Germany

Bugibba

Discover the Secret Bars of Berlin

Berlin: hipster haven, clandestine city, the ‘greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine’ in the eyes of David Bowie. As far back as the 1920s, the German capital has enjoyed an enviable reputation for its edgy, alternative nightlife. If you’re seeking a more off-beat, free-spirited Berlin break then forget Berghain, its interminable queues and high chance of rejection on the threshold. Tap into the underground vibe with my guide to the best ‘secret’ bars of Berlin, which will always welcome you with open arms and your poison of choice…so long as you can find them. Stagger Lee Does a Wild West-style

Get the Inside Scoop on Oktoberfest

Jetting off to Munich’s Oktoberfest this year? If your answer is a resounding “Jawohl”, it’s best to get a proper introduction to the world’s biggest – and weirdest – beer festival. But before you start buying guide books (yes, there are entire books on this one-of-a-kind festival!) and frantically consulting your search engine, check out this handy infographic from HomeAway. From fun facts to practical tips, you’re sure to find everything you need right here. Bitteschön! What to Eat and Drink Let’s start with the most important stuff: food and drink, i.e. the main reason you’re going to Oktoberfest. Did

Autumn Escapes – Lake Constance

If you’re not quite ready to kiss the last shreds of summer goodbye, a short break to beautiful Lake Constance can provide the perfect opportunity to hold on to the dream just a little bit longer. In fact, autumn is one of the loveliest times to visit this region, with clear, mild days and cool, crisp evenings. Sound sublime? It really is. But in a breathtaking location in the foothills of the Alps, with its tranquil toes dipping into the cultures of three countries, it can be a little confusing when you’re deciding on a base. Allow us to elaborate

Düsseldorf

Business Travel: A Guide to Düsseldorf

A city of expansive innovation and growth, Düsseldorf has gained a reputation as a centre of industry, highly popular with start-ups and high-profile fashion, media and communication brands.

I attend events in the city several times a year and I’ve found it to be an easy and progressive place in which to do business. There’s a large international community and it’s particularly well facilitated for corporate travellers and delegates with the vast Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre.

I’ve complied some information from my personal experience, which I hope will give any corporate newbie a useful heads-up.

Business Travel: A Guide to Cologne

With both tourism and corporate traveller numbers on the increase, Cologne has really risen to the challenge in the past decade. As one of Germany’s largest cities it’s an important centre of trade, including the motor industry, banking and science research. Today, alongside its reputation as a major cultural hub, it’s also attracting many conventions and international events.

From my many visits, I’ve accumulated a number of useful tips that can only come from personal experience.

Business Travel: A Guide to Hannover

Hannover is renowned the world over as global force in technology, insurance and the manufacturing of everything from cosmetics to cars. Many of the major brands have a presence in the city and, as one of Europe’s most significant economic regions, it’s a popular destination for international conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions.

I frequently visit the city on business so I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know it beyond a superficial level: allow me to share some of my “honorary insider” tips.

Berlin

Business Travel: A Guide to Berlin

Due to the nature of my job there aren’t many cities in Europe I haven’t visited for business or leisure; so it means a lot when I say Berlin is probably in my top five. While you definitely get the vibe of the city as a serious start-up and technology hub, it’s also got a very open culture of communication that’s evident even at the highest corporate levels.

But the most refreshing thing about Berlin is that when it’s pens down there’s a very cool, creative undercurrent that can make a work trip seem just that little more like play.

München

Business Travel: A Guide to Munich

Munich is one of Europe’s undisputed business powerhouses and is home to the headquarters of some of the world’s largest finance, media, publishing and manufacturing corporations. A superb infrastructure coupled with an extremely high standard of living make this exciting city a highly efficient and enjoyable place to do business.

I’ve put together of few of the highlights of Munich that will help make life a little easier for the corporate traveller.

Business Travel: A Guide to Frankfurt

Almost every seasoned business traveller will have visited Frankfurt many, many times. This city is geared almost exclusively for the corporate visitor, and the choice can be overwhelming while the quality is certainly not consistent.

München

Discover Some of Munich’s Quirkiest Attractions

Munich: famous for the Glockenspiel, Marienplatz, Viktualienmarkt, Nymphenburgh Palace and, of course, the Hofbräuhaus and Oktoberfest. Finished taking notes? All those places (and plenty more) are definitely on the “must-do” list, but once you’ve ticked them all off, drunk the steins and posed for the obligatory selfies to prove it, why not take a deep breath and dive into some of the city’s quirkier attractions?

Augsburg

Visiting Augsburg with Children

Just because you’ve got a young family doesn’t mean you have to give up your annual trip abroad – in fact, it’s even more important to your collective sanity! What it does mean, however, is that while you certainly don’t have to go entirely mainstream, you do have to choose your destination with the children in mind. A traditional bucket and spade beach holiday always goes down well, but for something a little different, Augsburg, in the German state of Bavaria, has everything you’re looking for.

Dining Out in Augsburg

While as one of Germany’s oldest cities Augsburg is rich with historical attractions, seasoned travellers know that the true heart and soul of a destination can be discovered not just in its museums and cultural sites, but through the rich traditions of its gastronomic heritage. And, let’s face it – getting to know this charming Bavarian beauty through a few of its best eateries sounds like quite a tasty proposition, doesn’t it? Ratskeller Oozing authenticity and emanating some of the most delicious aromas in the city, you’ll find Ratskeller in an ambient location in the basement of the town hall.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg Shore Excursions

The Bavarian city of Nuremberg is best known for its dark legacy of having been the venue for Nazi Party conventions in the lead up to the Second World War. Known as the ‘Nuremberg rallies’ these events were crucial to Adolf Hitler in spreading Nazi propaganda. In 1945 the British and American Air Forces carried out a systematic bombardment of the city which destroyed almost all of Nuremberg’s historic centre. An estimated 6000 people were killed in the air raids.