Monthly Archives: December 2018

December 31, 2018 Travel Diary

2018 – My Year in Numbers

As 2018 is in its final hours, it is time to take stock and review these past twelve months.

I’ve added up all my flights and trips and nights away and 2018 has been a very busy year. It didn’t just feel like this, the numbers do actually confirm that.

And I have added plenty of new countries to my travel map. Back in April I asked myself whether I would be able to visit 40 countries before turning 40. But the count only came up to 21 at the time. Meanwhile I have added another 5 countries (Poland, Hungary, Israel, Slovenia and Serbia), so a 50 before 50 goal looks a little more doable.

December 22, 2018 Travel Diary

Evening Walk through Belgrade

I made it. The last trip of the year is over. Well, when I say last travel, I mean last work related travel. By the time this post goes live, I have done one more trip, this time back home for Christmas.

This last travel now saw me venture out to yet another new country, this time Serbia. Which is new country number 5 for this year (well on track for that 50 before 50 challenge since I so miserably failed the 40 before 40).

I was really excited about going to Belgrade, as I’ve never been, but then I got a terrible cold the day before and all I really wanted was to stay in bed.

December 12, 2018 Frequent Flyer, Travel Tips & Advice 12 Comments

Security at Tel Aviv Airport – is it really that bad?

I have already giving you some travel advise on how to prepare for your first trip to Tel Aviv. And my ‘Top Things to do in Tel Aviv’. But the one thing I only briefly touched on yet was the ordeal we had actually leaving Tel Aviv during our first trip. So now is the time to tell you all about our experience with security at Tel Aviv airport.

When flying out to Tel Aviv, we expected questioning and tighter security and the works. And were a little surprised when realising that it was pretty much business as usual. Yes, we were asked two quick questions at border control in Tel Aviv, but that was it. No extra security check or interview before boarding in Heathrow.

December 10, 2018 Travel Diary

An endless Journey through Germany

Some business trips are straightforward, appointment near a major airport and in and out in a day without a problem. Others aren’t as easy. Two weeks ago was a prime example of that. I had a trip to the North East coast of Germany planned, which could have been done fairly easy with one overnight stay. Then a second meeting made it onto the agenda and what should have been a quick trip ended in a four-day spree across Germany.

So let’s start at the beginning (for those of you hoping for some useful travel information, sorry to disappoint, but this is not going to happen, this is me writing my diary instead. So don’t say I didn’t warn you).

December 5, 2018 Sightseeing, Destinations, London

Carnaby Street Christmas Lights 2018

Visit London to see the stunning Christmas Lights on Carnaby Street - Travel for a Living.

After I’ve shared with you all the beautiful Christmas lights in Vienna, I thought it was only fair to also show some of London’s Christmas lights.

If you are heading to London for your Christmas shopping, take the time to pause, look up and enjoy the lights around you (well if you do so anywhere near the shopping streets, ensure you also stay alert, otherwise you might be trampled down by the stampede of Christmas shoppers).

December 4, 2018 Travel Diary 13 Comments

Christmas Markets in Vienna

Visiting Vienna during Christmas Time - Travel for a Living

I just love Christmas and everything to go with it. And one of the things I miss most now that I live in the UK is Christmas markets. Yes, we do have the odd Christmas market in London (and a nice big one in Birmingham). But they are not quite the same as the traditional Christmas markets you’ll find in other parts of Europe. Whenever I get the chance, I love to go and explore some of the best Christmas markets whilst out and about. In the last few years I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Hamburg and Vienna.

So, in time for the first Advent weekend, I took the opportunity and visited not just one, but eight of Vienna’s Christmas markets with my mum.
Yes, you heard right. EIGHT! And those weren’t even all the Christmas markets Vienna has to offer. There are still some left that we did not manage. Or that weren’t open yet, as it was very early in the season.

But let’s start at the beginning.

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