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Holidays in winter – Fuerteventura is ideal

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Fuerteventura is one of the popular Canary Islands, which are very popular in both summer and winter. Only about 4.5 hours away by plane, eternal spring reigns on the Canary Islands.

Who wouldn’t want to escape the winter depression and travel to the Canary Island in December, January or February, in the gray months in Germany, to soak up the sun.

The climate and temperatures around winter

In the winter months, temperatures of about 20 degrees Celsius still prevail here. With a water temperature of about 19 degrees and 8 hours of sunshine a day, you can still take a beach holiday here even at this time of year.

All the attractions on the island are open all year round, so you can enjoy the same activities and visit the same sights as in summer.

In winter, it is even better to hike, cycle or walk. Thanks to the mild temperatures , it is never too hot, but also never too cold.

In the evening it gets noticeably cooler and a jacket or sweater should be present in your luggage.

If you are still on the beach, you will notice the wind that comes up. Since this wind sometimes does not subside during the day, it is often possible to practice various water sports as well. Sailing, surfing or kitesurfing are on the program.

The main tourist resorts in Fuerteventura

Corralejo

Corralejo is a holiday resort with a special flair. Many surfers from different regions of the world live here. In front of the city are the breathtakingly beautiful dunes, where you have the feeling of being in the middle of the Sahara. Fantastically white beaches, the marina, great restaurants, and the water park make for an unforgettable holiday.

Costa Calma

Costa Calma, Fuerteventura
Costa Calma, Image: Dennis Kartenkaemper / shutterstock

The beautiful place is located on the Jandia peninsula in the south of the island. Tourism plays a major role in Costa Calma, because this is exactly where the holiday hotspot is in summer as well as in winter.

Numerous hotels, bars and restaurants characterize the entire village. The hotels have a low design so that they fit into the cityscape. High-rise buildings are not welcome on the entire island.

Instead, there are many small villa-like houses and holiday apartments that are visited by guests from all over the world.

Morro Jable

Like the other resorts, Morro Jable is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The city center is in the valley, the residential areas are on the hill. A special feature in Morro Jable are the two car ferries that depart for Las Palmas and Gran Canaria . Through these connections, the place has become busy.

Behind Morro Jable there are volcanic mountains that rise up to 807 meters. The highest mountain is the Pico de la Zarza. In the center there are cube-like concrete houses in white color, so typical of Spain and the Canary Islands.

Caleta de Fuste

Since 1740 there has been a fortress here called El Castillo. It is a popular destination for tourists and day visitors who visit the place. Of course, there are also numerous hotels and apartments that extend to the sea.

Numerous large yachts are moored in the marina. During a walk through the harbour you can get a taste of maritime flair. Caleta de Fuste is especially loved by English families.

The most beautiful beaches of Fuerteventura

Playa de Sotavento de Jandia

It is probably the most famous beach on the island, where not only sun worshippers and water rats get their money’s worth, but also surfers and kitesurfers. Especially in winter, there is always a wind blowing here. Over a length of 20 kilometers, it is divided into the two beach sections Playa Risco del Paso and Playa Barca.

Playa de Matorral

Fuerteventura, Playa de Matorral
Playa de Matorral, Image: Elena Krivorotova / shutterstock

If you spend your holidays in the south of the island, you can use Playa de Mattoral. It is a dream beach and is reminiscent of a South Sea paradise. Some claim it is the most beautiful beach on the entire island. And it has over 80 beaches.

The bathing quality is distinguished by the Blue Flag. There is also a hiking highlight here, the lighthouse of Jandia, where the other sandy beach also converges. Particularly attractive in this area is the salt marsh nature reserve Humedal Saladar de Jandia.

Playa de Esquinzo

Another dream beach is Playa de Esquinzo near Jandia. It can be reached via a staircase. In the beach bar you can stop and linger. There are toilets for guests and lifeguards ensure safety on the beach.

Playa de las Playitas

If you love solitude and don’t mind dark sand from volcanic eruptions, this is the place for you. Playa de Las Playitas is located in the east of the island near the village of Gran Tarajal. Here you will find numerous shops and bars.

Activities and activities

Fuerteventura has numerous sandy beaches to linger in, but also culture and the Oasis Park, a beautiful animal park on 800,000 square meters.

Here you can find all the animals you can imagine. This park is a highlight, especially for families with children.

If you want to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, you can book a boat trip to the Atlantic. On large and small yachts you go out to sea and the dolphins and whales approach the boats. Usually drinks and nibbles are served on the journey. At the end of the day, there will be a swimming break before reaching the coast again.

In addition to the animal experiences, you can also experience pure thrills on the island. How about a buggy tour into the dunes. It starts in Corralejo and leads to the dunes of the region. We then continue to Tamaragua for a very special off-road adventure. In a small restaurant directly in the volcanic landscape, typical Spanish products are offered.

Fuerteventura is also perfect for sports holidays. Kitesurfing is very popular on the island and gives a kick to all sports enthusiasts. The perfect trade winds invite you to this experience.

Kitesurfing in Fuerteventura is suitable for beginners and advanced kitesurfers. Numerous surf schools have settled on the island and also show beginners water sports.

 

Alpine Pearls – a gentle holiday in the Alps all year round

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Our Austrian adventure begins early in the morning at Augsburg train station. Full of anticipation for a varied week in the mountains, we board the IC of the Deutsche Bahn, which arrives on time. The seat reservation worked wonderfully and so we enjoy a relaxed train ride and admire the diversity of the passing landscape. With a delicious cappuccino from the on-board restaurant, we browse through the websites of our destinations and get an overview of Mallnitz, Weissensee and Werfenweng – all members of the Alpine Pearls network.

Mallnitz railway station
Arrival at Mallnitz train station, Image: Diemar Denger

The train takes us further south to the Alpine republic. There, the exciting places are waiting to be tested and discovered – we are ready! The first “pearl” on our (almost) climate-neutral journey through “Austria” is Mallnitz. The approximately 760 inhabitants in the Carinthian municipality have dedicated themselves to environmentally friendly tourism. “Mallnitz is one of the so-called ‘Alpine Pearls ́’,” explains hiking guide Adi Straner, who likes to take sporty visitors to the Hohe Tauern National Park to high peaks. “This is an association of 19 locations in five countries – in Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Switzerland. Anyone who joins is committed to enabling holidaymakers to stay without a car without their mobility suffering as a result.” Station transfers, on-demand buses, hiking and ski buses, e-vehicles and much more are all part of the mobility guarantee. The theory is available for those interested around the clock on the homepage www.alpine-pearls.com. We already understand how the concept works in reality at Mallnitz-Obervellach station, from where it continues with a shuttle service. The distance to our Hotel Bergkristall is only one kilometre, so a slightly longer stone’s throw.

The climatic health resort, towered over by steep mountain walls, is manageable: a larger municipal road, a church, shops for daily needs, the village square. Once over the Seebach and the Mallnitzbach, then it goes back to the starting point. The next day, a detour to the visitor centre on the outskirts of the village, which is particularly popular with school classes, beckons. The homepage even offers a virtual tour, we would like to take a closer look at the exhibitions. In the so-called “Ranger Labs”, a variety of experiments on the subject of nature, climate or herbs await. If you want to continue to deal with green content, you will find a number of hiking trails in all directions on the doorstep of the visitor center.

Mallnitz, hiking in summer
Mallnitz is a real pearl for a hiking holiday in summer, Picture: Franz Gerdl

For example, a walk along the Mallnitz valley circular trail to the natural jewel “Stappitzer See” is a good idea. The view over the Hohe Tauern is simply fantastic, and we enjoy the moment. Next to the road, wild horses run back towards the village as if they were human pedestrians. The tour here is flat, so you don’t have to perform any top sporting feats to hike around the “Alpine Pearl”. In the late afternoon, we go back to the hotel refreshed and with great new impressions. From there, too, there is a panoramic view of the three Mallnitz valleys – the Tauern, Seebach and Dösen valleys. In winter, the Ankogel mountain railways take the ski bunnies to an area with 25 kilometres of first-class groomed slopes. Who knows, maybe during our next stay here in Carinthia. After three days, we continue comfortably and gently by train to the next Austrian “pearl”, Weissensee. This time with the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways). We leave the station on time and make ourselves comfortable.

Carinthia is also here, here too there is a fabulous panoramic view to enjoy. This time mainly over the shimmering blue lake of the same name, which stretches below our hostel. Water-related activities are a must in this magical place, if not on the surface, then at least on the surface. So we start on a tourist ship of the Müller family on a trip between Techendorf, Neusach, Naggl to the Dolomitenblick, end of the 11.9 km long Weissensee – and immediately back again. The 1st electric hybrid passenger ship Austria glides gently over Lake Weissensee. Now in winter, nature sets a limit to the driving pleasure, if you want, you can now try your hand at ice skating, ice diving or ice hole fishing, for example. A walk around the water is worthwhile at any time of the year, the view down to the bottom of the lake is always fascinating.

In this pearl, too, hiking trails entice you to head away from the valley to the surrounding peaks. In summer, for example, hiking guide Franz Lackner offers a joint hike from the Paterzipf, over the Lakasteig to the Hermagorer Bodenalm. After 2.5 sweaty hours, the mountaineer is rewarded with a snack and award-winning cheese from the hotel’s own cheese dairy on the Bodenalm. In the cold months, Weissensee can be tested as a fairly undiscovered ski area for the whole family. The fjord-like landscape also offers numerous hours of sunshine in winter, which can be enjoyed on two boards. In any case, hiking guide Lackner is convinced that “everyone will find fun and variety here on holiday. We are also happy to help visitors get the most out of their holiday.” We like to take him at his word. After two more nights in Carinthia , we get back on the train, which this time takes us to Werfenweng in Salzburger Land. This time we get to enjoy the ÖBB Railjet. As soon as it enters the station, the train impresses with its modern design. Excellent Wi-Fi and an on-board restaurant with surprisingly good snacks round off the offer perfectly. The W3 shuttle is already waiting for us at Bischofshofen train station and takes us directly to the hotel.

Hohe Tauern National Park, Säuleck
The Hohe Tauern National Park, Image: Franz Gerdl

And you can also rely on E-Lois. Punctually at the agreed time, the municipality’s own taxi, which operates in the local area, is in front of the accommodation. In Werfenweng, no tourist with a guilty conscience has to get into his own car – more than a handful of holidaymakers fit into the shared taxi. E-Lois is only one part of the extensive green offer with which the municipality in Pongau is particularly distinguished. “A large, climate-neutral fleet of pedelecs, e-mountain bikes, e-cars and much more awaits you – free of charge!”, it says on the homepage of the “Alpine Pearls”.

Those in need of relaxation are spoilt for choice: over 80 environmentally friendly vehicles are available on call. Guests will receive the key for use immediately upon arrival. On request, the W3 shuttle will pick them up directly at the train stations in Bischofshofen, Werfen or Pfarrwerfen. Anyone who has arrived on the high plateau in this way in a climate-friendly way and stays overnight in a partner business is entitled to the discounted Werfenweng Card. The small magic card is handed over to the arrivals at the tourist office. Now guests can take part in an extensive range of activities that also benefit the environment – there is a choice of hikes and excursions in summer and romantic tours by carriage in winter. All free of charge.

A climate-friendly vehicle fleet, Image: TVB-Werfenweng, Christian-Schartner

First of all, we decide on the well-maintained range of wheeled vehicles in Werfenweng. First we go on green scooters, which promise a lot of fun and do not overwhelm even the inexperienced. In the rental station on the village square we secure the two highly sought-after jet flyers. The employee of the tourism association patiently explains how the mini runabout works. “After a short time, everyone gets it,” he promises, and he is right. First we jet beyond the end of the village to the “Barbarahof”, a large hotel complex in the middle of the mountains. On the way we roll past a meadow, the landing site of the daring paragliders. The paragliders usually take off from one of the suitable places on the Bischling and then sail down in wide orbits. A few skilful lunges on the lawn, and they are back on the territory of the small, fine community. Impressed, we stare up at the cloud of paragliding umbrellas in front of the mighty mountain backdrop before we return our green hops to the local rental shop. Because here many more environmentally friendly two- and four-wheelers are waiting to be tested extensively: For example, the red vehicles called “Biga”, which resemble gladiator cars. In addition, several Segways, a velotaxi or even a sporty mini car, which we decide on after a short consideration. At 45 km/h, it goes leisurely up to the Wengerau Alm restaurant, where visitors seem to embrace three nearby walls of the Tennengebirge.

If you like it a little faster, you can also opt for a BMW i3 in Werfenweng. At night, the electric vehicle – like a whole series of “colleagues” – is plugged into the socket in the immediate vicinity of the village square. With the small car, longer distances of 200 kilometers are no problem, for example to neighboring St. Johann im Pongau. In the evening, you can enjoy the panorama of the Salzburger Land at night on a ride on the Rosnerköpfl village railway. The next day, unfortunately, the W3 shuttle is already at the door of the accommodation, and the return trip by train is on the agenda.

Result:

Travelling to the Alps by train is easier than you think. Without traffic jams, without stress – simply travel and arrive in a relaxed manner. And: Thanks to the wide range of mobility offers in the Alpine Pearls holiday resorts, we were able to pursue all activities as desired and thus discover the places excellently! By train to the Alpine Pearls: highly recommended!

 

This trip took place with the support of DB and ÖBB.

 

Impressions

 

 

 

 

Language trip: clever holidays with added value

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Language trips allow us to learn a foreign language in a special way. Through language, we get closer to the local people. This allows us to discover and explore the country and culture more attentively. All this leads to unforgettable holiday experiences that remain in our memories in addition to the language.

Many good reasons for a language holiday

There is hardly a better way to learn or deepen a foreign language than to go on a language trip. Probably the most important advantage of language holidays is that the language accompanies you around the clock. What has been learned in the course can be applied immediately after class: while sightseeing, in the restaurant, on the street and in the accommodation. Another positive thing about a language trip is that the course teachers are native speakers. Thanks to their training, they use creative methods to convey the learning content without resorting to other languages. This may seem difficult at first, but it ensures quick learning success. And if the lessons become too strenuous, there is no reason for stress. After all, it’s all holiday time and the rest of the day is at your leisure!

English courses in Germany

Tourists from all over the world like to travel to Germany: not only to get to know the people and the German culture, but also to be able to learn the German pronunciation or to improve their German . Their motives are different. Some want to do something for their education in addition to their vacation. Others want to study or work in Germany and use the language trip to find out whether Germany is the right choice. Well-known destinations for a language holiday in Germany are cities such as: Munich, Heidelberg, Freiburg, Hamburg or Cologne.

Useful information about language holidays

Course type

For holiday travellers who want to learn or deepen their knowledge of a language, the language schools usually offer so-called intensive courses. These include four to five lessons per day. The courses typically start every Monday and allow a flexible entry into the different language levels. Many language schools offer excursions in addition to the lessons: a short guided tour of the city, a visit to the museum or an excursion into the countryside. A language teacher accompanies the participants, conducts conversations with them and thus promotes the active use of the language.

Accommodation

Normally the hotel is one of the preferred accommodations. For a language trip, private accommodation with the locals is recommended. Thus, the close contact with the hosts offers another opportunity to use the language. Alternatively, it is advisable to rent a room in a shared apartment. The contact with the roommates provides further exercises in language skills. The language schools often help in the search for such accommodation.

Educational leave

In 14 federal states, there is an entitlement to educational leave. Under certain conditions, a language trip can be recognised as educational leave. This means that employees receive five additional days of vacation per calendar year from their employer, which they can use for a recognized course. It is therefore worthwhile to check whether there is an entitlement and which course is eligible.

Popular places to learn English and Spanish

There are many interesting and beautiful places around the world for a language holiday. For the world-famous languages English and Spanish, the selection is particularly large.

For those who want to improve their English and don’t want to travel far, London is an excellent choice. In addition to London’s highlights, this popular destination for language travel offers numerous other leisure activities such as museums, galleries and weekly markets. If you are looking for a lot of sun and warmth on your language holiday, Malta is the place to be. With almost 300 days of sunshine a year, the island attracts many tourists: an ideal place to practice the language together with people from all over the world. Outside of Europe, the English language can also be learned wonderfully. Attractive destinations here are: Auckland in New Zealand, San Francisco and New York in the USA or Brisbane in Australia.

Spain is the closest destination for us when it comes to learning the Spanish language. And despite Spain’s distinct dialects, tourists can learn dialect-free Spanish at any language school in the country. Among the most popular destinations are the cities of Barcelona and Madrid, with their diverse offerings of art, architecture and culture. Long-distance travellers will find a variety of extraordinary places for a language trip in South and Central America: Ecuador’s capital Quito, the Inca city of Cusco in Peru or the Caribbean city of Cartagena in Colombia – to name just a few. Each country has its subtle peculiarities of the Spanish language. The special thing about all of them, however, is that they are all slightly different from the Spanish of their place of origin Spain.

The best expatriate destinations 2021

Emigrate successfully, but where to? With the Expat City Index 2021 , the construction financing experts at LoanLink24 have published a study that results in a current ranking of the best cities in the world for emigrants. The comprehensive analysis of seventy cities on 25 influencing factors was first carried out in 2019. The new edition with the latest data, including earnings, cost of living, hospitality, quality of life and remote work, allows a meaningful comparison of the conditions for expats before and after the pandemic.

The ten best emigrant destinations in 2021

  1. Ottawa, Canada

  2. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

  3. Bern, Switzerland

  4. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  5. Toronto, Canada

  6. Canberra, Australia

  7. Madrid, Spain

  8. Amsterdam, Netherlands

  9. Reykjavik, Iceland

  10. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Canadian capital of Ottawa successfully defends its top spot as the best destination for expats. Low living costs, an average working week of only 37 hours at full employment and attractive environmental conditions make Ottawa extremely livable.

Expats who prefer to stay in Europe should take a look at Luxembourg and Bern. Both cities offer expats the highest quality of life, a lot of security and good earning potential. However, they are also comparatively expensive. A family has to raise about 6,020 euros a month to maintain their standard of living. Expats also need to invest a little more for a permanent home. In Luxembourg, a property costs an average of around twelve annual salaries, in Bern about nine annual salaries.

The home office has celebrated its triumphal march over the world of work during the pandemic. In this study, the proportion who worked from home last year serves as an indicator of where flexible and hybrid working is likely to remain an integral part of the world of work in the future. With 47 percent of employees working from home, Luxembourg leads in this factor, followed by the Netherlands and Switzerland with 40 percent each.

German cities such as Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich have lost significantly their attractiveness for expats since the last survey in 2019. Other countries have become much more attractive than Germany over the pandemic. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland (from 50th to 9) and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia (from rank 29 to rank 10).

“The pandemic has permanently changed the way we live and work. With the increasing spread of hybrid work models, the number of those who are thinking about emigrating will also grow,” says Anna Friedrich, press spokesperson for LoanLink24. “With this study, we want to offer prospective expats points of contact that should help them find the ideal emigration destination.”

Other exciting findings

  • Expats can find by far the highest earning potential in Zurich and Bern.

  • No income tax (0 percent) is due in Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. At 57 percent, Sweden charges the highest income tax rate.

  • With an average of 49 hours a week, expats work the longest in Mexico City.

  • With a rent of 220 euros, you pay the least for a small apartment in a city location in Mumbai, India. Living for rent in San Francisco, USA, is ten times as expensive.

  • The data analysis reveals Taipei, Taiwan, as the most hospitable city for expats. Foreigners are least welcome in Tripoli, Libya.

  • In Luxembourg, public transport is free. In contrast, a single ticket in Bern costs about 3.90 euros, making it the most expensive in the world.

  • The Russian capital Moscow is the most congested city in comparison. The residents of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates have the fewest problems with traffic jams.

  • Of course, expats get the furthest with their English skills in countries with English as their official language. This is followed by Reykjavik, Amsterdam and Tel Aviv. Knowledge of English, on the other hand, is of little help in Riyadh, Tripoli and Bangkok.

  • An expat family in Buenos Aires, Argentina needs around 485 euros per month to maintain their standard of living. In San Francisco, on the other hand, a family needs a monthly income of about 9,550 euros to make ends meet.

  • On average, employees in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are entitled to 37 vacation days. Only eight days of vacation are the standard in Hanoi, Vietnam.

In these countries, you learn the foreign language almost by itself

Which countries offer the best conditions for speaking a new language optimally in the near future? The learning platform Preply has dealt with this question and conducted a study that should provide answers. The result is the
European Language Index
, which analysed the language learning environment of 27 EU countries.

According to the study, Luxembourg offers the best conditions for language learning. It is followed by the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Luxembourg scores with an education system that introduces all schoolchildren to a foreign language as early as primary school. In addition, natural linguistic diversity in Luxembourg contributes to its leading position. In addition to Luxembourgish, German and French are also important official and lingua franca.

Ranking: The best countries to learn languages

  1. Luxembourg

  2. Sweden

  3. Denmark

  4. Finland

  5. Cyprus

  6. Netherlands

  7. Malta

  8. Slovenia

  9. Belgium

  10. Estonia

According to the study, a good language learning environment is characterised by a high population and language diversity, foreign language teaching as an integral part of the education system and a wide distribution of foreign-language TV programmes, preferably in the original language with subtitles.

With a placement in eleventh place, Germany narrowly misses entering the top 10 of the best countries for language learning. Although around 79 percent of people in Germany have knowledge of at least one foreign language, the corresponding language level still leaves room for improvement. Only about one in three Germans can converse fluently in a foreign language.

While the widespread distribution of foreign-language films in the original language with subtitles in countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Cyprus helps to promote foreign language skills among the population, foreign-language films in Germany are almost without exception shown dubbed. The high prevalence of dubbing had an overall negative impact on the result of Germany.

“It has been proven that it is easier for us to learn an additional foreign language if, on the one hand, we are already supported in primary school and, on the other hand, if foreign languages are naturally integrated into everyday life here and there. This happens, for example, when you come into contact with native speakers or when you watch a film in the original sound. With the European Language Index, we want to provide an overview of the different conditions for language learning in Europe,” says Kirill Bigai, founder of Preply.

New experience app for tourism businesses, agencies and private users

For professionals and leisure fans: Globe Chaser App

Event organisers, agencies, tourism businesses and private users are delighted with an innovative app. Globe Chaser lets you experience your free time even more intensively. Scavenger hunt and rally, city tour and tips for the holiday are part of the app. Team building is one of the topics that is very popular here. So far, the app is available for common Android and iOS devices, but extensions are on the way.

Professional tour operators such as tourism businesses can test the application free of charge, after which favourable tariffs apply. If you are privately interested in this leisure app, you don’t have to pay anything at all, but get something extra from us, namely a monthly experience and the possibility to save your own gadgets, routes and experiences.

Your advantage: our target groups

When developing our app for tourism businesses and families, we thought of all those who like to be on the go or make sure that others come to their leisure time. Our main focus is therefore on travel and tourism companies, event agencies and companies and, of course, last but not least, individuals and families. The app offers tailor-made experiences for every area of tourism:

Globe Chaser App for Companies and Agencies

Global Chaser App
The Global Chaser App

Companies and agencies that focus on team building can choose from activities that strengthen commonalities and allow a wide variety of people to grow together. Once planned, you can save tours, city rallies and scavenger hunts and adopt or modify them for new customers. In the application’s dashboard system, agencies have a calendar at their disposal that reminds them of the start of the next project.

If you need a route for last-minute participants, the One Click Route Editor takes care of the event planning for you. Agencies can also call up routes that have already been completed. The app is also a valuable support for leaders of youth groups, for trainers and teachers. Excursions in terms of further education can be designed just as easily and quickly as pleasure rides.

Planning aid for travel and tourism businesses

For tourism businesses and tour operators , the app offers new ways in terms of tourism. Sights on the route and at the destination can be easily linked to the route. The result is an exciting game in which all hotspots in the region are included. Adults and children alike get their rights.

But that’s not all: The app for tourism has a connection to well-known encyclopedias, so you can also draw on the full range here. The opportunity to present your own photos and videos increases the appeal of any hike or rally. Thanks to the app, you no longer need your own guides for the entire tour, it takes over the city tour for your customers on simple tours.

Stark: Scavenger hunt and city tour as a private leisure activity

Numerous experiences await families and groups of friends: With the help of the app, you can plan children’s birthday parties that will be remembered for a long time. You don’t have to invest a lot of time in this. You can combine birthday parties and scavenger hunts effortlessly. Exciting tasks for the holiday provide variety. For example, you can set search tasks, incorporate certain physical exercises and have questions answered. Once the task is completed, the way to the next stop is cleared.

What is popular with the little ones also appeals to the grown-ups here. You can make the bachelor party, the class reunion or the family celebration excitingly different thanks to the app. Self-taken photos document the rally, so that you have a retrievable memory. In the private sector, the app is absolutely free of charge, you can try it out and use it at any time without obligation.

App and technology

The app is currently available in German and English. You can use it on popular smartphones and tablets. The prerequisite is Android or iOS/IpadOS. Thanks to the app’s special technology, different devices with different systems can work together within the experience you create or choose, making it ideal for tourism businesses and agencies.

 

Brasilia – The capital of Brazil

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The capital of Brazil, Brasilia, is one of the youngest capitals in the world. This is because it did not grow historically, as in many other cases, but was designed on the drawing board. Intended as a liveable center and conurbation for services as well as the cultural epicenter of the country, the city has made some interesting developments in recent years. In addition to the well-known cities such as Rio or Sao Paulo , more and more travelers are also drawn to this capital with its very own charm that is unique. What can you expect from a trip to Brasilia?

From insignificant village to Brazil’s powerful capital

Itamaraty Palace, Brasilia
Itamaraty Palace, seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Image: Flyme Drones / shutterstock

The first settlements were established in the late 19th century where Brasilia can be found today. However, it was not until 1956 that work was actually carried out on a comprehensive expansion of the city. From the beginning, it was planned that government authorities, offices and ministries as well as the corresponding employees should find a place in the city. Over the years, many suburbs and satellite cities have sprung up in the immediate vicinity, where mainly the workers can be found, who develop their very own culture. The actual city is still shaped by the middle and upper classes of Brazil.

Of course, the sometimes gigantic buildings are still the most important sights of the city today. But what ensures a constant influx of new tourists is the very own culture that develops in the city. It is rare that you can watch a capital grow and watch it develop its very own self-image. This is exactly what is possible in Brasilia and has led to the fact that the nightlife in particular has earned a corresponding reputation. The gastronomy, which has attracted experts and top chefs from all over the world, also has an excellent reputation in the city.

Sights from the drawing board – the unique charm of Brasilia

Juscelino-Kubitschek Bridge
Juscelino-Kubitschek Bridge, also known as the JK Bridge, Image: ESB Professional / shutterstock

When Brasilia was designed, it was mainly about the desire for there to be a capital in the center of the country. Brazil is huge – as the inclined holidaymaker will probably also find out when trying to move within the country – and Brasilia should become the hub for the fate of the country. Of particular beauty when walking through the city are the public buildings designed by the architect Oscar Niemyer, which can be found mainly in the Federal do Brasil district.

A good example of the impressive buildings is the Torre de Televisao, the television tower of Brasilia. For visitors, it offers a viewing platform from which you can take a closer look at the very clearly structured pattern of the districts and streets. From here, a magnificent boulevard leads to the Sanctuário de Dom Bosco, among other places. The church is considered the most beautiful building in Brasilia and impresses above all with its play of colors. The Congresso Nacional, like the Teatro Nacional, is visible from afar and rounds off the many buildings with which Niemeyer left an eternal stamp of his work in the city. Most of the buildings can be visited for a small fee or even free of charge.

The surrounding area: National Park and suburbs

Sometimes it takes a while to really let the charm of the city work its magic on you. However, you should not miss the opportunity to take a closer look at the historical surroundings of the city during a visit. In addition to the almost desert-like steppe, there is also a national park here, which was created almost at the same time as the city. With its natural pools as well as cycling and hiking trails, it is the favorite destination for excursions by residents in the city and offers a glimpse of nature – without the typical rainforest that can otherwise be discovered in many parts of Brazil.

In the surrounding area, you can also find the historic villages and suburbs that existed before the actual city or that have emerged over the years because the workers have moved away from the actual city center. Here you will encounter a culture that is less geared towards tourists and more in line with traditional Brazil. Menus are almost entirely in Portuguese, but there are many friendly people willing to explain the dishes and many adventures to be discovered.

Brasilia’s famous nightlife and gastronomic life

Many of the deputies and officials fly to their hometowns over the weekend and do not stay in Brasilia. This offers the advantage that it is mainly the locals who determine the nightlife here. Samba bars are an example of the things Brasilia is famous for. When it gets dark, the bars are especially found in the bustling city center and are lined up with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the best food. Especially here, it is a young generation of people who are in the process of defining their own culture for the city. You should see this at least once during a visit to this unique metropolis and experience it yourself.

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