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Balearic Islands – paradise on earth

PatrickJullien
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Balearic Islands – paradise on earth

The Balearic Islands fascinate and enchant. Miles of sandy beaches and magical Mediterranean waters attract tourists from all over the world. There are five Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera and Cabrera. Each of the islands is like a little gem with its own size, splendor and beauty.

Our tip: Take advantage of the opportunity to take a ferry between the Balearic Islands and get to know different islands.

Mallorca – the largest of the Balearic Islands

Spain, Mallorca
In addition to the well-known tourist resorts, Mallorca also has many picturesque bays to offer, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

Increasingly attractive for active holidays, both on the water and in nature. The capital of Mallorca is Palma de Mallorca, the largest city and port on the island. The city is full of romance, beautiful landscapes and numerous architectural monuments. La Cían, Palma’s cathedral by the sea, where the modern chapel by Magel Barcelo complements the splendor of the Gothic architecture, and the former Arab and Jewish quarters, which impress with their elegant Art Nouveau buildings, transport us to another time.

In Valdemossa, a visit to the Carthusian monastery is a must. From there, you can take the impressive coastal road to Deia, where Robert Graves spent half his life. Visiting the house of the great poet and writer is a magical and intimate experience.

Cala Llombards beaches on the southeast coast near Santani, idyllic beaches such as Cala Torta in the east are ideal for children with their shallow waters and consist of a bright sandy beach with boat shelters on the rocks. Sheltered by the pine trees on Victoria Hill in the northeast of the island is the small S’Illot, a rocky cove where you can try the popular paella in a restaurant overlooking the beach. On the south coast, on the edge of the Ses Salines wetland, is the famous Es Trenc beach, which stretches for 2 km of white sand and whose more secluded sections are popular with nudists.

Ibiza – a party without end

The next larger, but no less beautiful island is Ibiza. There aren’t as many historical sites to visit here, but there are plenty of places to eat for people who like entertainment and a lively nightlife. In Ibiza Town, you can explore the island’s history in the streets of the old Dalt Vila neighborhood — the entire neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Museum of Modern Art, known by its acronym MACE, is one of Ibiza’s most famous and popular cultural attractions. The golden sands, the choice of restaurants and the view of the enchanting island of Es Vedra are worth the walk down to Cala d’Horta. Continuing along the coast of Cala Conta, you will arrive at Cala Codolar, which is protected by cliffs where the cobalt blue sea is as smooth as a swimming pool. On the other side of the island, in Aguas Blancas, wearing a swimsuit is voluntary.

Outside the club season, which usually lasts from May to October, the island is very quiet, and the weather is more suitable for active, pine-scented relaxation. Every evening you can watch the sunset in the western part of the island.

The green oasis of the Balearic Islands – Menorca

Menorca, Cala Mitjaneta
Cala Mitjaneta on Menorca, Image: Pawel Kazmierczak / shutterstock

The northernmost island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for almost three decades. Environmental protection and sustainable tourism have always been important to Menorca . Although the island is small, it has more than 200 km of coastline with dozens of virgin beaches surrounded by the Cami de Cavales hiking trail. The capital Mao is located at the end of a 5 km narrow bay and is one of the safest harbours in the Mediterranean. A walk along the 700-year-old Cami de Cavalls hiking trail is a great way to experience Menorca’s natural beauty, whether it’s birdwatching, butterflies or wildflowers, on foot, by bike or on horseback.

The coastal waters are ideal for diving and the beaches invite you to relax. The beautiful bays of Macarella and Macarelletta on the south coast are particularly beautiful. In Calo Blanc you can jump from the cliffs into the clear water, and on the north coast at Pregondà you can enjoy reddish-golden sand and pink rocks.

The 17 km long Balearic island of Formentera

Cala Saona, Formentera
Cala Saona beach in Formentera, Image: Sergio TB / shutterstock

The smallest of the Balearic Islands has a coastline of almost 70 km. To maintain a sustainable environment, it is advisable to cycle along one of the 32 green routes between almond, juniper and pine trees.

Coming from Germany, you land in Ibiza and then take the ferry to Formentera.

It is ideal for a family holiday. It is located south of the other three islands and, despite its small size, is a popular place for sailors, divers and lovers of solitude.

Their glittering sands are soft and white. Some have huts, others have good restaurants, most have no restaurants at all. The beach of Illetas is close to the ferry port and is really beautiful. On the other side of the island, the Migjorn stretches for almost 5 km to the small cove of Caló des Mort. Families love Cala Saona, where the sea is particularly calm.

Amouliani – the small island paradise in the north of Greece

PatrickJullien
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Amouliani – the small island paradise in the north of Greece

Located in the Halkidiki region, the small island of Amouliani is a real insider tip. As the only inhabited island in the region, the idyllic island paradise proves to be a very special destination in the northern Aegean.

Just about 600 inhabitants live permanently on the island, which was first connected to the power grid in 1973. Characterized by beautiful beaches, olive groves and the small town of Amouliani at first glance. Fortunately, the island was spared from building sins in the form of oversized hotel complexes. Nevertheless, the largely natural island has a good infrastructure and from the classic supermarket to souvenir shops to traditional taverns and cozy cafés, the island towns offer everything desirable.

Just twelve square metres in size, the island with its postcard beaches is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the mainland beaches and relaxing in a tranquil atmosphere. The island paradise, which has only been inhabited since 1922, can be reached by ferry from Trypiti or Quranoupolis.

The transformation from an uninhabited island to a holiday paradise

To this day, Amouliani is more of an insider tip even among the inhabitants of Greece. Until the early 1900s, the island was owned by the Vatopedi Monastery. After the Greco-Turkish War, the island was left in 1925 to refugee families coming from the Proponti Islands, who lived a very simple life without electricity until 1973. Since then, a lot has changed on the island and Amouliani has become an interesting destination and excursion destination due to its beautiful beaches. Nevertheless, the rather unknown island is not overcrowded, but has been able to retain its very special charm. Ammouliani town is still the only settlement on the idyllic island.

The most beautiful beaches on the island

Amouliani, Greece
Amouliani scores with great beaches, Bild_ BGStock72 / shutterstock

Ammouliani offers a large number of fine sandy beaches that gently slope into the crystal clear waters. In addition to the main beaches of the island, there are also many small secluded bays, some of which can only be reached by boat and are hardly visited.

With its unique atmosphere, the island beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Halkidiki region. The beach is particularly popular with families, but couples and singles seeking relaxation also feel completely at home here. Along the beach there are some beach bars that invite you to treat yourself to a refreshment. In addition, sunbeds and parasols are offered on the beach, sanitary facilities are available and a beach restaurant takes care of the physical well-being. Alykes Beach is also the ideal place to go for water sports enthusiasts.

Like Alykes Beach, Paralia Karagatsia is also easily accessible. With its small bays and turquoise waters, the beach is particularly picturesque. Nevertheless, no one has to do without comfort here, because on this beach you will also find all the desirable amenities that make a visit to the beach a pleasure.

But even those who prefer natural beaches will love the beaches of Amouliani Island. Among other things, the natural Tsaska Beach near the small island town or the pleasantly quiet Tratovoli Beach beckons. Faka Beach is also one of the most beautiful natural beaches. But in the end, all the beaches of the island are magical, so that sun worshippers, relaxation seekers and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a holiday on Amouliani carefree.

Drenia and Pena – the uninhabited neighboring islands

In the immediate vicinity of Ammouliani are the two islands of Drenia and Pena, which are still uninhabited today. Both islands can be reached in a few minutes by motorboat. While the beaches of the islands are managed, the islands away from the beaches are natural.

The holy Mount Athos and the autonomous monastic republic

The history of the fertile island of Amouliani is, as already mentioned, closely linked to the history of the monastery of Vatoped. While in the past the monks came to the island to farm, today it is a good idea to visit the “Holy Mountain” Athos during a holiday on Amouliani. This is located in the south of the peninsula of Halkidiki. The autonomous monastic republic stretches around the 2,000-metre-high mountain, which consists of a total of 20 large monasteries that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. To this day, women are denied access to the monasteries of the monastic republic. Men, on the other hand, can generally apply for a visa for a visit, although only 120 visitors are admitted per day and only 10 of these places are to be allocated to visitors from abroad. It is still worth planning a guided day trip by boat to the coast of Athos, because even from a distance, the important monastic complexes and their history are impressive.

Washington – American West Coast between Olympic Mountains and Seattle

PatrickJullien
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Washington – American West Coast between Olympic Mountains and Seattle

George Washington’s face was not only immortalized in Mount Rushmore and his name not only in the US capital: In the far northwest of the USA, one of the most fascinating natural regions in the United States awaits with the state of the same name. Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are just two reminders of the region’s breathtaking natural forces, which have their own monuments and parks dedicated to them. Puget Sound, Olympic National Park and the North Cascades National Park complete the natural panorama of Washington. But the state in the northwest of the USA does not only consist of nature – over seven million people have a home here. About half of them in the Seattle metropolitan area: The Emerald City forms an urban highlight of Washington that unfolds in front of the face of Mount Rainier.

Seattle and co. – Urban and regional Washington

If you count the mere number of inhabitants of the US metropolises, Seattle (730,000) is not even one of the fifteen largest cities. But the bustling metropolitan area of over 3 million people and an exposed location on the route between Canada, Oregon and California make Seattle an absolute hotspot on the American West Coast. The city also stands out as a tourist gateway to the region’s natural attractions – not far from Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and Olympic National Park. A world-famous landmark is the Space Needle, the more than 180-meter-high observation tower in the heart of the Seattle skyline – once built for the 1962 World’s Fair. As the home of the grunge sound from Nirvana to Pearl Jam to Soundgarden, the city has long been an influential source of creativity. Today, institutions such as the Seattle Art Museum with important North American and international works of art or the extremely fascinating Museum of Pop Culture including the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame remind us of Seattle’s importance as a modern cultural center. In terms of tourism, the city between Puget Sound and Lake Washington is at the top of the list of sights worth visiting in Washington.

But the state in the northwest of the USA has much more to offer from an urban perspective than just Seattle. About 50 km south of the metropolis unfolds the urban Tacoma. Here, cultural highlights such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass await. Downtown Tacoma is known for its Museum District, which boasts cultural institutions of national and international standing. The second largest city in Washington, even ahead of Tacoma, is Spokane, located in the east of the state. Here you can discover Spokane Falls and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. Spokane is also known for regional breweries and well-visited golf courses in the region. And at the gates of Olympic National Park, the city of Port Angeles awaits, which forms an important starting point for the natural region of Washington. Not far from the city, the natural panorama of Hurricane Ridge unfolds, known for its bombastic mountain scenery.

Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier – Nature and National Parks of Washington

Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park, Image: kan_khampanya / shutterstock

Urban Washington, especially Seattle, has a few highlights to offer for fans of high-quality sightseeing. But Washington’s nature brings an incomparable tourist splendour to the region. State parks, national monuments and national parks characterize Washington’s natural formations. Of the three national parks, Olympic National Park is one of the most visited, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. On the coast of Washington lies the eponymous Olympic Peninsula, which is mainly characterized by the Olympic Mountains, glaciers and rainforest. Here rises the 2432-meter-high Mount Olympus, the largest mountain in the region. The largely untouched natural world of the Olympic Mountains spans about 4,000 km² – in which a wide variety of animal species feel at home, from the rare spotted owl to golden eagles and gray whales, which present themselves on the coast of the park in the appropriate season. Not only the mountains, scenic hiking routes and a breathtaking coastline characterize the park, which is one of the highlights of Washington.

In the middle of the national park of the same name rises Mount Rainier, which is considered the highest volcano in Washington at 4,392 meters. The history of the national park dates back to 1899, which, like the Olympic National Park, lives from its untamed wilderness. In addition to the volcano, the many waterfalls are characteristic, including the famous Myrtle Falls in front of the panorama of Mount Rainier. The region is also home to North Cascades National Park, which is characterized by the same cascade chain that includes Mount Rainier. Washington’s three national parks alone prove the natural wealth that lies dormant in the northwestern US state. At the same time, natural formations such as the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument are located here. Waterfalls like Snoqalmie Falls show that you don’t have to travel deep into a national park to see such natural sights in Washington. Snoqualmie Falls was once immortalized in the famous TV series Twin Peaks. And if you want to see the scenic and natural Washington far away from mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls, you can also discover the San Juan Islands, which are a paradise for whale watching in the right season. Whether Seattle or the national parks on Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains – Washington is the best proof that a very special tourist adventure awaits between California and Canada on the American west coast.

Playa de Canyamel – a popular summer holiday destination

PatrickJullien
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Playa de Canyamel – a popular summer holiday destination

Mallorca, the largest Balearic island, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for Germans. Playa de Canyamel, is a popular tourist destination on the northeast coast of the island of Mallorca. The beautiful sandy beach with “Blue Flag” is bordered on one side by a nature reserve and it borders the clear turquoise sea. The nature reserve is ideal for walking and watching the birds. On the other side is the inconspicuous but beautiful resort of Canyamel. The white sandy beach Playa de Canyamel is 290 meters long and 80 meters wide. The water is shallow. The child-friendly city beach can be quite crowded during the peak summer months. But thanks to the size and relative seclusion, guests can still enjoy a stress-free holiday.

Playa de Canyamel is located about 10 kilometers from the cities of Artá and Capdepera. The beach, with its fine white sand and clear blue waters, is considered one of the 20 best beaches in Mallorca.

Occasionally, however, stronger winds come up, creating larger waves. Showers as well as changing rooms and toilets are available to holidaymakers on site. It is also possible to rent deck chairs, umbrellas, pedal boats and canoes. The beach bar and restaurant serve simple Spanish dishes, as well as burgers and chips.

It should also be noted that north of Playa de Canyamel there is a beautiful beach called “Sa Font de Sa Cala”.

Beach holidays in Playa de Canyamel

For guests who value luxurious accommodation (with direct access to the sea), there are top hotels (Pleta de Mar Hotel, Park Hyatt, Cap Vermell), in the medium to upper price range. They all have good restaurants. Furthermore, there are also luxurious villas for rent for the holiday. The choice of hotels in Canyamel and the surrounding area is not exactly large. But the ones that do exist are among the best hotels in Mallorca. Guests looking for luxury are sure to find what they are looking for in Canyamel. You will experience unforgettable moments and enjoy the breathtaking, natural beauty of the region.

What to do in Playa de Canyamel?

Coast of Canyamel
Coast of Canyamel, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

In the small paradise in the northeast of Mallorca there are many leisure, cultural and sports activities. On the beautiful sandy beach, holidaymakers will find beach bars, hammocks are available and there is also a parasol service.

Tourists can swim, snorkel, walk, watch birds or rent a pedal boat. There is the possibility to take a boat tour along the Mallorcan coast and visit places such as Cala Ratjada . Most hotels in the area also offer many activities for children.

Furthermore, tourists enjoy the wonderful gastronomy in Canyamel, which will leave a wonderful taste on their palate. Most of the high-ranking restaurants are located in the hotels such as Park Hyatt, Cap Vermell and Can Simoneta. The Porxada de Sa Torre, located next to the medieval tower of Canyamel, offers guests typical Mallorcan dishes such as suckling pig baked in a wood-fired oven or lamb.

Tourists can also visit nearby places such as Cala Ratjada and Artá, as well as visit the municipality of Capdepera. Natural monuments such as the Ufanes springs also invite you to visit.

Hiking & biking trails in Canyamel

The beach Playa de Canyamel is connected to a large nature reserve. With its many trees, it is ideal for walks and bird watching. There are also some walking paths to explore on the low cliffs nearby, which wind around the mouth of the Torrent de Canyamel. Nature and mountain lovers will find a variety of signposted routes that are suitable for both hiking and cycling.

The city of Canyamel

In the quiet town with the small town centre there are many shops, restaurants and small supermarkets. For larger purchases, it is worth taking a detour to the nearby towns of Capdepera and Arta. In Arta, there is even a market on Tuesdays that specialises exclusively in handicrafts.

How to get to Playa de Canyamel

Playa de Canyamel is easily accessible by car within the island. There is a free parking lot and on top of that it is even possible to park on the side of the road. There is also a public bus from the town of Artá. However, it is important to check the travel times. In addition, it is possible to arrive and anchor by boat. The beach is also accessible to wheelchair users via a wooden walkway. In the high season, there are many lifeguards on site to ensure safety.

Guests should leave the beach clean with a “Blue Flag” and abide by the rules of garbage disposal. The Blue Flags stand for good water quality, safety and good environmental management on the beaches of Mallorca. They are recognized worldwide and are among the most coveted awards for beaches. This certification is awarded by the “Environmental Education” Foundation for Beaches.

Outfit ideas for your next city trip

PatrickJullien
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Outfit ideas for your next city trip

To ensure that you are properly dressed on your next city trip, we have put together two outfit ideas for you. Get inspired and stay true to your style even when traveling!

Outfit 1: The ideal look for sightseeing

Sightseeing is a must on a city trip. Above all, the outfit should be comfortable, but still convince with a sense of style. If the sporty look is something for you, it’s best to simply grab a pair of jeans and combine it with a T-shirt and a cardigan. A jacket that is adapted to the current weather conditions completes the look. When it gets warmer during the day, the individual layers can be taken off one by one. If you are more in the mood for a feminine outfit, you can also put on a dress or wear a tunic over leggings. It is important that you feel comfortable and can move well in your outfit.

Bag

A backpack is the ideal choice for city tours. This is because it is simply carried on the back, so that the body is not burdened on one side. Travel backpacks made of breathable materials and with lots of practical features, such as beverage compartments on the sides, are best suited for this. If you are an athletic type, these will of course also fit perfectly with your look. But there are also very chic daypacks made of leather or with a glossy lacquer surface.

Shoes

Don’t underestimate the kilometers you will walk during a city trip. Often people stroll leisurely from one sight to the next, so that you don’t even notice which paths you have already covered. Your feet will notice! This is especially true if you are walking around on hard asphalt all day, which will inevitably be the case on a city tour. Flat shoes such as sneakers or boots are a good option. These can be selected to suit your individual style. It is best to choose shoes that you have already broken in well and of which you know that you will not get blisters in them. After all, it would be very annoying if you had to break off the sightseeing tour because of aching feet.

Accessories

With the right accessories, the sightseeing look is skilfully rounded off. A scarf or shawl is always a good choice. Because it is simply super practical and keeps you pleasantly warm. At the same time, it is a chic fashion accessory with which you can give your look that certain something. Since there are different tying techniques for shawls and scarves , one and the same shawl can be staged again and again.

Outfit 2: The stylish evening look

Opera on holiday
End the day with a nice visit to the opera or concert, Image: BearFotos / shutterstock

After spending the day looking at impressive buildings and strolling through the city centre, the time has come for a fancier outfit in the evening. Maybe you want to dine at an upscale restaurant, go to the theater, or go to the opera. The classic trouser suit, for example, is back in vogue. It exudes seriousness, but can also look casual if you choose an oversized model. Alternatively, the little black dress is always a good choice. This takes up little space in your luggage and can be combined in many ways.

Bag

A handbag to wear around your neck or a clutch are suitable companions for the chic evening look. Now, after all, you don’t have to carry around a water bottle or camera. It is sufficient if there is room for a smartphone, wallet and hotel keys. You can’t go wrong with a noble model made of black leather here. At the same time, however, a clutch in an accent colour or with a shiny metallic surface can create a successful contrast to the black dress.

Shoes

Since the shoes are only worn for a few hours and not the whole day, they are welcome to have a heel. Classic pumps or ankle boots with a slim shape are an excellent choice. If you prefer it flat, ballerinas are a good choice.

Accessories

Get your best jewelry out of the box. Gold earrings or an eye-catching statement necklace will instantly make your look look more luxurious.

 

 

 

Discover the most beautiful national parks in the world

PatrickJullien
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Discover the most beautiful national parks in the world

National parks are a very special destination because they offer unique insights into life and nature. Making the right selection is anything but easy, because in the USA and Canada alone there are impressive national parks that are worth several weeks of travel at a time. The following places are worthwhile for all those who have always wanted to spend an enchanting holiday in harmony with nature and be carried away into foreign spheres.

Kakadu National Park in Australia

Kakadu National Park is a place in Australia that becomes a real paradise for wildlife watchers and anglers. The billabongs in the Australian countryside are populated by birds and are also considered the largest habitat for saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory. Mystical landscapes and unique wildlife fascinate Kakadu National Park.

The Northern Territory itself is well worth a visit, as there are incredible and breathtaking experiences here. The Red Centre and the tropical north of the Northern Territory offer the ultimate contrasts. With the Litchfield National Park, another nature park invites you to visit. Here, it is mainly termite mounds that attract attention.

The Great Gobi National Park in Asia

Along southern Mongolia is the largest national park in Asia, which has a size of 27,000 m² to offer. In this park there is a part of the Gobi Desert, a large proportion of mountain and steppe landscapes, and a large ice area. Hardly any other region in the world offers so much breathtaking beauty in one place.

The approach is possible via the tranquil town of Dalanzadgad, which also invites you to stay for a few days. In the park itself, not only impressive landscapes await, but also completely foreign animal species such as lamb vultures, snow leopards and giant wild sheep. At the same time, a breathtaking panorama with an unforgettable view is offered.

The Doi Inthanon National Park in Thailand

Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park, Image: ploypemuk / shutterstock

Located in the north of Thailand is the highest mountain in the country, Doi Inthanon. It has a total height of 2,565 meters and is considered the highest point in Thailand. At its height is the most popular Thai national park, which was opened in 1954. As an excursion destination, it offers an impressive view of the natural unfolding of life.

Here you can admire enchanting waterfalls, gibbon monkeys and tigers and an appealing fauna. Thailand , which is otherwise quite dry, literally blossoms in this place. Instead of seeing classic rainforest, visitors come across peat mosses, orchids, oaks, pines, and even ferns. An excursion destination for enthusiastic mountaineers and all those who want to relax in nature.

The fascination of the national park – why it’s so exciting here

A visit to a national park is more than a holiday, because there is a variety to discover here that would otherwise remain hidden. Not every natural region has the chance to be declared an outstanding habitat and national park. Parks can be found all over the world, but America, Australia and Asia offer the most beautiful and greatest variety for travelers from all over the world. For a trip to one of the national parks of the world, a travel time of at least 14 days should be planned.

Croatia: The most beautiful cities in the interior

PatrickJullien
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Croatia: The most beautiful cities in the interior

When you hear “Croatia”, you probably think of summer, sun and shine. Of course, this is not wrong, after all, the small country on the Adriatic Sea with only 3.8 million inhabitants is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. In the record year 2019, shortly before the start of the pandemic, the Central European country was able to record 19.6 million tourists, according to statista .

Most tourists are drawn to the sea – but Croatia has and is more than the sea. The beauty of Croatia includes sacred buildings that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, forests, rivers, lakes and historic towns.

In this article, we present four cities off the Croatian coast that are worth a trip.

Zagreb

Croatia, Zagreb
The capital Zagreb at sunset, Image: Razvan Ionut Dragomirescu / shutterstock

Zagreb is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway. The city is served by Ryanair and other airlines from several German cities. With around 800,000 inhabitants, the capital of Croatia is the economic, political and cultural centre of the country.

Most of the buildings date back to either the Baroque period or the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which had a great influence on Zagreb . Zagreb offers a very cozy atmosphere and is located at the interface between the Balkans and Central Europe due to its geographical position.

Culinary delights get their money’s worth here – the city is characterized by traditional, hearty cuisine with lots of fish and meat. The most popular sights include the Upper Town (Gornji Grad), the “Uspinjaca” cable car and the Zrinjevac Park.

Motovun

Motovun, Croatia
Motovun, Image: xbrchx / shutterstock

Motovun is a small town located in Istria, which is the northwest of the country. It is located on a 277 m high hill in the valley of the Mirna River. The medieval city belonged to the Venetian Republic from the 13th to the 18th century before it fell under the influence of Napoleon.

In the centre of the city, where time seems to have stood still, sits St. Stephen’s Church with its 13th-century bell tower. The city wall, which is even older, offers fantastic views of the Istrian countryside.

Haute cuisine is the order of the day in Motovun – in addition to tastings of wine and olive oil, truffles are the gastronomic highlight.

Imotski

Imotski
Imotski, Image: Joachim Bago / shutterstock

We are heading south – about 100 kilometers from the famous city of Split is Imotski. Imotski is great for a day trip if you are spending your summer vacation in Split, Makarska, or anywhere in between. Imotski, while not spectacular, is an authentic Croatian town that came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century.

Tourists will notice that nature here is already more barren and rugged than in the rest of Croatia. The surrounding area of Imotski is untouched and is home to two geological wonders of the world, which are within walking distance of the centre. These are the Red and Blue Lakes. At a depth of around 530 metres, both are among the deepest collapse sinkholes in the world and are absolutely worth seeing.

Varazdin

Varazdin
Varazdin, Image: xbrchx / shutterstock

In the northern, continental part of Croatia is the baroque city of Varazdin, which shows the diversity of Croatia in all its glory. The city was the capital of Croatia in the 18th century and is nicknamed “little Vienna” due to its architecture.

The most famous attraction in the city of 50,000 inhabitants is the castle from the 12th century, which is now a museum. It is also worth paying a visit to the Sermage Palace. The historic centre of Varazdin is very well preserved and it is a good idea to stroll through the cobblestone city and enjoy the atmosphere.

Result

Croatia has long since ceased to be an insider tip and has been on everyone’s lips for several years. This is especially true for the Adriatic coast, where prices have also risen in recent years. With a flash loan , such a vacation can be financed more easily. Away from the tourist strongholds on the Adriatic, the prices for accommodation and gastronomy are much lower. Maybe your next trip will take you to the Croatian interior!

 

Qatar and the capital Doha

PatrickJullien
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Qatar and the capital Doha

The Emirate of Qatar is likely to have become a household name for most people, especially through the many discussions surrounding the 2022 World Cup. While the country itself can hardly be found on a map – actually it is only a small tip of the Arabian Peninsula – the emirate has developed into a global player in recent years. This can be seen not only in the fact that more and more major events are being held, but also in the development of the capital Doha, which is now attracting attention with impressive sights of modernity. What is worth visiting the emirate and what should you pay attention to when travelling?

Qatar’s history from a small emirate to a global player

Like all countries in the region, Qatar was created by the final collapse of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent control by the British. In 1971, it refused to join the United Arab Emirates and preferred to become independent, with its own borders and control. The fact that they could simply afford it was of course due to the valuable resources that they had found in their own national borders in the meantime. Qatar is rich not only in oil, but also in natural gas and thus plays an important role as an exporter to the entire world and is able to raise appropriate financial resources for the development of its own economy.

While contact with its immediate neighbours and the other countries of the Arab world was rather difficult, Qatar was one of the first oil states to discover that diversification of its own economy would be necessary, as the oil would eventually no longer be there. Accordingly, the company has been expanding strongly in all relevant industries for many years. Tourism plays the biggest role in Qatar’s plans, and Doha competes with Dubai when it comes to the reputation of the most exciting metropolis in the Western world. In fact, Doha is still more of an insider tip, while Dubai is developing into a destination for mass tourism.

The must-see sights of Qatar

Countdown Clock World Cup Qatar
The countdown clock to the World Cup in Qatar, Image: HasanZaidi / shutterstock

In general, a trip to Qatar is always a trip to Doha. The emirate has little to offer beyond the sights in the capital and over 90 percent of the state’s population can be found in the big city. One of the peculiarities is that there are only a few hundred thousand Qataris – most people in Doha are guest workers or foreigners who are here for certain projects and would not call the country their home. However, this does not mean that the development of recent years has not brought with it some interesting cultural peculiarities.

Doha is above all a city of views. The imposing skyscrapers that rise throughout the city are not only a sign of Qatar’s economic strength, but also include some of the best hotels in the world. With the numerous observation decks, you have a great view of the skyline, especially at night, or you can take your time for the sunset and enjoy it from some of the tallest houses in the city.

Galleria Lafayette at Katara Cultural Village
Galleria Lafayette in the Katara Cultural Village, Image: HasanZaidi / shutterstock

The fact that Doha is trying to combine modernity with the historical Arab world can be found as evidence in the various parts of the city. The Katara Cultural Village is probably one of the best examples of this. In the historical style, the former construction method in this region of the world is recalled. The buildings are decorated with works of art by Arab artists. Whether it’s a look at the amphitheatre, the planetarium or an extended trip for shopping – all this is possible without any problems in the new cultural district of Doha.

The absolute must-see on a walk through Doha is the new Museum of Islamic Art. Even from the outside, the hotel gives an idea of the passion that has gone into the construction here. Inside, some of the most impressive works of art in the Islamic world and some interesting exhibitions about the importance of art in the desert state are gathered. Art lovers in particular will get their money’s worth here for a few hours and it is a pleasant change from one or the other shopping trip in the heat in the well-cooled building.

Luxury, shopping and nightlife in the Qatari metropolis

When visiting Doha, it is inevitable that you will quickly notice that everything is new here – even if the builders make an effort to make one or the other building look historic. The crowning glory of this architecture is certainly the “The Pearl” district, which was built over the area where the Qataris once dived for pearls. Luxury brands from all over the world have settled here and the replica Venice is without question an eye-catcher.

If you want to discover Doha in a more down-to-earth way, you should definitely visit the markets such as Souq Waqif. Both day and night, life in the metropolis of Doha takes place here. Over a good coffee, you can watch locals and tourists and get an insight into how the Arab metropolis behaves after nightfall. This is probably the closest you can get to the real and unposed culture of the country.

Halkidiki, the trident of Poseidon

PatrickJullien
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Halkidiki, the trident of Poseidon

The most striking geographical feature of the peninsula in northern Greece are the finger-like headlands of Cassandra, Sithonia and Athos, which extend far into the Aegean Sea, known as the so-called three fingers. The inhabitants of Halkidiki, on the other hand, refer to their homeland more as a trident of the sea god Poseidon turned into stone. There are many good reasons to take a holiday in Halkidiki. Here you will find pure nature, romantic places and, in addition to many sights, beautiful beaches.

Whether nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, sun worshippers and beach lovers, Halkidiki offers unforgettable holiday fun for every taste. Summer on the Greek peninsula is pleasantly warm with daytime temperatures between 29 and 32 degrees. At night it will be a little cooler, the temperatures can drop to 15 to 18 degrees. It can rain more often between November and April. The summer months of May to September are therefore the best time to explore and get to know Halkidiki.

Places of interest in Halkidiki

Thessaloniki, white tower
The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Image: Lambros Kazan / shutterstock

Thessaloniki

The second largest city in Greece can boast numerous historic buildings, mosques and other architectural structures. Special attractions are the white tower, formerly a prison or the old city wall from the time of Byzantine rule. Furthermore, a visit to the “Agios Dimitros”, the main church of Thessaloniki, or one of the numerous mosques is a good idea. A visit to the archaeological or Byzantine museum is also worthwhile. In the city centre around the “Aristotelous Square”, tired holidaymakers can relax in peace with a coffee or enjoy a glass of Greek wine in one of the many enchanting taverns.

Neos Marmaras

The lively port city on the Sithonia peninsula is surrounded by beautiful pine forests. More than 100 beaches and small coves invite you to sunbathe and swim with their crystal clear waters and white sand. Along the waterfront promenade in the harbor, life pulsates in the otherwise rather cozy place. In the numerous restaurants with international cuisine, taverns and bars, guests can fulfil their culinary wishes or buy a holiday souvenir while shopping through the souvenir shops. From the port there is also a ferry connection to Athos.

Simonos Petras, Halkidiki
Simonos Petras, Halkidiki, Image: Andrew_T / shutterstock

Monastic Republic of Athos

Best reached by boat from Neos Marmaras, the autonomous monastic republic on Mount Athos, which rises to an imposing 2,033 meters, is an absolute magnet for visitors. However, there is a restriction for visitors. Only male guests with a corresponding permit (a so-called diamonitrion) are admitted. If you meet these two conditions, you can stay overnight in one of the many monasteries for free and stay for max. experience everyday life in the monastery for three days. In the Dochiariou Monastery, guests can even expect two special highlights: several hand bones of John Baptist the Baptist and a piece of the cross on which Jesus Christ died. Whether you believe the legend or not, everyone can decide for themselves.

Meteora

If you stay in Thessaloniki, you should definitely plan a trip to the floating monasteries of Meteora. The monastery complexes, built on cliffs rising steeply into the sky, are really worth seeing. Originally 24, there are now 6 monastery buildings open to visitors, in which nuns and monks still live today.

Other sights worth a trip

Ancient Olynthos

Those interested in culture can immerse themselves in Greece’s past at this famous archaeological site. You can visit old houses and walls, floor mosaics and other remains of the former city of Olynthos from the 8th century.

Petralona stalactite cave

There are numerous stalactite caves in Greece. Petralona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and a very special highlight. In the cave, 250,000 – 150,000 year old fossils of “Homo heidelbergensis”, a species of the human genus that became extinct in the Middle Pleistocene, were found. The cave with a total length of 2,000 meters and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites can be visited daily (except Mondays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in summer until 6 p.m. Next to the cave is a Stone Age museum, where interested parties can learn interesting facts about the life of the Stone Age people.

The most beautiful beaches of Halkidiki

Sun-seekers can sunbathe in the sun on 550 kilometers of beaches in Halkidiki, relax wonderfully and experience a wonderful beach and bathing holiday. Located between Neos Marmaras and Nikitis, Lagomandra beach is one of the most beautiful and popular. In the beautiful bay with shady pine forests, fine white sand and crystal-clear water, you truly feel like you’re in paradise. Particularly suitable for families with children is the beach “Orange Beach” on the east coast of Sithonia. Children can splash around in the clear, shallow water. Meanwhile, parents can relax on the beach and enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Athos.

Cybersecurity: the tourism sector is caught in the crossfire of hackers

PatrickJullien
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Cybersecurity: the tourism sector is caught in the crossfire of hackers

These days, the number of hacker attacks on the travel and tourism sector is increasing more and more. It is therefore becoming increasingly urgent for those responsible to find a suitable prevention system.

Below, you can learn more about the impact and what it all means for individuals.

Cyber attacks in the tourism sector are on the rise

Looking back on the pandemic years, the worst seems to be over now. Nevertheless, this time is still in the bones of many. The travel industry is likely to feel the same way. The Covid 19 virus has hit them particularly hard.

However, this may not seem like it at first glance. Even at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the travel and tourism industry still contributed a total of 121.9 billion US dollars to gross domestic product. By 2028, this figure is expected to grow to 512 billion US dollars.

With these numbers, it’s no wonder that cybercriminals are also taking notice of the sector. This has been particularly evident in the last 2 years, as their attacks on the industry have become more frequent. The problem is that the attacks are not only becoming more frequent, but also becoming more sophisticated.

So the travel and tourism industry has now come to a clear conclusion: cybersecurity must become an absolute priority.

The unique challenges facing the travel and tourism industry

But it’s not just the revenue that makes the tourism sector such a popular target for hackers. For her, it is also convenient that this area is so strongly focused on the Internet. Whether it’s payments, bookings or marketing measures – almost everything takes place online here. And in the wake of the Corona pandemic, these online interactions have of course increased again. For cybercriminals, this means that they can use this industry to access sensitive data and also large sums of money.

Safety measures that every travel and tourism company should take

If customer data is lost as a result of a hacker attack, the company in question must expect a loss of prestige and, as a result, a loss of customers, as well as high fines. Especially if the data was not sufficiently secured.

Every company should be aware of this and under no circumstances do without basic security measures. These are, for example:

  • the use of secure websites
  • the use of strong passwords
  • Using reputable antivirus programs and updating them regularly
  • Control over who has access to what data

and so on.

However, these basic security measures no longer seem to be sufficient. A sound prevention system is needed.

How consumers can protect themselves

Of course, it is the responsibility of travel and tourism companies to ensure that you can book with them safely. But everyone here is also responsible for themselves in a certain respect. After all, there’s no 100% guarantee anywhere that your data won’t fall into the wrong hands.

We’ll tell you what you need to look out for when booking a flight, hotel or anything else online.

  1. Stay away from public networks

VPN while traveling
Surf safely with VPN when traveling, Image: Kaspars Grinvalds / shutterstock

Public networks are questionable anyway when it comes to security. Therefore, they should avoid them if possible. But what you definitely shouldn’t do is enter personal information somewhere when you’re logged into a public hotspot. There are often cybercriminals there who are just waiting for them to access information.

All kinds of purchases, as well as bookings and reservations, are therefore better made via your own home network.

2. Use a VPN

With a VPN, you create a protected network over which your data is transmitted in encrypted form. This means that all their online activities are well protected from the eyes of unauthorized persons. This way, no one can easily access their personal information. Their IP address is also not displayed.

This makes a VPN an optimal solution if you are on public networks.

3. Beware of scams

Unfortunately, you can also come across fraudulent offers in the travel sector again and again. To then have to find out on the day of arrival that you have booked accommodation that does not exist in reality is of course an absolute horror idea.

However, there are a few points where you can tell that an offer is likely to be a scam:

  • Extremely cheap offers
  • Booking via unknown travel providers
  • No personal communication with the provider
  • Imprint on the website is missing or incomplete
  • Increased negative reviews on the Internet
  • Provider provides false information about travel locations or accommodations
  • the pictures all look very professional and staged
  • any seals of approval do not lead to the exhibitor’s website

If it has actually happened and they have fallen for a scam, then it is time to act quickly. First of all, you can try to get the money you have already paid back from your bank.

Everything that has to do with the fake booking, from messages to receipts, should be kept in any case. They need this if they then file a criminal complaint with the police in the next step.

If they are still unsure whether they have fallen for a scam, they can contact the responsible consumer advice centre. Often the question can be clarified here.

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