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Maria Haase

EuropeUpClose Editor-in-Chief

Maria Haase is a travel writer and photographer sharing her love for the world and its different cultures on EuropeUpClose.com.

As a serial expat for the past 12 years, she has called three continents her home, traveled to over 40 countries and eaten way too many sticks of mystery meats on the way. She wants to encourage others to discover the world through travel.

She is currently on a challenge to visit all 412 European UNESCO World Heritage sites in the next 5 years.

3 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Europe Vacation TODAY

3 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Europe Vacation TODAY Thank you, Travelocity for sponsoring this post on EuropeUpClose about why you should book your Europe Vacation TODAY. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Travelocity, all content and opinions expressed here are my own. Do you have vacation plans for this summer yet? Summer …

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The Ultimate Winter Packing List Europe

The Ultimate Guide: Packing List For Europe Winter Glittering icicles hang from the cathedrals of Florence. Powdery snow is dusted across the mountains of the Swiss Alps. Tiny cups of coffee are served in the cafes of Paris and Glühwein will warm you up at the Christmas Markets in Germany. Europe in winter is an …

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Your Guide to the Dresden Christmas Markets 2021

Dresden Christmas Markets 2021 There are approximately 1,500 Christmas markets in Germany, and about 85 million people from around the world pay them a visit every year. If you love Christmas, you will inevitably fall in love with Dresden where you will find 11 assortments of Christmas markets right at your feet. Dresden is the …

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Kočevje – Slovenia’s Bear Forest

Kočevje – Slovenia’s Bear Forest It almost felt like walking through snow. With each step, my feet sank into a thick layer of fallen leaves, way past my ankles. Just the sound was different. Instead of the distinct scrunchy sound that snow makes under winter boots, it sounded more like walking on crumbled up newspaper. Aside from …

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What to Do in Budapest – Must-See Sights to Hidden Gems

From Must-See Sights to Hidden Gems – What Do in Budapest First things first: You are probably pronouncing it wrong. The two cities are called Buda and Pest and are pronounced: “Boo-da-pesht” Yes, they are two cities. Didn’t know that either, did you? Na, I am just giving you a hard time ;-) But if you …

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Best of EuropeUpClose in 2017 & A Big Reveal for 2018

A Year in Review & A Big Reveal for 2018 2017 is coming to an end, and like most people during this time of sparkly lights, festive parties, and scrumptious Holiday buffets, I like to reflect on the past year. Was it good? Was it bad? What can I do better in the coming year? For …

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Remember when Flying was Fun? It still is with Singapore Airlines!

Can Flying still be Fun? Singapore Airlines Review Do you remember the days when flying was still fun and something you would actually look forward to? Yes, that was a long time ago, right? But recently, I had a flight experience that reminded me of how it used to be. I flew from Los Angeles …

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