We returned last week from our travels. COVID managed to create some rather nerve-wracking conditions… as if traveling isn’t already stressful enough. But if you take COVID concerns out of the equation, it was a marvelous trip; and even with all the demands, it was great to be traveling again.
We visited four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Each country had their own COVID protocols ranging from relaxed to very strict. Our arrival destination was Budapest, Hungary, where you had to have a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before entering the country. That was tricky for us because that meant getting tested on a Sunday (not widely available), but we did it! Our results were emailed to us on a Monday, we departed the US on a Tuesday and arrived in Hungary on Wednesday. Thank goodness there were no delays on any of our connecting flights! Once we got to Hungary, mask wearing was optional. In Slovakia masks were mandatory indoors, in Austria masks had to be the N95 type, and in Germany masks and proof of vaccination cards were required to enter shops, restaurants, museums, etc. Re-entering the United States also required an accurately timed negative test. We stayed healthy through it all, however, and for that I am grateful!
There was no lack of beauty on this trip! I am still sorting through the thousands of pictures I took. I will post photos of each country separately in the coming weeks but for now, here are a few of my favorites.
Grammy Writes 
Beautiful pictures and places. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you, my pleasure!
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I am glad that you had a trouble-free trip and look forward to seeing more in due course! 🙂
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There were a few disappointments, but thankfully, it was indeed trouble-free!
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🙂
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Enjoyed your photos and glad you had an enjoyable and safe trip. Thanks for the info on the protocols!
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It’s different everywhere and the rules change constantly. Confusing, but enjoyable none-the-less.
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Wow, just look at all the beautiful photos. Travelling during a pandemic requires a more detailed and cautious approach than before, but it can be done while minimizing risks to you. By taking a proactive approach, you can help keep yourself and those travelling with you safe. I can’t wait to read all about your trip, especially Budapest! Thanks for sharing and have a nice day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks, Aiva! Budapest is a gem of a city! With all the precautions, I generally felt very safe.
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Amazing adaptability!! Glad you emerged back home healthy – and glad you took such great photos. The tranquility of that sunset is amazing.
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There were many tranquil moments on the river! I’m glad you liked the photos!
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Just beautiful! Glad you made lemonade with all of the lemons!
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Thank you! The idea was to enjoy ourselves… so we did! 🙂
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Glad you were able to travel successfully. It will be a while before we give it a try. Stay well. Allan
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I hope travel becomes easier and safer very soon! Many of these countries and businesses need tourists to boost their economy. Take care!
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I would not be able to deal with travel yet, but I’m glad you did. I can see why these images are some of your favorites!! I love the church on the river.
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Thank you! We are approaching our “now or never” years and feel very fortunate to have this experience. Such beauty – we will never forget! 🙂
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I’m so EXCITED you got to travel out of country! It’s good to know it’s doable even though a bit tricky with the testing protocols and timing. My daughter loves to travel and has been to Budapest, Hungary among the places you visited. 🤩 I Love all your photos and you are right these places are so in need of tourists. I’m not much of a traveler, so I enjoy seeing thru others eyes and/or lens! 😍
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We were pretty excited too… it was a long time coming. Budapest is now one of my favorite cities. That part of Europe thrills me, and pictures really help me remember. I’m so glad you liked them! Thanks and take care!
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You are very brave to be traveling these days GW – I’m still in the “stay-close-to-home” mode. Your images are beautiful and a great reminder of our own visit to the same countries years ago. I think Budapest is near the top of my list as beautiful places go! welcome home. Enjoy your perusal of your favorite travel moments!
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We are blessed to have stayed healthy over the course of our trip, but we will hunker down again and look forward to less stressful times… for traveling and everything else. Glad to hear you have experienced these beautiful countries as well. Take care!
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This makes me to want to get back to traveling soon. Great places to visit and images.
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Thanks! I hope you can get out into the world again before too long!
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Recognise the Weltenburg abbey. It’s close to my place 🙂
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Then you live in a beautiful area – lucky you! I thought the Danube Narrows and the Abbey were gorgeous. We were there on a cool, rainy day but still it was wonderful.
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The lead photo is spectacular! Where is that beautiful cityscape and what is the building in the foreground? I hope you’ll write more about this particular locale.
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Thanks, Dave! Both the first and second photos were taken in Budapest. The foreground of the first is Fisherman’s Bastion, and the second photo is the Parliament Building. I am just finishing a post on this gorgeous city… should be done tomorrow or Monday. Take care!
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I so miss these countries. Thanks for taking me back to some lovely memories. Oh noooo that would be very stressful but happy that these views compensated for the stress.
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It’s wonderful that you know these countries well enough to miss them! I would love to spend more time in this part of Europe. Thanks so much for the comment.
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❤️
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