The medical tourism industry has seen an increase of up to 30% in recent years. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that flying has become cheaper and easier. In addition, governments and the health care system have adapted to foreign patients. Similar to the package holiday, there are complete packages with visas, transport, advice, translators and everything that goes with it. The biggest advantages, however, are certainly that medical treatments abroad can save you a lot of money and you can also experience a few relaxing days. Why not have the dental treatment done in Turkey and then relax on the beach?

Healing holiday

If you have to have a medical procedure or want to take advantage of lower prices for cosmetic treatments, you can combine this with a relaxing holiday. Often this health holiday is still cheaper than the treatment in this country. There are several reasons why people choose medical tourism. A distinction must be made here as to whether it is a purely cosmetic procedure or preventive measures (health tourism) or whether the treatment is necessary from a medical point of view (medical tourism). In the latter case, Europeans benefit from the fact that necessary treatments in the Union are now also covered by the domestic health insurance funds. In many countries, this no longer even requires supplementary insurance.

Why can it be worthwhile to cross the border?

Even in primeval times, people have taken long distances for their healing. The Kneipp spa baths are probably one of the oldest and best-known examples of medical tourism. At that time, too, people went to the “healing sea air” or to the mountains. At that time, it was primarily the city dwellers who hoped for the desired healing from the untouched nature and treatments in such surroundings. Today, however, the field of medical tourism extends around the entire planet. Just to visit the dentist in Turkey and then a short vacation on the Mediterranean coast. For more and more people, this is nothing absurd, but quite normal. There are a wide variety of reasons for treatment abroad.

At the top of the list, of course, are the cost factor and relaxation far away from the hustle and bustle at home. Particularly traditional healing methods are often only available in the home country. Ayurveda in India, the Chinese art of healing or the Wadden Sea. So if you are looking for alternative therapies, you can’t avoid a trip. In addition, not all methods available to medicine are recognized or even allowed in all countries. The big keyword here is fertility treatment. Here, for example, the standards in Germany are different from those in the Scandinavian countries. The same applies to abortions. These are not legal everywhere in the EU. And then, of course, there is the beauty holiday.

“The vacation has made you 10 years younger!”

For many foreigners, Germany is an attractive destination for medical interventions. Thanks to its high standards and very good specialists, it is popular with health tourists (especially from the Gulf States and the USA). In a Europe-wide comparison, Germany is one of the most expensive countries alongside Austria and Switzerland. This also applies to cosmetic treatments and preventive measures. Many of these applications are not covered by the German health care system and stars also travel abroad for their hair transplants, for example. At the top of the list for cosmetic procedures are Turkey, Spain, Poland and the Czech Republic (the cheapest in Europe). The rejuvenation cure in a foreign clinic is therefore a topic today that is no longer taboo, but rather proudly posted in the holiday album.

Motivation determines the holiday destination

Which country, which clinic and which doctor are all questions that should be answered on a country-by-country basis. It’s not so different from any other holiday. If you like it exotic, you should look around in Asia. If you prefer mountains and a mild climate, you can find it in the Italian Alps or in the Ural Mountains.

In the case of medical tourism, there is also the question of the accreditation of the doctor and the institution. Social media and the Internet are available to obtain information in advance. However, thanks to the great demand, there are now consultants who have a large portfolio of clinics and doctors. They have experience and can provide advice and support. The good reputation precedes the good physician and his institution. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to do a little research of your own in the case of major procedures.

Too often you hear about the botched cosmetic surgery. The resulting damage is often not covered by the domestic health insurance and those affected are left with the costs and the correction is associated with suffering. There are organizations that accredit doctors and clinics. These standards apply worldwide and are reliable. So it’s worth taking a closer look. In addition to the cost factor and the climate, safety should always be considered during a medical trip.

Whether backpacking or all-inclusive vacation: the most exciting thing about a vacation is to immerse yourself in both the everyday life and the peculiarities of foreign cultures. But sometimes this is easier said than done, especially when you think about the language barrier that makes many things more difficult – “Lost in translation” is the keyword here.

The fact that there are between 6500 and 7000 different languages in the world

doesn’t exactly improve this problem… But it’s actually quite simple: English lessons are now firmly anchored in school education and accordingly many people in this country are at least familiar with the language to the extent that they can communicate about it to some extent.

How fortunate is it that English is the most widely spoken language in the world – at least if you add native speakers and second language speakers together. Speaking of native speakers, there are more than 50 English-speaking countries in the world beyond the United Kingdom and America.

Language barrier? Piece of cake – English spoken here

Among the many countries where English is spoken, there are of course many exciting destinations. Here you can create an authentic holiday experience with the appropriate language skills. And for all those who don’t (anymore) quite believe in their language skills, there is still the possibility to fall back on one of the many offers that make English lessons conveniently online possible – and thus prepare you perfectly for one of the following destinations.

Great Britain

Of course, the country where the English language originated should not be missing from this list. But that’s not the only reason why a visit to England is recommended.

In addition to exciting destinations for a city trip such as London, Manchester or Liverpool, the home country of Shakespeare, the Beatles and baked beans offers a lot more. Here, for example, you can learn English in its purest form, British English. From the imposing chalk cliffs of Dover up to the picturesque natural landscapes of Scotland, there is also a lot to discover in terms of landscape.

United States

Stroll through Central Park or catch a performance on Broadway Live? A vacation in New York is on many people’s bucket lists. But even away from the “Big Apple”, the land of unlimited opportunities shows why it has more than earned its nickname. How about a road trip along the east or west coast or through the interior? A visit to colorful Las Vegas? Or get up close and personal with the natural splendor of the Grand Canyon ?

Ireland

A safe bet for a trip to Ireland is, of course, the capital Dublin, the birthplace of Oscar Wilde and the famous Guinness beer. If you prefer a road trip to classic city trips, the “Ring of Kerry”, a picturesque panoramic coastal road, is just the thing. Fans of longer hikes, on the other hand, are guaranteed to be happy in one of the country’s six national parks.

For all those who have had English lessons for a while and therefore want to refresh their language skills, a visit to Blarney Castle is almost mandatory – after all, here you will find the Stone of Fluency, which may enable a special form of English tutoring.

New Zealand

Not only all those who have always dreamed of roaming through the Shire or the steppes of Rohan will get their money’s worth during a visit to New Zealand. Because the scenic beauty of the country, which contributed to the success of the film adaptation of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, quickly captivates all visitors.

With spectacular sights such as the Fiordland National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, Lake Taupo or the Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand offers all nature lovers what their hearts desire.

Australia

Australia is currently known as a popular travel destination to explore an exciting part of the world during “Work and Travel” after school and also to further improve the language skills acquired in English lessons.

But even apart from that, Australia is definitely worth a trip with its lively metropolises such as Sydney or Melbourne, impressive national parks and world-famous sights such as Ayers Rock.

Canada

In addition to English, French is also spoken in Canada – making the country perfect for a language trip. A city trip to Montreal, Quebec or Toronto already offers a lot worth seeing. But the real magic of Canada is the beauty of its nature. In addition to famous destinations such as the Rocky Mountains or Niagara Falls, there is so much more to discover in the country’s seemingly endless wilderness – making Canada a great destination for adventurous explorers.

Learning English and discovering the world go hand in hand

The great thing about English being spoken almost all over the world is the combination of discovering new cultures and having unforgettable experiences with the opportunity to improve your language skills. Or to put it another way: if you speak English, the world is open to you!

And if the English lessons at school have been a while ago, you can simply take some English tutoring – if necessary also online, which is no longer a problem these days.

In Germany, the classic travel season falls during the summer holidays. Families sometimes plan a year in advance where the well-deserved vacation should go. They are already looking forward to their summer holidays in January. However, it happens that this has to be cancelled at short notice. Whether illness, death or accident – many events over which humans have no influence can throw a spanner in the works.

Good for those who have travel cancellation insurance, it is said in this case. However, not all travel enthusiasts have taken precautions. Nevertheless, they do not necessarily have to worry about high cancellation fees.

Cancel the trip without travel cancellation insurance – and now?

Sun, summer, beach and sea: there are many reasons to go on holiday. Just as many can ensure that the planned trip has to be cancelled before departure. Those who have travel cancellation insurance can stay relaxed. The insurance covers the cancellation costs if:

• Accidents or illness prevent the start of the trip,
• the death of a close relative blows up the travel plan,
• unexpected unemployment makes vacation impossible.

Of course, travelers without travel cancellation insurance are also allowed to cancel their vacation. However, the question arises as to what financial hurdles they will face. If you decide to cancel immediately after booking, you do not have to worry about any costs. For all holiday bookings – whether online or in a travel agency – the two-week right of withdrawal applies.

Furthermore, there is the possibility of hoping for the goodwill of the travel provider. Accordingly, it should not be cancelled immediately. If the travel enthusiasts describe their problem by phone or e-mail, the provider ideally offers one of the two options:

Travel resale: In this case, the trip can be sold to other holidaymakers. In this case, the flight and hotel are passed on to third parties at the booking price. Less often, the prevented travelers have to accept lower prices.

Rebooking: In some cases, the tour operators agree to a rebooking. Fees may apply for these.

If travel providers or guests do not agree to either solution, the only option is cancellation. How expensive it is for the travelers depends largely on the time of the trip cancellation. The type of trip can also affect cancellation fees. The lowest costs are usually incurred for package tours. If you plan your holiday individually, you must find out independently about the amount of cancellation costs for flights and accommodation .

With most low-cost carriers, tickets expire in the event of cancellation and cannot be reused. The situation is similar with more exclusive flight providers, where the cheapest flight class has been booked. The following applies to all trips: The later the cancellation is made, the higher the costs on average.

Cancelling the trip without cancellation fees – when and how does it work?

Normally, travelers cannot avoid cancellation fees if they cancel a trip at short notice. Nevertheless, there are exceptional cases in which the cancellation takes place without incurring costs. The reason for the cancellation of the trip plays a role here. If you don’t feel like going on holiday, you can’t claim this as a good reason for cancellation.

For example, even if there is a short-term hindrance, there are no costs for cancelling the trip if force majeure prevents the holiday. These can include natural disasters. Likewise, the tour operator must accept the cancellation free of charge if he changes his terms and conditions at short notice. This can happen if the price of the holiday suddenly increases or if services included in advance are no longer included in the travel price.

It should be borne in mind that the cancellation policy is decided on a case-by-case basis. If there are disputes between the guest and the tour operator, a lawyer may have to be consulted. However, if “force majeure” thwarts the vacation plans, the legal situation is clear. A similar situation occurs if:

• there is an imminent military conflict or war in the destination country,
• the travel area is closed due to a natural disaster,
• there is a threat of disease epidemics in the holiday country,
• domestic political unrest or a civil war make the journey unsafe.

The threat of a terrorist attack is not officially considered “force majeure”. Even after a terrorist attack, it is impossible for many travel providers to cancel the holiday in the affected country free of charge. If there is a concrete terror warning, on the other hand, the tour operators are obliged to inform the holidaymakers about what is happening. German travellers can refer to another case: If the Foreign Office issues an official travel warning for a region or country, the trip there can be cancelled at no cost.

What should be considered when cancelling a trip at short notice?

Regardless of the reasons for cancelling or rebooking the holiday, travellers should contact their tour operator in advance to describe the situation. At best, individual regulations for the problem can be found in conversation. If no agreement is reached, the cancellation of the trip becomes a done deal. In this case, it is important to inform the travel provider again in writing of your own intention. This can be done by letter, fax or e-mail.

A receipt for the written travel cancellation should always be kept. Consequently, it is worthwhile to send letter mail as registered mail. In the event of a dispute, the receipt serves as proof of the announcement of intent to the tour operator. In an emergency, it can be legally asserted.

Flight delays aren’t just annoying because you mess up your schedule and you may have to spend several more hours in the uninviting environment of an airport. It is also often difficult to exercise one’s own passenger rights when it comes to compensation claims against the airline. You can get support in claiming your compensation from specialized providers such as AirHelp.

What rights do I have if my flight is delayed?

The European Union’s Air Passenger Rights Regulation awards passengers flight delay compensation in the event of significant delays, which can range from €250 to €600, depending on the route. The compensation claims for delays of more than three hours are divided as follows:

• Short-haul flights (e.g. Mallorca) up to and including 1,500 kilometres: 250 euros in compensation
• Medium-haul flight between 1,500 kilometers and 3,500 kilometers: 400 euros compensation
• Long-haul flight outside the EU from 3,500 kilometers: 600 euros compensation (for a long-haul flight within the EU, maximum 400 euros compensation)

It is true that compensation claims can be asserted from a delay of three hours. A claim for compensation arises if connecting flights are missed as a result of the initial delay. If you are two hours late, you are entitled to a free supply of drinks and snacks, as well as access to free means of communication, especially e-mail and telephone. In the event of a delay of more than five hours, you have the right to withdraw from the trip with a full refund of the ticket price. If you still want to continue the journey and a flight to the desired destination is not possible until the next day, you are entitled to reimbursement of hotel costs. You can also reclaim the transfer costs to a hotel (there and back) from the airline.

The EU’s Air Passenger Rights Regulation applies not only to flights within the EU, but to all flights departing from the EU, regardless of the location of your airline. If your flight departs from outside the EU, the regulation only applies if the selected airline is based within the EU. The EU regulation also applies to flights departing from Switzerland, Norway or Iceland. Note that especially in Switzerland, the European legal situation is not necessarily adopted and judges there often rule in favor of the airlines.

If the EU Passenger Regulation does not apply, your compensation claims are often in a bad position, as comprehensive regulations such as those in the EU usually do not exist. Most airlines have developed their own regulations that regulate how to proceed in the event of significant flight delays and under what circumstances the affected traveler may be able to get money back. If your flight starts outside the EU and the airline you have chosen is based in a third country, then it is worth taking a look at the airline’s general terms and conditions.

What to consider when claiming compensation

Only about 2/3 of the flights delayed by more than three hours in the EU are entitled to compensation from the airline. Whether you can claim compensation depends on whether the airline itself is responsible for the delay. If this is not the case, e.g. in the event of unusual storms or bird strikes, there is no claim for compensation against the airline. Important: Staff strikes are also usually attributed to these “extraordinary circumstances”.

Special case: cancellation of a flight as a result of the COVID19 pandemic

If your flight has been cancelled due to national measures to contain the COVID19 pandemic, the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation No. 261/2004 stipulates that the airline must refund the full ticket price to the customer within seven days. Reimbursement is often made in the form of vouchers. However, this form of reimbursement is only permissible with the passenger’s documented written consent. Since airlines want to retain their customers, the vouchers often have a value that is higher than the price of the original tickets. You have to weigh up whether you want to accept the voucher or ask for your money back. If you accept the voucher, you must expect that it could expire in the event of the airline’s insolvency . If you insist on a refund of the money, you may have to deal with some bureaucracy if the airline does not agree to the repayment immediately.

Although air travel conditions have now largely returned to normal, this point could become more relevant again with the emergence of new and possibly more dangerous variants of the pandemic coronavirus.

What do I need to do to claim my rights after a significant delay to my flight?

If you would like to claim financial compensation in the event of a delay to your flight, you should consider a few points right from the start, the following of which will later help you to claim your legally guaranteed passenger rights.

Already at the airport, you should have the delay documented with its exact duration or the reason for the cancellation of your flight by the airport staff. Keep proof of financial expenses for drinks and snacks. It is also advisable to actively approach other passengers and ask them for their address or at least a reachable telephone number, so that you have witnesses later. This can be especially important if there is a legal dispute with the airline.

If you wish to make a claim for compensation, please send a letter by post (ideally registered mail + acknowledgement of receipt) to the airline’s branch in your country, preferably by registered mail. In the case of package tours, the claim must be addressed to the tour operator.

In this letter, list exactly at what time the flight should have taken off at which location, when and at what destination the flight should have arrived. Furthermore, you inform them of the delay with which the flight ultimately took place.

By following the tips described here, you have a good chance of being able to enforce your rights against the airline.

Simply be out and about with the whole family, easily integrate the baby into leisure activities and use parental leave, for example, to go on a long journey. This is more or less the idea of many enthusiastic travellers who become parents. But not only travel fans, who are often on the road anyway, want a nice vacation with the baby. Of course, the offspring should also accompany their parents on the classic annual vacation, and many questions arise: When can a baby travel? Where is the best place to travel, and which places do you prefer to avoid? What do you have to consider when organizing, and how is traveling with baby really? We have compiled the most important answers.

When can you travel with your baby?

Theoretically, a baby can be on the road with its parents immediately after birth. Quite a few babies are born while traveling and are then right there. In practice, however, it is not for nothing that the first weeks after a birth are called “postpartum”. Mom and child should rest and arrive in their new life. However, if you really want to, you can also go on a trip right away.

Most airlines allow children from one to two weeks of age. Whether this is the right time for a long-distance trip by plane is up to parents to decide for themselves. However, caution is advised, because of course there are not only many people on the move at airports, but also pathogens. And babies’ immune systems are still developing.

It’s a little less complicated by train or car. Especially in your own car or camper, you can enjoy the greatest possible freedom. Provided that the baby likes to lead along.

Which places are recommended, which are better avoided with a baby?

Actually, you can travel with a baby to almost any place in the world, because wherever people live, babies are born. Of course, you will prefer certain places and avoid others so as not to put yourself and your family in unnecessary danger. An overview:

• When traveling with a baby for the first time, it is best to choose destinations where you already know your way around, because the new life as a family is exciting enough. You don’t necessarily have to deal with a new environment.
• It is an advantage if the climatic conditions at the destination are similar to those at home. So you don’t travel with a baby to the coldest or hottest places in the world. The rainy season with its continuous rainfall and extreme humidity should also be avoided.
• Destinations for which a travel warning has been issued are better avoided. As a family, you are much more vulnerable than when you are traveling alone.
• Extreme altitudes are also not recommended if you do not live in such an area anyway.
• In some places in this beautiful world, certain vaccinations are needed. Many of them cannot yet have a baby, and for this reason should not travel to such places.

What do you have to think about when you travel with your baby?

It depends a little on where you travel and how long you will stay there. On the one hand, it’s about everything you need for the trip itself. It’s hard to rummage in your suitcase on the road, so you have to have things at hand. This is all the baby would need at home, i.e. bottles, diapers, creams, spare clothes and pacifiers. The same applies to the stay itself, although it always depends a little on where you are going. Are you vacationing in a European country and can you even access the proven diaper brand? Or are you far away and have to expect that there are unusual animal species in the jars of baby porridge?

There is one more thing to consider, and that is the necessary documents if you are traveling abroad. Is the health insurance suitable, is the child healthy, does the other parent, if not present, agree to the trip? If you want to have a good overview, you can download a checklist for the flight here. Of course, it also applies to other long-distance journeys, such as by train.

What is it really like to travel with a baby?

On Instagram and travel blogs you can always see beautiful pictures of relaxed parents and sleeping or smiling babies while traveling. They sleep in the back seat of the car, they marvel from the train window, they relax on the plane. One thing you should know before you go on a trip with a baby: Your own child can quickly throw a spanner in the works and make all the beautiful pictures ad absurdum. Every child has their own personality and the trips they enjoy can be a real surprise.

Although most children like driving, not all of them do. Some cry non-stop, which can make a road trip an ordeal. Or maybe it’s just the car seat that pinches in one place, a problem that can be solved quickly. Some babies fall asleep in the hustle and bustle, others are already annoyed (and make this known loudly) when the radio in the supermarket is too loud. While one baby really likes to be pushed through the world in a stroller, another is outraged when it has to lie alone somewhere and wants to be carried all the time.

So if you want to travel with your baby, you should first get to know it properly and try out which situations it accepts well and which ones affect it. Accordingly, you can choose your destinations, as well as the activities on site and also the type of arrival. What speaks against a few months Hiking to celebrate in the home environment when the child is slumbering in the carrier for it? As it grows up, its tolerance for new situations also grows, which it can get to know again and again through parents who love to travel.