Berlin or Munich? Why not both

Posted on July 10, 2014 | 5 comments

I’ve seen tons of blog posts online arguing that either Munich or Berlin is the superior city, one far more tourist worthy than the other. My opinion? You need to see both. Now, I know, a lot of travellers don’t have unlimited time to go everywhere they want on a trip, but both of these cities are equally amazing in their own rights and deserve your time.  And I’ll tell you why…

Berlin

History, history, history.  It is all here.  From the Berlin Wall to Checkpoint Charlie to the Reichstag to the Brandenburg Gate…history is around every corner.

Some key places to visit:

Start your wanderings at the Reichstag, a historical building constructed to house the Imperial Diet of the German empire. It was opened in 1894 and housed the Diet until 1933.  Head straight up to the large glass dome at the top, which provides amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding Berlin cityscape.

Reichstag, Berlin, Germany, dome

The Holocaust Memorial is right around the corner and definitely deserves a look.  Designed by architect Peter Eisenman, and engineer Buro Happold, it consists of a 19,000 m2 site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs, arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field.  I could give a million structural details, but really you just need to go and see it and be in it.

Next, head towards Continue reading →

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Highlights: A weekend in Oxford

Posted on July 4, 2014 | Leave a comment

What first comes to mind when Oxford is mentioned, is of course Oxford University.  And while the University and it’s history dating back to the 12th century are central to the town, there is so much more to explore.  Just a quick trip away from London and the hustle and bustle of the big city, you’ll find yourself along quiet alleyways, medieval spirals and age old bookshops and pubs.

I’ve highlighted below some of my favourite spots in the city and surrounding areas and hope you’ll take away some key tips.

Getting there & Getting around

As it’s only about an hour outside of London, it is quite easy to travel to.  I tend to use GoEuro just as a brief check to see what will be the quickest way depending on the season/weekend.  The site can be used from any cities throughout the UK, so not just for Londoners.

Once you’re in the city, I’d recommend getting around by bike or by foot – just for the experience.

Things to do

There are tons of museums and colleges you can see just by taking a walk around, so I would highly recommend Continue reading →

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Ho Chi Minh Highlights

Posted on June 23, 2014 | 2 comments

After only two days in Vietnam, I could already tell you where all the action was in the fast paced city of Ho Chi Minh – on the streets. No matter what your itinerary, type of transport, or grand tourist plan, nowhere else are you going to have as much fun as on a street corner. ..ok that sounds wrong but you get my drift. Need to prove it?

Nightlife

At first I thought we had just stumbled upon a rogue bar trying something new, but after Continue reading →

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Why Sri Lanka should be your next destination

Posted on April 2, 2014 | 4 comments

The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has long excited travellers as an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the big cities of India and the tourist beaches of Thailand, when planning a visit to South East Asia.  With a history dating back to the birth of time, the country offers a picturesque getaway where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location.  After a relaxing 3 week vacation over the Christmas holidays, I was hooked.  Coastline, tea estates, Continue reading →

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Travel Snapshots: Egypt

Posted on February 23, 2014 | 2 comments

A trip to the Pyramids is on everyone’s bucket list, as it should be. But the excitement and buzz of Cairo is equally as impressive as the Pyramids themselves. A city rich in history and culture, with the calm, peaceful Nile running through Continue reading →

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Weekly Travel Snapshots: Budapest

Posted on February 8, 2014 | Leave a comment

Budapest, Hungary

On the first night in Budapest, I had a chance to play around with some photography and came up with Continue reading →

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Off season travel: What to know

Posted on January 14, 2014 | Leave a comment

travel, off season, low season, holiday

 

My latest trip saw my company and I on a Christmas work weekend away in Marbella, Spain in the beginning of December. Coming from cold London to the mild 60 degree weather in Spain was amazing, and the holiday for my company was pretty affordable considering the season. This got me thinking. We so often focus all of our efforts in getting to our final destination Continue reading →

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