Summer holidays are there to unwind, relax, refresh and simply enjoy life. Especially at hot domiciles, where summer, sun and beach are in the foreground, one thing should not be missing, namely the cool water. What would a summer holiday be without a wonderfully refreshing dip in the sea and pool? The sun shines on your face, the clear water reflects and sparkles, what could be better? This dreamlike feeling is simply incomparable!
Of course, swimming is not just for cooling down, there are also action-packed variants that bring even more fun and add some spice to the whole thing. Find out what great water sports and opportunities there are, find out right away and be curious.
You probably know it from many movies: The athletes ride meter-high waves as if they were nothing and make surfing look so easy. The fact is that surfing is simply a cool and at the same time intense sport, but it requires a lot of skill. So unfortunately it is not possible to get on the board and start surfing like the kings of the waves and mastering monster waves. However, we can reassure you, because there are surf schools in many resorts that will teach you everything from scratch, without missing out on fundamental techniques and basics. In this way, you will be introduced step by step and learn how to tame the water with ease. Surfing offers speed, adrenaline and thrills. Surfing offers excitement, fun and cooling. What more does a water sport need?
Stand-up paddling: full speed or relaxing?
Stand-up paddles are fun for the whole family, Image: EpicStockMedia / shutterstock
A more relaxed variation of surfing, stand-up paddling. In summer, all reservoirs and rivers are full of them and the holiday resorts are almost littered with them. People kneel or stand on a board and glide over the cool water. Here you can switch off perfectly and forget the time. Just lie down on the board, relax and let all your worries and thoughts run free. If you like it a little more sporty, then you can of course also step on the gas on the stand-up paddle and work out. Almost all muscle groups of the human body are used. So you have the choice between complete relaxation or complete exhaustion, it’s entirely up to you. In any case, stand-up paddling is a flexible sport that leaves all options open to you.
Snorkeling: all the beauty of the underwater world
Hardly any area of the earth is less explored than the underwater world. But you can gain impressive impressions and convince yourself of the whole, dreamlike playfulness of the creatures under water. Discover colorful fish species, colorful corals, and unusual critters like you’ve never seen before. While snorkeling, you will see things with your own eyes that you may have only known from TV before. In many holiday destinations, there are courses for snorkeling and diving and accompanied excursions. There are extra places where you can fully absorb and enjoy the experience. It’s really worth it, because here you will experience moments that you will live on for the rest of your life.
Kayaking and canoeing: a true all-rounder
On the one hand, you will get to know beautiful landscapes and untouched nature. You can switch off and let yourself be sprinkled by the flora and fauna, even experience original forests and rivers. On the other hand, a wild kayak trip also offers something for adrenaline junkies who want to give it their all and prefer a wild ride on the water. What you ultimately decide is entirely up to you. It is clear that in most holiday resorts both variants are possible and are also gladly used. Both options are clearly recommended.
Water skiing: merciless action and incredible speed
If you love to feel the rushing wind on your face and can’t stop grinning, water skiing is the right choice for you. The adrenaline shoots through the veins, the drops of water patter down on the skin and the body is completely tense. Get down to business here! You will be pulled behind a speedboat and feel the rush of speed on your own body. When it comes to water skiing, the feeling of freedom and speed are particularly popular. Every lover of it gets their money’s worth here. Experience here how beautiful speed can be.
Result
There are so many fantastic holiday homes and they all have one thing in common: they offer many different water sports that everyone can practice and try out. The above variants are particularly popular and offer something for every taste. Whether action, relaxation, acceleration or deceleration, everyone gets what they want. Just get a taste of the sports that appeal to you and let yourself be inspired by the variety and possibilities. Water sports on vacation are simply something that everyone should do. After all, if you don’t test it, you’ll never know how it feels and how beautiful it can be.
A trip abroad is an exciting experience. But you should think about a suitable foreign travel health insurance in advance so that the holiday does not become an expensive claim. Travel insurance is indispensable, especially for stays over a longer period of time.
But why is travel health insurance so important in the first place?
Return transport to the home country
Anyone who falls ill or suffers an accident during their journey wants to return to their home country immediately. However, the costs for repatriation to Germany can quickly rise into the four-digit range. In order to protect yourself from the extremely high costs, a contract should be chosen in which medically sensible repatriation is included in the scope of insurance. The statutory health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs, even if it is a medically necessary return transport. However, repatriation can reach existence-threatening sums, which is why you should definitely take precautions with foreign travel health insurance.
Standard rates for treatment abroad
Abroad, the rates applied by doctors for treatment often differ significantly from the usual costs for medical treatment in the home country. However, since statutory health insurance companies only cover the standard rates, everything that exceeds this amount must be paid locally out of pocket.
So if medical treatment is necessary, even if only for check-ups, it can be taken care of by travel insurance.
Social security agreement is not enough
Anyone who is a member of a statutory health insurance company has insurance cover in countries that are part of the social agreement, but only with the benefits and conditions customary locally. However, these are quickly exceeded, so that patients have to pay additional high costs out of their own pockets. TravelSecure international health insurance offers, among other things, the protection to pay for additional costs if the covered benefits of the statutory health insurance are exceeded.
All medical services included
The advantage of international travel insurance is that it does not only serve to cover the costs of inpatient hospital stays abroad. Everyday outpatient treatments are also fully covered by the supplementary insurance. Dental treatment abroad is also covered by the insurance, some of which is not covered by statutory health insurance. This includes costs for pain-relieving dental treatments, but also simple fillings and repairs of existing dentures.
Reimbursement of costs for medication
On vacation, there is not always the danger of an accident. Even everyday illnesses can become a real burden on vacation. The most common illnesses abroad include sunburn, diarrhoea, stomach problems and food intolerances. If you have not packed enough medication in your luggage in advance or if it is running low, you must visit a doctor or pharmacy on site. However, medicines abroad can quickly exceed the conventional costs of domestic pharmacies. A foreign travel health insurance covers the costs of necessary medication in full.
Travel insurance letters for complete peace of mind
A trip should be able to be enjoyed carefree. So-called cover letters are suitable for this, similar to those for your own car. Here, however, for your own health. Travel insurance letters are a travel insurance policy that complements the already very extensive protection of foreign travel health insurance.
The TravelSecure Travel Protection Letter Corona, for example, also covers costs incurred in connection with a Corona infection. These can include costs for not participating in the trip, but also treatment abroad and repatriation if transport is refused due to the infection.
Furthermore, travel insurance covers rebooking costs, but also costs for travel extensions due to illness or corona infections. Anyone who has to interrupt their trip prematurely due to an infection with the corona virus will be paid proportionately for the costs of the unused travel services.
Heligoland is a nature-rich island in the North Sea that offers a lot of relaxation. A beautiful sandy beach, restaurants and cafes contribute to relaxing on Germany’s only offshore island. Well-developed hiking trails and quiet places for bird watching are interesting for nature lovers. In addition, there are numerous sights and sports facilities that provide plenty of action, culture and adventure.
The following article shows what else the island on the German Bight has to offer and what insider tips there are.
Deät Lun is Frisian for Heligoland. The island in the German Bight is Germany’s only offshore island and consists of the main island and the dune. To get to the dune, a short crossing is necessary.
Heligoland looks back on a long history: Due to the New Year’s flood in 1721, the island is divided in two. In 1947, the British Allies blew up the military installations. Since then, the island has been demilitarized.
A real highlight is the journey with the famous seaside resort ships. The passengers are taken from the large ships to the smaller Börte boats. The so-called disembarkation is very popular and provides a lot of fun. The white Börte boats are then moored at the harbour, where it is particularly romantic in the evening: The sunset is a beautiful highlight of a Heligoland trip, which is free of charge and at the same time will be remembered for a long time.
The best time to travel to Heligoland is from May to September. Then the temperatures rise to a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. The water temperature is around 18 to 21 degrees Celsius and the quality is very clean.
The journey to Heligoland
The journey to Heligoland always takes place by sea. This can be done in an hour by ferry from Cuxhaven: a catamaran takes passengers safely to their destination.
Other ferry piers that depart for Heligoland are located in Hamburg-Wedel, Büsum or Bremerhaven. A journey from Hamburg takes around three and a half hours.
Cars and bicycles are prohibited on the island, which is why only pedestrians are allowed on the ferries. Dogs are welcome on the island and find enough space on signposted beach sections.
If you prefer a quick journey, you should rely on a light aircraft. The flight with a private airline from Cuxhaven takes about 20 minutes and leads to the only landing site on the dune.
To get to the ferry docks, it is possible to arrive by plane, car or train. There are plenty of parking options on site, which are subject to a fee. To save money, the free park-and-ride parking lots are suitable, which are located just outside.
Sights of the offshore island and the surrounding area
Lighthouse of Heligoland, Image: Petr Kahanek / shutterstock
The landmark of the island is the Lange Anna, which is definitely worth a visit. At a height of a good 47 metres, the rock ledge made of red sandstone rises up. With a weight of 25,000 tons, the Nathurn Stak, as the rock is called in Frisian, is very imposing. Not far from there is the old lighthouse, which completely survived the Allied attack in 1947.
The colourful lobster stalls are simply part of Heligoland. The houses were once intended for the fishermen, who stored their equipment in them. Today, boutiques and other shops are located in it.
A popular attraction are the cute grey seals. They can be recognized daily in close proximity on the dune. Bathers on the beach can see from the shore how the island’s well-known inhabitants sunbathe or mate.
Equally well-known are the drum guillemots, which breed on the famous guillemot rock. The birds are almost unique on the island and an absolute highlight for birdwatchers.
From the north beach it goes up via the Jägersteig. The many steps offer a fantastic panoramic view.
These tips are worth it
The colourful houses of Heligoland, Image: Christian Horz / shutterstock
With a trip to Heligoland, visitors save twice: One advantage is duty-free shopping on the island. This is because Heligoland is a foreign country. Nevertheless, it belongs to Germany , so all other German regulations apply.
To save money when booking, an early bird discount or a last-minute offer is worthwhile.
Although a tourist tax is levied, this ensures clean beaches, a wide range of leisure activities for families with children and discounts of all kinds. Museums, mini golf and more are thus cheaper.
Two beautiful sandy beaches can be found on the dune. The fine sand creates a lot of holiday atmosphere. The beaches are guarded in the high season, so swimming in the North Sea is safe. On one section there is a beautiful playground, a restaurant and sanitary facilities.
Although there is no longer any fresh fish in the colorful lobster stalls today, they indicate the popular dish of the locals. Lobster, sprats and halibut are very popular and can still be found on the local menus today. Freshly caught goods are best obtained directly from the cutter that arrives at the port.
For dessert, an egg grog is typical, which consists of rum, sugar, egg yolk and cream. Sea buckthorn grows on the cliffs, known as the lemon of the north and is full of vitamin C. Sweets, schnapps or jams can be considered as souvenirs.
Result
Heligoland is a very special island in Germany that offers beautiful vantage points. Although the only offshore island in Germany is quite tranquil, it has a dream beach and interesting sights on offer. It is worth visiting all year round to come with your family, as a single or as a couple with or without a dog
Many people are increasingly deciding spontaneously to go on vacation or fly. Sometimes you can even make a real bargain if you rely on last minute trips. But what do you have to pay attention to if you want to fly spontaneously on holiday?
While some plan their vacation a year in advance and queue up early at the travel agency, some still rely on spontaneous offers. Especially at a time when the corona pandemic made travel more difficult and travel restrictions were the order of the day, last-minute trips were all the rage, because you often had to postpone or rebook your travel plans.
If you look in travel agencies or online agencies, you will actually find the best bargains for cheap package tours far in advance. Cheap offers are often bought by tour operators a year in advance, but the cheap offers are only available to a limited extent. If gone, then gone is the motto, which is why early bookers also like to plan for the long term. But more and more travel enthusiasts are relying on more spontaneous bookings, so that the tour operators are also increasingly postponing the early bird offers to the winter of the previous year.
But if you are sure where you want to go next year, you should still not wait too long and book your summer vacation for next year early. If there are any problems, you can usually rebook or cancel the trip planned in advance free of charge.
Be flexible
If you don’t have any plans for your next vacation yet and are flexible, you can still get a bargain on last minute trips. If the cheap offers have been gone for a long time, you can still get a good deal at short notice as a last-minute holidaymaker if you are not concerned about a specific destination, a certain hotel or high demands. Especially if you are open to offers that do not offer the high luxury, there are also some good travel offers in a timely manner.
What are the regulations in the destination country ?
Although the entry requirements in most countries have long since been overturned, of course you have to find out about the respective requirements even for a last-minute trip. There should therefore not be too little time between booking and departure, because often a lot has to be organized for the time of the vacation.
If the trip is planned abroad, the important identification documents must of course not be missing. If a passport has expired, it should be renewed before you decide to travel last minute, as the issuance of the passport can also take some time.
Refresh vaccination protection
Not only the corona vaccination is important if you want to travel. Other vaccinations can also be important, depending on which country the trip is to go to, holidaymakers should definitely make an appointment with their doctor to have their vaccination protection refreshed.
Check insurance
Anyone who likes to travel a lot should have travel insurance. However, what is covered in the respective insurance contract is often lost. Before leaving, it is therefore advisable to take a look at the policies and, if necessary, upgrade the insurance with new clauses so that you are protected against eventualities in the holiday destination.
Tips for a small budget
If you have already saved on your trip, you can keep your holiday budget low with other tips. For example, flights during the week are cheaper than departing on weekends, all-inclusive saves expensive food in restaurants and rooms with an extra bed are cheaper than large family rooms.
Cempedak is a unique adults-only private island that prioritizes sustainability and groundbreaking design. The twenty exceptional handmade bamboo villas for a maximum of 40 guests, has developed step by step over the years to preserve the natural habitat and wildlife. A destination for true visionaries.
If you want to make a contribution on holiday so that our future generations can also benefit from the natural beauty of our earth, Cempedak Island is the right place for you. The hotel promises holidays in its most authentic form and the philosophy of sustainability sets completely new standards that are forward-looking. Holiday memories such as the beach, sun and sea will become secondary if you take home the feeling of having made a valuable contribution to protecting our environment.
Every guest will find a secluded idyll on the barefoot island, where sustainability and environmental friendliness are combined with luxury. The bamboo villas have been created in the country’s typical architectural design using natural materials as well as recycled materials such as driftwood, alang-alang grass or rubber wood.
Care was taken to ensure that no existing trees had to be felled. The gardens have been planted with native trees and bushes, irrigation is done with recycled water, lighting is minimal so as not to disturb nature, especially the nesting turtles, in their night’s rest. The hot water system is powered by solar energy.
There are a total of twenty Beach and Sea Villas to choose from.
The Restaurant
The Dodo Bar in the evenings, Image: Cempedak Island
The hotel’s restaurant, with stunning views, serves three meals a day exclusively a la carte to reduce food waste. Food leftovers are fed to fish from the hotel’s own fish farm. Ingredients from our own production are used in the preparation of the dishes.
The menu includes homemade muesli, juices, jams, homemade bread, bar snacks, ice cream, as well as homemade syrups for soft drinks. Cempedak’s water uses its own carbonated water, which is sold in recyclable glass bottles. The coffee comes from Indonesia and is fairly traded.
Spa & Leisure
The main pool is located directly on the beach, Image: Cempedak Island
On offer are: diving, stand up paddling, yoga, tennis, windsurfing, sailing, and spa treatments. The Rock Spa is a unique oasis of peace, nestled on impressive granite rocks in an eastern mangrove bay. All three double treatment rooms have views of the sea and can relax to the sound of the ocean waves.
How to get there
The Indonesian island is located 85 km south of Singapore in the South China Sea. Cempedak is very easily accessible via Singapore International Airport. From Singapore, take a 55-minute ferry to Bintan, where a Cempedak representative will escort you to the Speed Boat Terminal and the island.
The idyllically situated and sun-drenched Spanish city of Dénia is located on the northern Mediterranean coast of the province of Alicante. With an area of just over 66 km², Dénia is the second largest and, with currently over 46,000 inhabitants, the most populous city in the surrounding comarca of Marina Alta. In the neighbourhood are the towns of Oliva, Ondara and Jávea. The 753-metre-high Montgó mountain, sometimes called the “Sleeping Elephant” because of its characteristic shape, towers majestically above these equally touristy seaside and holiday resorts, which is recommended as an excursion and hiking destination for all fitness levels and ages. If you want to go to the cross or to the summit, you can be prepared for sporting activity.
A hike to Cabo de San Antonio with its lighthouse and view of Jávea over flatter high-altitude paths with Mediterranean vegetation is also very attractive, a return trip to Dénia by boat from Jávea is a good idea. There, Dénia’s three port areas are home not only to fishing boats, pleasure boats and yachts, but also ferries for regular connections to Mallorca and Ibiza.
View of Dénia, Image: Sergio Formoso / shutterstock
Between the Montgó and the Segaria mountain range stretches the fertile plain known as Plana de Dénia, which has always been intensively used for agriculture and especially for the cultivation of oranges. Irrigation is provided by the Río Girona River, which flows into the sea at Almadraba, where it forms the small delta of La Punta. Off the coast in the direction of Jávea is the marine reserve of the same name, named after the headland Cape San Antonio, and also an excellent hiking area, where you can constantly let your eyes wander between mountain massif and rocky coasts. Here is also the destination of Cova Tallada, a cave at sea level, which was used for limestone extraction from the 16th century, but in the interior of which relics from the Muslim XI and XII centuries have also been found.
Although Dénia is clearly a tourist centre, it retains its Spanish character – in different parts of the city, such as the historic centre and the old and new port, you can experience a pleasant, rarely crowded tourist atmosphere, you never have the feeling of living in an artificial world created only for holidaymakers, the mix of locals, national and international residents and holidaymakers creates a pleasantly natural atmosphere. The numerous festivities and parades, which are always suspected by visitors of only serving as a folkloric tourist attraction, can also be traced back to a local tradition of the local population that is deeply felt as everywhere in Spain . Among the highlights here are certainly the fiestas “Fallas” in March and “Moros i Cristians” in August.
You will certainly feel at home in the hinterland of the Marina Alta: Mediterranean mountains with hiking trails, caves, river valleys, orchards, smaller mountain villages that invite you to take a break with a caña (a small draught beer) with a few tapas. An inexhaustible network of even smaller country roads in the mountains makes the area a paradise for cyclists and e-bikers. It is no coincidence that you can find numerous international professional teams training here in spring in preparation for the season.
The city grew very quickly in the 20th century and is still attractive as a place to live today
The favourable geographical conditions, each with relatively short distances to the two major cities of Alicante and Valencia, the warm and mild Mediterranean climate with up to 320 days of sunshine per year and the enviable location directly on the coast with over 20 kilometres of the finest sandy beaches made Dénia a popular bathing destination among Spanish visitors as early as the late 1950s.
In the mid-1960s, under the impression of increased growth and influx, there were plans, mainly characterized by land speculation, to build on the entire coastal strip with multi-storey buildings, but fortunately and not least for reasons of nature conservation, this was quickly discarded. Nevertheless, numerous holiday homes have been built in and around Dénia since then, as well as smaller and medium-sized hotels. In the summer peak season, the temporary number of inhabitants can quadruple to up to about 200,000. Between 1970 and 2021, the population almost tripled from 16,000 at the time to 46,000 today.
Not quite 30 percent of today’s population originally comes from abroad. A total of 111 nations are represented, you meet many Latin Americans and Central Europeans, but English and Germans form the strongest group with 1300-1400 inhabitants. Interestingly, however, the number of resident Germans has halved in the last 20 years.
As already mentioned, many former Denia holidaymakers decide to purchase a holiday home on site, which then often develops into their main place of residence. There are endless possibilities, from an apartment with sea views and communal pool, to a typical Spanish house with views on MontGo, to quieter settlement houses inland. You should get in touch with specialists who can help you reconcile your needs, wishes and wallet. More information: Asesor inmobiliario SAFTI Wolfgang MARINGER Dénia (03700) | SAFTI
Natural beauties as well as beaches with sand or stones are here in abundance for every taste
The biggest and most famous crowd puller of the city is undoubtedly its beach, which is divided into several sections and stretches over a coastline of about 20 kilometers and has state-recognized quality and environmental certificates. North of the center of Dénia and in the so-called “Zona Marinas” there are a total of 17 quite wide, fine, clean and well-kept sandy beaches. The Albaranes, L’Almadraba, Les Bovetes, Les Deveses, Els Molins, Les Marines and Punta del Raset sections are the most visited beaches. On the positive side, the kilometre-long extension of the beaches ensures a good distribution of visitors even in summer and makes overcrowded beaches practically impossible.
To the south, the so-called “Zona Las Rotas” is dominated by the smaller, mostly rocky, but very picturesque bays of Les Arenetes, Marineta Cassiana, El Trampolí, La Cala and La Punta Negra, which are connected by a modern waterfront promenade (“paseo marítimo”). These latter sections and bays have an excellent reputation among water sports enthusiasts as snorkeling and diving spots. Sailors and kitesurfers also get their money’s worth in Dénia. There are also several high-class equestrian centres and golf courses in the vicinity.
Not far away and easy to reach by rental car in just a few minutes drive from Dénia are also the equally charming beaches of Playa del Arenal, Playa de la Barraca and Cala de la Granadella in or near Jávea. A little further south in the direction of Moraira, there are other attractive bays, e.g. Cala de Moraig and Cala de Llebeig.
In and around Dénia, people have enjoyed living since over 2,000 years ago
Sunset at the port of Dénia, Image: lunamarina / shutterstock
From a cultural point of view, the port city of “Dianium”, which was already wealthy in antiquity and named after the Roman goddess Diana and already known nationwide, offers numerous attractions and sights. Wine production began 2700 years ago, which developed into a major economic factor 700 years later and helped Dianium to flourish under the Roman emperors Claudius and Nero. The Campiña de Dianium was home to 68 wineries and 17 amphorae production centres. Of the 10 amphorae produced, 9 went to the wine trade, one to olive oil. The wine was exported by ship, mainly to Gaul, Liguria, Rome and Sicily. Even today, Spanish wines do not need to hide internationally, to which many wineries in the area around Valencia and Alicante also contribute.
Located directly at the port of Dénia and right in the center, the landmark of the 11. to 12th century fortress “Castillo de Dénia” built by the Islamic rulers of the city. The imposing structure can be seen from afar from both land and sea and houses other architectural treasures such as the two defensive towers from the 15. and the former governor’s palace from the 16. and 17th century.
The archaeological museum is also located here, where finds from excavations from the surrounding area can be visited. For guests interested in history, the fortified Benitzaina estate from the 18th century, the picturesque hermitage “Caseta del Pare Pere” of a monk from the 17th century on the slopes of the Montgó and the mighty watchtower Torre del Gerro near Las Rotas with the nickname “Jarrón” (vase) from the 16th century are also excursion destinations.
There is perhaps no better place to eat in the Spanish Mediterranean
Dénia’s location by the sea and the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from the neighboring plain have made the city the preferred destination for gourmets and gourmets from all over the world from early on. Delicious local and regional specialties are primarily red prawns (with chard), the delicious seafood casserole “Suquet de Peix”, the grilled vegetables “Espencat” and the fish soup “Llandeta”. As an outstanding example of Mediterranean cuisine, even scientifically recognized as proven healthy, Dénia was included in the circle of “cities of gastronomy” by UNESCO a few years ago.
In the historic district around Carrer Loreto and the Old Town Harbour, holidaymakers will find a wide range of exquisite and first-class restaurants as well as cosy tapas bars all year round. A few years ago, the former warehouses were also converted into the authentic culinary and cultural site of Els Magazinos. Arroces, i.e. rice dishes, can be found everywhere, which is due to the fact that there are rice-growing areas in the Valencian Albufera but also in the nearby Marjal of Pego. Based on this, there is everything – from the world-famous “Paella Valenciana”, which, contrary to popular belief, delights the taste buds without seafood but with chicken and rabbit, to classic Alicantine variants with seafood, to the Arroz Negro, black by the ink of the squid, and lots of delicious alternative versions. At first glance, very similar to paella, the fideua is also tempting, which is prepared on a pasta basis. Tapas, fresh fish and grilled lamb chops remain popular classics.
In summary, it can be emphasized that Denia, with its Spanish soul, offers the visitor a naturally attractive backdrop in which nothing is left to be desired: whether you prefer the more traditional historic districts, the modern marina with bars and restaurants, the more rocky coast or miles of sandy beaches, or perhaps prefer nature in the hinterland, everyone will get their money’s worth in Denia.
Deserted picture-book beaches in prime locations, luxurious hotels, with a service that leaves nothing to be desired or exclusive cruises to the most beautiful places in the world. Holidaymakers who have the necessary financial means at their disposal can choose from numerous offers that meet their needs. It doesn’t always have to be long-distance trips that guarantee a first-class holiday. There are also destinations in Europe that offer pure luxury and extravagance.
Luxury yachts in the harbor of St. Tropez, Image: NAPA / shutterstock
One of them is the formerly sleepy fishing village of Saint Tropez on the Cote d’Azur, which was discovered by the international film industry in the middle of the last century and has been one of the favourite destinations of the Haute Volée ever since. Where small wooden boats used to set out to fish, the largest and most expensive yachts are now anchored. Filmmakers from all over the world stroll along the harbour and stay in the town’s luxury hotels. Not far from Saint Tropez is the tiny state of Monaco. It is not only famous for its glamorous princely family or the Monte Carlo Rally , but first and foremost for the noble Casino de Monte Carlo, which has served as a film set countless times.
For more than 150 years, the world’s high society has indulged in gambling. If you don’t manage to visit this Monegasque landmark in person, you can also switch to offers on the Internet and immerse yourself in the dazzling world of online casinos. A real pleasure, because attractive chances of winning are also tempting on the net. JackpotPiraten Casino is currently on everyone’s lips, because this is the first online casino with a German license, which means that you play in a completely safe and legal environment.
In addition, JackpotPiraten offers an attractive bonus with which you can top up your customer account right at the beginning. Here you can find information on how to use the JackpotPiraten Casino bonus correctly. Although this is no substitute for a visit to the Casino de Monte Carlo, it is a pleasant alternative and a fun pastime for friends of gambling. If you prefer to combine a luxury trip with winter sports, you will get your money’s worth in St. Moritz. The Swiss Alps guarantee snow, and slopes that are ideally groomed for perfect skiing fun. In addition, glamorous luxury hotels attract high society from all over the world every year.
Orient instead of Occident
For holidaymakers looking for something special, the Orient is also at the top of the ranking. Dubai is clearly at the top of the hit list. In this metropolis of superlatives you will find the most expensive and extravagant hotels of all. Among them is the prestigious Burj al Arab. This sail-shaped building houses the only 7-star hotel in the world and is considered the landmark of the emirate. In Oman, too, a number of exquisite hotels offer a sophisticated holiday in a class of its own. Fairytale temples made of marble, gold and crystal invite you to enjoy the oriental splendour up close. If you travel there in the summer months and prefer a cooler climate, you should visit Salalah . This dry desert area turns into a colorful sea of flowers during the monsoon.
Dream beaches and luxury resorts
The island of Alimatha in the Maldives, Image: Marcello Landolfi / shutterstock
People looking for the sound of the sea, crystal clear waters and endless white sandy beaches will find their holiday paradise in the Maldives. There you can even book individual islands exclusively for yourself. Alimatha is hard to beat in terms of luxury. This palm-covered island has only one resort, which is of breathtaking beauty. The Seychelles also offer turquoise blue sea and white sand. It is not for nothing that the coasts are regularly awarded as the most beautiful beaches in the world. The advertising industry also discovered this for itself and filmed the Bacardi and Raffaello commercials in La Digue , among others. Of course, the hotels and resorts of the Seychelles also charge for this beauty.
Another tip for a luxury holiday on picture-perfect beaches with magical underwater worlds is undoubtedly Bora Bora. This remote South Sea island is one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. If you want to experience the whole magic of this island, it is best to rent one of the exclusive water bungalows. They have glass floors and tables that allow an unobstructed view of passing rays, sharks or barracudas. Tropical holiday dreams also come true in Mauritius. There, a magnificent coral reef, exclusive hotels and numerous water sports opportunities away from mass tourism beckon.
Holidays in Bavaria have a lot to offer: beautiful landscapes for hiking and cycling, fairytale castles in Bavaria, magnificent old towns to marvel at and discover. Whether as a holiday in the mountains, a holiday in one of the Bavarian cities or a holiday on a farm, Bavaria is extremely diverse. Make your holiday in Bavaria an unforgettable experience! We have put together our suggestions for the most beautiful places and attractions for you and explain why if you want to rent a boat in Germany , Bavaria is ideal for it.
No holiday in Bavaria should be complete without a visit to the most beautiful castles. The most beautiful and well-known castles in Bavaria are:
Neuschwanstein Castle: This fairytale castle is known far beyond the borders of Bavaria and even Germany .
Hohenschwangau Castle: One of the most beautiful and well-known castles in Bavaria is Hohenschwangau Castle. It is located almost directly next to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Würzburg Residence: The Würzburg Residence is the only one of all Bavarian castles to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit a beautiful thermal spa in Bavaria to relax
There are more than 40 thermal baths in Bavaria. The thermal baths are a popular destination for a relaxing weekend not only because of their proximity to larger cities. They can also be used for another long holiday or spa stay.
Therme Erding: Just outside the Bavarian capital is the Therme Erding, which is also known as Europe’s largest thermal spa world.
Therme Bad Wörishofen: Bad Wörishofen has many opportunities for rest and relaxation due to its location in the Allgäu at an altitude of 630 meters. The Bad Wörishofen thermal spa also conveys an exotic South Sea flair and takes visitors into the water world of the Caribbean.
Johannesbad Therme Bad Füssing: The Johannesbad Therme in Bad Füssing offers its visitors an extraordinary variety of thermal landscapes and treatment options.
Watzmann Therme: In Berchtesgaden, the Watzmann Therme is the destination of many holidaymakers.
Visit zoo in Bavaria
Would you like to go on a trip with the whole family? Then you are in good hands at the zoos in Bavaria. There you can marvel at native wildlife such as lynx, deer and raccoons. In contrast to a zoo , the animals here live in their natural environment. Whether colorful forests, rocky landscapes or refreshing waters. The youngest guests can let off steam in the petting zoo. During a feeding, you will learn how to treat the animals with respect. The most beautiful zoos and wildlife parks in Bavaria include:
To make a holiday in Bavaria perfect, you should not miss out on spending at least part of your holiday by the water. Basically, Bavaria is very suitable for a holiday by the water in Germany, due to its good water quality . On a sailing trip you can leave your everyday life behind and simply enjoy the sound of the water.
There are numerous sailing areas in Freistatt – but on many lakes the wind is rather a rare commodity. However, the larger lakes are still suitable for a one-day or multi-day cruise. These are the best lakes for sailing in Bavaria:
Lake Constance: of course, Lake Constance is not Lake Garda – as far as the winds are concerned. But Lake Constance should not be underestimated either: Sailing is very possible on Lake Constance and offers good conditions, especially for beginners and sailing trips. Lake Constance offers much more space for sailing than, for example, Lake Garda, and the sailor can still find a place for several nights in the harbour as a guest.
A touch of insider tip and a strong pinch of superlatives characterise Untersee, the part of Lake Constance whose multifaceted natural and cultural landscape is framed by volcanic cones and a magnificent Alpine backdrop.
Ammersee: The sailing paradise of Ammersee presents the sailor with many a sporting and tactical challenge. He can prove his skills not only on the sea: Lake Ammersee is sometimes difficult with approaching thunderstorms, shifting winds and flying water.
Chiemsee: The “Bavarian Sea” is one of the most beautiful sailing and surfing areas, where many regattas are held every year. It is home to many sailing clubs and societies, water sports enthusiasts and other water lovers.
On Lake Chiemsee, Lake Starnberg and Lake Ammersee, about 80 percent of the sailing ships in the Free State are registered.
Do I need a sailing license to sail?
There is no general obligation for sailboats in Germany to obtain a sailing license. But depending on the boat and the area, sailing without a sailing license is still not possible. If you want to rent a boat or charter a yacht, you will also need an official driver’s license.
Without a license, you can only get a pedal boat from most rental companies.
Sports holidaymakers and hikers spend a large part of their holiday in the great outdoors. That is why this group of tourists attaches particular importance to sustainability and environmental protection. The Vorarlberg-based manufacturer Alpin Loacker attaches particular importance to high quality and environmentally friendly production in its production. Below we would like to introduce you to a selection of the products:
Men’s Merino Underwear (Boxer Shorts, Long Underpants, Socks)
Shirts
Hoodys
Jackets
Hats & Headbands
West
Hiking pants
Walking shoes
Glasses
The men’s underwear is made from the popular merino wool. Merino wool has many positive properties that are especially advantageous in the sports sector:
Due to the special fineness compared to conventional new wool, it does not scratch
Natural wool smells less quickly than synthetic materials
Wool textiles provide particularly good protection against the cold
A great advantage for nature is that sheep’s wool textiles can later be processed into rice wool.
Hiking poles
Hiking poles support the joints – especially when descending from the mountain. This saves a lot of energy to move safely in nature. Who would want to do without their trekking poles when hiking? You should pay particular attention to the correct adjustment of the hiking poles. So the hiking poles should always be adapted to the terrain. The pole should be set a little longer on the descent and shorter on the ascent. In general, however, it should be adjusted so that the hand can grip the handle well when the arm is at right angles to the floor. The forearm is parallel to the floor and bent at the elbow.
Alpin Loacker offers foldable touring poles, aluminum telescopic and carbon telescopic hiking poles in its online shop. These are made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum or super lightweight 3K carbon.
Sleeping bags
With the right sleeping bag, you can recover at night and be fit for the next day, Image: everst / shutterstock
Whether in summer or winter: Without suitable down sleeping bags, the night becomes torture and so does the next day in the mountains. Especially recommended for year-round hikers is the Down Pro 3 Seasons Down Sleeping Bag. With a weight of just 860 grams, it is easy to transport. If you prefer to travel in summer, you can save another 400 grams of weight with a summer sleeping bag.
Grödel
Grödel are the ideal upgrade for your hiking boots when hiking or trekking in icy or slippery terrain. The shoe offers good grip on both flat and hilly surfaces. With 18 nails per Grödel, the risk of falling is greatly reduced and mountain hiking in autumn, winter and spring becomes a real pleasure again. These shoe hangers are also suitable for running in ice and snow.
The features at a glance:
Winter hiking, trekking
elastic silicone – secure hold on (almost) any shoe
Durable stainless steel
18 spikes per Grödel
light: 415g per pair
Outdoor Clothing for Women
The Merino Thermo clothing is particularly suitable for jogging, skiing, climbing, hiking and mountaineering. The women’s range is similarly extensive to that of men’s outdoor clothing:
When traveling to Austria, the various cities are usually overshadowed by Vienna or Salzburg, which are also known to most foreign tourists. Graz is another city that has a variety of interesting places to offer. The capital of Styria is a pleasant size and can be easily explored on foot or by public transport. In addition to some sights, however, it is above all the interesting culture of the city that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is not for nothing that the old town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, is home to some of the best cafés in the country.
Listen to this article as a podcast:
The visit to Graz – why here?
The old town of Graz, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock
Austria has a long history behind it, which can still be experienced up close in many cities today with breathtaking sights. But while you can simply get lost in Vienna, for example, and Salzburg is mainly associated with the castle for visitors, Graz has retained the charm of a small town and still offers many interesting testimonies from the long history of Austria. It is very easy to move through the streets and the excellent public transport system allows you to visit most of the sights easily by bus.
In addition, Graz not only has historical buildings to offer, but also an interesting and old culture, which can be seen here on every corner. A large number of interesting museums, for example, deal with art in the former empire. Testimonies from the city’s long history can also be seen in exhibitions and museums. And if you’ve had a long day of history and culture, you’ll find a variety of cafes for a break or restaurants serving local cuisine. The hearty dishes of Austria are known all over the world and here you can enjoy them authentically in a historic setting.
The main attractions
The Herrengasse in Graz, Image: K3S / shutterstock
The city’s landmark is the majestic Graz Clock Tower, which rises in the old town of Graz. It can also be found on most postcards, coins and other souvenirs and is the figurehead for the inhabitants of the city. It is also located on the Schlossberg and if you make your way to visit the tower, you will have the city’s second major attraction right in front of you. This is where the true history of the city is located. The ascent can be done in two ways: Either you use the footpath to the top and enjoy the view of the city, or you take the elevator that takes visitors to the top. From here you have an impressive view, especially in the evening, and can enjoy Graz in the play of lights.
The Schlossberg offers some restaurants and beer gardens and of course probably the most beautiful exhibition of history in the city. From here you not only have a great view, but you can also spend a few hours exploring the locations. Fittingly, Graz is also home to the Landeszeughaus, probably the oldest ammunition and weapons depot in the country, where today not only modern weapons can be found, but above all historical pieces that once adorned the army in the many wars of the Empire.
Last but not least, there are many buildings from former times in the old town. From here you also have an easy way to the Graz Cathedral, which also adorns the skyline of the city and was built in the typical magnificent construction of the Middle Ages. If you have had enough of history and prefer to devote yourself to culture, you can walk to the art museum, which also offers some interesting exhibitions about the long history of the country and the city.
In the end, it is always worthwhile to end the day on Graz’s main square. This is where the city comes together and there are also many bars, cafes and restaurants in this place. So if you want to regain your strength after a long day exploring the city, you can do so with an original Wiener Schnitzel or other delicacies of Austrian cuisine.
