The history of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, attracts over 6 million visitors each year. This iconic event sees both Germans and international guests coming together to drink, dance, and celebrate. My recent experience at Oktoberfest, locally known as “die Wiesn,” was truly unforgettable. Before embarking on my journey, I was curious about the festival’s origins, and…

How to wear a drindl

A dirndl is a traditional dress worn in Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol, typically reserved for special occasions such as weddings and festivals like Oktoberfest. Nearly every Oktoberfest attendee dons traditional attire, making it important to choose the right dirndl to avoid confusion and discomfort. Here are some essential tips to help you find and…

Top 5 things to do in Brühl

Brühl, a charming town in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, is often overshadowed by its nearby neighbours, Cologne and Bonn. While Cologne is renowned for its iconic Gothic Cathedral and bustling tourism, and Bonn is celebrated for its international political significance, historic sites, and the famous cherry blossom tree tunnel, Brühl offers a tranquil alternative. If…

Things you should not do in Germany

Before I moved to Germany I decided to research German customs and basic laws. Most of the guides I found online and in print version covered a lot of what I discuss here. Still, I found it very strange when people weren’t smiling as much as South Africans do. I also thought it was odd…

How to avoid queues in Paris

My first trip to Paris was an intense day trip that lasted around 17 hours. I arrived at 6:00 AM and departed at 11:30 PM. I booked my tour with AM to PM Tours, a popular travel bus company in Germany catering to international students and young travellers. The bus ride was long and tedious,…

Expert suitcase packing 101

Traveling is meant to be fun, but packing can often feel like a challenge. In this guide, I present my top tips for packing efficiently and effectively. I’ve updated this information to provide you with even more insights, including helpful videos to illustrate my advice. With these packing tips, you can spend less time organising…

Things to do in Hallstatt

Top 20 list of things to do and see in Hallstatt. A world heritage site which is beautiful, quaint and historic.

My Paris Day Trip

Paris: the city of love, lights, and yes, tourists! Admittedly, I was hesitant about visiting. It wasn’t initially on my Europe travel bucket list. Some of you might think I’m crazy, but I had my reasons, which I’ll outline below: Ultimately, I chose to visit Paris to celebrate my sister Charlene’s birthday on April 30th….

Instagrammable places in Essen

When I mention that I lived in Essen for a year, I often point out its proximity to Dortmund—a city famous for its soccer team. Unlike Dortmund, Essen may not be a tourist hotspot, but it’s far from dull. If you’re planning a trip to Essen, this post will guide you to some fantastic spots…