A city trip to Leipzig provides variety and relaxation! The charm of the metropolis is fascinating. The bustling city has a lot of history to offer, as almost 1000 years of history are present in almost every corner of the city, which brings with it a unique atmosphere and comprehensive conciseness.
More than half a million people live in Leipzig, but the idyll is still preserved. The city is rightly considered the “Venice of the North”, because romance and delightful conditions are given all around. However, if you want more entertainment, Leipzig is also the right destination. Famous trade fairs and major music events take place just as regularly and a short holiday in winter also has special features for itself. The Christmas market attracts visitors from near and far to the metropolis and gets you in the mood for a wintry season. Nature and art are also closely connected here, so the trip can be active and relaxing.
Historic city passages are a real splendour and invite you to take a long stroll. Relaxing parks and recreation areas can also be found in Leipzig and make a summer’s day a true time of relaxation. Whether eventful, historic or relaxing, Leipzig offers the ideal place to feel good for every travel enthusiast.
Due to the cultural conditions, the metropolis is also known as “Little Paris” and leaves room for fascinating moments. The city owes its noble touch to classical music. In authentic style, Leipzig presents itself with classic elegance like hardly any other city. World-famous artists such as Bach also lived in Leipzig and shaped the cityscape. Nowadays, the Bach Museum is represented here and is a reminder of eventful art times. Every year there is also the Bach Festival, which is dedicated to the artist. If you want to spend a romantic evening, you will certainly be able to treat yourself to a treat in a Leipzig opera.
The Zoo in Leipzig ensures eventful times
Giraffes at Leipzig Zoo, Image: MooNam StockPhoto / shutterstock
Leipzig is also a destination with an adventure factor for families with children. Leipzig Zoo provides impressive family outings with a species-rich animal world. After an eventful trip to the zoo, a relaxing time may be appropriate and the time can become pure relaxation in the Rosental Park or in the botanical garden. An important sight is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations.
This uniqueness can be reached by bus within a few minutes’ drive. Many visitors purchase the so-called “Leipzig Card” for their stay in the city. With the ticket, every traveller receives a discount on public transport. Discounts are also offered for selected restaurants and venues. If you love all-round cultural experiences, you are sure to find them in Leipzig. Travelers who want to experience a very special museum visit can also visit the Panometer in Leipzig. The Rund-Museum shows 360° panoramic panoramas in true splendor. In combination with a gigantic lighting technology, the impressions are created in a kind of 3D presentation.
Historical discovery tours through the city center
The city center is always a pleasure. In Leipzig, strolling through the small alleys and shopping streets can be combined with historical discovery tours. Augustusplatz, one of the most important squares in the city, is centrally located and is ideal as a starting point. Not particularly far away is the famous St. Nicholas Church, which was built in 1165 and is considered one of Leipzig’s highlights. The Mädlerpassage, on the other hand, invites you to enjoy it and is considered the oldest shopping arcade – the flair is delightful and makes a holiday in Leipzig an experience. But in the city, things are also going up! So the Krochhochhaus is a small fascination and rises 42 meters into the air. The imposing city skyscraper is another skyscraper in the city and impresses with 142 meters in altitude and is an excellent vantage point.
Culinary delights
The Grassi Museum of Applied Arts, Image: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / shutterstock
The books are at home in Leipzig. The Book Fair is the second largest book fair in Germany and offers a comprehensive programme of events. However, if you want to visit the fair, you should book a hotel room in good time, because the trade fair event is extremely well attended. In stylish restaurants, sociable clubs and bars, eventful days can be rounded off in Leipzig. From quaint bars to noble restaurants, the locations in Leipzig are absolutely diverse and provide culinary delights.
In the freshness of the morning hour, the idyllic villages and hamlets of Jersey unfold a unique atmosphere. Nature awakens – very carefully – and thus adapts to the conditions on this beautiful Channel Island.
Haste is a foreign word here, and this is more of a refuge for people who are at peace with themselves or are looking for this peace. Two cultures have shaped Jersey. That of the English and that of the French. And since Jersey is on Her Majesty’s doorstep, the inhabitants communicate through the English language. Some, however, still speak the aging Norman dialect.
The island in the bay of Saint-Malo has an unusual status and is neither a part of England nor even a crown colony, but is a British “crown possession” and thus directly subordinate to the monarchy of the big neighbor. Jersey is a slightly different island.
Image: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock
The sea surprises there with unusual tides. Green lizards scurry on the mossy walls and under the gnarled trees, the red squirrels are among the ever-omnipresent natives. Since the climate on Jersey is strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream and thus has quite mild features, even hummingbirds can be found here and there, which otherwise tend to stay in exotic areas.
At low tide, the island enlarges by a whopping forty percent and the water level drops by seven centimeters every minute. In total, the difference between low tide and high tide is up to twelve meters. This is unique in the maritime world. If you approach Jersey from the sea, you will first notice a fortress: Elizabeth Castle in the small capital St. Helier. This is a relic from the Middle Ages – a fortified and compact castle. Not for romantics, but an interesting site for historians. During their hikes, they will also find some Stone Age cult sites near La Hougue Bie or the bunkers from the Second World War, forts from Victorian times and medieval chapels.
But above all, holidaymakers in Jersey will find one thing: nature! And in their most graceful form in secluded hollow paths overgrown with greenery, in rugged rocks on the coasts and in lonely bays. As a driver, however, you should take your time on this island and pay attention to those signs that point to the “Green Lanes”. Because in these zones, the maximum speed is a whole 24 kilometers per hour. If you feel like it, you should therefore opt for a bike tour, which also has the advantage that you get used to driving on the left very quickly.
Lighthouse on Jersey, Image: Alice Sverker / shutterstock
Jersey’s gastronomy advertises with the “Big Four”. Behind it are royal potatoes, tasty lobsters, milk from the island and oysters. The restaurants have gained an international reputation, as they are almost without exception committed to the “Genuine Jersey”. This seal of approval states that the transport routes from the producer to the kitchens are short and that products from the island are processed without exception. Anyone who has enjoyed a freshly caught lobster at the Crab Shack with a view of St. Brelade’s Bay will rave about this culinary experience for a long time to come.
This island in the canal is small and presents its sights and excursion destinations in an area that measures just 14.5 by 9.0 kilometers. There you will find a beautiful zoo, the Tamba Park with the footsteps of the dinosaurs, the eerie torture chamber in the medieval fortress of Mont Orgueil, two museums in the metropolis of St. Helier and the Adventure Park on the beaches of St. Ouen, which are popular with surfers. The water sports on offer in St. Aubin’s Bay are varied.
Above all, however, the islanders’ recommendation on Jersey is: Wait and see and drink tea! Here the holidaymaker can let himself drift and enjoy the poetry of a green wonder in the sea.
In the land of the Bible, one cannot get away from religion, because the people of Israel live in a very narrow area that has become home to three faiths. Christians, Jews and Muslims regard the Temple Mount of Jerusalem as the navel of the world and the origin of all being. For centuries, this city has been the destination of countless pilgrims, even if, like the Crusaders, they did not always come with good intentions. “You shall be called Israel. I will give the land to you, and to your generation after you.” According to tradition, this was God’s word and his choice fell on a land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It was here that Jesus worked and died according to the Christian faith. And here Muhammad went to Allah’s paradise. Anyone who visits Israel walks on historical paths and is confronted with unique testimonies of history.
Jerusalem, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock
The independent state of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948, establishing a homeland for the Jewish people on the soil of Palestine. Since then, Israel has suffered a history that is as eventful as it is fraught with problems. It continues to this day, because the parties to the conflict live behind a wall of hatred and mistrust. Four denominations consider the country their ancestral homeland: Jews, Muslims, Christians and Druze – separated by the Bible and the Koran. But all faiths have one thing in common – the traditions are an important part of their everyday life.
As befits such a historic city, Jerusalem has numerous museums. If you want to delve deep into history and culture, you should visit the Israel Museum not far from the Knesset. Among other things, the legendary rolls of the Dead Sea and the oldest model of a sailing ship are kept here. It is said to be four thousand years old. The history of the city also comes alive in the museum in David’s Tower, a part of the old town wall. Yad Vashem is the official memorial for the victims of the Holocaust. Here are thousands of documents and testimonies on the history of the suffering of the Jews.
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Image: Kirill Neiezhmakov / shutterstock
The Holy City with the Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as neighboring Bethlehem with the Grotto of the Nativity of Jesus are tourist highlights. But it’s not just the religious sites that make Jerusalem a destination for vacationers from all over the world. There are vibrant markets and modern shopping malls in the centre and the Talpiot district with its trendy discos and excellent restaurants.
Quite a few unorthodox residents of Tel Aviv consider Jerusalem to be an ancient open-air museum, which sounds very disparaging. But this city with its old port of Jaffa is something like the counterpoint to Jerusalem. With its beautiful boulevards, it presents itself as modern and young. And it probably plays a subordinate role for Tel Aviv that the city has hardly any sights worth mentioning. The metropolis on the Mediterranean wants to be cosmopolitan and presents itself to holidaymakers on four so-called “Orange Routes”. The most beautiful examples of Bauhaus architecture rise up on Rothschild Boulevard.
The “bathroom” of Israel is located on the north coast – between Tel Aviv and the border with Lebanon. One of the most popular seaside resorts is Netanya, and if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle there, you will find some quiet and little-visited bays in Caesarea. South of the amphitheatre, holidaymakers can rent a kibbutz holiday village there or start a sailing trip from here. The “Hanging Gardens” in the port city of Haifa are considered a symbol of peace and a place of silence. On the site is the Bahia World Center for the study of the sacred texts.
The Dead Sea, with its enormous salt content, is a healing bath for body and soul. Two million years ago, the sea was formed in a bizarre landscape and in a place steeped in history. In nearby Qumran, the writings from the third century BC were found in a rock massif.
Chile, with its twelve regions and the mystical Easter Island, 3,500 kilometers away in the Pacific, invites you to a careful discovery. Anyone who sees and feels the soul of the landscape is moved by its majesty. The mighty Andes form the natural border with Argentina and Bolivia and shape the country along its entire length.
Rapa Nui, Easter Island, Image: Amy Nichole Harris / shutterstock
Patagonia, a region full of natural beauty, is reminiscent of a living painting. In Torres del Paine National Park, visitors experience a world that seems to be untouched and in its original state. The peaks of Torres del Paine, formed around twelve million years ago, offer a challenge for experienced mountaineers and fascinate with their icy majesty.
From North to South: A Journey through Climate Zones
Chile presents an impressive variety of climate zones. The north has a dry desert climate, ideal for travel from April to October. In central Chile, around Santiago and Valparaíso, travelers enjoy a pleasant Mediterranean climate with the best time to travel from November to March. The cool and humid south, including Patagonia, is best traveled between December and February.
Chilean Culture: A Feast for the Senses
View of the capital Santiago de Chile, Image: Pakawat Thongcharoen / shutterstock
Chile is also a country of culture. The cuisine, music and festivals reflect the rich cultural diversity. Pablo Neruda, the Chilean Nobel Prize winner, described the scenic diversity of his homeland as an “incomparably great achievement of creation”.
Activities for adventurers
Chile offers a wide range of activities – from trekking and wine tasting to kayaking. Mountaineers will find challenges on peaks such as Ojos del Salado and snow-capped Parinacota in Lauca National Park.
Relaxation and comfort after the adventure
After an eventful day, Chile’s first-class hotels and cozy lodges offer relaxation by the fireplace and fine wines at the bar. In this paradise for dreamers, the journey of longing ends somewhere in Chile.
Weather in Chile
Due to its geographical structure, the climate in Chile cannot be generalized. Therefore, the following climate table is divided into different regions of Chile:
Many older people love to travel and discover the dream destinations of this earth with joy and curiosity. Due to the newly gained time freedom after a fulfilled professional life and usually fewer family obligations, traveling is very attractive for many seniors. Often, however, the desire to travel is also associated with insecurities in older people, as they are sometimes inhibited from taking exactly the trips they dream of due to physical limitations and the feeling of spending more effort mastering situations than before. In order to travel to the places you have always wanted to see despite these uncertainties, the senior citizen trip is a perfect alternative, as these trips are designed in such a way that older people can fully concentrate on the essentials and organizational and arduous things are taken off their hands, or the needs of seniors with regard to hotel and transport of the journey are taken into account through careful planning in advance.
Tailor-made travel experiences thanks to well-organized senior trips
Relaxation on holiday, Image: kudla / shutterstock
Senior tours are often group tours that are accompanied by experienced tour guides who are familiar with the respective destination country as well as with the wishes of seniors. Depending on the destination and organizer, there are also trips for seniors that are accompanied by trained nursing staff or even doctors and are particularly suitable for seniors in need of care.
When organising trips for senior citizens, the organisers usually set high standards for the equipment and, above all, accessibility of the selected hotels, which must meet the requirements of senior citizens in all respects. In addition to the elaborate selection of senior-friendly hotels, the organizers of senior trips also focus on a comfortable journey to the chosen holiday destination. It is not uncommon for participants in senior trips to be picked up from their own front door to be taken either directly by bus to their holiday destination, or to the train station or airport on longer journeys. Assistance with the transport of the luggage as well as the completion of formalities during the arrival and departure to the chosen place of stay for a relaxed holiday are of course just as much a matter of course as comprehensive support in all travel situations.
Cities can also be discovered in a completely new way, Image: Syda Productions / shutterstock
But not only the arrival and departure is well organized on a senior trip, but also excursions at the holiday destination are usually planned in such a way that all members of a travel group can participate comfortably. However, since individuality is also an important part of well-prepared senior trips, there is often the possibility to go on a discovery tour alone at the destination. For those who prefer to travel alone and not with a tour group from the outset, but do not want to miss out on the advantages of senior travel, many organizers of senior trips have suitable offers in their program that meet all the requirements of seniors and still leave plenty of room for individuality.
From near to far – The senior citizens’ trip opens up new horizons
The selection of different senior trips is huge and offers relaxed trips to Germany and neighboring countries. For example, the most beautiful beaches of the Baltic Sea or the magnificent landscapes of Bavaria can be explored just as easily as the rough but beautiful North Sea coast as part of comfortable senior trips. But also the mountains of Austria and especially the Polish Baltic Sea coast, to which numerous spa trips are offered, can be traveled on appealing trips for seniors. Long-distance trips for seniors are also very appealing, which lead to the most exotic places in Asia or America and impress with the fact that, as is usual with senior travel, everything is geared to the wishes and requirements of older people. Especially on long-distance trips for seniors, accompanying doctors are therefore often present, so that none of the tour participants have to worry if they react to unfamiliar food or a new climate with slight physical complaints. Just like the tour guides of a senior citizen trip, the accompanying doctors of such trips are also familiar with the peculiarities of the holiday destination and the special needs of older travelers. Carefree travel in old age is easy and problem-free thanks to the variety of lovingly compiled senior citizen trips, which is why you can still visit your dream destinations all over the world even in old age.
This country has awakened, and it is probably only thanks to the unshakable optimism of its inhabitants that it has survived the times of suffering, when it became the plaything of the powers. In hardly any other region on the map of colonial empires did Europeans find their lives as sweet and sensual as in Vietnam. The fascinating triangle of countries on the sluggishly flowing Mekong promised complete enjoyment with a way of life in which culture and cuisine also mixed to create a unique cocktail. Good morning, Vietnam! In the more than two-thousand-year-old metropolis of Hanoi and in the much younger Saigon, the turmoil of the Indochina wars is hardly noticeable. This country is again a hotspot of tourism in Asia.
Phu Quoc Island, Image: Jimmy Tran / shutterstock
The awakening of this nation cannot be overlooked. Neither in the lively cities with their frenzy of growth, nor in the villages of the green north with their endless rice fields. In the stream of the new era, people have long since come to terms with their pacified everyday life and by the way, they recommend themselves as friendly and open-minded hosts. The old inhibitions against tourists from a world foreign to them no longer exist. Vietnam is a largely safe and varied travel destination.
Some testimonies of the colonial era have survived the turmoil of the wars unscathed. And the poetry of the easy life has also quietly and secretly crept back into Saigon. Five million inhabitants call it home, and the former “Paris of the East” once again exudes the charm that made life in this city so pleasant over a long period of time. Today, “Miss Saigon” acts like a precocious teenager and feels right at home in this role.
The numerous rice fields offer an impressive picture, Image: Blue Planet Studio / shutterstock
The venerable Dong Khoi Boulevard in Saigon is not only filled with people full of joie de vivre in the evening hours, on the banks of the Mekong people listen to the sounds of the on-board bands of the excursion steamers and at the gate of the temple Chua Thien Hau a few dragons watch over and at the same time symbolize luck and power. They and many other things in this interesting city are indications that this country is also committed to its history, even if it dreams of a golden future.
A trip through Vietnam leads to the white sand dunes of Mui Ne, to the palm trees and coral reefs of Nha Trang or to Long Beach, which is recommended as a land of milk and honey for divers and snorkelers. If you are planning a longer round trip through this country, you are opting for an exciting pleasure. Vietnam can even be explored by bike, as long as you are in good shape. The journey may also lead to the far north and to the rice fields near Halong and to the historic pagodas on the “Red River”.
Hikers explore the original Vietnam at Sapa, where the terraces stretch up to altitudes of 1,600 meters and where the ethnic minorities of the Dao and Mhong tribes still wear their traditional clothes. And if you like the backdrops of Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, you should take a look around Hanoi and thus in the metropolis that can be found on the maps today as Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has done it: The country is back to what it always wanted to be. The heart in the Magic Triangle – blessed by Buddha and Mother Nature.
Austria, the relatively small country in the heart of Europe, has everything you could wish for except the sea. Countless lakes, high mountains, interesting cities, a lot of culture and not only apple strudel, lederhosen and Lipizzaners are part of Austria.
The Vienna State Opera, Image: Guniva / shutterstock
Austria consists of nine federal states, each of which has a very special charm and has something special to offer for everyone who lives here or wants to visit this country. From Lake Constance in the far west to Lake Neusiedl in the far east, Austria stretches over a length of 573 kilometres. Around 8.5 million people live here. Much about the Austrians is a cliché, neither do they all yodel, nor are they all grumpy. It is said that the real Austrian has at least one ancestor from the Czech Republic or Hungary, which points to the imperial period, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire was many times larger than today’s Austria. The love for “Sisi”, the Empress Elisabeth, dates back to this time.
Vienna offers so many sights that you won’t find enough with one or two days. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Ringstrasse with the City Hall, the Burgtheater, the Hofburg, the major museums and the Vienna State Opera are simply a must for every visitor to Vienna. Here, one magnificent building follows the other. But also horse-drawn carriages and Heuriger, Ferris wheel and Prater, art treasures in many museums and churches show a small insight into the big city, which is totally worth living in for its inhabitants due to lots of greenery, among other things.
Kitzbühel is a popular winter sports resort, Image: gevision / shutterstock
But Austria does not only consist of Vienna, its capital, through which the Danube flows on its way from Germany to the Black Sea. In the east of the country, just a stone’s throw from Hungary and Slovakia , lies Burgenland. This is the youngest province in Austria. Here you can feel a bit of the proximity of the Puszta. It is a flat country, so it is ideal for cycling tours, among other things. Sailing and surfing will take place on Lake Neusiedl. Burgenland offers thermal baths and a lot of wellness for its guests, and that with an extraordinary number of hours of sunshine. Not to be forgotten are the special culinary offers and the wonderful Burgenland wine.
Austria, which is still sometimes confused with Australia as Austria, is known for its wonderful lakes. Carinthia is in first place here. There are more than 1,200 lakes here. Wörthersee, Faakersee, Klopeinersee and whatever they are called, they have wonderful water and are warm and pleasant for swimming thanks to the southern climate.
Wolfgangsee, Attersee or Mondsee are located in the Salzkammergut. These lakes usually have drinking water quality and are also ideal for a beach holiday. In addition, there are beautiful landscapes around the lakes, so you can also hike and enjoy nature.
Of course, there are also magnificent mountains in great scenery in the Gastein Valley, Styria, Vorarlberg, Salzburg and Tyrol. Many of them are also suitable for winter sports.
Something that must not be forgotten when talking about Austria is Austrian cuisine. It has a special reputation far beyond its borders worldwide. Who wouldn’t have their mouth watering when they hear pastries such as Sachertorte, Esterhazyschnitte, apricot dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn, Salzburger Nockerln, Linzerschnitten or curd strudel?
Travel information Austria
Capital
Vienna
Form of government
Federal republic
semi-presidential representative democracy
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Area
approx. 83,878.99 km²
Population
approx. 8,822,250 (2018)
Languages
German
Electricity grid
230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code
+43
Time zone
UTC+1 CET
UTC+2 CEST
(End of March to end of October)
The often and often cited unlimited possibilities – as far as travel is concerned, these still apply to the USA without restrictions. The USA is a fascinating, infinitely versatile destination and a very comfortable one at that. The Americans have always been a people who traveled a lot and so there is still everything the traveler needs everywhere in the country, from accommodation to many services to a rich selection of food. Enriched with the open friendliness of the Americans, the USA is such a country that you can easily discover on your own. How about, for example, one of the almost proverbial road trips over the dusty roads of the southwest? Or should it be a beach holiday in Florida ? Skiing in Colorado? Wild West experiences in Montana? Hiking in Tennessee? Thanks to its size, the USA offers an almost inexhaustible variety of individual design options all year round and thus has something to offer for every type of holidaymaker.
The skyline of New York, Image: cocozero / shutterstock
Numerous international flight connections make almost every corner of the country easily accessible. Among the most popular destinations for foreign visitors are the beaches of Florida, the street canyons and skyscrapers of New York, the sun-drenched coasts of California and the eternally tempting entertainment paradise of Las Vegas. But between the coasts, many more travel adventures await those hungry for adventure. In the New England region, for example, charming fishing villages can be discovered in the northeast, in the south magnificent architecture and relaxed atmosphere beckon, and the southwest has numerous unique natural monuments, for example in Texas, Arizona or Utah. It would probably take many lives to be able to discover all this in detail, especially since Alaska and Hawaii are two fascinating destinations outside the continental borders.
The most famous road in the world: Route 66, Image: trekandshoot / shutterstock
Where there is so much to experience, there is of course also a comprehensive range of leisure activities. As a spectator, you can experience first-class sport in usually state-of-the-art stadiums, and those who want to get active themselves will also find plenty of opportunity to do so between golf courses, ski slopes and sports facilities. In the cities, there is also a huge cultural offer, from world-class museums to great theatres and spectacular festivals. The different regions of the country differ significantly from each other, which can also be seen in terms of culinary delights. From the jambalaya in New Orleans to the clam chowder in Massachusetts to the authentic barbecue in Texas. The USA is a country of unlimited travel discoveries and can quickly turn out to be a dream destination for every holidaymaker.
The connoisseurs among the long-distance travelers argue about where the most beautiful end of the world can be found for them. But quite a few are of the opinion that this can only be Cape Town . Because a look at the globe reveals: South of Cape Town there is only the infinity of the oceans. And at some point, the region of Antarctica’s eternal ice begins. South Africa is a young country that celebrated the end of apartheid shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. Much has changed between Johannesburg and Cape Town since then, even if the heirs of Nelson Mandela could not and did not always want to budget with their new freedom. But South Africa has nevertheless developed into a longing destination for many holidaymakers from Europe and America over the past twenty-five years.
With a bit of luck, you can experience the “Big Five” in the great outdoors on a safari, Image: Carcharadon / shutterstock
Rainforests and savannahs, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains, the picturesque lagoons on the coasts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, dust-dry deserts and the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Paarl. The south of Africa is full of wonders, and if you enjoy the 360 Grand Panorama at the setting sun on Blouberg Beach and see the silhouette of the nearby Table Mountain, you have no doubt that this is indeed something like the most beautiful end of the world. Although the country is not governed from Cape Town – that is reserved for Pretoria – it is from here, at the Cape of Good Hope, that the influence of the Europeans on this region began.
Table Mountain at sunset, Image: Kanuman / shutterstock
In the beginning there was a supply station for sailors and a chamber of commerce of the Dutch at the Cape. That was in April 1652, when a certain Jan van Riebeeck landed on the stormy coast and encouraged the local population to exchange trade goods. But this very soon developed into the subjugation of the people of the Khoikhoi tribe. This servitude did not end until 1990, when Nelson Mandela was released from a long prison sentence on Robben Island and a process of reconciliation with the white population began. The gap between black and white and thus between rich and poor has remained, but the hope for a multicultural country and a farewell to racist prejudices has remained. Behind Table Mountain stretches the friendly South African wine country. The vines that are harvested here have helped the region to achieve a certain prosperity. Also because the wine produced is one of the best in the world. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek are located on the edge of the Little Karoo semi-desert, picturesquely and protected by high and karstic mountains.
The Garden Route is the highlight of southern South Africa. Between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, the rainbow nation shows its most beautiful side with romantic bays and the deep forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park, where daredevils get their special kick at the highest bungee jumping in the world.
If you want to look around in the wilderness, you have the choice between various national parks in South Africa. The largest of them is the “Kruger“, where there are numerous lodges with all comforts and where the safaris are of special quality. However, the search for the so-called “Big Five” often ends with the realization that zebras and giraffes are also photogenic. So it doesn’t always have to be the “Lion King” on a round trip through South Africa that makes a safari so appealing.
Travel information South Africa
Capital
Executive: Pretoria
Legislative: Cape Town
Judiciary: Bloemfontein
If you want to feel the boundless freedom and experience it with all your feelings, you should travel to Switzerland. With the Confederates, you don’t necessarily have to be a summiteer to get closer to the Almighty, because even in the green valleys of this unique country, the visitor experiences the summit of harmony. The landscapes of the Alpine republic are undoubtedly balm for the soul and the people who live here are as self-confident as they are hospitable. If you stand on a blooming alpine meadow at the Riffelsee on a balmy spring day and look at the panorama of the nearby Matterhorn, you will get an impression of the extent to which Swiss nature beguiles all the senses.
The Swiss national anthem begins with the words “Rufst du, mein Vaterland…” This “fatherland” has many faces and has four language groups: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The majority of the country’s inhabitants speak German, and they jokingly call the language border with France “Röstigraben”. Holidaymakers can therefore communicate very well in Switzerland, because the somewhat more difficult Rhaeto-Romanic dialect is actually only encountered in a few places in the canton of Graubünden.
As different as the dialects and languages are, so is the landscape of Switzerland. From the lovely valleys of Heidi Land, the peaks rise to heights of exactly 4634 meters. It is the Dufourspitze in the Valais Alps, which was named after a Swiss general and cartographer. The Swiss attach importance to the fact that the summit is on their territory and not on that of neighboring Italy, which is a whole 160 meters away.
Lucerne, Image: Mariia Golovianko / shutterstock
The Swiss symbol of the happy cows on lush alpine pastures has received a few wounds in the recent past, because agriculture plays a subordinate role in this country. Rather, Switzerland is the epitome of the quality of its precise movement and the richness of its inventions. In this country, people earn well, and the exchange rate, which is not very pleasant for foreigners, makes a holiday between Basel, Zurich and Zermatt a rather expensive pleasure.
But the many facets of a varied and enjoyable stay in Switzerland compensate for the supposed hole in your wallet. The hotels in this country are among the best in the world and their service is almost proverbial. In the grand hotels of Davos as well as in the pretty resorts in the Bernese Oberland or on Lake Zurich. In Saas Fee, the glacier is very close, and the icy band of the Aletsch still exists.
View of Zurich, Image: canadastock / shutterstock
Fine wines grow on the sun-drenched slopes of Ticino, and the chefs in the land of William Tell enjoy a worldwide reputation. Anyone who has tried a “Häfelichabis” in the canton of Uri will dream of this stew made of mutton and sliced cabbage for a long time to come. And from the homely atmosphere of the hut on the mountain.
For holidaymakers who move on the passes on four wheels, Switzerland is a unique territory. The former mule tracks have long been first-class alpine roads, and an overwhelming panorama is guaranteed almost everywhere. And if you are looking for ways to culture, you will find them, for example, at the Goetheanum in Dornach or in the museums of the canton of Ticino, which sees itself as the cradle of art.
