Nowadays, there are many ways to pay an invoice. Especially abroad, many people are thinking about how best to pay. Using a credit card is usually the right solution. But which one is actually better for the holiday and what do travellers have to pay attention to? In this article, holidaymakers will learn why a credit card is advantageous and what different options exist.

Different credit card types

Credit cards can have different conditions, interest rates, and limits. Therefore, it is important to deal with the different types of credit cards. These two different cards are available:

• Debit card: Debit cards are usually linked directly to the checking account and immediately withdraw the money from the account once a payment is made. They are like electronic checks and quite convenient to use. However, they don’t always offer the same protection and reward benefits as a credit card.
• Credit cards: With the credit card, the system works something different. Customers receive a credit line that they can exhaust up to a certain point. This means they borrow money from the bank to make the purchases and pay them back later.
• Travel credit cards: These are specially designed cards that offer travellers special benefits. Vacationers can earn rewards when they make their travel purchases with them. But they can also come with annual fees and interest if customers don’t pay off their balance in full each month.

Consider destinations and needs

Choosing the right travel credit card depends heavily on the individual destinations and needs of the traveler. On the Internet, consumers can compare the offers with tarifcheck.de free of charge to find the best offer for themselves. All relevant information is listed there in order to be able to make an informed decision and simply apply for the credit card. Here are two key factors to consider:

• Influence of the destination on the choice of credit card: Each destination may have unique financial requirements and considerations. Some regions prefer to pay with cash, such as Greece, while others favour cashless settlements, such as France or Italy.

Of course, currencies and exchange rates play a major role in this. Last year, a lot of tourists went on holiday to Turkey due to the optimal exchange rate. Many travelers are therefore careful to choose destinations where they get the most value for their money. Choosing a credit card that is widely accepted in the resort and offers favorable exchange rates can greatly improve the financial travel experience.

• Travel budget and expense planning: Before the holidays begin, it is advisable to draw up a travel budget. The most essential points are the planned expenses for accommodation, food, activities and shopping. The credit card should be adjusted to this set budget to ensure that it is no longer spent. Holidaymakers must find out in advance about the annual fees and interest rates. In this way, travelers cannot exceed their credit limit and avoid high interest rates.

Rewards and Benefits

A big incentive when choosing a travel credit card is the additional rewards that many banks and credit institutions advertise. On the one hand, this creates the incentive to buy more than is actually necessary. While on the other hand, many advantages await customers. Credit card users have the following advantages:

• Cashback offers: This system has existed for quite some time and attracts a lot of customers. The concept of cashback is as follows: Consumers use the card for every purchase and receive money for it. With some credit cards, this is actually possible. This means that users get a percentage of their purchase back, which can add up to significant savings over time. Whether shopping abroad or visiting local stores, cashback islike a small gift that can help with travel expenses.
• Mileage or point rewards: Many people from America know the principle of miles. It’s another popular type of reward when vacationers make their travel purchases with their credit card. Those who have achieved a certain number of miles or points can later redeem the reward for free flights, hotel stays or other travel experiences. In this way, people who would normally not be able to ice several times a year can fulfill this dream.
• Travel insurance and protection services: Travel can bring unpredictable events, from delayed flights to medical emergencies. Many travel credit cards offer protections such as trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and emergency medical coverage. This means that holidaymakers can start their holiday with peace of mind and are much more relaxed, knowing that they are protected in emergencies.

Costs and fees

In addition to all the rewards and rewards, there are of course fees and additional costs that go around with a credit card. The following deductions must be taken into account:

• Renewal fees: The annual fees are incurred regularly if customers want to continue using the card. Some credit cards do not charge an annual fee, while others charge for it, which can vary depending on the type of card. Many cards that require an annual fee come with additional benefits that can recoup the cost. The credit institutions want to retain their customers and therefore accommodate them in this way.
• Exchange rate fees: For people who travel abroad where a foreign currency exists, a conversion fee will be charged when purchasing with the credit card. When people abroad pay by credit card, exchange rate fees may apply. These fees are calculated when the home currency is converted to the currency of the country. It makes sense to look for credit cards that charge low or no exchange rate fees. This is because this fee can sometimes be very high.
• Cash Withdrawal Fees: Sometimes holidaymakers abroad need cash, whether for small expenses or because cards are not accepted everywhere. Withdrawing cash from ATMs is often not free of charge. They can be made up of a fixed amount as well as a percentage of the amount withdrawn. This fee payment is independent of the ATM operator abroad.

When you think about your next trip, you often have a rough destination region in mind. Some love to lie on the beach all day and tan in the Mediterranean sun, while others enjoy the view of the mountains even in the summer months and hike around the Alps for hours. Often, however, you can’t decide which country you want to travel to. Here it is a good idea to take a closer look at various cruise offers . After all, cruises are rarely limited to just one country, but head for many destination ports.

Popular Cruise Itineraries

In order to get to know different cruise routes, we took a closer look at the offer on the website of the popular and established provider MSC Cruises and picked out two routes:

Cruise through Northern Europe

A cruise through Northern Europe is a real cultural highlight – where else can you get to know so many different nations within a few days? In addition, the Northern Europe tour is also suitable for passengers who suffer from fear of flying or prefer to avoid the flight. After all, many tours start and end in the well-known German ports of Hamburg and Kiel.

If you decide to travel with MSC Euribia, you will get to know the cities of Copenhagen, Bruges, Le Havre, La Rochelle, Bilbao, Brest, Southampton and Rotterdam within just 14 days. Since there is not too much to explore in Southampton, you can book one of the day trips offered. So it makes sense that, in addition to London, Windsor Castle or Stonehenge, for example, can be reached within only about 1 to 1.5 hours drive.

Off to the Caribbean

Endless summer, white beaches, pure sun. Especially in the cold winter months, many holidaymakers like to escape the frost and decide on a long-distance trip. And if you feel like exploring different islands and their inhabitants, you can choose between the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean. Let’s take a closer look at the latter. We want it to be warm right away and therefore decide on Miami as our destination airport. MSC Cruises also offers Caribbean cruises from New York – in any case, only summery clothes will go into our suitcase.

The 14-day tour takes us via Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico to the Bahamas. There, a special destination awaits exclusively for travelers: Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – winner of the TPG Award. Whether snorkeling or sunbathing, pure relaxation is the order of the day here.

If 7 days in the Caribbean are enough for you, you can leave the ship in Miami. Everyone else continues the journey and explores Nassau – the capital of the Bahamas. Other destinations on the round trip are the popular beach resort of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico.

In between, there are always days at sea that you can use to enjoy the extensive service on board. But what does a cruise ship actually offer in terms of entertainment?

Entertainment on board

One thing in advance: Of course, you can also just take a seat on the lounger on a cruise and sink into a good book. You do it from time to time on holiday with solid ground under your feet.

However, for those who like to move and want to experience a little, MSC Cruises offers an extensive entertainment program.

Activities for children

Let’s start with the young travellers. In general, there are separate club offers for all possible age groups. This means that the offers are perfectly adapted to the needs of the respective age. While the little ones receive special attention in the Baby Club, the “minis” between the ages of three and six are particularly looking forward to the LEGO® Adventure Day.

Children of primary school age compete with their peers in exciting competitions, while the Young Club for 12-14 year olds offers an extensive range of games.

The teenagers will also compete in digital competitions on current game consoles.

Sports, Spa & Fitness

Are you a passionate tennis player and don’t want to let your training slip during your holiday? That’s right: With the exception of the MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Preziosa ships, you will find a tennis court on the MSC Cruises fleet to hone your groundstrokes.

But friends of ball sports can also actively participate in volleyball, football, squash and mini golf. If you prefer fitness and are not busy due to the power walking round around the ship, you will certainly make friends with the modern gyms. These can be found on all ships in the fleet.

Outdoor

Of course, young and old will find refreshment in the pool facilities of cruise ships. On some selected cruises, however, depending on the selected ship, water parks, high ropes courses, slides and even the robot-based action ride Robotron are offered on board the MSC Seascape.

Evening

Of course, there is also an extensive show programme and mini disco for the little ones on all MSC Cruises ships. However, most ships also have very special extras. So it’s worth taking a look at the equipment of the ships in advance before booking the trip.

Autumn, a season of fascinating changes in nature, offers the ideal conditions for unforgettable hikes. In this article, we’ll explore the magnificent autumn landscapes and the reasons why autumn is the perfect time for outdoor adventures.

The beautiful autumn landscapes

Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful seasons for hiking. Nature presents itself in all its glory when the leaves of the trees turn into a bright play of colors. The warm reds, vivid oranges and soothing yellows of the leaves conjure up a breathtaking backdrop. The autumn landscapes are a feast for the senses, a real feast for the eyes.

A walk through the forest in autumn makes hearts beat faster. The rustling leaves under the hiking boots produce a soothing sound that drives away the stress of everyday life. The clear autumn air is filled with a scent of fresh leaves and earth that invigorates the lungs and refreshes the senses.

In addition to the forests, the autumnal mountains and valleys also offer breathtaking views. The mountain peaks are often covered by a thin blanket of snow that glistens in the morning sun. The valleys are streaked with fog, which slowly settles over the landscape and creates a mysterious ambience. Autumnal lakes reflect the surrounding trees and blue skies, and the reflections on the surface of the water are simply mesmerizing.

Why hike in autumn?

Why should you hike in autumn? There are many reasons that make this time of year particularly attractive for outdoor activities. First, the weather in autumn is often pleasantly mild. The heat of summer is over, but the bitter cold of winter has not yet set in. This creates ideal conditions for hikes where you don’t break a sweat or freeze.

Secondly, the autumn landscapes are less crowded. Compared to summer, when most people go hiking, the paths are quieter and more peaceful in autumn. You will have the opportunity to enjoy nature in its full glory without being surrounded by crowds.

Thirdly, the autumnal colours are simply enchanting. The photography enthusiasts among us will appreciate the opportunity to capture stunning images of the glowing leaves and picturesque landscapes.

How to prepare for excursions

A hike in autumn requires thorough preparation. Since temperatures can fluctuate greatly, it is essential to take layered clothing, warm jackets and accessories such as gloves and matching socks. You might think that the last two points are not so important, but they are. Therefore, you should choose these accessories wisely, especially if you plan to go on long hikes. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact brands that are known for the quality and reliability of their products. You can find tactical jackets at Beretta, a reliable outdoor clothing brand that offers high-quality products.

In addition, every hiker should opt for hiking boots that are suitable for such excursions and the season, as the paths can be slippery due to falling leaves and moisture. On top of that, the light decreases earlier in autumn, so it makes sense to plan your activities accordingly. It’s better to plan your departures in the morning and return in the afternoon, long before the sun goes down, so you can anticipate any delay and not be left in the dark.

For hiking enthusiasts, the paths through the colorful forests offer an unforgettable experience. Make sure you have a map of the trails with you and follow the guidelines of the national parks for your safety. Take plenty of water and high-energy snacks with you to keep you on your hikes. And don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the magnificent scenery that presents itself.

With his book series “Fabulous” (available here at Books on Demand), Dr. Stefan Stadtherr Wolter regularly takes us on trips to the most beautiful places on earth. We talked to him about his cruise around Mauritius, Seychelles, La Réunion and the Far East:

In your Fabulous series, readers travel with you to many dreamlike travel destinations in currently six different volumes. Gladly also by cruise ship. What is the appeal of the cruise for you?

First of all, I think of the security that many people feel in a “ship’s belly”. Primal feelings have to play a role. Many report that they actually sleep particularly well on the ship – like in a cradle. I can’t quite confirm that, I’m probably too much on the go for that to not miss anything. After travelling through the jungle and steppe, such as a tent safari through Namibia or Uganda, it is comparatively pleasant to get into your comfort zone after the day trips. And there is never a shortage of food. Hardly having to worry about anything, because almost everything can be organized in advance, has a recreational value that should not be underestimated. For me, however, accessibility also plays a role on a cruise. Flying to the Lesser Antilles individually would make no economic or ecological sense. This also applies to the countries and cities we have visited in the Far East. Like pearls on a string, our AIDAbella headed for Shanghai, Ishigaki, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Singapore. Breathtaking impressions in a short time.

In the issue “Cruise around Mauritius, Seychelles, La Réunion and the Far East” you describe how you explored the two Seychelles islands of Praslin and La Digue in just one day (including a turbulent journey with the Cat Coco). Do you sometimes regret getting to know many places on a cruise only superficially?

Yes, this is definitely a topic that should be dealt with. All too quickly such a shore leave is over and in fact I asked myself on the way and afterwards in the book the question of what actually goes beyond leafing through a catalogue. In any case, there are moods and smells and various human encounters. These are not so easy to convey through the media. Even on our group trips through many countries, I often regretted being able to stay in a certain place for only a few hours. In order to really get something out of it, in terms of sustainability, the follow-up of a trip is very important. This is where it starts to get exhausting, but in the long run, you have incredible added value. After all, books don’t have to come out of it right away.

On the trip, you will have visited many paradisiacal islands in the Indian Ocean. Which of the islands is your favorite and why?

Our journey began in Mauritius and led to La Réunion and the Seychelles. All islands are definitely worth a trip. We got to know Mauritius quite well within 10 days. On La Réunion, the wild nature in combination with European infrastructure is impressive. It is an overseas department of France. But even there we think we got an impression over two days. If you are more into beach paradise, then you should go to the Seychelles again. There seems to me to be an even more harmonious way to relax. The areas damaged by sugar cane cultivation, such as in Mauritius, and the wild landscape on La Réunion are missing. It is possible that it will go back there again.

The calm before the storm: In 2019, it went a little further east. Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Hong Kong & Taiwan. If you had actually made this trip directly afterwards, it would have been a culture shock. What impressions did you gain on this trip?

It was my great wish to see world metropolises or countries that embody many things that go beyond our horizons of thought and experience. I am particularly interested in the construction of the future – that is, green high-rise buildings, artificially created biotopes. We were also able to experience the more liberal Hong Kong . It was impressive how the letters “Facebook” shone on one of the towers, which is forbidden in China . All these large cities can be explored wonderfully independently, for example with the BigBus.

Her travel books are very entertaining. Sometimes the neighbors are also scrutinized more closely. You can tell how much you enjoy writing. Is the seventh edition of the Fabulous series already being planned – and if so, where will the journey take us this time?

Actually, I wanted to start with 6 books of the “Fabulous series”. But then I underestimated the art of writing. It’s hard work and you never really finish. There are so many sensitivities these days, be it the mention of skin color, be it the description of a lady with sex appeal. And then there is always the question of how many historical backgrounds can there be before it gets boring. So I quickly came to the realization that the situation of experience is the most suitable form of reproduction. In other words, the colloquial explanation of the content by the tour guides while at the same time describing the sensitivities of the listeners, who are sometimes distracted by their surroundings. Nevertheless, I made competent classifications beyond what I had experienced on site.

Now we have to deliver our exciting journey through Myanmar – up to the self-sufficient mountain tribes. That was one of the greatest experiences of my life, along with the visit of the Karamojong in Uganda (Vol. 2).

One final question: Where will your next trip take you?

If everything goes according to plan, it will be a Central America cruise, this time with “Mein Schiff”. Here I am curious about the difference to the AIDA – and of course about the Mayan sites in Mexico, the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest reef system in the world) and a train ride along the Panama Canal. We will also head for Colombia and Jamaica . And of course I’ll want to write everything down again, I can’t help it. So there will be a continuation of the “Fabulous series”.

Editor’s note: One year later, the time has come. The Fabulous series was continued. More information can be found here >>