The Eastern Trail, all the way to Amsterdam.

Hi guys!
I'm back with a brand new post! So sorry for the hiatus - i've just finished my bachelors degree! Very exciting times, but of course, the last few months seen me doing a lot of hard work.This post is going to be on 5 destinations and will talk about how this particular trip will help you understand Europe's amazing, and what used to be, volatile history.

Budapest - Hungary

Heroes Square

One of the most incredible and beautiful cities i have had the privilege of visiting, here i learned about the true horrors of WW2 along with the horror of communism. The House of Terror is a museum dedicated to both these tragic events in eastern european history. It is blunt, it is devastating, and it is heartbreaking. This is truly where the horror that was Eastern Europe, not too long ago. I highly recommend you start your historic journey here.
Don't forget to stop at my favourite place in Budapest - Heroes Square. Marvel, and take it all in. Pay your respects.

Of course, Budapest is now more known for its infamous Szechenyi Thermal Bath.

These baths are relaxing, natural and amazing for the skin.

While you're there, wander over Chain Bridge and check out the Parliament house (Gives Londons' Parliament a run for their money). There is also a little market so you can pick up some famous spices, such as paprika, a national treasure!

Other top attractions include Buda Castle and of course St Stephens Basilica.

Vienna - Austria

Not only known for the Sound of Music! This is actually the Birth place of Hitler, the most hated man in Eastern Europe. I know, i cut to the chase real fast. Do your self a favour and do a historic tour and learn of the horror that incurred on poor old Vienna.

On a happier note, try some of Mozarts Balls, and while you're at it, why not see a replica of his symphony at the Vienna State Opera house.

Check out St Stephens Cathedral and take in its mighty force.

Prague - Czech Republic

Old Town Square

Prague is one of those cities that hasn't really been changed by time. It's kept it's worldly charms and hasn't been overly modernised.
Start your journey by walking over Charles Bridge in the Old Town Square. Charles Bridge is famous for it's amazing carved out statues and simply the stature of the thing. It's incredible.
Old Square houses some of, you guessed it, the oldest buildings in the city.
Wander over to the Church of Our Lady in the city centre before heading over to the Jewish Museum, where your insight into eastern european war history continues.

Berlin - Germany

Holocaust Memorial

Berlin, where wars began and came to an end. This city almost has too much to deal with and take in. But it also houses some of the most beautiful, and thoughtful memorials and museums of some of the harshest times in Eastern European history.
I suggest taking a guided history tour of berlin. Where you can learn the inns and outs of the people, and the wars which took place. You will learn about Hitler, his men and his horrible actions.
If you want to do it yourself, I suggest starting at the Brandenburg Gate. An 18th century masterpiece, and while this has nothing to do with ww2, you need to appreciate what Germany was before it is what it is linked to now. As travellers we tend to only know what things are known for, Berlin, and Germany, is much more than the birthplace of wars.
Heading over to the Berlin wall, Take it in, then walk down to check point charlie, i then suggest heading over to the Holocaust memorial.  A deeply emotional, and breathtaking site. Here you can pay your respects and think about the horrors which took place.
Don't forget to try the beer and a pretzel. You gotta eat.

Amsterdam - Netherlands

Amsterdam Canals

To end your whirlwind journey through eastern Europe, the logical place to end is Amsterdam, and a visit to Anne Franks house. The girl whose life was taken away from her, she and her family hid from Nazis for as long as possible in the attic of her home in Amsterdam. And, to this day, you can see it exactly how it was, and get an in-dpeth look into what life was truly like for the victims of these hate crimes. It is sad, i cried, and bought her book (Anne Franks Diary) and i cried again.
While your historic journey has come to an end, don't forget to have some good, old fashioned fun.
I suggest getting a bike and riding around this 2 wheeled city. Pop into the Bulldog Coffee Shop to relax, and don't forget to see a famous show.
The next day, why not see the Van Gogh art gallery? or try some weird vending machine foods!

Although this journey is hard to stomach and i know a lot of people wouldn't truly be interested in these harsh realities, it is important to learn about the worlds mistakes and experiences so we can appreciate life, and learn from these actions.

Enjoy your trip! If you want accommodation or transport recommendations, do not hesitate to email me, or comment below.

Cheers,
And i'll see you next time!
Cj, xxx

(All information is my own from research or experience, photo credits are my own and subject to copy right laws.)

How to Travel : Choosing the right case

I'm back today with a write up on how to choose the right suit case for your next trip.

Choosing a case is one of several important aspects to traveling.
First, of course you need to establish the type of trip you're taking.
Are you staying in hostels? hotels? Are you going on a tour, staying with friends or doing your own thing? Are you a backpacker who is traveling light? or are you a more luxury type traveler who is staying in hotels and likes plenty of variety?
These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you book your trip, and definitely before you choose your luggage!

For example, for this trip I am a hostel/hotel traveler. I will be visiting friends, and staying for a longer period on the English country side. I will also be visiting some cities, which I think requires a little more dressing up.
Therefore, I will be taking a medium sized hard case suitcase (Flylite), A small on board shoulder bag to carry all my bits and bobs (Lazana), and of course my handbag (LongChamp).

I've learned over the years to travel as light as possible. On my first trip abroad, I took the largest suitcase possible and the largest onboard case possible. I ended up over packing, and only wearing half of the clothing I packed.

Say, you're going on a backpacking trip - you're going to be catching a lot of public transport and you're on a tighter budget so a travel backpack would suit you best.

Of course, it also depends on the length, my trip is around 7 weeks. I feel like my luggage is large enough, and i can always do washing.

Always remember you can post your stuff home! I've done this plenty of times; it saves you baggage fees at the airport too!

Hopefully this has been helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Until next time.
Cheers,
Cj. xoxo

How to travel series by Cj.

The how To travel guide will talk about everything from budgeting to types of travel, where to go, for how long and what to see.

Being a some what experienced traveller, this is my first real attempt to jot down what i've learned, where i've been, and tips and tricks for you.

While there are many out there; some lack the reality that not everyone can afford to travel, i know because i am one of them.

I don't do luxury, and i certainly don't do it dirt cheap. But i travel within my means and i take every opportunity i can to see the world.

From studying abroad, living as an expat or just seeing a few countries 'on the cheap' - i've seen the world many ways.

A traveler knows that it doesn't matter how many times you visit a country - you'll never see it all. 

A tourist, however, just wants to knock countries off their list and never go back.

I am a traveler. My favorite place is the UK. I have friends there, and i love England. I haven't seen it all yet, so next on my list is Scotland. Ill make a visit in London, but i haven't seen the British country side - so that's my next trip.

I will be documenting it, and telling you all about it.

So stay tuned my people.

Cheers;

Cj. xo