Category Archives: Destinations

Ever wondered what’s it like inside a Eurostar Lounge?

Ever wondered what's it like inside a Eurostar Lounge? - Travel for a Living

Ever wondered what it is like inside the Eurostar Lounge at St. Pancras International? Or Gare du Nord for that matter? Well, as I mentioned recently, I have now reached Carte Blanche on Eurostar. Meaning I am finally eligible to enter the Eurostar Business Lounges at St. Pancras and Gare du Nord when travelling on the Eurostar between London and Paris. Not a stranger to airport lounges, I was quite curious to see what it was like inside a Eurostar Lounge. Are you as well? Well, let me tell you, what you can expect.

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What’s it like on the Eurostar from London to Paris?

Taking the Eurostar from London to Paris - Travel for a Living

Have you been on the Eurostar from London to Paris yet? Or maybe on the route from London to Brussels? No? Well you really should. It is good fun.

I do love a good train trip and over the years I have taken the Eurostar several times to Paris and Brussels, both for work and leisure.

So, if the thought of going below the Channel doesn’t freak you out completely, why not give it a try. After all, it is quick and very convenient. Intrigued? Well, let me tell you what to expect when taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. Or Brussels. Or vice versa.

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Paris before Tourists – early mornings in Paris

Early mornings in Paris - Travel for a Living

As I have recently started a new work project, I am now commuting between London and Paris on a weekly basis. Having weekly travels isn’t new to me, after all I’ve been on the road for the best part of six years. But having the same destination every week? That is kind of a novelty. With the added benefit of exploring Paris a little more every time I visit. Obviously, Paris is a very popular tourist destination. I mean who would say no to a romantic weekend for two in Paris? But let’s take off those rose-tinted spectacles. The reality of visiting Paris on business is a little different. First and foremost, I am in Paris to get some work done, not to stroll down Champs-Élysées and visit the Eiffel Tower. But that doesn’t mean I can’t make the most of my evenings and early mornings in Paris, does it?

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A Night in Hamburg – a photographic tour of Hamburg Harbour

A Night in Hamburg - Photographic tour of Hamburg Harbour - Travel for a Living

Last week had me stay a night in Hamburg. I love Hamburg, always have. The people here are a completely different mentality to the ones around my home area. But despite their rather rough and direct exterior, I do get on well with them. And as for Hamburg? It is just a beautiful city with a very relaxed atmosphere. In recent years I have only occasionally visited for work though. But whenever I do have a night in Hamburgon my work agenda, I am really looking forward to it. As these always turn out to be rather special. From visits to the Hamburg Christmas market, to a spontaneous concert at the (then newly opened) Elbphilharmonie.

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12 Things to Know about Germany

12 Things you need to know about Germany - Travel for a Living

As you might know, I grew up in Germany. And although I have lived in the UK for over a decade now, Germany is where I spent most of my life. But the longer I live abroad, the more I stumble across little peculiars. Nothing major. After all, life in the UK and in Germany isn’t a million miles apart (language aside obviously) and you can adapt fairly quickly. But same as the Brits have their own ways of being, so have the Germans. So, if you are considering a trip to Germany anytime soon (Berlin for example), let me share with you 12 things to know about Germany. Some might be obvious, others not so much. But if you want to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb and being instantly recognised as a tourist, try and memorise at least a few of those things.

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Best Shopping Places in London as a Plus Size Woman

plus size shopping in London - Travel for a Living

Shopping as a plus size woman isn’t always fun. Being looked down at from staff, squeezing into cute dresses a little too tight (as they just wouldn’t come in a larger size), in changing rooms barely the size of a shoebox. I am not judging, I’ve been here myself for most of my life (and although I have lost some weight, I am still far from a size 0 model). Obviously, there is always the option of online shopping, allowing you to try it all on in the privacy of your own home. But what if you actually love browsing shops and seeing what’s on offer before buying? After all, London is perfect for shopping. Well, good thing I’ve got you covered. So, if you are heading to London anytime soon and fancy shopping in London as a plus size, I have compiled for you the best shopping places in London for plus size women.

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Ceremony of the Keys at Tower of London

Experience the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London - all you need to know - Travel for a Living

Have you ever heard of the Ceremony of the Keys? No? But surely, you’ve heard of the Tower of London? Hard to miss that one when visiting London. For most people a visit to the Tower will be part of their itinerary when visiting London for the first time. But a visit to the Tower usually comes with a hefty price tag. So, what if I would tell you, you could get into the Tower of London for free? Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? OK, enough of the teasing. Let’s dig right into it and I’ll tell you how to experience the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

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What to do in Rome in Two Hours

Exploring Rome in two hours - Travel for a Living

What do you do if you find yourself in Rome with two hours spare? Whether you have a stopover in Rome before travelling onwards or have some time after a business meeting, every now and then you might end up with a few hours to kill. Obviously the easiest would be to head to a nice café, sit in the sun, enjoy an espresso or two and watch the world go by. And I can think of worse ways to spend time. But after all, we are talking Rome here. The eternal city. Why not make the most of it? What to do in Rome in two hours (I pretend) I hear you ask?

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London in Four Days – The perfect itinerary for first timers

London in four days - Travel for a Living

Last summer my goddaughter and her mum visited me here in London for the very first time. They were here for four days, so you can imagine that we had a rather full schedule to ensure they see the best of London in just four days.

Needless to say, four days is nowhere near enough to really see and experience all of London, but it is just about sufficient to give you a first overview and visit at least some of the most famous sights of London.

So, if you are planning your first trip to London, maybe this four-day itinerary for London might come useful.

Obviously, you can switch and swap as much as you like, no need to stick to a certain order or completing it all.-

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What to see and do at the Vitra Campus

What to see and do at the VItra Campus Weil am Rhein - Travel for a Living

Flying over to Germany for a day trip can be hard work. For sure it will always be a long day with a very early alarm. But it doesn’t always mean you get to see much beside airports and meeting rooms. So, the day trip to Weil am Rhein this week was a pleasant change. Yes, the meeting we had lasted most of the day. But in between wrapping up the meeting and heading back to the airport, we had an hour spare and where offered a quick tour around the Vitra Campus. So, let me tell you what to see and do at the Vitra Campus, even if you only have limited time.

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