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Wyoming – From the Yellow-Stone to the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail

United States

PatrickJullien

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19. April 2022

Wyoming – From the Yellow-Stone to the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail

Wyoming is a fascinating destination in the USA. As hundreds of years ago, adventurers are drawn to the Wild West, who still hunt herds of bison on horseback, hike through the canyons or climb bizarre rock formations of the Rocky Mountains, meet bears and moose or push their limits on survival tours.

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The fascinating nature of Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the top ten sights in the USA. Steaming geysers and bubbling mud holes stretch over an area of over 9,000 square kilometers. Every few minutes, water fountains shoot meters high into the sky and make visitors gasp. The water runs down the rocks and nourishes the algae. The caves shine emerald green. The sulphur turns the stones yellowish and the earth’s crust appears pinkish-red. This creates a special kind of play of colours. At the Mammoth Hot Springsund, on the wooden walkways around Old Faithful, tourists from all over the world jostle. But true connoisseurs put on their trekking shoes and set off for the hinterland of the national park. Lonely hiking trails, fascinating waterfalls and untouched nature await you here.

The breathtaking mountain world of the Grand Tetons

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming — Grand Teton National Park, Image: Bitter Buffalo Photo / shutterstock

History says that the Grand Teton Mountains were formed 9 million years ago because the earth simply broke open and shifted the pointed rocks to the side. What remained were the mountain peaks lined up next to each other with seven three-thousand-metre peaks, one four-thousand-metre peak and a steppe-like valley. The mountains attract with their extraordinary vegetation. Below the massive rocks stretches a lush green area of bushes and lush forests with meter-high conifers. The mountains are also famous for their barren mountain meadows, the icy cold and shimmering blue mountain lakes and the glaciated mountain slopes. Here is actually still the eternal snow and from October onwards loneliness reigns here. In summer you can pitch your tents in the campgrounds. Places are limited and should be reserved in advance, preferably at the beginning of the year.

Encounter moose and bears in Cascade Canyon

Wyoming’s wildlife is one of a kind. The further away you get from the tourist trails, the greater the probability of encountering a bear. As a tourist, you should be aware that these animals may look cute, but they are dangerous. Therefore, it is better to observe them from a safe distance. Bears are omnipresent along the streams of Cascade Canyon. They look for fish here and bathe in the cold water. Many bears have lost their shyness of humans. The principle here is: Leave me alone, then I’ll leave you alone! At Jenny Lake you can experience moose in the wild. After sunrise, they walk among the trees on the south side of the lake. The Discovery Trail leads directly to Lake Jenny and is peppered with boards that provide information about all of the area’s wildlife.

Pure nature in the Thunder Basin National Grassland

The forest area in the northeast of the state stretches between the Black Hills and the Big Horn Mountains. Here, visitors can experience Wyoming’s nature up close. There are no campsites, but you are allowed to camp in certain areas. Hikers from all over the world come here to wander through the remote areas for days. The whole area is also a magnet for anglers and hunters. The Thunder Basin National Grassland is very fertile and brings together almost all of the wild plants that are native to Wyoming. As a result, wild animals find the best feeding opportunities here. From muskrats to porcupines to rabbits and marmots, you can observe numerous animals here. The streams are full of trout and eagles make their rounds in the sky. Together with the adjacent Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest , the area has an area of over 12,000 square kilometers and extends across the border into Colorado.

Quaint small towns and warm hospitality

Old trail Town Cody, Wyoming — Old trail Town Cody, Image: silky / shutterstock

You won’t find the world-famous metropolises in Wyoming. Cozy small towns such as Buffalo, Lovell or Cody dominate here. Teddy Roosevelt was already drawn to Buffalo. Even today, visitors can stay at the historic Occidental Hotel, where the American president once stayed. The town in western Wyoming is known for its typical restaurants and is a popular destination for skiers in winter. Lovell stands for the famous Wild West. Like a Western film set, the Bighorn Canyon stretches out in front of the city with its deep gorges and herds of wild horses. Visitors experience even more Wild West feeling in Cody. It’s where the state’s most exciting rodeos take place, and in the evening, people dance to traditional cowboy music. In Old Trail Town , Cody shows its original side with an 1890 border building and numerous western attractions for tourists.

When winter arrives in Wyoming

True enthusiasts are drawn to Wyoming in winter. Then entire areas are transformed into snow paradises and the play of lights creates a unique magic. You can discover the loneliest areas by dog sled or explore a dreamlike landscape with a snowmobile. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail is the best trail in the USA for snowmobilers. But skiers and cross-country skiers also get their money’s worth. Powder-covered and steep slopes make Wyoming one of the best ski and snowboard areas in the entire Northwest. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort attracts experienced skiers, and the Snowy Range Ski Resort also offers slopes for beginners. If you prefer to discover the snowy landscape in comfort, you can board a horse-drawn sleigh in Grand Teton Mountain. Adventurers experience the pure thrill of ice climbing along the frozen waterfalls. At the lakes, people meet for traditional ice fishing.

Cala Mesquida: Lonely dune landscape, beach and historic stone buildings

PatrickJullien

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18. April 2022

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Cala Mesquida: Lonely dune landscape, beach and historic stone buildings

If you want to avoid the tourist crowds on Mallorca and relax in peace on the beach or while hiking, the settlement of Cala Mesquida, which has only about 40 inhabitants, is the right place for you. Cala Mesquida is located in the northeast of Mallorca. Cala Mesquida is best known for the bay of the same name, which borders the settlement. There you can lie wonderfully in the fine sand. If you are more in the mood for active relaxation, you can take a trip to the mountains on foot or by mountain bike around Cala Mesquida. In addition, the nearby small town of Capdepera attracts visitors with historic buildings and a colourful market.

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A natural dune area: Cala Mesquida

The bay of Cala Mesquida is 350 metres long and consists of a crescent-shaped sandy beach in front of which the sea water shimmers crystal clear in all shades of turquoise to dark blue. Since there are only a few hotels, holiday homes and guesthouses in the area, tourists are often still among themselves on their beach section. Part of the dune area of Cala Mesquida is protected. Seagulls and cormorants nest there and the area is surrounded by pine trees. There is a little infrastructure at Cala Mesquida, there is a bar and a restaurant and also showers, but no changing rooms on the beach. The range of sports on offer is dignified: holidaymakers can rent a pedal boat and snorkel in the shallow sea water. In the low season, the weather conditions at Cala Mesquida are also suitable for surfers. Several diving schools also offer diving courses at Cala Mesquida.

On foot and by bike into the mountains around Cala Mesquida

Directly from Cala Mesquida, a designated hiking trail leads to the summit of the Talaia de Son Jaumell mountain at an altitude of 273 meters. The hike leads through barren landscapes that are steeply tapering and offer little shade. It is therefore best to do this hike in the low season, or in the morning hours in summer. Before reaching the summit, it is particularly steep and hikers should have a certain surefootedness here. Once at the summit, an almost breathtaking view stretches over Cala Mesquida and the neighboring Cala Rajada to Cap Formentor and over the Mediterranean Sea.

By the way, the mountain Talaia de Son Jaumell shares its name with a tower of the same name, which was once built on its summit. Today, only ruins of this nine-meter-high round tower from the 16th century remain. The tower used to serve as an observation tower. From there, guards were supposed to spot attacking pirate ships early on and sound the alarm in the event of an imminent attack. If you still have energy after this hiking tour, you can ride from Cala Mesquida via a seven-kilometre-long cycle path to Cala Ratjada, which could already be visited from above. On the way you pass sheep and goat pastures.

A trip to the historic old town of Capdepera

The town of Capdepera, with a population of about 12,000, is one of the largest cities in the area. Capdepera is located seven kilometres south of Cala Mesquida and can be easily reached by rental car or by bike. Throughout the city, the typical stone houses built of natural stone catch the eye. The inhabitants of Capdepera attach great importance to a positive image of their city and so many of these quaint stone houses are decorated with colorful flower arrangements. Narrow streets of cobblestones wind through the old town of the village, which you can roam on foot during a walk. You should definitely visit the Castell de Capdepera.

It was built as early as the 14th century and used to form a complete fortification with several buildings. The Castell de Capdepera is located above the city and can be reached after a sweaty climb from the city center. The Castell de Capdepera was built on the 159-metre-high summit of the Puig de Capdepera mountain. The Castell de Capdepera is still surrounded by a fortification wall that encloses a floor area of more than 8,000 square meters. Built in the 10th century, the Torre d’en Miquel Nunis adorns the highest point of the castle and was reached by the island’s former Islamic besiegers. In addition to a church, the cistern from the 15th century located on the church forecourt is impressive. In addition, an 18th-century governor’s house has been preserved, which now houses the Castell de Capdepera Museum.

Basilicata – Insider tip in the south of Italy

Italy

PatrickJullien

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18. April 2022

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Basilicata – Insider tip in the south of Italy

The southern Italian region of Basilicata, just like its eastern and southwestern neighboring regions of Puglia and Calabria , has long been overshadowed by more prominent Italian tourist areas, be it the Amalfi Coast belonging to Campania , Tuscany, the Italian Riviera or the popular family holiday resorts on the Adriatic. But more recently, the south of the country has increasingly become the focus of travelers. And rightly so: the Mezziogiorno has so much more to offer than just being “poor but sexy” and thus serving the clichés of holidaymakers from more northern latitudes.

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Tart beauty

The poverty traditionally associated with Basilicata is mainly due to its great drought. Agriculture is difficult here. However, it is precisely this aridity, the barren mountain landscapes and the almost desert-like conditions, especially in the east around the city of Matera, that make the region interesting for individual travellers. Backpackers and hiking enthusiasts, mountain bikers, adventure seekers and people who love impressive impressions of nature: all of them get their money’s worth in the Basilicata region. The fact that many parts of the landscape are still largely undeveloped for tourism increases this appeal.

Interesting cities

Potenza and Matera are the two largest cities in Basilicata. While the capital Potenza with its almost 66,000 inhabitants is centrally located in the north of the region, Matera has around 60,000 inhabitants and is located in the east of Basilicata. Unlike the capital, which scores above all with its altitude with spectacular views and its embedding in an attractive mountain landscape, Matera is also of unusual cultural and historical charm. The Roman foundation dating back to 251 BC is located on the slopes of the Murgia highlands and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Architecturally, it represents almost all epochs of its eventful history. From antiquity to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern times, you can admire their testimonies in the city centre.

Fascinating World Heritage Site

Matera di Sassi, Basilicata — Matera di Sassi, Image: ermess / shutterstock

Of particular note are Matera di Sassi, a cave settlement that was inhabited until the 20th century. Originally, people lived here in natural grottos and caves of soft tuff, which they developed into living caves over centuries. Eventually, a complete city was created with narrow streets, small squares on the roofs and rock churches. It was not until the 20th century that the Sassi were dissolved because the Italian government no longer wanted to tolerate the poor hygienic conditions for the inhabitants. People were ashamed of the fact that there were still people in the Republic of Italy who lived in “caves”. It was not until the 1980s and 1990s that a rethink began. The Sassi was placed under monument protection and began to be restored. Since 1993, they have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hiking and experiencing nature

Lake Monticchio with the extinct volcano Monture in the background, Image: canadastock / shutterstock

The interior of Basilicata is determined by the mountain range of the Apennines, which runs right through the region. Despite the already mentioned overall great drought, you will surprisingly also find lush green forests here. Mont Vulture, a now extinct volcano, is located north of Potenza and has provided fertile lava soil. Inland there are extensive nature reserves such as the youngest national park in Italy, the Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Lucano-Val d’Agri-Lagonegrese. It encloses several interesting biotopes with beech and coniferous forests, meadows and pastures. Even outside the protected zones, in the natural areas cultivated by human hands, the fertile lava soil has provided a lush flora. Around Mont Vulture there are beautiful olive groves and vineyards – a diverse landscape that always offers new impressions and also offers extremely inspiring motifs for photographers and amateur filmmakers.

Swimming and enjoying the sea

But the Basilicata region also has a special charm for those who are attracted to water. Located between the Gulf of Policastro, which is part of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Gulf of Taranto on the Ionian Sea, the region is an El Dorado for coastal lovers. The coastal strip along the Gulf of Policastro is harsh and wild with steep cliffs and deeply cut bays. On the Gulf of Taranto, on the other hand, there is fine sand and shallow sandy beaches for sun worshippers and family vacationers. The water is crystal clear and known for its high quality. You can also find beaches with black sand – due to the lava ash – for example the very beautiful “Spiagga Nera” near Maratea. Maratea is another city in Basilicata that is worth seeing. In addition to the beautiful beaches, one of its highlights is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, which towers over the city from an imposing vantage point.

Specialties from the kitchen and wine cellar

Everywhere in the region, whether in cities or small villages, you can eat easily and well. “Fresh and local” – this kitchen credo, which once stood for traditional, peasant dishes, has now also conquered international star cuisine. A region for connoisseurs, where you can always get fresh vegetables, wine and olives from local production, as well as delicious fresh fish and seafood near the coast.

Cusco – High up into the empire of the Incas

Peru

PatrickJullien

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18. April 2022

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Cusco – High up into the empire of the Incas

Cusco is located in the southeast of Peru in the impressive highlands of the Andes and is both the name of the region and its capital. The city’s location alone at an altitude of 3,416 meters is breathtaking in every way. Cusco is the center of Peruvian culture. In the steep streets with their cobblestones, the traveller will meet locals with their alpacas and a variety of colourful and decorated houses. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, which was also the builder of Peru’s most famous attraction: the Inca city of Machu Picchu, which was founded in the 15th century.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the “7 Wonders of the Modern World” and is located in the Cusco region on a high plateau at an altitude of 2,430 meters. This fact alone amazes visitors in view of the large, terraced complex with its huge stone blocks, which were installed without mortar in the 216 buildings. Paths meander through the nested area and over its more than 3,000 stairs. The panorama around the mountain above the Urubamba River is no less impressive than the mysticism of the mysterious buildings, whose purpose could never be clarified. Machu Picchu is only 75 kilometers from Cusco and is best reached by Peru Rail train. Here, the journey is already the destination, because it allows you to experience the wild nature of Peru up close. The months between April and October are ideal for travel. Then it is dry season in the region, so that no haze stands in the way of the perfect panoramic view. In summer, it is quite crowded from a tourist point of view, so spring and autumn are the best time to visit.

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Incas and colonial times – Cusco’s different sides

Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Image: saiko3p / shutterstock

The capital Cusco captivates with its panorama and, like Machu Picchu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the end of the 11th century, this center of the Incas was built, where ruins still revive the mystery of that time. If you want to learn more, you should not miss a visit to the Inca Museum. The colonial period under Spanish rule has also left clear traces worth seeing. Nevertheless, Cusco is also a city of modernity and progress. At the Plaza de Armas, the square in the heart of the city, two impressive churches dominate. Next to the Jesuit church “La Compania de Jesus”, the famous cathedral of Cusco rises into the sky, for which almost 100 years of construction were necessary from 1560 onwards.

The cathedral impresses with its massive, 33-meter-high towers no less than with its 11 chapels and 24 vaults. The goldsmith’s work from the colonial era and the wood carvings of the altars are unusual eye-catchers. The three-aisled church almost looks like a museum, as there are 365 paintings by different regional artists to marvel at. The most famous picture is undoubtedly “Lord of the Earthquakes”. It is carried once a year in a procession through Cusco. In the imposing choir stalls, visitors will also encounter 40 life-size figures of saints.

Colorful and diverse

Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain near Cusco, Image: emperorcosar / shutterstock

Its markets are as colourful and diverse as the entire capital. In San Blas and San Pedro, the market halls are surrounded by stalls where the indigenous peoples sell their weaving and handicrafts and offer goods made from the wool of the alpaca, the llama of the Andes, as well as fresh food from the region. Here you have the opportunity to try out typical local dishes at the lowest prices. Between Ceviche and Lomo Saltado, everyone will find what they are looking for. And after visiting the market in San Blas, everyone is strengthened for the way up to Sacsayhuamán. The ruins of the Inca fortress with their panoramic view over the city are worth the climb. Less than a kilometre away, there is also a white statue of Christ, called “Cristo Blanco”.

The tourist ticket – for more enjoyment

If you spend several days in Cusco and also want to get to know the region better, a Boleto Turistico is a good choice. This tourist ticket allows you to visit numerous museums and sites of Inca culture. One of the destinations included is Tipón, which is located behind the city and offers unique views with its green terraces and Inca ruins. This place is still a real insider tip among travelers. Even more Inca culture is offered by the Sacred Valley “Valle Sacrado” in the Cusco region. There are countless ruins from the Inca period here. The most interesting destinations in the Sacred Valley such as Chincero, Pisaq, Ollantaytambo or Urubamba can be conquered on a day tour. All entrance fees to these sites are also included in the tourist ticket.

Tips and tricks

In the Cusco region, the traveler encounters the coca plant again and again. Even though coca contains cocaine, the percentage of one percent is so low that a coca tea only has the energy of a soothing cup of coffee. So it is worth tasting the sacred drink of the Peruvians. Just like coca, the indigenous people with their colorful traditional costumes are also part of the image of Cusco. If you want to capture these interesting people in a picture, you should have some change ready as a thank you. A good tip is also to only use taxis in Cusco with an official taxi logo that the user has called himself. Simply waving a taxi over on the street is not recommended. The same applies to booking tours, which should only be done with long-established travel agencies. For the safety of tourists, Cusco even has police officers who are there especially for vacationers and often show up in the city.

Holidays in the beach paradise of Marsa Alam

Egypt

PatrickJullien

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17. April 2022

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Holidays in the beach paradise of Marsa Alam

One of the most beautiful beach paradises on the Red Sea is the seaside resort of Marsa Alam. Formerly a dreamy fishing village on the east coast of Egypt, Marsa Alam has become a popular holiday destination.

The company’s own airport is located about 60 kilometers outside the city. The convenient journey and the fact that it is the warmest region on the Red Sea has contributed to its great popularity. With only 2,000 inhabitants, the village is small and peaceful. Both the houses and the hotels are spread along the coast and do not form a concentrated center.

On the gently sloping beaches, both families with children and non-swimmers can swim safely. You will look in vain for varied evening entertainment in the village. But holidays take place on the most beautiful beaches, the most attractive underwater world and near spectacular historical sites.

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Best time to visit Marsa Alam

The summer months are reserved for sun worshippers, who can also endure great heat of 35 degrees Celsius and more. In all other months, the thermometer rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius, making the region a destination that offers warm bathing weather all year round. In addition, there are the water temperatures, which average 27 to 30 degrees Celsius in summer. Even in the winter months, the water still has a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. These are ideal conditions for exploring the dazzling underwater world extensively.

Sun and sea are the defining elements

Diving in Marsa Alam — Marsa Alam is a diving paradise, Image: Vlad61 / shutterstock

In Marsa Alam, the holiday is mainly about the beach and the sea. Exciting reefs reach just off the coast. Others are within easy reach by boat and offer divers unique experiences. On the spectacular steep walls of “Dolphin Reef” and “Elephinstone Reef” there are exciting encounters with big fish, dolphins and now and then sharks.

The most beautiful bay is north of Marsa Alam with the “Caraya Bay”. The fine, long sandy beach and the offshore coral reefs make the holidays a constant experience.

At the “Abu Dabbab Bay” a mysterious shipwreck lures you to dive and snorkel. From the beach there is an extra highlight. From here, sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs can be spotted without the need for a boat tour or dive.

Marsa Alam Adventure

The small town of Marsa Alam has not only lived from fishing. Large deposits of gold and emeralds, semi-precious stones, copper and lead were mined here. Emeralds were the symbol of power and immortality. The most famous mines are the “Cleopatra Mines”. In the desert towards Edfu and the Nile, there are numerous clues and historical mines and places. Mines were operated in the “Wadi Miya” during the time of the pharaohs. These days, remnants can be seen. At that time, a small rock temple was built for the workers, which can still be visited today. Rock carvings depict animals that lived here at the time.

Marsa Alam, the gateway to the national park

A special destination near Marsa Alam is the third largest national park in Egypt. In the “Wadi al-Gamal National Park“, the “Valley of the Camels” in the middle of the East Arabian Desert, dorcas gazelles, slate falcons and the rare “African donkeys” and the “Syrian ibex” live on 7450 square kilometres. They cope well with both the heat and the severe drought.

On the coastal strip, mangrove forests, four islands in the Hamata archipelago and Wadi al-Gamal Island are part of the national park. In addition to mangroves, numerous shrubs have settled. Its roots are formed by small elevations such as dunes.

It is forbidden to enter the national park without a ranger. These knowledgeable guides will show you all the natural beauties and special features, as well as the historically important places from Roman and Ptolemaic times in the park.

Experience Marsa Alam and the surrounding area actively on land

Going on a desert tour by quad bike is the goal of many guests. If you want it less fast, entrust yourself to the back of a camel and swing comfortably through the desert sand. A trip to the wonderland of the desert should be on every holiday programme. The indescribable scenery of a sunset in the desert remains unforgettable.

They are exciting excursions into the past in the land of the pharaohs.
The most impressive tours lead to the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Karnak. The world-famous archaeological sites at Luxor, the former Thebes, are worth a trip from Marsa Alam. Impressive columns and colossal statues or the rock temples of Abu Simbel are within easy reach.

Marsa Alam is the ideal destination to combine fascinating cultural experiences with a relaxed beach holiday

Sankt Johann im Pongau: The ideal holiday resort for the whole family

Austria

PatrickJullien

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17. April 2022

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Sankt Johann im Pongau: The ideal holiday resort for the whole family

Sankt Johann im Pongau is a tranquil alpine village located in Austria, about 60 kilometres south of Salzburg. Both in summer and winter, the community of about 11,400 inhabitants has a lot to offer its visitors. Skiers and snowboarders get their money’s worth here as well as hiking enthusiasts and mountain bike freaks. Art and cultural events in the local culture and congress centre as well as some museums in the districts also attract culture lovers.

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Overnight stay in Sankt Johann: How about a chalet?

Chalet village St. Johann — Wellness comfort in your own chalet, Image: Chaletdorf BERGHERZ

If you want to spend your holiday with comfort, comfortable infinity beds and an outdoor whirlpool and at the same time value a great panoramic view, we recommend the chalet village BERGHERZ in Sankt Johann im Pongau when choosing the perfect chalet in Austria .

Here you can optimally combine the advantages of your own chalet with the comfort of a luxury hotel.

The equipment

In all huts, holidaymakers can expect a fully equipped alpine kitchen, HD TV, large sofas, infinity beds and a spacious bedroom with a view of the Alps. The wellness factor is also not neglected in the private sauna and outdoor whirlpool. You can end the evening with a good glass of wine by the cozy fireplace.

Bio bathing lake Chalet Sankt Johann — Fantastic view of the organic bathing lake, Picture: Chaletdorf BERGHERZ

Culinary

Start the new eventful day with a hearty breakfast. The staff of the village will spoil you with great regional products, vitamin-rich fruit and homemade muesli.

If you don’t feel like cooking yourself in the evening, you have the option of using the catering service of the chalet village. From cheese dumplings to Wiener Schnitzel to the classic grill plate. There is a suitable dish for every taste.

Our tip: A special culinary highlight is the Hut-Essen, the traditional Austrian table grill variant. Treat your taste buds to high-quality meat, fresh vegetables and crisp salads.

Sankt Johann im Pongau in winter: Snow fun in the alpine village

In winter, Sankt Johann im Pongau is bustling with everything in the Alpendorf district. The ski area there is called Snow Space Salzburg and attracts adults and children alike. Tourists who would like to try skiing for the first time are in good hands here, because there is a practice lift on Mount Hahnbaum that can be used free of charge. After a few test runs, ski bunnies can then decide whether they want to venture onto the steeper slopes in the Ski amadé ski area in Alpendorf (St. Johann i. Pg.) or in nearby Wagrain or Flachau . All 44 slopes within this radius belong to Snow Space Salzburg. Over 200 kilometres of perfect slopes, 12 peaks and 5 valleys await enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders.

A unique experience: A visit to the Liechtenstein Gorge

South of Sankt Johann im Pongau is the Liechtenstein Gorge. In total, the gorge has a length of 4,000 meters. Visitors are allowed to roam through about 1,000 of them and be fascinated by the sight of the massively rising rocks of the gorge. What makes the walk through the Liechtenstein Gorge particularly exciting is that it is very narrow in several places. The destination at the end of the gorge is an impressive waterfall. Visitors can get there via wooden walkways and wooden steps, which are well secured with railings and are regularly maintained. A visit to the Liechtenstein Gorge is a pure summer pleasure, because in the winter months the area is closed for safety reasons.

Summer fun for children on the Geisterberg

If you travel to Sankt Johann im Pongau with children, you can spend unforgettable family hours on the Geisterberg in summer. The Geisterberg is a children’s adventure park located at an altitude of 1,787 metres on the Gernkogel. From the district of Alpendorf, the Geisterberg can be reached by gondola. Even the journey is an experience, because once you reach the mountain station of the Gernkogel, you don’t have to walk, but continue to the Geisterberg in the ghost train. Basically, everything here revolves around ghosts and ghosts. The children are offered 40 different play stations, which are connected by footpaths, which can also be easily mastered with a stroller. Among other things, there is a real ghost mountain castle, climbing and swinging equipment, water games and artificial lakes, as well as a via ferrata for the older children and teenagers.

These sights should not be missed in Sankt Johann im Pongau

If you have had enough of nature, or want to bridge a rainy day in a meaningful way, Sankt Johann im Pongau will also find the best conditions for this. For example, the Pongau Cathedral (Roman Catholic memorial parish church) is worth seeing. Actually, it is the parish church in honor of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. However, since this church building looks extremely sublime, it is popularly called Pongau Cathedral. On the site of today’s cathedral there have been church buildings since the year 924, but they have been destroyed again and again. The current church was built in 1855 in the neo-Gothic style, after the previous church had burned down. The two towers of the building are no less than 62 meters high. Particularly worth seeing is the art-historically interesting high altar.

Things are simpler in the Anna Chapel, which was built in 1301 and is the oldest building in the village. The Anna Chapel is crossed by a ribbed vault and has pointed arched windows. A Gothic church ensemble was once grouped around it, but it burned down in 1855.

If you feel like visiting a museum, you can drive the few kilometers to Wagrain and find the Silent Night Museum and the Waggerl House there. In the Silent Night Museum, everything revolves around the most popular German-language Christmas carol. The Waggerl House is the former home of Karl Heinrich Waggerl, one of the most important Austrian writers. In the poet’s original living quarters, his life and work can be traced today.

Denver – Capital of Colorado

United States

PatrickJullien

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16. April 2022

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The capital of the US state of Colorado, Denver, is one of the most exciting cities in the USA and one of the real insider tips for a city trip. Away from the well-known metropolises such as New York City, Los Angeles, New Orleans or Miami, you will not only find a melting pot of different cultures, but above all a vibrant metropolis with history and character. With the Rocky Mountains in the background, an exciting nightlife and all kinds of sights, the city has developed into a real hotspot for culture and typical life in the USA in recent years. Both cultural travelers and foodies will get their money’s worth here.

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The city of mineral resources – from gold mining village to oil metropolis

Colorado State Capitol, Denver — Colorado State Capitol, Image: f11photo /and shutterstock

As so often in the history of the USA, it was the gold diggers who made sure that Denver developed. At the foot of the Rocky Mountains, first silver and then gold were found, and at some point the loose villages merged to form a city. Over time, new raw materials were discovered in the area from time to time, and most recently it was oil fields in the 1980s that led the already rich metropolis to new prosperity. Around 750,000 people now live directly in the city and well over a million people in the suburbans of Denver in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.

The history of the city and the surrounding area can still be admired today on every corner of the city. In addition to a wide selection of museums, there are many historic buildings that document the construction of the city over the past centuries and are proof of how Denver has developed from a small village into one of the most important metropolises in the USA. Denver is not only interesting for tourists itself, but also various places in the immediate vicinity invite you to excursions and give you the opportunity to discover even more sights.

Discover the must-see attractions in Denver

Daniels & Fisher Tower, Denver — Daniels & Fisher Tower, Image: Kit Leong / shutterstock

If you only want to spend time with the most interesting sights of Denver itself, you should definitely take a path to the State Capitol. In addition to being the Colorado state legislature, the historic building is located in the middle of a green area in the heart of the city and also offers guided tours to learn more about the history of the state and the country. With a little luck, you can get a room at the Brown Palace Hotel in the immediate vicinity – it was built in 1892 and is still a striking eye-catcher in the middle of the city and offers some interesting history about the development in the past decades.

The Daniels & Fisher Tower is one of the city’s landmarks and is hard to miss, even in the spectacular skyline. From here you can orientate yourself well and perhaps find your way to one of the most interesting shopping centers in the city. The 16th Street Mall offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars and is one of the centers of the city where there is actually something going on at any time of the day or night. By the way, if you want to move around the city, you don’t necessarily have to take a taxi. Especially the free shuttle buses in Denver are a convenience that you don’t want to miss when exploring the capital of Colorado.

Culture and fun in the heart of Denver

If you want to experience a lot of excitement in addition to sightseeing, you should take a trip to the Denver Botanic Gardens. It is one of the largest collections in North America and is also commonly considered one of the most beautiful botanical gardens you can find in the USA. Plants from all over the world have been prepared here in a unique landscape and offer the opportunity to find out more than just about what grows in Colorado. Speaking of plants, marijuana was legalized in Colorado a few years ago and the corresponding shops can be found in many parts of the city.

Visits to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Denver Arts Museum are a great way to learn more about the USA and the city and are also real architectural eye-catchers. So if you are looking for a little education, there are many other variants to choose from in addition to these two museums. At the end of the day, Denver is also a city of museums and education.

A look at the surrounding areas of Denver

If you are planning a trip out of the big city by car, you should definitely stop by Boulder. In recent years, the city has developed into the little brother of the big metropolis, is a little less hectic, but above all offers a lot of good restaurants and a large scene of artists who make their goods available at markets or in small shops.

Another popular excursion point – in addition to the Rocky Mountains, which can be reached quickly from here – is the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The theatre, which was carved into the red rocks, has already been the venue for many famous concerts and the stars regularly come and go. In addition, even on days without performances, it is a great sight to see when visiting Denver.

Hotel marketing – exploiting new potential

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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16. April 2022

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Hotel marketing – exploiting new potential

As in many other areas of life, digitization is becoming more and more prevalent in the tourism industry. Whereas in the past you had to rely solely on recommendations from the travel agency or from your circle of friends, today those interested in traveling increasingly inform themselves. The Internet makes it easier to research the right holiday destination. An initial opinion is shaped by the numerous rating platforms of the individual tour operators. Thanks to the comments and reviews of the holidaymakers, an initial pre-selection of suitable hotels takes place.

In the next step, the tourist now wants to get a more detailed picture of the hotels. In order to really present all the desired information to the potential guest at this point, the professional support of a specialist agency is recommended. We took a closer look at the work of the Munich-based hotel marketing agency Mumme & Partner, a specialist in hotel marketing in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Spain.

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Responding to the customer’s needs

In general, it can be said that the requirements for a holiday have become much more pronounced in recent years. Whereas in the past the focus was on the beach, pool and a rich buffet, today holidaymakers can expect special spa offers, outdoor activities and sustainable concepts from hotels. Climate-friendly travel is also increasingly becoming a main argument for booking a trip. The hotel marketing agency supports the accommodations in standing out from the competition in the highly competitive market.

The first step is to work out special features and unique selling points of the hotel with the support of the hotel management. In addition, it is checked how well the hotel is positioned “online”. After all, nothing is more profitable than a direct booking on the hotel’s own web presentation.

In general, an online presence can be divided into two areas of work:

Department 1: Technology

Is the existing website technically up to date (mobile display, page loading time, SSL encryption)?
Analysis of the statistics (How many monthly page visitors / how many bookings)
On-Page SEO / Off-Page SEO
Has the website been implemented in several languages (comparison of language versions with target groups)?

Workspace 2: Content

Are the USP’s well worked out?
How appealing are the images displayed – Is there potential for optimization through the involvement of a professional photographer?
How understandable is the booking process?
Optimization of contact options (e.g. contact forms, live chat)
How present is the company on social media?

Recognizing holiday trends

Chalet Almhütte in the chalet village BERGHERZ in St. Johann im Pongau, Image: BERGHERZ Chalets

An important core task of hotel marketing professionals is the early recognition of holiday trends in order to support cities and regions in their strategic orientation. A travel trend that is currently popular with holidaymakers in Austria is accommodation in chalets.

The Mumme & Partner agency has been looking after the chalet village BERGHERZ in St. Johann im Pongau since 2015. Through professional search engine optimization and successful link marketing, the luxury chalets’ web presence on Google was positioned on the important page 1 for important keywords. The foundation and heart of the successful cooperation is the newly created WordPress website. In combination with good content, development and strengthening of the “Bergherz” brand as well as social media activities, the chalet village was successfully placed on the market.

Why should hosts rely on the support of a hotel marketing agency?

Most hoteliers simply don’t have the time to take care of professional marketing. After all, the guest is first and foremost the focus of the action. If the hotel is then well filled, there is of course always something to do. If it gets a little quieter, you also have to take care of the unloved accounting. However, in times of more demanding tourists, it is not enough to only take care of the well-being of the regular clientele. The holidaymaker, who returns every year, is not dying out, but it is becoming rarer. The reason: The pure feel-good factor is not enough, especially for young travellers. They want to travel to as many destinations as possible, explore regions and also actively participate in their holidays. Be it through sporting activities such as yoga and hiking or participation in the hotel’s wellness offer.

As the owner of a hotel, transfer the measures that you cannot carry out yourself due to time or professional reasons to a specialist agency and benefit from the extensive know-how.

Alabama: Visiting the Cotton State of the USA

United States

PatrickJullien

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16. April 2022

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Alabama: Visiting the Cotton State of the USA

Alabama is one of the best known among the so-called southern states of the USA. For a long time, Alabama was associated with racial segregation and slavery because of its history. Because in this state, plantation agriculture predominated economically. Cotton was mainly grown, which is why Alabama is also known as the Cotton State . In the past, dark-skinned slaves from Africa were often used to harvest cotton. Today, Alabama is trying to get rid of the bad image that has arisen more and more, which is also succeeding. Because Alabama has a lot to offer visitors.

There are several larger cities, such as Birmingham or Montgomery, that are worth visiting. There, as well as in the smaller towns of the state, there are numerous bars and clubs where live music is played. Alabama has produced many great musicians such as Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole and the Rolling Stones. The musical spectrum that is played here ranges from blues to country and gospel to rock and jazz. In addition, there are interesting museums of all kinds to visit in Alabama and exciting outdoor adventures to experience.

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A visit to the lively industrial metropolis of Birmingham

Skyline of Birmingham, Alabama — View of the Birmingham skyline, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock

Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama with a good 215,000 inhabitants. Many well-known jazz musicians were born here, for example Billy Valentine. If you stop off in Birmingham, you should definitely visit the Birmingham Museum of Art. Founded in 1951, the art museum has a collection of no less than 17,000 exhibits. In addition to paintings and drawings, sculptures, graphics and video installations are also on display. The thematic arc that the collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art covers is enormous. Because the works on display come from a wide variety of cultures and epochs.

On display are African, Native American, European and Asian works of art. Contemporary art is represented in the Birmingham Museum of Art as well as works of art from the Renaissance or Baroque periods. If you prefer to exercise in the fresh air rather than in a closed building, you should visit the city’s zoo and botanical gardens in Birmingham. Both facilities are located right next to each other. There are about 550 animals in the zoo , which can be attributed to 180 different animal species. Among them are some that are already threatened with extinction. The Birmingham Botanical Garden has numerous expertly landscaped themed gardens and the impressive Long Life Lake Bridge, which is considered the main attraction of this botanical garden.

Learn all about space in the Rocket City of Huntsville

Huntsville, Alabama — In Huntsville, (almost) everything revolves around space, Image: Philip Arno Photography / shutterstock

Huntsville is only the fourth largest city in Alabama, but you should definitely stop by the city in the far north of the state. Especially if you are enthusiastic about technology and space. Because Huntsville is not called Rocket City for nothing. With the Redstone Arsenal, a rocket development center and test site of the US Army is located here. And NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where the Apollo space program was developed, can also be found here. Visitors can visit the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Here you can learn everything about the American space program and visit rockets and rocket parts. In addition, there is the opportunity to feel like a real rocket scientist and astronaut in flight or underwater simulators. If you are more in the mood for dignified art, visit the Huntsville Museum of Art. The collection focuses on American and regional art. Around 2,300 exhibits can be visited, including works by Andy Warhol.

Alabama’s pristine white coast: the city of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Alabama’s coastline is not necessarily one of the longest in the USA, but the beaches of the city of Gulf Shores, which has only about 12,000 inhabitants, easily make up for the lack of space with breathtaking beauty. The beaches here have pristine white and extremely fine-grained quartz sand, which shimmers in the sun in a very special way. Nestled between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is Gulf State Park. The beach section there is three kilometres long and invites you to take relaxing walks on the beach. However, Gulf State Park has a whole host of other exciting things to do.

You can play golf, kayak, sail, surf or dive in the park’s man-made reefs. Deep sea fishing is also possible here under guidance. In addition, a wide variety of themed tours by boat are offered. Here, tourists can, for example, familiarize themselves with the world of dolphins and visit them in their natural habitat. If you prefer to move on land rather than in the water, Gulf State Park has a variety of well-marked hiking and mountain biking trails. These lead through pine forests as well as through swamps. If you are lucky, you will meet a bald eagle on the way.

Among other things, alligators swim in the park’s lakes, which is why you should strictly follow the instructions regarding any bathing bans here. Spending the night in Gulf State Park is also no problem. In addition to lodges that can be rented, there is also a campsite. Visitors interested in history also have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Native Americans and the civil war that once took place here. The Baldwin County Heritage Museum takes an in-depth look at local history surrounding Orange Beach. The Fairhope Museum of History focuses on the history and traditions of the region’s Native Americans.

Antibes: the pearl of the Côte d’Azur

France

PatrickJullien

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15. April 2022

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Antibes is located in the very southeast of France, directly on the Riviera. The famous cities of Cannes and Nice are each just a stone’s throw away. But to spend a fabulously beautiful holiday, you don’t necessarily have to travel to the neighbouring towns of Cannes or Nice, because Antibes also has a lot to offer.

The seaside resort with around 75,000 inhabitants impresses above all with its picturesque old town, which can boast winding streets and a genuine French attitude to life. In addition, on the azure blue Côte d’Azur, which is right on the doorstep, there are wonderful sandy beaches where you can relax or do sports according to all the rules of the art. And art and culture lovers will not miss out in Antibes either, as the city combines several high-ranking museums, such as a Picasso Museum, in its urban area.

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Unwind on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur

Antibes is a popular destination for beach vacationers. This is no wonder, because it is teeming with white sandy dream beaches where you can relax. Just a few steps from the old town is the Plage de la Gavotte. This is a small beach that is a little hidden in a bay near the marina Port Vauban. Despite its good accessibility, the Plage de la Gavotte is rarely overcrowded. The fine-grained sand is interspersed with stones and rocks, which gives the beach a very rustic appearance. Very popular with locals and tourists alike is the Plage de la Salis, which can be reached via the entrance to the peninsula at the small port of Port de la Salis. Families with children also like to cavort here. Just a few kilometres south of the town centre is the quieter La Garoupe beach, which is lined with a small chapel and a romantic lighthouse.

A walk through the winding old town of Antibes

Plage de la Gravette, Antibes — Sunset at Plage de la Gravette, Image: Sergey Dzyuba / shutterstock

The old town of Antibes is perfect for walks. The small alleys are narrow and winding, in many places they even seem a little enchanted. Drivers are not welcome here, there are very few parking spaces in the city center area, and walking is also much more flexible. There are a lot of quaint buildings and backyards to discover. To do this, you stroll past small shops. The maze of alleys is repeatedly broken up by small squares, around which cafés, bars and also narrow bistros with outdoor seating areas are often grouped. The best conditions to take a short break and drink a coffee or an aperitif. You should definitely stop at the Marche Provencal. This is a covered farmers’ market where all kinds of specialties from the region are offered. If you feel like it, you will find cheese, honey, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, flowers as well as fresh and dried herbs that have been grown in the region or collected wild. The market vendors are happy to let interested gourmets taste their spices. The best offer is at the Marche Provencal in the morning.

Visit the Château Grimaldi and the Picasso Museum

Château Grimaldi was built as early as the 12th century. From 1385 until the 17th century, it was used by the Grimaldi family, which gave it its name. After that, there were changing owners and the building was under equally changing use. For example, Château Grimaldi has served as a town hall, barracks and seat of various governors. In 1946, the artist Pablo Picasso moved into the venerable walls of Château Grimaldi, which is now home to the Picasso Museum. In addition to works created here by Pablo Picasso, there are also paintings and sculptures by other artists such as Nicolas de Staël or Max Ernst.

Die Festung Fort Carré

We then continue to the Fort Carré fortress, which is not far from the port. Fort Carré was built in 1553 on a small hill that was already located directly behind the port of Antibes. Initially, Fort Carré served to protect and defend Antibes and its harbor entrance. Over the centuries, the building has been expanded and rebuilt several times. The building, which is a listed building, is now open to the public and can also be visited inside. A visit to Fort Carré is also worthwhile for those who do not want to visit the interiors, because from the fortress there is a magnificent panoramic view of the historic old town of Antibes.

Antibes Cathedral

One of the city’s landmarks is undoubtedly the Cathedral of Antibes, which is located directly opposite the Picasso Museum. It is also known as Notre Dame de la Platea and may seem a little inconspicuous at first glance. More like a normal church than a cathedral. However, when you enter the cathedral of Antibes, the altar of the rosary immediately catches your eye, which is of a very special beauty. The Romanesque-style cathedral was built as early as the 12th century.