Jim Vail

Jim Vail, cofounder of Reflections Enroute, is a perpetual traveler who loves writing, photography, and learning and sharing more about the world around him. He's visited more than 80 countries and has lived outside his home country for over half his life in Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Germany, and the Netherlands. Least favorite question--Where are you from?

My First Love – Traditional German Schnitzel Recipe!

By / 26 March 21
Traditional German Schnitzel Recipe.

If you’ve never been to Germany or Austria you may not be familiar with this meat dish. While it’s true schnitzel probably originated in Austria, we’ve come to look at some schnitzel as being a traditional German dish. German schnitzel is usually made with pork as opposed to the veal typically used in Austria. Also, schnitzel in Germany is much more likely to be served with some topping or sauce. Regardless, traditional German schnitzel is definitely on our must try foods list for Germany. It is a flat, breaded and fried slice of pure goodness, one of my favorite foods in the entire world. When I’m tired, worn out, sick of the usual work grind and I want a home-cooked, …

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Kawasaki Warehouse Arcade – Best Arcade in Japan!

By / 4 February 21
Entrance to Warehouse Amusement Center

Unfortunately, the awesome Kawasaki Warehouse Arcade has permanently closed its doors. There are still some pretty amazing arcades in the Tokyo area but nothing quite like the warehouse. If you’re still looking for a top rated arcade, however, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Taito HEY. The Hirose Entertainment Yard (HEY) can be found in AKihabara, of course. Any visit to Japan would not be complete without a visit to one of their cutting edge, no holds barred, high-tech video arcades. While it’s true you don’t have to look very hard to find an arcade with all of the latest games somewhere near your hotel, if you want to go to the absolute coolest arcade in town, …

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A Perfect Day Trip To San Marino And Its Castle

By / 27 February 21
Sunset view from San Marino, castle and fortifications walls

San Marino, the oldest republic, is the perfect day trip while in Italy. Visit San Marino castle, shop, and unwind! You’ll never want to leave. One thing we knew for sure when we were planning our summer road trip in Italy, was that we had to spend at least one day in San Marino. The tiny, “Most Serene Republic of San Marino,” is on the border of the Italian provinces of Emilia Romagna and Marche and is not too far off the track driving between Bologna and Tuscany. San Marino is one of the oldest republics in the world, established in 301 AD, and has remained largely unchanged throughout its history making it a natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. From …

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The Big 5 Bavarian Christmas Markets – A One Week Itinerary

By / 21 March 21
Bavarian Christmas Markets - a 1 week itinerary.

It’s almost winter and visions of steaming mugs of glühwein and the sweet taste of stollen are dancing in my head. In Germany, the onset of winter brings one of my favorite seasons of the year – Christmas market season! Living in Bavaria, specifically Grafenwoehr, We were smack-dab in the midst of the quaintest, quirkiest, and even oldest Christmas markets in Germany. If you haven’t done a German Christmas market yet, book a flight today and I’ll tell you how to get around to the best of Bavarian Christmas Markets in one glorious, shopping bonanza week. Our itinerary will take you to not only the markets, but the cities with the best sight-seeing as well. Pin Bavarian Christmas Markets 1 Week …

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