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Flying in times of Corona: the checklist

In times of Corona, there are a few things to consider when traveling. Of course, this also applies to air travel. There are new hygiene standards and safety precautions at the airport and on the plane. So if you want to go on holiday by plane, then precise preparation is necessary. In the following article, we provide you with a checklist in which we summarize the most important points.

What should be considered before the flight?

Before you plan a trip, you should find out about the current situation at your destination. Knowing the current notices, warnings and obligations is extremely important. You can consult this website of the Federal Foreign Office for this purpose.

Because a negative corona test is an important prerequisite for entry into most countries, many airports have set up stations in Germany where passengers can be tested for the virus.

The following applies to all guests entering Germany by plane: They must show a negative test at check-in at the point of departure – even if they enter Germany from a non-risk area.

Without such a negative test, no flight is possible. Excluded from this are recovered and fully vaccinated.

How to get to the airport

The journey to the airport is currently often done individually with your own car, which is then left at the airport parking lot. But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Bus or train work just as well, you just have to comply with the safety measures, which also apply at the airport.

When arriving by public transport and shuttle service, the Infection Protection Act must be observed in any case. If the airport is located far from the city, such as Frankfurt Hahn Airport, airport transfer is a good option. The tickets can be bought conveniently online, travel stress-free with the Shuttle bus from Frankfurt Hbf. to Frankfurt Hahn Airport and no longer have to look for a parking space.

Addendum from 01 December 2021:
And don’t forget to compare parking prices at the airport. Depending on whether you park near the terminal or in the surrounding area with a shuttle transfer, you can save dramatic parking fees. You can compare the prices e.g. on www.park-sleep-fly.net/de/

Conditions at the airport

At most airports, guests are only allowed to enter the hall with their ticket. However, the area that cannot be left by accompanying persons is clearly marked in these cases. Signs on site explain how guests must behave.

At airports in Germany, a medical mask is mandatory for all passengers aged six and over. These include FFP2 and FFP3 masks, KN95/N95 masks without valves and surgical masks. On the one hand, this mask requirement only applies in the airport building and, on the other hand, on the tarmac and on the flights of most airlines – as well as when passengers re-enter Germany. In addition, the airports have increased the regulations on cleaning and regularly disinfect the surfaces.

Passengers should check in online before the flight during Corona and check in their luggage at the automatic drop-off counters. This shortens the time they have to spend at the airport with a mask before the flight. Nevertheless, a time buffer should be planned, as there may be longer waiting times.

At check-in, at the gate, at the security check and after landing, the necessary distance of 1.50 to 2 should be maintained. Markings on the ground and signs help with this.

The conditions during the flight

Important rules apply when boarding the aircraft as well as at the seat. Above all, passengers should keep their distance. In general, every passenger wants to get on board quickly, but guests should wait a little longer and therefore avoid a large crowd. Many airlines currently board according to group numbers, which can be found on the board pass and call the guests when it is their turn.

These increased regulations for protection when flying during the Corona period also ensure that many airlines can only take one piece of hand luggage per person on the plane, all others have to be checked separately. The hand luggage should be compact enough so that passengers can quickly stow it on board and not hold up the other passengers for too long.

At the seat, the middle seat usually remains free, in any case the mask requirement applies to all passengers. This again includes medical masks. It is advisable to take several masks with you, as these are not provided by the airlines.

In any case, air travel is also possible during the Corona crisis. However, they should prepare for the new hygiene standards and safety precautions.

 

Bradenton – Florida with a difference

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At first glance, Bradenton seems to be an inconspicuous city of 50,000 inhabitants in the US state of Florida. In reality, you have the opportunity to get to know the real Florida here – away from the crowds and entertainment tourism. The city is not considered a major tourist destination, but it is still easy to reach. In the immediate vicinity is the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport and not too far away is the larger Tampa International Airport.

In the charming city centre, you can visit the local restaurants and numerous shops or enjoy the mix of historic and modern architecture while strolling. In the area of the Bradenton riverfront, there are parks to immerse yourself in nature, an amphitheatre, as well as numerous concerts and events take place here. There is an amusement zone for families, sports fields and a skateboard park. For a short breather, there is an “outdoor living room” with armchairs and a view of the river.

Many companies in Bradenton specialize in tours that bring tourists closer to Florida’s marine life. So if you feel like seeing dolphins or manatees up close, you should organize such a boat tour. Bradenton’s surroundings are also home to the sunny islands of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key and invite you to soak up the sun on white sandy beaches.

So much to discover!

Historic Pier Bradenton
Historic pier to Anna Maria Island, Image: Mark Winfrey / shutterstock

The Myakka River State Park is one of the largest and oldest state parks in Florida, the swamps and wetlands are not only full of Virginia oaks and sabal palms, but also home to alligators and bobcats. It is also home to many species of turtles and birds. In the visitor centre, you can visit exhibitions and gather information, for example about the route of the Boylston Nature Trail, which leads to an observation tower with breathtaking views over the park.

The Robinson Preserve is made up of 682 acres that offer endless opportunities for entertainment. Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, roller skating, picnicking, camping and wildlife watching – all in one place. From the observation tower you can see four counties and five bodies of water.

The De Soto National Memorial was named after Hernando de Soto, the first European to extensively explore the southern United States , enslaving and murdering hundreds of Native Americans in the process. The monument is intended to commemorate the controversial history of the USA, visitors can try on armor or retrace a recreated path of the conquistadores. Hiking through nature trails, fishing and bird watching are also popular activities.

Art and culture

Particularly worth seeing is the artists’ quarter “Village of the Arts” in downtown Bradenton with its colorful houses and charming roof decorations; the ideal place for art lovers to recharge their batteries. There are over 40 galleries here, which are also inhabited by the numerous artists, sculptors and photographers. This makes the “Village of the Arts” the largest artistic community on the Gulf Coast. Every month, the artists open their studios to art lovers for two days. Of course, unique paintings, furniture and fashion can also be bought here. The residents of the neighborhood wanted to form a community where artists could live and work in harmony, and they succeeded.

The first stop on a museum tour should be the South Florida Museum, the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast – there is also a planetarium, the Bishop Planetarium, to discover here. Lovers of the sea will be hit by the Parker Manatee Aquarium in close proximity. This was where the mascot, manatee Snooty, lived, who became known as the oldest manatee in captivity (and perhaps ever). She died at the age of 69. So in just one place you can learn about Florida’s history, experience multimedia shows and attend lectures.

Also worth a visit is the ArtCenter Manatee, a 930m² center for art and art history. Inside there are three galleries, classrooms and a specialized library with a considerable number of works.

Throughout the year, Bradenton hosts events that make it even more interesting for art and culture lovers: the annual Bradenton Blues Festival, the ArtSlam art festival and many small art and music events.

Sport in good weather

In terms of climate, the largest city in Manatee County convinces with typical Florida weather: humid, subtropical summers and warm winters. The sun shines here almost 250 days a year, with minimum temperatures of 11° C in January. Of course, there is plenty of exercise in Bradenton even when the weather is nice. Legends such as Andre Agassi and Maria Sharapova have trained at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, but the doors are also open to visitors.

The Bradenton Riverwalk, as the name suggests, runs one and a half kilometers along the Manatee River. The illuminated path along the riverbank invites you to walk for hours, but fishing or playing volleyball is also allowed here.

LECOM Park is the most famous baseball field in the area. Many members of the Baseball Hall of Fame have played here. Tennis and golfers also get their money’s worth in Manatee County, for the latter the River Run Golf Links is particularly recommended.
The beautiful weather is particularly inviting for swimming, diving, jet skiing or windsurfing. Canoeing on the Peace River or renting a sailboat or motorsport boat are also excellent ideas – the possibilities seem almost endless in Florida.

A shopping marathon can also be seen as a sport: the Ellenton Premium Outlet is the right destination for shopping in the “Friendly City”, where you can find designer brands at affordable prices. Vintage jewellery can be found in the Village of the Arts, unique souvenirs in the cute shops on the coast.

The different way to travel

35 years ago, the Egyptologist Herman van der Velde, during his own travels in Egypt, found that group tours should be offered with more individual freedom in order to generate more unique travel experiences. With that, the Djoser concept was born.

From the very beginning, Djoser Reisen has cared about the local population, the culture and the nature of the destinations. Sustainability resulted from this as an essential component of the trips: Djoser is the first tour operator on the German-speaking market to offer CO2-neutral tours. So far, more than half a million guests from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium have been able to discover over 100 destinations in this authentic way with Djoser.

Safari, Giraffes
Image: rudiPro / shutterstock

Individual freedom with the comfort of a group tour What sounds paradoxical is Djoser’s unique recipe for success. The individual freedom allows the local travellers to do something alone even without a group, to get to know the country and its inhabitants, but also the diverse culinary offers on their own. Of course, the travel companion offers parallel excursions and restaurant visits for all those who prefer joint activities. Djoser lovingly compiles the best itineraries for groups of an average of 15 participants, books flights with renowned airlines, authentic hotels, comfortable buses and includes the most important excursions and sights in his program.

Travel with a heart for the world

With Djoser you will discover the most beautiful corners of the world, from tropical rainforests to extensive savannahs and desert landscapes with little vegetation. At the same time, you will be completely immersed in a culture and experience contact with the local population up close. Atmospheric, family-run accommodation, special transport and culinary discoveries round off the unique travel experience and create memories for eternity.

This is exactly why Djoser has been working with small local partners for many years. Together, they come up with the most beautiful routes, involve the local population and support local projects.

CO2 compensation included in the tour price

Punakha Dzon Monastery, Bhutan
Punakha Dzon Monastery in Bhutan, Image: Khanthachai C / shutterstock

Sustainability is of great importance to Djoser. In addition to its commitment to supporting local communities, Djoser is the first tour operator in Germany to offset CO2 flight emissions and include them in the travel price. Djoser calculates the amount of CO2 released and, in cooperation with the world market leader South Pole, invests in various projects worldwide, e.g. in a solar collector park in Thailand, in order to save the same amount of CO2 elsewhere in the world. All these measures have a long-term, sustainable positive impact on the climate, so that future travellers can also discover the beauty of the world.

Exclusive 50 Euro discount for the readers of Reisemagazin-Online:

DJRMON21

Valid for new bookings until January 31, 2022.

Contact

Djoser Tours
Phone: 0049/221-920 15 80
info@djoser.de
www.djoser.de

 

Advertorial / With the kind support of Djoser Reisen

The most beautiful long-distance destinations in winter

It is worth discovering the most beautiful long-distance destinations in winter to escape everyday life and beat the cold. In the sunny south, it is wonderful to “hibernate” when it gets frosty at home and the longing for hours of sunshine gets out of hand. Or would you prefer a winter holiday in the breathtaking mountains far away from home? Whether it’s a beach holiday on sunny dream beaches, an exciting rainforest safari or an adventure holiday in icy climes: Nothing is impossible if you are ready for a holiday in winter and want to wander far away!

Sunny long-distance destinations in winter highly recommended!

Where should the long-distance journey go this year? If you don’t want to spend the winter leaves at home, the whole world is open to you. Around the globe, the most beautiful long-distance travel destinations await you in winter.

Dream Island Bali

Bali Beach
Beach in Bali, Image: Cocos.Bounty / shutterstock

If you are longing for sun, beach and sea, Indonesia could become your dream destination. The island of Bali is the perfect spot for a varied long-distance travel holiday in winter. The warm climate pampers the senses, fine sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe and crystal-clear water to swim. Surfers can also enjoy pursuing their hobby in Bali. And if you want to learn it, simply take a course at one of the surf schools on Bali’s beaches.

Far away from the dream beaches of Canggu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Sanur and Seminyak, you can dive deeper into the island world of Bali, discover the magnificent nature, marvel at gigantic waterfalls and imposing rice terraces. If you actually decide to go on holiday in Indonesia , you must definitely get to know Bali’s holiest temple complex near Ubud: the Pura Tirta Empul Water Temple.

Whether adventurous volcano hikes to Mount Batur, yoga at the rushing waterfall or meditation between palm trees and tropical plants: The Indonesian island is ideal for a variety of activities and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful long-distance travel destinations in winter.

Magical Malaysia

Malaysia, Beach
Malaysia invites you to a dreamlike swim, Image: Ijam Hairi / shutterstock

Travelers can also take summer vacations in the middle of winter in Malaysia. At least in the west of the country, where temperatures reach a midsummer 30 degrees even in November. On the Malaysian island of Penang, there is paradisiacal bathing weather as well as on the beaches of Pulau Langkawi. However, if you want to take a long-distance trip to Malaysia in December, you should avoid the east coast of West Malaysia, as long-lasting monsoon rains are to be expected there and thus a beach holiday is cancelled despite hot and humid temperatures.

Malaysia is a multifaceted travel destination and is known for its exotic flora and fauna. The ancient tropical forests are very species-rich and home to many endangered animal species. For nature and animal lovers, a visit to the Bako National Park is recommended. There they can make the acquaintance of the impressive hornbill species, funny bearded pigs as well as the dwarf elephants, also known as Borneo elephants, which are endangered by deforestation. However, this is only a small selection of the animal highlights in the Southeast Asian paradise worth protecting.

Are you more of an active holidaymaker? Then you can’t miss a hike or bike ride through the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. A long-distance trip in winter is also worth the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur . Do you want to go “high up” on holiday without having to climb a mountain? Then the Petronas Twin Towers, which are connected to the publicly accessible skybridge on the 41st floor and also have an observation deck, offer you enchanting views over the metropolis.

City break, safari or beach holiday? All in one is also possible!

Hawaii, Waikiki Beach Oahu
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Oahu, Image: aines/shutterstock

There are other beautiful long-distance destinations in winter that are often sought after by sun worshippers and winter grouches. Just like Hawaii, also known as the “Big Island” and as the largest island on the Hawaiian archipelago in the Central Pacific. The islands of Maui and Kauai are great for a whale watching tour between January and March. During this time, the humpback whales are drawn to the coasts of Hawaii to mate. An experience that you should not miss on your vacation in Hawaii.

The Dominican Republic could also be your long-distance destination in winter if you don’t want to fear snow or cold. Instead, the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean state offers the finest beaches that are perfect for a beach holiday under palm trees. Between rainforests and savannahs lie fantastic holiday resorts that offer that certain something for every tourist. Golf holidaymakers will not miss out either.

If you don’t want to miss out on the pulsating life when your winter trip takes you to the Dominican Republic, simply “strand” in the capital Santo Domingo de Guzmán. It is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean and offers a large number of historical sights that can be explored during a stroll through the city. The Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo is so unique that a holiday trip is far too short to fully explore the area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Oriental holidays in Morocco

Marrakech
Marrakech, Image: Matej Kastelic / shutterstock

A trip to the kingdom in northwest Africa should not be booked just for a beach robbery. The oriental pearl offers all-round enjoyment that you can see, taste and feel. On the southern Atlantic coast lies the city of Agadir, which is now well developed for tourism. However, you will look in vain for sights here. Apart from the historic wall of the Kasbah, not much is left of the former fishing village after the earthquake in Agadir in 1960.

In Marrakech , on the other hand, you will get to know all the diversity of Morocco. The medieval city has a number of imposing palaces, numerous mosques and colourful bazaars. The Djemaa el Fna, the jugglers’ square in the heart of Marrakech, is a place of joie de vivre. Here you will not only meet musicians, traders, snake charmers and acrobats, but you can also enjoy the scent of exotic spices and taste Moroccan food in mobile food stalls. There is one thing you should definitely experience up close on your Morocco holiday: the magnificent waterfalls near Ouzoud.

Family holiday between fjord and fell

It will be adventurous between the fjord and the fell, if you love the rugged landscape of Norway and dream of a family holiday in the snow. It will always be fun if you treat yourself to a husky tour through the snow-covered mountains in southern Norway, go hunting for the Northern Lights together or go on a snowshoe hike. However, you have to be hardened when you go on a winter holiday in Norway , because the cold should not be underestimated. On cross-country skiing tours or wild skiing, you will quickly warm up. In the evening, you can end your day in a cosy mountain hut by the crackling fireplace.

Have you got the desire to get to know one of the most beautiful long-distance travel destinations in winter?

These are the most passenger-friendly airports in Europe

Poor connections, delayed flights, too few seats at the gate or inadequate food: Even if you are looking forward to your dream vacation in the future, the flight there can get on your last nerve. Which airports do it differently, i.e. particularly well, in terms of passenger friendliness, is shown by a ranking of the travel experts at Omio. In a study, they examined causes of stress, such as flight delays, passenger traffic and travel routes to the airport and combined them with information about the available equipment and arrived at the following top 10:

  1. Madrid: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, MAD

  2. Rome: Leonardo Da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, FCO

  3. Amsterdam: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, AMS

  4. Copenhagen: Copenhagen Airport Kastrup, CPH

  5. Moscow: Sheremetyevo Int. Airport, SVO

  6. Helsinki: Helsinki Airport, HEL

  7. London: Heathrow Airport, LHR

  8. Lisbon: Lisbon Portela Airport, LIS

  9. Prague: Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, PRG

  10. Berlin: Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, BER

Barajas Airport (MAD) in the Spanish capital Madrid is the most passenger-friendly airport in Europe. The international airport is comfortably equipped and has relaxation areas, showers and children’s playgrounds, among other things. MAD also impressed in the evaluation with a wide range of shopping facilities and restaurants. 133 shops and 54 restaurants and bars are available to passengers in Madrid. Only a few flight cancellations and an above-average number of punctual flights make Barajas the best airport in Europe.

One year after its opening, the German capital airport BER finds itself in 10th place in a European comparison. 35 shops and 39 restaurants and bars serve around 93,000 passengers every day. The new building has important comfort features, such as a relaxation area, showers, power outlets, pharmacy, lounges and smoking area. Two S-Bahn lines and a regional train line connect the city centre, which is about 20 kilometres away, with the airport south of Berlin. This means that BER Airport is solidly accessible in a European comparison, but does not stand out particularly positively or negatively in terms of connections.

The most punctual airport in comparison is Copenhagen Kastrup, CPH. 96 percent of flights land and take off on time. With 140 shops, no other airport has as many shopping opportunities as Rome-Fiumicino. Most of the gastronomy – 79 restaurants and bars – is located within Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport.

With 241,370 passengers a day, London Heathrow is the busiest airport in comparison. The airports of Prague, Oslo, Ankara and Podgorica are absolutely non-smoking areas. They do not have any designated smoking areas, the evaluation shows.

More and more travellers are already opting for trains instead of flights

15 routes on which you can easily travel in a climate-conscious way

Sustainable choices are taking up more and more space in everyday life. Significantly more people want to take responsibility and change their behavior for the sake of the climate. This is also shown by a recent YouGov survey commissioned by the travel search engine Omio. The representative survey showed that travelers from Germany are willing to make some compromises for the sake of the environment: More than one in three (39 percent of respondents) would accept a travel time up to 30 minutes longer if the trip were more sustainable. For more than one in five (23 percent), a travel time of up to 60 minutes longer would even be justifiable, and twelve percent would even accept a two-hour longer journey.

Three routes in which the train is significantly faster than the airlines are (source: Omio):

  • Frankfurt am Main <> Cologne
    124 min. faster by train than by plane and saves 25 kg of emissions

  • Hanover <> Frankfurt am Main
    27 min faster by train than by plane and saves 33 kg of emissions

  • Stuttgart <> Paris
    15 min. faster by train than by plane and saves 74 kg of emissions

It is hardly surprising that members of GenZ are much more concerned about the environment. In this group, 69 percent of respondents accept a longer travel time in favor of the climate, compared to only 56 percent of the population as a whole. In general, respondents in Germany are quite willing to use the train instead of the plane. Almost one in two respondents (45 percent) say they prefer trains to planes if the connection is faster. The long-distance bus, on the other hand, is not so well received. When deciding between bus or plane, the price seems to play a role above all. One in five respondents would choose the bus if the ticket was significantly cheaper.

Routes in which the train is not significantly slower than the plane (source: Omio):

  • Frankfurt am Main <> Paris, +22 min., but 63 kg emissions saved

  • Frankfurt am Main <> Munich, +30 min., but 38 kg emissions saved

  • Berlin <> Food, +32 min., but 49 kg emissions saved

  • Düsseldorf <> Hamburg, +34 min., but 47 kg of emissions saved

  • Frankfurt am Main <> Amsterdam, +39 min., but 48 kg emissions saved

  • Munich <> Zurich, +41 min., but 43 kg of emissions saved

  • Munich <> Vienna, +42 min., but 62 kg of emissions saved

  • Hamburg <> Frankfurt am Main, +44 min., but 68 kg of emissions saved

  • Berlin <> Munich, +47 min., but 48 kg of emissions saved

  • Hanover <> Amsterdam, +55 min., but 47 kg of emissions saved

  • Berlin <> Frankfurt am Main, +58 min., but 49 kg of emissions saved

  • <> Cologne Hamburg, + 59 min., but 195 kg emissions saved

The most beautiful places in Germany

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The summer holidays are now over and we are getting closer and closer to autumn. But that doesn’t mean that you have to hide at home now and wait for spring. No. Quite the opposite: Even in the autumn and winter months, there are great places to discover throughout Germany. And if you prefer to wait until it gets warm again, you can keep the places presented here in mind, because they are beautiful to look at in summer and winter.

The Lake Constance Region

Bregenz Lake Constance
Relaxing at Lake Constance, Image: Yolo Art / shutterstock

The first region that we recommend everyone to visit is the Lake Constance region in the south of Germany. This is where the national borders of Switzerland, Germany and Austria meet on Lake Constance. The result is a great mix of snow-capped mountain peaks in Switzerland and Austria on the one hand, as well as great lidos on the German side and above all Meersburg Castle on the other side. There is really something to discover and experience here in any weather.

Berlin

From the south, it goes to the northeast of the country. This is where the capital of the Federal Republic is located: Berlin. In the meantime, however, Berlin is much more than just the capital of Germany. It is a melting pot of cultures where the most diverse people and ways of life come together and create a unique cultural mix. From the well-known shopping mile on Kudamm to Alexanderplatz, there are many attractions and sights from Germany’s eventful history. The Spielbank Berlin, which was founded in 1975, is also worth a visit, although today you can also gamble away real money directly on your own PC or mobile phone thanks to online casinos such as the NetBet Casino . The odds in online casinos are usually even better than in classic gambling halls. In addition, a visit to the fragments of the Berlin Wall as well as to the Victory Column and the Brandenburg Gate is absolutely and really worth a visit at any time of the year.

The Harz Mountains

From the hustle and bustle of the city we move back into nature. More precisely, to northern Germany, where the Harz Mountains , the highest mountain range in northern Germany, run through the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. The highest point of the elevation, which belongs to the summit group of the low mountain range, is the well-known Brocken. But even beyond the Brocken, the Harz has something for everyone. Especially the Devil’s Wall a little north of the Harz Mountains, which stretches over a length of 20 kilometers, is worth a visit. The elevation appears to have been created by unnatural forces and vividly demonstrates the work of tectonic plate shifts in Germany as well.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Baltic Sea island of Rügen
Rügen is one of numerous holiday highlights in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Image: Sina Ettmer Photography / shutterstock

We stay in the north of the Federal Republic and move to the outermost tip and the northernmost state of Germany: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Here, the country has a lot to offer in terms of nature and holiday factor. Not only is the Mecklenburg Lake District located here. No. The way to Rügen to the Königsstuhl is also not far. The majestic contrast of white rocks and blue sea can enchant the observer in a split second and make you forget all stress. According to tradition, the 118-metre-high chalk cliff gets its name from the fact that the Swedish King Charles XII led a naval battle against the Danes from here.

Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes

Now it’s back to the east of the Federal Republic, more precisely to Thuringia. Here, visitors can expect a very special natural spectacle and an extraordinary sight. The Saalfeld fairy grottoes seem to have fallen out of time. The stalactite cave has developed over time and tells numerous stories. But the origin is not, as one might assume, supernatural beings, but mining work in the Thuringian Slate Mountains. Today you can explore the caves on foot and by boat and enjoy the numerous colorful chambers. There is guaranteed to be something for every visitor.

Texas – breathtaking landscapes and a diverse culture

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The state of Texas is the second largest state in the United States of America, both in terms of area and population. The state’s more than 29 million inhabitants live in a varied landscape that is home to mountains, deserts and coastal areas. On the south side of Texas, the state of Mexico borders to the west and the Gulf of Mexico bay to the east. In addition, Texas looks back on an eventful history in which the state was under the influence of various states.

History and Culture of the State of Texas

The population of Texas is diverse due to the state’s history: while almost half of the inhabitants can be classified as white, about 40% have a Hispanic background. The white population are descendants of former European immigrants. The largest proportion is of German descent, followed by Irish and English descent. The Hispanic population is usually descendants of the Spanish occupiers. After Texas was able to break away from the Spanish occupiers in 1821, they joined the state of Mexico . In 1936, however, today’s federal state succeeded in becoming an independent republic. Another 9 years later, Texas was admitted to the U.S. Confederation, whose condition continues to this day.

Economically, Texas is enriching itself in particular from the oil and natural gas deposits in the state. Of all states in the USA , Texas has the highest oil production rate. In addition, agriculture and livestock farming is very pronounced. As a result, a large food industry also emerged, which was locally integrated into agriculture and livestock farming. Overall, Texas accounts for over 8% of the total GDP of the United States.

Texas cuisine is directly influenced by the history of the state: The dishes are characterized by the generous use of chili, which has Mexican origins. In addition, barbecue plays a relevant role in the everyday life of Texans, which is a special cooking method. Due to its relevance, the “International Barbeque Cookoff” takes place annually, where various barbecue dishes are offered to visitors worldwide.

But sport also has a great significance in the southern state of the USA. Texas can boast at least one team in the respective top national leagues in basketball, American football, baseball, ice hockey and, more recently, football. At the Dallas Mavericks basketball club, the German star player Dirk Nowitzki was active until 2019.

Major Cities in Texas

Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo in San Antonio, Image: Dean Fikar / shutterstock

While a total of 41 cities in Texas are home to over one hundred thousand inhabitants, only three cities have more than one million inhabitants: Houston, San Antonio and Dallas.

With over 2.3 million inhabitants, Houston is the largest city in Texas. The city is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico and has grown in size thanks to the brisk shipping traffic. Even today, large quantities of oil products are shipped through the port of Houston. Various large companies have settled here due to the infrastructural location.

The city of San Antonio is the oldest city in Texas, founded in 1735 by the Spanish colonial empire. Due to its southern location, San Antonio is still strongly influenced by Spanish, Mexican, German and Anglo-American influences. The city is considered a figurehead of the cultural diversity that exists in Texas.

With over 1.3 million inhabitants, Dallas is the third largest city in Texas. A variety of railroad lines make the city the Texas center for the transportation of oil and cotton. However, the computer and financial services industry is also strongly represented in Dallas .

The capital of the state of Austin is only the fourth largest city in Texas. The city is particularly characterized by the high number of students. In addition, the city is home to many music clubs and is the venue for concerts and live music.

Sights in the state of Texas

Dallas Downtown
Dallas, Image: digidreamgrafix / shutterstock

Texas is home to breathtaking nature, which is reflected in the national parks, among other things. In particular, the Big Bend National Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park impress with unique rock formations, raging rivers and canyons that invite you to hike and visit. In addition, the second largest canyon in the United States can be found – the Palo Duro Canyon. With a length of 193 kilometers and an average width of 10 kilometers, it is one of the largest specimens in the world.

The history and culture of the country can be found above all in the Alamo museums in San Antonio and the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. While the former is a former fort that deals with the recent Texan past, the latter includes a collection of over 60,000 objects from all over the world, some of which date back to antiquity.

For fun, for example, the River Walk in San Antonio is a good choice. There are a variety of shops, restaurants and hotels along the river, which exude a cozy atmosphere due to their location and design. Houston is home to a world-famous zoo, which is home to various wild animals such as monkeys, giraffes and lions. The motto of the zoo is the closer coexistence of humans and animals. Texas is also home to the Six Flags Over Texas theme park, which specializes in roller coasters with different design themes.

It can be said that Texas is an exciting holiday destination from a cultural and historical point of view as well as in terms of leisure activities, which is under the radar from a tourist point of view.

San Antonio – the oldest and culturally diverse metropolis in Texas

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San Antonio, the second largest city in the state of Texas, not only has enormous economic importance, but is also characterized by its cultural diversity. The former border settlement of the Wild West now presents itself as a modern metropolis and yet the historic city of the Alamos has not lost its charm. Picturesquely situated on the river of the same name, the city has skyscrapers as well as idyllic nature, excellent shopping opportunities and numerous sights to offer.

Founded in 1718, San Antonio is the oldest city in the state. At the time of its founding, the city was part of the Spanish colonial empire and so Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American culture has left unmistakable traces. But the German immigrants were also increasingly drawn to San Antonio and so the German culture is also reflected in many places in the city.

Sights – the Spanish heritage of San Antonio

Riverwalk San Antonio
The Riverwalk, city park in San Antonio, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

With its unique cultural mix that combines Spanish, German and American elements, San Antonio is a very special destination. Founded under Spanish rule, San Antonio has some sights from the time of its origin. But Spanish and Mexican culture is also still formative for the city today.

An absolute highlight is the Alamos in the heart of the city. The mission station, with which the city’s history began, can now also be found on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are a total of five Spanish missions in San Antonio, which are extremely worthwhile to visit due to the architectural features alone.

If you want to get to know the original San Antonio, you should definitely take time to visit “La Villita”. One of the first settlements was built here in the founding days and the historic Mexican Village looks back on a history spanning over 200 years and has been extensively reconstructed. Today, you can spend a lot of time in the National Historic District in the heart of the city, as numerous shops and craft workshops invite you to browse.

No less worth seeing is the King William Historic District on the south bank of the river. Here you will find dreamlike villas from the Victorian era, which were once inhabited by German traders. Before the settlement was built, the area was used as farmland by the Alamos Mission. In 1793, the land was handed over to the population in an auction and from 1860 onwards the current district was created. Due to the numerous Germans who settled here, the district also bore the name Sauerkrautschleife.

The city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage can be seen not only in historic buildings and settlements, but also in facilities such as El Mercado, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. If you go shopping here, you will quickly forget that you are in one of the largest cities in Texas , among clothing, jewelry, leather goods, art galleries and piñatas.

The most German city in the USA

Skyline San Antonio
San Antonio, Image: f11photo / shutterstock

Traces of German settlers can be found in many cities in the USA , but San Antonio plays a special role. No other city in the USA has such a rich cultural German heritage as San Antonio. Restaurants with Bavarian cosiness attract visitors and typical Bavarian beer gardens are a popular meeting place. It is also not surprising that German or at least a mixture of German and American is still spoken in many places and so it is no problem to shop in San Antonio at the German baker or German butcher. Numerous breweries in the city brew according to the German art of brewing, children learn German folk songs in schools and women in dirndl and men in lederhosen are not a rare sight in San Antonio. Where once German merchants embarked on an adventure in the “New World” in Victorian villas, their descendants now cultivate German traditions in almost all districts of San Antonio, enriching the city with German craftsmanship.

San Antonio’s little oases

San Antonio is a lively city that has a lot to offer. If you are in the mood for relaxation, you can not only visit the numerous amusement parks at the gates of the city, but also find quiet places in the city that are ideal for a little break. Peace and relaxation are offered by the Riverwalk, which is now one of the most important areas of the city. Here you will not only find a promenade with shops, galleries and cozy cafés, but you can also enjoy a boat tour or a walk along the green bank on the river.

One of the most popular parks in the city is HemisFair Park in Downtown. In 1968, the site hosted the World’s Fair, and today the park offers wonderful resting places, play facilities for children, and the Tower of the Americans offers a fantastic view over the city with its observation deck.

Woodlawn Lake Park is also an absolute recommendation. The lake in the city area is ideal for canoeing and fishing, and the park offers numerous sports facilities, picnic tables and much more. Especially enjoying the sunset on the lake is an absolute highlight.

San Antonio also has a magnificent botanical garden that is well worth a visit. However, if you want to immerse yourself in another world, you should plan a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden, which is an absolute oasis of well-being with shady walkways, a waterfall, ponds full of koi and a particularly calming atmosphere.

Which islands are part of the Balearic Islands?

The Balearic Islands are made up of several island groups, a total of about 150 individual islands. These are classified in different archipelagos.

Formentera and Ibiza belong to the Pitiusas. While the Cabrera Archipelago, Menorca and Germany’s favourite holiday resort Mallorca belong to the Gymnese Islands.

The language spoken in Spain’s Mediterranean islands is divided between Spanish as spoken in Madrid and Catalan from Barcelona. By the way, the name of the Balearic Islands also has Catalan origin.

A long time ago, the Balearic Islands were defended from attackers with a slingshot, which had the name “Els Foners Balears”.

Meanwhile, the islands are among the hottest travel destinations in the western Mediterranean, which is not surprising. Wonderful sunsets, beautiful bays and nature as far as the eye can see can be expected here as a holidaymaker.

The activities on the Mediterranean islands are varied and range from strolling through the shops to discovering numerous landscapes. Water lovers are also catered for with plenty of opportunities for water sports.

Menorca and Formentera are among the smaller islands, while Ibiza and Mallorca are among the two largest.

Ibiza has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its culture. But Mallorca also knows how to convince, because the capital Palma has, among other things, a beautiful cathedral and much more.

How to get to the Balearic Islands?

Palma de Mallorca, La Seu
La Seu, the impressive cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock

To get to the Balearic Islands, they have two options.

On the one hand, these are easily accessible by plane from almost every airport in the world.

Because on the islands, the airports in Menorca, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca are among the most important. Note that Formentera and La Cabrera do not have an airport and can only be reached by sea.

On the other hand, you have the option of getting to the Balearic Islands by ferry . Domestic tours between the Mediterranean islands are also offered.

If you decide to travel by sea from France to the Balearic Islands, you can take the ferry from Toulon.

Spain offers another departure option. There is a ferry from the following ports:

  • Barcelona
  • Denia
  • Valencia