The much-quoted Arabic proverb, according to which happiness on earth lies on the back of a horse, is also ideally suited to poetically explain the great popularity of riding holidays and riding trips. For passionate horse lovers, there can of course be no better holiday than the one with their declared favourite animal.

But not only for professional riders, the journey on horseback through unknown realms is a unique and unforgettable experience. Even for beginners interested in hipposcience, a riding holiday at the riding stable is often the prelude to a lifelong passion.

In practice, riding holidays and riding tours are usually differentiated by commercial providers and tour operators according to the type of stay or course: For already experienced riders, the so-called trail riding lasting several days with daily distances of up to approx. 30 kilometres in a maximum of 8 hours is particularly recommended, during which longer distances are covered and a different place is spent every night.

On the other hand, stationary riding holidays are more leisurely and leisurely, where in addition to daily rides on local and regional bridle paths in the surrounding area and learning the basic gaits, the focus is also on the most important grooming techniques such as feeding, leading, saddling and grooming.

The two undoubtedly internationally best-known destinations for riding holidays of all kinds are the USA and Canada, where horses still play an important role in everyday life and economic life, some of them regionally and much more so than in Europe. Nevertheless, there are also many magical places, areas and areas on the “Old Continent” for an all-round successful riding holiday. Depending on the equipment and type of accommodation or duration of the riding holidays, a week’s riding holiday in Germany and other European countries currently costs between about 350 and 800 euros per person.

Riding holidays and riding tours in Germany

There is a large selection of riding stables and trail riding trails throughout Germany, but most of the stations and routes are in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and in the “horse country” of Lower Saxony. Particularly popular with families with children are the scenic and varied regions around Lake Constance and the Black Forest, Franconian Switzerland and Upper Palatinate in northeastern Bavaria as well as the many traditional riding stables in Lower Saxony along and near the North Sea coast and in the Lüneburg Heath. A famous long-distance bridle path is the 386.8-kilometre-long “German Equestrian Trail No. 1” between Flensburg and Basel. For excursions on a riding holiday, the respective main and state studs with their regular stallion parades and carriage demonstrations are also ideal. The institutions, some of which are centuries old, are located in Redefin (Mecklenburg), Zweibrücken (Rhineland-Palatinate), Celle (Lower Saxony), Warendorf (North Rhine-Westphalia), Moritzburg (Saxony), Dillenburg (Hesse), Schwaiganger (Bavaria), Neustadt/Dosse (Brandenburg) and Marbach (Baden-Württemberg).

Horse riding holidays and horseback riding tours in France

Within Europe, France is considered by connoisseurs to be the country for horse lovers. This is evidenced not least by the inclusion of the French equestrian tradition in the United Nations’ list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2011. As early as the late 16th century, the internationally used word “cavalry” for mounted military was derived from the French term “cavalerie”. As the world’s largest exporter of horses, France owes its high national standards in equestrian sports to the military riding school “Cadre Noir” in Saumur (Pays de la Loire), founded in 1828. At Le Pin-au-Haras National Stud Farm (Normandy), 40 percent of all French racehorses and 30 percent of all French sport horses are bred. Horseback riding holidays are offered throughout the country, there are about 8,600 equestrian clubs, 5,000 equestrian centers and 400 equestrian tourism centers. Among the most popular regions for trail riding are the Camargue, Côte d’Azur (Provence) and Pyrenees in the south and southwest as well as the Vosges in Alsace in the northeast.

Riding holidays and riding tours in Spain and Portugal

Spain and Portugal have historically played equally important roles in the spread of equestrian practice in Europe. On the Iberian Peninsula, horses were already known in the Paleolithic Age. They finally became familiar pets and farm animals through the rule of the North African Moors over the country from the 8th to the 15th century, who used the animals both in agriculture and in the military. Horse lovers know the typical Iberian horsemanship under its name “Doma Clásica”. This discipline, which dates back to the Baroque period, is still taught at the “Royal Andalusian Riding School” in Jerez de la Frontera near Cadiz and the “Portuguese School of Equestrian Art” in Belém near Lisbon . However, their classic gaits such as the “Spanish walk” (emphasized lifting of the front hoof) and “Spanish step” (passengers) are by no means necessary for riding holidays in Spain and Portugal. Most of the offers for great riding holidays in front of a fantastic scenic backdrop can be found in the Algarve in the south of Portugal as well as on the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz in Andalusia, where the world-famous horse breed “Andalusian” also comes from.

Horse riding holidays in Great Britain and Ireland

English and Irish history books alike are filled with epic tales and heroic sagas of victorious battles in which knights armed to the teeth on horses defeated all sorts of enemies. Given this proud heritage, which is also reflected in the UK’s enthusiasm for horse racing and horse betting, it’s no surprise that both the UK and Ireland each have plenty of great deals on horse holidays. Numerous raving reports from holidaymakers about breathtaking horseback rides praise the coastal sections of Cornwall and Wales in particular. The Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks in the counties of Somerset and Devon in the southwest of the United Kingdom are also popular and frequent with horses. On the east coast of England near Newmarket (Suffolk) lies “The National Stud”, a time-honoured thoroughbred horse breeding farm. In Ireland, the provinces of Antrim, Cork, Clare, Mayo as well as the Burren, Connacht, Dublin, Munster and the surrounding area of Westport enjoy an excellent reputation for equestrian holidays.

Iceland and Sweden

As one of the most sparsely populated regions in Europe, Scandinavia inspires its guests with picturesque and in many places still almost untouched natural landscapes. Here, as centuries ago, you are almost alone on horseback along wild rivers, dark lakes and endless forests. Throughout Sweden , riders have hundreds of kilometres of specially marked routes (“ridled”) at their disposal for trail riding. Among the most used trails are those through the Tiveden National Park (Örebro County), in the vicinity of Tidaholm (Västra Götaland Province) and the routes in the southern province of Småland. A ride on the rather small, but robust and muscular Icelandic horse is undoubtedly a special experience for every riding enthusiast. It is true that the prices for two- to eight-day riding holidays with excursions past steaming geysers and majestic volcanoes in Selfoss (Árborg), Hvolsvöllur, Hvammur, Þingvellir, Þjórsá, Skagafjörður and Varmahlíð are significantly higher than in the rest of Europe. However, riders also see fairytale landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

More and more people are deciding to use a robot vacuum cleaner in their own apartment or house. The following article deals with the advantages of such a device and why it is so practical, especially on vacation.

Save time with the robot vacuum cleaner

If you use a robot vacuum cleaner, you no longer need to take care of vacuuming yourself. Instead, he can use his time elsewhere and still enjoy a clean apartment or house. However, it is important to note that the suction power must be sufficient. Thus, it is important to compare different models before making a purchase. All areas of the floor should be efficiently cleaned by the appliance in order to enjoy the appliance.

These are the advantages of the robot vacuum cleaner

Just like the lawnmower robot or the mopping robot, the robot vacuum cleaner takes over some household work that many people find annoying or disturbing. Because normal vacuuming takes a lot of time. The robot vacuum cleaner can be programmed to always drive through your own four walls at a fixed time and ensure cleanliness. And when the owner comes home, such as after work or a vacation, he no longer has to vacuum himself.

Low maintenance costs

Another advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner is its low power consumption. This is because the device requires significantly less energy than a classic vacuum cleaner. Transferred to the whole year, this can save a lot of electricity and thus money. In addition, robot vacuum cleaners get by with a collection container, so there is no bag. This simply has to be emptied and is immediately ready for use again. This can also save money. Because if you use a normal vacuum cleaner, you have to get new bags again and again. So it’s worth spending a little more money and the purchase price is quickly recouped

Easy to use

Most robot vacuum cleaners are very easy to use. Thus, even beginners who have never owned such a device will quickly get to grips with it. In addition, good and understandable instructions are usually also included. There are often different cleaning programs so that all surfaces can be perfectly cleaned. New devices can be conveniently controlled via free apps from the manufacturers.

Low noise

Conventional vacuum cleaners are usually quite loud. Modern robot vacuum cleaners, on the other hand, work much more quietly. This means that the neighbours or the front door are not disturbed. By the way, the robot also removes the hair and fur of cats, dogs and co. effectively and reliably. This is another great advantage.

Cleanliness even on holiday

Especially when you are on vacation for a few weeks, large amounts of dust and dirt quickly accumulate. If you use a robot vacuum cleaner, you don’t have to worry about this scenario. Instead, the machine always ensures cleanliness so that you can feel comfortable again immediately and do not have to devote yourself immediately to housework. This is a very big advantage of the robot vacuum cleaner. Because especially after long journeys, you just want to relax and not start vacuuming right away.

So you have enough time after the holiday to unpack your bags and fortify yourself. The robot vacuum cleaner is therefore a very practical help, even when you are away for a long time. Many different groups of people benefit from this.

New smart models provide a good feeling

It’s hard to believe, but the right vacuum/mopping robot can change the “most beautiful season” decisively. The S7 MaxV model from the Beijing-based manufacturer Roborock takes its job as a home nanny very seriously: Thanks to the separately available “Empty Wash Fill Dock” suction station, it not only keeps floors (carpets or hard floors) clean for up to seven weeks during your vacation. With the free Roborock app, he also becomes a remote-controlled guard dog. The highlight: The integrated camera not only ensures that the device is fantastically safe and clean. In addition, you can switch to your device via live video and check the situation at home yourself – directly from the beach bar! You can remotely control the S7 MaxV via the app and direct it to where you want to see it.

For our test, Roborock provided us with the little sister model Q7 Max+ for testing. The device cleans very effectively, has a high suction power of 4,200 Pa and is easy to operate via the APP. Compared to the S7 MaxV, the model is cheaper to buy and convinces with all the features to find a clean home after the holiday.

Result

A robot vacuum cleaner is very practical and helpful in different situations. And people who are regularly out of the house for a very long time or go on vacation for a longer period of time benefit significantly from one. Before buying, however, it is important to make sure that the performance is sufficient to be able to clean all surfaces ideally. In addition, some different cleaning programs should also be on board. Don’t miss out on the many advantages of a robot vacuum cleaner.

There are a variety of different ways to make a holiday an unforgettable experience. In recent years, more and more people have decided to spend their holidays in their own country. This is not a big surprise, because Germany is beautiful and also very varied. When vacationing in Germany , many people opt for a city trip, a vacation in the mountains or a vacation by the sea, for example. But there are also many possibilities for a holiday on or even on one of the many lakes.

Because on more and more lakes in Germany, you can not only take part in an offered boat trip, but also rent a houseboat as a holiday home. In this way, you can make your next holiday on a lake a very special event. Interestingly, you can rent such houseboats on a number of lakes and then also drive on the water.

On some lakes you can steer a houseboat without a license

In Germany, you can even steer a houseboat on some lakes without having a corresponding boat license. At first glance, this sounds surprising when you think about how exactly many things are regulated in Germany.

Nevertheless, it is possible to steer a houseboat on a whole range of lakes without a boat license. This allows you to rent such a houseboat, even if you have never steered such a boat before. However, you have to find out in advance on which inland waters you are allowed to travel with a houseboat without a license.

Explore the Mecklenburg Lake District without a driver’s license

On the Mecklenburg Lake District, for example, you can also travel with a houseboat without a boat license. The only requirement for this is that you have a charter certificate.

Such a charter certificate is proof that you have taken part in a training course when you took over the rented houseboat. This training lasts about three hours and during this time you will get all the important traffic rules, signs and nautical maps explained even as an inexperienced boat driver without previous knowledge. After this theoretical part, there is a practical introduction by a technician on the houseboat before leaving for the houseboat holiday. The complete technical equipment is explained and mooring manoeuvres and casting off manoeuvres as well as the correct behaviour in locks are practiced.

Discover the Mecklenburg Lake District by houseboat

The Mecklenburg Lake District is simply breathtaking and inspires holidaymakers again and again with numerous lakes and additional connecting canals. Once you have spent a holiday in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you will probably automatically become a repeat offender. After all, this large lake district has incredibly beautiful nature to offer and invites you to relax and unwind during the holiday season.

By renting a houseboat, you can sail across the various lakes of the Mecklenburg Lake District in peace and quiet and actually enjoy almost the entire holiday on the water.

According to your own ideas and requirements, you can rent smaller or larger houseboats and then become a captain on the Mecklenburg Lake District with the houseboat even without previous knowledge and a boat license.

Conquer Berlin and Brandenburg by houseboat

It is certainly particularly attractive to explore the capital Berlin with a houseboat. After all, you have the opportunity to take a rented houseboat on the Spree and see some sights such as the Reichstag building from the water. However, it is not allowed to steer such a houseboat in Berlin without a corresponding boat license. So unfortunately there is no possibility to steer a houseboat in Berlin only with a charter certificate.

So if you are not in possession of such a boat license, then you either have to get the required license or decide on another holiday destination with the houseboat.

Alternatively, you can rent a houseboat in Brandenburg , for example on the Havel, even without an existing boat license and enjoy a wonderful trip on the water. With a houseboat, you also have the opportunity to anchor at many different harbors in this region and then continue your vacation on land for some time and make interesting excursions. So there are also a whole range of lakes and other inland waters in Germany that you can explore without a driver’s license after a short briefing with a rented houseboat.

Butterflies in the stomach – at the beginning of a relationship, you have the feeling that the time together is not enough. Couples feel a certain exclusivity in these first few months. Why shouldn’t this period of time be used to freeze? Here are 5 tips to make your holiday together a success.

1. Wanderlust? Where do you want to go?

The first thought of a romantic getaway is very exciting. However, you should keep a cool head when planning. After all, you want your holiday to be a complete success. Many lovers see the first trip as a test of endurance for the new love. However, this is a matter of opinion and not every relationship can withstand this “endurance test”.

So the first step should be openness. A romantic evening for two is the best time to start planning. Common goals bind emotionally to each other and strengthen love. There are different strategies to find out whether the ideas coincide. One way is to brainstorm. Spontaneous ideas are collected without judgement or censorship.

Once the decision has been made for a suitable destination, the next question is when you want to escape from everyday life. If you like to travel from July to October, you have a wide choice of sunny destinations. A little time out is of course possible all year round. It is also worth looking for alternatives for the colder seasons. However, a winter holiday with a dog , for example, requires additional planning and usually cannot take place spontaneously.

In Iceland, a special volcanic beach can be explored, the so-called Diamond Beach of the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is home to countless crystal clear ice formations, which is how it got its name. Those who are magically attracted by the warmth will not be able to escape the charm of the island of Malta . But the picturesque archipelago has much more to offer. The temperatures are around 14-15 degrees even in winter, which is why it can be visited all year round.

So if you can’t find a suitable vacation day right away, you shouldn’t despair. It is a good idea not to plan long vacations at the beginning of a relationship. This is less complicated and gives first insights into the new relationship life.

The most important thing is that both partners agree with the decision. Understanding and respecting each other’s travel habits is the most important prerequisite.

2. Between identity documents, insurances and entry requirements

The trip is booked, but the suitcases are still empty. Next, all the necessary documents should be packed. The most important document for a time out abroad is the passport. A German passport can be used to travel to over 170 countries.

In addition to the entry requirements, the driver’s license should also be checked. This is crucial when a rental car is waiting on site. Under certain circumstances, an international driver’s license must still be issued here.

It is particularly practical if you can pay directly with the local currency in the holiday destination. This can be used to pay the taxi driver or bus to the hotel immediately. With a fixed budget in cash, the traveler has a greater overview of his expenses. This creates transparency and prevents more expenditure than planned.

If, on the other hand, you would like to monitor your finances online in a relaxed manner, you can do so with a credit card. Each account model has different conditions. If you don’t have a credit card yet, you can apply for one at your bank.

In times of Corona, it is important to find out before departure what vaccination status and test certificates are required in the respective country. Accordingly, the vaccination can be refreshed if there is insufficient protection. It also avoids waiting times at the airport.

You are protected worldwide with international travel health insurance. Nobody wants to get sick on vacation. If this happens, it saves the traveler a lot of trouble. In the event of illness, the insurance covers the costs of medication or operations on site and, under certain circumstances, transport home.

3. Activities, culture and sights

Just planning the trip and collecting ideas for the excursions arouses anticipation. If you like unusual experiences, you can book a carriage ride through the city. Lovers can experience pure romance at a picnic while the sun goes down.

However, you shouldn’t plan too much here. Rest breaks are important and contribute to relaxation. After all, it’s a vacation and not a business trip. It is worthwhile to go offline for this period and leave the mobile phone off. This avoids distraction and gives more freedom for time together. Another tip is not to mess up your sleep rhythm too much. Seven to eight hours are also perfect on vacation.

4. Travel provisions

Healthy nutrition on holiday: As soon as the journey starts, the stomach starts growling. This can be very exhausting. To get ahead of hunger, it is worth preparing something.

Before leaving, both partners can put together a small bag full of healthy snacks and small meals. Here, a joint purchase can reveal certain preferences. In addition to your own needs, there are also general tips:

1. Food that needs to be refrigerated should be prepared immediately before departure and, if possible, stowed in a cooling bag.
2. Protein-rich foods such as eggs or legumes fill you up. To save space and effort, a salad that combines all this is suitable. However, raw egg foods such as mayonnaise should be avoided and an oil dressing should be used instead.
3. Between meals, a small snack is a good idea. Chocolate-covered foods are not as good as cereal bars, for example. Nuts, on the other hand, are not only healthy, but also provide new energy.
4. The right preparation is very crucial when taking it with you. Sliced apples and unpackaged sandwiches are rather unsuitable for a trip. Sliced fruit spoils much faster. A lunch box is best suited to transport everything safely.

The prepared food can be eaten well in small breaks. It is a good idea to eat smaller meals throughout the day on a trip. With good planning and a little patience, you can save a lot of time and money along the way.

5. Holiday fund

How much budget you have available is very individual. Some couples have a joint holiday fund, in which, for example, they save leftover money from shopping and invest it in the holiday. Not everyone can afford the same amount of travel, which is why it makes sense to agree on a fixed budget early on.

A common fund requires a lot of trust and tolerance. So the first thing you should do is figure out which expenses should be shared. On a separate joint account, something can be put aside before the trip. There is no real solution to this. It looks different for every couple.

One thing is certain, before and during the trip, decisions have to be made in which money plays a major role. It is therefore worthwhile to define a fair distribution.

Result:

The first holiday together is very exciting. Maybe not everything goes according to plan right away. It doesn’t have to. Even if someone gets sick or the beach is too crowded, you shouldn’t panic. The main thing is that you are empathetic in any case and try to understand your counterpart. This also creates a new level in the relationship and strengthens cohesion. So it’s worth being brave and taking this step. The first holiday together is an unforgettable experience for every couple, which welds together and can be a good basis for the future.

If you park your car at the airport, you often have to be prepared for high parking fees. But with a few simple tricks, you can save a lot of money when parking at the airport. In the following, we will tell you how to do this and what you should pay attention to.

Parking at the airport doesn’t have to be expensive

Whether you go on holiday once a year or you are a frequent flyer, the high parking fees at the airport spoil the joy of flying for many. Therefore, it is advisable to find out in advance how you can save costs for parking . In general, it can be said that it is like in many things: the early bird catches the worm. The earlier you book the parking space at the airport, the lower the price. As soon as a trip by plane is foreseeable, you should invest a little time and reserve a parking space.

In the best case, this is not only a few days before the trip, but weeks or even months in advance. Early bookers can save a lot of money compared to spontaneous parking. At the same time, parking spaces can be booked conveniently and easily online. But parking spaces can also be reserved through the travel agency.

How to save parking fees at the airport

Another method to save quite a bit of money when parking at the airport is to use alternative parking spaces. At Parkenamflughafen you will find a selection of different alternative car parks around your departure airport. You can select the travel period online and book a parking space. Another alternative to save money on airport parking is Holiday or Shuttle Parking. You do not park directly at the terminal, but in parking areas further away. Travelers will then be driven to the terminal by shuttle bus.

However, the alternative parking spaces are still somewhat cheaper, as they are not offered by the airport itself, but by private providers. On average, you park about ten minutes away from the terminal and are also taken there by shuttle. In addition, the cars are well secured and a comprehensive service is offered.

What are the parking fees at the airport?

Parking fees at the airport depend on various factors. Early booked parking spaces are the cheapest ones, if you drive spontaneously into a nearby parking garage at the terminal during the day, you pay the highest prices. Therefore, it is worthwhile to compare the costs beforehand and weigh up the different parking garages against each other.

How can you save as a frequent flyer?

Frequent flyers who commute for work, for example, can also save a lot of money when parking at the airport. Discounts or special conditions can often be agreed on official car parks or alternative car parks. For this purpose, you can obtain various offers and compare them if necessary. In some cases, however, proof is also required for frequent flyers, but miles or status cards from the airlines are usually sufficient for this.

Can I switch to nearby residential areas?

Parking your car near an airport in the middle of a residential area and thus saving parking fees is not recommended. Especially in large cities, parking conditions can change during vacation, for example due to temporary parking or parking bans. In addition, the risk of theft and vandalism increases.

Residents are also not very pleased when parking spaces in their own area are occupied by travelers for a long time. The police and public order office are particularly sensitive to this issue, especially near the airport, and are happy to have the holiday parkers towed away. If parking in a residential area is generally allowed, then of course you can theoretically park there, but even then it is not necessarily morally right.