All about travel

Holidays in Camp de Mar

PatrickJullien

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24. April 2022

Camp de Mar is located on the southwest coast of Mallorca. The small community is only a few minutes drive from the holiday resort of Andratx. Due to its quiet location and the exclusive ambience, Camp de Mar differs greatly from other popular holiday resorts such as Cala Millor, Alcúdia or El Arenal. The seaside resort was deliberately planned as a holiday resort, equipped with many romantic hotels and exclusive restaurants. Large hotel complexes, noisy discotheques or modern beach bars are not to be found in this holiday paradise.

A holiday in Mallorca in Camp de Mar offers a lot of peace and relaxation. The beach is located directly between two rocky headlands. It is not as crowded as most other beaches in Mallorca. The resort is particularly appreciated by travelers for the fact that the stalls are relatively unvisited and clean. This is partly due to the fact that there are no tourist highlights on the beach. The beach is equipped with a romantic wooden jetty. At the end is the Restaurante Illeta. In addition to seafood and fish, it offers a variety of Spanish and European Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant is divided into small beach huts that offer a direct view of the crystal clear water and pine trees.

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History of Camp de Mar

Promenade Camp de Mar — The promenade of Camp de Mar, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

In Camp de Mar, the first hotel was built in 1932. In the past, the stretch of coast between Peguera and Port d’Andratx was the target of many pirate attacks. The ships of the North African buccaneers found sufficient shelter in the rugged coast with its cliffs and bays to prepare for a raid. Around the coast from further attacks, many watchtowers and fortifications were built on the coast. The history of the place as a holiday area began with the construction of the first hotel. The holiday resort became famous through the British secret agency Thomas Harris, who bought a house in Camp de Mar in 1949. Until he died of unexplained circumstances in a car accident, he devoted himself to painting. It was not until years later that the place developed into a popular travel destination and more and more small hotels were built.

Why is Camp de Mar so popular?

The resort of Camp de Mar is something for the upscale life destination. For this purpose, many exclusive hotels and villas have been built near the beach. Some of the villas are inhabited by well-known TV stars, movie stars or rich industrialists. In Camp de Mar you will find everything you need for a stay on holiday. For shopping tours or larger purchases, the neighboring town of Port Andratx is ideal. Here you will find numerous cafés, restaurants and shops. Port Andratx is only about 10 minutes away by car. If you like to stroll and shop, you should not miss the Mercadet Nocturno night market on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to midnight.

A dream beach in the southwest of Mallorca

Camp de Mar Beach — Camp de Mar beach, Image: vulcano / shutterstock

Camp de Mar is equipped with a fine, bright sandy beach. It is bordered by the two headlands on the right and left. The quiet, sheltered location ensures that turquoise water is available for swimming. As a rule, there are hardly any waves off the coast. The beach goes very shallow into the water. This makes the beach particularly suitable for families with children. The water is so clear that bathing with diving goggles, flippers and snorkels is great fun. Playa de Camp de Mar has a length of 180 m and a width of 60 m. Overall, the place offers a good infrastructure. Sanitary facilities, showers and pedal boat rental are available for all guests. During the season, a lifeguard ensures the safety of bathers until 6 p.m. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for relaxing. There is barrier-free access for wheelchair users. Thus, they can also get to the beach without any problems.

Wellness in the Allgäu: Perfect to really unwind

Germany

PatrickJullien

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23. April 2022

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Wellness in the Allgäu: Perfect to really unwind

The Allgäu is one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Germany per se. This is mainly due to the wonderful nature that visitors will find there. Between Oberstorf, Isny and Kempten, the impressive rocky slopes of the Alps seem close enough to touch. In between, there are heaps of mountain lakes, rivers and lush green meadows where the Allgäu cows graze. In addition, the Allgäu cuisine with Kässpatzen, bacon dumplings and steamed dumplings is a feast for the palate. So where could you be better off for a wellness holiday than in the Allgäu?

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The Allgäu as a wellness paradise

The good thing about a wellness holiday is that you can go on it all year round without any problems and are completely independent of the weather. On nice days, you can of course complement the wellness program with excursions in the fresh air. On rainy days, or when it’s stormy and cold, you just stay inside and enjoy the offers of the Allgäu wellness hotels and thermal baths. Wellness hotels with spa area, steam baths and sauna offers can be found literally on every corner in the Allgäu, so the choice is not easy. In the district of Oberallgäu, i.e. around Oberstaufen and Oberstorf, the number of overnight stays in wellness facilities is at the top. The same applies to the Kneipp spa town of Bad Wörishofen, Füssen, Pfronten and Lindau on Lake Constance. The wellness hotels are well equipped at all locations and offer all the comfort you could wish for. If you want to do a little sightseeing in the Allgäu in addition to the wellness, you are well advised to rent a hotel in Füssen or Schwangau. Because here, along the so-called Romantic Road, there is a whole range of interesting historical cultural assets to discover. The most famous of these is probably the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, closely followed by Hohenschwangau Castle.

Kneipp therapy in the Allgäu

Wellness holiday in the Allgäu — In the Allgäu, just let your mind wander and enjoy nature, Image: Drepicter / shutterstock

Sebastian Kneipp, the inventor of Kneipp cures, comes from the Allgäu, which is why you can still meet him, and his Kneipp teachings, at every turn here today. In the Allgäu there are numerous hotels that specialize in Kneipp cures, and even Kneipp health centers. These are farms, many of them are mountain farms, whose farmers have dealt in detail with the teachings of Sebastian Kneipp. If you stay in one of these hotels, or at one of the Kneipp health centres, you have the opportunity to undergo professionally organised Kneipp treatments or a complete Kneipp cure. In addition to the Kneipp water treatments, these are supplemented by a suitable nutrition and exercise programme with hiking, walking or cycling tours through the foothills of the Alps.

The Allgäu and its thermal baths

The Allgäu also has many thermal baths and adventure pools for the whole family. While the parents enjoy a wellness day, the offspring can have fun in the adventure pool at the same time. This combination is possible, for example, in the Limare Family and Vitality Pool in Lindau on Lake Constance. There are excellent thermal baths in Schwangau, Oberstorf or Bad Wörishofen. In Bad Wörishofen, you can move in state-approved healing water. The thermal spa area here is designed like a South Seas paradise. Access to this area of the spa is only permitted from the age of 16, which should guarantee those seeking relaxation a pure Wellenessen feeling.

The artificially created thermal landscape includes palm trees and even a sandy beach. There are also herbal and steam baths and a Kneipp area. The health pools offer particularly mineral-rich healing water, for example in the iodine-selenium pool or in the sulphur pool. Afterwards, it’s off to the massage and the beauty area of the thermal baths. At the beauty bar, natural cosmetic face masks, such as poppy or aloe vera masks, are applied, each of which is tailored to the skin type of the visitors. Allergy sufferers and visitors with breathing problems can find themselves in the Salzstadl and enjoy the pure, ionised air produced by the use of salt stones. Meanwhile, the children romp in the sports pool and whiz down the water slides of the thermal spa in Bad Wörishofen.

Sa Coma – Popular holiday resort in Mallorca

PatrickJullien

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23. April 2022

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Sa Coma – Popular holiday resort in Mallorca

Sa Coma is located in the immediate vicinity of Cala Millor on the east coast of Mallorca. The small tourist resort is ideal for families and couples.

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The location

After arriving at the airport in Palma de Mallorca, the journey time to Sa Coma via the well-developed Ma-15 is about 1 hour. On a total of 68 kilometers, the path leads past Manacor and the neighboring town of Porto Cristo. If you leave the expressway, you drive straight towards the sea. You pass the rather quieter residential area of around 2,500 inhabitants and many holiday homes.

The beach: Playa de Sa Coma

As a holidaymaker in Sa Coma, you are spoilt for choice in the morning due to the proximity to Cala Millor: Playa de Sa Coma or rent a bike and off to Cala Millor if you like it a little more spacious or want to combine a visit to the beach with shopping. The beach in Sa Coma is very clean and well maintained, as is the sea. Ice cream and drinks can be bought in the café or supermarket in the immediate vicinity of the beach. Our tip: The ice cream tastes particularly good on the shady promenade. Here you can cool off a little in peace.

Sights and attractions in Sa Coma

Castell Punta de n’Amer, Image: Andrew Buckin / shutterstock

A holiday in Sa Coma is not complete without a well-worn walk to the Castell Punta de n’Amer, a defensive tower from the 17th century. The entrance to the hiking trail to the Punta de n’Amer peninsula can be found directly on the beach. The walk is particularly recommended on shady days. The approx. 6km long path is easy to walk (also tried and tested with a stroller), but you should definitely pack enough drinks. If you want to visit the Castell but don’t feel like hiking, you can also reach your destination with a donkey tour.
Controversial, therefore not explained by us in more detail, is the safari park with many African animals
Already on the way to Sa Coma, the advertising for the Caves of Drach in Porto Cristo catches your eye: This stalactite cave with the largest underground lake in Europe is a real excursion highlight.

Hotels in Sa Coma

The town is characterized by hotels of the Protur & Hipotel chains. On April 2022, the 5* hotel Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort reopened. Unfortunately, we have not received any feedback from Protur as to whether a newly constructed building has been merged with the popular Protur Biomar Gran Hotel to form a new hotel. The pictures on the website suggest so. As soon as we have more information here, we will update it here.

Outside the hotels, Protur has created a real landscape of activities. Countless tennis courts, archery, sports fields and playgrounds as well as bicycle and car rental. You won’t get bored here.

The Protur Hotels:

Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort
Protur Sa Coma Playa Hotel & Spa
Protur Safari Park Aparthotel
Protur Vista Badía Aparthotel
Protur Palmeras Playa Hotel
Protur Badía Park Aparthotel

Very popular and with high ratings is the Hipotels Mediterraneo – Aber Adults only. So unfortunately not allowed for children.

Shopping in Sa Coma

The beach of Sa Coma — The beach in Sa Coma, Image: Diego Blanco / shutterstock

In addition to the typical tourist shops and smaller fashion boutiques, Sa Coma scores with a really well-equipped large supermarket. The Carrefour Sa Coma in the Avinguda de ses Palmeres (located directly on the main street) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and you will find everything a holidaymaker’s heart needs. Holidaymakers in holiday apartments and holiday homes in particular will appreciate the extensive range of great meat and fish products.

A temporary paradise: the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean

Seychelles

PatrickJullien

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23. April 2022

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A temporary paradise: the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean

Spending a holiday in the middle of the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles, which is close to the equator, promises a lot of peace and quiet. The stay there is a special experience, because the time spent on the touristically developed Seychelles islands, for example, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue is due to wonderful weather with constant daytime temperatures (see also the article “Best time to visit Seychelles“) of about 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year, an absolutely dreamlike environment as well as the already mentioned tranquility.

The 115 smaller and larger islands are located about 1,500 kilometers east of the East African mainland, between the Maldives and Madagascar. Over 50% of the island state is protected and a visit to some islands is only possible as part of a guided tour. There are no overcrowded big cities in the Seychelles, no crowds of tourists and, above all, no bed castles with hundreds of rooms. The largest city and capital of the country, it is located on the main island of Mahé and bears the name Victoria. With its just 25,000 inhabitants, it seems pleasantly contemplative. In the Seychelles, you are not part of mass tourism, but can rightly call yourself an individual holidaymaker. You reside in guesthouses or in mostly very exclusive resorts.

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The Seychelles: more than beach, turquoise-blue water and granite

When you hear the name Seychelles, you have the classic images in mind and think of endless beaches with bright white sand, picturesque granite rocks on which the waves break or shady palm trees. Sure, you can find all this as a holidaymaker on the islands. But if you want to go on holiday to the Seychelles, you can do much more than enjoy the sun on the beach.

Little-big-ben-seychelles — Little Big Ben in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles – Image: dvoevnore / shutterstock

How about a hike through a prehistoric forest in the Vallée de Mai National Park, a valley listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? There you will also find the landmark of the Seychelles, the huge Coco de Mer. A visit to Esmeralda, supposedly the oldest giant tortoise in the world, is also exciting. Her date of birth is often given as 1771, which would make her an impressive 240 years old. A tour to the Morne Seychellois, the highest peak in the Seychelles at 1,000 metres, is quite challenging. For lovers of water, however, the Seychelles also offer a diverse and truly fascinating underwater world. On extended diving or snorkeling tours in shallow waters, you get a deep insight into the flora and fauna below the water surface. For surfers or sailors, a holiday is mainly worthwhile between May and October, because there are stronger winds during this period. A special experience on the water are multi-day catamaran tours, where the captain heads for all the most beautifully situated islands and guests fish for tuna, which is then served by the chef on the same evening.

Popular islands in the Seychelles

Main islands of the Seychelles

Inner Seychelles Islands

Arid
Bird
Cerf
Cousin
Cousin
Curieuse
Denis
Félicité
Frégate
Île Cocos
Île St Pierre
Les Soeurs
Marianne
North Island
Sainte Anne
Silhouette

Outer Seychelles Islands

Aldabra Group
Alphonse Group
Amirantes
Farquhar Group

How long do you fly to the Seychelles?

A direct flight from Germany to the Seychelles takes about 9-10 hours. However, most flights, especially with the providers Etihad and Emirates, have a stopover in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Thus, the total flight time is about 13.5 hours including stopover.

Ferry or propeller plane: island hopping in the Seychelles

If you don’t just want to stay on the main island of Mahé, but also want to explore the other accessible islands, you can take part in an “island-hopping”. You can take a day for such a tour or you can simply book a guesthouse on the islands you want to visit. So you can take more time to explore the respective island.

Praslin – World Heritage Site in a confined space

To get to the second largest island, Praslin , you board a propeller plane, which takes visitors to the island within just 20 minutes. On the way, there is enough time to get an overview from the plane and take great pictures. The island is also home to the Vallée de Mai National Park, home to the largest coconuts in the world.

La Digue – Island with a special charm

Anse Source d'Argent, La Dihue — Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, Image: Simon Dannhauer / shutterstock

The way to La Digue, the smallest of the inhabited Seychelles islands, is covered by a ferry that runs several times a day, with which you can only get to the island, which is described by many holidaymakers as the most beautiful of all. There are very few cars there and residents and holidaymakers mainly use bicycles. Since La Digue is much flatter than the main island, it can be explored wonderfully by bike.

Seychelles – culinary adventure

A holiday in the Seychelles is always a holiday from the usual cuisine. Creole cuisine is widespread on the islands. Fish and seafood are on almost every restaurant menu. There are curries or chutneys and in many restaurants you can also order goulash from flying foxes. If you are a vegetarian, you don’t have to do without delicious food, there are delicious fruits and vegetables are also on the menus.

Holidays in the Seychelles don’t have to be expensive

Whenever the media reports on holidays in the Seychelles, the focus is usually on luxury resorts that seem unaffordable for normal earners. However, the Seychelles are also an attractive destination for people with average earnings. On all important islands, locals offer very nice guesthouses for which you don’t have to pay much. They are available directly on the beach or in the hinterland and they offer the holidaymaker almost the same luxury as the large resorts.

So whether you just want to relax on the beach or conquer the islands of the Seychelles, everything is possible. Anyone who visits the Seychelles will take one thing above all with them when they return to everyday life, namely the longing for a return to this dreamlike paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean as soon as possible!

Travel information Seychelles

Capital	Victoria
Form of government	Presidential Republic
Currency	Seychelles Rupee (SCR)
Area	455 km²
Population	93,000 (2016)
Languages	Seychelles Creole (Seselwa), English, French
Electricity grid	240 V, 50 Hz
Area code	+248
Time zone	CET+3h

Whisky, castles, kilts – the Highland capital of Inverness

Scotland

PatrickJullien

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23. April 2022

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Whisky, castles, kilts – the Highland capital of Inverness

Inverness – In this city, all Scotland clichés come true. Visitors don’t have to look far for whisky, castles and kilts. Inverness is called the “Capital of the Highlands” and is even officially an administrative metropolis. The city with its 46,900 inhabitants is located in the mountainous northwest of Great Britain in the Great Glen valley on the River Ness. The river rises in the legendary Loch Ness, where the monster “Nessie” is said to be up to mischief. In Inverness it flows into the Beauly Firth and from there into the Moray Firth. The city name Inverness is derived from the Gaelic word for “mouth of the Ness”.

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According to Shakespeare, Macbeth became a murderer in Inverness

In addition to “Nessie”, other “celebrities” have made Inverness famous. There is Macbeth, who is made by Shakespeare in Inverness Castle into the bloodthirsty murderer of his opponent Duncan I. In truth, it shouldn’t have been that bad. Mary Stuart also lived for a short time in Stuart Castle (today’s Castle Stuart Castle Hotel) near Inverness. Last but not least, the courageous Scottish patriot Flora McDonald is worth mentioning. The city has erected a monument to her because she helped the Scottish pretender to the throne Charles Edward Stuart – known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” – to flee from the English to France after the defeat of the Scots on the Culloden Battlefield in 1746.

Pretty buildings next to architectural sins from modern times

By car or bus, visitors can usually reach the city via the A9, which also includes Edinburgh and Glasgow. Inverness has now lost its medieval cityscape. Visitors still find the city attractive: it has pretty parks and idyllic islands in the Ness, which are connected by bridges. Unfortunately, right next to their old churches and buildings there are often soulless concrete boxes. These are the building sins from the 1960s. After all, a stroll through the small pedestrian zone Highstreet and its side streets makes holidaymakers’ hearts beat faster. This is not only due to the Old High Church from 1770 or the former town hall built in the neo-Gothic style with its pointed turrets. It is also due to the traditional shops and their products. The modern Eastgate Shopping Centre stands in stark contrast to this. But in its neighbourhood, the architecturally more beautiful “Old Eastgate” is inviting. Not to be surpassed on a shopping tour is the Wilhelminian market hall “Victorian Market” from 1870 on Academy Street. It attracts visitors with kilt and tweed shops, souvenir shops, cafes and ice cream.

Football fans wear kilts to the game

Here as there, “tartans” are popular souvenirs. These are the colourfully woven tartan patterns of the woollen fabrics from which the kilts are made – those legendary kilts of men. Tourists mainly pounce on checkered scarves and shawls. Initially, certain tartan checks stood for a region, but at the beginning of the 19th century they became the distinguishing mark of the respective Scottish clans. Kilts are hardly seen in everyday life today, but on festive occasions such as weddings. Unusual for German eyes: At the weekend, the male football fans wear kilts when they cheer on their club Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium with a beer can in their hands.

Beautiful view of the Lords’ magnificent houses on the banks of the Ness

Greig Street Bridge, Inverness — The Greig Street Bridge pedestrian bridge, Image: Susanne Pommer / shutterstock

Inverness Castle is perched on a hill on the River Ness, near the Greig Street Bridge from 1881 – a beautiful photo opportunity. The castle is not old and venerable, it dates back to the 19th century and is now a courthouse. That’s why visitors are not allowed in at all. However, a tower has been opened for them. Even from the castle garden you can enjoy the view of the Victorian houses of the former Scottish nobles along the banks of the Ness. And in front of the castle, the aforementioned Flora McDonald stands on her pedestal and looks across the river as if she were expecting someone. The most beautiful view is from the nearby observation deck “Castle Viewpoint”. Where the castle stands today, fortresses and castles stood many centuries ago.

Traditional dish haggis is similar to the Palatinate pig’s stomach

Inverness offers a whole range of international restaurants. But if you rely on Scottish cuisine, you should try “haggis”. This is a traditional dish that resembles “our” Palatinate pig’s stomach: A sheep’s stomach is filled with all kinds of sheep innards and oatmeal and stewed. This creates a kind of sausage that is served hot with cooked white cabbage, mashed potatoes and white sauce. In the meantime, there are somewhat more modern variants. By the way, Scottish afternoon tea is sweeter than English tea and consists of three courses: sandwiches, scones with clotted cream – sweet rolls with thick cream – and candied fruit or shortbread for “dessert” – these are cookies made of shortcrust pastry.

On a whisky tour through the Highlands

If you stay longer in the city, use Inverness as a starting point for excursions. The tour to the scenic Highlands with its castles, forests, waterfalls, deep lakes, rugged cliffs and treeless moors is offered by many tour operators and can be combined with a whisky tour. The Highland distilleries and their spirits are very well known and praised by connoisseurs. In addition to whisky tastings, many distilleries offer their visitors guided tours, souvenirs and appetizers. Visitors can visit the Loch Ness Monster by boat via the Caladonian Canal. A tour of a completely different kind, on the other hand, is a pub tour of Inverness. It should be a must! Scottish folk and pop music can be heard live almost every evening in the old town. Visitors were supposed to take part in a “ceilidh” there. This is a Scottish pub party where people drink, make music, dance and sing – often together.

South Carolina – beautiful south of the USA

United States

PatrickJullien

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22. April 2022

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South Carolina – beautiful south of the USA

South Carolina is located in the southeastern United States between New York and Miami. It is a “typical” American state that is rich in attractions, including its colonial cities steeped in history, its many parks, and its miles of coastline with beautiful beaches. This makes South Carolina a popular vacation destination not only for American guests, but also for foreign tourists.

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Explore Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the second largest city in the state of South Carolina after Columbia. This city is a must-see during a visit to this region of the United States. Charleston is more than three centuries old and is one of the most beautiful American colonial cities with a rich architectural heritage ever. In fact, there are hundreds of religious buildings as well as magnificent mansions with different architectural styles in the city. The octagonal bell tower of the Saint-Philippe church is such an example of famous architecture, which is also a symbol of the city in general. Elsewhere you can discover the historic district full of colonial-style houses, each as beautiful as the last. For a relaxing sightseeing tour, consider enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride through the neighborhood. The city also has beautiful green spaces to offer, such as the “Cypress Gardens” or the “Middletown Gardens”. They are among the most beautiful and well-known parks.

Beach Vacation in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a charming coastal town located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations on the East Coast of the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. The long white sandy beaches that stretch over 100 kilometers and the many hotel complexes make the city a very popular seaside resort. Myrtle Beach is also known as the “golf capital” of the world. In fact, there are nearly 120 golf courses that are loved by golfers all over the world.
If you spend your holidays here with your family, you will be delighted to visit the “Family Kingdom” and the “Water Park”, which together form one large amusement park. The many rides and water parks are fun for young and old. “Brookgreen Gardens” in Murrells Inlet is also highly recommended for a visit. It is about thirty kilometers from the city and has a beautiful park, a zoo , as well as historical sites with a collection of sculptures displayed outdoors.

Discover the wonders of Greenville

Greenville, South Carolina — View of Greenville, Image: Kevin Ruck / shutterstock

Greenville is located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a city of contrasts, where old houses meet modern skyscrapers. In fact, Greenville is packed with attractions that let you experience the city’s history and culture. This also applies to the “Peace Center Theatre” or the “Children’s Museum of the Upstate”. The latter is a fabulous place where children can have fun and learn things. The Greenville Zoo is also a popular destination for families with children. On the other hand, in this colorful and lively city you will also find numerous boutiques, souvenir shops and many restaurants that want to delight the palate with local specialties. While in Greenville, don’t miss to visit Park Falls in the heart of downtown. A true oasis that offers breathtaking landscapes with magnificent gardens, romantic waterfalls and the famous Liberty Bridge crossing a river.

Hilton Head Island: Luxury in the “Lowcountry”

The stunning beaches on Hilton Head Island are perfect for a cycling adventure along the Atlantic coast. Hilton Head Island is one of the most luxurious beach destinations in all of South Carolina. Peppered with world-class golf courses, renowned restaurants, superb shopping and white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, this resort island is just right for relaxing.

In addition to the world-class accommodations and scenic beauty, Hilton Head also offers an exciting cultural scene to explore. From the rich history of the Gullah and authentic Lowcountry cuisine to wildlife viewing in the maritime forests of Fish Haul Creek Park, Hilton Head Island offers oceanfront adventure for everyone. Golfers from all over the world are attracted to Hilton Head for its numerous professionally designed golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort and Oyster Reef Golf Club at Hilton Head Plantation. If you are not a golf professional and don’t want to become one: The island also has a mini golf course for the less ambitious guests.

Not only is the island perfect for romantic getaways, golf weekends, and outdoor adventures, it’s also one of the best family resorts in the state. After a day in the sun and sand, take the kids to dress up as pirates and go on a Cruiseto search for sunken treasure at Pirates of Hilton Head, or visit the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the region’s cultural and natural history.

Friends, families and couples also enjoy biking the island’s more than 80 miles of bike trails through Hilton Head. Ride through Coligny Plaza, explore the trails of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, or venture out on a bike to dine like a local at one of Hilton Head’s amazing restaurants. It’s no wonder that Hilton Head Island draws more and more vacationers to its twelve miles of sunny shores year after year. If you’re looking for the perfect place to relax and spend time with the people who matter most to you, Hilton Head is the luxury vacation spot you’ve been looking for.

Maldives – Dream holiday in the tropics

Maldives

PatrickJullien

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22. April 2022

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If you spend your holiday in the Maldives, you will experience a paradisiacal dream in the form of bright white powdered sugar beaches, turquoise blue water and a climate that can only be found in the tropics. But that’s by no means all that the island state in the Indian Ocean has to offer.

A total of 19 island groups with 26 atolls and coral reefs make up the Maldives. Of the 1196 islands, however, only 220 are inhabited, whereby a distinction is made here again between the islands for locals and those for tourists. Although Dhivehi is still considered the official language, the Arabic language is also becoming more and more important.

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Maldives – Barefoot through paradise

Maldives from above — Relaxation begins as soon as the hotel transfer takes place and you experience incredible pictures, Image: Sven Hansche / shutterstock

If you travel to the Maldives, you will not only get to know the natural hospitality of the locals, but you will quickly realize that you can quickly get rid of some European habits. Shoes, for example, are considered completely overrated in the Maldives and can safely remain in the suitcase. Not only on the beautiful beaches, but also around the hotels, in bars and restaurants, soft, clean sand invites you to walk barefoot.

The Maldives are of course a paradise, especially for beach vacationers. In addition to Laguna Beach and Leisure Island, numerous other hotel islands invite you to relax under palm trees with a cocktail in your hand. Thanks to the numerous biodiversity, divers and snorkelers in particular get their money’s worth. As soon as you dive into the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean, you will encounter numerous fish in dazzling colors and turtles that swim slowly past you, as well as beautiful corals. Water sports such as surfing, jet skiing or a ride on a banana boat, on the other hand, provide an action-packed variety. And you can also spend wonderful days in the Maldives with your offspring, as you can read in our article “Maldives with children“.

But even if you are more of a city trip type, you won’t miss out on the Maldives. The capital, Malé, will delight you with its traditional fish market and a mosque carved from white coral.

Another highlight of the Maldives is certainly the Itaah restaurant on Rangali Island. 5 meters below the water surface, separated only by plexiglass panes, you dine together with sharks and other marine animals. Some of the most popular sights in the Maldives include many religious and sacred sites. If you are interested in the culture and history of the archipelagos, you will certainly get your money’s worth here.

Useful information for your Maldives holiday

While you are dependent on the summer months in most resorts, you don’t have to worry about that in the Maldives. The climate remains constant throughout the year, with temperatures around 30°C at any time of the year, but the rainy season begins in May and lasts until October. Although it remains warm and often sunny at this time, you still have to expect strong storms in the meantime. It is therefore advisable to plan your beach holiday in the winter months, when the dry northeast monsoon provides plenty of sunshine.

If you are planning to visit local islands, women in particular should observe the Islamic dress code. It is important that legs, shoulders and décolleté are covered. The same applies, of course, to visiting mosques and religious sites.

How long do you fly to the Maldives?

With a direct connection, it takes about 9-10 hours to fly from Germany to the Maldives. However, on flights with Arab airlines (e.g. Emirates or Etihad), you land in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. You fly to the Emirates for just under 6.15 hours and then about 4.15 hours to the Maldives.

What language do they speak in the Maldives?

The language in the Maldives is Dhivehi. This sounds similar to the Sinhalese language spoken in Sri Lanka .

Where are the Maldives located?

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka. They consist of 26 atolls that serve as the summits of seamounts just above sea level: the highest point in the Maldives is only 2.4 meters high.

When is the best time to travel to the Maldives?

The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. It is driest here. However, there are pleasant temperatures all year round and it is rarely below 25 degrees.

Hotel Islands in the Maldives

Travel information Maldives

Capital	Malé
Form of government	Republic Presidential system
Currency	Rufiyaa (MVR)
Area	298 km²
Population	approx. 344,000 (as of 2014)
Languages	Dhivehi
Electricity grid	230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code	+960
Time zone	UTC+5

Your very own little bit of luxury – a private pool on holiday

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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22. April 2022

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Your very own little bit of luxury – a private pool on holiday

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Relaxation guaranteed: Holidays in Holland

Just let your mind wander for a few days, don’t have to meet any obligations, don’t have to think about anything and don’t have to worry about anything – that’s how most of us imagine the perfect summer holiday. But if you want to book your holiday, you are spoilt for choice. Among other things, there is the question of whether hotel or holiday home, air travel or your own journey, long distance or rather holiday at home.

The perfect balance is offered here by a holiday in your own holiday home in Holland by the sea. Since our neighbouring country can be reached in just a few hours by car, the long journey is spared and the holiday can start completely relaxed. Despite the proximity to home, the holiday feeling is already due to the fact that you are no longer in Germany . The different language, the relaxed mentality and the delicious food immediately convey a feeling of relaxation and time-out. After all, Holland is not without reason known for its friendly people, the beautiful landscape and the delicious frikandeln. In Holland by the sea , you can relax from the stressful everyday life by walking on the beach, sunbathing or swimming in the sea.

Your own holiday home as accommodation

As accommodation for your holiday, your own holiday home is perfect. Here you can determine your daily routine individually and spontaneously. In contrast to a holiday in a hotel, you are not bound to any fixed times. This is a great advantage, especially for late risers, as they often miss breakfast in hotel complexes. In your own holiday home, however, this is not a problem, because when and how long you want to have breakfast is entirely up to you.

You can also spend the rest of the day according to your preferences. You can cook to your heart’s content in your own kitchen and enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace in the evening. Just let yourself be inspired by holiday homes in Holland by the sea.

Of course, a holiday home Holland by the sea has even more advantages. You can plan a romantic holiday for two or a fun weekend together with friends. Depending on the size of the house, you can also travel with the whole family and with a private holiday home you have created the perfect basis to have a good time together and make new memories with the family.

The very private luxury: your own pool

A special luxury: Holiday home with pool, Image: Dimitri Lamour / shutterstock

If you like it a little more luxurious, you will feel most comfortable in a holiday home with a private pool . This little luxury sweetens the holiday even more and also provides an extra portion of relaxation. Look forward to swimming a few laps in the morning sun and cooling off in the private pool in hot temperatures. Spontaneous pool parties are also no problem in the holiday home with private pool. Another advantage of having your own pool is clearly that you will always find a place by the pool and a free lounger without having to reserve a lounger before breakfast. The pool is all yours for the duration of the holiday – what a luxury.

On your suitcases, get set, go!

Well, do you feel like going on holiday? Now it’s your turn! Book your dream holiday now in your very own private holiday home in Holland by the sea. Let yourself be enchanted by the culture of our neighboring country and leave everyday life behind. For a holiday in a class of its own, opt for a holiday home with a private pool. Here you can really switch off and recharge your batteries for new projects. So, let’s go to Holland! You deserve it!

Aveiro: Between Art Nouveau buildings, Portuguese azulejos and enchanted canals

Portugal

PatrickJullien

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21. April 2022

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Aveiro: Between Art Nouveau buildings, Portuguese azulejos and enchanted canals

The Portuguese city of Aveiro has a romantic feel and is somewhat reminiscent of Venice. This is no wonder, because Aveiro is full of canals over which brightly painted wooden boats, the moliceiros, sail. Aveiro is located directly on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Salt is still mined here today. Salt mining is not only characteristic of Aveiro, it also established the former wealth of the city. In addition, Aveiro captivates with magnificent Art Nouveau buildings, sublime churches and an enchanted-looking fishermen’s quarter that is bursting with originality. In addition, Aveiro is a young city. Founded in 1973, the University of Aveiro has an excellent reputation and attracts many young people to the city. In addition, Aveiro is only a few kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. After extensive sightseeing, a visit to the city can be easily combined with a beach holiday.

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Experience Aveiro’s canal landscapes from a traditional moliceiro

Rio Vouga, Aveiro — The Rio Vouga in Aveiro, Image: portumen / shutterstock

If you visit the city of Aveiro, which has a population of around 80,000, you should definitely take a canal tour. This is done in the classic way on one of the traditional fishing boats. This means that it goes over three canals that flow through the entire old town. From the boat you have a wonderful view of the finely decorated and mostly pastel-colored Art Nouveau houses that are lined up along the canals. In addition, the original fishing boats, i.e. the moliceiros, are a sight in themselves. They are all richly decorated and colorfully painted with numerous motifs. So it’s worth taking a look at the other moliceiros passing by during the ride, because each of them is uniquely painted and designed.

A walk through the picturesque old town of Aveiro

But Aveiro can be explored not only by boat, but also on foot. The old town is characterized by an exciting mixture of urban liveliness, fishing tradition with colorful market hustle and bustle and wonderful architecture. In the middle of the city is the Mercado do Peixe fish market, which has been in operation for more than 100 years. It is housed in a permanent building and is not only used for the trade in fish and other marine animals. On the upper floor of the Mercado do Peixe, freshly prepared fish dishes can be enjoyed.

Continue to Praça de Rossio, where Aveiro’s most interesting Art Nouveau buildings are lined up. Worth seeing are, for example, the Coreto do Parque Municipal Infante Dom Pedro and the Edíficio da Casa dos Ovos Moles. By the way, Ovos Moles are a culinary specialty that can only be found in Aveiro and that you should definitely try once in your life. This is not, as the direct translation into German might promise, soft eggs, but a candy. It is mixed with egg yolks and a lot of sugar. The confectioners fill the resulting mass into a kind of shell made of wafer dough, which is usually designed like mussels, fish or other maritime motifs. You can buy the Ovos Moles in Aveiro on every corner.

Aveiro’s diverse museums

Aveiro Cathedral, Image: Sergio Gutierrez Getino / shutterstock

Aveiro has several very interesting museums to offer, all of which are worth an extensive visit. You should start with the Museu de Aveiro, where you can see primarily sacred art. It is housed in the former monastery of Mosteiro de Jesus. The premises of the monastery, which dates back to 1458, are worth a visit alone. In addition to paintings, which are mainly from the 17. and Dating back to the 18th century, traditional Portuguese tiles, carvings, robes and jewellery can be seen here. The Museu da Vista Alegre is all about porcelain. The museum is located in the associated porcelain factory Vista Alegre, which is known far beyond the borders of Portugal. On display are early workpieces from the factory, filigree individual pieces made of porcelain as well as tools and machines that have been used over the centuries to produce porcelain. Finally, the Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo is maritime. On display are old moliceiros, maritime navigation apparatus and interesting shell finds from the region.

Aveiro and the white gold

Aveiro has become wealthy mainly through the extraction of sea salt. If you want to find out more about the history of salt mining in Aveiro, visit the Salinas de Aveiro, which can be reached on foot from the old town after a short walk. The way there is well signposted. The Salinas de Aveiro are now primarily an open-air museum. In the past, of course, sea salt was extracted here in large quantities. A tour of the site takes about 45 minutes and you learn a lot about the history and tradition of sea salt production. It is explained in detail which steps are necessary for this, and what sea salt, as well as its degradation, means for the marine ecosystem. By the way, you can buy mined sea salt all over Aveiro.

The magnificent azulejos of Aveiro

In Aveiro there are a number of church buildings worth seeing. The Igreja da Misericórdia, for example, is particularly beautiful. It is located in the middle of the old town and was built at the end of the 16th century. It is known for the furnishings and façade design with the traditional white and blue azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tiles. Visitors can also see similarly beautiful tile work in the church of Nossa Senhora da Apresentação. If you don’t travel by train anyway, you should definitely make a detour to the train station, because there are more breathtaking pictures from azulejos to marvel at.

The dream of owning your own property on a Mediterranean island

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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21. April 2022

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The dream of owning your own property on a Mediterranean island

The sunny Mediterranean islands are the dream of many people. However, if the longing for the sea and sun exceeds the annual holiday and you are thinking of a permanent residence, then good planning and some considerations are necessary in advance. Whether it is on Mallorca Real Estate A finca in Ibiza, a house in Cyprus or an apartment in Crete is desired: To ensure that the dream of a sunny south does not quickly turn into a nightmare, the first question is whether the property should be a permanent holiday place or a new residence. While work and training opportunities are not taken into account in the holiday paradise, these are important when changing residence.

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Define your wishes precisely

In order to find properties in Ibiza, Cyprus or Mallorca that meet your requirements, you must first determine the basic data for the purchase of a house or apartment. In addition to the decision between apartment and house, this also includes the size of the property, the equipment and the location. It is decisive for both the purchase and rental price, but also the resale value, whether the desired Mallorca property is located directly on the beach, in a city or in the quiet hinterland. Transport links to the airport or the public transport network are just as important a value factor as shopping and entertainment facilities in the immediate vicinity. In addition to the size of the living space, the property belonging to the property has a significant influence on price development. You can choose a single plot of land or purchase an apartment in a residential complex, where you have a right of use to the common garden. Your accommodation unit can have a balcony, a terrace or the entire garden. On many Mediterranean islands, properties are only rented or sold furnished. The equipment of the Mallorca properties, both the residential unit and the outdoor area with pool and sports facilities, must fit your wishes and requirements.

Help from local experts

In order to translate the wishes you have made into actual houses or apartments, the support of local real estate agents is helpful. If several properties are shortlisted, then, as with any house or apartment purchase, the houses in Crete, Cyprus or Mallorca real estate must also be evaluated. The building fabric will be discussed in an appraisal as well as the quality of the equipment and the value of the furnishings. To ensure that the desired residential property has not been built illegally, the valuation and control of the building permit can be carried out by a real estate lawyer.

The settlement is carried out in accordance with state law

Cyprus Property — Great weather all year round with a property in Cyprus, Image: Motortion Films / shutterstock

Once you have found your dream house or the desired Mallorca real estate, then it is necessary to have the purchase contract and the entry in the land register carried out. The services of a local notary are necessary for this. In principle, a local tax number and a current account with a local bank are required for a property purchase in Spain, but also in Greece or Cyprus. Payment processing must be carried out via the local bank, but loan commitments are also ultimately clarified in cooperation with a local institution. Since the respective country laws differ, it is advisable to consult a tax advisor. This also provides information on which taxes, from real estate transfer tax to ancillary acquisition taxes, are incurred when buying. If the property is a secondary residence and you live in your summer dream for less than 183 days a year, then there are tax implications, which the local tax advisor will inform you about.

The sun shines on the Mediterranean islands for around 300 days. The scent of the olive groves and the view of the sea awaken in many people the desire for a permanent property in the sunny south. Local experts will help you find the precisely defined dream houses and advise you on the local requirements. However, in order to live permanently in the south, in addition to the new place of residence, you must also absorb the way of life, customs and language of the Mediterranean islands.