Trips, Tips & Travel

Trips, Tips & Travel The world has so many hidden jewels to explore, some right on our doorsteps. My blog is record these trips and hopefully I can inspire somebody

11/07/2026

Germany is one of Europe's most underrated holiday destinations.

People hear "summer holiday" and immediately think beaches.

Germany hears that and quietly points towards its lakes, mountains and picture-perfect towns.

Take Friedrichshafen for example. Sitting on the shores of Lake Constance in southern Germany, it's so close to Austria you could almost wave across the border.

And if you're feeling international, hop on a ferry to Romanshorn and suddenly you're in Switzerland.
Three countries. One lake. Not bad for a day out.

The lake itself is stunning.
Crystal-clear water.
Mountain views in the distance.

People swimming, sunbathing and generally living their best lives.

There are countless spots along the shoreline where you can spread out a towel, jump in for a swim or simply sit and watch the boats drift by.

No sandy beach?
No problem.

When the scenery looks like this, you won't miss it.

Germany may not always make the top of people's summer holiday wish lists, but perhaps it should.
Beautiful lakes.
Charming towns.
Three countries on your doorstep.

And views that make you wonder why more people aren't talking about it. 🇩🇪🇦🇹🇨🇭

We stayed at the Sofia Balkan Palace, Sofia. Don't rule it out when I say it is a great '5 star' hotel. The price was gr...
07/12/2025

We stayed at the Sofia Balkan Palace, Sofia. Don't rule it out when I say it is a great '5 star' hotel. The price was great, 3 nights for €440 including buffet style breakfast in a deluxe double room with a roof terrace (that's €70 per person, per night). After 3 nights we were still pushing buttons on the control panels trying to work out the curtains, roof, lights, air con, housekeeping etc.
We did have an issue which was rectified straight away and when we returned to our room we had a bottle of bubbly, a bunch of grapes, 4 sweet treats and an apology note, how lovely. Hospitality at its best!

We landed 2hrs late. It was buses to the terminal from the plane and passport control was empty when we got there, may h...
07/12/2025

We landed 2hrs late. It was buses to the terminal from the plane and passport control was empty when we got there, may have got lucky. Baggage reclaim is right after passport control if you need it and there are toilets there too. Top tip: DO NOT USE THE ATM AT BAGGAGE RECLAIM. They are Euronet ATM and will charge you. Instead, when you come through to arrivals, turn right and there are 4 ATMs there. We used the Postbank one to withdraw local currency, second from right and didn't get charged. Another note here: Bulgaria are switching to the Euro in January 2026.
The metro stops running late at night so we were forced to get a taxi. Beware it was mayhem, no organisation. People started a queue but then others came along and decided queuing wasn't for them and it was a free for all. Not much fun in the pouring rain! 25 minutes later we got a taxi. Our hotel was 12km away right in the centre of Sofia and cost us €11 or 22BNG plus a tip

06/12/2025

Weekend to Sofia. We choose destinations with cheap flights. Dublin to Sofia was €71 each return with a small carry on bag booked with whats not to love!
Terrible wind and rain on the way to the airport slowed us down. We were delayed 2hrs which allowed us to get dinner in . We picked up a sandwich from Pret as we weren't going to land until midnight. Turns out there was a bakery place still open on landside in Sofia airport. Unusual but I prefer to be prepared then hungry.

Lets get ready
06/12/2025

Lets get ready

05/12/2025

New city, New country ❤️

05/12/2025

Always dreamed of an Irish Castle wedding? This place is stunning. Personally, I loved it with the Christmas decorations. Cabra Castle, Co Cavan, Ireland.

04/12/2025

The stunning Cabra Castle, booked through Rory’s Travel Club. An amazing deal and its only €12 to join for 12 months membership.
Cabra Castle is a stunning hotel in equally stunning grounds. It also has a creepier side to it.

Cabra Castle is considered haunted and has a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, having been ranked the second scariest hotel by TripAdvisor in 2010. Guests have reported numerous paranormal experiences, such as hearing unexplained sounds and seeing shadows, although the hotel's management describes the ghostly residents as playful or friendly.

Did I see anything?....no I didn't however the hall light came on by itself after midnight 💩👻 needless to say, my mind went into overdrive and I slept with the light on 😂
I would definitely go back and stay again.

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