The plan was neat and straightforward. Newcastle to Heathrow in Club Europe, a quick visit to the Concorde Room, then the 22:00 departure to Riyadh in business. A day to dash around the city, a return in First, eight hours of lounge grazing at Heathrow on Sunday, and back home…
Category: Trip Report

All Aboard the Košice Children’s Railway. Steam, Diesel, & Vintage Buses
A Day on the Rails Sunday was all about steam, smoke, and squealing whistles. Košice’s Children’s Railway, tucked into the wooded valley just outside the city, was celebrating its anniversary and there was no way I was going to miss it. Originally built in the 1950s as a pioneer railway,…

Walking Tour of Košice, Pastel Streets and 34°C Heat
If Košice proves anything, it’s that small cities can punch far above their weight. Compact, colourful, and loaded with history, it’s the kind of place you can explore on foot without ever once glancing at a map. Which is fortunate, because in 34°C heat, the less faffing, the better. Starting…

Düsseldorf to Košice the Long Way Round, Austrian Airlines Review
After an efficient hop from Newcastle to Düsseldorf on Eurowings (reviewed separately), it was time for the longer stretch east: Austrian Airlines to Vienna, then onwards to Košice. This leg promised a mix of lounges, legroom, and late-night arrivals. Stopover at Düsseldorf – Lufthansa Senator Lounge Düsseldorf Airport is no…

Why I Went to Košice, A Hidden Gem in Eastern Slovakia
Košice isn’t the first name you think of for a European city break — and that’s exactly the point. A bargain fare, six flights, and a Hilton suite upgrade later, I found myself in Slovakia’s hidden gem, discovering a city that delivers charm on a smaller scale.

A whirlwind Day in Graz
Vienna might get most of the spotlight, but just 150 km to the southeast, Graz quietly shines as Austria’s vibrant second city. With UNESCO-listed architecture, bold modern art, and leafy parks, it’s the kind of place that proves you can fall for a city in just 24 hours. Armed with…

A Day in Tirana
I didn’t know what to expect when I landed in Tirana, but this vibrant city blew me away from the moment I arrived. Bustling markets, quirky cafes, and friendly locals who are always up for a chat. Tirana feels like a mix of old-world charm and a fresh, creative vibe….