Bastian Maria is a travel-loving photographer from Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance. In March 2020, Bastian and his wife Viviane planned to hitchhike around the world from Germany to Japan. Reisemagazin Online met Maria and Viviane with Bastian:

Reisemagazin Online: First of all, how did you come up with the idea of hitchhiking to Japan ?

Viviane: Bastian and I are both very enthusiastic about sports. Above all, the Olympic Games have fascinated us since our childhood. In 2012 in London and in 2016 we were able to experience the Games in Rio de Janeiro up close. After these two events, it was clear to us that we wanted to travel to Tokyo in 2020.

And why hitchhiking?

Viviane: We thought long and hard about how we could make our trip sustainable and as close as possible to the local population. So that we can immerse ourselves in cultures that are unknown and exciting to us. In addition, we wanted to be as sustainable as possible. If a car is driving in one direction and there is space, why shouldn’t we just go with it?!

2020 was the outbreak of the Corona pandemic. Did the pandemic affect the start of your trip?

Bastian: Yes, definitely. We had quit our apartment and job and had already deregistered from Germany . When we wanted to leave, all borders were suddenly closed. Actually, we wanted to start in March 2020, but had to wait until June. Then the first national borders slowly opened again.

And how did Covid affect you during the trip?

Bastian: During the trip, it was especially challenging when it came to entering a new country. It was often not entirely clear which tests and which entry requirements were valid. Entering the country by land was usually not possible. Nonetheless, Covid has taken us to countries we wouldn’t have traveled to without the pandemic. For example, when we had to leave Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan was one of the few countries that allowed tourists into the country. Unforgettable moments and unplanned experiences have been created there. All in all, everything went mostly smoothly. Except that we never made it to Japan.

Why didn’t you make it to Japan?

Viviane: Japan did not reopen its borders before the Tokyo Olympics. Only the athletes, coaches and officials were allowed to enter the country under strict conditions. Even relatives, such as the parents of athletes, were not allowed to enter Japan.

How was the moment for you when you realized that you wouldn’t make it to Tokyo?

Viviane: First of all, we were a bit sad and it took the wind out of our sails a bit. We asked ourselves the question, what are we actually on the road for? However, we quickly agreed that Tokyo was actually “only” the reason for the trip. The actual destination has not changed during the trip.

How would you describe your goal then?

Bastian: From the very beginning, it was important for us to come into contact with foreign cultures. And as close as possible. We wanted to get in touch with people through couchsurfing and hitchhike from A to B. Get to know the country and its people in a personal way. Off the beaten track. Maybe support non-profit organizations in between.

You have certainly experienced a lot as a result. Is there that one moment that you would describe as the most impressive event of the almost two years of world travel?

Viviane: It’s not possible to define the one highlight. However, there are a few events that you probably only experience once in your life. This includes hunting with an eagle hunter in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. In Pakistan we were allowed to attend a traditional Punjab wedding for five days. In Turkey , we were allowed to hitchhike on a sailboat on the Aegean coast for a few days.

Reisemagazin Online: “If the trip was not finished by the Olympic Games, what motivated you to end the trip? Or is the journey not over?”

Viviane: I got pregnant on the trip in Sri Lanka . This was no reason for us to go home directly. However, Bastian and I agreed that the child should be born in the familiar home in Germany if possible. And so it was that we stayed in Sri Lanka for three months in Zanzibar before we were in Germany at Christmas in the 7th month of pregnancy. The birth in March 2022 was without complications. Since then, we have been a happy trio.

That’s great news. What are you currently doing and how are you planning your near future?

Bastian: Viviane and I are both self-employed. We are using the current time intensively to further expand our independence. From our trip, we are planning a travel lecture entitled: Thumbs Up – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Japan. Here we would like to share our experiences with pictures, videos and stories.

In the near future, we would like to go to South Korea and still like to travel to Japan. Of course, we missed the Olympic Games, but to experience the country and the people would still be a great wish of ours. From now on, of course, the three of them.

I wish you all the best for your project. Thank you very much for the interview.

Viviane: We say thank you.

Of course, dog lovers always want to have their darlings on paws with them on holiday.

Most holiday countries have now adapted to travellers with dogs. Nevertheless, there are a few countries where dogs enjoy a lot of freedom or have more fun than elsewhere and that’s exactly what we’re introducing to you now.

6 most beautiful holiday destinations with dogs worldwide

1. Austria

Hardly any other country in Europe has adapted to holidaymakers with dogs as much as the Alpine republic. Austria not only attracts with idyllic guesthouses, chic hotels or cosy holiday apartments where dogs are welcome.

Austria is simply a dream country if you want to walk or hike your dog extensively .

In Austria’s mountain railways , dogs usually travel free of charge, but you must always have a muzzle with you.

2. Italy

“La dolce vita” not only pleases us two-legged friends, but also the dogs. Italy is a dog country and the times when scatterers roamed the country in a neglected state are over, at least in central and northern Italy.

The muzzle requirement also only exists on paper (nevertheless, as a foreigner you should better have a folding muzzle in your pocket) and nowhere else do so many dogs run on a leash or peacefully along the promenade as in Italy.

Animals are usually welcome in restaurants. In front of most of them there is a dog bowl with water and sometimes even a food bar.

3. Thailand

Thailand has the easiest entry conditions for people with dogs from the EU that you can imagine.

Apart from a pet passport, a chip, a rabies vaccination and a health certificate from the German official veterinarian, you don’t need anything.

In order to protect your favorite four-legged friend well, it can make sense to take out dog health insurance in advance. Some providers also guarantee foreign protection.

In the country itself, animals of all kinds are held in honor, as the Thais are all Buddhists . Only black dogs are sometimes viewed critically, as some Thais are then afraid of dark spirits.

The best time to travel to Thailand is between November and February, because the rest of the year is part of the rainy season in Thailand.

4. Croatia

The people in Croatia are simply still original, warm, relaxed and very fond of animals. Active dogs and quiet dog breeds feel equally at home here.

In addition, there are endless coasts, deep blue or turquoise water and great cities.

Whether hotel vacation or camping, in this country you will surely get your money’s worth with your dog and enough relaxation.

Unlike other Mediterranean countries, dogs are welcome on most beaches.

In some places, you can even rent a lounger for your dog on the beach.

5. Canada

Another perfect long-distance destination for people with dogs is Canada. Canada is a very safe destination and entry is very easy: all you need is the EU pet passport, a microchip and the mandatory certificate of a current rabies vaccination.

Then incredible landscapes and the perhaps dog-friendly people of this earth await you in this fantastic country. In particular, cuddly, very large, rare or cute terrier breeds are admired, petted and pampered everywhere.

What more could you want? Kayaking with your dog in untouched nature! City breaks in Vancouver, Quebec or Ottawa! Trekking through nature and seeing only beauty and wild animals for days!

If this sounds tempting to you, you should check airlines right away, transport the dogs and think carefully about whether your dog can take the flight.

By the way, many airlines allow small and medium-sized dogs to fly in a box in the passenger compartment.

6. Norway

To get to this natural paradise, you don’t have to go through flies or complicated procedures. Since Norway is tapeworm-free and wants to stay that way, all you need is proof of current tapeworm treatment and a pet passport.

The journey is easily possible by boat from northern Germany, Denmark or Sweden.

After a few hours of leisurely driving, cozy cities like Oslo and Bergen, endless expanses, great (but even in summer cool!) Beaches and of course the fascinating fjord landscapes.

Result

Europe and the whole world offer beautiful and worthwhile holiday destinations with dogs. No four-legged friend really wants to stay in his dog cave !

For many people, the mobile phone is an indispensable companion in everyday life. But what accessories are really necessary when you travel?

Which mobile phone accessories are really useful for travel and holidays?

There are many different types of mobile phone accessories that some people consider useful and others consider superfluous. However, if you plan to use your phone frequently while traveling or on vacation, some of these gadgets are actually very useful. Here are four mobile phone accessories that are essential for travel and holidays.

1. A charging case

A charging case is a charger that allows you to charge your phone on the go. This is especially useful if you’re going to be on the road for a long time and want to use your phone all day long.

2. A phone case

A phone case from https://www.handyhuellen.de/ protects your phone from scratches and bumps. An iPhone 14 Max case is especially useful if you travel a lot and often carry your phone in your pocket or backpack.

3. A waterproof phone case

If you plan to use your phone at the beach or while swimming, it’s important to keep it in a waterproof bag. These pockets protect your phone from sand and water, preventing it from being damaged. There are also waterproof bags with extra compartments for other important items such as wallet and keys.

4. A telescope lens for the camera

If you plan to take a lot of photos with your phone’s camera, a telescope lens is a useful accessory. These lenses allow you to get closer to distant objects and take better photos. There are different types of telescope lenses for connecting to different types of cameras. So, look for a lens designed specifically for your phone’s camera.

What should you look out for when buying mobile phone accessories?

If you buy mobile phone accessories for travel or vacation, there are a few points you should pay attention to. First of all, it is important that the accessories are suitable for the mobile phone. Many people buy mobile phone accessories without first finding out whether they are suitable for their mobile phone model at all. This can lead to problems if, for example, you buy a charger and it turns out that it is not compatible with the mobile phone. So you should always check beforehand whether the desired mobile phone accessory is really suitable for your own mobile phone model.

Another important point is the quality of the mobile phone accessories. Many people opt for cheap accessories because they think that they can be just as good as expensive accessories. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Often, cheap accessories are of poor quality and don’t work as well as expensive accessories. So you should always keep in mind that you should not skimp on the quality of the mobile phone accessories.

Last but not least, the warranty of the mobile phone accessories is also an important point. Many manufacturers do not offer a warranty on their accessories or the warranty is very limited. This means that you are not entitled to a replacement in the event of a defect in the accessories. So you should always check whether the desired accessory has a sufficient warranty before you buy it.

Result

If you plan to take your mobile phone with you when travelling or on holiday, there is a wide range of useful mobile phone accessories. In any case, a phone case is an essential accessory to protect your phone from bumps and scratches.

Finally holidays and now you want to learn? That sounds boring for the kids at first. But it’s not at all – this is about fun and beautiful experiences. The learning effect comes all by itself.

Do English holiday camps really do anything?

Students probably have other things on their minds during the holidays than cramming English. This raises the legitimate question of whether a holiday camp makes sense. And is it even possible to achieve success in such a short time?

The answer – a clear yes. Since English is spoken all day, the children learn to use the language in everyday life. In this way, they get into situations that cannot be practiced at school. In a safe environment , they are allowed to ask questions and try things out. Even reserved pupils who tend to be quiet in class are given the space to develop freely.

Sometimes children need a few days to warm up and come out of themselves. This environment is much easier to create in a camp than in school.

Advantages of English Holiday Camps

A holiday in a camp has many advantages for your child:

• No pressure: There are no grades or tests, no pressure to perform for your child creates a relaxed learning atmosphere in which mistakes are allowed
• Small groups: Unlike school classes with about 25 children, there are small learning groups, so children get a chance more often, are allowed to ask more questions and receive more intensive care
• Native speakers: English camps often have native speakers, so children learn at a high level and without an accent
• Sustainable and meaningful: Your child learns exactly what is important in real everyday life – the combination of seeing, hearing, understanding and speaking ensures long-term success

Especially at holiday camps nearby, the children have the opportunity to continue to see their new friends. The camp can motivate them to further improve their English together. Often the children want to participate together again next year.

This can also be an important time for parents to relax. Perfect for your own short vacation and togetherness.

What should I consider when choosing a camp?

In order to make the separation easier for the children, it is a good idea to stay within Germany and close to home, especially during the first camp visits. Here, too, there is a large selection of high-quality and great camps, your children can learn English in Munich, for example, with FokusCamps. There they have the opportunity to learn English and jump into the next lake and take part in other adventures – under supervision, of course.

You should also keep this in mind:

• Competent care: Your child should be professionally cared for and in good hands
• Group size: Find out about the size of the learning groups, smaller groups are better and more effective – the children should work in groups at the same level
• Leisure program: Different camps offer different programs, let your child decide which activities he or she wants to do when choosing

Tip: If your child doesn’t want to go to a holiday camp all alone, join forces with other parents. They are certainly happy to spend the holidays together with their best friend.

Once your child has noticed how much fun the camp is and that great new friendships are made there as well, the registration for next year is probably already secure.

Result

English holiday camps are a meaningful activity for students, where they can continue their education in a playful way and still get their money’s worth with leisure programs. If you let your child have a say in the selection, then the anticipation is greater and it doesn’t take any persuasion on your part.