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The 5 largest German tour operators

PatrickJullien
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The 5 largest German tour operators

When planning their vacation, many tourists like to resort to the offers of classic tour operators. If you book a package tour, you don’t have to worry about anything. From the train to the flight to the hotel transfer – the entire trip is thoroughly organized. Experience reports from all tour operators will help you find the right provider. But who are the largest travel companies in Germany? Below we have listed the five largest tour operators for you:

1. TUI Germany

TUI (Touristik Union International) has been the undisputed number one among the largest tour operators in Germany for many years.

TUI, or rather its predecessor company Preussag, was founded in 1923. Once a steel and trading company, the company developed into a travel company, mainly through its investments in ship and aircraft construction.

From 1997 onwards, Preussag became one of the largest service companies in the leisure industry worldwide through the takeover of the shipping and logistics group Hapag-Lloyd. Later, TUI AG and TUI Travel Plc merged to form the TUI Group, which still exists today.

In the travel sector, TUI Deutschland GmbH is the executing company when it comes to package holiday offers, holiday flights and cruises. The company owns its own airline, operates cruise ships and holiday resorts in the most popular holiday destinations worldwide.

The TUI Group also includes the travel brands L’TUR, Boomerang-Reisen, 1-2-FLY, airtours, Gebeco, OFT REISEN, berge&meer, OX-TOURS and Viverde.

In addition to the online booking business, TUI operates around 1,800 brick-and-mortar travel agencies throughout Europe.

Before the pandemic, around 30 million people made use of TUI’s holiday offers every year, which brought the large group annual sales of around 6.6 billion euros. Since 2020, as with all travel providers, sales have declined somewhat.

2. REWE Group GmbH – DER Touristik and ITS Reisen

For many years, Thomas Cook Reisen took second place among the most successful travel providers in Germany. The company founder of the same name is still considered the inventor of the package tour (first offered for Egypt in 1869). In 2019, the group had to file for bankruptcy. The reason was the bankruptcy of the British umbrella company.

The German REWE Group became part of the company, which used it to expand its travel business. The Rewe Group is a German retail group based in Cologne. In addition to food retailing, the tourism sector has become the second most important division of the large group.

Package tours, flights, round trips, hotel stays, wellness trips and cruises are offered partly under the name REWE-Reisen (mainly via supermarket brochures and online). In addition, the well-known travel companies DER Touristik and ITS Reisen belong to the REWE Group. DER Touristik also includes such well-known names as DERTOUR, Meier’s Weltreisen, ADAC Reisen, Tjaereborg and Jahn Reisen.

Before 2020, sales in the travel sector were 4 to 5 billion euros annually.

3. FTI Group

The FTI Group (formerly Frosch Touristik GmbH) is a travel company founded in 1983 and headquartered in Munich. Initially, the FTI Group’s offer focused on language trips and later on trips to Mediterranean regions.

In the meantime, the FTI Group also offers worldwide package or modular tours, city trips, cruises and last-minute trips. Another focus is rental car brokerage. In addition, the FTI Group is behind the well-known travel channel sonnenklar.tv.

Other travel companies of the group are 5vorFlug, the online travel portal fly.de and the language tour operator LAL Sprachreisen.

The company normally has an annual turnover of around 4 billion euros.

Hint: On Monday, 3 June, the FTI Group filed for bankruptcy. If you have any questions, you can find more information in the daily press. FTI has also set up an information page: https://www.fti-group.com/de/insolvenz

4. Aida Cruises

AidaSol
On the road with the Aidasol, Image: Bjoern Wylezich / shutterstock

Aida Cruises is the cruise division of the British cruise company Carnival Corporation & plc, which is based in Genoa , Italy, and is specially tailored to the German market.

The company’s fleet includes the ships AIDAprima, AIDAstella, AIDAmar, AIDAblu, AIDAluna and AIDAsol.
The fleet’s trademark is the kissing lips with the four-color AIDA lettering. Cruises and club cruises are offered on the Mediterranean and in worldwide waters.

The ships are owned by the subsidiary Costa Crociere, with Carnival Maritime GmbH in Hamburg managing and organising fleet operations. The company also owns the cruise companies Costa Crociere and Costa Asia.

The company has a turnover of around 2 billion euros annually under good travel conditions and, according to its own information, is the market leader in cruises in Germany.

5. Alltours

Alltours Flugreisen GmbH is a German tour operator based in Düsseldorf. The Alltours group of companies also includes the Alltours-X and Byebye divisions. Since the end of Thomas Cook, Alltours has risen to become the fifth largest tour operator in Germany.

Alltours owns or has a significant stake in a number of hotels in the Mediterranean region. The company operates over 35 of its own large holiday resorts in Spain and Greece.

Today, the travel portal offers long-distance trips to exotic countries in addition to Mediterranean tours. In addition to the classic package tours, Alltours operates the pure rental of hotel rooms and holiday trips with self-arrival. In addition, the group also rents out entire holiday apartments or apartments in the company’s own holiday resorts.

Alltours is especially popular with families with children. The holiday resorts and hotels have received several awards for their child-friendliness.

Before the pandemic, sales were around 1.5 billion euros per year.

 

Article updated on 05 June 2024

The most beautiful islands of the Seychelles

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful islands of the Seychelles

It is no coincidence that the Republic of Seychelles is named in the plural in the German language. Because the Seychelles, as it is colloquially abbreviated, is an association of no less than 115 islands. The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean and one of the many islands seems more beautiful to visitors than the other. Typical here are the powder-white sandy beaches in front of turquoise blue and clear sea water. Many of the islands are made of granite stone, others identify themselves as coral islands. Divers and beach lovers get their money’s worth in the Seychelles as well as nature and hiking enthusiasts. What to see in Seychelles?
We have selected the most beautiful of the 115 islands of the Seychelles for you.

The main island of Mahé

Port of Victoria, Seychelles
View of Victoria Harbour, Image: GagliardiPhotography / shutterstock

With a length of 28 kilometres and a width of eight kilometres, Mahé is not only the largest island in the Seychelles, but also the most populous. The island has about 72,000 inhabitants and that is 90 percent of the entire population of the Seychelles. A visit to the capital Victoria with the Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens is worthwhile. This botanical garden is located on the 150-metre-high Mount Fleur and is home to 33 different species of palm trees, among other things. Mahé is also known as the island of forests and orchids. The area of the Morne Seychellois National Park is covered by tropical rainforest. The mountain Morne Seychellois is the highest mountain in the Seychelles at 905 meters. Numerous hiking trails lead to the summit. Along the way, you will encounter exotic lianas, mangroves and turtles. Travel to the Seychelles with Voyage Privé and get to know the main island of Mahé.

Dream beaches and palm trees on Praslin

Praslin, Anse Lazio
The wonderful beach Anse Lazio on Praslin, Image: Micha Rosenwirth / shutterstock

The second largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin is particularly popular with beach lovers. The beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio are both picture-book beaches, which are extensively overgrown by the Seychelles palm tree, which is only native here. Certified diving instructors introduce you to the beauties of the local underwater world. And there is also a national park on Praslin , which has a particularly interesting forest and palm trees. It is crisscrossed by romantic streams and narrow waterfalls. The national park, known as the Vallée de Mai, is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who visit the national park will also encounter numerous rare birds, such as the corvid parrot or the thick-billed fleeing bird.

The wedding island of La Digue

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

It is not uncommon for weddings to take place on La Digue. Because this island is so beautiful that international wedding couples like to choose it as a backdrop for their wedding ceremony and, of course, for their wedding pictures. The beaches of Pointe Source d’Argent and Anse Source à Jean are particularly beautiful, both interwoven with granite rocks. Since La Digue is completely car-free, you can relax on the island. If you want, you can rent a bike to explore the island. The Nid D’Aigle, the highest elevation on the island at 333 meters, is a popular hiking destination. From the summit you have a magnificent panoramic view of the whole of La Digue. In the bird sanctuary La Digue Veuve Réserve, the Seychelles paradise flycatcher breeds, which earns admiring glances with its deep blue plumage.

Great silhouette of Silhouette Island

Silhouette, Seychelles
The beautiful island silhouette in the Seychelles, Image: Serge Vero / shutterstock

The island of Silhouette was so named because of its interesting silhouette. Viewed from the neighboring islands, you can see that Silhouette is surrounded by a striking chain of rocks. There are no roads on Silhouette. Basically, the island looks wild and primeval and some corners have been little explored and developed to this day. So if you appreciate original nature experiences, you will have a lot of fun here. At Anse La Passe, the longest beach on the island, you can relax in peace and solitude. There are many bays here where you can retreat. If you want, you can stop by the breeding station for Seychelles giant tortoises.

Between luxury and eco-tourism on North Island

North Island is a very special island, because it combines luxury and eco-conscience in perfect form. On the island, which is only two square kilometres in size, you can enjoy a really expensive and at the same time high-quality luxury holiday in the luxury resort. Here, too, there are plenty of dream beaches next to densely overgrown palm beaches. In addition, North Island is a destination for many volunteers who have dedicated themselves to nature and species conservation. Here they help to protect rare turtle species.

Desroches Island: Off the beaten track

If you like to be mainly among locals, Desroches Island is the right place for you. The island is located 200 kilometers from the main island of Mahé and is best reached by plane. Here, 14 kilometres of beach invite you to snorkel, dive and relax. Desroches Island is an international insider tip among divers, because hardly anywhere else are fish and underwater plants more colorful than here. If you want to do sports in a different way, you will find countless hiking and mountain biking trails on the island, all of which are well developed and signposted. Many lead through an excitingly dense tree population with the most wonderful shades of green.

Punta Cana – the pearl of the Dominican Republic

PatrickJullien
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Punta Cana – the pearl of the Dominican Republic

A poet once came up with an apt formulation when he was asked about the advantages of the Dominican Republic. His statement: “A holiday on this beautiful island is like bathing in a watercolour”. Anyone who has ever gone to one of Punta Cana’s dream beaches is convinced that this judgment is true. Statisticians know that more than forty percent of the approximately three million tourists who look around the Dominican Republic every year look for their own personal domicile at the eastern tip of the island. Punta Cana is unquestionably a pearl among the paradisiacal spots of the Caribbean. With an almost always blue sea and wonderfully warm waves.

1,500 kilometres of pristine white beach

Punta Cana – these nine letters stand for dreamlike beaches and secluded bays. It is the Costa de Coco, and almost everywhere the beach drops gently into the waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you head for the Dominican Republic from Europe, you usually end up at the international airport at the gates of Punta Cana. After a long flight, the short distances on the island are quite pleasant. The republic has no less than 1,500 kilometres of beaches. It is white almost everywhere, and many of them are considered by international tourism managers to be among the most beautiful in the world. The bright white of the sand competes with the green of the palm trees and the sea, which rarely drops below 26 degrees Celsius.

Hotel offers for every budget

The majority of resorts are located in the Dominican Republic in and around Punta Cana. And these are made for everyone’s wallet. Some are more mid-range hotels, others are particularly tailored to a sporty crowd of guests. Even all-inclusive offers are available in this region of the Caribbean at surprisingly low prices. And almost everywhere, holidaymakers can look forward to top-class restaurants. Punta Cana is something of an Eldorado for gourmets. An 18-hole golf course on the doorstep of this tourist stronghold was designed by none other than the American star designer Pete Dye. The course is one of the best in the entire Caribbean. Since the Dominican Republic is located in the tropical climate zone, guests from all over the world can expect temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius all year round. If you look around Punta Cana today, it is hard to imagine that a little more than a quarter of a century ago, this place was still a blank spot on the map of international tourism.

Guests at a Caribbean wedding

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Image: Valentin Valkov / shutterstock

Punta Cana is more than just sand and beach. It is worth visiting some of the sights of this region. Among other things, the romantic church Jesus Maestro Parish. The small church is always the scene of a Caribbean wedding. If you’re lucky enough to be here at the right time, you’ll never forget the colorful and cheerful ceremony. The sleepy-looking fishing village of El Cortecito specialises in offering typical island goods. Here you can find jewellery of all kinds in the shops. But also a wealth of CDs with merengue music. And if you want to have a bottle of rum in your luggage on the flight home, you will find the right variety in El Cortecito. Punta Cana is surrounded by the Este National Park. It has a size of 430 square kilometers and is home to rare birds and plants. If you want to visit the interesting Cuevas des Puente and Josè Maria, you should put yourself in the care of experienced guides.

Swim with dolphins in the park

A typical artists’ village is located not far from La Romana. The town of Altos de Chavón is almost a birthday present, because it was built by a certain Charles Bludhorn. He wanted to give his daughter a special present. Today, sculptors, painters, musicians and internationally acclaimed photographers work here in the various workshops. The amphitheater in Altos de Chavón has become a cultural hotspot of the Dominican Republic, offering space for five thousand people. The theme park in Bávaro-Punta Cana is very popular. In Manati Park, flowers bloom in all seasons. Especially the numerous colorful orchids. Visitors also have the opportunity to swim with dolphins or attend a show with seals. Guests get very close to the culture of the island while strolling through a typical Taino village.

Clear water and dazzling corals

If you fly to Punta Cana to enjoy the sun, sand and beach, you are spoilt for choice. Even the locals do not agree in their assessment of the ranking of the most beautiful beaches. Guests are drawn to Playa Bavaro because of the clear water and the dazzling coral world. Playa El Macao is popular for its naturalness, and Playa Arena Garda is the epitome of an exotic world with coconut palms on the beach and dives to the wreck of the MS Astron. Playa Bonita is framed by bizarre rocks. The “Beautiful Beach” is blessed with a golden yellow sand. If you are prepared for longer hikes on the beach in Punta Cana, you will find your paradise at Cabeza de Toro.

Beautiful memories of the holiday

PatrickJullien
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Beautiful memories of the holiday

A photo book or photo print is an excellent way to capture the beautiful memories of the holiday together. In the past, you shot two or three films full and brought them to development after the holidays. Those days are over thanks to digital cameras and smartphones equipped with powerful cameras. Nowadays, thanks to user-friendly software for laymen, it is also possible to order photo printing online quickly and easily.

However, before you start designing the book online, you should first sort out the desired pictures and think about the order in which they will be placed.

Rosemood Online Shop
Website of Rosemood

Once this point is ticked off, you choose the desired provider. Admittedly, the selection of providers on the Internet is extensive. If you value careful workmanship and high-quality paper grades, we recommend the French supplier Rosemood Atelier, based in Nantes in western France.

Founded in 2006, the company specialised in the printing of high-quality birth cards in 2010 after initial difficulties. A big step was already taken in 2013: the print products could be manufactured in the company’s own halls. Thus, the high quality standards of the paper lovers could be asserted. In the same year, the young company published its first German-language website, “geburtskarten.com”.

More and more print products have been added to the range over the years. From high-quality Christmas and wedding cards, photo prints to the popular photo books.

Best print result

To authentically reproduce your photos and highlight the contrasts, Rosemood Atelier uses 5-colour digital printing. However, before the product is printed, it must of course first be designed. In the first step, you can choose from various layouts, also known as templates.

Once you have decided on a template, upload the pre-selected images to the software and start placing the images. In the photo book, the individually designed pages can be provided with text to keep the memories of certain sights or people alive in this way.

Take a few hours to design it. The result will thank you and you will always have a great pleasure in reminiscing.

Good ideas to immortalize your vacation pictures on paper

  • Picturesque bridges on the city trip, e.g. the Charles Bridge in Prague, the Rialto Bridge in Venice or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
  • Famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Acropolis in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome are ideal for a large-format print
  • The wonderful sunset on the beach
  • Family photo with all family members (especially on vacation, other tourists are always helpful and happy to help take pictures.

General tips for taking photos on holiday

  • Be sure to take a second battery or, depending on the device, a power bank with you
  • Look for exciting, unusual motifs
  • For high image quality, don’t overdo the use of zoom
  • Feel free to take two to three pictures at a time and then choose the right motif
  • Keep the lens clean
  • To save storage space, you can delete failed pictures directly

 

 

Popular holiday destinations on the Italian Adriatic

PatrickJullien
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Popular holiday destinations on the Italian Adriatic

Mediterranean holiday flair spreads on the beautiful beaches, bays and coastal towns of the Italian Adriatic. Italy’s Adriatic coast can be as diverse as the regions that lie on its shores – from Veneto to Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo to Puglia. Film, novel and fascinating travel stories entwine around the beautiful holiday destinations on the Italian east coast, including dream destinations such as Venice, Caorle, Trieste, Rimini and Otranto. One thing is clear: The Italian Adriatic coast is a paradise for friends of Mediterranean culture and beach holidays.

Venice – World-class Mediterranean cultural city

Murano Island
View of the colorful Venetian houses along the canal on the islands of Murano in Venice, Image: Javen / shutterstock

Hardly any other city in Italy – perhaps with the exception of Rome – fascinates international visitors as much as Venice. And for good reason. The world-famous canal city strings together a whole spectacle of magnificent buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along unforgettable sights such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square with St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace runs Venice’s Mediterranean lifeline: the Grand Canal. If you have chosen the Italian Adriatic as your holiday destination, you should not miss Venice and its Veneto region. The Venice Lagoon is located directly on the Adriatic coast and can provide a wonderful contrast to many of the seaside resorts of the Adriatic Sea with its fascinating cultural program within the city. Not much more needs to be said about the city with its fascinating canals, except: A Mediterranean dream destination on the Italian Adriatic.

Caorle and Bibione – In the footsteps of Hemingway

Lighthouse of Bibione
Lighthouse of Bibione, Image: AerialVision_it / shutterstock

The beauty of the Italian Adriatic did not pass by the American writer Ernest Hemingway either. In the 1940s, for example, he regularly stayed in the historic coastal town of Caorle. There he is said to have laid the foundations for his work “Across the River into the Forests (1950)”. Together with the neighboring town of Bibione, Carole is now considered one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the northern Adriatic coast. Highlights are of course the local beaches – in Caorle there are the Spiaggia di Ponente and the Spiaggia Levante to see. But the coastal town also has an old town worth seeing with picturesque alleys and colourful house façades, as well as the Madonna dell’Angelo church near the shore and a cylindrical campanile. Mediterranean beach idyll can also be seen in Bibione, a top destination for beach vacationers on the northern Adriatic.

Trieste – City of Culture on the shores of the Adriatic Sea

Trieste, Italy
Picturesque Trieste, Image: leoks / shutterstock

It is easy to forget that the historic cultural city of Trieste can also be found directly on the Adriatic coast as a holiday resort. The city is excellently located near the border to also take a tour to Croatian Istria . Trieste itself has a long history, dating back to ancient times, when the city was known as Tergeste. Today, Trieste is a well-known port city, an economic and cultural center of the northern Adriatic coast. At its heart is the central square Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia with an eclectic town hall from the 19th century, magnificent palazzos and the Fountain of the Four Continents (Fontana dei quattro continenti) from the 18th century. In the surrounding area are the scenic Castello di Duino and the Castello di Miramare – magnificent buildings located in the dreamlike panorama of the Adriatic Sea. The city has a beautiful Grand Canal at its heart as well as fascinating

Districts – whether historic or modern – and hiking routes in the area that are popular with nature lovers. When it comes to the most beautiful holiday destinations on the Adriatic, Trieste should not be forgotten.

Rimini – paradise for beach vacationers

Tiberius Bridge Rimini
The Tiberius Bridge of Rimini, Image: ALEX_UGALEK / shutterstock

None other than the world-famous Italian film director Federico Fellini (La Strada, 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita) was once born in Rimini, which repeatedly resonated in his films through characters and scenery. Even today, Rimini is one of the most popular bathing orders on the Italian Adriatic coast. This is due to the many dream beaches in the Emilia-Romagna region, but also to the optimal location to explore other highlights of Italy. A day trip to the historic city of Ravenna with its World Heritage Site is easily possible – magnificent churches and baptisteries from early Christian times await you there. Rimini itself is interspersed with historical buildings – there are especially ancient structures such as the old Arch of Augustus from 27 BC or the Ponte d’Augusto bridge, whose roots lie in the time of the Roman emperor Tiberius. Seaside tourism in Ravenna has a long tradition, so in the middle of the 19th century the first official seaside resort on the Adriatic coast was built here. And the city has lost none of its seaside charm to this day.

From Otranto to Lecce – The tourist insider tips of Puglia

Puglia, Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare, Image: Stefano_Valeri / shutterstock

The beautiful Apulia in the south of Italy is still one of the insider tips among the Italian travel regions. Puglia has some of the most idyllic coastal resorts in the Italian Adriatic. If you want to get to know the Adriatic coast far away from the classic hotspots such as Venice or Rimini, you should therefore go to the south of the country. Among other things, the historic Otranto with its old town and its fascinating coastal cityscape is located there. Rarely has a city been so seamlessly integrated into the cliff landscapes of the Adriatic coast. In general, a relaxed tour along the coastal region of Puglia is recommended for travelers. Here are historic cities such as Lecce with its terminal columns of the ancient Roman Via Appia, the Roman amphitheater, and its famous buildings of the Leccese Baroque, which is why the city is also known as the Florence of the Rococo. Bari, Ostuni or the beautiful Santa Maria di Leuca on the South Cape – the intersection between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea – make Puglia one of the most interesting regions to discover the Adriatic coast.

The most beautiful sights and excursion destinations on La Réunion

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful sights and excursion destinations on La Réunion

The Île de la Réunion, part of the French Overseas Territory, is one of the most fascinating island worlds in the Indian Ocean in terms of tourism. To the east of the coast of Madagascar, a spectacular natural paradise unfolds, whose green panoramas have their origin in the volcanic activity of the Piton des Neiges. Even today, the central formation shapes the geography of the island, whose highlights attract great attention, especially among nature lovers. Whether it’s the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Parc national de la Réunion, the striking Cap Méchant with its rock gate and the Voile de la mariée waterfall: La Réunion offers a breathtaking selection of natural sights.

Parc national de la Réunion – The island’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Reunion Beach
Reunion is simply paradise, Image: Balate Dorin / shutterstock

The Parc national de la Réunion is the natural heart of La Réunion. With its peaks and cirques, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. As one of the nine French national parks, it covers about 40 percent of the island’s territory in the heart of La Réunion. It is therefore not surprising that some of the most beautiful natural formations and natural sights can be discovered within the national park. In the middle of the center is the extinct volcano Piton des Neiges, which formed La Réunion about three million years ago. Today, the Piton des Neiges is not only an attraction for experienced mountaineers, but also the natural hikes and trekking tours to the Piton des Neiges. Together with the historic calderas Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Mafate and Cirque de Cilaos, it forms the natural heart of the Parc national de la Réunion.

Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Cilaos and co. – The cirques in the national park

Together with the historic volcano Piton des Neiges, the Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Mafate and Cirque de Cilaos calderas have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in La Réunion’s National Park since 2010 under the title Pitons, cirques et remparts de l’île de La Réunion. Narrow road bends – such as the Road of 420 Curves – lead into the heart of the two more easily accessible calderas, Cirque de Cilaos and Cirque de Salazie. An exceptional natural panorama unfolds in the surroundings of the calderas, which, like the Piton des Neiges, form essential parts of the nature of the national park. The valley basin of Salazie is particularly popular for its natural hiking routes, which bring visitors closer to the green facets of the national park. The Cilaos cirque, located directly on the Piton des Neiges, also attracts nature and hiking enthusiasts from the region with its routes – like the tours to the Piton des Neiges, they provide the best reasons for fans of active travel to visit the National Park of La Réunion.

Cilaos cirque

If you travel to the Cilaos cirque, you will drive through very impressive hairpin bends with a breathtakingly beautiful landscape in the most beautiful greenery. At this holiday destination, it is definitely worth unpacking your hiking boots and exploring the area on foot. You should definitely visit the town of Cilaos.

Cap Méchant with rock gate – Natural archways on Le Réunion

Cap Méchant, Reunion
Cap Méchant, Image: Zourite / shutterstock

If you are looking for a contrast to the national park in the heart of La Réunion, the coast of the French island offers dreamlike bays and sea panoramas. There are the striking rock faces of Cap Jaune or the beach idyll of the Plage des Roches Noires. Cap Méchant in the south of the island is particularly photogenic, formed from the fascinating legacies of La Réunion’s volcanic activity. The unpredictable cliff landscapes require a natural safety distance, but with appropriate caution they provide one of the most beautiful views of the coastal world of Lá Reunion. In the middle of an untameable surf, a striking rock gate is also presented here, which penetrates the cooled lava with a special sight. A nice contrast to the mountains and forests in the heart of the island. By the way: If you are interested in natural rock gates, you will find a similar one in the valley of the Bras de la Plaine river, the L’Arche Naturelle, a comparatively beautiful natural spectacle.

The Cap Noir and the Mafate viewpoint

Here you will find beautiful hiking trails to explore. One of the destinations of these routes is the Mafate viewpoint, which consists of a small pavilion and a few benches. The view here is truly of breathtaking beauty. The green valley visible from here provides an amazement that never wants to end. Just beautiful and to enjoy!

Weekly market of Saint-Paul – delicacies in the coastal town

Weekly market of Saint Paul
Weekly market of Saint Paul, Image: Stefano Ember /hat shutterstock

La Réunion offers a lot of untouched nature, so a trip into city life can be a pleasant alternative. The island’s weekly markets are famous, especially that of Saint-Paul. Whether blaze of colour or exotic smells and tastes, the weekly market of the coastal town is full of them. From fruit to vegetables, from regional specialities to spices and clothing – on market days, a pleasantly lively island life with interesting assortments awaits you here. As a rule, the market of Saint-Paul takes place from Friday to Saturday. The market experience is not limited to Saint-Paul, cities such as Saint-Pierre and Saint-Denis also have weekly markets or fixed market halls with culinary highlights. If you want to enrich your holiday on La Réunion with regional specialities, you should visit the island’s towns and markets.

Whale watching – whale watching in the coastal region of La Réunion

In the appropriate season, the coast of La Réunion is lively: whales are drawn to the island region, which inspire many travelers to whale watch. June to September are considered the best months to catch a glimpse of the special sea creatures. A typical starting point for the popular tours is the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles les Bains, from where some glass-bottom boats depart. Especially on the south coast of the island, the gigantic marine mammals appear during the season. Whale watching at La Réunion is strictly regulated – including minimum distances so as not to disturb the fragile ecosystem in the long term. In the corresponding season, humpback whales are particularly widespread near La Réunion. There are also isolated sightings of pilot whales, small killer whales and right whales. Dolphins are also regular visitors to the shores of La Réunion. Further proof that the island is one of the special natural paradises in the Indian Ocean.

Grand Anse Beach

The palm beach Grand Anse is located in the south of La Réunion. This beautiful white sandy beach is a must-see. It invites you to linger for a longer time and relax in the sun. Due to the existing shark danger in the area, an area was separated from the sea with stones especially for tourism. In this separately created swimming pool you can splash around safely and wonderfully. A beautiful day of swimming under the hot sun of the Indian Ocean is guaranteed.

Cap Jaune

Cap Jaune is a rock face about 50 meters high in the south of La Réunion. But this beautiful holiday resort is not that easy to reach. First, you have to hike over lava rock for about half an hour to get to this beautiful place. But once you are there, you can observe the natural interplay of the sea and this rock face. In an impressive setting, the waves slap against the rock face again and again. This spectacle invites you to enjoy it for hours, preferably with a magnificent sunset. It is even possible to climb down this rock face. For the more adventurous, extra ropes are attached for abseiling. The Cap Jaune was created by combining glowing lava with the seawater.

Lagoon on the west coast

On the west coast of La Réunion, you will find a unique lagoon that is second to none. This is certainly one of the most beautiful places on the island. The sandy beach, which is several kilometres long, offers the ideal opportunities for a perfect bathing experience. The underwater world demonstrates a colorful spectacle to snorkelers and divers. This beach is also secured from sharks.

Piton de la Fournaise

The Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Very often this spits out lava. If you are on the island, there is a good chance that you will be able to observe this spectacle for yourself. There is a volcano museum nearby, where you can learn a lot of interesting facts about it. On the one hand, this is very interesting, but on the other hand, it is also very instructive in order to better understand the whole context.

Saint-Leu Turtle Observatory

The turtle observatory in Saint-Leu is particularly interesting for children.
You will learn a lot of interesting facts about these armored inhabitants of the island. In addition, you can experience turtle rearing up close at the research station.

Crater Lake Grand Bassin

Réunion’s only crater lake, Grand Bassin, is definitely worth a visit. This is located in the center of La Réunion. Several waterfalls provide it with cool water from a great height. You simply have to see this spectacle with your own eyes. In the immediate vicinity there are breathtaking gorges and rock formations with green valleys. This place with its biodiversity of plants and animals is really a fantastic experience. Here you might think you’ve come one step closer to paradise.

The most popular vacation spots in the Dominican Republic

PatrickJullien
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The most popular vacation spots in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic – a destination that many people dream of. Spend your holiday where the most beautiful beaches in the world are located. Switching off once in the Caribbean, that is the goal of many. The country is known for the most beautiful snow-white sandy beaches in the world. But the Dominican Republic also has a lot to offer historically and culturally. After all, this is where the famous explorer Christopher Columbus landed in 1492 when he discovered America. In the following, the most beautiful holiday resorts of the Dominican Republic from Santo Domingo to La Romana with their sights are briefly presented. You should definitely have seen it if you stay in this country.

Capital Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
View of Santo Domingo, Image: sharptoyou / shutterstock

The capital Santo Domingo should definitely be visited as part of a trip to the Dominican Republic. It is located on the south coast of the island. The capital with its 3 million inhabitants offers tourists all kinds of sights worth seeing. Here you can find the colorful life in all its diversity that the Dominican Republic has to offer. History and modernity are combined here. Impressive architecture, especially in the old town from the colonial era, is offered to visitors interested in historical buildings in this city. This part of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its beauty that is worth preserving.

A monument to none other than the great explorer Christopher Columbus was erected in Santo Domingo. Both its statue and the Columbus Palace would be this well-known personality in the history of seafaring. Many fortresses and ruins from the past days of the colonial era offer tourists an instructive insight into history. Especially the fortress Ozama, which is still in very good condition today, is worth a visit. Many museums offer a wide range of activities for those interested in art and culture. The beautiful beach promenade “Avenida George Washington”, which is located directly on the blue sea, invites you to stroll and linger. At Playa Boca Chica, one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Dominican Republic, there are many tourists who spend a fantastic beach holiday there. The cave lake park Los Tres Ojos should also be seen during a visit to the capital. The numerous restaurants of Santo Domingo offer all kinds of culinary delights of the region.

Puerto Plata – First settlement

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata, Image: Fairy Lens / shutterstock

Puerta Plata is the place in the Dominican Republic where the first settlement in the New World was founded by the famous explorer Christopher Columbus. Over a total length of more than 100 kilometers, you will find beautiful beaches here. Playa Dorada in particular stands out here. This beach is also a very popular destination for surfers from all over the world. There are many sights in the city of Puerto Plata . The historically important fortress of San Felipe is a witness to the era of famous explorers and conquerors. In the Taíno Museum, those interested in culture can learn all kinds of interesting things about the indigenous people of the Dominican Republic. Another highlight is the Amber Museum, which tells about the first settlement of Christopher Columbus called “La Isabela”. Families can have fun at the fantastic Ocean World theme park .

Punta Cana

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Image: Valentin Valkov / shutterstock

The popular holiday region of Punta Cana is located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. This is located on both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The beautiful sandy beaches with a total length of 32 kilometers attract numerous tourists every year. The water here is crystal clear. Punta Cana, together with Bávaro, is part of the Costa del Coco. This region is home to many beautiful all-inclusive hotel complexes.

Samaná Peninsula

Dominican Republic, Samana
Beaches on Samana, Image: Rafael Martin-Gaitero / shutterstock

The Samaná Peninsula is located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic. It is a popular travel destination in the region. However, it is not so much mass tourism that takes place here, but rather individual tourism. Here you will also find the well-known town of Santa Bárbara de Samaná. This is where the life of this beautiful region bustles. If you want to find a lonely spot with a beautiful white beach like Robinson Crusoe, this is the place for you. Everything here is still largely untouched. Very popular in this region is the holiday resort of Las Terrenas with the bay of Samaná. Here you have the opportunity to even watch humpback whales at certain times. Picturesque landscapes with wonderful nature also offer hiking enthusiasts many opportunities to pursue their hobby. You should definitely visit the Los Haitises National Park . Here you will find probably the most beautiful mangrove forests.

La Romana

Bayahibe Beach, La Romana
Bayahibe Beach, La Romana, Image: Lena Serditova / shutterstock

La Romana on the south coast of the Dominican Republic is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and golfers. But bathing enthusiasts will also find the most beautiful beaches with white sand here. Here you can also visit small fishing villages and see the grandiose sugar cane plantations of this area. La Romana is an area that offers a lot of activities, especially to sports enthusiasts. From diving and snorkeling to tennis, all these sports are numerous in the offer of the tour operators. A highlight is the Guadalupe Underwater Museum with old pirate wrecks of days gone by. The picturesque fishing village of Bayahibe is very beautiful.

The most beautiful holiday resorts in Bulgaria

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful holiday resorts in Bulgaria

The most beautiful and exotic beaches of the Balkans are located on the territory of Bulgaria – clean, hospitable and inviting for an unforgettable summer vacation! Wide sandy beach, clean sea and great nature. This makes the beaches in Bulgaria a popular holiday destination for tourists from the neighboring countries of Romania and Macedonia, as well as from far-flung countries such as Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and others.

Visit Varna – the maritime capital of Bulgaria!

Varna is the largest city in northern Bulgaria and is located on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The city’s population is estimated at 336,505, which puts Varna in third place in Bulgaria (after Sofia and Plovdiv). Varna is often referred to as the “capital of the sea” or “summer capital of Bulgaria” and is an important tourist and educational center, as well as a starting point for resorts on the northern Black Sea coast. The city is home to a gold treasure from the Chalcolithic period, which until recently was considered the oldest gold treasure in the world. Nearby are holiday resorts that attract with their beautiful beaches. The town’s restaurants with their delicious cuisine and the beach bars are a real treat for the soul after the long cold months.

Varna is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria – vast golden sandy beaches, green freshness, clear sea and a variety of resorts and localities, recreation areas and places of relaxation. Everyone will find their paradise here – families with children, young people looking for fun and nature lovers who prefer a quiet and peaceful holiday. The Black Sea coast of Varna offers numerous opportunities for recreation and entertainment – on the wide, up to 32 km long coastline there are over 22 beaches, some of which have been awarded the “Blue Flag” – a symbol of a clean and ecological environment.

Albena – Peace and Security

Albena, Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
Extensive beach in Albena, Image: Michael Dechev / shutterstock

Millions of tourists around the world know this name – Albena. The Bulgarian brand, which has become a symbol of high-quality family holidays, is a popular holiday destination. The hotels are lined up like a white chain along the long, fine sandy beach. The shallow and clear sea caresses the beautiful coast, and the nearby nature reserve “Baltata” fills guests with healthy air. Sunny Albena is the most popular holiday village for young and old. This paradisiacal spot on earth, surrounded by forest, sea and beach, is the ideal place for a relaxing family holiday. Albena attracts its guests with cozy hotels and thousands of recreational and sports facilities.

Albena Holiday Village is the perfect place for happy children and relaxed parents, because here the little ones have plenty of space to let off steam to their heart’s content, ride a bike, rollerblade, kick a ball without worrying. The children can let off steam in Albena without hindrance, because Albena’s Green Mission and the parking policy limit car traffic in the complex to a minimum. For an even more memorable holiday for Albena’s youngest guests, the resort also has bungees, trampolines, roller coasters, gondolas, bumper cars and water shock absorbers.

Zlatni Piasaci attracts with its picturesque coast, cozy beaches, clean air

Zlatni Piasaci (Golden Sands) is located 16 km north of the maritime capital Varna in the cool forest of the nature park of the same name, very close to the golden sandy beach. The name of the resort is very meaningful in itself. Legend has it that Black Sea pirates buried a wonderful treasure of gold on the shore of today’s resort. The sea, however, avenged the injustice of the bandits by turning the gold jewels and money into beautiful, fine, golden sand…
Do you want to enjoy a romantic sunrise or sunset on the beach, go fishing or drive as close to the beach as possible? Whether relaxing, swimming or walking, playing with the kite or building sand castles, the most beautiful beaches of Zlatni Piasaci offer something for everyone.

Sunny Beach – not everything is alcohol in Bulgaria’s largest resort!

Sunny Beach is the largest resort on the Black Sea. With its hotels and apartment complexes located along the coast and hidden in the greenery, Sunny Beach seems like a magical oasis. The resort of Sunny Beach is located on the southern Black Sea coast, about 30 km from the regional center of Burga, 100 km from Varna, the Bulgarian capital on the Black Sea, and 3 km from the ancient city of Nesebar. It is located in a wide, semicircular bay that is open to the east. In the north, the resort is surrounded by the heights of the Stara Planina Mountains, which coexist harmoniously with the sea, and in the south it borders on the picturesque Nessebar. The beach is 8 km long and 30 to 60 meters wide, covered with fine golden sand and natural sand dunes. Many rare plants grow here. The sea is clean, without dangerous fish. The average temperature of the sea water is 20-26 degrees Celsius and the salinity is twice that of the Mediterranean. The sunshine duration between May and October is about 1700 hours. Sunny Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag because it has been proven to offer clean beaches and a clean sea, as well as fresh air from the nearby mountains. In recent years, Sunny Beach has established itself as a destination for alcohol and youth tourism – but there is something for everyone! Try it out!

Shabla – lots of unspoiled nature and tranquility!

Shabla, Bulgaria
You will find peace and relaxation in Shabla, Image: naskopi / shutterstock

Shabla is a small town in northeastern Bulgaria that, with its beautiful, unspoiled nature, is a popular place for tourists who love peace and quiet. Guest houses, campsites, villas and small family hotels are fully occupied in the summer season. The locals are distinguished by their hospitality, and for tourists there is an unfathomable magic of the north that attracts them every year to the vicinity of Shabla, Tyulennovo, Krapets, Durankulak and other beautiful places.

The most beautiful holiday islands in Thailand

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful holiday islands in Thailand

Thailand rightfully holds the crown as the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and its popularity continues to rise. The tropical country is located on both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand and borders Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

If you want to combine exoticism and adventure with endless white beaches, palm forests, turquoise blue sea and low prices, Thailand is the right place for you. But while the mainland also attracts with numerous attractions and is always worth a visit, the real charm of Thailand lies in its extensive island world. Thailand has a wide range of islands in all sizes and shapes in both seas, some of which are much more touristy than others.

How to get there

If you want to visit one of Thailand’s islands, there are several options. Especially the larger, very touristy islands such as Koh Samui or Phuket have large airports and can be reached very easily, for example from the capital Bangkok . Unfortunately, direct flights from Germany are not offered. If you want to visit lesser-known or smaller islands, you can travel by boat. There are many such ferry connections, which also makes the journey relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive.

Let yourself be convinced and enchanted by the 5 most beautiful holiday islands in Thailand.

Phuket – the big island for beginners

Patong, Phuket
Patong Beach on Phuket, Image: John_Walker / shutterstock

Phuket – The largest of all Thai islands is also the most popular with tourists. The main town of Patong is therefore very well developed for tourism and those who like to move on safe paths are in good hands here. The city also offers a debauched colorful nightlife and an excellent infrastructure. If you explore the rest of the island, however, you can still find and enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful scenery and beaches very quickly. Particularly recommended is the Sirinat National Park, which has relatively empty beaches and beautiful forests.

Koh Samui – Thailand as you imagine it

Koh Samui
The Angthong National Park on Koh Samui, Image: lkunl / shutterstock

Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island and has an area of 233 square kilometers. It is generally considered the most versatile island and, together with Phuket, is the clear leader in terms of tourist numbers. Of course, there are good reasons for this, because on Koh Samui you will find everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires in Thailand. Here you will find the right offer for every price range and for every area of interest. Whether it’s a luxury holiday with lots of culture and nightlife or a family holiday in a holiday apartment right on the beach – everything is possible on Koh Samui. The northeast is particularly known for its parties, while in the south of the island you can also marvel at quiet little fishing villages and untouched nature.

Koh Phangan – the hip party island

Koh Pangan
View of Koh Pangan, Image: Huw Penson / shutterstock

Koh Phangan is particularly popular with younger tourists and backpackers looking for alternative entertainment. Particularly well-known and popular are the so-called “Moon Parties”, which are a great attraction in themselves. Koh Phangan is also very popular with yoga lovers and offers plenty of offers for interested parties and professionals. But nature is not neglected here either: numerous temples and waterfalls characterize this island and an ascent of the 627-meter-high mountain Khao Ra is definitely worth the effort.

Koh Tao – perfect for diving

Koh Tao
Koh Tao, Image: aiaikawa / shutterstock

This small island is also called Turtle Island due to its shape and is geographically the little sister of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. It is famous as one of the best diving areas in the world and that is exactly the main attraction of Koh Tao – the beautiful underwater world. The diving industry here offers affordable diving courses for every level and even if you just want to go snorkeling, you will hardly find a better place to do so. Another special feature is the frequent opportunity to encounter wild whale sharks, which form a fantastic climax to the dazzling schools of fish and coral banks. The island is also one of the most beautiful in Thailand and offers beautiful beaches and other recommended attractions, such as the natural John Suwan viewpoint.

Koh Phi Phi – the backpacker stronghold

Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi, Image: YURY TARANIK / shutterstock

Koh Phi Phi is best known for the Hollywood film “The Beach” with Leonardo Di Caprio, which was released in 2000. And even though the island is no longer a lonely paradise, it still offers all kinds of attractions. Here, too, there is a lot to find for both party-goers and nature lovers, including Long Beach or Viking Cave. The many bays, which are best explored by boat from the sea, are also particularly recommended. Due to the high number of backpackers from all over the world, it is also very easy to make new friends here. Koh Phi Phi is therefore very attractive, especially for solo travelers. The prices are cheap and even for diving, Koh Phi Phi is ideal. A true all-rounder.

Mdina in Malta – the city of silence

PatrickJullien
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Mdina in Malta – the city of silence

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and is located in the center of the island. The place looks back on more than 4,000 years of history and is also called the “City of Silence”. In any case, Mdina is one of the most beautiful walled cities in all of Europe. It is conspicuously enthroned on a 190-metre-high hill above the surrounding countryside. The old town is completely car-free and exudes a unique magic that hardly any visitor can escape.

Brief history of Mdina

Already under the Romans, Mdina experienced its first heyday and was much larger at that time than it is today. Before that, the Phoenicians had already shaped this area. From 870 AD, the Arabs ruled over the city and also gave it its name. However, Mdina received its current strong fortress walls under the rule of the Normans in the 12th century. These strong walls then also prevented the Turks from invading in the 15th century. The former stables of Mdina now form an independent city, namely the neighboring Rabat. While Mdina was the capital of Malta under the Knights of St. John for a short time from 1530, it soon had to give up this role to Birgu and finally to Valletta . Since then, Mdina has experienced a significant decline in population and today has just 400 inhabitants with a declining trend. Neighboring Rabat is much larger. Last but not least, the British stopped by Mdina during their colonial rule.

The most important sights in Mdina

The Main Gate

Mdina
Mdina, Image: mRGB / shutterstock

As a rule, you enter Mdina through the large baroque city gate. It is the prelude to an atmospheric tour through the narrow streets of the old town. It was built in 1724 by order of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena. After passing the Main Gate, the first thing you come across is the Torre dello Standardo. This is part of the massive city fortifications and was used by the Knights of St. John for communication with other cities in Malta .

The heart of Mdina – the cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is the unmissable focal point of the old town of Mdina. Like so many other churches in Malta, it is built of white limestone and has two twin towers. Kept simple on the outside, the richly decorated interior of the cathedral is all the more impressive. You can see artistic baroque decorations, several tombs, beautiful frescoes and the dome enthroned above everything. Right next to the cathedral, the adjoining cathedral museum is also worth a visit.

The Palaces of Mdina

Main Gate Mdina
View of the main gate and the city wall of Mdina, Image: eldeiv / shutterstock

Mdina’s old town is characterized by several magnificent palaces. The Palazzo Falson from the 13th century and the Palazzo Vilhena on St. Publius Square are particularly impressive. The latter palace was built in the 17th century and now houses the exhibitions of the Natural History Museum. Underground stretches a branching labyrinth of corridors and chambers, the so-called Mdina Dungeons.

The fortress walls of Mdina

The mighty fortress walls surround the old town of Mdina almost squarely. Today, the walls can be visited and guarantee unique views of the narrow streets of the village and the varied surrounding area. The city wall has both medieval and baroque elements. However, an earthquake at the end of the 17th century destroyed parts of the defiant fortress walls. The alternation of light and shadow creates unforgettable plays of colour here as well as in the narrow streets of the old town.

A beautiful view can be enjoyed not least from the Pjazza Tas-Sur. It is lined with pretty town houses.

Food & Drink in Mdina

The cozy alleys of Mdina invite you to try some of the local food and drinks. Fresh fish and the fish soup Aljotta with garlic, rice and tomatoes are just as much a part of it as the Maltese vegetable stew or the rabbit stew “Stuffat Tal-Fenek”. This is also served fried. The optionally sweet or savoury pastizzi, a greasy puff pastry, should also be tried. “Qassatat” is the name of another popular snack with pea or ricotta filling. Inspired by Italy, fresh pasta is of course also served, but the Arabic influences have also left their mark on Maltese cuisine. The best way to go with it is the tart-sweet lemonade Kinnie, the national drink of Malta, or a cool Cisk lager. For example, Café Fontanella with its beautiful view is recommended for a bite to eat.

Travel time and climate for Mdina

Summers in Malta are usually warm, humid and dry. In winter, on the other hand, it can also be windy and cool. In July it is warmest with just under 30°C. Rain usually only occurs between September and March. June and July are completely free of precipitation. Spring and autumn are considered the best time to travel, but even in summer, after an extended day of swimming, it is worth taking a detour to the “City of Silence”, when most day visitors have already left Mdina. Especially in the evening it exudes a fantastic atmosphere.

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