the Fad travels: Vienna Part 1

It was the 1700s. In the summer palace known endearingly as Schönbrunn, adorned with excessive Rococo splendour, painted in a regal ochre-gold, the stage was set for centuries of romances and tragedies, victories won by bloodshed and losses beyond battles. That was the time when Maria Theresa ruled Austria. The golden era of peace would soon be disrupted. The queen had no choice. She had to marry off her youngest, most beloved daughter, Marie Antoinette, to the Dauphin of France in order to secure Austria's sovereignty. Never did she expect that to be the worst decision of her life, for it would be years later, when Marie Antoinette would be executed during the French Revolution...

Vienna has always been shrouded with mystique and romanticism, perhaps the result of its glorious Habsburg past. The capital of Austria, today's Vienna is still the old, quaint beauty you see in postcards and photographs - and then more. Vienna is an understated beauty, without the pride of pompous Paris or dilapidation of Rome. It has by far, successfully avoided modernisation like many of its European counterparts, thus retaining an old world charm that would astound, then capture your heart. Such is the allure of the gem of central Europe.

I went to Vienna in March, at the tail end of winter. A coat was still needed then. Flying in through the newly opened route from Barcelona, it was Sky Europe’s first day of flight into Eastern Europe, so we were all served white wine.

Travelling around Central/Eastern Europe, I would recommend the scenic route of taking trains.

But travelling to Eastern Europe from west or south, the most efficient way is to fly. One of the budget airlines that offer great deals has to be SkyEurope (lotsa blonde stewardess who speak English). Another would be Click Air. Alternatively, you can scan for other flights using Skyscanner.

A word of advice:
Always try to book tickets way in advance for cheaper deals. Peel your eyes opened for discounts, which are often offered, albeit at weid times, such as evenings or midnights. Sometimes a discount has hidden costs such as airport tax so you have to be prepared for that.

By going budget does not mean you have to subject yourself to inconvenient modes of transport, such as flying Ryan Air – which many reckon as dirt cheap (not really! since budget airline companies are now increasing competition by providing better routes than RyanAir, and arriving in city center) yet it utilises airports in “ulu” places. By having to spend the extra cash travelling into town does not equate to cost-savings if you think about it. It only adds to more inconveniences.

Vienna's International airport is located in Schwechat; about 18 km southeast of Vienna. Upon arrival, there are several ways to get to city centre.

I took the Airport Bus, which looks like a tour bus.
Fare: 6€. (I bought my ticket from the driver upon boarding)
Time: Starts from 0600 hr, leaves every half hour.
Takes you directly to: Sudbahnhof first (25 minutes), then Westbahnhof (35 minutes). Both are major railway stations – so it is easy to spot for alighting, and for orientating yourselves as you find your bearings and figure out how to get to the hotel/hostel.