All about travel

Jesolo is always worth a visit

Italy

PatrickJullien

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14. June 2022

The municipality of Jesolo is located on the Venetian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Particularly well-known among holidaymakers is the Lido di Jesolo, which stretches from west to east as a sandy coast with a length of 15 km. The beach has a promenade along which various hotels and apartments are arranged. The beaches from Jesolo to Grado are really beautiful. You know the long sandy beaches and the beach cabins that can be rented on a daily basis and the colorfully striped lifeguard turrets of the Salvatori, as well as the shell mountains and the legendary sand sculptures of Jesolo.

From Central Europe you can reach Jesolo easily and relaxed by train, car or bus. The nearest airport is in Venice. From there, there is an express service that takes travelers to Jesolo. The municipality of Jesolo borders Cavallino-Treporti to the west. Thanks to the newly expanded cycle path system, which is also illuminated at night, the municipality is also easy and easy to reach from there. The surrounding area of Jesolo is suitable for extended bike tours in the surrounding canals.

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A guest in Jesolo

Lighthouse of Jesolo, Image: Yuriy Biryukov / shutterstock

Jesolo has more to offer than meets the eye. The beautiful old town and the beautiful and long beach promenade invite you to stroll. Maybe you can enjoy an aperitivo or a cappuccino in one of the numerous bars to enjoy the Italian flair. Connoisseurs of good food will also get their money’s worth in Jesolo. Pizza, pasta, but also various fish specialties are always a culinary highlight on every trip to Italy. In Jesolo there are numerous restaurants in all price categories. There is certainly something for everyone.

The central piazza in Jesolo is just a few minutes from the beach. There are tourists, but also locals all year round, especially in the summer months, to enjoy the flair. The location is very suitable for watching the hustle and bustle on the square and treating yourself to an espresso or an “aperitivo” on the side. The shopping opportunities in Jesolo are also not to be sneezed at. There are many shops and also some noble boutiques. In the summer months, the promenade is open from early morning until late in the evening. There is certainly something for everyone.

But in Jesolo there is also a life away from the hustle and bustle of the beach. For example, art exhibitions are often held in Jesolo, the Museo Storico Militare is an exhibition of military history since Roman times and the golf course is considered beginner-friendly and is becoming increasingly popular. In addition, it is always very well maintained. Every golfer will certainly feel comfortable on the course.

A visit to the antique market on Piazza dei Breschia is also definitely an experience. How about an aperitif followed by a stroll around the market? Maybe there will be one or the other piece that you can take home as a souvenir.

Good location for visiting the lagoon city

Cathedral of San Simeone Piccolo, Venice — Cathedral of San Simeone Piccolo in Venice, Image: Yasonya / shutterstock

Another advantage of a stay in Jesolo is the local proximity to Venice. From Punta Sabbioni, a “vaporetto” runs at regular intervals, with which you can cross to the lagoon city. Visiting the lagoon city is certainly one of the highlights of a holiday in Jesolo. In addition, you can also visit the towns of Murano and Burano, the island with the colorful houses. Both are definitely an experience for a day trip, highly recommended.

Cycling holidays in Jesolo

Due to its location, Jesolo is very suitable for cyclists. The cycling network has been enormously improved and expanded in recent years. There are plenty of bike rentals in Jesolo. Whether e-bike, road bike or gravel bike, tourists are offered an enormous range of options. But the legendary “Pedalos” can also be found there. With the vehicles on 4 wheels, which can accommodate up to 4 people, you can drive along the seafront. There is also the possibility of going to the nearby pine forests of Cavallino – Treporti. 14 cycling routes for beginners and endurance athletes are available.

Tenerife – Hiking and relaxing in the quiet southwest

Europe
Spain

PatrickJullien

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14. June 2022

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Tenerife – Hiking and relaxing in the quiet southwest

A pleasant and mild climate all year round means that Tenerife has established itself as one of the most popular holiday destinations for German tourists. However, the largest island of the Canary Islands offers holidaymakers much more than just lounging in a hotel. Tenerife has so much to offer that renting a car to explore the island is recommended. But even travelers without a driver’s license can discover exciting and wonderful places away from mass tourism thanks to a well-developed public transport network.

Someone who is particularly familiar with the Canary Island is C. Jörg Metzner. The Cologne-based author spends several weeks a year in Tenerife and searches for new hiking trails, interesting leisure activities and restaurants every time he visits.

Tenerife, Teide — View of Mount Teide, Image: Mikadun / shutterstock

He has written down his experiences and tips in the travel and hiking guide “Tenerife – Playa San Juan and the Southwest”. We are pleased that Mr. Metzner took the time for a short interview.

On none of my vacations so far have I driven more kilometers than in Tenerife. What makes this island so appealing?
The attraction lies on the one hand in the three-dimensionality of the island and on the other hand in the multitude of different attractions, which, however, are spread over this large island. Hence the kilometers.

In Tenerife , depending on the season, you can go sledding in the morning, swim in the snow and in the afternoon in the sea.

Travel Guide Tenerife – Playa San Juan and the Southwest by Jörg Metzner

In your guidebook, you will focus in particular on Playa San Juan and the southwest of Tenerife. Which accommodation do you prefer during your stays? Classic in a hotel or rather as a self-catering apartment in a holiday apartment?

I myself prefer the holiday apartment because I am more flexible as a self-caterer. On the other hand, more initiative is required there. Holiday apartments are less often chosen as a domicile in summer because families with children tend to go on holiday in summer. Then the hotels are in demand, with all-inclusive, animation and supervised events. Holiday apartments are more in demand over the winter. Then it is not so much the families with children who are on the road, but the best agers, i.e. the 50+ generation, mostly in pairs. They are more likely to go to an apartment.

As a part-time Tinerfeño, you will experience the development of tourism in Tenerife up close. How has tourism developed here in the last ten years?

On Tenerife, the authorities have been able to protect themselves somewhat from mass developments, such as those on Mallorca , by only allowing hotels with at least a minimum number of hotels. 4 stars may be built and 3 star hotels must be upgraded. Compared to other holiday islands, a high hotel standard apparently protects against unpleasantly escalating mass tourism.

In fact, increasing tourism is noticeable through more frequent traffic jams, longer queues. Tourism is increasing, but I have never found this unpleasant at any time of the year. Tenerife is big enough to avoid individually.

Which travel time can you particularly recommend to our readers?

My favorite is winter, because then the climate difference between home and vacation destination is extreme. On the other hand, you see few young people and families in winter. It is interesting that even in summer the climate in Tenerife is pleasant and bearable. For example, I find the south of France hot and sometimes humid in summer. I don’t have that feeling in Tenerife . In the summer of 2018, I voluntarily extended my vacation by one week because the climate in Tenerife was much more circulatory than in Germany.

If you visit a typical fish restaurant in Tenerife for the first time, you might quickly be overwhelmed by the large selection at the counter and the ordering of the desired dish due to a possible language barrier. Which fish can you recommend and what should the restaurant guest consider when ordering.

The right fish restaurants near the harbour catch the fish fresh every day. They eat what is on the table or what has just been caught. The waiters are trained, show the catch beforehand and are happy to advise. In the kitchen, the fish is expertly prepared. I would always recommend that when ordering fillets, you should also clearly point out that the fish should be boneless, in Spanish “sin espinas”, perhaps accompanied by the friendly word “por favor” for “please”. If it was boneless, the waiter is also happy about a “gracias” for “thank you”.

What is your personal insider tip in Tenerife? What do you think you should definitely visit?

I am mainly in the southwest of the island, where the sun shines. If an insider tip is a place that is comparatively less touristy, then I recommend a visit to Playa San Juan on the west coast. There is not a single hotel there, but a nice beach, many restaurants and a little fishing village atmosphere.

You should definitely visit the Teide with the Cañadas. Here you move in an extremely strange, unreal world at 2000 meters. An impression that you should definitely take home with you.

Mr. Metzner, thank you for the interview.

Info:

The travel guide “Tenerife – Playa San Juan and the Southwest” can be ordered under the ISBN number 9781790936762 and as an e-book on Amazon .

Casino Resorts: It Doesn’t Always Have to Be Las Vegas

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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14. June 2022

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Casino Resorts: It Doesn’t Always Have to Be Las Vegas

Hand on heart, who doesn’t immediately think of the neon metropolis of Las Vegas in the state of Nevada when they hear the term casino resort? But even beyond “Sin City”, there are plenty of exciting destinations for you, combining luxurious surroundings, an extensive entertainment programme and gambling.

Although classic resorts are hotel complexes that offer their guests everything they need without having to leave them, there are entire cities, especially in Europe, that have developed into holiday resorts.

Hardly any casino has a more sophisticated fame than the casino in Monte Carlo, which opened in 1854 and has been considered a playground for the rich and famous since the last century. An associated concert hall and gastronomy, opulent architecture by the creator of the Paris Opera and illustrious guests make the casino an experience. Several luxury hotels can be found just a few steps away, and the palm-fringed Riviera is practically on the doorstep. If you are a novice, however, you should familiarize yourself with the games beforehand, for example in reputable online casinos with the best payouts.

Not far behind the French border, Nice offers all the amenities of a casino resort and a cultural offer that does not have to hide behind Monte Carlo. Turquoise blue water, white beaches, theatres, top-class gastronomy and museums of all kinds offer you a change from a visit to the casino. While Monte Carlo is known as the filming location for several adventures of the gambling super agent James Bond, Nice played a leading role in Hitchcock’s classic “Over the Rooftops of Nice” in 1955 with Cary Grant and the future Monegasque princess Grace Kelly.

Even closer is the Kurhaus Baden-Baden , a German resort with one of the most traditional casinos in the world. Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich, who had sat down at the gaming tables here just like Nobel Prize winners and crowned heads, even described the house as the most beautiful casino in the world. Since 2021, Baden-Baden has even been one of eleven health resorts in seven European countries that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Great Spa Towns of Europe”.

If you’re looking to go far, you’ll also find a wide range of casino resorts for every type of holiday. Nature lovers, but also honeymooners, are in the right place at Crocs Resort in Costa Rica . Saying “I do” on the beach, lying by the pool or under a waterfall, exploring the jungle with an expert guide or riding along the Pacific shore on horseback are just a few of the most popular leisure activities. Costa Rica is also a family paradise, so parents and their children will have just as much fun here as singles and couples.

If you prefer to see elephants, giraffes and lions instead of turtles, whales, sloths and ocelots, you will find the opportunity to combine your casino holiday with a photo safari at the “Sun City” in South Africa . But golf and tennis fans also get their money’s worth here. South Africa has a wide range of world-class golf courses, and the climate allows for outdoor sports almost all year round.

Bahamas Paradise Island — Paradise Island with the Atlantis Resort in the background, Nassau, Bahamas, Image: Pola Damonte /shutterstock

The name Paradise almost says it all. On the Bahamas island, the “Atlantis Resort” is the largest casino in the Caribbean. As befits an island resort, the water is one of the main attractions. A huge water park offers fun for young and old, and eleven pools invite you to take a quieter dip or laze on a deck chair. Beach, waterfalls and caves, snorkeling and boat trips leave no room for boredom. Animal lovers can experience manta rays, sharks, turtles and dolphins.

If you prefer to experience the excitement of a vibrant metropolis instead of pure nature, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to the “Marina Bay Sands” in Singapore . Built according to Feng Shui principles, the building consists of three 194-metre-high towers reminiscent of stacks of cards, which are connected by a roof garden, and has now become the landmark of the city-state. The Sky Park, as the roof garden is officially called, allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city skyline. A public observation deck is also accessible to non-hotel guests, and the lush gardens, a jogging track, and a lofty infinity pool have made the Sky-Park one of Singapore’s top attractions. Light shows, a “Museum of Wonders” shaped like a lotus flower and a futuristic-looking pedestrian bridge modelled on a double helix make the trip to the “Marina Bay Sands” an unforgettable experience.

The 155,000-square-foot complex is considered one of the most luxurious casino resorts in the world. But there is much more in the three towers. Hotel rooms and suites, conference halls, theatres, museums, event plazas, restaurants and shops and the view of the ocean, ensure that no wish remains unfulfilled.

On the island of Macau , you can choose between two of the largest casinos in the world. The island itself is now part of China again, but the traces of the centuries-long Portuguese colonial era can still be felt, which adds to Macau’s appeal. “The Venetian Macau” is anything but typically Chinese. The casino resort, which opened in 2007, is the second largest casino in the world with 51,000 square meters of gaming space. As its name suggests, it offers a touch of Venice in the Far East, and you can have fun with a gondola ride through man-made lagoons in between. Concerts and sporting events are also on the program of the resort, which offers its guests 2905 suites.

Hip and modern instead of European-nostalgic is the place to be in the nearby “City of Dreams” in Macau. With 39,000 square meters of gaming space, it is the third largest casino in the world. Luxury shops in the resort, a video aquarium, fountains and a dancing water theater are reminiscent of the luxury palaces of Las Vegas, combined with an Asian flair. The number of visitors confirms the success. Even if the desert city in Nevada is the most famous gambling metropolis, there are now resorts for every requirement and every taste, and internationally.

The most beautiful destinations in Scotland

Scotland

PatrickJullien

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13. June 2022

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The most beautiful destinations in Scotland

For many people, Scotland has become an absolute destination of longing. Unbelievable expanses in the Highlands, beautiful castles and traces of the Middle Ages, a fascinating history in general and, last but not least, a very special culture on the British Isles have triggered a small hype about the country at the tip of Great Britain. Whether it’s a journey with your own car through the endless expanses of Scotland or a targeted trip to the most beautiful attractions – a visit to the country has a lot of potential. What are the most beautiful Scottish destinations that you should have seen?

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1. The Obvious Destination: Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh — The Old Town of Edinburgh, Image: f11photo / shutterstock

The Scottish capital Edinburgh is rightly the most visited destination in Scotland. Hardly any other city testifies so much to the changing history of the country. From traces of the Celts to medieval fortresses to popular little bar districts, you can discover everything you would expect in a Scottish city. The center is, of course, the huge castle on its mountain, which is so closely connected to British history. In addition to the many historical sights, you should also take the opportunity to take a deep look at Scottish culture. A visit to the pub should be obligatory, as should a visit to the snack bar to try out the fried specialties. At night, Edinburgh even develops into a small party stronghold. So there are many things to discover here that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with Scotland .

2. The Isle of Skye

Skye, Scotland — The Scottish island of Skye offers fantastic natural landscapes, Image: EyesTravelling / shutterstock

Scotland includes a large number of small and large islands, all of which have their own history. Some of them are said to have been settled by humans thousands of years ago, others are almost untouched and offer a deep insight into Scottish nature. The Isle of Syke offers both. The Isle of Skye not only has a variety of rugged coastlines, beautiful hiking trails and unspoilt nature, but also many historical features that you won’t see anywhere else in Scotland. So if you have the opportunity to visit the island connected by a land bridge, you should not miss this special place in Scotland.

3. The Scottish Highlands

There is no one place you should have seen in the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands themselves are the attraction. Sometimes you can drive here for hours by car and not find another soul. Shortly afterwards, village follows village and you have the opportunity to enjoy the time in quaint pubs with other Scots and enjoy a bit of life in the northernmost country of the British Isles. Aside from the nature itself being worth a visit, the Highlands are lined with many other must-see places. Castles and towers, old fortresses and ruins, small villages on the many lakes that are located in the Highlands. In addition to being able to explore this part of Scotland by car, there are also many guided tours that visit the most interesting parts of the Highlands by bus. Hikes and a tour by bike are also not a problem. So it’s no wonder that the Highlands are still exemplary for Scotland today – after all, they are part of the culture and self-image of the Scots.

4. Stirling

While Edinburgh stands for the mixture of times and combines the modernity of Scotland with history, Stirling remains almost unchanged to this day. If you take a walk through the old town here, you will walk on streets at every step, which were probably built 1,000 years ago and have since taken part in a considerable part of Scotland’s history. Especially in connection with the Scottish national hero William Wallace, the city plays a very special role. Not only was the conquest of the city’s fortress an important milestone on the way to his personal fame, but the impressive monument in his name, visible from afar in the landscape, is also a testimony to this. If you want to experience the Scottish history of the Middle Ages, you will not only find the right backdrop in Stirling, but also a variety of museums. Precisely because the city can be reached from Edinburgh in about 1 1/2 hours, it is a great day trip during the trip to Scotland and an addition to the possibilities that the capital offers for travelers.

5. Eilean Donan Castle

Actually, Eilean Donan Castle is only a representative of the many medieval castles that can be found in Scotland. This specimen has served as the backdrop for a variety of Hollywood films over time and offers a glimpse into the seclusion but also the defensiveness that the fortresses of the clans represented in the Middle Ages. The beautiful castle can be visited in its entirety today. At the same time, however, there are a large number of other castles and converted defensive towers that have not only served as the ancestral seat of families for many centuries, but are now available to the public and tourists for visits. There are corresponding offshoots in every part of Scotland and you should always find out which castles you can visit in your own area and where to visit the next fortress from the Middle Ages.

The 5 largest German tour operators

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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12. June 2022

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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:

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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

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

Seychelles

PatrickJullien

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10. June 2022

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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.

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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

Dominican Republic

PatrickJullien

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10. June 2022

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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.

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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

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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9. June 2022

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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.

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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

Italy

PatrickJullien

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9. June 2022

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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.

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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, 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

Reunion

PatrickJullien

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8. June 2022

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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.

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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

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.