Right in the heart of France, south of the capital Paris, the Centre-Val de Loire region unfolds. Thanks to the Loire, its banks and castles and the natural region that surrounds them, it offers an attractive contrast to the French capital. Orléans, Tours, Chartres – there are also a pronounced number of historic cities here, which makes for a region that is aimed at a wide variety of tourist target groups. And right in the centre runs the Loire with its enchanting castles – from the magnificent Renaissance castle of Chambord near Blois to the historic moated castle of Chenonceau to the majestic walls of Villandry Castle near Tours. Romantic holiday flair spreads on the striking shores of the Loire Valley. Excellent reasons to travel to the Centre-Val de Loire.
There are no megacities in the Centre-Val de Loire, but the proximity to Paris underlines the central location of the region. The most populous cities include Tours with about 135,000 inhabitants, Orléans with its almost 115,000 inhabitants, as well as Bourges (about 65,000) and Blois (about 45,000). The scenic Loire Valley and the beautiful rural regions around it are the natural highlight of the region. With Tours and Orléans, important historical cities are also unfolding here. Both are located in the heart of the region and are crossed by the Loire, which allows visitors a comfortable excursion route along the river valley.
Tours on the Loire was already settled in ancient times by the Celtic Turons, in today’s city region there was already a settlement called Caesarodunum, the Caesar Hill, in Roman times. In the heart of the city, you can discover numerous historical buildings that remind us of the long history of Tours. One of the most magnificent buildings is the Gothic cathedral of Tours, which was built in the early 13th century. The city on the Loire is known for its museums – including the Musée de beaux-arts de Tours with paintings from the late Middle Ages to the present day. Also known for its wine-growing region, Orléans is one of the most important cities in the region. Closely linked to prominent history from the Merovingians to Joan of Arc, numerous historic buildings await you in today’s centre. From Orléans Cathedral to the Musée de Beaux-Arts to green spaces such as the Parc floral de la Source – Orléans provides the best reasons for a tourist stop.
When the name Leonardo da Vinci is mentioned, associations with the Florentine Renaissance are awakened. However, art and history fans know that the world-famous creator of the Mona Lisa spent the last years of his life in a Loire castle in the Centre-Val de Loire. Less than a kilometre from the Loire castle of Amboise, lies the magnificent historic residence of Le Clos Lucé, a highlight of the region. This is also because Leonardo returned here in the early 16th century with three of his works – Anna Selbdritt (1503–1519), John the Baptist (1513–1516) and the world-famous Mona Lisa (1503–1506) for his last creative period.
The Loire Valley of the Centre-Val de Loire is full of such historic castles. As mentioned: Only about 500 meters from Leonardo’s former accommodation rests the gigantic Amboise Castle, which is one of the historical monuments of the Loire Valley in the city of the same name. At the top of the list of the most famous castles in the region is the Château de Chambord, which was built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for King Francis I – and is now considered by many to be perhaps the most beautiful of the Loire castles with its magnificent Renaissance architecture. The local Loire Valley is also home to the moated castle of Chenonceau, which is one of the most beautiful and impressive moated castles in the world.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists are drawn to this complex every year alone, which was nicknamed the Château des Dames – Castle of the Ladies – thanks in part to the influential historical owners such as the Duchess Diane de Poitiers and the French Queen Catherine de Medici. Near Tours, no less interesting, is the Château de Villandry, one of the late Renaissance buildings on the Loire. Particularly striking are the magnificent historic ornamental and vegetable gardens, which provide a special aesthetic flair and underline: The Centre-Val de Loire is a paradise for those who are interested in historic castles in France.
Nature, history and culinary delights in the Centre-Val de Loire
Once upon a time, the three historic landscape regions of Orléanais, Berry and Touraine existed in today’s Centre-Val de Loire. The culture of the region is correspondingly heterogeneous, with numerous tourist facets to show. Long known only as the Centre, the Centre-Val de Loire has only been officially recognised under its current name since 2015. The beautiful Loire Valley characterises the nature of the region, which provides the best reasons for a tourist stay due to its mix of green river landscapes and historic architecture. Because the Loire Valley is without a doubt one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in France – it is not for nothing that it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 with its cultural landscapes. From historic gardens to scenic hiking routes to the castles – boring holiday trips are hardly to be expected here. This is also ensured by the culinary highlights of the region. Numerous vineyards unfold along the river valley, which are home to an exquisite wine region – with wines made from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. Fresh vegetables, mushrooms and meat from regional game: the cuisine of the Loire Valley is as close to nature as the local geography. Sightseeing, hiking tours, cycling tours or culinary tours – the Centre-Val de Loire promises a cultural holiday close to nature in the heart of France.
The children’s adventure world is open to all adventures, whether at home or during holiday experiences. With good preparation and not too many excursion requests, they will get to know new cultures and lots of holiday fun everywhere. Around the world, her horizons expand with beautiful experiences that shape her cosmopolitan character throughout her life.
Of course, children prefer to be constantly on the move from an early age. In order not to overwhelm them physically and mentally, it is advisable to start your journey along the globe on your own doorstep. Germany is a small pearl in Europe in terms of landscape and tourism. But the same applies to travel in your own country: the first-aid kit comes with you. Important emergency medicine for known and unknown eventualities are remedies for nausea and diarrhea, insect and wound ointments, sensible sun protection and bandages plus auxiliary tools. The vaccination status should be checked by the paediatrician for the next vaccination and refreshed if necessary. Preliminary research on pharmacies at the holiday destination saves later emergencies if something important has not ended up in the suitcase.
North German holiday pearls and children’s paradises
Fantastic beach in Langeoog, Image: Doris Oberfrank-List / shutterstock
The Wadden Sea off the North German islands has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Some of the islands are completely car-free. On Langeoog with its water tower, children can let off steam carefree between dunes, willow flowers and a sandy beach. Seal sightings, mini golf or playhouse leave not a second for boredom. The young holiday guests go on a journey through time on a trip to the island of Juist. Just to the mudflats, to the nearest restaurant or back to the holiday apartment is possible after tiring holiday adventures comfortably by horse-drawn carriage anywhere on the island. Baltrum offers the same nostalgic carriage service. The guaranteed favourite toy on Spiekeroog for avid island explorers is the handcart. No car, but a children’s playhouse, island railway and adventure playgrounds make every day a child’s adventure.
Central German adventure ideas for young and old explorers
Many small farms in Saxony are well prepared for the visit of families with children. Play areas, contact with the animals of the farm, insights into the production of food make many a little explorer’s mouth open. Participation is expressly allowed in pottery, baking and other farm traditions. Children immerse themselves completely in medieval fairy tale worlds during holidays in Saxony-Anhalt’s small town with its half-timbered alleys, mini-museums and ice cream vans. Nature lovers in particular will get their money’s worth in the sparsely populated state with the Harz Mountains, paddling tours on the Elbe or Salle and on bike tours along the Elbe terraces. As the green heart of Germany, Thuringia attracts summer visitors from more northern Germany to the densely forested mountain regions. Christmas tree decorations in Lauscha, hiking on the treetop path in Hainichen or listening to Elvish sounds in the Saalfeld fairy grottoes make Thuringia holidays unforgettable.
Southern German mountains only for the winter holidays?
In terms of landscape, mountains such as the Allgäu or the Alps predominate in southern Germany. But families with children are not only drawn to Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg or Hesse for a skiing holiday. A top spectacle in spring, for example, is the annual St. John’s bonfire on the numerous rocky outcrops of Franconian Switzerland near Pegnitz and Pottenstein. In Hesse, children and parents can let off steam to their heart’s content in five amusement parks, for example at the fair attractions in the Taunus Wunderland or the Steinau Adventure Park. Turbulent fun in Baden-Württemberg is offered by the Europapark in Rust. Nature lovers will find themselves in a blossom dream on the island of Mainau. Even the youngest holiday guests can slow down wonderfully here for a while.
European travel for family fun
Children with some long-distance travel experience feel sufficiently comfortable even during longer journeys or flights. To be on the safe side, a remedy for motion sickness from the first-aid kit for children can prevent complaints. The countries further south in Europe are top destinations for leisure desires between playful, fairytale and shrouded in legend. Tourism providers in the travel destinations also come up with extras such as tree houses, noble country house villas or hobbit hills for overnight stays.
Italy between mountains, sun and attractions
Lake Como, Image: Rebell / shutterstock
Sunscreen for children and remedies for insect bites are essential in the first-aid kit for a trip to Italy. But this is not necessary at all on a lake holiday to Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore or other lake pearls of northern Italy. At the very bottom, at the tip of the Italian boot on the globe, lies Puglia with real, whitewashed Smurf houses as holiday accommodation. Active families are hiking in the Dolomites (Italian South Tyrol) in magnificent scenery even in the cooler seasons. During an ascent to the permitted access routes to Etna and Vesuvius, even the wildest chatterboxes become silent with awe.
Testimonies of the Greek culture of the gods
The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Image: k_samurkas / shutterstock
What attracts even the most stubborn couch potatoes to the holidays? Greece, of course, the land of Olympic myth, gods and demigods and almost every one of the Greek islands because of the spectacular natural spectacles. If you feel like family bathing, you will find shallow sea accesses on white sandy beaches in Greece, which are specially declared for toddlers and non-swimmers. In the cooler seasons from September onwards, it is better to climb up to the Acropolis or through the impressive gorges of the Greek islands. Even the youngest holidaymakers will certainly enjoy a ride on the Tsaf Tsuf (tourist train) in Thessaloniki. Parents have to take good care of their young explorers in the quaint, old alleys of Nafplio in the Peloponnese.
France with Day Trip to Disneyland Paris
Children probably don’t know what to do with oyster slurping and truffles on breakfast eggs. However, they are much more willing to embark on a holiday in Monaco with accommodation in vintage factories, castles or castle rooms. Practically all French tourist locations along the Atlantic coast combine sightseeing, water sports and day trips with a day at a Mickey Club. Children up to the age of 14 can let off steam to their heart’s content here. Meanwhile, parents can relax on the beach, surf or indulge in other water sports. Of course, France wouldn’t be complete without a visit to glamorous Disneyland Paris.
Secret Asia at your fingertips for the whole family
The first contact with Asians in one of the holiday countries is an immersion in a completely unknown culture for children. The very nature of the melodic language and the strong importance of gestures do not correspond at all to her previous short life experience. Whether the journey is to the roof of the world or along the ancient Silk Roads – fresh vaccination protection against tropical diseases common there must be carried out by the paediatrician at least six weeks before the start of the trip. Ointments and sprays against insect bites, sun protection and cold teas are essential for the often rainy weather and then many insects in the first-aid kit for Asia.
Malaysia – deep-rooted cultural tradition meets modern progress
Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, Image: Patrick Photo / shutterstock
Rainforest and children? This goes well together if the hike leads along designated paths through Taman Negara and Belum. Older children are welcome to go on their first snorkeling tours with their parents to coral reefs off the many islands off Malaysia. Boat tours on Lake Kenyir or along the Merang River feel like something out of a fantasy movie. Tired or not – strength and curiosity are still enough for a cave tour in the north of the country or magical fishing villages with access and passage on a bicycle rickshaw. The accompanying children in the Iban longhouse are quite sure that they are in Borneo with Mowgli in the middle of his Jungle Book.
Foreign Distance Mongolia
Younger children certainly don’t know much more than the Gobi Desert, Marco Polo’s travel reports and perhaps a story about the campfire in front of yurts camps. The rugged nature is also more suitable for holiday plans for older schoolchildren and teenagers. For babies and toddlers, guided tours with experienced tour operators are recommended. On site, living in a yurt camp is the first experience with the Mongolian way of life, which has been preserved to this day. Dino excavations, hikes through the Vulture Gorge and a day with the nomadic families give exciting insights into a little-discussed and described region on the globe. On the other hand, the Mongolian Przewalski wild horses are world-famous, showing themselves here in their natural, wild environment.
Sri Lanka – Land of Temples and Endangered Wildlife
Their belief in Buddhism, which predominates here, makes the locals in Sri Lanka avowed animal rights activists. For children, the encounter with the animal welfare organizations and their wild protégés can be a life-shaping experience for appreciation for all life. Safaris through the Wilpattu, Yala or Udawalawa National Parks are just as exciting as a climbing tour on the Lion Rock or a train ride through the country’s many wide tea plantations. Relaxation for children and adults is offered by the beaches on the Indian Ocean. Young children and non-swimmers are well catered for on the beaches, while active older children and parents can snorkel to their heart’s content.
Fire and flame on the African continent
Exotic climatic conditions, exotic animal encounters and often unfamiliar regional cuisine require good planning for the first-aid kit with gastrointestinal remedies, insect repellent and quick fever reducers. In any case, vaccination against tropical diseases common there, mostly transmitted by insects, is mandatory. For some, the vaccination six weeks before the start of the trip is sufficient, others must be carried out by the pediatrician three months before. Well equipped and full of curiosity, the long-distance journey to the African continent gives an insight into survival skills under extreme conditions and several cultures at the same time.
Oriental culture frenzy in Morocco
With the camel through the Sahara in Morocco, Image: Vixit / shutterstock
Scheherazade could not tell 1001 fairy tales more beautifully than children can experience with their own eyes on vacation in Morocco. Children are preferred by Moroccans, regardless of their age or origin. As a travel destination for adults, it is considered safe and therefore offers many opportunities to experience cities and nature as well as the country and its people up close. Beach as far as the eye can see and shallow access to the sea are suitable for sunny days on the beach of Agadir, even for the youngest travel kids with swim diapers. A camel ride by M’Hamid El Ghizlane through the dunes of the Sahara with the desert-experienced and prudent nomads will be unforgettable. Overnight stay in the nomad camp brings visitors close to the traditional way of life.
Discover the island worlds of Mauritius with children
Finally, children in Mauritius get to know exotic fruits such as mango and papaya in real life. Fauna and flora are extremely rarely dangerous or poisonous throughout the country, and the multicultural population is fond of children and helpful. Strangers do not necessarily have to understand the vernacular Morisyn – hands and feet are also accepted for funny communication. Small children are in good hands in the turquoise waters with shallow drops into the sea and under shady palm trees with sunscreen from the first-aid kit in the bays of La Cuvette Beach or at Péreybère. The old corridors of the well-preserved colonial villas with lovingly decorated, authentic children’s rooms and social rooms provide an insight into children’s life during the colonial era.
Multicultural South Africa between savannahs and vibrant cities
For a trip to South Africa, children should be a little older and adults should follow the safety recommendations of the Federal Foreign Office before traveling. But then guided safaris through South African national parks are an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Certainly, the young explorers only know the world-famous “Big Five” (wild animals elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros and lion) from TV or zoos. Johannesburg and Cape Town are ideal for sightseeing, typical village roundels and wooden houses on stilts adventurous accommodation offers. For fun days in between, theme parks such as Gold Reef City (Johannesburg), Ratanga Junction (Milnerton) or Sun City (Gauteng) are top destinations.
Destinations for families in America and Australia
Industrial America and urban Australia may still seem familiar to young explorers. The vastness beyond the big cities, on the other hand , they usually only know from the filmed, safe bird’s eye view or from show-strong movies. Depending on the destination, vaccinations and the first-aid kit should be coordinated with the instructions of the paediatrician and the respective Foreign Office in good time. There may also be special regulations for medications that must be observed, for example, when prescribed long-term medication.
American style beyond the fast food chains and glitter casinos
America is more than the USA and Las Vegas, fast food and Wild West nostalgia. The continent also includes countries such as Barbados, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Argentina. A total of 35 nations offer family holidays between old traditions, modern art of living, cultural exotics and quite unusual accommodation offers in the jungle or treetops, urban architecture or rural flair on ranches and farms.
Experience Australia’s wilderness and endearing urban beauty
Half a lap on the globe in the living room, then the children’s fingers have landed on the red continent of Australia. In the true dimension of a family trip, children absorb the distant magic of the country well during an overnight stay in wild camping. This type of overnight stay is allowed wherever signs do not expressly prescribe otherwise. The Jourame Falls near South Mission Beach are spectacular. On free hikes through designated safe natural regions, encounters with kangaroos, turtles or even monitor lizards are possible, and on some beach visits even sightings of dolphin schools close to the coast.
Result:
Planning a trip with your finger on the globe promises children limitless adventures. For direct long-distance travel, all continents offer exciting things between mountains, sea, cultures and human encounters. In addition to a carefully packed first-aid kit, it is important to inform the paediatrician and the Federal Foreign Office in good time about prescribed vaccinations and the authorisation to take prescription medication with you at least three months before the start of the trip.
Individual books are the perfect gift idea – for friends, family or even for yourself! And if you are really good at photography, writing and know how to do it, you can even market your book professionally.
If you are looking for a beautiful and creative memento for your travels, you will find everything you could wish for in a photo book. Book covers as desired, texts that you write yourself or copied from the Internet (but this is only allowed if you don’t sell it!) and the self-shot photos combined with professional shots (here, too, copyright must be observed when selling!)
Book
Hardcover books with glossy covers are great for illustrated books. Many tourists now use SLR cameras when they travel.
If there are a particularly large number of beautiful landscape shots, then you can bundle them according to themes – desert, sea, mountains, forest? Such shots can be used to create an excellent panorama photo book. City trips are also very popular and also offer many great photo motifs for illustrated books. Here, too, thematic collections can be created: capitals of Europe, museums in German cities or cities of famous personalities.
Individual travel documentaries
A journey without a diary is like a book without a story. A travel diary is a personal record of the experiences, observations and thoughts during a trip. It helps us to preserve our memories of the beautiful moments and remember the places we have visited.
Even though there are many ways to share our travels online these days, there is something very special about recording our experiences in a travel diary and enriching it with your own photos. It is a contemporary document that will always remind us of the beautiful moments of our travels and will also inspire others for such a trip.
During a trip, there is often no time for detailed texts. Daily bullet points help to be able to reconstruct experiences later. The advantage of designing the book later is that there is also room for tickets or special finds. In addition, the formulations can be fine-tuned so that they sound really nice.
Revival Tours – On the road with your own book
If you indulge in beautiful memories, you will also feel like revival tours. Walk in the footsteps of the youth once again or simply see what has changed on site.
There are always special situations in life in which this form of travel takes on its own relevance. Bereavements, for example, encourage you to go on your honeymoon again and remember. Even for groups, such memory books can be invaluable. For example, it is possible to move class reunions to places where the best class trips were spent. Or a club that has achieved great things, e.g. as a fourth-division team in the Bundesliga to knock a first division team out of the cup, has a club chronicle in such a document and the revival trips to the stadium of the other club can keep club life going and motivate young players to persevere, even if the club is in a crisis at the moment.
Conclusion: There are enough reasons for an individual travel book. Everyone has at least one. So to work, which in this case is even pleasure. If the book is sold, copyright must be observed.
The holidays are the most beautiful time of the year. Many people plan it right at the beginning of the year. And where do Germans prefer to spend their holidays? The answer is simple: Germany! Most of them go to the North Sea or Baltic Sea, the Alps or the foothills of the Alps with their many lakes. But despite all the charms of their country, a large proportion of Germans travel to distant countries. After all, Germany is the country with the second highest number of overseas trips after China.
Most people just want to relax and spend their holidays with comfort, sun and good food. It is not surprising that the beach holiday with hotel accommodation is the most popular form of holiday for Germans. The most common overseas destination is the Mediterranean Sea. Spain (and the island of Mallorca in particular) has been the leader in hotel accommodation for many years, while Italy is in second place. Greece, Croatia and Morocco were also very popular this summer. And family and sports lovers prefer neighboring Austria. It is traditionally popular with Germans for its wonderful hiking trails, ski resorts, alpine meadows, baroque architecture and rich history.
Germans also prefer beach holidays in Turkey, with the region around Antalya being an absolute favourite. For those who don’t like the heat, Scandinavia is the best choice. Germans travel there for nature, they are attracted to the forests and waters, and wildlife tourism is very common in this country. For many Germans, this is the ideal format for a summer holiday with a tent in Sweden, Norway, Finland or Denmark.
Tours
Since employees in Germany have more vacation days than in other countries (generally 26 to 30 days), many travel twice a year. Many prefer to spend a short vacation in a big city. In Germany, these are Berlin, Hamburg and Munich, and in Europe as a whole, the cultural capitals of London, Rome, Vienna, Paris and Prague.
An interesting type of holiday is casino tourism. Many Germans go to casinos in Montenegro, Spain or Austria. If you can’t afford to travel to another country to play there, you can also try your luck online – preferably in one of the online casinos on https://casinohex.at. When you make a first deposit, you have the opportunity to start playing for real money right away. An interesting way to relax on holiday.
Cruises in vogue
Cruises are very popular with Germans. More and more young Germans are opting for a trip on a floating hotel, with all the amenities and an extensive entertainment and excursion program in the port cities. According to statistics from the German Tourism Association, four million Germans will have taken a cruise in 2022. And every year, more and more places are booked on cruise ships.
While people from all over the world like to see other countries, the USA is the most popular destination for Germans. Canada is in second place. And in Southeast Asia, the most popular destination for German holidaymakers is Thailand.
German holidaymakers are divided into two groups when it comes to winter holidays. On the one hand, it is the winter sports enthusiasts who like to ski in Austria. The other group, on the other hand, seeks the warmth of the sun and travels to the Canary Islands. Bavaria and its Alpine regions are very popular in winter. Hikes and lakes, skiing and wellness hotels are ideal for the Germans. A tourist bonus of this state is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, which tops the list of the most visited attractions in Germany year after year.
The Germans have also returned to Baden-Württemberg, which has been forgotten by tourism – last year the region experienced a tourism boom for the first time in many years. Baden-Württemberg’s most important tourist magnet is the Black Forest with its forests, picturesque villages and carefully preserved traditions.
Interesting facts instead of conclusions
75 percent of Germans travel to another country at least once a year;
The average duration of a trip is 13 days;
Employees have 26 to 30 days of vacation per year;
Sixty-two percent prefer to go on vacation, 25 percent opt for active recreation;
One third of all German holidaymakers spend their holidays in Germany;
The most popular European destinations are Spain, Italy and Austria;
The USA is the country of the oldest, largest and best-known national parks in the world. Almost all of the USA’s legendary landscapes and natural areas can be found in its national parks. The combination of nature and well-developed tourist infrastructure is unrivalled in the world. It is not without reason that many national parks in the USA are popular destinations for locals and tourists from all over the world. Some national parks are particularly legendary and worth seeing. The following parks are definitely worth considering when planning a trip to the United States.
Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone Park, Image: Anders Riishede / shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park was founded in 1872, making it the world’s oldest national park. With annual visitors of over 4 million, the park is extremely popular, especially considering its location far from the population centers of the USA. The majority of Yellowstone National Park is in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho are home to smaller parts of the park.
The sights include numerous geological sights. Yellowstone National Park is located in a volcanically extremely active region. Hot springs, geysers and spectacular rock formations can be admired.
The second main attraction is the fauna of the region. Through conservation and reintroduction measures, there is a chance of sightings of grizzly bears, black bears and wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The imposing bison and elk deer are probably seen by most visitors.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, Image: cb_travel / shutterstock
Yosemite National Park captivates with its absolutely breathtaking landscape. Due to its location about 300 km east of San Francisco , it is an accessible and worthwhile destination for many California vacationers. The core of the park is a wide valley, which is lined with impressive rock formations.
Yosemite National Park is particularly interesting for hikers and adventure athletes. The network of paths is particularly well developed. The park played a central role in the development of modern climbing and in the history of base jumping. Of course, the landscape of the park can also be enjoyed without a penchant for adrenaline. The forests, rocks and waterfalls invite you to relax. The park was one of the favorite subjects of Ansel Adams, one of the most famous landscape photographers of all time.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
With well over 10 million visitors per year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the USA. The park is located in the U.S. states of Tennessee and North Carolina. The landscape of the park consists of rolling mountains that are covered with one of the most intact virgin forests east of the Mississippi . In the valleys there are untouched mountain streams.
Visitors can expect a large network of hiking trails on which the masses of visitors are well distributed. The views from the park’s streets are legendary. A section of the Appalachian Trail, the world’s most famous long-distance hiking trail, runs through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitor centers also inform park visitors about the long history of Native American settlement in the national park’s lands. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is particularly popular with Americans, but for many tourists it remains more of an insider tip.
4. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, Image: GagliardiPhotography / shutterstock
In terms of climate and landscape, Everglades National Park is a big leap from the parks described earlier. However, due to its location in Florida , it is within easy reach of many popular vacation destinations and is undoubtedly worth a visit. The Everglades National Park includes a tropical swamp area that drains Florida’s interior towards the coast. There are numerous watercourses, dense reeds and dry, wooded islands. Visitors see alligators, tropical birds and an impressive landscape in its own way. Exploring the national park on your own is difficult, as you have to rely on special watercraft. There is a wide range of guided tours through the Everglades National Park.
The ecosystem of the Everglades is more threatened by human intervention than most other national parks in the USA.
5. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, Image: Ernst Prettenthaler / shutterstock
In Death Valley National Park, visitors get an insight into the desert landscape of California and Nevada. The park is a place of superlatives: the highest air temperature ever was measured here and the lowest place in the USA is located here.
Death Valley National Park is easily accessible from popular destinations Las Vegas and Los Angeles . The best way to explore is from the air-conditioned car. Tourists who underestimate the dangers of the heat cause elaborate rescue operations every year.
The desert landscape of Death Valley National Park is a unique experience. Tourists see an alternation of rugged rocks and huge dune landscapes. The park is characterized by the interplay of relentless sun and dry winds.
6. Denali National Park
Denali National Park in Alaska, Image: Marc Cappelletti / shutterstock
In the middle of the Alaskan wilderness is Denali National Park. The park is as large as the state of Brandenburg and is only accessible by one road. The landscape of the national park is dominated by its namesake, Mount Denali. Around the highest mountain in North America are coniferous forests and steppe-like grasslands.
Visitors should definitely have experience in the wilderness before exploring the park on their own. The remoteness and high density of grizzly bears make hiking in Denali National Park not entirely without danger. However, the National Park Service also offers guided hikes and other events for tourists. For Alaska travelers, Denali National Park is a must.
7. Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park, Image: Bitter Buffalo Photo / shutterstock
Grand Teton National Park is located in Wyoming, south of Yellowstone National Park. Compared to its big brother, this park does not have to hide at all. Grand Teton National Park includes the Tetons, which ruggedly overlooks the typical prairie of the western United States. Grand Teton National Park is much quieter than Yellowstone National Park. The same animal species can be observed: grizzly bears, wolves, bison, moose and elk. In addition, pronghorns, the second fastest land animals in the world, can also be seen.
The park is accessed by a large network of hiking trails. In addition, the immediately adjacent mountain town of Jackson is well worth seeing.
8. Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park, Image: Galyna Andrushko / shutterstock
Olympic National Park is located directly on the Canadian border in the US state of Washington. Here, the Pacific coast, mountains and rainforests meet directly. Especially from Seattle, the park is worth a detour.
The park’s forests are part of the unique temperate rainforest ecosystem. Due to the Pacific climate, a very large amount of precipitation falls in Olympic National Park, with mild temperatures all year round. In the center of the park are the rugged, glacier-covered peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Visitors to the park can take advantage of the full spectrum of nature-based activities. Hiking, mountain biking and fishing are particularly popular.
9. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park, Image: Jeison Jaramillo / shutterstock
The world-famous images of the huge sequoia trees come from Sequoia National Park in California . The ancient forests of these trees form the main attraction of the park. Some of the trees are over 80 m high and reach diameters of over 10 m.
It is also directly adjacent to King’s Canyon National Park, which is administered jointly with Sequoia National Park. This is where desert landscapes and mountain landscapes of the Sierra Nevada meet. The areas of the two parks were among the centers of the California Gold Rush, which drove the settlement of the region. From Los Angeles and San Francisco , the parks can be reached in half a day.
10. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Image: Kris Wiktor / shutterstock
Zion National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks outside the USA. It is located in southwestern Utah and is in close proximity to the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Park. For travelers in the southwest of the USA, Zion National Park is one of the best destinations.
The core of Zion National Park is a deep gorge lined with sandstone cliffs. Here, a green meadow landscape meets the surrounding desert in the sole of the escape. In the valley, it is surprisingly cool even in summer. A highlight is the “Narrows”, a particularly narrow section of the gorge that can only be reached on foot by hiking in the river.
The diversity of national parks in the USA corresponds to the cultural and scenic diversity of the country. Each national park is worth seeing in its own right, but unfortunately a normal life is usually too short to visit them all. These ten parks reflect the spectrum of natural landscapes in the USA particularly well and are therefore particularly interesting for visitors.
Romantic bays, turquoise sea and dreamlike white sandy beaches lined with picturesque granite rocks inspire visitors to the island of La Digue. As the smallest of the three inhabited main islands of the Seychelles , the island attracts not only with its beaches, but especially with its charming underwater world and its enchanting flora and fauna. A stay on La Digue promises pure relaxation in a uniquely beautiful setting.
If you choose La Digue as your holiday destination, you can escape from everyday life. The small island paradise is a very quiet and tranquil destination. There are almost no cars on the entire island, only a few taxis and vans are in use on the Seychelles island. The most popular means of transport on La Digue is the bicycle and almost every destination on the island can be easily reached on foot within an hour.
While tourists use bicycles to explore the island, locals also travel by bike. Transports are traditionally carried out by ox cart and so it is not surprising that a holiday on La Digue is ideal to slow down. The islanders are leading the way, because they love their small island and appreciate the beauty of nature. So it is not surprising that there is no city on La Digue, but the inhabitants have managed to maintain their traditional lifestyle despite increasing tourist interests, which benefits nature.
An island without building sins
Image: Reisemagazin Online
Even though tourism has discovered La Digue for itself, the manageable island paradise has remained true to itself. You will look in vain for large hotel complexes on La Digue. Rather, there are small hotels, well-arranged bungalow complexes, small resorts and guesthouses on the island. Accordingly, the accommodations on the island are rather quiet and familiar. There is therefore no problem with the choice of accommodation, because all the accommodations on the island are embedded in the dreamlike nature, so that the exotic gardens merge directly into the tropical flora of the island. Most of the accommodations are located on the west coast of the island. This is also where the most beautiful beaches are located, which enchant with pristine white sand and are bordered by palm trees and granite rocks. The most famous beach is La Réunion, which is located near the only larger town that bears the same name as the beach. Here you will also find some shops, restaurants, banks and takeaways.
Away from the west coast, there are only a few accommodations and yet it is a good alternative, especially for adventurous tourists on a tight budget. Especially accommodations away from the coast are very cheap and are surrounded by dense jungle. Interesting animal species can be discovered here, because there are some endemic animal species on the beautiful island.
The original island is blessed with a rich fauna and rare bird species can be observed here, but encounters with pond turtles are also not uncommon here. Visitors to La Digue should plan a lot of time for walks and hikes, because there is also a lot to discover and, above all, the tranquility of nature invites you to simply unwind. In addition, the tour to Anse Maron is also tempting, but it is only possible with a guide and quite exhausting, because here the granite rocks have to be overcome, and the tour also leads through the jungle and the sea, but it is definitely recommended, as the really original side of the island and island life is revealed here.
A paradise for divers
All over La Digue there are wonderful beaches and beautiful bays, but if you don’t just want to relax on the beach, you would do well to immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Seychelles island. The entire granite rock island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. So every single dive is worthwhile, because unique encounters with the numerous sea creatures beckon. La Digue is known for its particularly diverse and colorful underwater world and so divers from all over the world are drawn to the small Seychelles island. Diving equipment can be rented on the island, so it is not mandatory to arrive with equipment. A nice alternative can also be a boat tour, which many hosts offer. They often know the most beautiful diving sites in the archipelago and so excursions are well worth it.
L’Union Estate & Anse Source d’Argent
The Source d’Argent is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by the fauna of the jungle and wonderfully bizarre granite rock formations, this beach is unique. To get to it, visitors to the island must cross the L’Union Estate park. This costs admission, but you can also visit a copra mill and a plantation where vanilla is grown. There is also a small art gallery on the grounds, which is well worth seeing. The crowning glory, however, is a visit to the beach, where encounters with the giant tortoises are also possible. The park itself is considered one of the most important sights of the archipelago and anyone who walks along the paths under the coconut palms immediately knows why this piece of land is so special.
If the Caribbean island were to be listed, a large part of the Germans would certainly completely forget St. Eustatius. If they have ever heard of the name of the island, which used to be part of the Netherlands Antilles . The situation could be different in the Netherlands. After all, the small island in the Caribbean is still a special municipality of the Netherlands and has a long history of colonization behind it. The small island has become a Mecca for those tourists who want to experience Caribbean flair without mass tourism. It is mainly the lovers of nature who are drawn to the small island paradise.
What do you need to know about the small island of St. Eustatius?
Image: Peter Hermes Furian
With an area of just 21 square kilometres, St. Eustatius, also known as Sint Eustatius or Statia, is the second smallest of the former Netherlands Antilles. It is surrounded by more well-known names such as the St. Kitts Islands, which have long since become a paradise for holidaymakers in the Caribbean . Otherwise, at first glance, it is not so different from all the other islands in the region. The tropical climate is also present here, as well as the wonderful beaches and the clear to green sea that is so typical of the Caribbean region. The stratovolcano, which dominates the image of the island and is one of the most important tourist attractions, is also typical.
The island was not always so small and comparatively unknown. In the turmoil of the 18. and In the 19th century, it was not only important for trade in the region and had up to 8000 inhabitants – today there are only about 3200 – but also changed hands regularly. And although people pay with the US dollar on the island today, the population has decided that they want to remain a special part of the Netherlands , which was ultimately the masters of the island’s population. But what makes St. Eustatius so special in comparison and why should you ignore all the other big names and come here instead?
The nature island and its small wonders
The beaches already mentioned are a bit different on St. Eustatius. No white dream beaches, as they can be found in every travel guide and catalogue. In addition to the characteristic Steill coasts, there are mainly beaches of black volcanic sand. And in other respects, the island is simply a bit different from the so often photographed paradises in the rest of the Caribbean. There are relatively few visitors to the island, marketing and tourism do not yet play such a big role and instead visitors are lured with the untouched nature that can be found everywhere. No noisy beach bars, but typical Caribbean tradition and culture that can be found everywhere in the inhabited part of the island.
The two national parks are dominant on the island. Here, vast and unspoiled landscapes can be found. The volcano mentioned above also plays a very decisive role in the tours on St. Eustatius. The numerous hiking trails that lead through and across the island are ideal for nature tourists. Not only can you hike here, but the bicycle is of course also welcome. In addition, there are various tours offered by the first tourist companies on the island and carried out by locals.
The island is a real insider tip for divers. Due to the long and numerous battles for the small island, living history can be found directly in the waters off the coast. Countless ships have sunk here, been sunk or simply run aground. The many wrecks can still be seen today during guided dives. Treasure hunters also get lost here again and again and are often successful when they pull one or the other pearl out of the water. Otherwise, it is also a good idea to simply examine the nature around St. Eustatius below sea level.
Culture and holidays on the island of St. Eustatius
The island has also remained very natural in other respects. There are about 300 hotel beds throughout the island and a good handful of restaurants that tempt you with the typical cuisine of the Caribbean. The Dutch-Caribbean cuisine is widespread here and the seafood in particular plays a very important role on the plates. The island’s unchanged town centre still points to how the settlers must have lived here in the past. So if you want to visit the Caribbean without encountering too many other vacationers, your stay at St. Eustatitus is the right place for you.
Dolce vita and a lot of Roman culture await visitors when you visit the port city of Brindisi in Apulia, Italy. Brindisi is old and was first mentioned in Roman records as early as the third century.
The natural harbour of the city on the Adriatic Sea is still an important pier for international ferry traffic, as boats depart from here for Turkey, Albania and Greece. But above all, Brindisi is a wonderful starting point for holidays on the Adriatic coast, which is characterized by enchanting towns and beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters.
Italy is and remains one of the most popular holiday destinations and due to its diverse landscapes and fascinating cultural treasures, it is always worth a visit.
This also includes Puglia in the southeast, which forms the heel of the boot, so to speak, in its geographical form.
The wonderful coastline along the Mediterranean Sea offers perfect conditions for a relaxing beach holiday or an active stay on the water. Water sports are very important here and the conditions for surfers and other sports are perfect.
The capital Bari and the city of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”, are just as interesting destinations as the charming port city of Brindisi, which has always been an important location, especially due to its natural harbour basin.
The most beautiful sights in Brindisi
Harbour promenade of Brindisi, Image: Angelo DAmico / shutterstock
In addition to the harbour, Brindisi also has a cute old town to offer, which invites you to stroll and linger. In the small and winding alleys, the southern Italian attitude to life is omnipresent and in one of the many nice trattorias you can enjoy the red wine specially grown in this area. But in the picturesquely situated town there are also some historically important buildings and artefacts from times long past.
Not only Rome has a large staircase, but also in Brindisi visitors can walk over one on the Colonne Terminali della Via Appia. At the top of this historic attraction is a marble column, which was built as one of two twin columns by the Romans in the 2. or 3rd century.
In addition, there is one of the most spectacular and beautiful views over the harbour area from here.
From up there, you can also see the Lungomare Regina Margherita harbour promenade, on which you can stroll directly along the harbour basin and watch the ferries dock and depart. And if you want to enjoy an aperitif and a delicious meal with a view of the harbor, you will find plenty of options on the promenade.
Visitors can admire another wonderful view of the entire city from the Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia. This monument was erected between 1932/33 for the fallen Italian sailors in the First World War. Today it is a memorial and at the same time a popular destination.
The Pontificia Basilica Cattedrale was built in the 11th century in honor of John the Baptist and stands in Piazza Duomo in the heart of Brindisi. The basilica, built in Romanesque style, offers plenty of space for beautiful photo motifs and inside for silence and reflection as well as some cooling off on hot summer days.
Other buildings of historical value are the church of San Benedetto and the Castello Alfonsino di Brindisi, which rises on the island of Sant ́Andrea at the beginning of the harbour basin. The coastal fortress is always open for visits and cultural events also take place regularly.
Brindisi as a seaside resort
The wonderful crystal clear water off the coast invites you to swim and linger and at Guna Beach visitors will find a beautiful stretch of beach with the best opportunities to experience the waters of the Mediterranean Sea for themselves. Another area can be experienced at the Oktagona. At both places, the physical well-being and one or the other variety is also taken care of and therefore it is worthwhile to plan a whole day for the visit there.
For lovers of natural beaches without a lot of frills around them, the Torre Pozzelle is the right address. The cliffs and bays are surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and unspoilt nature.
The surroundings of Brindisi are worth further excursions.
Alberobello – The Trulli Capital, Image: thegrimfandango / shutterstock
Slightly inland is Alberobello, which is absolutely worthwhile for a day trip. The great attraction of this place are the stone houses with their cone-shaped roofs, which were built more than 700 years ago.
This city is considered one of the most authentic in the whole country and the picturesque alleys will immediately enchant and captivate every visitor. The capital Bari is also not far away and Castriano del capo in the Lecce area forms the southernmost point of this region and is also a worthwhile destination during a stay in Brindisi.
In the recent past, phishing emails from fraudsters have become more and more frequent. Only recently, the target of the attacks was once again the payment service provider PayPal. In an email to the addressees, it was claimed that access to PayPal was restricted because a deposit was made via the account in an “online gambling store”. Of course, this is a brazen lie by the fraudsters, who want to lure out the user data of the addressees. The crucial question is: What are the options for depositing your money safely at an online casino?
In order to take action against phishing, it is important to know which opponent you are dealing with and what can be done about it.
The term “phishing” means that the data of Internet users is intercepted. This can be done in a wide variety of communication channels. By far the most common attempt is made in the form of fake e-mails. This is followed by fake websites and short messages via WhatsApp or SMS. Often, however, these detours are no longer necessary. Namely, if the phishers succeed in intervening in the communication between users and systems with the help of so-called malware.
The goal of phishing is to get the login data, i.e. the username and password, to a specific system such as online banking. The transfer of large amounts of money to other people’s accounts results in high financial losses. In addition, one’s own online reputation can be severely damaged. For example, if stolen goods are suddenly auctioned off via one’s own account on an auction platform on the Internet.
The first advice of the experts in these cases is usually to be careful and use common sense before following the instructions of an e-mail. But the methods of the fraudsters are becoming more and more perfidious and professional and often the tricks are no longer so easy to see through, even for experienced users. However, there are still a few clear signs that indicate that a message is a phishing attack:
Impersonal or incorrect salutation
Incorrect response
An unreasonable period of time with the threat of a consequence (e.g. blocking of the credit card)
The request to fill out a form
The request to enter a TAN
This at least offers basic protection against general phishing attacks. However, the gamblers in the online casinos are additionally unsettled by the numerous attacks. You are wondering: how can I continue to play at an online casino without fear of my data being stolen?
How can players protect themselves in online casinos?
If you want to play in the online casino for real money, you first have to deposit money into your customer account. Ideally, the amount should be transferred from a computer that is as secure as possible.
For example, if you don’t want to do without your beloved slot machines on holiday in Poros in Greece or on Marsa Matrouh in Egypt , you should top up your account accordingly at home. Because in a foreign Wi-Fi network and possibly also with an unknown PC or laptop, the risk of one’s own data being intercepted by fraudsters is much greater.
However, the most important factor to consider is the available payment methods of the respective provider. Among other things, the various online casinos offer the following options for depositing money:
Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express etc.
EC cards: Maestro, Visa Electron, Delta etc.
Prepaid cards: Paysafecard
E-wallets: PayPal, Neteller, Skrill
Direct bank transfer: Giropay, instant bank transfer
When comparing the individual payment methods, Paysafecard is the safest way to protect yourself from possible phishing attacks when depositing money in your customer account, according to the besteonlinecasinos.com . The reasons for this are manifold.
What are the advantages of making a deposit at the online casino with Paysafecard?
Transactions with Paysafecard are almost as easy and secure as paying with cash., Image: Sulastri Sulastri / shutterstock
The Paysafecard is a payment based on a credit balance. The big difference to most other payment methods is that no account details or credit card numbers have to be entered on the Internet. Thus, they cannot be stolen by potential fraudsters.
The Paysafecard can now be bought in over 500,000 brick-and-mortar stores and in many online shops. The credit on it can be used to pay in many online stores or to top up credit on the customer account in an online gambling store.
The function is roughly comparable to a prepaid credit card. Payments can only be made with the available credit. Over-indebtedness is impossible. The greatest possible damage is therefore the theft of the current credit. And even that will be very difficult. For payment, it is necessary to enter a 16-digit PIN, which is located directly on the card.
The Paysafecard not only offers increased security against tricksters, but also protects privacy. That’s why it is often used for payments that should not appear on the account statement of the current account.
The card can be topped up with amounts ranging from 10 to 100 euros. However, if you want to make higher investments, you can also do so with Paysafecard. This is because several cards can also be combined with each other for payment. Almost as easy as placing several banknotes on the cash counter when making a cash payment.
Which online casinos in Germany accept a deposit with Paysafecard?
In the meantime, many operators of online casinos have recognized how popular the Paysafecard is with their customers and therefore offer it as one of several possible payment methods.
Some of the best and most reputable online gambling stores that accept Paysafecard in Germany include:
Vegadream
Locowin
Slothunter
Sugar Casino
G-Slot
Woopwin Casino
N1
EU Slot
North Slot
Rant
Particular attention should be paid to the welcome bonus that providers grant their customers when making a first deposit with Paysafecard.
At Vegadream, for example, the bonus is up to 1,650 euros, depending on the amount of the deposit. In addition, the provider also grants 300 free spins. Locowin is even more generous. Here, depending on the deposit, the bonus is up to 1,850 euros and 500 free spins.
Not in the mood for long and exhausting calculations at the bank counter abroad? Then cryptocurrencies are just the right solution. Virtual currencies can be used to pay anywhere, at least in theory. Regardless of what the exchange rates of the real national currencies look like. On the Internet, more and more payment service providers are relying on virtual currencies and they are also becoming increasingly important in real life. On holiday, they are an ideal solution when payment is to be made quickly and easily.
In the past, one of the biggest obstacles to travel was currency exchange. The introduction of the euro has largely eliminated this problem, at least within the EU. But cryptocurrencies also have an impact on our holidays, because they are more than just a trend. Within the EU and around the world, the possibilities for paying with virtual currencies are becoming more and more numerous. For digital nomads and young people, these currencies are already an integral part of life and are also often used on vacation. It’s just practical when you can pay on site easily and without much effort. In Europe, the technology is not yet so widespread, but especially in South America, the supply and demand for practical payment options with virtual currencies is increasing.
Play and win in any casino on the go
It sounds a bit strange, but gambling is also very popular on vacation. Virtual currencies have of course long since had their place in the gambling industry. In this overview , everyone can find the best online casinos where you can also play with virtual currencies. Simply lying on the beach and doing a few laps on the slot is no problem with cryptocurrencies. In the right casino, everyone can win on vacation and thus have an even better time. It’s definitely worth it, because fun and excitement are guaranteed. Of course, the chosen online casino should also have the necessary licenses. Because only then can the prize be legally paid out and used. In an online casino, everyone really has the chance to win the big prize and can fill up the holiday budget for the next year!
Conclusion: Virtual currencies are becoming increasingly important for a perfect vacation
Online casinos are also very popular on vacation, Image: Marko Aliaksandr / shutterstock
Holidays are known to be one of the most beautiful times of the year. With a profit from an online casino , he only gets better. Of course, it is difficult to access your own funds abroad. Cryptocurrencies are the ideal solution here. They are available everywhere, can be used immediately and are internationally recognized. Many online casinos offer corresponding deposit and withdrawal options for cryptocurrencies. In this way, one’s own happiness can also be challenged on vacation. The big advantage of virtual currencies is their international availability, as well as a very high level of security. Simply going on holiday and still enjoying financial freedom is almost impossible with a regular national currency outside the EU. Virtual currencies offer the freedom that is simply indispensable on vacation. This makes them an ideal solution and is already influencing people’s travel behaviour.
