Hello from Frankfurt, Germany

I am flying home today after spending the last 3 days at Ambiente, one of the world’s largest trade fairs for consumer goods. Frankfurt is not one of my favorite cities in Germany but it has plenty to do and see if you are a business traveler looking for good eats and treats after your business meetings.

Moxy hotel is chic, hip, and young –

On this trip, I used some of my Marriott points to stay at the Moxy Downtown Frankfurt. Using my points saved me over $1000 for my 3-day trip. The Moxy hotel is chic, hip, and young, which leads me to the question, why am I staying here as I am none of the above? I usually stay at a Marriott or Westin but this hotel was in a great location and was half the point cost of the other hotels. The rooms are small and sparse but the lobby had kind of a communal bar, reception, restaurant feel to it. I am actually glad I gave it a whirl.

Taxis are limos in Frankfurt –

Most of the taxis in Frankfurt are Mercedes Benz’s. When you hail a cab you will feel like you are riding in a limo. Taxi rides are not cheap here. The taxi from the airport to downtown is over $50. Rides within the city seemed to be about $20 every time we jumped in a cab.

Coronavirus is already affecting the economy in Europe –

Not many people in Europe have been infected yet by the coronavirus but its effect can already be seen in many ways here. Attendance at the Ambiente fair was down an estimated 25% by some exhibitors. People were wearing face masks everywhere. I think the world economy will take a pretty big hit for the first half of 2020 from the virus.

Electric scooters and bikes are everywhere in Frankfurt –

The scooter craze is everywhere in this city. It seems like they have figured out a reasonable balance of scooters and bikes here as they are everywhere but seem well maintained and orderly, unlike many cities in the states where they just seem to be thrown everywhere.

I brought four N95 face masks with me on the trip –

I did not know what to expect so I thought I would rather be safe than sorry. I actually thought that if someone on the plane was coughing a lot seated nearby I would give one to them. It is amazing how just a couple of coughs will make people around you stare with concern.

Final call for our cool bicycling tour to Portugal and Spain –

Who is going to take the last two spots on our bicycling journey to Portugal and Spain taking off on May 21st? Join our fun tour hosts, Susan and Rich Rodenburg, and pedal through some of the most scenic routes off-the-beaten-path. Ride along the stunning coastal route of the Way of St. James from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during Medieval times. The tour is also led by local outfitters with expertise in the areas we ride through. If you are not up to pedaling, we can provide you with an e-bike! CLICK HERE to see the detailed itinerary. If you have any other questions call or email Beth at (402) 858-0033 / GroupDepartment@executivetravel.com to sign up today.