Things I Wish I Do Better as a Travel Blogger in 2018

The year is still young, and it is not even half of January yet, therefore I still have some time to outline my main expectations from 2018 in terms of travel blogging. I've already rounded up the last year and wrote down a couple of goals in my latest 2017 post, but the more I think about what I want to improve in my travel blogging life, the more I feel like a special post will help me greatly to keep a fair track of my objectives, at least within the next 12 months time. Also, when you write down your goals, it creates a better motivation than when you just kept them on the back of your brain, without necessarily expressing them in clear words and sentences. 

Here are my main goals as a travel blogger for the next 12 months.

- Improving the Pinterest visual content

I am on Pinterest for a long time already, and I keep creating travel boards, but I am definitely far behind creating beautiful pins with colourful background and great lettering. I've checked a couple of weeks ago how you actually do them and it is not so complicated, but as usual, I need to spend some full afternoon or late night learning all the basic steps and starting to outline my texts with an additional visual content.

- Better photography

I already recognized that my photography skills are couple of leaps behind my writing, but as I am taking the hard road of travel blogging, I cannot survive without some dramatic improvement. Although, once in a while I am a bit (too) proud of my photos, like in the case of this short gallery took at the Moabit Criminal Court open house, when I am looking back to some of my old pics, I cannot but notice that many of them are lacking focus, and the right perspective or are just lacking a decent symmetry. If time allows, I would definitely love to learn how to better use my camera, try other brands and eventually get some proper guidance from a professional photographer. 

- (Re)Launching my YouTube channel

Keeping up with the aims of a better visual background of Ilana Travels, my YouTube channel and my video content in general was a gorgeous failure the last year(s). I always felt blocked when it comes to my video skills, as I assume I need a lot of time and technical skills and my live talking presence is hilarious anyway - couple of years back I had the idea of creating my own TV show focused on the art market but this was my one and only attempt of turning into a video presence - therefore, I still have a video I need to edit from a short trip to the Botanical Gardens in Berlin as early as 12 months ago. It was my idea to start my video come back with an easy video, and maybe one of those days I will really do it, because I should begin this too. Otherwise, in 12 months time I will still be here counting my blessings of doing so many things but not editing that video...

- Getting to know more travel bloggers and industry professionals

Meeting more like-minded people in a professional area which is becoming over-saturated might be not a very inspired idea for some, but the big majority of contacts I had with other travel bloggers were not only a great opportunity to be together with other wanderlust seekers, but offered a lot of inspiration and interesting personal experiences. In terms of writing, I am convinced that every author is unique and even if someone is trying somehow to 'steal' your idea, once turned into words, everything looks different - unless you do the copy/paste monkey business which enters into another legal category. 

Therefore, I can't wait this year edition of the ITB - International Tourism Fair - in Berlin this March where hopefully I can meet other travel-minded people from all over the world.

- SEO

I've started to learn about SEO and practising some of the lessons learned, but obviously I need a significant professional upgrade and more consistency. Time to start some professional audit and move fast forward to a higher professional level, including by taking some classes for better results.

- Pitch, pitch, pitch...

For a couple of years I haven't went beyond my blog for publishing articles because I wanted to focus more on my writing and travel and only after a certain basis was created to go further and start pitching publications for sharing my ideas to a broader audience. Hopefully, you will soon hear more from me coming to a big publication near you!

- German Writing Skills

As for now, I am seriously considering to open a blog only for forcing me to write in German at least twice the week. Although my understanding, talking and reading skills in this complicated but beautiful language are doing great, I am lacking yet the confidence of writing articles in German. As in the couse of video, I miss not only the confidence, but that original click which means that I will go forward with a plan, regardless of my fears. I only hope that 2018 will be also the year when writing in German is not just a plan, but a concrete accomplishment.

- Complete Website Makeover

I used Wordpress.com for my previous blog, and then switched to Blogger again because it works easier for me in terms of regular management and other daily writing issues. But from the very professional point of view, it is not the best move and I am fully aware how much I am missing every day because lacking all those great widgets and apps that will increase my audience and bring my blog to the attention of searching engines. As I am planning a general re-branding in the second half of the year, a complete website makeover is in the cards, but as for now, I am completely unaware of how things should really look like. Most probably, I will use some serious professional consulting support for being sure that I am moving in the right business direction. 

That's all for now, folks! I am very excited about what this year can mean for my blog and my travel blogging career in general, and I am looking forward to get more experience and learn new skills and professional lessons. 

What about you? What are your biggest struggles as a travel blogger? What do you plan to improve in the next 12 months?

Travel writing is not for the faint of heart

Every cup of coffee has its price

'Your days are nothing else but drinking coffees and travel', he said, happily convinced that this verdict resumes perfectly a life worth less than a cheap coffee cup at the fast-food kiosk. Many people may think that travel writing is a relatively easy way of living, in a scenario where money are growing up on trees or, alternatively, like in Collodi's Pinocchio, are multiplying deep down the earth, like the seeds during the night.

I was recently reminded a quote from Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl that 'our greatest freedom is the freedom to choose our attitude'. Ignorant remarks can make us angry, especially when you know the reality, but the best attitude can be to try explaining in an effort that maybe those with enough brain will be able to better see the reality of travel writing.

The naked truth is that unfortunately, none of those fantasies are not describing the realities of a life of writing, and of a life of travel writing in general. There may be glitz and there may be glamour, but most of the time, there is hard work and when most people are usually sipping their morning coffees in Monte Carlo or Paris, the travel writer, although probably counting his or her blessing of sharing beautiful sceneries or luxurious living, should be also count the curses of having no more than maybe a second for mindfully living the dream.

Because, dear readers, let's be honest: being a travel writer means so much work. You wake up early in the morning to catch the best train for being in time for taking the best photos under the best light - if you are living in the North of Europe, you might know what a challenge is to have the right photos from September until April when the light is so spare; you need to run up and down, with a full schedule to cover as many sights as possible; stop to take notes and meet local travel industry representatives or people that can offer you local insights. If you want to reach a bigger audience, you will be even busier updating status on your Facebook page, or creating boards on Pinterest, or sharing your blog posts on various Google groups or sharing your stories on Instagram. You should always learn new skills to cope with the fast changing landscape of social media, acquiring better photographic or video skills, taking extra classes about travel writing or even getting a bit into coding and other website-related knowledge, because it is always good to be the own manager of your page. Or even learning more than one new language because it will help you to better understand the host country you are covering. Out of the blogs on the web nowadays, an impressive number of them is written in English, but in more than a few cases, the writers are using this language as a second or third choice (like this one here writing for you). Therefore, the competition with the native writers is dramatically narrow, as it is the need to always polish your words, through constant writing and editing and reading of the best travel writing books (which are never free of charge).

Some might say that you can live and eat for free, but does they know what does it mean to work for that: by the time you are ready taking photos of your food, the good looking plate is already cold. Those that ever wrote a guide of a place or of a country, they know very well what a marathon is in sight every time when you have so little time and so many sightseeings to cover. Very often, there are risks and challenges that the readers browsing your pictures on the website have no idea. And it better stays this way. As for the money, with so many free apps on the market, it is almost dellusional to dream that your guides will bring you more than some change for cheap coffee. 

Talking money, writing jobs in general will not make you a millionaire and many travel writers/bloggers do usually juggle with more than one hat to reach the month's end. Finding a place for travel into your monthly priorities, which can also include serious family obligations is not always easy, especially when you have a responsibility which goes beyond your own life.

But at the end of the busy day, when you are alone in the front of the computer catching up your latest travel story, you realize that it is worth any effort and hussle. For many of us, it is an assumed choice which means more than the selfish pursuit of wanderlust - nothing illegal with that, anyway. Travel writing, and writing in general is a blessing and a curse: you live to share and inspire people, to show that regardless the ups and downs in life, the challenges and the failures, you can find a sparkle of beauty everywhere. Even in a small cup of coffee...

Talking about coffee, maybe it is about time to write that post about my best places for an iced coffee in Berlin. A bon entendeur, salut!

Neverending summer feeling in Kladow

The local bus took me from the Spandau train station in Berlin leading for 30 minutes through forests and shadows of the leaves in the Brandenburg area. Not very far away from Potsdam, but on a relatively discrete road, there is a small place call Kladow, just another summer destination of my one-day journeys from Berlin.

In 1992, Kladow celebrated 725 years, and the old streets and houses are reminding a certain nostalgia. At the first sight there are not too many visitors around, and I enjoy taking notes of different buildings and mentions of anniversary both for the use of the local and of the foreigner.

The historian in me cannot ignore the old age of the settlement, the over 100 of years of the Firebrigade, or the 20,000 years of the big stone brought from the Scandinavian mountains. Near the lake, an old solar watch catches my attention as I am trying to guess different time settings.

Close to the historical area, a metal statue of the local sculptor Volkmann Haase is aimed to represent the values of friendship. Me and travel, we are friends for ever and more, of course.

There is no sign of life behind the windows of the old tradesmen houses. Is just another one of those unusually hot days in August and the streets are, as usual, empty.

It seems that the entire life is concentrated near the lake, in the many restaurants and small icecream parlors. The sounds of the boat engines ready to go far away are like winter cat snores. Although most part of the boats from the sea parking are privately owned, renting your own is also possible, at affordable prices, like everything around Berlin.

I change the perspective trying to follow the sound of the rhythmic paddling. Some just chose to enjoy this day by hard work...

All the way from Potsdam, there is a big group of party boats coming my way. Accompanied by the unmistakable bottles of fresh beers, young groups descend noisily into corners of land. Everyone is having today!

Expansive villas in the middle of green trees and flowers are interrupting the rustic reveries. As in the case of many other places around Berlin, Kladow is also becoming an attractive real estate destination.

On the Masha Kaleko road I turn on the left and get lost in the field. I am not alone as many children and families are taking their walks or lunches on the grass. Lying on the grass I am watching a horse being walked around.

The old big trees are creating natural labyrinths that I wish I am bold enough to follow. Or at least less lazy.

Slowly, slowly, I am returning to the lake area, ready for another little detour around the waters. Families on bike, with or without dogs running hard to catch up warn me to watch my steps.

As usual in the last weeks, I make some steps, I stop for a while, took a picture, take my breath and keep walking.

The lake is very crowded with different types of boats, big white spots on the clear blue bordered by summer green. A German riviera, simple and discrete.

Wish I am right now on one of those lazy boats, going nowhere, doing nothing, maybe just taking a little sunbath.

Long walks require some good meal and after wandering for more than 5 hours, I need a long tasty stop. Out of many choices, I decide - how unusual for me - for a Chinese restaurant, Regent, offering the most diverse menu although not with a view over the sea as I would have imagined the happy ending of my trip here. My sweet champignons, with summer sprouts and other typical vegetables are brought on a hot plate, accompanied by a complimentary plum wine that I should politely refuse. The meal is just fine, with too much drops of oil poured on the vegetables.

I throw one more view over the lake, hoping that there is still time to make just one more such a simple trip around Berlin and I start the long way back to the bus station. Swallowed feet and heavy breath, I offer myself another treat, this time some berries and pamplemousse icecream at the parlour on Sakrower Kirchweg. Fruity sprinkling cold taste that keeps me energized till the next bus chair from where I say good bye to the secret Kladow paradise.

For more inspiration, check the dedicated Pinterest board

Discovering Bad Pyrmont

Bad Pyrmont is a popular spa resort one hour away from Hanover by train, with a population of less than 20,000 people. Famous for its palms, beautiful garden and therapeutic waters, in the last years it is trying to attract a younger category of travelers and to offer attractive services. Not too well known except the passionate spa hoppers, I took the challenge of a short visit to discover more about this destination.

From the train station the half an hour slow walk neighbours cosy mountains with gentle horses sight on the top, green waters and big houses tucked in the middle of rich and colourful gardens, but also industrial areas. Everything is very quiet, even it is the middle of the day and of the week. 

A long avenue bordered by high trees descends from the springs' area until the center of the town. The nowadays aesthetic view had in fact therapeutic reasons: after drinking the requested quantity of healthy waters, patients were supposed to take earvy in the morning a long walk allowing the digestion of the minerals. 

I am go far beyond the alley and we arrive at the castle, a Baroque summer residence hosting around the year various cultural events, such as exbitions and concerts.

Back to the alley which is like the backbone of the small locality, there is a more modern part of it, which goes until Europa square, where the Tourist Information office is situated too. The office offers not only details about various guided tours of the city taking place regularly, but also where and how to rent e-bikes for a faster view of Bad Pyrmont.

Heading back to the area considered more 'central', there is a theatre with various shows in German. I didn't see too many art galleries or cultural attractions, but there are many shops around. In case the visitor wants to enjoy more cultural entertainment, the beautiful city of Hameln, which I visited before - more details in a next post - is only 15 minutes away. 

The spring area offers various waters to taste, many recommended for gastro-enterology maladies. A salty smell is in the air. All you need is to take a plastic cup and pour yourself the recommended quantity. The benefic effects of waters made Bad Pyrmont famous for centuries and brought here famous visitors such as Frederick the Great, Tsar Peter the Great or Goethe - well, he went just everywhere in Germany. 

From the way to the city from the train station, I noticed the specific architecture, mostly multi-storey buildings some painted in pastel colours. Besides the many hotels offering accommodation, including a Steigenberger Hotel in the central area, there are also private rooms offered for short-term rental.  

The spa park is imense, with many medical buildings and serious looking people crossing paths. During the summer, relaxing outdoors gives you such a good feeling that helps you cope easier with any medical challenges. 

The beautiful spa garden is one of the places I was longing to see, probably the main reason I decided to cut short my trip to Hameln to come here. The view of the long silent alleys bordered by antique columns gives you the feeling of visiting some beautiful Italian gardens. 

Considered one of the most beautiful Germany's gardens, it is an invitation to long walks and meditation. You just need to leave everything behind and let yourself conquered by the beautiful palms. 

At least for a while, you are caught into the magic nets of the flowers. This makes you think that even there are yet ot too many attractions in Bad Pyrmont, at least these gardens are worth a one-day trip.
For more images, check the dedicated Pinterest board: https://de.pinterest.com/ilanaontheroad/bad-pyrmont/

What to do in Lutherstadt Wittenberg

I arrived by train from Berlin - less than one hour ride - on a cold rainy Sunday morning this February. I wanted to come here for a long time, attracted by the historical background of the city, but somehow, there were always temptations elsewhere. This time, the historian in me was thinking that I better hurry up before the big 500 Years of Reform celebration, the next year, are starting. 

From the train station until the old city area, with streets covered in cobblestones, it was hardly anyone on the streets. On the way to the central area, we passed near old bricked outposts and red post office building, but even behind the windows no movements were visible.

The first stop was at the Lutherhaus, a former monastery in the 16th century, that was given to Luther by the Elector John the Steadfast, and he lived here together with his wife and seven children. Many students used to come here to stay too, as the city was for a long time a prestigious university center. 'Come to Wittenberg, where citizens are well educated and devoted to the sciences', sounded a local call to students from all over the German states.

Since 1883, the place hosts the Reformation Museum, and hosts interesting testimonies about the history of this religious denomination. The most part is dedicated to outline the life and works of Luther, presenting documents signed or annotated by him as well as the first Bible translation into German.

It also hosts an impressive library, with collections of Reform documents, the first edition of Luther writings, manuscripts of other Reformation representatives, such as Zwingli or Melachton and 14,500 sheets of graphic arts. Paintings by Cranach decorate the walls. An interesting experience regardless of your religion.

A couple of meters away, another memorial place: Melachton house, where the other representative of the Reformation lived between 1539 and 1560. It documents his life and works, through extended explanations and reconstructions of spaces in the spirit of times.

The former university buildings were turned into baracks in 1842 and nowadays are hosting a foundation dedicated to preserving the local heritage. Many houses keep the memory of famous students or learned men that used to visit or live here, such as Goethe or Schiller. 

In the historical center, colourful houses bring more life in a grey day, mourning the lack of sun and warm.

Many historical buildings were recently repainted and host elegant fashion or antique shops or Italian restaurants. Hotels and a hostel are also available, including an elegant Grand Adler Hotel, at the time in process of renovation.

Despite the light deprivation, the central area looks like a time stopped a couple of centuries ago. It is the Altmarkt, usual place of meeting and trading, nowadays the meeting point for tourists.

Different architectural styles demonstrates that in fact, the city changed, although in its own pace. Nearby, the Elbe river shores bring a corner of nature into the crowded city life. 

A timbered house with some new colourful patches is hosting now various artists workshops, but used to be the memorial Cranach house, whose paintings are associated with the city and this part of Germany.

During the Cold War, the city was part of the DDR, and a small museum is dedicated to those memories.

The borders of the old city are quite narrow, and in half an hour slow walking you are almost done. Walking in the middle of the historical buildings is an interesting experience, as you can always learn something about a famous resident or some episode from the story of Reformation.

But, as usual, I am here to discover more than the usual travel guides are advising. I am curious about the new life here and then, I am heading for a bit of travel adventure: I took the Berlinerstrasse road and soon I am facing some massive street art, embelishing the usually boring Plattenbau. 

And there is something else I am here to see: the Hundertwasser vision of decorating a high school. It looks like a castle, you just need to watch which princess is about to go out. The bright colours and unusual shapes recreate the standard space of learning. 

Hurrying up back in town, before it is too late, I choose to eat at the Indian Taj Mahal Restaurant, packed iwth people at this time of the day. The mushroom pakoras are very small but tasty, and the Binyani with veggies has the tasty combination of sweet, dried fruits and discrete coconut fragrance. 

Before saying 'good bye', I discover some more hidden backyards, with more historical memories and luxuriant vegetation. It was a short but intense trip, during which I learned a lot about German history and religion. This is what travel is mostly all about for me.

For more inspiration, have a look at the dedicated Pinterest board: https://de.pinterest.com/ilanaontheroad/lutherstadt-wittenberg/

A new blog is born

After sharing my last year expat experiences in Berlin at Foreigner in Berlin and my round the world adventures at Ilana on the Road, after a couple of months of break from writing - but not from travel, as you will see in the next posts soon - I took the big decision to start a new blog, more representative for what I am now: Ilana travels.

With a new format and platform - Wordpress was not necessarily my cup of tea - and some posts from Germany and Israel coming soon, the blog will keep being a photographic diary of great hotels, foods, sightseeings and tips. As the family got bigger, expect some children/baby travel tips and insights too. 

To be honest, I did suffer quite a lot to not travel blog post lately, but if you want to keep it up with my latest adventures, check my Instagram: #Ilanaontheroad for some beautiful pictures and updates. I am also on Snapchat - also as Ilanaontheroad, but still learning to make my way through, one snap at a time.

Happy to be back and see you soon with fresh posts!