Cards that will be remembered – for the birth of the baby
The most beautiful event in life is probably the birth of your own child. For parents, the digital way to announce the birth of the baby is easy and fast. And even as a friend or family member, you want to give your future parents something special, something that will be remembered for a long time.
Whether boy or girl, magical birth cards are always well received and welcome the new Earth man in a beautiful way. Cards that can be designed by yourself are a special gift. Texts, photos and frames can be added here, but the background color can also be freely selected. On the website https://www.sendasmile.de/ you will quickly find what you are looking for.
The special gift for the birth
There are many design variants to choose from, Image: Claudia Balasoiu / shutterstock
One would like to congratulate the parents and direct one’s gaze to special birth cards . The perfect card can be designed online. Here you can add a suitable frame to your work and have a large selection at your disposal. Whether flowers, hearts or stars, the optimal frame for the card can be easily added on the https://www.sendasmile.de/ website. If you want to have a photo of the new citizen of the world immortalized directly on the card, there are many variants available on the website. Whether it’s a photo or a whole collage, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. The cards can be edited and individually designed via the homepage. Whether for parents or friends, the digital way to design a beautiful map not only brings joy, but also the small work of art is remembered.
To start life
If you like to use colour, you can get creative with the design of a birth card. For the birth of a boy, there are many imprints available, such as tractor, animals and the wonderful cards are also color-coordinated for boys. And finally, you can embellish the card with your own text. Girls are not neglected here either. Fantastic cards with butterflies and rainbows will be remembered for a long time. If you are also looking for that special something, all cards can be decorated with beautiful stickers. Be it hearts, feet or cute elephants, creativity is very important here.
Much more than just blue and pink
If you don’t just want to rely on the colors blue and pink, but want to give your card that special icing on the cake to give your parents a lot of joy, there are many other colors available. Photos can be easily uploaded to the website, whether as a labeled foreground photo or as a collage, the card can be designed according to your own wishes. Your own texts and the baby’s name look particularly good here. And in addition, an individual color as a background turns the birth card into a small masterpiece. If you want to make your family and friends happy, you should opt for the digital way.
Let creativity run wild
If you have a lot of imagination and like to play with colors and accessories, you will have a lot of fun designing your special card for the birth. And of course, the joy of the parents also plays a major role. There is nothing better than honoring the little earthman with a pretty card. All cards are printed here in a climate-neutral way and the quantity of cards can be entered individually. Numerous templates make it easy to add your personal touch. Parents can use this digitally created card to inform many family members and friends about the birth of their baby, but the digital design of a card is also suitable as a gift especially for parents.
Tyrol is a popular travel destination. And rightly so, because not only is Austria’s northernmost province very easy to reach, Tyrol also offers excellent foundations for a pleasant stay. There is something to experience and discover at any time of the year. But what does Tyrol offer overall and what highlights are there to explore? This article takes a look at that.
Whether summer or winter: Tyrol always has a lot to offer
Of course: In winter, the heart of Tyrol beats faster, because the winter sports areas do not attract holidaymakers from all over the world to the Alpine region for nothing. But where the snow piles up in winter, nature shows itself in all its splendour in summer – the best conditions for an active holiday in Austria. Some highlights of the state:
Winter sports – there are 81 ski resorts throughout Tyrol. Winter sports fans can let this number melt in their mouths. The most famous are certainly the “Bergbahn Kitzbühel”, the ski area of the SkiWelt on the Wilder Kaiser, as well as the ski areas of Gurgl, Hintertux Glacier, Hochzillertal, Arlberg and Ischgl. Many of the other ski resorts are short distances, some of which only have up to five kilometres of slopes. However, some of these mini-areas are very central and are therefore also suitable for those who do not want to concentrate on the boards.
Winter activity – in addition to skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking or cross-country skiing brings a sparkle to the eyes of many holidaymakers. Toboggan runs are also available for young and old tobogganers.
The cities – Innsbruck, Lienz, Kufstein, Kitzbühel and Wörgl – are good for an excursion, depending on where you are staying. In Kufstein, for example, the old fortress awaits you, which towers high above the city and is home to a local history museum. Innsbruck is not only known for the Four Hills Tournament, the old town from the imperial era is particularly inspiring. Directly from Innsbruck you can take the Nordkettenseilbahn into the mountains.
Nature – it shows itself in Tyrol in all its diversity. Mountains, glaciers, nature parks, beautiful lakes and natural spectacles can be discovered almost everywhere.
Tyrol is one of the holiday areas that are ideal for every age group. Families with children can relax together and experience a lot, because there are always age-appropriate offers for the little ones. If you want to party in between, you will always find what you are looking for in the winter sports areas, but even in summer, Innsbruck, Wörgl and the rest of Tyrol know how to spend the night until dawn.
Attractive accommodations in Tyrol
Of course, tourism in Tyrol has changed in recent decades. While hiking and winter sports were once high on the agenda, family holidays and wellness offers are now widespread. How diverse Tyrol is is shown by the accommodations:
Farms – perfect for families and some even planned as a hands-on farm, you can spend fantastic holidays here. Depending on whether the farm is in the valley or on an alpine pasture, experiencing nature is a completely new experience. What girls’ hearts don’t beat faster when the Haflinger stallions can be visited on the Hengstalm on the mountain?
Guesthouses – from larger to small and rustic. If you feel like it, you can stop at a guesthouse on one of the highest alpine pastures and literally look at the world deep under your feet. Several guesthouses now even offer a little wellness, but the physical well-being is always taken care of.
Hotels – sports, fitness, wellness or family hotels – if you are looking for specific accommodation, you should not exclude your wishes. Depending on the region in Tyrol, some hotels specialise in individual facets. However, wellness is never neglected.
Holiday homes/holiday apartments – of course, travellers can also rent a house or apartment. Especially in the popular holiday regions, a wide variety of accommodation is available.
Campsites – they are not missing either. As in many regions, the pitches are now divided into permanent campers, pitches for holidaymakers, rental caravans and, of course, mobile homes that can be rented.
Travellers should book directly in the popular holiday regions as early as possible so that they can get their desired accommodation.
What can you do in Tyrol?
Innsbruck is definitely worth a trip and offers many highlights for city travelers, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock
Outdoor activities are certainly the measure of all things in Tyrol. Even those who don’t like hiking usually discover their love for running, because nature simply lures them outside. If natural spectacles such as waterfalls or deep gorges are added, castles and palaces can be discovered before you stop at an inn, the world is perfect. The brave can try their hand at the climbing walls. And what else?
High ropes courses – not everyone likes to climb directly on the mountain. High ropes courses are the alternative for everyone, and they can be found in Tyrol wherever there are mountains. Most high ropes courses are set up in such a way that beginners, children and thoroughbred professionals get their money’s worth.
Bathing lakes – several bathing lakes are waiting for travellers. They are spread over the entire state and are usually not only approved for swimming, but managed.
Sights – Innsbruck can be described as almost an entire city as a tourist attraction. There is simply too much to discover. Rattenberg offers not only old house facades, but also an insight into glass art. Lienz almost attracts tourists with a touch of Mediterranean essence, after all, palm trees line the alleys all year round. The landmark of the city, however, is the castle.
Actually, it is enough to leave the guesthouse in the morning and simply set off to discover something. It won’t be long before Tyrol exudes its magic and holidaymakers don’t want to go home.
Conclusion – so close and yet so fascinating
Depending on where you live, Tyrol is only a stone’s throw away. But the Austrian province is also easy to reach for northern lights, after all, there are no passes to cross. Wherever your holiday in Tyrol takes you, it certainly won’t be boring, because there is the right entertainment for every season and every weather. By the way, motorists can rejoice on this holiday: Petrol prices in Austria are always well below the German level.
Gambling has been part of our lives since time immemorial. With the development of casinos as gaming venues, virtually gaming temples were built. Which are the largest in the world?
When you mention the topic of casinos and travel, the US casino metropolis Las Vegas usually comes to mind. Many of the most famous casinos in the world are located there. But where in the world are the largest casinos that even exist located?
However, if you don’t want to travel to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of casino games, you can also enjoy the online flair at casinosschweizonline raptor casino test .
Located in the US state of Oklahoma , WinStar World Casino (formerly known as WinStar Casinos) claims the title of the largest casino in the world. With a 48,200 m² gaming area divided into themed areas of world cities, this huge casino offers 7,400 electronic slot machines, a whopping 76 table games, an impressive 46 poker rooms, bingo and much more.
While the architecture of the building was designed by Lyndon Stromberg, who also worked on the Venetian Las Vegas, famed designer Larry E. Seitz also contributed to the style and look of the WinStar. In total, this casino complex has 21 restaurants and bars and also has an impressive 1,500 hotel rooms.
2. The Venetian Macao
The Casinohotel Venetian Macau is not only the seventh largest building in the world (in terms of floor area) with an area of 980,000 square meters. Of these, 46,450 square meters are also casinos. It was planned and designed according to the model of The Venetian Las Vegas. Completed in 2007, the building is divided into areas for meetings, catering, theatre, shops and 3 gondola canals. This casino has a total of four separate themed game areas: Red Dragon, Golden Fish, Phoenix, and Imperial House. These are home to 3,400 slot machines and 800 table games.
The interior of the casino is kept in an extravagant style. There are a total of 24 bars and restaurants in the casino, and a total of 3,000 hotel rooms are available in the hotel building.
3. City of Dreams
View of Macau, Image: trabantos / shutterstock
City of Dreams is another large casino located on the Cotai Strip in Macau, China. It is located directly opposite the Venetian Macao. Designed by Arquitectonica, Leigh & Orange, Jon Jerde and the late architect Zaha Hadid, the building has an area of 39,000 square meters and offers 1,514 machines and 450 gaming tables. Like any casino, it also offers other attractions. In this case, spaces such as an aquarium, a dancing water theater, a bubble fountain and many other entertainment areas.
The towers house a few hotels, while the smaller building offers mixed use for restaurants, shops and high-end retail space. This means that you can find everything you need for a casino and shopping holiday.
4. Foxwoods Resort Casino
The Foxwood Resort is a huge conglomerate of hotels, restaurants, and casinos in the US state of Connecticut, occupying an area of 31,958 m² out of an impressive 539,600 in total. The six casinos offer 380 gaming tables and over 6,300 slot machines, while a bingo hall with 5,000 seats can serve as a venue for various concerts and events.
Opened in 1986 and now 36 years old, the complex looks as modern as ever and is kept in prime condition through regular renovations (every two to four years). The complex was designed by JCJ Architecture and built in just 15 months. Located in the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Reserve, the resort wears design solutions developed by JCJ Architecture to honor the culture of the Mashantucket Pequot tribe.
5. Ponte 16 Casino
Macau, with its numerous massive casino complexes, is definitely increasingly a rival to Las Vegas. Ponte 16 is a smaller casino than the Venetian or the City of Dreams, with a gaming area of just 25,083 square feet. There are 109 gaming tables and about 307 slot machines, as well as 2 VIP halls. Still, it’s the fifth-largest casino in the world.
Ponte 16, like many other casinos in the city, opened in 2008. However, its surroundings have a rich history. Located in the center of the inner harbor, Ponte 16 was initially a fishing port and was praised as an economic center in the 1970s. The triads were also up to mischief there.
Result
Although, as stated at the beginning, Las Vegas is often associated with casinos and gambling, change is slowly occurring. Not only that, but none of the five largest casinos in the world are located in the U.S. gambling capital. Not even in the top 10. Only in eleventh place do we find the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. However, with 5,044 hotel rooms, it is the largest hotel complex in the United States and the third largest hotel complex in the world (if you go by the number of rooms).
Once upon a time, the Minoans built the palace of Phaistos (Festós) on the south coast of Crete. The palace complex was considered the second most important center of power after Knossos on the island. It was a residence, trading centre and meeting place for cultic ceremonies at the same time. The architecture suggests that the Minoan culture was exceptionally highly developed.
The Palace of Phaistos – Travel Tip for History Fans
Mystical places, museums, monasteries and ruins – Crete has a lot to offer. In addition to the Palace of Zakrós and the Palace of Knossos , the Minoan Palace of Phaistos is also one of the most beautiful sights.
The Palace of Phaistos is one of the most important archaeological sites in Crete and a must-see for all history buffs. For them, it is an unforgettable experience to visit the large central courtyard, the grand staircase, the royal apartments and the inconspicuous place where the legendary Phaistos Disc was found.
The biggest advantage for travelers is the relatively short flight time to Crete. With a direct flight, holidaymakers from Germany can reach the island within two to three hours (depending on the provider and departure city). Phaistos is considered an insider tip for visitors to Crete. The place is less crowded than Knossos and offers beautiful surroundings.
The History of the Minoan Palace of Phaistos
It is believed that the ridge and the Messara plain were already inhabited from about 4000 BC. The oldest finds from the region date back to around 3000 BC. It is said to have been King Minos himself who once founded the settlement.
In the Old Palace period between 1900 and 1700 BC, the Minoan culture flourished. Thus, the first palace was built in Phaistos in the period 1900 BC. He was just as important as Knossos. The palace complex was located on a ridge above the Messara plain near the south coast and covered an area of 8,400 square kilometers.
On a neighboring hill, about two kilometers northwest of Phaistos, stood another Minoan palace complex. Because the Minoan name was not known, it was named after a Byzantine church, the “Agia Triada”. A paved path connected the two palaces.
Around 1700 BC, an earthquake destroyed the palace complex, which was rebuilt immediately afterwards. However, the new building was never completed. At the same time, a new palace was built in the neighboring town of Agia Triada, which was better equipped. Therefore, historians assume that Agia Triada established itself as a new center of power, while Phaistos continued to exist as an economic and cultic center.
Excavation work in Phaistos from 1900
Crete with its fantastic landscape is a dream destination for many people, Image: arturasker / shutterstock
In 1900, the Italian Archaeological School, under the direction of Luigi Pernier and Professor Frederico Halbherr, began the first excavation work in the area around Phaistos. In order to be able to uncover parts of the previous and new palace of Phaistos, the archaeologists had to demolish buildings that were built above it in later eras. Most of the existing building remains belonged to the new palace complex. With the building of the upper courtyard and the Greek temple of Rhea, some of the buildings from the post-Minoan period have been preserved.
After the end of the Second World War, Doro Levi continued the excavation work. He focused primarily on the ancient palace of Phaistos and various areas of the city. Later, the work was extended to the surroundings of the hill on which the palace sat and the houses built on its slopes after the destruction of the palace complex.
Unlike in Knossos, only conservation work has taken place in Phaistos so far, but no restorations. Excavations continue to this day, while the palace area has been opened to visitors. The former accommodation of the archaeologists, which is located above the palace complex, has been converted into a tourist pavilion.
The Phaistos Disc
A special find from 1908 was a fired clay disc – the Phaistos Disc. The clay disc has a diameter of 16 centimetres, is two centimetres thick and has spirally arranged pictorial signs on both sides.
The wildest theories about the meaning of the signs on the clay disc are entwined. Numerous historians have already tried to solve the mystery of the disc. Some suspected a collection of hieroglyphics, others thought they recognized a language of letters or syllables. Still others thought of a millennium calendar or an astronomical map. Some even interpreted instructions for lovemaking into it. Depending on the approach, the content was written in Minoan, Proto-Greek, the former general language of Asia Minor, Luwian, or an “extraterrestrial” language.
Although the clay disc was found in a mountain of pottery and rubble in a storeroom in the old palace of Phaistos, it is still not clear where and from what time it actually originated. Pernier dated his find to 1700 BC. The Phaistos Disc can be visited today in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion (Heraklion), along with many other finds from Phaistos.
Conclusion: Phaistos is the most beautiful of the Minoan palaces
Crete is the largest island in Greece and a popular tourist destination. The Mediterranean island offers its visitors a charming landscape with a specific flora and fauna. Four mountain ranges run through the island: the Dikti Mountains, the Ida Mountains, the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the small Thripti Mountains. The climate is moderate in both summer and winter. Crete is so popular with holidaymakers not least because of the approximately 300 days of sunshine a year. But the island also has a lot to offer in terms of culture.
In addition to the Palace of Knossos, there is another particularly historic attraction on the island: the Palace of Phaistos, also called Phaestos or Festós. It is located in the central south of Crete on the eastern foothills of Kastri Hill on the fertile Messara plain. With its imposing construction and advanced architectural composition, Phaistos is considered the most typical and beautiful of all Minoan palaces. The ruins of the former Minoan settlement have been preserved and can now be visited all year round by visitors to Crete who are interested in history.
Enjoy a coffee at the foot of the Matterhorn, stroll along the shore of Lake Maggiore and end the evening in the wonderful hotel pool: Are you in the mood for Switzerland again? With the Hotelcard SparPass for 1 month, you can finally rediscover Switzerland and stay overnight in over 500 hotels with30-50% Discount. You save an average of 100€ per night!
Hotelcard is comparable to “BahnCard 50” – easy for hotels in Switzerland and the neighbouring regions. Since its founding in 2009, Hotelcard has developed into an established Swiss booking portal and is now conquering Germany.
Over 500 hotels offer their free rooms on hotelcard.de with up to 50% discount to improve occupancy. Participation in Hotelcard is free of charge for partner hotels. In return, they grant Hotelcard holders unforgettable hotel experiences at exclusively low prices. Win-win, for you as a user and for the hotel. Would you like some examples? Here is a small selection of over 500 hotels!
Hotelcard SparPass for 1 month: How you benefit
Whether hiking in the mountains, relaxing in the thermal baths or gelati on Lake Lugano: With the Hotelcard SparPass for 1 month, you will soon be on the road in Switzerland and can relax and enjoy. Or be active on the road– just as you like!
You can get the Hotelcard SparPass here exclusively for EUR 39 instead of EUR 59 and thanks to this, they can benefit from Hotelcard offers for 30 days. You can set your own travel period of 30 days and use the SparPass as often as you like during this time. A maximum of 3 nights in a row can be booked in the same hotel with a high discount, after which a 10% discount usually applies. Booking is made via hotelcard.de and payment directly on site at the hotel. Hotelcard SparPass is not a subscription – the card expires and you have no further obligations.
Your benefits at a glance
Stay in over 500 hotels with a 30-50% discount
From a simple bed and breakfast to a 5* luxury hotel
Travel dates freely selectable. Any number of bookings possible.
Per hotel up to 3 nights in a row with 30-50%, then 10%
Only 1 card required per room, regardless of the number of guests
If you are traveling in the south of Thailand, it is very difficult to get past Surat Thani. The city of 130,000 inhabitants is idyllically located on the Bay of Bandon on the Gulf of Thailand. The province of Surat Thani also includes the most popular and well-known Thai holiday island Koh Samui, which captivates millions of tourists from all over the world every year. Translated, the name “Surat Thani” means something like “city of good people”. In Thailand’s largest province, there are also numerous excursion destinations and attractions worth seeing away from Koh Samui and the other popular holiday islands.
View of the temple of Wat Khao Suwan Pradit, Image: Wirestock Creators / shutterstock
Life in the city of Surat Thani takes place mainly in the old town around the 165-kilometre-long Mae Nam Tapi River. Here, especially the many young holidaymakers will find numerous small and large shops as well as restaurants, discos, clubs and bars. Thousands of tourists and locals cavort here every evening, party until late at night and enjoy life. During the day, however, it is also worth taking a leisurely walk through the many narrow streets of the historic old town. You can’t miss the gleaming white city column “Lak Mueang Surat Thani”, which you can see from afar. It is one of the most popular photo motifs in the entire city.
Other popular attractions are the city’s many large and small temples, including Wat Dai Dhammaram. The large temple complex Wat Khao Suwan Pradit should also not be missed. From here you can enjoy a sensational view over the entire coast. And if you have enough time, you should also treat yourself to an exciting trip to one of the two Monkey Colleges during your stay in the region. Here, at the gates of the city, you can watch countless small and large monkeys being trained for their work on the huge coconut plantation.
Waterfalls, caves and exciting flora and fauna
Due to its favourable location in the middle of a large river valley, the entire region offers an extremely exciting and varied flora and fauna. For example, you should not miss the Khao Sok National Park, which is located about 100 kilometers from the city of Surat Thani. Characterized by dense jungle and rugged rocks, the national park, which is considered one of the largest and most spectacular national parks in the country, offers a beautiful cross-section of Thai nature. Among other things, you can explore numerous waterfalls and caves along the natural paths. In addition, many rare animals and plants can be seen here.
With a bit of luck, you can experience tigers or gibbons in their natural habitats, for example. Huge colorful butterflies and small bats can also be seen again and again. The large reservoir Rachabrapha and the associated recreation area is also always worth a trip. The coastal regions off Surat Thani in the Gulf of Thailand are characterized by numerous popular Thai holiday islands, which include the famous island of Ko Samui as well as Ko Tao or Ko Phangan. The islands are visited by millions of holidaymakers every year because they find everything they need for a relaxing summer holiday. In addition to the beautiful sandy beaches and romantic bays, the islands are also famous for their extravagant nightlife. In the northwest of Ko Samui is the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. The 250 square kilometre marine park, which includes about 40 small islands and countless natural attractions such as the saltwater lake Tale Nai or huge colourful coral reefs. The park can be explored as part of guided day tours, among other things.
The best time to travel to Surat Thani is during the European winter months of December to March. During this time, warm to hot temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius are to be expected. Precipitation is rather unlikely during these months. During this time, most tourists are also guests in the region. From April onwards, the rainy season begins in and around Surat Thani with sometimes heavy rainfall and strong storms. But even during this time, the temperatures are extremely pleasant. So if you want to avoid the big tourist rush during this time, you can visit Surat Thani in the summer months, but you have to be prepared for intermittent rainfall. The water temperatures – including in the Gulf of Thailand – are a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius all year round
There are many different facets in which holidays differ: the destination, the leisure activities, the fellow travellers and also the accommodation. While some like to live small and familiar, others are primarily interested in luxury and wellness. This article presents the most popular ways to stay on holiday and explains what distinguishes them in detail.
Some travellers are looking for peace, relaxation and direct contact with nature during their holidays. They want to get back to their roots and free themselves from all the stress and hustle and bustle that otherwise characterizes everyday life. In particular, forest walks, mountain hikes and deserted beaches are particularly interesting for them. Here they can be all by themselves, reflect, enjoy the good weather and recharge their batteries for all future tasks.
There are different accommodations for such holidays. Some choose a forest hut to be as far away as possible from civilization and other people. On long hikes, it is a good idea to stay in mountain huts and regenerate for the next stage. Others opt for small fishermen’s huts as accommodation, which are located near the sea. Their main concern is to have a roof over their heads and to be protected from wind and weather. Otherwise, it can be simple and unpretentious.
Enjoy a luxury holiday
Many holidaymakers want to experience things during their holidays that are otherwise not part of their everyday lives. On the one hand, this includes broadening your horizons and, for example, getting to know new cultures or trying your hand at new sports. In addition, many are trying out luxurious living. They want to know what it’s like when your every wish is read from your lips around the clock. That’s why you choose a design hotel in South Tyrol that focuses on luxurious living comfort and first-class service.
Luxury applies to all areas in such an accommodation. The rooms are equipped to a high standard, offer plenty of space and the beds are extremely comfortable. The restaurants offer first-class top cuisine, so that both regional specialties and delicacies from all over the world can be enjoyed. In addition, many luxury hotels have their own wellness area. Here you have the opportunity to take advantage of treatments, treatments and, for example, to have a professional massage. This allows you to enjoy a high level of style and comfort and come back from your holiday freshly relaxed.
Family hotels stand for cosiness
Many holidaymakers appreciate the personal service in family hotels, Image: Zoran Zeremski / shutterstock
Family hotels are very popular. Anyone who spends their holidays here is looking for personal and individual support. Travellers would like to get to know the hotel operators and feel that they are in good hands with them. Such hotels often have an individual, extraordinary charm and therefore appeal to families with children as well as couples or seniors.
Some family hotels set priorities. Some of them include a riding stable, for example, so you can go on great rides from the hotel with a little practice. Others are close to the sea and offer activities on, in and on the water. In addition, family hotels are often characterized by well-equipped leisure rooms . Here you usually have the opportunity to play table tennis, try your hand at billiards, watch films or sit at a bar and get in touch with the other holidaymakers.
Cheap hostels are still popular
If you want to keep an eye on your budget when travelling, you often decide to stay in a hostel. These are usually kept simple and correspondingly cheap. Depending on the use, there are individual rooms in such hostels like in hotels or large halls where holidaymakers are accommodated. In addition, a delicious breakfast and occasionally dinner are provided, so you don’t have to take care of it yourself.
Hostels often have an open, warm character. Here it is easy for travelers to get in touch with each other and make pleasant holiday friendships. Hostels are often temporary accommodations for travellers who travel from place to place in order to get to know as many different regions as possible during their holidays. Some hostels cater specifically to children and teenagers, others are suitable for families and others can be used by everyone.
Camping is still popular
For some, camping is the best way to go on holiday. There is direct contact with nature here. You can choose beautiful holiday regions and pitch your tent in the most amazing places in the world. Especially for people who otherwise live in big cities, this type of vacation is appealing. Here they experience a world that has almost nothing to do with their everyday lives and can open up completely new horizons and experiences.
Many choose to spend their holidays at a campsite. Here they have the advantage that they can use the sanitary facilities and shower in the morning and evening. In addition, such campsites are often located near settlements and towns, so you can easily buy all the things you need. It is possible to spend a camping holiday entirely on a campsite. Others travel from place to place and choose the most beautiful campsites in the respective region.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is also one of the most popular ways to stay during your vacation. This type of housing is often free of charge and flexible. This means that holidaymakers do not have to book rooms long in advance, but can sometimes even start looking for them once they have arrived at the respective destination. However, with this type of living, you often do not have your own room, but are accommodated on the couch of the respective provider.
Couchsurfing is especially suitable for people who are traveling alone. Providers often do not have the capacity to accommodate many people at the same time. In addition, this type of living is suitable for people who like to get in touch with others. Often you build a friendship with the respective provider, spend the evenings together or have sights and highlights recommended to you.
Result
There are numerous ways to stay during a holiday. It is important to choose the accommodation that suits your personal preferences. If you like luxury and comfort, you won’t necessarily feel at home at a campsite. On the other hand, if you are looking for direct contact with nature, you probably won’t find what you’re looking for in a luxury hotel. The better the accommodation suits you, the more comfortable you feel there and the easier it is to relax and enjoy your holiday.
What are the best destinations in spring, a question that many people are certainly asking themselves these days. As in previous years, the Arab Emirates, Morocco and Dominican Republic are repeatedly cited as the most popular destinations from a tourism point of view. Of course, the persistent warm temperatures, which average 30 degrees Celsius, are also a reason to spend your holidays here, but Italy and Greece are also particularly popular this year. Especially in spring, there is the opportunity to spend wonderful family holidays here at very mild temperatures. But there are also the best opportunities for active holidaymakers in these two countries for extended hikes or bike tours.
If you are looking for warmth, you should know where it is warmest in spring
Mexico has great beaches to offer, Image: Jess Kraft / shutterstock
Holidaymakers who are planning a beach holiday in spring should head to the North African region. However, even in the countries already mentioned, no unconditional sun guarantee is to be regarded as normality. But if you want to have the sun guarantee, you should rather travel to Mexico or Cuba. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be such distant destinations that can be visited in spring. Many European metropolises, such as Stockholm or Paris, attract not only the mild temperatures, but also with wonderful sights. These metropolises are the perfect destinations for a city trip in spring. The destinations Madrid or Lisbon are also highly recommended in this decade.
Hotel Specials Here you will find the best hotel offers
Here those interested will find the best hotel offers for an upcoming holiday in the selected city. Together with the whole family, time can be spent together. On this portal it is possible to compare hotel specials with each other, you can find out exactly about the specific hotel and also read the most diverse reviews. But that’s not all, this platform only offers hotels that have very specific special offers in their program. Included here are always a rich breakfast, various discounts or valuable extra services. This ensures that all customer wishes are met and that visitors to the hotel can spend an unforgettable holiday. This spring, too, many possibilities are offered on this Internet portal, so that you can make an excellent comparison in advance. After this comparison, you can certainly find the right hotel for you.
Hotel Holland – now is the right time to find a perfect deal
Relaxing on the beach of Zandvoort, Image: Christian Szymala / shutterstock
Why travel far away when the good is so close – many people are certainly familiar with this line of text. And that’s exactly the point, because if you want to spend a wonderful holiday, you don’t necessarily have to travel to faraway destinations. In our neighboring countries, such as Holland, you can also spend a wonderful vacation in spring. You can also find beautiful hotels that invite you to visit to explore this beautiful country. In Holland there is a suitable hotel for every taste, visitors are offered hotels in the beautiful cities that will leave nothing to be desired.
In Holland, of course, not only the enchantingly beautiful cities are an excellent destination for a holiday, but also the destinations by the sea. Holland has excellent coastlines, all of which are developed for tourism and are ideal for an extensive beach holiday with the whole family. Of course, in a hotel Holland near the beach, an unforgettable holiday feeling arises. Holidaymakers have a breathtaking view of the sea and the long sandy beaches and can relax very quickly and leave the stress of everyday life behind.
But also for holidaymakers who prefer to visit the beautiful cities, they are also in good hands here in spring. In the city centres of the metropolises, there are numerous opportunities here. Nevertheless, there are also holidaymakers who are not so much city lovers. There are numerous hotels in rural areas, such as Veluwe, that leave nothing to be desired. This unique nature reserve should definitely be visited in the first decade of the year, located in the middle of the country, it offers endless possibilities for an active holiday.
Those who go on holiday usually discover beautiful plants there. Then the thought quickly arises to simply take the pretty orchid or the small cactus home with you – but this is strongly discouraged. This is because the import of exotic plants into one’s own homeland is subject to strict rules.
The import of exotic plants endangers the native flora
The strict regulations on the import of exotic plants have a sensible background. This is because plants from other countries can also bring diseases or pests from other countries to which the native plants are not immune. This causes great damage, as the death of elms or the infestation of trees by the leaf miner and the citrus longhorn beetle have shown. Introduced plants can also spread and thus displace native plants, as in the case of the Japanese giant knotweed.
In order to protect the native flora, strict regulations have therefore been imposed on the import of foreign plants. Anyone who does not comply with this will face criminal consequences: Customs will confiscate and destroy the plant they have brought with them, while the holidaymakers themselves will have to pay a five-figure fine. Even prison sentences are possible.
Can I take plants from the European Union with me?
Fixed regulations also apply in the countries of the European Union. If you only want to take a few cut flowers with you, you usually don’t have to expect any problems here: bouquets of up to fifty flowers are allowed. In addition, it is permitted to take plants for private use if they are not listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
If holidaymakers want to take seeds or cuttings with them, it becomes more difficult. Different rules apply here depending on the country and plant. Fortunately, there is a simple strategy to avoid this: Holidaymakers can photograph their new favourite plant in their country of origin, find out its name and buy the plants online or ask for them in specialist shops.
Which plants may not be imported?
Buy plants in your local specialist shop. Many plant species are excluded from export from the holiday country as well as from import to Germany, Image: Little daisy / shutterstock
Holidaymakers who plan to take a plant with them from their holiday should find out what is allowed before setting off. Information is available, for example, from German customs or the respective plant protection of the federal states. The regulations are subject to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
For better orientation, the Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants has published an information brochure that lists plants that may never be harvested from non-European countries. These include the following plants:
almost all conifers,
some deciduous trees such as chestnut and poplar,
fruit trees,
Vines
Nightshade Family,
Citrus
many grasses,
Potato tubers.
Important documents for importing exotic plants
To make sure that the import of a plant is legal, holidaymakers have to face a great deal of bureaucracy. This costs time and energy, which is why it is important to find out about all the necessary documents beforehand. First of all, all plants, but also cuttings and certain seeds, need a plant health certificate. This is issued by the plant health service of the holiday country.
Plants listed in the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) still need further documents in order to be legally imported. These include an import permit, an export permit, and proof of origin from the country of origin.
Conclusion: Can I bring plants from my vacation?
Exotic plants can transmit pests to the native flora or even displace native species. That is why there are strict regulations on the import of the plants. In countries of the European Union, it is at least allowed to bring bouquets of up to fifty cut flowers. In almost all countries, however, most conifers, citrus plants, nightshades and many other species are banned.
Holidaymakers can obtain precise information about what is allowed and what is not from the plant protection services of their federal state or from German customs. But be careful: Even if it is allowed to bring a plant, it usually still requires a lot of paperwork and a lot of bureaucracy.
At the northwestern tip of the Malé Atoll of the Maldives lies the island of Sangeli, where the OBLU SELECT Sangeli has been located since July 2018. The resort consists of two islands – a large main island and the smaller One Banyan Island – which are connected by a curved wooden walkway, where the water villas are also located. One Banyan Island is reserved for adults only from sunrise to sunset and features the popular Honeymoon Water Suites with pool.
Green gardens with tropical flowers, towering palm trees and the white sandy beach make up the charm of this island, which is surrounded by turquoise waters with coral reefs and diverse marine life. Right from the jetty, guests can even spot reef sharks and stingrays in the blue waters.
The five-star resort features modernly designed villas and suites in different categories, a selection of restaurants and services, and is located in the middle of some of the most exotic diving and snorkeling spots on the Malé Atoll. Sangeli Island can be reached in 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport.
Getting married on Sangeli, Image: Colours of OBLU
OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers discerning travellers a comprehensive, stress-free beach holiday in the Maldives. True to the motto “Joy of Giving”, the generous Maldivian hospitality can be felt in every detail. With the exclusive Serenity PlanTM, guests can enjoy gourmet international cuisine combined with a range of activities, including unique diving experiences, water sports and a tranquil garden spa complex.
The Serenity Plan includes everything you need for a dream vacation, making the island a home away from home for guests. Holidaymakers can fulfil their wishes anytime and anywhere without having to worry about additional and hidden costs. The resort strives to provide the best beach holiday in the Maldives in its class.
This spirit of giving extends to the environment as well. Sensitive treatment of the island’s ecosystem, an in-house water bottling plant that ensures that the island remains free of single-use plastic, supporting local communities and other green initiatives are at the forefront of Sangeli.
The accommodations
Guests of the resort can choose from a total of 137 detached villas in five categories. The entire resort combines tropical design with colorful décor. Each villa has a private outdoor terrace and a large bathroom with
Double sinks. Standard amenities in all villas include king-size beds, air-conditioning, fan, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryer, mini-fridge, safe, life jackets, CD/DVD player and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Gastronomy
Enjoying dinner at Simply Weg, Image: Colours of OBLU
On Sangeli there is a main restaurant, two gourmet restaurants and three bars.
The Courtyard
A selection of freshly prepared local snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at The Courtyard. The main restaurant is the heart of Sangeli Island. Guests can enjoy daily changing buffets of international cuisine, traditional Maldivian dishes, an à la carte menu and live cooking stations. Each day has a special motto, so that guests can embark on a culinary journey around the world on Sangeli.
Just Grill and Simply Veg are located on One Banyan Island, which is exclusively for adults during the day. After sunset, children under the age of 16 are welcome, so guests can dine there with their families.
Simply Veg (One Banyan Island)
Simply Veg is not only very popular, but also the first vegetarian gourmet restaurant in the Maldives. Modern vegetarian cuisine is served with delicious, unadulterated flavours and artful presentation. The vegetarian menu offers a mix of Asian and European dishes: green papaya salad with lime and coconut milk dressing, potato gnocchi, rice pudding with rose water, banana blossoms and bean fritters and much more.
Just Grill (One Banyan Island)
For lunch and dinner, Guests at Just Grill can enjoy fine specialties from the à la carte menu, such as gourmet dishes, fresh seafood and grilled meats, side dishes, drinks and desserts.
Bars
Three bars, The Rock Sunset Bar, One Banyan Island Pool Bar and The Sangs, offer refreshments, cocktails, fine drinks and coffee or tea, all included in the Serenity PlanTM.
The Rock – Sunset Bar stands on stilts in a shallow lagoon at the western end of Sangeli Island. Around the bar are comfortable beanbags and also a traditional wooden swing. With a gentle sea breeze and beautiful sunset views, this is one of the most picturesque places on Sangeli.
For a small appetite in between, The Sangs serves traditional Maldivian snacks daily between 16:00 and 18:00. The delicious fried snacks are made with local ingredients such as coconut, onion, chilli, lime, fish and vegetables and taste best with tea or coffee.
Dive
The PADI and SSI-certified TGI Dive & Water Sports Centre on Sangeli and its multilingual team take guests into the wonderful underwater world of the Maldives. You can choose from a range of diving certificates, from beginner to advanced level. Guests will be assisted by highly qualified instructors to complete the dives required for certifications.
Highlights in the lagoon
Highlights include the outer reef, the inner lagoon between the two islands and the rows of overwater villas that invite you to snorkel or try diving. The lagoon itself is home to a variety of small reef fish species throughout the year. The deep blue waters are characterized by colorful corals and an abundance of native marine life in a relatively small area.
Activities & Recreation
Snorkeling & Water Sports
The resort’s Serenity PlanTM includes complimentary snorkeling equipment for the entire duration of the stay. Guests can enter the water directly from the beach to discover a variety of animals and corals around the island. In addition, snorkeling trips are offered daily in the vicinity of the resort. These are free of charge and allow guests to experience the underwater world of the Malé Atoll in even more places.
For more experiences, guests can enjoy a range of motorized and non-motorized water sports, as well as exotic island and boat excursions. Guests can use unlimited and free non-motorized water sports equipment such as stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and pedal boats.
Fitness
To stay active, guests have unlimited use of the fully equipped gym and leisure centre. Weekly and seasonal group activities are offered throughout the week, including yoga, strength training, and Pilates.
Entertainment
Theme evenings, events and festive events are offered throughout the year. With Bodu Beru music, DJ nights, and live music events three times a week, Sangeli Island offers lively diversion.
Kids Club
Sangeli Island offers a Kids Club with a children’s pool, a playground with a trampoline and a variety of indoor games. For children (from 4 years old) and young adults, a number of exciting activities are organised every day.
Medical facilities
The island of Sangeli has a doctor’s office open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The resident doctor is available around the clock for medical emergencies. The nurse in the clinic is also responsible for the Kids Club. There is also a round-the-clock boat service to the nearest local hospital.
Journey
Velana International Airport is located about two kilometers from the capital Malé. Guests will be met at the airport by the Sangeli team and taken to the island by speedboat. The scenic drive takes about 45 minutes.
Hotelcard SparPass for 1 month: How you benefit
