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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.

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
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

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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.

St. Vincent – a natural paradise

Bequia, St. Vincent and the <encoded_tag_open />a class=

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

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.

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

Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Of course, the Grenadines also score with fantastic beaches – here Bequia, Image: NAPA / shutterstock

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

Tobago Cays, Grenadines
The Tobago Cays, Image: Larwin / shutterstock

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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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.

How to get there

Platia Aristotelous
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 of Thessaloniki
The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Image: k_samurkas / shutterstock

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

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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.

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
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.

Holidays in New York: When is the best time to travel of the year?

A trip to New York to the Big Apple? If you’ve always wanted to fulfill this dream, you may be wondering what time of year is perfect for it. We all know from the news that it can get pretty hot in the US. The city of neon signs, Las Vegas, often measures more than 40 degrees in the shade in midsummer. And what about the climatic conditions in New York ? We’ll tell you at what time of year the Big Apple should ideally be visited.

The climatic conditions in New York

Cold in winter and hot in summer. This is how the climate in New York can be summed up in a nutshell. Even though most hotels in New York are of course air-conditioned, it is often too hot, especially for activities in the wild in summer.

In July and August, temperatures are more than 30 °C, which can be torture, especially for sensitive minds, but also for heat-resistant holidaymakers. At the same time, the average temperature in Germany on the Baltic Sea is just a mild 25 °C and it is already perceived as too warm.

It is particularly problematic that the humidity in New York is significantly higher than in Europe. This makes the heat even harder to bear, so for most vacationers, the months of June to August, when it’s hottest in the Big Apple, are omitted for a trip.

Climate check – this is how warm it gets in the individual months

To get a brief overview of the climatic conditions in New York, you can see the average temperatures here and then decide for yourself at what time of year the trip is suitable for you.

  • In January: minimum – 3 °C , maximum + 3 °C
  • In February: minimum – 5 °C, maximum + 5 °C
  • In March: minimum 1 °C, maximum 10 °C
  • In April: minimum 5 °C, maximum 16 °C
  • In May: minimum 12 °C, maximum 23 °C
  • In June: minimum 16 °C, maximum 27 °C
  • In July: minimum 19 °C, maximum 30 °C
  • In August: minimum 20 °C, maximum 29 °C
  • In September: minimum 15 °C, maximum 26 °C
  • In October: minimum 7 °C, maximum 20 °C
  • In November: minimum 1 °C, maximum 13 °C
  • In December: minimum -5 °C, maximum 2 °C

Before and after the summer, the travel time for New York is optimal

Central Park New York
Central Park in New York, one of the most photographed places in the world, Image: Ingus Kruklitis / shutterstock

Every year, 19.5 million people travel to the USA from abroad for tourism. New York is definitely one of the top places, from here there are not only numerous sights to admire, but also a short trip to Washington DC is possible.

If you’re not one of the self-proclaimed heat lovers and are looking forward to a trip to the Big Apple when it’s not quite so hot, the months of April to June are ideal. April is still a bit cooler, the water temperature makes swimming possible, but is still too cool for tender minds (approx. 17 – 20 degrees).

It gets warmer in May and June, although it could get too hot again towards the end of June. July and August are not recommended as travel months, because here every movement in hot New York is a torture. More than swimming in the sea and staying in an air-conditioned hotel is hardly possible. The heat collects between the high-rise buildings and makes normal locomotion already a high effort.

If you would like to go on tour after the summer, you can spend a few nice days in New York between September and the end of October. In October, however, it can already be changeable in places, here high summer temperatures are just as possible as rain.

Mackinac Island – Recreation in Michigang’s natural island panorama

Covering about 11 square kilometers between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a car-free island that is one of Michigan’s most popular travel destinations. If you are looking for relaxation in the US nature not far from the border with Canada, you can spend a decelerated holiday on Mackinac Island. Highlights such as the Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac are suitable for sightseeing, while the island’s special nature unfolds in Mackinac State Park. The fascinating island has long been a popular local recreation destination for Michigan’s residents. Travelers can discover a fascinating insider tip in the northern US state.

Mackinac – A Place of American History

View of Mackinac Island, Michigan
View of Mackinac Island, Image: mivod / shutterstock

Mackinac was already inhabited in prehistoric times, and later the native Anishinaabe people lived here until European settlers took over the area in the 17th century. Mackinac did not play a subordinate role in the history of the USA : the local fort played an elementary strategic role both in the War of Independence and during the American Civil War. But Mackinac is not only historically significant, the island plays a special geographical role: Centrally located between the two large peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinac unfolds at the transition between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. From an important fortress position to a modern holiday resort, Mackinac has undergone a multifaceted evolution in its history. Today, the home of only about 500 inhabitants is not only considered a relaxing highlight for locals, but also a tourist insider tip in the heart of Michigan by international visitors.

Coast and National Park – The Nature of Mackinac

About 80 percent of Mackinac’s island landscape is occupied by Mackinac Island State Park , which covers 7.3 square kilometers. Its nature unfolds mainly in the north of the island and extends to the urban area of Mackinac. Originally, the park was founded in 1875 as Mackinac National Park. At that time, it was only the second national park in the USA after the famous Yellowstone National Park. Many of the island’s historic buildings as well as the special natural formations unfold in the park area today. A kind of natural landmark is Arch Rock, which forms a natural arch of limestone at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level. The photo motif, immortalized on historical postcards as early as the end of the 19th century, is just as much a part of the park area as the cave formations of Skull Cave and Devil’s Kitchen. The 23-metre-high Sugar Loaf rock can also be seen from afar. There are some beautiful hiking routes through the island, and cycling tours on the car-free island are also popular. As an alternative to walking and cycling tours, carriages are one of the most popular means of transport on Mackinac, especially among tourists.

Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac – Sights on Michigan’s Holiday Island

In addition to nature, the island has some remarkable buildings. One of the most famous is the island’s Grand Hotel, whose architectural roots date back to the 19th century. The fact that several US presidents as well as Thomas Edison and Mark Twain stayed here underlines the importance of the place. Another special feature of the building: The veranda of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is considered the largest veranda in the world. Fort Mackinac, which was built in the 18th century and now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year as a museum, is also of historical interest. The fort played a key role in the Anglo-American War of Independence of 1812, among other things.

Today, the church of St. Anna or Sainte Anne Church on the shore of Mackinac is also a landmark of the island. The impressive Roman Catholic building was built in 1874 and still shapes the face of the island today. If you want to shop or stroll in the heart of the island on your holiday tour, you can visit the historic centre of the town: The island’s Main and Market Streets are home to some interesting shops and restaurants to stop by. Between nature, sightseeing and culinary relaxation, the island has such a multifaceted opportunity to relax.

Animal inhabitants – Mackinac as an island of butterflies

View of Lake Huron through Arch Rock
View of Lake Huron through Arch Rock, Image: gg5795/shutterstock

However, one special feature of Mackinac has not yet been mentioned: two butterfly houses make the island a refuge for the colorful butterflies. For good reasons, Mackinac can therefore be considered an island of butterflies. There’s the Butterfly House & Insect World in the island’s Mission District. It is considered the oldest butterfly house of its kind in Michigan and the third oldest in the United States. Hundreds of butterflies from four continents move here within hundreds of square meters, making the Butterfly House & Insect World a popular destination on the island. At the same time, Surrey Hill on the island is also home to the Wings of Mackinac, which is home to tropical and native butterflies. The aim of the fascinating butterfly houses is also to educate visitors about the special features and ways of life of butterflies.

Not far from the port of Mackinac rests the small island of Round Island, where popular ferry tours of the lake pass. Special feature of the island: The old lighthouse Round Island Light, which is a popular photo motif of the region. The nature and historic buildings of Mackinac Island have always attracted the attention of cameras. So it is hardly surprising that various films were made in the tranquil island region with Esther Williams, Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour and Christopher Plummer, among others. With its fascinating holiday flair, the island now knows how to captivate not only Michigan residents, but also visitors from all over the world.