The pandemic is not quite over yet, but we still have the old freedoms almost completely back. Now it turns out that not everyone paid disciplined attention to their own figure during the contact restrictions. Too bad that after two years the first real holiday season is coming up. If you didn’t get a bikini figure in time, you can still venture to the holiday beach thanks to the following tips.
Tip 1: Bikini is also possible with small problem areas
No question, a bikini looks particularly sexy on a slim, well-trained body. But also ladies who carry around small pads around their hips and stomach can be seen with the crisp two-piece. The Bikini High Waist immediately conjures up a slim silhouette that is absolutely suitable for the beach. The bikini can be a little more patterned, because this is also how looks can be controlled.
Tip 2: The push up bikini ensures a great bust size
Of course, the bust size does not matter if it is simply about swimming. But if you like to get a tan on the beach and are not averse to one or the other flirt, you may find just the right swimwear in a push up bikini . Even from a small bust size, a great cleavage can be conjured up by simply slipping into it, which no man can pass without an appreciative side glance.
When it comes to swimwear, you are spoilt for choice, Image: mcherevan / shutterstock
Tip 3: The monokini is not just a compromise
Some claim that the monokini is “nothing half and nothing whole”. You can’t even deny that, but that’s exactly where its strength lies. The monokini is as sexy as a bikini, but as comfortable as a swimsuit. Thanks to its sophisticated cut, the monokini can not only conceal some hip gold, but even make it fade into the background. If you take a look, you will see a great woman in a fashionable swimsuit of a very special kind. Cushions really don’t play a role at all and don’t stand in the way of a holiday flirt.
Tip 4: Shine
Swimwear doesn’t have to be boring. For some years now, bikinis, monokinis or swimsuits in gold, silver or bronze have been seen on the beaches of Europe . Such a glamorous appearance is great, but should not be exaggerated. A simple swimsuit in black or white harmonizes great with the metallic shine if it is limited to decorative stripes or inserts. Of course, the completely metallic variant also attracts attention, but at the same time they are extremely critical. “Can the woman wear that?” If you can answer this clearly with a yes, the glamorous swimwear is the right choice. Or the one who doesn’t care at all about the opinion of staring guys anyway.
As an alternative to shiny fabric, sparkling accessories are an idea. Not too opulent rhinestone trim or a chain in the décolleté are erotic eye-catchers for which you are sure to get many a compliment.
Tip 5: High-necked is sexy
Belly and bust have to be behind textile? No problem: Women with slightly larger curves will find a nice alternative in high-necked swimwear. The upper area between the décolleté and neck distracts from any problem areas. If you have a beautiful back, you can put it in the limelight with a high-necked swimsuit. Whether sophisticated ribbons, transparent inserts or completely backless, there are possibilities for that very special eye-catcher.
Tip 6: The pareo
The smart wrap skirt is not suitable for bathing in the pool. On the lounger next to it, however, every lady cuts a great figure in it. A pareo (here you will find tips for tying a pareo) is not only available in every size, but also in numerous colors and designs. It’s also great that bikinis and pareo are a complete summer outfit that is not only suitable for sunbathing, but also for the beach bar or a visit to the restaurant. And here, too, no one thinks about the figure of the wearer.
Naples is the third largest city in Italy. With a history dating back thousands of years, it dates back to the Greek settlement of Neapolis, which was later taken over by the Romans. While Neapolitan folk music was born there in the Middle Ages, the city is also the birthplace of Italy’s national dish – pizza.
Piazza del Plebiscito, Image: Wila_Image / shutterstock
Naples’ old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of a labyrinth of alleys and captivates with small chapels and churches that appear here and there as if out of nowhere. Excavations of the old city wall can also be visited there.
Two other highlights are the Nativity Street and the Basilica of Santa Chiara, whose cloister is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Campania.
Napoli Sotterranea – Naples’ Underworld
The underground passages of Naples are about 80 km long and a guided tour is of course a must for visitors. Like a labyrinth, the paths and tuff caves stretch 40 m below the city. The history of the city has been immortalized down there in the stone of the walls: from the founding of the city to the bombs of the Second World War.
Entrances to this underground system can be found all over the city. The tours last about two hours. There are underground gardens, theatres, cisterns and fountains to marvel at.
National Archaeological Museum of Naples
Basilica of Santa Chiara, Image: Inu / shutterstock
It is considered the most important archaeological museum in all of Europe and also contains finds from the city of Pompeii, among other things. Among them is a detailed mosaic depicting the battle between Alexander the Great and the Persian king Darius III. Numerous paintings and statues from the collection of the Bourbon King Charles III are also housed in the museum.
The building in which the museum is located has a long history of its own. It was built in 1585 as a cavalry barracks and later further rebuilt and expanded.
Castel Nuovo – Residence of the Rulers
The construction of Castel Nuovo began under the direction of Charles I of Anjou in 1279 and was completed three years later. Even today, the castle is considered the most famous building in Naples. Inside it is a museum that deals with the multifaceted history of the city. Among other things, a wide variety of bronze and silver objects are housed there, and in the Capella Palatina, frescoes and sculptures from the 13th to 14th century.
Mount Vesuvius – Europe’s volcano
Mount Vesuvius in the background of Naples, Image: Nataliia Gr / shutterstock
The metropolis of Naples is only nine kilometers away from Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the European mainland. The mountain is best known for the history of the city of Pompeii, whose demise it caused in the first century AD.
Even today, the volcano could erupt again at any time.
Visitor tours are offered to the top of the mountain. The ascent takes about an hour on foot and leads to the crater of the mountain on beautiful hiking trails. Public transport also likes to take visitors up the mountain. On cloudless days, the view of the Gulf of Naples is particularly beautiful.
The ruins of Pompeii
Pompeii, Image: lara-sh / shutterstock
Pompeii, 23 km away, can be reached from Naples in a half-hour drive. It is one of the most famous excavation sites ever. The huge walkable area is about 44 hectares.
Before its demise, Pompeii was about 66 hectares in size and the streets pulsated with life. In 79 AD, this came to an abrupt end with the volcanic eruption. Countless finds and the casts of their bodies bear witness to the people of this city to this day. These, however, were stored in museums – as were many mosaics and sculptures.
The streets of the city are empty and clean today. The same applies to Pompeii’s buildings. Only a few furnishings are still in the houses. Nevertheless, the ruined city is worth a visit with or without a guided tour, which can easily stretch over several hours.
Specialties of Naples
As the birthplace of pizza , it should not be missing in Naples. There is often a long queue in front of good pizzerias and invites you to queue.
The city even organizes a pizza festival every year to commemorate the origin of this dish. A fresh pizza Margaritha with a soft base is classic. A slightly different type of this dish is the deep-fried pizza. The topping is located between two layers of dough and is then simply fried.
The Friarielli are also something special. These grow on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius and are only found in this region. They are often fried and served as a side dish. But they have also developed their own dish: friarielli with salsiccia (a large bratwurst).
It is not surprising that many dishes in Naples, characterized by a certain maritime influence, contain mussels and fish. Seafood is available on pasta and pizza as well as as an independent dish.
For dessert, you can try Sfogliatelle or Babà. Both are pastries that are offered in pastry shops and street stalls throughout the city.
If you’re looking for a drink and don’t shy away from some alcohol, you should definitely try limoncello. Although this lemon liqueur originally comes from Sorrento and Almafi, it is also popular in Naples.
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.
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
There are also great offers for beginners to experience a riding holiday, Image: Peter Braakmann / shutterstock
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.
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
The “smart” robot vacuum cleaner takes care of the house during the holiday season, Image: roborock
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.
In the recent past, it was hardly possible to make longer trips to distant countries in between. In the meantime, however, the situation has improved and it is finally possible again, for example, to travel to the USA and there, for example, to beautiful California. California in particular makes many people dream in advance and is absolutely rightly at the top of many travelers’ list of absolute dream destinations. California has an incredible amount to offer its visitors and, in addition to many highlights and fantastic places, also attracts numerous vacationers across the pond every year with a special lifestyle and the friendly local people. In this article, we want to address some of the most important reasons to take a California vacation.
California has an incredible number of interesting destinations in store for its visitors. In addition, California is also known all over the world for its relaxed lifestyle. Experiencing the fascinating California for yourself is an absolute must for many travelers and is often at the top of the list of the most popular travel destinations.
This is partly due to the fact that California stands for sun, good mood and a relaxed lifestyle. The people of California are considered particularly friendly, not least because of their laid-back lifestyle, and they play a major role in the special atmosphere in California.
Californians are also considered helpful and particularly open-minded and open-hearted. This makes it particularly easy for holidaymakers to immerse themselves in the Californian lifestyle and adopt the much more relaxed lifestyle within a few days. The good mood among the Californians and also among the visitors is of course also related to the great weather and the many sunny days.
California inspires with countless sights
On a trip through California, there are an incredible number of sights to see and a variety of absolute highlights that should not be missed. The most famous symbol of California is probably the Golden Gate Bridge, which inspires people all over the world far beyond the borders of the USA.
You should definitely pay a visit to Hollywood, which exudes a special glamour and immerses visitors in a glittering world of stars. On the other hand, you should also plan enough time for a visit to the world-famous beaches of San Diego. On these beaches you will always meet many surfers looking for the perfect wave.
Yoswmite Falls is definitely worth a visit, which causes its visitors to look amazed, not least because of Yosemite Falls. The contrasts are very great in California and so, in addition to gigantic waterfalls, there is also a hostile place with Death Valleys, which allows vacationers to immerse themselves in a hostile but impressive desert landscape.
California has many fascinating cities to offer
On the Californian coast, you can head for a variety of exciting cities on the trip. Along Highway One there are numerous large and small cities that captivate visitors with their special flair.
Of course, the big cities such as San Francisco, San Diego or Los Angeles magnetically attract a particularly large number of travelers from other countries. All these big cities have every mange to offer and are definitely worth a detour. However, there is so much to discover in California that it is best to think in advance about what you definitely want to see on a round trip.
Las Vegas is not located in California, but in the neighboring state of Nevada. Nevertheless, it may be worth planning some time for a detour into the glittering casino world of Las Vegas. After all, Las Vegas is absolutely fascinating, especially because of its numerous huge casinos.
Discover the most beautiful beaches in California
California is a huge state in the USA and due to its size alone, the climate is not the same everywhere in California. Basically, however, it can be said that California has many hours of sunshine. Especially the southern area of California awaits its visitors with lots of sunshine and numerous dream beaches.
The most beautiful beaches in California definitely include Malibu, La Jolla cove and Santa Monica Beach. In addition, there are also many not-so-well-known beaches that also have a lot of charm and should be discovered.
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.
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
Image: Song_about_summer / shutterstock
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 eating on holiday, Image: Pearl PhotoPix / shutterstock
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:
Food that needs to be refrigerated should be prepared immediately before departure and, if possible, stowed in a cooling bag.
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.
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.
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.
Are you dreaming of a city trip but don’t feel like taking a long flight? The largest cities in Germany have a lot to offer and can be easily reached by train. A currywurst in Berlin, a fish sandwich in Hamburg or an Altbier in Düsseldorf, let yourself be inspired.
The German capital is always worth a visit. There is constant construction going on here and hardly any other city has changed so much in recent years. In addition to the classic sights such as the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz, a visit to the newly built city palace, which houses various exhibitions, is worthwhile. History buffs will get their money’s worth in the East Side Gallery or on Museum Island. A successful mix of shops, culture and nightlife can be found in the Hackesche Höfe and on the Hackescher Markt.
Hamburg – the Nordic pearl
View of the Alster in Hamburg, Image: Allard One / shutterstock
In the port of Hamburg, with its view of huge container ships and luxurious cruise ships, visitors get to feel the flair of the big wide world. Even if you are only in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg for a day, you should not miss a harbor tour and a tour of the Speicherstadt, which is a World Heritage Site. At the fish market, market criers sell their products with rough charm. In the evening, a trip to the Reeperbahn, the most sinful mile in the world, is worthwhile. If you have more time, you can take a whole trip around the world in Hamburg – in Miniatur Wunderland.
Munich – much more than the Oktoberfest
View of Marienplatz in Munich, Image: S-F / shutterstock
When you think of the Bavarian capital, the first thing that comes to mind is men in lederhosen with a wheat beer in the Hofbräuhaus. But in addition to the Oktoberfest, the largest folk festival in the world, and the numerous beer gardens, Munich offers much more. Castles and palaces such as Nymphenburg Palace invite you to travel back in time and art lovers get their money’s worth in the versatile museums. There is an impressive range of products from technology in the Deutsches Museum to classical art in the Alte Pinakothek. Not to be missed is the old town with Marienplatz and the Frauenkirche. Munich is worth a visit during the Christmas season, when the Christmas market takes place there and everything is festively illuminated.
Cologne – welcome to the cathedral city
View over the Rhine to Cologne Cathedral, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock
If you visit Cologne by train and leave the main station, you will immediately see the cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the highlight of the city. Visitors interested in the city’s history head to the nearby Romano-Germanic Museum, which showcases finds from Roman times to the early Middle Ages. Not to be missed is a walk along the Rhine and a visit to the Chocolate Museum. A real insider tip is the Melaten Cemetery with its imposing monuments and impressive parks. The city shows a completely different face at carnival. Millions of people celebrate from Weiberfastnacht to Violet Tuesday in colorful costumes.
Frankfurt – between skyline and historic old town
The Fountain of Justice at the Römer, Image: Pigprox / shutterstock
Frankfurt am Main is a city of contrasts. As soon as you arrive, the impressive skyline with the glittering high-rise facades catches the eye. In addition, the metropolis on the Main has historical sights. The Römer, Frankfurt’s town hall with its pretty Kaisersaal, is one of the most beautiful and oldest in Germany. In the New Old Town, parts of what was once Germany’s largest medieval old town were reconstructed by 2018. St. Paul’s Church, where the National Assembly created the first democratic constitution for Germany , can be visited today. A visit to the city is particularly worthwhile in October, when the annual book fair takes place.
Stuttgart is an important business location, shaped by the automobile companies Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Nevertheless, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg is surprisingly green. In addition to vineyards and valleys, the Schlossgarten and the Hohenheim Gardens invite you to linger. The Wilhelma, zoo and botanical garden in one, is also an oasis in the city. The city is popular with architecture enthusiasts. The city library, which turns into a blue light sculpture at night, is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Weissenhof Estate, which was built in the 1920s, is a blueprint for functional living. An excellent view over the city can be enjoyed from the viewing platform of the TV tower. In good weather, you can see the Swabian Alb from here.
Düsseldorf – Fashion and the longest bar in the world
View of the banks of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock
Hardly any other city is as versatile as Düsseldorf. Here, the rich and beautiful stroll along Königsallee, party people celebrate in the old town at the longest bar in the world and music fans enjoy concerts in the Tonhalle or the Opera House. Each of the 50 districts has its own charm. You should not miss the Media Harbour, designed by renowned architects, and the Japanese quarter around Immermannstraße.
Dortmund – a football capital
The Dortmunder U – Center for Art and Creativity, Image: Hernan J. Martin / shutterstock
Football characterises this city in the Ruhr area. At every BVB home game, it turns into a sea of yellow and black. Fans of other teams can also enjoy the German Football Museum. But Dortmund has more to offer. A piece of industrial history can be visited, for example, in the Zollern colliery. Many buildings have been extensively restored here and the view from the winding tower is unique. The creative heart of the city beats in the Dortmunder U. In addition to the Ostwall Museum, there is a restaurant and a club here. Dortmund is greener than the city’s reputation suggests. Nature lovers will get their money’s worth on a hike along the Ruhr or on an excursion to the Phoenix Lake.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa in the Maldives is located on the private island of Furanafushi and is a free 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The five-star resort offers 176 guest rooms that blend harmoniously with the surroundings of turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush gardens. With seven varied restaurants and bars, the Shine Spa for Sheraton, which sits on its own island, and three tropical freshwater outdoor pools, the resort is the perfect destination for couples, families with young children or teenagers, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike. The overnight stay incl. Breakfast starts at $400 for two people per night in a Deluxe Garden View King Room.
How to reach Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Guests can easily reach the resort in just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport.
The rooms
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has 176 rooms, beachfront bungalows, and villas built directly over the water, many of which have private pools.
The restaurants
At the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, guests can choose from a wide range of specialties in seven restaurants every day. In addition to Sea Salt, which serves seafood dishes in a romantic atmosphere and to the sound of the sea, Anchorage offers Mediterranean dishes as well as traditional pizzas, while authentic Thai restaurant Baan Thai and Indian restaurant Masala Hut offer bold Asian flavours. Caribbean cuisine with fresh tacos and sophisticated cocktails can be found at Kakuni Hut, and ChopstiX is the perfect place for a casual lunch of homemade dumplings and delicious noodle bowls. Feast, the resort’s buffet restaurant, offers a selection of international dishes freshly prepared at the live cooking stations.
Spa & Leisure
Image: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
At the Shine Spa for Sheraton, located on its own island, guests can enjoy holistic facials and massages in the spa pavilions surrounded by lush greenery. Younger guests can enjoy the Kids Center, and with the family-friendly “Side by Side” program, the resort offers a variety of activities such as interactive cooking classes, picnics on the beach, and family fun at the spa, where kids can create their own face masks from edible ingredients at the dedicated do-it-yourself counter. The offer also includes the joint planting of coral fragments, where the participants can not only have fun and lend a hand themselves, but also learn interesting facts about the hotel’s Adopt a Coral initiative. The coral pieces are planted in a frame, which the marine biologist then places under water. Thanks to a serial number on the frame, guests can follow the growth of the self-planted corals on a specially created website. Other activities include water sports such as diving, snorkelling, boat and sailing tours and jet skiing. An outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and tennis court complete the offer.
Inspired by the formation of the atolls, coral reefs and marine life, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, which opened on September 1, 2021, is picturesquely located in a remote corner of the Lhaviyani Atoll on the natural private island of Thilamaafushi. The nine-hectare island is known locally as “Reef Island” and is considered the quintessential Maldives – an eco-conscious getaway framed by a dazzling lagoon and colorful reefs with lush native flora and fauna.
The six restaurants and bars and the Explore Spa by Le Méridien celebrate the destination’s special features, sounds and flavours, while guests explore the atoll’s unique environment above and below the water with a variety of signature experiences. With 141 villas with a subtle color concept, whose design combines European finesse with the brand’s typical mid-century design and Bauhaus aesthetic, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a refuge for curious and creative travelers to discover the destination with typical European enjoyment.
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa comprises 141 villas, set amidst the tropical landscape and scattered on the water, each with magnificent views of the pristine beaches, the sea and the turquoise lagoon respectively. The villas with a choice of one, two or three bedrooms combine art and industrial design with clean lines, neutral tones and contrasting renewable materials that emphasise simplicity, openness and functionality.
The restaurants
Guests can choose from six restaurants and bars with a menu of international specialties and local produce: Inspired by Japanese fishing villages and water lanterns, the signature restaurant Tabemasu entices with a teppanyaki counter and its own outdoor pavilion where a masterfully prepared omakase tasting menu is served.
The adults-only Riviera bar is located on the beach, framed by an oceanfront infinity pool and a private beach, where extended, leisurely lunches and sundowners blend seamlessly as the sun bathes the ocean in the most magnificent colours. The Le Méridien promotion “Au Soleil” also takes place on the beach section there as part of the weekly culinary resort events. “Au Soleil” adds a pinch of summer feeling to the “Golden Hour”, i.e. the magical time just before sunset, through European-inspired small plates (petits plates), rosé cocktails and homemade gelato or sorbet from Le Scoop by Le Méridien, served to live music and the sound of the waves.
Under banyan trees and gently swaying palm trees, the Waves Café indulges in deliberately healthy cuisine, with a focus on organic products directly from the producer. The Velaa Bar + Grill by the pool focuses on freshly mixed cocktails and light dishes to enjoy in the sun. In the evening, there is grilled seafood, meat and delicacies from the wood-fired oven. The Le Méridien Hub sees itself as a creative meeting place. Thanks to the cooperation with illy, coffee specialties prepared individually by the barista are available there. The culinary offer is rounded off by the Turquoise, a kind of marketplace on the beach, where guests can choose from a variety of international and local dishes from breakfast to dinner.
The hub of the resort is the Waves Lifestyle Hub, a central “feel-good place” in the midst of unspoilt countryside and breathtaking sea views. This small, fine lifestyle area includes a gym facing the sea and an elevated yoga pavilion surrounded by greenery, as well as the Waves Café, an interactive studio with a focus on local contemporary art. In a shop, you can buy handmade and modern lifestyle products. The resort’s Marine Hub offers various conservation activities, such as the protection of mangroves and seagrass, or turtle identification and snorkeling with the marine biologist. Here, participants even have the opportunity to give a turtle a name. The resort’s private island, Bodu Finolhu, is full of tropical greenery and a continuous beach that frames the island – perfect for relaxing. Families can take advantage of the services offered by Le Méridien Family and Kids’ Hub, whether it’s a day or night hike on nature trails, listening to folk stories or taking art classes on sustainability. In The Greenhouse greenhouse, too, people can work together, for example when planting greens, harvesting and cooking. Other features include the Explore Spa by Le Méridien and two infinity pools.
