Europe Archives - Pale Ale Travel

The Best Airport Lounge I’ve Ever Had the Pleasure of…Lounging At

November 9, 2024November 9, 2024Asia, Europe, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

This Big Body lives a relatively unglamorous lifestyle. As I currently pen this article, I’m wearing a faded t-shirt that I ordered on Amazon for $8, athletic shorts with several BBQ sauce stains, and a pair of tan boat shoes that have holes at the bottom, letting water seep through any time it rains.

It’s a life devoid of fancy watches and chains, Hi-So club memberships and debutante balls, and Beluga caviar and bottles of Dom. I also don’t even have curtains for my apartment, and I’ve been living there for over a year now. But it’s my life and I quite enjoy it.

But now and then, I get a thirst for how those on the other side live. I think it’s to make up for the fact that I never had a quinceañera. And because of my frugality at most points of the year, I’m able to occasionally splurge. Most recently, I kicked off my three-month stint in Europe with a flight from Hong Kong to Amsterdam via Turkish Airlines, with a six-hour-plus layover at the Istanbul Airport. Oh, and I did the same thing again for my return flight back to Hong Kong.

Normally, I’d spend this time sitting at my gate, staring at the board, slugging a handful of Coke Zeroes, going to the bathroom every 15 minutes because of the aforementioned Coke Zero slugging, contemplating paying for WiFi, talking myself out of paying for WiFi, and wishing I brought I book. Rinse and repeat.

But that wasn’t the case this time as I posted up in the Turkish Airlines International Business Lounge for the bulk of my layover, consuming more baba ganoush and nutty rectangles of baklava than any man should in a single sitting, mixing in several power naps to rest this weary traveling soul of mine, and tossing back countless double espressos in an attempt to counter the jetlag (which I’m pretty sure was ill-advised).

Note: If you are a tenant of the building across from me and have to see me looking like a naked Bigfoot every night, arms swinging in that distinct cryptozoological walk as I walk to the fridge for a late-night swig of water, then please feel free to shame me in the comments.

This post is not meant to be braggadocious or self-aggrandizing, it’s simply written to provide a little nugget of information that could (possibly) make your next layover in Istanbul a memorable and less painful one. Funnily enough, this trip was booked several months prior, in a state of pure ignorance (and bliss) of what was about to come – a financial reckoning due to losing my biggest client the month before departure to the Old Continent.

Here are 5 reasons why the Turkish Airlines International Business Lounge is hands down the best airport lounge I’ve ever had the pleasure of…lounging at.

Croatia’s Legal Drinking Age as Explained by a Karlovačko-Loving Guy

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024Croatia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Moving to Croatia for three months in the dead of winter was completely unexpected for this Big Body. I hadn’t thoroughly thought out my then year in Europe and was, of course, required to leave the Schengen Region after 90 days (this was before Croatia joined the Schengen Area in January 2023). Either way, in the middle of winter in Zagreb and Split, Croatia, one of the only things I could do was drink. And drink I did (Karlovačkos for the win).

From hole-in-the-wall pašticada (a popular braised beef dish) haunts where I’d inevitably get talked into shots of rakija with the bartender, to cozy Zagreb wine bars with the woman I was (then) dating, honey-infused craft beers with cevapis (an absolute must if you travel to Croatia), and shots of slivovitz with one of my best friends when he somehow found himself crashing on my couch, I was more than pleasantly surprised by Croatia’s drinking Rolodex and scene.

Note: Unfortunately, I’m not cool enough to pop champagne bottles on any of those yachts in the Adriatic but I’d be remiss not to mention that is another storied Croatian booze pastime.

With Croatia having become almost the de facto Balkan destination for travelers and a digital nomad’s dream (thanks to the introduction of the digital nomad residence permit launched in 2021), a question that might pop up if you’re planning on doing a gap year there, from a country like me (the U.S.) where the drinking age is still the dreaded ‘21’, or heading over with family, is ‘What is the legal drinking age in Croatia?’.

Here’s a bit about Croatia’s drinking age and culture and what I loved about my time living in Split, Croatia.

Plac Kitchen & Grill: a Zagreb Meat & Beer Haven

November 10, 2020November 10, 2020Croatia, Europe, Food BigBody Leave a Comment

Coming hot off a smooth, comfortable, and quick bus ride from Budapest to Zagreb, I found myself in a new city and in dire need of meat. After some quick Googling, I settled on a small little cevapi joint located right near the Dolac Market in Zagreb’s city center.

If you’re reading this and unsure of what a cevapi is, I also had no idea upon first arriving in Zagreb. However, you are about to find out exactly what makes a cevapi all that is right in this turbulent world.

Little did I know that the cevapi and I would go on to have a passionate, addictive, and beautiful three month affair during my time in Split, Croatia (and a short stint in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina). For that, I have Plac Kitchen & Grill to thank.

Let’s get into exactly what a cevapi is and why Plac Kitchen & Grill should be on your radar when traveling to (or through) Zagreb, Croatia.

My Favorite Gasthaus in Vienna: Steman on Otto-Bauer-Gasse

November 4, 2020November 12, 2020Austria, Europe, Food BigBody Leave a Comment

Next to Japanese izakayas, there isn’t a better place on Earth to be from the hours for 5PM to 11PM than a gasthaus. European beer that flows as freely as the Danube, an intimate and authentic look into how the locals live, and of course, hearty traditional dishes such as goulash, spaetzle, wienerschnitzel, that are sure to leave you bursting at the seams – gasthauses are a safe haven for the 9 to 5’ers that recognize life is best lived with your close friends and an alcoholic drink in hand.

Cue Steman, located smack dab in the middle of Mariahilf on Otto-Bauer-Gasse – my all time-favorite gasthaus in Vienna, Austria.

But, what exactly makes Steman worth adding to your eating itinerary when traveling to Vienna? Let’s take a look.

Working Remotely at Code Hub Mostar: a Free, First-Class Coworking Space

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020Bosnia, Europe, Travel BigBody 2 Comments

If you’ve checked out my guide on things to do in Mostar, then you know that I was blown away with just how much there is to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina and considered it THE highlight of my six month Europe stint. From the bustling Old Town and dichotomy of East meets West, to the picturesque landscapes and nature, all the way to the resilient and welcoming Bosnian people, Mostar is a city of multitudes that is sure to inspire and humble at the same time.

For Big Body (me) to seriously consider living in a city or country, I not only need great beer and coffee, but I also need a quality spot to work from. Mostar has all three. Cue Code Hub Mostar – a free (until February 2022) well equipped, sleek, hospitable coworking space located a stone’s throw away from Mostar’s Old Town.

Below, I walk you through what made my two weeks working out of Code Hub Mostar so memorable, why it is one of the best coworking spaces I’ve come across during my travels, and what you can expect when grinding out that 9 to 5 workload there.

Hilton Munich Airport Hotel Review: Luxury, Convenience, & a Biergarten

October 23, 2020May 15, 2024Europe, Germany, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts on Pale Ale Travel, then you definitely know I’m a big fan of Hilton chain hotels. Hilton hotels are chic, conveniently located, moderately priced (we aren’t talking the Four Seasons here), and staffed with some of the utmost professionals.

After making my way up to the Schengen Area from Croatia, where I spent a great night at the Canopy By Hilton in Zagreb after my near 3 months in Split, I found myself ready to depart Europe (flying out of Munich, Germany). As I was exhausted, wanted to slug a few beers, and wake up the next morning with absolutely no worries, I opted to book the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel at Franz Josef Strauß Airport– and I was not disappointed.

Below, I walk through why you should definitely consider booking a night at the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel before you fly out of Munich. Hint: there’s a beer garden close by.

Mostar Travel Itinerary: Things to Do in Mostar

May 9, 2020December 1, 2022Bosnia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Look, I know what you are thinking. I’ll head to Mostar, Bosnia for one or two days, get a feel for the city, eat some great food, see the sights, and then head back to Dubrovnik or Sarajevo and continue with my trip. I can assure you that Mostar is not a one or two day trip. It truly is one of the most underrated cities I’ve been to and I would recommend anyone considering a trip to stay at least five days to one week.

I spent nearly two weeks in Mostar during my time in the Balkans (I was posted up in Split, Croatia for the bulk of it), and found myself discovering something new every day. From delicious cevapis and burek, to pristine waterfalls and monasteries, to historic Ottoman bridges, minarets and mosques, Mostar is a clash of cultures set to make you truly feel that you are at the intersection of where East meets West.

I do understand however that most people are making a short trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik or Sarajevo and likely want a concise and practical itinerary, so I have compiled a 2-3 day itinerary with my favorite things to do (and eat) in Mostar. I would recommend actually spreading everything out over three days, but I think everything can be completed in two.

3 Must-Try Cafes & Coffee Shops in Split, Croatia

April 13, 2020October 10, 2020Coffee & Cafés, Croatia, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

I originally moved to Croatia as it was one of the closest places I could enter for 3 months after my time in the Schengen Area had expired (90 days). I didn’t have any preconceptions before I first moved, and originally planned to spend my slotted three months in Zagreb. However, after taking a trip down to Split in the first week of December, 2019, I felt at home and shifted plans.

I ended up staying the next three months (just about), in Split, Croatia, and really made myself at home. The below three cafes were all a big part of my life and daily routine while there and absolutely worth checking out.

6 Best Cafes to Work From in Vienna

April 13, 2020December 1, 2022Austria, Coffee & Cafés, Europe BigBody Leave a Comment

Vienna won me over. I’m not sure if it was because of its rowdy gasthauses, old friends who I was able to reconnect with, or the palpable energy that is hard to ignore after stepping out your door. Vienna is an absolutely wonderful city that I recommend everyone check out.

I do know for sure that Vienna’s abundance of great cafes to work from is a major factor in why I am seriously considering settling there permanently. From busy college hangout cafes, to traditional Viennese coffee houses, all the way to chic, hipster hangout spots that double as an upcoming DJ’s stomping grounds – Vienna has a cafe (or two) perfect for whatever mood you are in.

Let’s get started! Below is a list of my personal favorite cafes to work from in Vienna, Austria.

Renting a Luxury Apartment in Split, Croatia

March 21, 2020December 1, 2022Croatia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

One of the biggest reasons I stayed in Split, Croatia for so long was because I absolutely loved my apartment. Split is hands down a seasonal city, with the bulk of visitors heading there every summer to hit the beach, check out the outlying islands, and scoot around the Adriatic Sea on a yacht – so I imagine renting a luxury apartment in Split in the summer can be extremely cutthroat, and potentially overpriced.

However, I’m going to walk you through a bit about the luxury apartment I stayed in, what made it the best apartment I’ve ever rented, and where you can look online to rent luxury apartments in Split, Croatia.

Let’s get started!

4-Star Canopy By Hilton Zagreb City Centre Croatia Hotel Review

March 14, 2020May 15, 2024Croatia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

During my six month stint in Europe, I mainly stuck to Airbnbs (and found some great ones). But sometimes you just want to treat yourself for one or two nights. I did that during the last night of my near-three month stay in Croatia and booked the Canopy By Hilton Zagreb. I wasn’t disappointed.

Below, I’m going to take you through why you should definitely consider booking the Canopy By Hilton if you are passing through Zagreb or staying the week.

Split to Mostar Bus: What You Can Expect

March 14, 2020May 10, 2020Bosnia, Croatia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I’m on a bit of a roll with writing bus travel posts, so I might as well continue. It can help ease your mind when travelling, knowing exactly what you can expect when crossing into a new country. Mostar, Bosnia is one of the most underrated cities I have ever been to, so this trip is a must for anyone travelling through Croatia (or the Balkans in general). Luckily, the Split to Mostar bus (or Dubrovnik to Mostar bus) is extremely efficient, comfy, and clean, so there are no excuses for not seeing this incredible city.

Taking the bus from Split to Mostar (Bosnia) is extremely painless, and I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t realize just how close Bosnia actually was (hint: very close).