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The most beautiful sailing regions in the Mediterranean

When you think of sailing in Europe, the Croatian islands probably come to mind first. A real sailing boom has developed here in recent years. But there are also many beautiful spots on the Mediterranean Sea to enjoy your holiday on a sailing yacht to the fullest. We have taken a look at the most beautiful sailing destinations in the Mediterranean and created a small overview.

Croatia

Croatia scores with sailing enthusiasts with more than 1,000 islands and an impressive coastal landscape. No wonder that every year more and more tourists visit Croatia to rent a yacht, e.g. from the Europe-wide provider PCO-Yachting and enjoy a sailing experience. Split, the second largest city in the country, is an ideal starting point for a yacht trip. Some of the most popular and well-known islands Hvar, Brač and Korčula are just a short day trip away.

Sardinia

Maddalena
La Maddalena, Image: Alexandra Suslova / shutterstock

Travel around Corsica’s neighboring island with your sailing yacht. There are some highlights to explore: Sardinia has many natural beaches scattered all over the island. Among the most beautiful are, for example, the bay of Capriccioli or the bay of Cava Spalmatore. Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu are among the absolute beauties of the island and impress with their rock formations, caves and a magnificent underwater world. An unforgettable sight is the Neptune Grotto with its numerous limestone formations. Visit the capital Cagliari and travel to the dreamlike archipelago of La Maddalena.

Greece

Rhodes, Lindos
View of the sea near Lindos / Rhodes, Image: Olesya Kuznetsova / shutterstock

Not only Croatia offers a variety of beautiful islands. In Greece , too, many countless islands can be explored by sailing ship. Early in history, the port of Rhodes was known far beyond the country’s borders due to the ancient wonder of the world “Colossus of Rhodes”. Thus, Rhodes is a good starting point to explore the islands of the Dodecanese. In addition to Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos and Kalymnos are among the most famous islands of the group.

If you’d rather spend a few days in Greece’s capital Athens before your sailing holiday, explore the Cyclades. Enjoy the crystal clear waters and dreamy bays. A total of 27 Cyclades islands are waiting to be visited. Among the most famous islands are Mykonos, Naxos and Santorini. Also very popular with sailors is the third largest Cycladic island of Paros and the unofficial capital Syros.

Majorca / Balearic Islands

Cala Saona, Formentera
Cala Saona beach in Formentera, Image: Sergio TB / shutterstock

The Germans’ favourite island is not only worth a trip on land. The starting point of your journey is the island’s capital Palma – not only because of its proximity to the airport. From there you will explore the more than 500 kilometres of coastline of the Balearic island with the highlights of Cap Formentor in the north as well as the beautiful harbours of Alcudia, Cala d’Or, Pollença and the natural harbour of Porto Petro. Puerto Portal, one of the most famous marinas in Mallorca, is located near Andratx, which is particularly popular with golfers.

Holidaymakers who have a little more time can extend their trip to the neighbouring islands of Menorca, the natural paradise of Cabrere, Ibiza and Formentera. Formentera in particular scores with Caribbean-style beaches. However, these should be visited outside the high season, otherwise they are unfortunately often very crowded.

Due to the moderate climatic conditions, the Balearic Islands are suitable for beginners as well as experienced sailors.

Ko Yao Yai & Ko Yao Noi: Thai Island Paradises

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Almost untouched nature, paradisiacal beaches and famous excursion destinations: The Ko Yao Archipelago with the two islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi has a number of attractions in store. However, the two islands in the bay of Phang Nga between the island of Phuket, which is known as a tourist stronghold, and the Thai mainland are still absolute insider tips for Thailand vacationers. So if you want to experience an eventful holiday on the Thai islands away from the big tourist crowds, this is the place for you and you will feel like you’re in paradise. More and more tourists and locals have discovered the two islands as a holiday destination for themselves in recent years.

Dreamlike beaches with postcard idyll away from the crowds of tourists

Ko Yao Noi
View of Ko Yao Noi, Image: Huw Penson / shutterstock

Beach vacationers are especially in good hands on the larger of the two islands, Ko Yao Yai. After all, there are several dream beaches here. Huam Lam Haad Beach in the northeast is considered the most beautiful beach on the island. The palm-fringed beach with white sand, like Loh Pared Beach, offers pure postcard idyll. Here you can also enjoy a breathtaking sunset, among other things. Ao Muang Beach offers the best conditions not only for beach vacationers. It is also a hotspot for snorkelers and divers.

The crystal-clear water offers a view of numerous small and large fish. Many tour operators allow you to book a guided snorkeling tour in advance of the trip – an experience that should not be missed here. If you feel like it, you can of course also explore the underwater world of the island on your own. A ten-minute boat ride takes you to the smaller island of Ko Yao Noi, where several dream beaches also await visitors.

Impressive flora and fauna: orchids, coconut palms and hornbills

Both islands are also characterized by a natural jungle landscape with a species-rich flora and fauna. Due to this fascinating landscape, the islands attract not only beach vacationers but also adventurers, hikers and nature lovers. Characteristic of the landscape on both islands, where a total of 13,000 inhabitants live, are coconut palms and rubber trees. Countless colorful orchids can also be found on the two islands. And with a bit of luck, you can spot monitor lizards up to two meters tall or the widespread hornbills on a tour. And if you want to explore the islands a little more closely, you can also rent bicycles or scooters. There are various accommodations on the two islands – from large hotel resorts to small hidden lodges. In the various small restaurants and bars you can also immerse yourself in traditional Thai cuisine.

Land and people in Ban Laem Lan, family fun in Duck Ventura Park

Water buffalo in Ko Yao Yai
Water buffalo in Ko Yao Yai, Image: tenkl / shutterstock

If you would like to get to know the country and its people during your stay, you have the opportunity to do so in Ban Laem Lan in Loh Balai Bay on the island of Ko Yao Yai. In the small fishing village you get an exciting insight into the normal life of the islanders. Due to the predominantly Muslim population, Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi are also home to numerous small and large mosques. You can also explore the dense mangrove forests by boat – either on your own or with a local guide. A very special destination for families with children is the Duck Ventura Park in the northwest of Koh Yao Yai. In addition to a large swimming castle, jet blades, quad tours and other attractions are offered here.

If you want to take a detour into the famous tourist life of Phuket , you can reach the tourist stronghold of the islands of the Ko Yao archipelago in 30 minutes by boat or ferry. An extremely popular and worthwhile destination is also the famous James Bond Rock off the small island of Khao Phing Kan. This rock became known worldwide as the backdrop for the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974. Since then, this rock has been one of the most popular photo motifs of Thailand tourists. This can also be reached from the Ko Yao Archipelago by speedboat in about 30 minutes.

Best time to visit Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi

The best time to travel to the islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi is during the European winter months from December to April. During these months, very little rainfall is to be expected. In the rainy season from July to October, on the other hand, you have to expect large amounts of rain every day. Due to the tropical climate, warm temperatures of about 30 degrees Celsius prevail. The water also has a pleasant bathing temperature all year round.

Fashionable on the go when travelling – stylish outdoor jackets for him

If you want your luggage to be as light as possible for your holiday, many people quickly reach their limits, especially when it comes to jackets. Ideally, there should be a maximum of one or two that can cope with different temperatures and/or weather conditions – a good jacket guide is needed here. In order to find the ideal jacket, the specific destination and the type of holiday should of course be taken into account in any purchase decision. On a city trip, for example, usually completely different clothing than is needed for a hiking tour through the Alps. For example, a good outdoor jacket should also meet individual fashion requirements.

Functional jackets for outdoor holidays

Active men who spend a lot of time in nature in their free time absolutely need a functional jacket that is equipped for various eventualities. It should be able to withstand a small rain shower without any problems and also protect it from wind and cold.

A real all-rounder: the softshell jacket

Every outdoor adventurer should definitely have one of them: The softshell jacket is a reliable companion in different weather conditions. The sophisticated functional material does an excellent job of repellening against moisture and wind while still being breathable. Once the jacket has gotten wet, it dries quickly. When hiking, cycling or camping, it is a reliable companion. Some models have detachable hoods and can thus be adapted even better to the conditions. A softshell jacket test on the Internet may make it easier for you to make a purchase decision.

Quilted jackets – light, sporty and ultra-modern

Thanks to their sophisticated quilting, these jackets keep you comfortably warm even in cold weather. The quilting creates small heat chambers that provide excellent insulation. They also prevent the filling from slipping. Real down quilted jackets keep you warm particularly well and are surprisingly soft. If the sun suddenly comes out and it gets warmer, you can take the jacket off and compress it to a compact size so that it fits easily in a backpack. But quilted jackets with polyester lining also do a good job. They don’t have quite as much thermal insulation, but they also keep you warm when they get wet.

The perfect jacket for a city trip

Trench Coat City Break
With the trench coat in his luggage on a city trip, Image: Pressmaster / shutterstock

Even if the trip doesn’t go to Milan, New York or Paris, many people certainly want to show their fashionable side on the urban pavement and not get lost among the trend-conscious city dwellers. At the same time, appearance should not take precedence over function. That’s why we’ve picked out a few suitable jacket models for your next city trip.

The wool jacket in jacket look

It is a real classic among men’s jackets. The wide lapels and the timeless cut make them a versatile all-rounder. At the same time, the material used keeps you pleasantly warm and offers high breathability. The wool jacket harmonizes equally well with sporty and elegant outfits, so that it can be worn well during the day when sightseeing as well as in the evening when visiting the theater or in a fancier bar. A model that has an inside pocket is ideal. There, smartphones and wallets can be safely stowed away and better protected against pickpockets.

The trench coat is back

With its shoulder straps, double row of buttons and waist belt, the trench coat is a real perennial favourite that is back in vogue right now – among men and women. The modern man wears it in beige and combines it with a light fine-knit sweater, jeans and Chelsea boots. The trench coat is made of gabardine and is therefore very robust and hard-wearing. Combined with chinos and leather loafers, for example, you can create a smart city look.

Vermont – The Green Mountain State

The northern state of Vermont shares a border with Canada and is also known as the Green Mountain State. This name alone reveals how impressive the nature in the state is and what you can expect on a trip. As part of New England, Vermont is also one of the historic founding parts of the United States of America and with its unique architectural style, which can still be seen today in many villages and towns of the state, there is as much to see for friends of architecture and history as for enthusiastic explorers of nature.

Peace and relaxation between mountains, forests and rivers

If you move through Vermont, you will probably quickly have the feeling that you have arrived in the seemingly endless expanses of the Canadian landscape rather than being in the USA . Everything is a bit quieter and smaller here. There are no metropolises with skyscrapers and impressive dynamism, but there are a large number of small cities that can usually trace their history back to the founding period of the United States. The state sinks a bit into the silence of nature when you move through the dense deciduous forests. Landscape and nature have always played an important role for people.

Vermont is known in the United States not only for its almost permanent autumn colors in the leaves, but also for its maple syrup. Here the proximity to Canada can be illustrated, which can also be felt in other corners of the state. In general, you feel a strong connection to your brother in the north and the 15 border crossings that can be found in the state invite you to take a little trip to the north. This is certainly also due to the fact that theoretically you are still in the same landscape.

Top attractions on a trip to Vermont

Montpelier, Vermont
Montpelier is the capital of the U.S. state of Vermont, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Vermont is a paradise for nature lovers. Countless activities can be carried out in the extensive forests. In winter, there’s also the chance to go on an adventure on one of the state’s many ski slopes and try out your own winter sports skills. The state is very diverse in this regard and offers just the right options for active vacations – from aforementioned hikes and ski trips to bike tours through the Indian Summer, the brown spectacle in the forests. The various lakes also usually offer many options for different tastes, from pedal boats to canoeing on the rivers.

The other side of the state is the historical heritage of the USA, which can probably not be experienced in any part of the country as much as it is in New England. A visit to Burlington is therefore definitely a must. The city attracts with old houses from the Wilhelminian period, which are well maintained and still offer a glimpse of how the first people organized themselves here in small towns. Nearby is Hildene in Manchester. The former summer house of Abraham Lincoln has now been converted into a museum about the famous American president and the founding period of the USA.

Lake Champlain is also located directly near Burlington. The huge lake was an important point for the first settlers and in the immediate vicinity there are a variety of museums and institutions that deal with this period. What’s more, you’ll find arguably the best restaurants in the state that tempt you with New England cuisine — typically rustic cuisine that works primarily with seafood and meat.

Top tips for traveling through Vermont

Skiing in Vermont
Stowe Mountain ski resort in Vermont, Image: FashionStock.com / shutterstock

In general, a visit to Vermont is recommended, especially in autumn. When the colors of the foliage change and most of the state’s cultural festivals are just around the corner, you not only have the opportunity for long trips into the forests, for hikes and bike tours, excursions on the many lakes in the state, but also pleasant temperatures for your own activities. When booking, it should always be kept in mind that only about half a million people live in the state at all. Accordingly, the offers for overnight stays and hotels are a little limited. There are hardly any classic luxury hotels, but small guesthouses dominate here, which are usually set for a stay of one or two nights.

It should be said that the exploration works best if you have your own car at your disposal. Vermont may seem small, but in fact it takes a few hours to travel from state border to state border. If you want to explore the outdoors and mountains on your own, it’s best to opt for an SUV that can handle the local conditions and only add to the adventurous spirit of exploring Vermont. In addition, any papers for a trip to Canada should be applied for early – it is not so easy to get a tourist visa for a spontaneous visit to the northern brother state of the USA.

Isla Saona – Dream destination in the Caribbean!

Saona – Lonely, snow-white beaches and turquoise sea, surrounded by palm forests, inspire every visitor. The approximately 100km² island is located in the Dominican Republic, which can be reached after about ten hours of flight time from Germany.

The climate is tropical, the nature varied from dream beaches to savannahs to the rainforest. Even though the Caribbean state, which is located on the island of Hispaniola , is already paradisiacal, Isla Saona surpasses all dreams and imaginations!

Special features of Isla Saona

Isla Saona is located in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the archipelago of the Greater Antilles. Geographically, the island is located in the east of the country. It is just 25 km long and 5 km wide. Saona is reminiscent of a desert island. On the one hand, the tropical, paradisiacal island scenery provides this feeling, and on the other hand, the island is really sparsely populated with just 300 inhabitants. They live in the two villages of Mano Juan in the south and Cutuano in the west.

The big special feature is that it is part of the Parque Nacional del Este National Park (English translation: National Park of the East) and is therefore a nature reserve. The national park is one of the largest in the Dominican Republic and is home to many rare bird species.

National parks are a special feature of the Dominican Republic, about a third (31.5 percent) of the state’s total area is a nature reserve.

Sights of Isla Saona

Although Isla Saona is relatively small, it has countless sights! Wild animals, natural dream beaches and even a natural bathtub.

Manatees

Manatees live in the island’s Caribbean waters and with a bit of luck they can even get very close to the boat! A manatee, which wears a clearly visible tracking device for research purposes, is known to be curious about humans. But here the rule is: Please do not touch.

Turtle Station

In the fishing village of Mano Juan is the “Sea Turtles and the Conservation Project”, a project for the protection of sea turtles. One resident has dedicated his life to the turtles. To protect the animals from predators and humans, he collects their eggs in nature and lets the animals hatch in special boxes in the project’s hut. When the turtles are big enough, they are released back into the wild in safe places. A really great project! The resident is committed to telling visitors everything about himself and his work and answers every question. With a bit of luck, you can even see the baby turtles hatch!
The fishing village is also a real attraction of the island. Caribbean sounds, hammocks, colorful wooden huts and real Pura Vida make the atmosphere very special!

The natural bathtub with starfish

The natural bathtub with starfish – this is how this attraction is often advertised by tour operators. In fact, when you stand on this sandbank, you really have this described feeling of a natural bathtub: The water is knee to waist high, incredibly clear and nice and warm. There are numerous starfish on the bottom that invite you to snorkel. Please do not lift or touch the starfish, this can damage the health of these beautiful animals. By the way, the name of this beautiful place is Piscina Natural.

Natural beach as filming location of “Pirates of the Caribbean”

This beach is called “Canto de la Playa” and is natural. Snorkelers can expect a great underwater world with fish and coral reefs. In some places, the water is just knee-deep. No wonder that scenes for the film “Pirates of the Caribbean” were filmed on this lonely dream beach.

Tips and tricks

Saona, Dominican Republic
Simply fantastic: Saona Island, Image: Nick N A / shutterstock

The only way to get to the island is by helicopter or boat. An independent journey can be organized via boats that dock in Bayahibe. For this, it is essential to buy a wristband for the entrance to the Parque Nacional del Este National Park.

Easier and less stressful is booking a day trip to Isla Saona, which are offered by many operators. On these excursions, the tour operators take you to the most beautiful places on the island – and food and transfer, for example from Punta Cana , are also provided. The tours can be booked online or at the hotel on site. To ensure that you are guaranteed your desired place, it is advisable to contact the tour operator from home.

When choosing a provider, you should take into account your own preferences: language, atmosphere and time.

Language: Spanish is spoken in the Dominican Republic. In the meantime, however, there are also German emigrants who offer excursions to Isla Saona in the German language.

Atmosphere: From a quiet family outing to an alcoholic party boat – you will also encounter this on Saona. If you like it quiet or wild, you should choose the right organizer accordingly.

Time: It is recommended to start as early as possible in the morning. Isla Saona is popular with day tourists. If you want to experience the “lonely island feeling”, you should choose the provider who is there before everyone else.

In addition, it is relevant to pay attention to the certification of the tour provider when choosing one. Companies without a tour operator license are illegal and are not liable for any damages.

Isla Saona is a nature reserve. Avoiding or taking rubbish with you as well as respectful treatment of wild animals (please do not touch!) should be a matter of course.

Special holiday experiences: Test life in a tiny house on holiday

Container houses are becoming increasingly popular and more and more people want to buy a tiny house. To test whether container houses meet your own needs, it is a good idea to spend a holiday in a tiny house.

The Advance of Container Houses

Container houses are not only used for residential purposes. Many people who buy a container house use it as an additional guest room, as a garden shed, as an office space or as a gym. If you want to buy a tiny house, you will soon find that container houses can be built modularly. They are particularly sustainable because freight containers are reused here. There have been people who buy tiny houses since the 80s. The Tiny House movement originated here.

The characteristics of tiny houses made of containers

Cargo containers are fireproof, burglar-proof, water-proof, and shatterproof, making them the most stable modular structures. In addition, containers are stackable. If you want to buy a tiny house, you can therefore adapt it to your needs. Multiple containers can be connected to each other. This can be used not only in the commercial sector, but also in the family. If another child is born, another room can be created with an additional container.

The advantages of container houses

Container houses are more cost-effective than a new building or extension because less material is used and less working time is required. They can be easily transported. This makes container houses even more popular as holiday homes. For example, they can be transported to another location after a few years. If you want to buy a tiny house, you first and foremost want to live flexibly and individually. While the mainstream is still swimming towards the 200 square meter house, the individualists have realized that we live in a world with finite raw materials and that an 8-room kitchen-bathroom is not necessary to be happy. However, buying a tiny house does not mean living like in the Stone Age. All electrical and plumbing connections are provided. Life in a tiny house is just more compact. This requires a reduction to the bare minimum.

What should you look out for before buying a tiny house?

In the case of container houses, care should be taken to ensure that they can be expanded in a modular manner and have been professionally converted for residential purposes. Problems can arise during the conversion, especially with the connections and windows, because the containers were not designed for connections or for doors and windows. If this work is carried out by a specialist company, no problems arise. There are ready-made standard houses to buy that were made for special purposes or tiny houses can be put together from individual modules.

Spend a holiday in a tiny house

Families, couples and individuals who are not sure whether they want to buy a container house can first spend a holiday in a rented tiny house . In this way, you can find out whether living in a confined space is practical. Regardless of how many modules a tiny house is made up of, it will not reach the size of an average residential house. Although large-scale residential projects can be realised with container houses, they then consist of many individual containers. Here you have to consciously reduce yourself to the bare minimum. Even though many practical built-in wardrobes can be installed in container houses, a longer holiday should be used to test whether many things can be dispensed with. In addition, it can be tested whether the family harmonizes in a smaller space. Tiny houses are usually free-standing, surrounded by gardens.

Buy or rent a tiny house?

The advantage of container houses is that they are not tied to one place and can be sold again. The risk is low, but it can still make sense to test a tiny house before buying it. So you can be sure that this form of living is suitable. If you want to buy a tiny house , you should find out in advance where tiny houses can be placed. In some municipalities this is possible on all building plots, in other municipalities or commercial areas the installation is linked to certain conditions and in most municipalities a building application must be submitted if the container house remains standing for more than three months. A holiday in a tiny house is a recommended way to test whether living in a container house is conceivable.

 

Holiday home holidays with your dog on Lake Constance

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Holidays are the most beautiful and relaxing times of the year. But unfortunately, they require a lot of planning in advance. Especially if the beloved four-legged friend is to travel with you, holiday planning can be particularly complicated. Holiday homes where you are allowed to bring your dog are not so easy to find. And it is not always easy to see through the legal provisions.

Here are a few tips on how to turn a holiday on Lake Constance with your dog into a dream holiday. Of course, most of these tips can also be applied to other holiday destinations.

Finding a holiday home – not always so easy with a dog

Finding the optimal holiday home that meets the needs of all family members at the same time is not easy anyway. If the dog is to travel with you, the search is even more difficult.

Many landlords are afraid that dogs could scratch the floor or damage the furniture. As a dog owner, you certainly know that your sweetheart is a very well-behaved one and knows how to behave even on vacation. Therefore, the first tip if you have an apartment in mind where no dogs are allowed is to ask again. Many landlords can often be persuaded with a lot of charm and a small surcharge.

Or you can choose the easiest way and filter directly for apartments where dogs are allowed. This means that you will only see results where the beloved four-legged friend is not an obstacle and you can book directly without much enquiries.

Holidays on Lake Constance – that’s why it’s worth it!

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

Lake Constance is not only a wonderful holiday destination in summer. The region has something to offer at any time of the year.

From September to June, the beautiful gardens can be admired under the Long Night of Lake Constance Gardens or the Magic of Blossoms .

In August, the legendary Seenachtfest takes place, to which about 50,000 thousand people make the pilgrimage every year to enjoy the great music and feast on good food.

From July to October, numerous autumn and wine festivals take place around Lake Constance. Here, regional wines and other products such as cheese and fish dishes are offered to taste and buy in all four countries around the lake. Here, too, there is always a musical accompaniment.

In winter, of course, you can enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein . Visiting one of these markets is a wonderful way to get into the festive mood while consuming a hot cup of punch and Christmas snacks.

Lake Constance – splashing and swimming in Germany’s largest lake

With a size of 536 square kilometers , Lake Constance is the largest lake in Germany and the third largest lake in Central Europe. This makes it a wonderful source of refreshment in summer on days that are much too hot. Families can swim and water sports enthusiasts can do sports here. And there are also some bathing places for the dog where bathing is allowed.

If you would like to experience the lake from a boat, you can book some of the many boat experiences. Many of them even include a meal and on some animal guests are allowed.

Packing list for the furry friend

Dogs at Lake Constance
Joy for the four-legged friends at Lake Constance, Image: DALIBARD Julie / shutterstock

As soon as all the two-legged friends have packed their suitcases, there is still a lot to add to the travel bag for the woof.

The most important thing is the pet passport. This should always be carried with you. Especially if you are planning to leave Germany for your vacation, it may be that mandatory vaccinations may be checked at the border. But even if veterinary treatment is necessary, it can’t hurt to have your passport with you.

Then, of course, you should not forget basics such as a collar or harness and one or more leashes. A dog tag should be attached to the collar or harness with your phone number on it.

In many countries, a muzzle or leash is mandatory, especially in public places or transport. Therefore, to be on the safe side, take one with you.

Even though holiday apartments allow you to bring animals, you should bring water and a food bowl. You should also pack food, treats and dental care sticks.

Bringing one or two toys is a good idea so that the fluffy friend does not have to get bored under any circumstances.

More and more people do not want to do without their own dog during their holidays. Dogs are family for most households and it is perfectly clear that they are also allowed to travel when travelling.

With its beautiful landscape and some dog bathing areas, the Lake Constance region offers the ideal holiday destination for pet owners and will also give you a lot of relaxation.

Wisconsin – Welcome to the land of milk and cheese

In the northwest of the USA, the state of Wisconsin nestles against two of the “Great Lakes”, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Here, nature is the trump card, dominated by farms and forests and invites you to cycle and hike tours. The large dairy industry has earned Wisconsin the nickname “Dairy Country” as a dairy country. But regardless of whether you are a farmer or a city dweller, it is certain that a good 50% of Wisconsin’s residents have their roots in Germany .

Milwaukee – beer city with a lot of culture

View of Milwaukee, Wisconson
View of Milwaukee, Wisconson, Image: Jayne Lipkovich / shutterstock

The German influence has also had a lasting impact on Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city. The immigrants began to brew their local beer here. This is how the city on Lake Michigan with its 600,000 inhabitants got its nickname “brewery city”. Many of these breweries can be visited on guided tours – with a good sip of beer to top it off. At the lakefront on the lake, visitors not only enjoy a beer in the summer, but also countless festivals that are held here almost every weekend. The pier is also home to the “Discovery World” museum of technology and science with a three-masted ship, which is moored next door in the harbour to conquer. Motorcycle fans won’t be able to resist Harley Davidson’s factory and museum. Culture enthusiasts can be inspired by the Broadway Theatre Center or the Florentine Opera Center. In general, the various museums of the city are impressive, which also has a public museum with replicas of worldwide villages and an architecturally impressive art museum.

Charming and tolerant – the federal capital Madison

Despite all its size, Milwaukee is not the capital of Wisconsin, but the smaller Madison with its approximately 250,000 inhabitants. The city center nestles on a headland between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. The university town is rather tranquil and charming, but is considered the friendliest of all cities in the USA – with particularly tolerant inhabitants. The roads have been so well developed for cyclists that Madison is considered an example of environmental friendliness among US cities. Madison’s lakes are wonderful to walk around on foot or by bike. All this makes Madison a livable seat of government for old and young.

In the imposing “State Capitol” of Wisconsin, the parliament meets. The building, built in 1907, is not only reminiscent of the Capitol in Washington D.C., but is also the second largest Capitol after the one in the capital of the USA. The guided tours offered to visit the building are extremely worthwhile. But even the square on which Wisconsin’s seat of government stands offers a special sight: On Saturdays, it hosts the Farmers Market of Dane County, to which Madison belongs. As one of the largest U.S. markets for farm products, it has made a name for itself in particular with dairy products and home-made cheese. It thus does credit to the “Cheeseland” state and is a highlight for visitors. If you prefer to sit in one of the cafés or a bar, you should try your luck on State Street, which runs west from the market square. There is also the “Contemporary Art Museum”, which is well worth seeing.

The Mecca of aviation enthusiasts – Oshkosh and its “AirVenture”

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Air show in Oshkosh, Image: Wirestock Creators / shutterstock

Once a year, the town of Oshkosh is turned upside down. That’s when aviation enthusiasts from all over the world gather at Lake Winnebago – and many come with their small planes. The largest exhibition of private aircraft in the world, the “EAA AirVenture“, has been taking place at the end of July for over 50 years and makes Wittman Airport the “busiest airport in the world” for a whole week. Several 10,000 aircraft such as old World War II bombers, biplanes and ultra-modern light aircraft then make a stop here. For one week, there will be countless exhibitors, lectures and events on the subject of aviation. The “Who’s Who” of the aerospace industry will be speaking here, including the astronauts of the Apollo missions. Even an Airbus A380 visited here in 2009. The highlight is the daily “airshows” with aerobatic demonstrations and spectacular overflights. These shows also take place at night, where they are supplemented with fire shows. The AirVenture is a spectacle that attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year. If you come to Oshkosh, you should also visit the associated “EAA Aviation Museum“.

Wisconsin’s nature through the seasons

Wisconsin’s nature is extremely diverse and is characterized by the “Great Lakes” and the many rivers. If you hike here, you will experience impressive waterfalls, countless lakes, ancient forests and species-rich wetlands. Wisconsin does not have a national park, but “National State Parks” worth seeing can be found in all parts of the state. Paddling, camping and swimming are not only popular with visitors here. Rock cliffs and caves are also worth exploring, such as Crystal Cave near the town of Eau Claire. A special highlight in winter are the caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on one of the 21 islands in Lake Superior. Then they become enchanted ice caves. In winter, Wisconsin often experiences strong sub-zero temperatures, while in summer it gets very hot with around 30 degrees.

How do I find the right holiday camp?

The term holiday camp is often associated with many beautiful memories of exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences with new and old friends. But what does it take to find the right holiday camp? The decisive factor for this is not only a varied program that suits the individual interests of the participants, but also the right accommodation, balanced catering and professional care. This is the only way to make the holiday camp a successful experience that will hopefully be remembered for a long time. In the following, we will take a look at what is important for the individual points and how the search for the right holiday camp can be successfully approached.

Good care is the be-all and end-all at a holiday camp

Sporting highlights are part of the holiday camp, Image: Campfuchs

In addition to the program, the quality of the accommodation and the food, the care is crucial for a successful holiday season. It is therefore important that the team of supervisors not only has many years of experience in working with children and young people, but is also trained in content and, above all, pedagogy. The supervisors should always have an open ear for the participants and help them with small and large problems. But of course they also have important character traits such as friendliness, helpfulness and patience. That’s exactly why they manage to make the holiday camp a special experience with good organization. At all holiday camps for children and young people, fun should always be in the foreground and, as is well known, this begins with the good mood in the team of supervisors.

What makes a good holiday camp?

Program:

  • Fun should come first
  • Group thinking and dealing with other children is important
  • Versatile main program that meets your own interests
  • Choice of leisure program to meet everyone’s needs
  • Team-building measures

Accommodation:

  • Accommodation type, room sizes and number of beds
  • Cleanliness and hygiene
  • Experienced hostel parents
  • Safe terrain
  • Outdoor and indoor opportunities to play in your free time
  • Good reviews

Catering:

  • Balanced food with healthy and fresh food
  • Constant access to drinks
  • Varied meals
  • Consideration of intolerances, allergies, etc.

Care:

  • Pedagogically and content-related trained team of supervisors
  • Pedagogical concept
  • Caregivers have a 1st aid certificate
  • Supervisors must present an extended police clearance certificate
  • Childcare ratio – depending on the age of the children, this should not exceed 1:10
  • Values such as fair play, teamwork, trust and respect are to be conveyed

Security & Other:

  • Detailed travel information
  • Quality seal (e.g. German Travel Network, Federal Forum for Youth Travel or similar)
  • Travel, duty of supervision and youth protection laws are complied with
  • Legally required travel price insurance certificate
  • 24-hour emergency telephone during the camp
  • All-round support by trained trainers

The most popular holiday camps for children and teenagers

Trend sports in the holiday camp, Image: Campfuchs

There are a variety of different holiday camps for children and teenagers. In recent years, the selection of holiday camps has shifted more and more from classic holiday camps to adventure and theme camps. The offer ranges from sports camps with football, horseback riding or dancing to water sports such as surfing or sailing to unusual sports such as buggy kiting, rock climbing or artistry.

Of course, there is also a large selection of holiday camps with a wide variety of focuses apart from sports. Themed camps such as Robin Hood Camps, Harry Potter Camps or Pirate Camps are becoming increasingly popular. For all creative minds who are bubbling over with ideas, creative and research camps are just the thing. Adventure and outdoor camps, on the other hand, inspire all adventurers, young and old, who love nature and like to spend a lot of time in the fresh air.

A varied combination of learning and leisure activities is offered by the many different language camps in Germany and abroad. Here, one’s own language skills can often be raised to the next level in a practical way in order to shine at school after the holidays. In addition, the varied sports and leisure programme offers the perfect balance to language lessons and gives you the necessary holiday feeling.

Find your suitable holiday camp

But how do you find the right holiday camp without getting lost in the big holiday camp jungle? No problem! With the large number of holiday camp providers, it is of course not so easy to find the right organiser. Here we can recommend, for example, the Campfuchs – holiday camps for children and young people . There you will find a large selection of holiday camps from different organisers for all age groups. A big advantage of this site is the possibility to filter the camps in advance by age, period, location and interests via a search function, so that in the end only those camps remain that are actually considered. In addition, there is the certainty that all camps meet the necessary quality standards, so that not only the children but also the parents can spend a carefree time.

 

 

 

 

 

Alpine Pearls: Climate-friendly holidays in the mountains

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Environmentally friendly travel with Alpine Pearls

The Alpine Pearls network represents 19 environmentally friendly holiday destinations in the Alps. Guests can enjoy sophisticated, environmentally friendly mobility solutions. The diverse services of these holiday resorts – the “Pearls of the Alps” – guarantee a climate-friendly trip. Guests can concentrate on the essentials: a relaxing holiday in the Alps with sporting activity, action, culinary delights and relaxation. In addition, every guest makes an important contribution to climate protection and the preservation of an intact environment.

The journey is decisive

Travelling on holiday by car causes on average 15 times higher CO2 emissions compared to travelling by train. Only the plane can top this negative balance. The holiday resorts “Pearls of the Alps” are all easily accessible by bus and train. Transfer services to the hotel are a matter of course. A car-free holiday in the Alps is comfortable, safe and easy on the nerves at the same time. Soft mobile travel makes an important contribution to climate protection – and every holiday guest can contribute directly to this.

The holiday resorts “Pearls of the Alps”

All “Pearls of the Alps” have committed themselves to sustainable and climate-friendly tourism as exemplary holiday destinations. They offer holiday experiences with tailor-made mobility such as shuttle services, on-demand buses, horse-drawn carriages, e-bike rental, well-maintained hiking and cycling trails, guided tours, excursions, and much more. In any case, holidays without a car can be so easy!

The “Pearls of the Alps” extend over the entire Alpine arc, from Italy including South Tyrol, Germany, Austria to Slovenia. Austria is prominently represented with Weissensee and Mallnitz in Carinthia, Hinterstoder in Upper Austria and Werfenweng in Salzburger Land.

Fit for the “last mile”

The so-called last mile – the distance from the train station to the hotel – is closed in the “Pearls of the Alps” by bus, on-demand taxi or individual transfer service, sometimes free of charge. All “Pearls of the Alps” offer 100% reliable pick-up services.

Our hosts pamper the car-free guest

The Alpine Pearls hosts , who specialise in car-free guests – certified accommodation providers in the “Pearls of the Alps” – support their guests with valuable tips on how to get there and all the activities on site. Even before you start your trip, you can get valuable suggestions for an unforgettable and environmentally friendly holiday. The transfer from the train station to the accommodation will be organized. Once you arrive at the hotel, the pampering programme starts with activity offers, a relaxation programme and, of course, the enjoyment of the large selection of regional culinary delicacies.

The best offers in Austria – it starts in summer!

In all the “Pearls of the Alps”, guests enjoy walking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, cycling and mountain biking, e-bike rental, paragliding and much more. The Austrian members of Alpine Pearls invite:

Picture: TVB Werfenweng &Schartner.jpg

With the “Werfenweng Card” bonus card, Werfenweng in Salzburger Land offers what is probably the most comprehensive soft-mobile experience with the most beautiful Alpine panorama: e-cars and e-bikes, many great vehicles for young and old guests, guided hikes, admission to the bathing lake, excursions – everything is possible with the Werfenweng Card. Arrival via Bischofshofen or Werfen train station, pick-up service with the W3 shuttle (free of charge for guests staying in an “Alpine Pearls partner business” and arriving by public transport) and brought directly to the accommodation. Werfenweng offers unforgettable and environmentally friendly holiday moments with a breathtaking mountain panorama in summer and winter.

>> www.werfenweng.eu

Image: Municipality of HInterstoder

Hinterstoder in Upper Austria can be reached quickly by train via Linz. The regional bus transports guests directly to the Stodertal, the hiking taxi takes guests to the hiking paradise of Pyhrn-Priel. Other offers: Hinterstoder circular hiking world, carriage rides, mountain biking, holiday inspiration at the hinterstoder.lounge hiking service centre. As a modern, award-winning museum, the Alpineum vividly tells the story of the Stoder Valley.

www.hinterstoder.at

Image: Franz Gerdl

Mallnitz in Carinthia is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park and is easily accessible by train. The IC train station is served by international express trains every 2 hours, the station shuttle takes guests directly to the accommodation (free of charge for guests staying in an “Alpine Pearls partner company”). Mobility on site is provided, for example, by the hiking bus – which will be replaced by an electrified model in May as a test – and an e-car or e-bike rental service. Mallnitz is ideal for hiking, mountain tours and cycling. But winter sports enthusiasts also get their money’s worth with 29 different ski tours with over 30,000m of ascent. Special highlights are the wilderness tour accompanied by a national park ranger and the llama hike.

>> www.mallnitz.at

Image: Weissense Tourismus

Weissensee in Carinthia is easily accessible by train: via Greifenburg with the train station shuttle (reservation required the day before). The picturesque Lake Weissensee is a natural paradise and scores with drinking water quality. The nature park bus is an excellent way to explore the area. A place where innovation and tradition combine to give its visitors unique experiences. Far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you can recharge your batteries here with local products and sunshine. Some highlights are the 13 mountain bike trails, Austria’s first e-hybrid passenger ship and the magical moments pleasure tour incl. Raft trip. A paradise for mountain bikers, epicureans and water rats!

>> www.weissensee.com

The beauty is so close…

The “Pearls of the Alps” can be found throughout the Alpine region, so the following applies to holiday-hungry guests: the next pearl is not far away. Gentle mobility combined with culinary delights, crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking mountain panoramas as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a car-free holiday in the mountains in summer 2022 – because the beauty is so close!

Let’s go – discover soft-mobile travel tips for your summer holiday!

Contact:
Alpine Pearls / 5453 Werfenweng / Austria
info@alpine-pearls.com
www.alpine-pearls.com