorize what we’ve been experiencing during vacation, but the idea of exploring other parts of the world together sounds exciting to us and, even more so, the ability to do it. Our goals since leaving New York have shifted drastically, and the current climate of the U.S. has created a sense of doubt regarding stability. We dug deep into what our individual dreams are and how we plan on getting there. We also spoke about the struggles we’re facing and how we can do better next time; It was a really insightful and cathartic chat up there and one I’ll never forget.