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Holidays with a motorhome: Once around the world

PatrickJullien
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Holidays with a motorhome: Once around the world

Fulfilling their big dream, treading new paths freely and independently and exploring the world: Who hasn’t felt this longing at some point? The motorhome makes it possible. With the itinerary and the targeted destinations, you can also bake “small rolls” first. Regardless of the kilometres driven and the duration, however, there are a few things to consider when planning a trip with a motorhome.

What do I have to consider when buying a motorhome?

It goes without saying that the vehicle should be roadworthy. When planning to buy a motorhome, the question arises as to whether it should be a new vehicle with individual equipment or whether a used motorhome is sufficient. Here, year-old cars or offers with a short-term registration are alternatives worth considering. Rent can be the cheaper option in individual cases. What is particularly popular with younger people is self-conversion, usually on the basis of a van. When making your decision, you should carefully weigh up the pros and cons and also keep an eye on your own wallet. After all, these can be considerable sums that you have to raise before you start.

The acquisition costs can reach dizzying heights in the upper segment: In the luxury class, you can currently get the Volkner Mobil Performance S for a rough estimate of 2.4 million dollars with appropriate special equipment. The 18-ton truck with built-in center garage offers space for a sports car. The roadster is ready for getting bread rolls or an excursion with small luggage. Of course, the flagship has extremely luxurious equipment. In this league, it goes without saying that the rolling 12-metre comfort apartment with 460 hp is equipped with every conceivable bells and whistles.

Outside the Oberliga, new motorhomes are available from about 30,000 €. These are usually basic versions that can be equipped according to needs, taste and budget. The additional costs for expansion or more powerful motorization can be considerable. At autoscout24 there is an overview of the current range of new and used motorhomes. With almost 6000 entries and many filter functions, you can select individually here. Vehicles under €20,000 usually have over 20 years and often over 200,000 kilometres under their belts. Susceptibility to repair included.

Rent a motorhome – The clever alternative

When renting a motorhome, you shouldn’t have to worry about repairs. The motorhome rental company has a transparent offer, the offers of the ADAC motorhome rental company and the Dutch provider Goboony. In the compact area, Vany Class camper vans such as VW California, Mercedes Benz Marco Polo or HymerCar Sydney are offered for €616 for 6 nights. With 2-4 beds, this is a manageable price. The compact class has driving characteristics similar to those of a passenger car and therefore does not place any special demands on the driver or driving licence class. In the premium segment of the “mobile premier class”, prices are €120 per week higher if the vehicles are suitable for winter use. 1339 € for 6 nights are due in the Premium glamour class. In addition to liability insurance, it is advisable to take out fully comprehensive and partial comprehensive insurance. Deductible insurance significantly reduces the deductible in the event of a claim.

Once the questions of the vehicle and the driving licence have been clarified and the travel route has been roughly determined, it is best to check in advance whether your identity card or passport is sufficiently valid. What are the entry requirements in the destination countries? Are visas required? Do you need an International Driver’s Permit? The Federal Foreign Office advises copying all personal documents and keeping them separately from the originals.

Depending on the destination country, it is not only advisable to have different currencies with you. Credit card acceptance may vary from country to country. That’s why you should bet on different cards. You should also be prepared in the event that you lose your means of payment. In this case, you should have the contact details of people with you who can arrange for an instant transfer. German embassies or consulates are suitable contacts whose addresses should be ready, as well as the emergency numbers of the credit institutions to block cards.

In order to be on the safe side in the event of illness, international health insurance offers good protection, especially for trips to non-European countries. It should be noted that there are special conditions for increased contributions for the USA . If repatriation to the home country is not included, a separate repatriation insurance should be taken out. The ADAC also recommends travel cancellation insurance.

Under https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-und-sicherheitshinweise , the Foreign Ministry offers up-to-date information on the travel destinations: from Egypt to Cyprus. You will find short and compact information on the current situation in the country, entry and customs, nature and climate, general travel information and information on health and legal peculiarities. Here you will also find information on the vaccination regulations.

The authority urgently advises foreign travelers and persons with permanent residence abroad to register with the crisis preparedness list . The crisis preparedness list ELEFAND (Electronic Registration of Germans Abroad) helps in the event of a crisis or disaster and offers support from the missions abroad.

When everything is checked and in dry cloths, you can think about packing. The climatic conditions prevailing on the trip will determine the selection of clothing. The onion skin principle has proven its worth: several items of clothing are worn on top of each other. What should not be missing on any trip are the individually required medication in sufficient quantities and medicine for emergency care.

Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you here. When prophylaxis of exposure to avoid malaria or dengue, please think of insect repellent. Take a mosquito net and long, preferably light-colored clothing. Liquid disinfectants, a sufficient supply of water and water filters are part of the basic equipment of modern nomads. Have a good trip!

Booking a holiday with Paysafecard – this is how it works

PatrickJullien
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0
Booking a holiday with Paysafecard – this is how it works

Most people book their trips on the Internet these days. Going to the travel agency is too arduous, especially if you live in the countryside. And often the online offers are also much cheaper. Payment is usually made by credit card, PayPal or instant bank transfer. But that’s exactly what is a problem for some. According to estimates, between 500,000 and one million people in Germany do not have a current account. And older people in particular often still lack trust in digital payment methods. They don’t want to give their account details or credit card number on a website. There is an alternative for them: With the Paysafecard, it is possible to pay for online travel bookings in cash. Here’s how it works.

What is a Paysafecard?

The Paysafecard is a kind of virtual prepaid card. In many supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations there are top-up codes for it to buy. This makes it possible to pay in cash or by Girocard. The payment data is not stored. The most well-known use is probably that you can deposit in the casino with Paysafecard . Especially casual players who only want to deposit smaller amounts like to use it. But many online shops also accept the Paysafecard. However, Paysafecard is mostly used for smaller amounts. Online travel agencies such as Expedia or Booking.com therefore do not accept this payment method. It is also usually not possible to pay with the Paysafecard at airlines and hotel chains. So if you absolutely want to pay for a trip in cash, you have to use a trick.

Book directly at TripGift

The first way to pay for a trip via Paysafecard is the TripGift platform. There it is possible to buy gift vouchers for travel. Of course, you can give them as a gift, but you can just as easily use them yourself. The site’s vouchers are valid for many airlines (e.g. Lufthansa, Air France and Turkish Airlines), hotel chains (e.g. Hilton, Mercure, Ibis), car rental companies (e.g. Sixt, Enterprise, Hertz) and various travel providers. The trip itself must then be booked directly with these companies. Currently, TripGift is the only travel platform that accepts payments via Paysafecard. The service is available in Germany as well as in most other EU countries. This method is a bit cumbersome, especially when it comes to a longer trip. However, for those who do not have their own bank account, they are a good alternative.

Top up your prepaid credit card with Paysafecard

The second way to pay for a trip by Paysafecard is the prepaid credit card from Paysafecard. It can also be topped up at the supermarket checkout . However, unlike the normal Paysafecard, it is accepted wherever Mastercard can be used. If you only ever top it up with the necessary credit, you don’t have to worry about a third party misusing the card data. The prepaid credit card makes it possible to pay in cash practically anywhere on the Internet – even on most booking platforms. However, there are also some disadvantages. On the one hand, there is an annual fee of 9.90 €. There is also a 4% fee when topping up the card. This is particularly important for larger amounts.

Paying for travel bookings with Paysafecard – Does it make sense?

For most people, it doesn’t make sense to pay for their trips with Paysafecard. This is because the procedure is cumbersome and sometimes expensive. However, for all those who want to pay in cash for important reasons, it is a valuable way to book air travel and hotel accommodation via the Internet.

Winter holiday XXL. Dream travel destinations for the extended family – via HomeExchange

PatrickJullien
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Winter holiday XXL. Dream travel destinations for the extended family – via HomeExchange

Thursday, November 17, 2022 – The winter season is approaching and with it the holidays: For many families, this is the time to celebrate and get together together. Why not combine your winter holiday with family time, escape the cramped apartment with a folding sofa and air beds for the guests – and spend the Christmas holidays in a large house in beautiful surroundings, where grandma and grandpa, cousins and uncles can also comfortably sit? An affordable alternative to a hotel is a home exchange holiday. It is not only easy on the travel budget, but also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of sustainability and comfort: There is hardly a more authentic way to accommodate the extended family.

“After a long year that was particularly difficult for all of us, 2022 is almost over. What could be better than ending the year with your loved ones? What makes a home exchange so attractive is the character and authenticity of the homes, where you live like a local and create real memories,” muses Emmanuel Arnaud, co-founder and CEO of home exchange platform HomeExchange. And if you want to spend the holidays with grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts or good friends, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for here: Four particularly spacious domiciles in dreamlike holiday resorts that are easily accessible by car or train show where Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2022 could become a winter fairy tale for the XXL family with a house exchange.

1. Val D’Anniviers, Switzerland

Source: HomeExchange

Right in the heart of the Swiss Alps lies one of the most beautiful mountain valleys and nature areas – the Val D’Anniviers. The Alpine Valley is characterised by its well-developed sports infrastructure. In winter, ski enthusiasts get their money’s worth here on over 200 kilometres of ski slopes. At around 3000 metres, the highest slope summit invites you to spectacular descents. And if you like it quieter, you can explore the numerous hiking trails. Val D’Anniviers also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights: Valais raclette and traditionally produced glacier wine are among the famous regional products. Located not far from the valley is the cozy mountain cabin of Michael, a member of HomeExchange. It has four bedrooms and eleven beds, spread over 120 square meters. Here the extended family can be together undisturbed and enjoy the panoramic view of the magnificent mountain range.

https://www.homeexchange.fr/maison-vacances/1983567

 

2. Florence, Italy

Source: HomeExchange

The Italian city of Florence is known for its impressive artistic and cultural heritage and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A tourist magnet in summer, the Tuscan city is less crowded during the winter months. Holidaymakers save themselves crowded streets and long queues during this time. This makes sightseeing more relaxed and allows extensive strolling. In keeping with the Mediterranean flair, a true dream accommodation is offered by HomeExchange member Helen in an unbeatable location: the frescoed apartment is located in an old palazzo and directly on the banks of the Arno. It covers 350 square meters and offers eleven sleeping places. So after a stroll through the city, everyone in the family group can put their feet up together.

https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2111123

3. Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium

Source: HomeExchange

Families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and everyday life will certainly find peace and quiet in the rural village of Braine-l’Alleud. The extensive fields offer wonderful sunsets and lead to numerous popular excursion destinations. A piece of history can be experienced on relaxed walks and bike tours: historic castles and monuments such as the “Lion of Waterloo” are located in the area. Despite the quiet and secluded location, there are various restaurants and shopping facilities within walking distance. An ideal place to consciously disconnect from the digital hustle and bustle and devote yourself intensively to your family. In this property you would like to stay for a long time anyway: the huge property of David and Andrea, two long-time members of HomeExchange, combines everything your heart desires and impresses with a jacuzzi, bar, library, home cinema and private garden. A postmodern, exclusively furnished house that sleeps 15. So “hyggelig” and comfortable that you would like to stay until spring.

https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2015073

4. Mladé Buky, Czech Republic

Source: HomeExchange

Mladé Buky is a village in the Czech Republic. Especially in the winter season, the village flourishes, as many ski tourists go to the slopes. The largest ski resort in the Czech Republic is located there. With golf courses, night skiing and a huge children’s amusement park with heated paddling pools and trampolines, there is something for young and old. Guests will also find the family-friendly ambience at Marek, another member of HomeExchange: Twelve beds are spread over five bedrooms. The house he offers for exchange offers 150 square meters of living space and has three bathrooms as well as a garden and swimming pool.

https://www.homeexchange.com/holiday-home/2165700

 

Business trips: practical tips for organizing

PatrickJullien
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Business trips: practical tips for organizing

In this article, we would like to give you more useful tips so that you can make your business trips as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Proper preparation is key to the success of a business trip. But which practices make sense and which don’t? We have compiled the most important aspects for you.

Flight booking for a business trip

Book your flight as early as possible

It is recommended to book your flight as early as possible, as prices usually increase over time. If you are flexible, you can also try to find cheap flights. There are many websites where you can search for cheap flights. However, make sure that you read the terms and conditions of the respective website carefully before booking.

Travel flexibly by private jet

If you are in a hurry and need to travel by plane at short notice, you have the option of renting a private jet. For example, the world’s leading provider AEROAFFAIRES offers the possibility to charter an aircraft within two hours. Even if you want or need to avoid waiting times at the gate, renting a plane is a good option.

Try booking direct flights

If possible, book direct flights instead of stopovers. Direct flights are usually more expensive, but they save you a lot of time and stress. However, if you don’t have a choice and need to book a flight with a stopover, try booking a flight with only one stopover. This way you avoid taking several flights on the same day and having to change planes in several airports.

Don’t pack too much

Try to take as little as possible with you. Pack only the things you absolutely need. The more luggage you carry around with you, the harder it will be for you to move around and keep everything under control. If possible, pack light clothing and shoes so that you have more space in your luggage.

Choosing the right accommodation

Train instead of flight
Travelling through Germany by train instead of plane, Image: Denis Belitsky / shutterstock

A good hotel should be important for both the organization and the execution of your trip. If you are looking for a good hotel, you should pay attention to various aspects. First, you should pay attention to whether the hotel is close to the places where you will have conversations or meetings. The range of restaurants and shopping opportunities nearby is also important.

Another important criterion is the hotel’s facilities. Pay attention to the number and quality of the rooms, bathrooms and other rooms, as well as the comfort of these facilities. The choice of amenities, e.g. games or television in the rooms, is also important. After all, you want to relax during your trip and not have to move all the time.

The location of the hotel is also significant. Pay particular attention to the distance to public transport and the exhibition or congress centre, if necessary. The range of parks or other green spaces near the hotel also plays a role in choosing the right hotel for your trip.

Hired car

When booking a rental car for your business trip, you should always ask yourself whether you really need a car. In many cases, it is not necessary to rent your own vehicle – unless you plan to get around a lot or have special requirements for the vehicle (e.g. a towbar).

If you decide to take a rental car, you should keep the following in mind:

  • Find out in advance about the rental conditions and costs. Pay particular attention to the costs for kilometres, fuel and any additional drivers.
  • Reserve the car as early as possible to get the best prices. Compare different offers and, if necessary, different car rental companies.
  • When you pick up the car, take exactly the time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and try out all the features (e.g. heating/air conditioning). Make sure that all damage to the vehicle is documented.
  • Before you set off, you should find out whether there are any special traffic rules in the country/region you are driving in (e.g. ban on drinking and driving).

Plan B

Nobody likes it when he or she is on a business trip. It’s always a stress to travel around and meet new people. But there is a way to improve this experience: Plan B. A plan B is a contingency strategy that you should develop before you go on your next trip. This plan should help you get the best possible experience on your trip. So if you don’t like to travel or are afraid that something could go wrong, you should think about a plan B beforehand.

Norderney – traditional spa town in East Frisia

PatrickJullien
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Norderney – traditional spa town in East Frisia

The island of Norderney is the oldest spa on the German North Sea coast. As early as the end of the 18th century, the first spa guests came from the mainland to enjoy the stimulating climate. Norderney is the second largest East Frisian island after Borkum. It is popular with holidaymakers due to its extensive range of leisure activities consisting of relaxation, action and adventure.

The holiday begins on the mainland

The North Sea island can be reached via the A28 motorway. At the Leer triangle, the path leads to Emden. Here it is worth paying a visit to the Otto Huus. Various museum ships and the medieval Pelzer houses are worth seeing. The large windmill “De Vrouw Johanna”, built in the 17th century on the city wall, is the only one in the area to have large wings that can be seen from afar. Art lovers should pay a visit to the Kunsthalle, which is known beyond the borders of the city.

Journey through the East Friesian idyll

Norderney Lighthouse
The lighthouse on Norderney, Image: IndustryAndTravel

The way to Norderney leads along the A210 federal road towards Aurich. Suurhusen is home to the world’s leanest tower, which has an inclination of 5.19 degrees. Even the more famous building in Pisa, Italy, becomes envious. In Südbrookmerland, Norderney vacationers turn into the B72 in the direction of Norddeich. There is a large car park here for people who have rented one of the holiday apartments and holiday homes on Norderney . Theoretically, it is also possible to cross by car, but the ferry is expensive and there are numerous restrictions on the island, especially in season.

The holiday begins in Norddeich

Alternatively, holidaymakers can also arrive by bus or train. In Norddeich, everyone has the same destination: the ferry. Tickets can be bought spontaneously at the ticket counter or pre-ordered. During the crossing, the wind blows around the noses of the guests. Soon the island comes closer and closer. By the way, the ferry operates independently of low and high tide. Only extreme weather can sometimes lead to failures. After about an hour under the song of the seagulls, the ship docks at the quay of Norderney. Holidaymakers have been in the holiday mood for a long time.

Varied relaxation on Norderney

Travelers will find numerous beautiful accommodations on the island. Holiday apartments and houses offer the opportunity to get in touch with the locals. They also offer a great deal of personal freedom. Meal times in the hotel and other regulations do not play a role. Families with children in particular will find the right accommodation here, where the little ones do not have to pay attention to the etiquette of adults. It is the starting point for varied holidays.

Recognised climatic health resort and North Sea spa

If you want to do something good for your health, visit the bade:haus. It is considered the largest thalassotherapy house in Europe and offers relaxation for the whole family. In addition to various seawater baths and saunas, the family pool is an attraction. In the exclusive SPA area, high-quality treatments are offered.

A wide range of leisure activities

By the way, the pool is open all year round except for a short time in autumn. The North Sea is by no means just a holiday destination for midsummer. The Wadden Sea is fascinating, which can also be discovered with dry feet in the Watt Worlds visitor centre of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other activities include:

  • several museums
  • the Cape Horn play park (with indoor offer)
  • a golf course
  • several good restaurants
  • the seal banks in the east of the island
  • the magnificent beaches

Norderney is certainly one of the most beautiful and versatile holiday resorts on the North Sea.

 

Holidays in Las Vegas – What you shouldn’t miss

PatrickJullien
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Holidays in Las Vegas – What you shouldn’t miss

When someone goes on a journey, he can tell something – this saying is well known and there is always exciting to tell about the new experiences and experiences. If you also travel to Las Vegas, you will hardly be able to resist new impressions. And since everything that happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, a particularly large number of bachelor parties are celebrated here – not only by the bachelors, but also by the brides-to-be.

If you want, you can get in the mood for your Sin City vacation and visit casinos in advance and do a few rounds on the slots online or play a few hands of blackjack. A comparison portal to find the best casinos is advisable, because everything should be done right. The online casinos listed here are reputable and licensed and offer players a fair and safe gaming environment. The selection of games can be compared to the offer in the casinos in Las Vegas and strategies for blackjack can be rehearsed.

Once in Las Vegas, the question of the best casino inevitably arises. Whether Caesars Palace, Bellagio, Golden Nugget, MGM Grand or another casino, the selection is large, but they all have a lot to offer visitors. At Caesars Palace, guests can have their food delivered to their table with their own app, while at MGM Grand, Pac-Man is also available. If you are enthusiastic about table games, you will find the largest offer at Golden Nugget Casino, where you can even play Free Bet Blackjack. The Bellagio – best known from countless movies – offers a poker room with a daily Texas Holdem tournament. If you play too long, you can treat yourself to a neck massage in between so as not to lose concentration.

Great things to do off the strip

Bellagio Water
Water show in front of the Bellagio Hotel in 2012, Image: Paul Brady Photography / shutterstock

But Las Vegas doesn’t just impress with its casinos, because day trips to the surrounding area bring variety and adventure feeling. The Hoover Dam – named after the American President Herbert Hoover – is an impressive dam between Nevada and Arizona and, together with the dam of the Colorado River, ensures a controlled release of water. Most of the time, this day trip also includes exploring the Grand Canyon, one of the greatest natural wonders on earth.

Water lovers can relax on the guided ClearView Bottom kayak tour to the Black Canyon’s Emerald Cave. The spectacular shades in different shades of green really make an impression.

Musical Entertainments

In almost every large casino hotel, shows or performances by stars are on the agenda. For example, you can be enchanted by magicians, visit a musical , entertain yourself in a comedy club or be impressed by a burlesque show. The performances of the world-famous Cirque du Soleil or the Blue Man Group, which have been selling out houses for years, are also very popular.

Behind the Blue Man Group are three people in black suits with blue-painted skin who put on a fantastic show based on comedy, music and interaction, making for an entertaining evening for visitors.

Cirque du Soleil introduces itself to guests with six shows in Las Vegas, all of which will make mouths open. Acrobats, dancers and musicians present themselves in a unique and exciting way in fantastic costumes and spectacular scenes that viewers will talk about for a long time to come.

Las Vegas is a city that has much more to offer than just casinos. Those who visit Sin City can be sure to experience adventure, entertainment and fun and quickly make the resolution to return soon.

Guardalavaca on the sunny island of Cuba

PatrickJullien
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Guardalavaca on the sunny island of Cuba

Guardalavaca is a municipality in the province of Holguín, Cuba. The name literally means “guard the cow”. The name has evolved from the original place name Guardalabarca, which means “guard the boat”. The name is based on the fact that the bays there offered protection from sea pirates. Since 1990, Guardalavaca has increasingly been developed into a tourist resort. The main target group is divers who explore the breathtaking coral reef there.

The beautiful beaches of Guardalavaca

The town has beautiful beaches that invite you to relax, swim, swim, dive and snorkel. There are three in number: an approximately 700-metre-long beach in the west, a 450-metre-long beach to the east and the one-kilometre-long beach behind a small fishing harbour that extends to a small village. The water temperature in the region averages around 25 degrees Celsius. The hinterland is dotted with a Cuban coastal forest and has a rocky coastline.

Climate in Guardalavaca

Summer in Guardalavaca begins in June and ends in September. The climate in Cuba is tropical and the sun shines there all year round. It is an ideal destination for wintering. Temperatures fluctuate between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius throughout the year. In the winter months, less precipitation is generally to be expected than in summer.

The tourist center of Guardalavaca

Guardalavaca Beach
Relaxing on the beach, Image: vvital / shutterstock

The tourist center consists of three hotel complexes and the place where mainly the locals who work there live. To the west of the town is the three-star Club Amigo Atlantico hotel, which was renovated after Hurricane Ike. The pool area borders the sandy beach, which is about 750 meters long. To the west of the hotel there are shopping facilities, including a craft market. Behind the bungalows of the hotel is the Hotel Guardalavaca, where there is a swimming pool. Locals tend to spend their holidays here. However, the hotel also has rooms that meet European standards. With 4 stars, Hotel Brisas is considered the best hotel in Guardalavaca. The hotel building with its restaurant faces the beach. From the pools you can get directly to the sandy beach.

Excursions from Guardalavaca

If you want to take a break from relaxing on the beach, there are numerous leisure activities in Guardalavaca and the surrounding area. For example, you can visit the Chorro de Maita Indian cemetery or the landing site of Christopher Columbus, which is located on the Bahía de Bariay. For families with children, the aquarium in the “Parque Natural Bahía de Naranjo” is recommended. There is also a dolphin show worth seeing. You can also experience sea lions up close here.

A nice destination is the Museo El Chorro de Maíta, a museum about the life of the Indian-Cubans with an exhibition about original remains of indigenous people of the region. The museum is located south of the town of Yaguajay, where you will also find several restaurants and bars for lunch or dinner.

Specialities from the region

In Guardalavaca you also have numerous opportunities to taste typical Cuban specialties. The cuisine in the east is Caribbean-African, in contrast to the west of Cuba, which lives more from Spanish influences. The most important ingredients of Cuban cuisine there are Caribbean spices, African vegetables, rice (“arroz”) and black beans. The national dish of Cuba is called congris. It consists of rice with red beans. However, most specialties are prepared with a lot of meat. Cuba is best known for its rum with brands such as Ron Legendario or Ron Caney. On the sunny island, however, there is also excellent Cuban beer, such as Palma Cristal. Thick cigars are also a trademark of Cuba.

A tour in the province of Holguín

Cathedral of San Isidoro in Holguín
Cathedral of San Isidoro in Holguín, Image: Anton Zelenov / shutterstock

For those who want to make a somewhat longer round trip, the two national parks, the La Mensura National Park and the Pinares de Mayari National Park, are worth a trip. Here you can take a hike or a short walk in the wonderful nature. In the Pinares de Mayari National Park, there is a well-known waterfall to admire, El Salto de Guayabo, which is one of the highest in Cuba. Here the water rushes more than 300 meters into the depths. Characteristic of this nature reserve are the pine forests that stretch over the ridges. The region is also known for the country’s original coffee plantations.

The capital Holguín

The capital of the province of the same name Holguín is also worth seeing. There are some beautiful parks in the city that invite you to linger, such as the centrally located Galixto García Park. Art and culture lovers can also visit the beautiful Moncada and Bayado galleries or the city’s library. Holguín has a very beautiful cathedral that was built in 1720. It is called Catedral de San Isidro. A walk over 450 steps to the viewpoint on the Loma de la Cruz mountain reveals a wonderful, worthwhile view over the entire city, especially at sunrise and sunset, where you can end the evening wonderfully with a visit to the theater or cinema

Visa to enter the USA

PatrickJullien
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Visa to enter the USA

Before you can get on the plane to explore America’s west coast with the impressive national parks, San Francisco and Los Angeles, for example, you have to apply for a visa for the USA. But what travel regulations must be observed?

The ESTA application

ESTA is an abbreviation for “Electronic System for Travel Authorization”. Since January 2009, this electronic entry permit has replaced a form that previously had to be filled out on airplanes or ships. The automatic ESTA system allows visa-free entry to the USA for a period of up to 90 days.

According to the regulations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ESTA is an electronic system for obtaining a travel authorization as a visa-free program (VWP).

According to a recommendation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the ESTA visa should be applied for at least 72 hours before departure.

If you want to apply for an ESTA, you have to fill out a form on the website of the “U.S Customs and Border Protection” on the personal data form. At the end of the form, a fee of $14 is due. An ESTA can also be applied for at a visa agency. However, then higher costs are incurred.

Information for the application

Applicants applying for an ESTA entry permit must provide some information about themselves and a valid passport, as well as answer a few other questions.

If you want to apply for ESTA, you must provide various information. These are:

  • first and last name (identical to the information in the passport),
  • Sex
  • other personal data that were used,
  • Country and place of birth,
  • Date of birth
  • country of current main residence,
  • Contact details
  • passport details,
  • personal details of the parents,
  • information about the employer,
  • information about contacts in the USA,
  • Contact details for emergencies and
  • Security issues, such as criminal records, visa refusals, medical conditions, etc.

An ESTA entry permit has a validity period of 24 months. Travelers are allowed to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 90 days within these 24 months without needing another visa. The prerequisite is a passport valid for 24 months.

Background to the ESTA procedure

ESTA USA
The ESTA travel authorization is a suitable alternative to a visa for vacationers, Image: DesignRage / shutterstock

A few years ago, the U.S. immigration authorities launched the “Visa Waiver Program” for short: “VWF”. This system is an electronic entry permit for all participating countries, which allows citizens of these nations to apply for an electronic entry permit. Electronic application means that cumbersome forms and long waiting times are rented. Currently, 36 nations are involved in the “VWF”. These include most countries of the European Union as well as the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as Australia, Japan and Chile.

Apply for visas

In principle, all nationals of a foreign country need a visa to stay in the United States. A basic distinction is made here between visas for temporary stays (non-immigrant visas) and visas for permanent stays (immigrant visas).

Travelers to the USA should inform themselves early on about the different types of visas that are necessary to enter the USA. First of all, check whether you are not still in possession of a valid entry visa. However, please also note that an entry visa issued by an American mission abroad, i.e. an embassy or consulate, is not an automatic guarantee of entry. Under certain circumstances, you may even be denied entry.

The respective visa categories for entry into the United States

ESTA Visas for the United States

The entry permit, which is applied for through the ESTA procedure, is suitable for private or business travel. The nationality of the applicant is decisive. As a rule, the electronic entry permit is confirmed to travellers from the Federal Republic of Germany.

The tourist visa or B2 entry visa

San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Image: Travel Stock / shutterstock

You can apply for a tourist visa for private travel, family visits, or medical treatment in the United States. Travelers who are not eligible for an ESTA visa also have the option of applying for the B2 entry visa.

The business visa or B1 entry visa

The B1 entry visa is suitable for business trips that want to go to the United States for work or business reasons. This includes, for example, participants in meetings, congresses or conferences. In principle, the B1 entry visa also allows you to take up employment.

The Transit Visa C

You can apply for a transit visa for the United States if your actual destination is in a third country and you are at a United States airport for transit.

Crew Visa C1/D for the United States

If you are a member of an aircraft crew or a member of the crew of a cruise ship operating in the United States, you will need a C1/D crew visa for the United States.

J1 visa for student exchange with the United States

You will need the J1 visa if you are participating in an organized student exchange. Student exchange programs are administered and approved by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), which reports to the U.S. Department of State. This United States entry visa covers one year of high school. It also includes the exchange programme for pupils and students of a secondary school.

Entry visa F1 for a language course in the United States

The F1 visa for the United States is for those who want to take part in a language course in the United States or intend to study there. The F1 entry visa is also aimed at those who want to organize a student exchange themselves. It is also aimed at those who want to study in the United States, with this comprising both short- and long-term courses. However, in the F1 visa, no high school year does not include

Apply for a tourist visa or visitor visa B2 for the USA

The B2 visit visa for the United States is a tourist visa to allow travelers to stay in the United States for purely private or purely tourist purposes. At the same time, this means that it is only a visit stay. Taking up employment, but also carrying out an internship or a course of study are not permitted. A B1 business visa is required for these purposes.

The USA visa B2 is also not suitable for a longer stay and therefore not for immigrants. It is generally limited to a maximum of 180 days per entry. The tourist visa for the USA is suitable for those who want to stay there longer than the ESTA allows with the limited duration of 90 days. The B2 visa is for stays of more than 90 days for the purpose of vacation, family visits, medical treatment or participation in events.

 

The most beautiful resorts in Formentera

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful resorts in Formentera
The island of Formentera is located about nine kilometers south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea and belongs to the Balearic Islands. The island is about 19 kilometers long and has about 70 kilometers of coastline. With an area of 82 square kilometres, Formentera is the second smallest inhabited island in the Balearic Islands. In fact, about 12,300 people live permanently on the island, but only about a quarter come from there.

Due to tourism, the population of Formentera has more than tripled since the seventies and especially since the turn of the millennium. This was initially due to the arrival of workers and, since the nineties, increasingly to people who have decided to live permanently on the island.

As long as the interior of the island is not used for agriculture, such as viticulture, pine forests and juniper grow there. Catalan has been spoken in Formentera since the 13th century.

The climate of Formentera

The climate in Formentera is temperate subtropical. With an average annual temperature of over 16 degrees, Formentera is the warmest island of the Balearic Islands, but also the driest due to the low rainfall.

The mass tourism of the nineties, like all the islands of the Balearic Islands, has of course also shaped Formentera, but not to the same extent as the other islands. Formentera has largely been spared the ruthless construction boom that has given other islands soulless concrete castles, the beaches are still almost completely unspoiled, and the hotels are essentially concentrated in a single place. Formentera has been able to retain much of its original tranquillity. This is certainly also due to the fact that the island can only be reached by ship. Nevertheless, about 450,000 passengers arrive at the ferry port of La Savina every year.

The towns in Formentera are San Francesc de Formentera, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, Es Cap de Barbaria, Es Pujols, El Pilar de la Mola, La Savina and Es Caló.

San Francesc de Formentera

San Francesc de Formentera
Small church in San Francesc de Formentera, Image: Esther fornas riera / shutterstock

San Francesc de Formentera is the main town of the island. Sometimes, however, the place is also called San Frances Xavier; the Spanish name is San Francisco. “Hauptort” because the town hall, the main post office and the police station are located here. Actually, Formentera is not further divided politically. San Francesc has about 1,400 inhabitants in the town and about 1,700 in the surrounding area.

In San Francesc there are good restaurants and also good shops. In addition, the daily art market takes place here in the season, where not only arts and crafts and jewellery are offered, but also, for example, clothing and – for “self-propellants” – wool.

Sights in the village are the fortified church of San Francesc Xavier from the 18th century and the chapel of Sa Tanca Vella from the 14th, possibly even from the 13th century. There is also an interesting ethnological museum in the village, the “Museu Etnològic”.

In San Francesc de Formentera, the feast of the patron saint of the island, St. James (Festa de San Jaume), is celebrated on 25 July and the feast of the patron saint of the town (Festa de Sant Francesc) on 3 December. About three kilometres from the centre of the village is the port of La Savina.

Sant Ferran de ses Roques

The town of Sant Ferran, in Spanish San Fernando, is located directly east of San Francesc. The village itself has about 1,000 inhabitants, another 2,000 live in the area. San Ferran was the center of hippie culture on Formentera in the sixties. Speaking of “hippie culture: the Canadian songwriter Joni Mitchell wrote part of her famous album “Blue” in Formentera in 1970.

On 30 May, Sant Ferran celebrates the Festa de Sant Ferran, the feast day of the patron saint of the town.

El Cap del Barbaria

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

The “Barbarian Cape” is particularly known for its outstanding sight in the truest sense of the word, the lighthouse on a cape over 100 meters high. The American songwriter and current Nobel Prize winner for literature Bob Dylan lived in the lighthouse for a while in the seventies.

Es Pujols

The town of Es Pujols is the place where tourism is concentrated in Formentera. Es Pujols has less than 900 inhabitants, but it is home to almost all the hotels on the island and all the facilities relevant to tourism, such as restaurants, bars and discos. Formentera’s tourist nightlife is almost exclusively found in Es Pujols. The town is located on an almost two-kilometre-long bay with the beach Playa d’Es Pujols. In the high season, there are regular buses from Es Pujols to the other towns on the island.

El Pilar de la Mola

El Pilar is a small town with only about 200 inhabitants. Another 600 people live in the vicinity of the village.

Worth seeing in the village are a pretty 18th century church reminiscent of Cubism despite its age, an old windmill and especially another lighthouse of the island, the Far de la Mola. It was built in 1860. Here is a memorial stone in honour of the French writer Jules Vernes, in whose novel “Journey through the World of the Sun” the lighthouse plays a role. The lighthouse stands on a cape almost 150 meters high.

In El Pilar de La Mola there is also a craft market twice a week during the tourist season.

A small town that belongs to El Pilar de la Mola is Es Caló, which was once the only port in Formentera before the port in La Savina was opened. Es Caló has a fine sandy beach about 100 meters long and 25 meters wide. The harbour itself is still in operation for pleasure and fishing boats.

Holidays in the village are 24 June, St. John’s Day, and 12 October, the feast day of the patron saint Pilar.

La Savina

La Savina, Spanish name La Sabina, has about 800 inhabitants and is home to the port of the island of Formentera. This is where ferries coming from Ibiza and the Spanish mainland dock and depart. With the Far de La Savina, this place also has a lighthouse worth seeing.

Other sights

Near the town of Es Pujols, on the Punta Prima headland, there is a defensive tower dating back to the Middle Ages. Also near Es Pujols is the salt lake Estany Pudent with its salt pans used for salt production.

Beaches in Formentera

Platja de Migjorn
Platja de Migjorn, Image: Naeblys / shutterstock

“Migjorn” is the name of the south coast of Formentera. Here there are more than five kilometers of beach after beach, only interrupted by rocky areas. Each beach has its own name: Mal Pas, Es Ca Marí, Es Racó Fondo, Es Codol Foradat, Es Valencians beach, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. The most popular beaches are Ca Mair, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. Since the winter ocean currents reshape the landscape here every year, the beaches can look different from year to year. There are numerous restaurants and hotels in this area of the island, although most of the tourist facilities are located in the town of Es Pujols.

The town of Es Caló has a fine-grained sandy beach about 100 meters long and 25 meters wide. Hotels and restaurants can also be found here. On a long headland northwest of Es Pujols there are beaches, the most famous is Platja de Ses Illetes and right next to the beach Llevant, less known, but at least as beautiful and much quieter.

Cavall d’en Borràs beach is only about two kilometres from the port of La Savina and is therefore also well suited for a day trip from Ibiza with its crystal clear waters. Cala Saona beach can be reached from Cap de Barbaria and is located between two cliffs.

The beach of the main tourist town of Es Pujols stretches over a length of 600 meters. Another nearby and somewhat quieter beach is Sa Roqueta. Restaurants and hotels can be found on all the beaches, although, again, Es Pujols is the tourist heart of the island of Formentera. By the way, nude bathing is allowed practically everywhere on the island.

Advantages and conditions of car rental during a trip in the United Arab Emirates

PatrickJullien
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Advantages and conditions of car rental during a trip in the United Arab Emirates

To begin with, I would like to highlight that Dubai has excellent roads and it is possible to rent premium cars. Just find a Porsche car hire, rent a car and enjoy a comfortable drive and travel around the Emirates. More details about the benefits of renting a car and UAE regulations are described below.

Advantages of renting a car in the UAE:

  • The ability not to depend on anyone, to move independently through the country, to stop wherever we want, for the time we need. You can wake up later, stop by on your way to the beach for a swim and so on. You don’t have to run after the guide and don’t be afraid to take photos again so as not to lag behind the group.
  • Low car rental costs.
  • Cheap gasoline.
  • Mostly cultured drivers here, excellent roads. Although many immigrants from other Middle Eastern countries have been coming to the Emirates in recent years, they often complicate traffic.
  • Traffic rules are intuitive.
  • The country is alcohol-free, there are no drunks on the roads, the drivers behave appropriately.
  • There is practically no crime in this country, so you can drive freely, stop, leave the car, etc.
  • The country is, so to speak, “sharpened for cars”, driving here is pleasant and absolutely safe. But it is much more difficult for pedestrians here, as cars have priority.
  • Most rental cars in the Emirates are brand new, in perfect condition, very often a car with a mileage of 500, 1000, 2000 km is rented.
  • Most hotels offer free parking for guests. There is also plenty of convenient free parking in Dubai itself (in shopping malls, near beaches, etc.). In fact, you can spend nothing or very little on parking throughout your holiday.

Traffic rules in Dubai

Porsche UAE
Exploring the United Arab Emirates in a Porsche, Image: Jarrod Ryan Jooste / shutterstock

The most important point that all tourists who travel through the UAE with a rental car must know is that there are high fines for traffic violations in this country. You should also familiarize yourself with some peculiarities of the traffic rules in the Emirates:

  • No fine will be imposed for exceeding the speed limit of less than 20 km/h. The minimum penalty for this offense is 400 to 600 dirhams (this is up to 165 euros). Don’t try your hand at being a racer. Cameras are literally set up everywhere, and retaliation for exceeding the speed limit is sure to follow.
  • The fastest lane is the leftmost lane, so it is better to drive in the right lane at average speed.
  • The maximum speed in the settlements of the UAE is 60 km/h, on the highways a maximum of 120 km/h is possible.
  • Drunk driving results in expulsion from the country, possibly also a prison sentence.
  • For infants, a child seat must be installed in the car (this service is offered by car rental companies).
  • At intersections in Dubai, traffic is routed along the ring road, and drivers who are right at the roundabout at that moment have an advantage.

What you need to know about the toll roads in Dubai

There are only 6 toll roads in the UAE. There are only 2 such roads near Dubai:

  • Al-Garhu Bridge over the Dubai Creek – it divides the metropolis into two parts, for the trip by car you should pay 1 euro;
  • Sheikh Zayed Highway – this road has a length of 55 km, it is the main artery of the city, the trip by car costs 1 euro.

What do you need to rent a car?

  • International Driver’s Permit and National Driver’s License.
  • International credit card at least at Classic level. The card must be in the name of the driver with a conspicuous number and surname, the name of the owner.
  • Age of the driver. Should be at least 25 years old in most cases (but some dealers allow a younger age), driving experience of at least 1 year. Find out about the terms and conditions of a specific rental company.
  • Voucher for car rental. If you have booked a car online, print out the voucher and take it with you. In most cases, the voucher can simply be shown on the phone.
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