All about travel

Discover Miami

PatrickJullien

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28. July 2022

Located on the east coast of sunny Florida, which is considered one of the most popular US states for tourists, is the dream destination of Miami. When you think of the metropolis, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Ocean Drive, known from numerous Hollywood films, with its pastel-colored houses, where the city’s rich and beautiful regularly stroll. But the city is full of opportunities that usually remain hidden at first glance: In addition to beautiful sandy beaches, Miami has palm-lined piers, trendy neighborhoods with hip art scenes, living and dining culture shaped by international influences and, with the Art Deco Quarter, even one of the best-preserved area monuments in the USA.

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Miami Beach

Downtown Miami, Image: pisaphotography / shutterstock

While the city of Miami is made up of numerous districts such as Little Havana, Little Haiti, Midtown and Downtown, one district in particular is known to tourists: Miami Beach. Located on an island in front of the city proper, Miami Beach is only connected to the other districts by four bridges. With its numerous sights and long sandy beach, Miami Beach is considered the most visited district of the metropolis, which captures the relaxed and at the same time luxurious lifestyle of the city.

Hours of sunshine on Miami’s most beautiful beaches

The city’s long and wide sandy beaches are an absolute highlight, not only for sun worshippers. Under the motto ‘see and be seen’, tourists, celebrities and onlookers cavort on the popular South Beach between the colourful huts of the lifeguards, who do not want to miss the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist region. If you want to sunbathe a little more relaxed, North Beach is less touristy and offers hip and alternative restaurants, boutiques and cafés. The piers along the beach are also recommended for long walks and sports activities to watch the sunset on the sea.

Stroll along Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive Miami — The Ocean Drive, Image: marchello74 / shutterstock

The most popular and hippest promenade in Florida is Ocean Drive, which is known as the filming location of numerous Hollywood flicks. Although the promenade is considered extremely lively and touristy, it is a hotspot of the city that should be experienced. In front of the chic Art Deco-style bars and restaurants, there are numerous American classic cars that evoke nostalgia and at the same time underline the luxurious lifestyle of the district. With a bit of luck, you can even catch a glimpse of celebrities while strolling along Ocean Drive, and it’s not for nothing that the area around Ocean Drive and South Beach is considered the most decadent region of the city. For even more nostalgic moments with a real Old Hollywood feeling, take out one of the charming classic cars, which can be rented for a ride on Ocean Drive for a fee.

Local history and architectural highlights in the Art Deco District

In the center of South Beach, there are more than 900 historic buildings in the Art Deco style on an area of over two square meters, which stand out in the otherwise very modern cityscape with their house fronts in delicate pastel shades, the round shapes typical of the era and eye-catching neon signs. The neighborhood is easy to explore on your own, and the Miami Design Preservation League’s informative Visitor Center provides more information and impressions if needed.

Modern art in the open air in the Wynwood Arts District

The artistic heart of the metropolis is the Wynwood Arts District with its famous Wynwood Walls, which serve as a canvas for sophisticated graffiti artworks. Artists from all over the world present their works of art in the park in the open air, which changes the effect of the works of art depending on the atmosphere, making the district an interesting destination again and again. In the neighborhood, there are hip eateries and alternative boutiques to discover, making Wynwood all-round attractive to visitors.

Downtown Miami

In Downtown Miami, the numerous skyscrapers of the financial district rise up, which can be discovered in the nighttime skyline. The harbour in particular is a popular place to eat, dance and celebrate. The Adrienne Arsht Centers for the Performing Arts regularly hosts concerts by well-known artists as well as newcomers. With its numerous shops and restaurants, the Bayside Marketplace is also considered a highlight of Downtown, which looks like a huge open-air shopping mall. With a bit of luck, strolling around the crescent-shaped bay, where the shopping highlight is located, will be accompanied by atmospheric live music.

Little Havana – Pure joie de vivre

Miami South Beach — South Beach, Image: Richard Cavalleri / shutterstock

Lively, creative and full of joie de vivre – this is how the small district around Calle Ocho, Little Havana’s wide main street, can be described. Resounding music paves the way through the streets, which are lined with a colorful jumble of numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and small cigar stands. Due to the influences of Cuban cuisine, Little Havana is considered a culinary highlight that can best be explored on a culinary tour of Miami.

Day trip to Santorini

Carolin Prall

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28. July 2022

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Of course, Santorini offers enough sights to spend a whole week on the beautiful island of the Cyclades in the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, the location and size of the destination offers the perfect conditions for a day trip from the largest and most popular island in Greece: Crete

Perfect combination of two Greek islands

Take advantage of the island hopping opportunity and get to know two Greek islands, which are nevertheless very different, in one holiday. This way you get the most out of your annual holiday and collect many different unforgettable impressions.

For a successful day trip to Santorini , the alarm clock should be set for 6 a.m., because getting up early is a prerequisite for this. From the port of the capital Heraklion , you can use comfortable car ferries from several providers. The crossing to Thira takes 1:45 – 2:15 hours each way, depending on the ferry company. You can buy the tickets in advance online or directly at the port. However, plan enough time for this and find out about the departure times in advance to make the most of the day.

Once you arrive in Santorini, you will have enough time to marvel at the two most famous and worth seeing places on the island: Thira and Oia

To save time, consider using a taxi to combine the two places. Of course, it is also possible to drive your own car if you have decided to use the ferry crossing with your vehicle.

Santorini is of volcanic origin. Since the island is very high, you can still see the original volcanic crater from almost all known places. Powerful eruptions created a “caldera”, part of which sank into the sea. The fact that the island was actually round one day and not crescent-shaped as it is today can be guessed particularly well from the beautiful view from the city of Oia to the “caldera”.

Thira, Santorini — The capital Thira, Image: Mistervlad / shutterstock

Although Santorini is not the typical destination for beach vacationers, the island still has some nice bathing opportunities to offer. Especially in the southeast of the island, you can discover picturesque beaches of dark sand. Small restaurants and cafes are of course also available to round off a trip to the beach. However, if you’re only spending one day on the multifaceted island, you might want to save your beach stay for Crete. Here you will find very beautiful long sandy beaches, some with small pebbles, especially in the north of the island (e.g. in the regions of Anissaras, Malia or Georgioupolis) or in the west (e.g. Elafonisi).

The capital Thira is not considered one of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece for nothing. The absolutely breathtaking view of the dark blue sea, in contrast with the mostly cloudless light blue sky and the white houses on the rocky hillside, is incomparable and a postcard motif that you can find all over the world. The cave-like white houses with blue windows and doors on black volcanic soil offer a unique architecture. A leisurely stroll through the small streets and a coffee in one of the many small eateries overlooking the sea is a must during a stay in the capital. Of course, there are also many nice shops to stroll through, but the prices are unfortunately generally very high on the island.

Greece, Santorini — The famous white houses with blue roofs in Santorini, Image: Anastasios71/shutterstock

A little tip: When planning, try to pay attention to the arrival times of large cruise ships such as AIDA, TUI Cruises, MSC or even American shipping companies. This way you avoid overcrowded alleys and definitely save a euro or two, because many restaurants raise prices as soon as a large cruise ship docks. In general, the further away you are from the city centre, the cheaper the prices. It is also worth taking a short walk towards the city limits, because you will find many hidden small apartment buildings with abandoned terraces and balconies with breathtaking views without other tourists.

But the ancient city of Alt-Thera or the artists’ village of Oia are also in no way inferior to the capital as their “little sister”. The view is at least as beautiful as in Thira. The village is considered a little less crowded and is much smaller. It is quieter and more idyllic. Many visitors come to Oia mainly for the sunset, which is said to be the most beautiful to see here. Take a close look during a walk through the village, because you will always catch glimpses of dreamlike infinity pools in exclusive locations from various boutique hotels. In combination with the typical windmills of the island, which are located in the middle of the village, the result is an indescribable picture that you will never forget. Santorini is guaranteed to captivate you!

Tips for a legendary casino tour of Switzerland

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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28. July 2022

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Tips for a legendary casino tour of Switzerland

First and foremost, Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscape, a unique mountain backdrop, the finest chocolate and famous cheese specialties. If you choose this country as a holiday destination, you are probably an enthusiastic outdoor fan and are either looking for hiking routes or opportunities to do winter sports there extensively. But the small state with its 26 cantons has so much more to offer.

There are great cities with a rich cultural offer and countless shopping options. The nightlife in the main centres of Zurich, Basel and Bern is also impressive. What many visitors may not necessarily be aware of, however, is that Switzerland also has a whole range of renowned casinos that have a high entertainment factor and are making a name for themselves far beyond the country’s borders.

Of course, enthusiastic gamblers can also enjoy their gaming pleasure in the comfort of an online casino Switzerland . The ambience of a sophisticated casino is of course also something special. If you would like to experience this for yourself, you will be warmly welcomed in the casinos of Switzerland and perhaps even encouraged to take a complete casino tour after the first few visits.

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How gambling is regulated in Switzerland

You may not suspect it, but compared to its neighboring countries, the density of casinos in Switzerland is actually very high. There are a total of 21 casinos, which are mainly located in the larger cities as well as the tourist magnets such as Davos or St. Moritz. In order to be able to officially offer gambling, a licence is required. Depending on the financial turnover and the size of the casino, a distinction is made between an A and a B licence.

The SFGB is responsible for awarding them. Behind this is the Federal Casino Commission, which also takes over the control of business activities and ensures compliance with the protection of minors and players.

In addition, it continues to have the important task of regulating the taxation of gambling revenues. And they are indeed not without their merits in Switzerland – between 40 and 80 percent are due on the gross gaming revenue generated by each casino, depending on the specific concession. Thus, the state earns well here and the flourishing business in turn benefits the municipalities as well as the common good.

Due to increasing digitalization, a strong market for gambling on the Internet has also developed in recent years. More and more online casinos have sprung up like mushrooms to offer their digital slot and card games to a broad target group.

Of course, this development was also noticeable in Switzerland. The oversupply quickly became opaque and of course offered a suitable breeding ground for all those companies that wanted to take money out of the players’ pockets with unfair methods. Of course, it is unthinkable to regulate, let alone monitor, this globally active industry.

However, due to the circumstances, a legal solution had to be found for online casinos in order to at least determine the handling for Swiss citizens. Finally, consumer protection should also be guaranteed in this area and a certain positive influence should be exerted on what is happening.

After a referendum in 2018 , the current regulations came into force at the beginning of 2019 and will continue until 2024. It stipulates that online casinos may not be run by private providers, but must be affiliated with one of the licensed casinos. An extension of the licence issued by the Federal Council applies to this purpose. To date, a total of 11 land-based casinos make use of this regulation and operate their own online casinos very successfully. In this way, they are opening up an additional player base that is less interested in experiencing evening entertainment in elegant casinos, but clearly focuses on fast gambling.

The law goes hand in hand with the fact that foreign providers are not allowed to operate in Switzerland. They are blacklisted and are automatically blocked by browsers to make access as difficult as possible.

Thrills of visiting casinos across the country

Getting to know several Swiss casinos at the same time is very easy to do if you are traveling across the country, because the locations are evenly distributed across Switzerland and are well connected to the transport networks. They are located in Bad Ragaz, Baden, Basel, Bern, Crans Montana, Courrendlin, Davos, Fribourg, Granges-Paccot, Interlaken, Locarno, Lugano, Lucerne, Mendrisio, Meyrin, Montreux, Pfäffikon, Schaffhausen, St. Moritz, St. Gallen and Zurich.

Exciting fun and all-round successful evening entertainment are guaranteed in all these locations. After all, they all come up with a very extensive variety of games and offer a whole range of slot machines in addition to classic table games. There is also a Swiss jackpot to crack, which, by the way, is the largest in Europe, the winnings of which do not have to be taxed.

However, gambling itself is not the only reason to spend an evening in one of the 21 houses mentioned. Rather, guests can expect a complete package of gastronomic offerings and the typical ambience of a traditional casino. Some casinos also offer a varied evening programme, which includes, for example, a lively bar, live music or special events.

The Grand Casino Baden as a special recommendation

Grand Casino in Baden, Image: Oscity / shutterstock

As much entertainment as is certainly offered at all locations, one casino in particular stands out that should definitely not be missed – the Grand Casino in the charming spa town of Baden near Zurich. Although the rooms are elegantly furnished, there is still no strict dress code.

Rather, the house attaches great importance to putting the feel-good factor of its guests in the foreground and to creating a relaxed atmosphere. At about 20 gaming tables, you can bet to your heart’s content – regardless of whether your player’s heart beats more for blackjack, poker or roulette. And fans of heavy slot machines will also get their money’s worth, after all, there are over 200 machines

However, the Grand Casino Baden is widely known for its extraordinary culinary offerings. Among other things, the complex includes its own fish restaurant and the much-visited cocktail bar forms the centrepiece. A great outdoor area is also available to get some fresh air after hours of exciting game rounds.

If you are looking for more nightlife or want to dance until the morning hours, you can simply use the two adjoining nightclubs. If you take part in a Newcomers Night, there is a guided tour including a welcome drink for free.

St. Vincent – a Caribbean holiday paradise

Caribbean

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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St. Vincent – a Caribbean holiday paradise

A popular destination for cruises through the Caribbean, and yet a little off the beaten track – the island of St. Vincent, main island of the island kingdom of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, attracts with its contrast of idyllic beaches and deserted bays as well as wild jungle, mountainous wilderness and volcanic landscapes. St. Vincent, with its capital Kingstown, an area of 346 square kilometers and about 25,000 inhabitants, is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and its name dates back to 1498, when Christopher Columbus landed there on St. Vincent’s Day. The breathtaking Caribbean landscape attracts not only vacationers and nature lovers, but also film crews, so that several places on the island became the backdrop of the famous “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.

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St. Vincent – a natural paradise

The colourful flora and fauna of the island, the tropical forests and flower fields, deserted reefs, rocks and lagoons and the still active 1,234-metre-high volcano La Soufrière in the north make the lush green volcanic island with its steep mountains alternating with deep valleys a natural paradise par excellence. While rugged cliffs and rocky beaches adorn the east coast, black and gold sand sand meander along the west coast.

The temperature is around 30°C throughout the year (with minimum temperatures between 22 and 25°C), and the trade winds make the island slightly cooler than the rest of the Caribbean islands. The rainy season lasts from June to September, with around 23 rainy days in July and sometimes even hurricanes. The high season for travel to St. Vincent is between December and April, with high temperatures and sunshine, although downpours are always to be expected when touring inland and up the volcano. However, the months of May, June and November offer almost as warm and sunny weather with often lower prices. Between July and October, there are hardly any tourists on the island, as the humidity, the amount of rainfall and also the risk of hurricanes are higher. Saint Vincent is assigned to the Lesser Antilles .

St. Vincent – a paradise for water sports enthusiasts

The Caribbean Sea around St. Vincent is enthusiastically used by water sports enthusiasts for swimming, diving, snorkeling, sailing and deep-sea fishing. There are 35 designated diving areas around the island and it is not for nothing that St. Vincent is often called the “Critter Capital of the Carribean”: the breathtaking flora and fauna of the underwater world with coral reefs, mussels and shellfish, anemones, frog fish, seahorses and much more make boredom while diving almost impossible. And if this should arise, two ships have been grounded especially for divers, so that beginners can practice wreck diving. The Bat Cave in Buccament Bay offers a special attraction: here you can observe bats in their natural environment during professionally guided dives into bat caves.

City stroll through the capital Kingstown

Kingstown, St. Vincent — On the road in Kingstown, Image: Chris Allan / shutterstock

Another nice thing to do in St. Vincent is a stroll through the lively harbor and over the cobblestones of the capital Kingstown. It is most beautiful here when no large cruise ship has docked at the harbor and the streets are emptier. The market town of Kingstown is home to numerous shops and markets where you can buy a wide variety of spices and fruits. A walk through the fish market, the market building and the bustling Long Lane Upper is undoubtedly worthwhile, as well as passing historic buildings such as Court House and St. Mary’s Cathedral. The bay at the foot of the 736-metre-high St. Andrew and the adjacent Dorsetshire Hill is also worth seeing, and from Fort Charlotte, the island’s women’s prison located on a 180-metre-high mountainside, you have a beautiful view of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadian Islands.

The jewels of St. Vincent’s west coast

Nature lovers in particular will get their money’s worth on St. Vincent. On the west coast you will find the oldest botanical garden on the American continent, which was created in 1765 and is home to the rare and endangered national parrot, the royal amazon, in addition to extraordinary tropical plants. In addition, in the Layou Petroglyph Park you can marvel at rock carvings of the Caribbean Indians with unknown significance to this day and refresh yourself in a natural pool. The Vermont Nature Trail, a three-kilometer trail through the rainforest that crosses bridges and past viewpoints, will captivate hikers and birdwatchers alike.

Wallilabou Bay, St Vincent — Wallilabou Bay, Image: chromoprisme / shutterstock

Another “must-see” is Wallilabou Bay, a bay that was used as a filming location for the film “Pirates of the Caribbean” and where many of the original film sets can still be seen. Further north, Dark View Falls and Trinity Falls, located in the rainforest, offer a pleasant refreshment. In the far north of St. Vincent, you reach the Soufrière Mountains, a mountain range that rises up to 4048 meters, where the La Soufrière Volcano Trail, a hiking trail around and into the crater of the volcano, can be found. Finally, along the west coast there are some picturesque fishing villages with delightful, colorful houses and black sand beaches.

Worth seeing on the east coast of St. Vincent

There is also a lot to see on the east coast, starting in the fertile Marriaqua Valley with the Montreal Gardens, an anthurium farm located on the Teviot River. Here you can find all kinds of tropical plants, bananas, nutmegs, cocoa, breadfruits and coconuts are grown and numerous streams and rivers meander into the rocky Yambou gorge. Another attraction is the Black Point Tunnel, which was built in 1815 by English colonialists with the help of slave labor, was used to transport sugar cane and became another filming location for the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Finally, you can’t miss Owia Salt Pond: a beautiful seawater swimming pool near the village of Owia, surrounded by volcanic rock formations. Owia itself and nearby Fancy are two small towns in the north of the island that are worth seeing, which date back to Indian foundations.

Voyages of discovery into the Grenadian island kingdom

Even though the island itself already has a lot of excursion destinations and activities in store, it is a good idea to explore other islands of the Grenadines during a holiday in St. Vincent. The island of Bequia, for example, which can be reached by ferry within about an hour, attracts with its relaxed flair, the open islanders in the Caribbean harbour village of Port Elizabeth, the snow-white sandy beach Princess Margaret Beach and the beautiful views from Rainbow Castle or the district of Friendship. Canouan Island, which can be reached by plane, is also worth a day trip, especially if you want to admire the views of the Caribbean Sea, the pristine beaches and the paradisiacal bays overgrown with palm trees on a private island tour.

Grenadines – Leeward Islands

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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Dreamy sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and picturesque landscapes like in paradise – the Grenadines in the Caribbean are an unforgettable destination for young and old. The cross-border island chain lies between the Caribbean Sea in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the east. In the north, it is bordered by the island of St. Vincent , which is crossed by an impressive chain of volcanoes. The mountainous regions, on the other hand, are overgrown with dense rainforest, so that passionate hikers will get their money’s worth here.

The Grenadines are also called “the Leeward Islands”, derived from the wind direction of the northeast trade winds, which provide a humid, tropical climate in the area all year round.

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Temperatures in the Grenadines

The island state is located at the 13th parallel north latitude. Tropical rainforest temperatures prevail everywhere in the area. According to this, the islands promise wonderfully warm temperatures all year round. But especially the months of January to May are very popular with travelers, as this is the dry season in the Grenadines. From June to October, the amount of precipitation then rises sharply.

The lowest temperature is around 27°C degrees in January and February. The highest temperature is in August and September with 29°C degrees. Then there will be up to eleven hours of sunshine a day.

The water temperature fluctuates between 25°C and 28°C degrees all year round, guaranteeing ideal bathing fun.

The inhabited islands

The Caribbean island territory, which belongs to the Lesser Antilles , consists of a total of 32 islands, which are bordered west of Barbados and south of St. Lucia . Some of the larger islands are inhabited, while others live solely on nature. About 17,000 inhabitants live along the entire island chain.

Among the most famous inhabited islands are Bequia, Canouan, Mayreau, Mustique, Petit St. Vincent and many others.

Bequia

With its 18 square kilometers, Bequia is the largest island in the Grenadines and one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean archipelago. Why? In addition to a species-rich, impressive underwater world and fabulous beach sections that look like powdered sugar, the island also has a large natural harbour in the main town of Port Elizabeth, which is a popular landing place for larger yachts and sailing ships. Port Elizabeth is the center of the entire island from a tourist point of view. An interesting and important attraction, which also vividly presents the history of Caribbean whaling, is the “Whaling and Sailing Museum”.

If you like a beach holiday, you should not leave out the most beautiful beaches on Bequia: The beaches “Friendship Bay”, “Princess Margaret Beach” and “Lower Bay” are all lined with palm trees and offer the ideal place to relax and swim. The fine sand resembles powdered sugar and promises unforgettable holiday memories.

Mayreau

The smallest inhabited island in the Grenadines is Mayreau, with about 300 inhabitants. There is only one street on the island and the only village that has a few bars and bars has had electric light since 2003. Salt Whistle Bay in the northwest is a nice anchorage for yachts.

Mustique

About 14 kilometers southeast of Bequia is the island of Mustique, which is privately owned by the “Mustique Company” and promises its visitors nothing less than 5* star holidays. First-class villas on the beach or high up on the tops of the hills offer luxurious ambience. On the island there is everything your heart desires: gigantic golf and tennis courts, breathtaking pool facilities, wellness programs and “barbecue under the stars”. With modern golf carts, the island can be explored in more detail. Particularly well-known: “Basil’s Bar“, which is located directly on the beach and is one of the top ten best bars in the world.

The uninhabited islands

The Grenadines include a large number of small, uninhabited islands: Baliceaux, Isle à Quatre, Petite Mustique, Petite Nevis, Pigeon Island and many more. All these Caribbean islands promise a picturesque backdrop and plenty of wild and beautiful nature. Particularly curious water sports enthusiasts are attracted to the uninhabited islands, as this is a popular sailing area and the ideal spot for diving. In addition to impressive coral reefs, there is another highlight for enthusiastic divers to discover: Two ships have been grounded here, where beginners and professionals can practice wreck diving.

Tobago Cays

The five uninhabited islands of the Tobago Cays also magically attract holidaymakers: The small islands are located a good two kilometres east of Mayreau and are a true paradise for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, sailors and sun worshippers. The best way for travelers to visit the islands is with an organized day boat trip. If you are privately on the water with a sailboat or yacht, you can moor at one of the prescribed anchorages. However, there are fees here, which the marine park supervisors collect on site.

Dreamlike bays and equally fascinating snorkeling and diving spots guarantee an unforgettable day trip on the Tobago Cays. The coral reef “Horse Shoe Reef” in the north convinces with its beautiful Caribbean underwater world and is a popular diving spot, especially for beginners. A little further east is the Sail Rock dive site, which is a popular destination for experienced underwater sports enthusiasts. A colourful variety of different fish and impressive green sea turtles are waiting to be observed more closely. If you’re lucky, you can even see nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays making their rounds through the shallow water. The clear, turquoise water guarantees perfect visibility! In addition, the Tobago Cays were the setting for the famous blockbuster “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

»Museu de Mallorca« in Palma de Mallorca

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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»Museu de Mallorca« in Palma de Mallorca

The “Museu de Mallorca” is located in the heart of the city of Palma – in the old palace “Can Desbrull”, also known as “Ca la Gran Cristiana”.

The main task of the “Museu de Mallorca” is the preservation, research and dissemination of historical objects and materials. As part of the museum collection, they are documented and made available here.

»Museu de Mallorca«
Calle de la Portella
507001 Palma de Mallorca
E: museudemallorca@dgcultur.caib.es
T: +34 971 17 78 38

Opening hours: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The museum sees itself as a civic and cultural centre that meets the research, educational and leisure needs of various user groups. A place with an immense wealth of knowledge in all areas of the history, art and culture of the island of Mallorca.

Although the building has been recently restored, it has largely retained the typical architecture of the Mallorcan capital. The numerous rooms on the various floors were carefully renovated in order to show off the collection appropriately.

In addition to exhibiting the collection, the museum has set itself the goal of hosting various projects in its spaces that promote anthropology or the art of the Balearic Islands .

So it is also the right place to celebrate the »Mallorca International Art Award 2022« and exhibit the works of the two prize winners Alba Suau and Marcelo Viquez.

The award ceremony will take place on 16.09.2022 at 7 p.m. in the courtyard of the museum. The works can be seen in the museum from 17.09.2022 to 30.10.2022.

Mallorca International Art Award 2022

The winner of the middle creative phase is Marcelo Viquez, Image: Lourdes_Santandreu_Planas

The “Mallorca International Art Award” was created by the private initiative of a group of dedicated collectors and art lovers and will be presented for the first time in September 2022.

The jury has now announced the winners from a group of 43 participating artists.

The winner in the category of middle-career artists is Marcelo Viquez. He will receive prize money of €12,500. In the category of emerging artists under the age of 35, Alba Suau wins prize money of €5,000.

About the price

The MIA Award 2022 was created by Mercedes Estarellas, gallery owner at Kaplan Projects in Palma, and Paul Jörg Feldhoff, Ulf Appel and Anne Nowitzki from Frankfurt am Main. The initiative has come together with the aim of promoting the work of artists who live in Mallorca or are connected to the island. The creation of the “Mallorca International Art Award” is therefore of extraordinary importance for contemporary art in Mallorca. It enables the further development of artistic positions on the island. At the same time, the art prize is an important body for the promotion of contemporary art on an international level. In this way, the high level of artistic creation in Mallorca is brought into focus beyond the local borders. The group therefore attaches great importance to the permanent establishment of this art prize.

The winner of the best young artists is Alba Suau, Image: Lili Lorenzo

The festive award ceremony is embedded in the “Nit de l’Art” in the courtyard of the “Museu de Mallorca”. On this legendary night, all the city’s museums are open and shine in bright splendour: in late summer, the Mallorcan capital and its art scene show their best and most spectacular side. Far away from the Ballermann tourism, art and culture enthusiasts as well as artists get to know each other on the popular island. It’s the night of the year for an inspiring exchange!

Save the date on September 16, 2022 at 7 p.m.!

Montserrat – the shining emerald of the Caribbean

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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Montserrat – the shining emerald of the Caribbean

The nickname of this still relatively unknown Caribbean island says a lot about the small island that lies between Antigua and Guadeloupe and belongs to the Lesser Antilles . Montserrat is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, part of the Commonwealth and part of the Leeward Islands.

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The volcanic Montserrat

Soufrière, Montserrat — Soufrière, Image: IndustryAndTravel / shutterstock

From the air, Montserrat impresses with its lush green, tropical vegetation and the three volcanic massifs. A distinction is made between the Silver Hills in the north, the Centre Hills in the interior of the island and the Soufrière Hills in the south. Soufrière is one of the most active volcanoes in the Caribbean and is known for a series of disastrous eruptions in 1995 and 1997. At that time, the capital Plymouth was almost completely buried by a devastating river of ash and is therefore often referred to as a modern Pompeii . About two-thirds of the approximately 12,000 inhabitants at the time had to leave Montserrat for security reasons – the entire southern part of the island was declared a restricted zone.

Today, the Soufrière is the main attraction of the country. Although Montserrat is still one of the lesser-known destinations, many adventurers and eco-tourists now come here for hiking and bird watching. The country has thus developed into an alternative destination for nature lovers in the Caribbean and is a counterpart to the many other islands with their luxurious all-inclusive hotel complexes.

The fantastic landscape of Montserrat

The small Caribbean island of Montserrat is only 16.5 km long and a maximum of 10 km wide and has undergone an immense change due to the devastating volcanic eruptions in the 1990s. Since there were hardly any houses left in Plymouth, a new de facto capital, Brades, was created on the northwest coast. Montserrat has both tropical rainforests and dry forests. Small paths crisscross the island, which have been walked by the locals for centuries and are now popular paths for trekking tourists. Especially in the Centre Hills area, you walk past exotic plants, see banana trees, mangoes and papayas along the way and are surrounded by the impressive concert of birds.

Activities

Most tourists who decide to spend their holidays on Montserrat are nature lovers who are enthusiastic about the extraordinary volcanic landscape and the unique flora and fauna. At the moment, the surroundings of the still active Soufrière volcano are not allowed to be entered, but from the observation deck of the observatory, visitors can get a spectacular view of the mountain with the crater. They also have the opportunity to experience images and sounds of the eruption up close during a video show. There are also guided tours of buried Plymouth, which is considered the only capital without inhabitants in the world. The feeling of roaming the ash-covered streets is exciting but a bit spooky for most guests, as the catastrophe that befell the area was not long ago and is therefore intensely felt.
The tropical forests of Montserrat are home to countless species of birds, reptiles and amphibians. It is advisable to take part in a tour in order to be able to see as many of the exotic animals and plants as possible with the expert nature guides along the way. With a bit of luck, you might even be able to spot the island’s national bird, the oriole, which hides in the humid rainforests.

The beaches of Montserrat

Rendezvous Bay, Montserrat — The Rendezvous Bay on Montserrat, Image: Alistair Homer / shutterstock

The beaches on Montserrat are, with one exception, covered with black lava sand. Only at the so-called Rendezvous Bay is there light coral sand. Although many holidaymakers consider it to be the most beautiful stretch of coastline on the island, it is never crowded and there is always enough space. The water here is generally very calm and clear, so it is wonderful for snorkeling. In general, it can be said that the underwater world scores with colorful reefs and exotic fish and Montserrat is therefore also a great destination for divers. The small bay of Little Bay is particularly popular with sailors and so various shops, bars and restaurants have settled here. Along the west coast there are several wonderfully lonely dark sandy beaches, including Woodlands Beach and Carr’s Bay.

General travel information

The island has a tropical climate, so rainfall must be expected throughout the year. The rainy season is between July and November, while the months from February to April are called the dry period. The temperatures are relatively stable and only fluctuate between 23° and 30° C – Montserrat can be visited at any time, but if you would like to hike, it is best to choose the time between January and May, as the paths are much easier to walk on then.

The journey to Montserrat is usually via Antigua, which is served directly from several European airports. Afterwards, you can either take a ferry or take a twenty-minute onward flight to Montserrat.
If you spend your holidays on Montserrat, you should definitely try the national dish Goat Water. The hearty stew with goat meat was probably brought from their homeland by the Irish, who are considered the first settlers of this British territory.

If you are interested in spectacular landscapes as well as exciting flora and fauna and have a thirst for adventure, you will certainly spend an unforgettable dream holiday in the tiny Caribbean state.

Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City: Where is the trip more worthwhile?

United States

PatrickJullien

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27. July 2022

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Las Vegas vs. Atlantic City: Where is the trip more worthwhile?

Whether Las Vegas or Atlantic City, both cities are among the most popular travel destinations in America, mainly thanks to the many brilliant casino complexes. In particular, the large selection of games of chance and the dazzling nightlife make many shining eyes. The two gambling strongholds are separated by over 2,500 miles. For many tourists, the question therefore arises as to which gambler’s paradise is particularly worthwhile.

For those who prefer to stay at home, a visit to an online casino is worthwhile. Whether as preparation for a trip to the American casino cities or as pure pleasure – playing casino can also be done easily from home. With a large selection of table and slot games, the flair of Las Vegas or Atlantic City can be transported into your own living room with just a few clicks.

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Casinos, Clubs & Glamorous Shows – The Gambling Strongholds of the USA

When you think of gambling, you often think of the stunning casino complexes of Las Vegas. The desert city in Nevada not only impresses with huge casinos, but also trendy restaurants, unique hotel complexes and a series of glamorous shows provide a flair that is not comparable to anything in the world. Las Vegas or Sin City (German: City of Sin), never sleeps. Around the world-famous strip, the colorful life shimmers day and night.

But the traditional Atlantic City on the east coast of America also offers a backdrop that should be seen. The coastal city in New Jersey impresses above all with the famous Boardwalk directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Here, fresh sea air mixes with the charmingly wicked casinos that set up along the beach promenade. In particular, the proximity to New York and other metropolises on the east coast of the American continent has ensured bulging casino complexes and the legendary status of the city in the past.

With a number of extravagant shows, popular pool parties, as well as world-famous hotel complexes and the 24/7 gambling world, the two cities are quite similar in many ways. But in addition to many similarities, a comparison of the two gambling strongholds also reveals some differences.

Las Vegas & Atlantic City – Differences between the American Casino Strongholds

Las Vegas, The Strip — THE STRIP in Las Vegas at night, Image: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / shutterstock

While Las Vegas attracts around 40 million visitors a year, Atlantic City attracts around 20 million visitors – a completely different dimension of tourism. In addition, the dazzling metropolis on the south coast of the US state of New Jersey has suffered from a number of financial crises in recent decades. Over the years, several casinos have had to close, which means that only nine casinos open their doors to visitors today.

Where Atlantic City scores with maritime flair due to the proximity of the boardwalk to the ocean, Las Vegas manages to create a world of experience with incomparable flair due to the many crazy building constructions. Sin City is considered an oversized fairground. Whether with a gondola through the replica of Venice or in a naval battle on Treasure Island – Las Vegas as a city of illusions. Unique shows such as the trick fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel or the eruption of the Mirage volcano can only be found here.

Not to forget the different climate of the two casino strongholds. Las Vegas is located in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Atlantic City’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean ensures a maritime climate. Accordingly, milder and humid climatic conditions prevail here even in summer. In the winter months, it is not uncommon for snow to fall. Las Vegas, on the other hand, is dry and warm almost all year round. In summer, it often gets unbearably hot.

Attractions away from gambling – Malls, Shows & Restaurants

Away from the gambling temples, Las Vegas offers a whole range of exciting attractions and activities. In the Siegfrid & Roys Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat of the Mirage Hotel, impressive animals such as lions, panthers or porpoises can be discovered in a zoo-like environment.

In addition, world-famous shows and acts provide great entertainment. With performances by the Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil, many well-known names perform in Las Vegas. The musical The Lion King also performs here. Some attractions are even free of charge. For example, the magnificent flower arrangements in the middle of the lobby of the Hotel Wynn Las Vegas.

In addition to gambling and shows, Las Vegas also convinces with culinary delights. The Strip, in particular, is home to a whole host of world-class restaurants that bring the world’s culinary delights to Sin City. The delicious art of many celebrity chefs can be admired here.

In Atlantic City, too, shows by world stars provide great entertainment. From Bruce Springsteen to Lady Gaga – big names provide brilliant show interludes, especially on weekends. You can also stroll through the high-end Playground shopping centre with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. A wide selection of high-priced goods and luxury brands are offered here. From the upper floors there is a fantastic view of the neighboring Brigantine Beach. Culinarily, the coastal city is much less pompous than its competition from Las Vegas. In addition to some great restaurants, the casino buffets offer good food at reasonable prices.

Around the gambling metropolises – activities in the area

The landscape around the metropolis of Las Vegas is considered beautiful. In addition to Lake Las Vegas on the northern edge of the neighboring city of Henderson, Red Rock Canyon in Summerlin also provides fantastic nature experiences in the US state of Nevada. Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam are also within easy driving distance. The drive to Zion National Park in Utah takes a little longer. At least a whole day should be planned here. But the journey is definitely worth it.

Atlantic City is especially attractive to boaters. Many marinas in and around the city on the Atlantic Ocean provide fantastic mooring opportunities. The adjacent beaches are free, clean and guarded by lifeguards. Here you can relax and sunbathe and enjoy a bath. The majority of the outdoor activities on offer are also in or on the water. Whether parasailing, deep-sea fishing or smaller cruises – Atlantic City offers a variety of varied activities.

Conclusion: Las Vegas or Atlantic City?

All in all, it becomes clear that Atlantic City does not have the attractions to offer as the world-famous Las Vegas. With glamorous shows, impressive architecture and many unique attractions, Las Vegas is certainly more attractive and cannot be compared to anything in the world. And yet, a trip to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk is definitely worth it. Especially for all those who show an increased interest in gambling.

Thessaloniki – port city with flair

Greece

PatrickJullien

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26. July 2022

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Thessaloniki is a stunner just by looking at it: the city stretches along the sea to the Acropolis Hill with many small houses and is the second largest city in Greece. The metropolis is not regarded as such by the locals, but is seen as a traditional village with a lot of national pride.

If you stroll through the alleys and drift through the old town, you will notice that modernity meets the origins of the Byzantine era head-on here. Thessaloniki is hard to beat in terms of diversity. While the promenade along the harbor is very noble, relics of the Ottoman era can still be seen in the depths of the city. This special flair makes the city so worth seeing and brings a unique atmosphere.

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How to get there

Platia Aristotelous, historical square in Thessaloniki, Image: Igor Zuikov / shutterstock

Thessaloniki can be reached in various ways by plane, car or long-distance buses – depending on your personal budget and the time available.
The larger German cities offer direct flights with which visitors can reach the city in about two and a half to a maximum of three hours flight time. From Thessaloniki Airport, buses or taxis take travelers to the city center – this option is time-saving and convenient.

There are also long-distance buses to Thessaloniki from large cities, which are usually relatively inexpensive, but also take a long time. However, if you are not pressed for time, you can travel quite comfortably and enjoyably with the bus companies. Most of the buses make a major stopover in Vienna and Bulgaria and are on the road for a total of around 30 hours.

Getting around the city

Exploring the city is quite easy, as the city network is compact and easily doable on foot. One tip is to start at the top and work your way down the beautiful alleys to the sea – this is especially advisable on hot days.
The bus network specialises in tourists with bus line 50 and runs along a “Cultural Route” to the most important sights at 16 stops. The ticket for this is very cheap and valid for 24 hours – the buses are correspondingly full.
Eight stops are also served by red hop-on hop-off buses, the use of which also includes audio guides for more detailed explanations of the sights.
If you are not good on foot and don’t feel like full buses in the high season, you can also resort to taxis in the classic way – but also a little deeper into your wallet.

Attractions in Thessaloniki

The White Tower

The White Tower was built in 1535 and is still considered a landmark of Thessaloniki today. Since it used to serve as a prison and torture chamber, it was given the name “The Red Tower” because its existence was marked by many bloody atrocities. It was not until 1890 that it was renamed “The White Tower” – the reason for this was one of the prisoners. He agreed to paint the tower white if he was released for it.
Meanwhile, the White Tower houses a museum about Byzantine culture. Due to its location by the sea, a visit to the tower can be perfectly combined with a walk along the five-kilometre-long waterfront.

Numerous museums

Thessaloniki has a rich cultural history, which can be admired in many museums.
The Archaeological Museum displays the remains that were found during the extensive excavations around the city and are well preserved. Also very interesting is the Museum of War History, which has exhibited old uniforms as well as weapons and orders of merit as well as other military remnants. Since Thessaloniki still has a fairly large Jewish community, the history of the Jewish population is documented in the Jewish Museum. Also worth seeing are the museums of photography and film as well as the Olympic Museum, which deals with the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to modern times.

The old town of Ana Poli

The historic old town centre of Thessaloniki is located in the upper part of the city and invites you to take a stroll through the city with its narrow streets, small taverns and great atmosphere. Along the way, there are several Greek churches that are open to visitors, as well as the relaxing place Pasha ́s Gardens – a well-kept green area with fountains and comfortable seating.

Weekly markets

For fresh local products, the Kapani and Modiano markets are not to be missed. They are located next to each other and have an incredible variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, spices, antipasti, freshly caught fish, good sausage and farmhouse cheese. In the immediate vicinity, cosy taverns invite you to eat, enjoy an espresso or a cool drink, so that a visit to the market is ideal for rounding off your visit to the market.

Attractions in the area

Pella and Vergina

Pella and Vergina used to be the capitals of Macedonia and are now popular archaeological sites with relics worth seeing. Only an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, they are a good day trip destination. Old royal tombs, jewellery, mosaics and the royal walls are well preserved and worth a visit.

Sithonia peninsula with Mount Athos

Long beaches, crystal-clear water and small coastal towns that invite you to linger: this is the Sithonia peninsula. Furthermore, it attracts with pure nature and Mediterranean vegetation and is perfect for hiking in the low season.

Insider tips for Thessaloniki

At the beginning of the city exploration, it is worthwhile to enjoy the sunrise from the Heptapyrgion. This is a fortress with a small café nearby – perfect for grabbing a first coffee for the view over Thessaloniki.

If you can enjoy silence, you should not miss the Vlatades Monastery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a very beautiful courtyard that invites you to take a break in the shade.

Kühlungsborn is a popular holiday resort on the Baltic Sea

Germany

PatrickJullien

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25. July 2022

0

Kühlungsborn is a popular holiday resort on the Baltic Sea

The bathing and recreation resort of Kühlungsborn is located on the Mecklenburg Bay in the district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. It is the largest seaside resort on the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg.

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The romantic Baltic Sea resort awakens from its slumber

Because of its extensive city forest, the place is nicknamed the Green City by the Sea. To the south of the city rises the wooded Kühlung mountain range. North of Kägsdorf on the Baltic Sea lies the 90-hectare Riedensee nature reserve. The landscape of the beach lake forms a habitat and breeding ground for rare birds. But above all, the inviting, wide and fine sandy beach makes Kühlungsborn a popular holiday resort. Around 1900, the first hotels were built in the then still independent municipalities of Brunshaupten and Arendsee.

Within a few years, they developed into lively seaside resorts until the First World War and the Great Depression led to a slump. It was not until the 1920s that increasing numbers of guests allowed a further expansion of the tourist infrastructure. In 1937, the two villages were merged to form the municipality of Brunshaupten-Arendsee. In 1938, the Baltic Sea resort was granted city rights under the name Kühlungsborn. In the days of the GDR, the still popular and well-visited place was largely under state control.

After its eventful past, Kühlungsborn at the northernmost tip of Mecklenburg now shines again with the same charm as the romantic seaside resorts of the turn of the century. In the meantime, the old villas in the style of spa architecture and the waterfront promenade have been lovingly restored and the city has received a new boat harbour. With exhibits from the region, the Heimatstube Haus Rolle presents the history of the city in a vivid way for visitors.

The historic seaside resort has a lot to offer its guests

Pier in Kühlungsborn, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

The harbour promenade of Kühlungsborn is one of the longest beach promenades in Germany. Over a length of more than three kilometres, it offers a fascinating view of the Baltic Sea and the white beach. In front of the enchanting silhouette of the seaside resort, it invites you to take a stroll. At the eastern end of the beach is the impressive pier, the town’s landmark. It was completed in 1991 after some of its predecessors had fallen victim to the harsh winter weather. A popular shopping street for strolling is Strandstraße, a cross street of the beach promenade. The adjacent marina with its numerous harbour terraces is also home to boutiques, shops and restaurants.

Not far from the bridge stands a former border tower with a viewing platform, which now serves as a memorial. It has been open to visitors since 2010. The exhibition in the museum pavilion informs interested parties about the border system of the GDR. The Kunsthalle of Kühlungsborn is also picturesquely located on the Baltic Sea coast. The Art Nouveau Hall from 1920 hosts readings, concerts and exhibitions.

The village and the surrounding area are home to a large number of monuments worth seeing. The St. John’s Church, originally a simple fieldstone church from the 13th century, has been steadily expanded over time. Towards the end of the 15th century, it received its wooden tower. Above all, the beautiful furnishings with baroque stained glass in the choir windows and carved figures, including John the Baptist, are remarkable. An old Erdholländer mill, the 150-year-old Brunshöver Möhl windmill, ground the grain for the surrounding villages until 1960. Afterwards, it stood empty for a long time. After an extensive renovation in 1987, it now houses holiday accommodation.

On the Bukspitze headland on the Mecklenburg Bay stands the Buk lighthouse, sometimes also called Basdorf lighthouse, which can be seen from afar. From the tower, built in 1867, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the island of Fehmarn and some of the Danish islands in good weather. Molli, the oldest steam narrow-gauge railway on the Baltic Sea coast, has been connecting Bad Doberan with Heiligendamm and the Baltic Sea resort of Kühlungsborn since 1886. It still makes its way through the middle of Bad Doberan’s main shopping street, whistling and steaming. The Molli Museum vividly presents the history of the railway.

Kühlungsborn offers a wide range of opportunities for sports, games and fun

In the city forest, a few meters from the beach, there is the climbing forest. The brave adventurers are provided with the necessary equipment and trained staff instructs them in the courses of varying difficulty. In addition, numerous adventure playgrounds guarantee variety for families with children.

Sports activities in the fresh air can be practiced on the two sports beaches of Kühlungsborn. The Aktiv Fun Strand is located between the pier and the boat harbour and the Vital Fit Strand is located in the west of Kühlungsborn. Fantastic cycling and hiking tours lead through the charming landscape of the Mecklenburg Baltic Sea coast. On the enchanting beach you can swim or relax in a beach chair. In addition, seawater pools and a large sauna area await their bathers in the KÜBOMARE indoor swimming pool. There is something for every taste in Kühlungsborn, such as water sports, horseback riding or fishing.

A gentle sea breeze and the white dream beach make Kühlungsborn a seaside resort with flair

In the beautiful nature of the surrounding area or during an evening walk on the Baltic Sea beach, holidaymakers will find rest and relaxation. There are plenty of culinary delights to discover, including freshly caught fish straight from the cutter and cosy restaurants on the beach. You can enjoy unique culture in the open air in one of the concert gardens at a concert or in the puppet theatre. Unusual entertainment is offered by the beach chair cinema. Whether camping, holiday apartment or a stylish hotel, those seeking relaxation can easily find the right accommodation in Kühlungsborn.