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Holidays in Riccione

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If you are traveling in the province of Rimini in northeastern Italy, you should definitely pay an extensive visit to the small town of Riccione. The city of 35,000 inhabitants in the middle of Emilia Romagna, which is located directly on the beautiful Adriatic Sea, has been an extremely popular holiday destination for many years – both for tourists from all over the world and for locals. Especially in the summer months, many people from near and far cavort on the popular Adriatic beaches.

Both children and adults feel right at home in the region. During the day, the wide range of water sports such as diving, water skiing or sailing are used just as intensively as the beaches for swimming, having fun and relaxing. On the many balmy summer nights, the beach sections belong mainly to the many young people who regularly celebrate exuberant parties here to rhythmic music. So there really is something for every holidaymaker. In addition, the Riccione region is also a very popular starting point for extended bike tours, climbing tours and extensive hikes.

Aquafan: The largest water park in Europe

Aquafan Riccione
The Aquafan water park in Riccione, Image: Serhiy Chaiko / shutterstock

An absolute tourist magnet in the region is Aquafan. The largest water park in all of Europe covers an area of about 100,000 square meters and attracts several 100,000 visitors every year. Inaugurated in 1987, the park has numerous attractions for children and adults in and around the water. Among them are several spectacular slides with a total length of about three kilometers. Other attractions of the water park include the Extreme River and a huge wave pool.

To relax, guests at Aquafan have several spacious green areas at their disposal. And if you want to party, Aquafan is also the right place for you. After all, the largest foam party in the world with the best and most famous DJs regularly takes place here. Another large water and nature park, known far beyond Italy’s borders, is the Oltremare. Here, among other things, dolphins can be found in their natural habitat in the largest lagoon in Europe. The outdoor park is also a popular refuge for rare birds such as snowy owls, eagles or eagle owls.

The park is a great destination for families with children looking for action and adventure as well as for nature lovers. Holidaymakers will find countless different accommodations in and around Riccione – from several luxurious five-star hotels to small holiday apartments for the small budget. In addition, there are three large campsites available on the coastal city on the Adriatic Sea for the numerous camping tourists from all over Europe. And the range of restaurants, bars, discotheques and clubs is also very large in the region. Of course, there is always something going on on the large promenade as well as on the sandy beaches.

Church of San Martino, Castello di Gradara or Arch of Augustus: Sights in and around Riccione

Sunset in Riccione
Riccione is also one of the most popular travel destinations among Italians, Image: TinoFotografie / shutterstock

If you are looking for sights and photo motifs on holiday, Riccione is also the right place for you. The church of San Martino, the impressive Congress Palace or the Palazzo del Turismo are definitely worth seeing. And there is also a lot to see and experience at the gates of the town. An absolute must for tourists in the region is a visit to Rimini. The capital of the province of the same name also has some beautiful sights to offer in addition to the world-famous beaches. Among other things, you can walk in the narrow streets on the numerous traces of the ancient Romans. Among other things, you should see the large Arch of Augustus, the oldest Roman arch still in existence.

Not far away is the Castello di Gradara. The impressive medieval fortress is also a must-see if you are travelling in the region. Around Riccione you will also find numerous impressive natural landscapes. Because of the many cycle paths, the region is also a popular destination for cycling holidaymakers. If you feel like it and are looking for sporting challenges on holiday, you can complete several mountain bike tours with different levels of difficulty here.

Beachline Festival and KOMM-MIT football tournaments

Athletes and sports fans from all over Europe will also get their money’s worth in and around Riccione. For example, the largest beach volleyball camp in Europe takes place every year in the week after Easter. At the “Beachline Festival”, more than 1,000 participants are at the start. For youth footballers from all over Europe, the international youth football tournaments of KOMM MIT are always a real highlight. Here, too, several thousand young people from all over Europe take part every year. Especially in the summer months, concerts, festivals and theatre performances take place regularly in the region.

Erotic tours – serious and uncomplicated

Erotic trips are a special way to spend the holidays. Sparkling romance revives the love between two partners. But solo travelers also enjoy hot parties, varied swinger experiences and nudist feeling at the most beautiful vacation spots in the world. There is a large selection of differently designed erotic tours to numerous countries, some of which we present to you below.

Majorca

Nudism has been banned on the popular Spanish island since 2014. However, as nude bathing becomes more popular, it may be possible to expect a change in the near future. At least there is talk that the Left Party would like to officially designate several nudist beaches. In addition, there are now some places where many holidaymakers are already dropping the last covers undisturbed.

Erolifestyle and swinger parties are increasingly taking place in private circles on yacht excursions or on fincas. They promise unique experiences, to which the attractive open-air ambience also contributes. There are only a few swinger clubs in Mallorca, including the Elixir de Fuego in Can Pastilla, Playa de Palma, and Le Swing in Palma. If you are looking for a Mallorcan nudist swinger resort, the Ollymar country hotel is at your disposal. Here, open-minded people, nudists and tolerant couples experience a holiday at its best.

Gran Canaria

Erotic tour
For a holiday in a naturist resort you hardly need to worry about clothes, Image: oneinchpunch / shutterstock

Against the backdrop of deep black lava fields and snow-white sandy beaches, you can enjoy a fantastic swinger holiday in Gran Canaria. Due to its proximity to the northwest coast of Africa, travelers can expect a pleasant climate all year round. In contrast to Mallorca, the island has numerous nudist resorts as well as a wide range of options for erolifestylers and swingers. Hotspots for erotic holidays include Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Here you will find many trendy bars that are perfect for socializing.

A well-frequented swinger meeting place is Strandbude 4 on the nudist beach in Maspalomas. There you get to know each other, but erotic experiences are not allowed directly on site. It is all the more lively about 500 meters away in the dunes. However, if you have problems with tensioners, you are in the wrong place. Well-known swinger clubs in Gran Canaria are:

  • Fun4All at C.C. Cita
  • Tu Y Yo at C.C. Nilo
  • 2×2 at C.C. La Sandia

The La Mirage and Venus Star Resorts, both in Maspalomas, welcome all lovers of erotic holidays.

Cap d’Agde

Swinger Vacation
On swinger trips, travelers experience tingling eroticism, Image: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB / shutterstock

The Village Naturiste is located in the Cap d’Agde district of the French city of Agde, Hérault. The 120-hectare naturist complex directly on the Mediterranean Sea is probably unique in the world. It has an international reputation as a swinger party paradise. The Süddeutsche Zeitung described the nudist village as the “world capital of the naked”. There is no room for dressed holidaymakers here, this applies not only to the beach, but also to restaurants, shops, etc.

After the Village Naturiste Cap d’Agde was initially founded solely to live out the nudist culture, it has developed over time into a Mecca for free spirits, hedonists, swingers and fetish-oriented people. The fascinatingly permissive village regularly hosts lavish foam and pool parties in music bars and swinger clubs. Frivolous private parties are also often on the program. The apartment complexes for couples, which offer sexual freedom even in the pool area, are also considered outstanding.

Paguera – fine beaches and wild nature

Long sandy beaches, peace, good food, a bit of action and beautiful nature. What more could you want from a holiday? All this can be found in Paguera, a charming town in the southwest of Mallorca, about 20 kilometers from Palma . Paguera is located in a classic Mediterranean bay, with wild cliff formations, palm trees and fine sandy beaches. There are three of them: Playa Palmira, Playa Tora and Playa La Romana. And just behind the beaches is the main promenade, the almost two-kilometre-long Bulevar de Paguera. There you can stroll and shop undisturbed by traffic.

Children welcome

Paguera in Mallorca
Image: VICTOR TORRES / shutterstock

The largest beach, Playa Palmira, is very centrally located in the village. If it gets too hot in the sand, just walk a few meters and sit in a café and enjoy the view of the glittering sea. Separated only by a rocky outcrop, the slightly smaller Playa Toro invites you to swim and sunbathe. Right next to it is Playa La Romana, the smallest of the three. It scores not only with a children’s playground, but also with a sports field for all those who want to build up their neglected muscles.

All three beaches are popular not only because of their wonderfully fine sand, but also because the beach slopes gently into the water. This makes them ideal for children. The little ones can splash around in the shallow water and build sandcastles completely carefree. Always under the watchful eye of lifeguards, because the beaches are strictly monitored. Paguera is therefore an ideal case for families with children. Especially since many hotels even specialize in families and offer childcare, so parents can also find a little time for themselves. But that doesn’t mean that singles and couples don’t feel comfortable there.

An Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts

On the contrary. Especially those who like it sporty are in good hands in Paguera. If the sports field of Playa La Romana is not enough for you, you can try windsurfing and water skiing, or book a diving course. The three beaches offer everything a water sports heart desires. However, the beaches are not very suitable for snorkeling. But behind Playa Romana are two dreamlike, natural stone beaches with crystal clear water. This is where snorkelers really find their paradise. If you want to improve your handicap on the other side of the water, there are also a number of golf courses around Paguera.

Out and about by bike

Directly behind the Paguera stretches a large pine forest. Just the right thing for hikers, riders and cyclists. Bicycles can be easily rented in the village. In general, you can make excursions into the surrounding area by bike. In a good 15 minutes you are in the neighboring Cana Fornells, a picturesque seaside resort with strikingly colorful houses. The Russian architect Pedro Otzoup is responsible for this. He built the apartment complexes there and made sure that they differed in size, colors, layout and many details. If you shy away from the bike, you can chug from Paguera to Cana Fornells on an excursion boat. And then, of course, there is the Tramuntana Mountains, an Eldorado for nature lovers. From Paguera, you can get there in just under half an hour by car. Very sporty people can also get on their bikes. Depending on the route, the route takes about an hour. The mountain range with a diverse fauna and flora, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers dramatic views down into gorges and bays.
By ship to Dragon Island

A boat trip to the uninhabited rocky island of Sa Dragonera, the Dragon Island, is very worthwhile. It is a protected area and is home to the Dragonera lizard, which is only found on this island. It also serves as a breeding ground for many migratory birds. The trip by boat from Paguera takes about five hours. A worthwhile trip. Especially if you still start the climb to the Far Vell lighthouse. It dates back to the 16th century, sits 353 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the island and Mallorca’s west coast. However, if you do this tour, you should take food with you. Because there is nothing on the island except beautiful nature.

Nightlife with pleasure

Speaking of catering. On holiday, of course, you also want to be spoiled with culinary delights. Paguera’s gastronomy offers everything the taste buds could wish for. The authentic local cuisine entices with fish and seafood. Juicy grilled food is served as well as pizza – also a concession to the little guests – vegan and vegetarian menus. And if you still feel like nightlife, sit down in a cozy bar after dinner or let off steam in a disco.

Montreux – Scenic holiday on Lake Geneva

A fantastic view of the picturesque Lake Geneva is promised by the urban shore scenery near Montreux. The Swiss lakeside city is one of the popular tourist destinations on the shores of the water, which is located in the southwest of Switzerland. Located on the largest lake in Switzerland, Montreux is surrounded by the majestic panorama of the Vaud Alps. In addition to the local sights, Montreux is a wonderful place to get to know the surroundings of the fascinating Lake Geneva in more detail. If you are looking for a holiday idyll on the shores of the lake, Montreux offers an excellent scenery with lake and mountain panoramas as well as cultural flair.

The cultural roots of Montreux

Even in prehistoric and ancient Roman times, the region of Lake Geneva and today’s Montreux was considered a lively area – for example, a historic Roman villa was discovered in the region. According to today’s assumptions, the city of Montreux owes its name to the Latin word monasterium, which means monastery and refers to the city’s sacred past – in the Middle Ages, the region was temporarily subordinate to the Abbey of Saint-Maurice. Modern Montreux has its roots in the 19th century, and the fascinating municipality developed early on as a tourist and cultural hotspot on Lake Geneva. For example, today’s urban region of Montreux has long exerted a magnetic aura on great personalities – in the meantime, 18. and 19th century Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lord Byron. Because the idyll on Lake Geneva is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in Europe’s lake landscapes.

The main activities and sights near Montreux

When the wonderful view of the Alps and the lake in Montreux unfolds, many visitors have one thought above all: enjoy the panorama on a relaxing walk. There is hardly a better place in Montreux than the scenic waterfront promenade, which offers a picturesque view of the region. It is one of the highlights within the city that should not be missed. But another thought comes to mind: why not get to know Lake Geneva for yourself? For example, a boat or boat tour along Lake Geneva is a good way for visitors to get to know the region from a central perspective.

Not far from the shores of Montreux lies the small island of Île de Chillon, which has one of the most fascinating buildings in the region. Chillon Castle is enthroned here, a medieval moated castle whose roots date back to the 12th century. The popular photo motif is not only one of the most impressive historical walls in the region, but against the backdrop of the mighty Alps, the building has already inspired numerous historical paintings. As a counterpoint to Chillon Castle, another historic building is enthroned on the hills near Montreux – the Château du Châtelard, a small castle from the 15th century surrounded by green landscape with vines.

Montreux’s local mountain is the limestone-rich elevation of the Rochers de Naye, which rises up to 2042 metres above the panorama of Lake Geneva and Montreux. One of the popular excursions on site is a ride on the cogwheel train to the mountain landscape of the Rochers de Naye. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the mountainous lake region. One last highlight of the city is closely linked to the magnetic aura for stars: the statue of Freddy Mercury. Mercury had a great passion for the city and region, lived here for many years – even at the end of his life – and had a recording studio here with his legendary band Queen, where some of their famous musical works were created. The statue has not only gained cult status among fans of the famous singer of the band Queen. Today, the Freddie Mercury Memorial is considered a central attraction of Montreux.

Music and stars in Montreux

Statue Freddie Mercury, Montreux
Statue of Freddie Mercury in front of the dreamlike backdrop of Lake Geneva, Image: Emanuela Vigna / shutterstock

Music fans also know the city of Montreux on Lake Geneva for another reason – the Montreux Jazz Festival. Launched by the music and culture manager Claude Nobs, the festivity has been held annually in Montreux in July since 1967. Today, it is one of the most important jazz festivals in the world and has a great musical influence beyond the musical genre. Not only jazz greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Herbie Hancock or Pat Metheny performed here, but also world-famous artists and bands such as Deep Purple, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, James Brown or Simon & Garfunkel did not miss a performance at the festival in Montreux. The Swiss city of Montreux proves that it is so much more than just an idyllic holiday resort on Lake Geneva. Montreux is a cultural and cultural-historical highlight among the cities of Switzerland.

Beautiful excursion destinations in the area

One of the prominent neighbouring towns of Montreux is the settlement of Vevey, which is just under 8 km away. The city is considered the pinnacle of wine culture on Lake Geneva – this is also commemorated by the traditional winegrowers’ festival Fête des Vignerons, which takes place here every 25 years or so. Vevey has a similarly important history as Montreux in terms of stars and starlets. Not only did Dostoyevsky write segments of his story The Idiot here, the British writer Graham Greene spent the last moments of his life here – as did Charlie Chaplin, who lived here in a villa and to whom a Chaplin statue is now dedicated on site. From Montreux to Vevey you can also go on a hike. Basically, Lake Geneva presents ideal conditions for distinctive hikes. Whether culture or scenic nature – Montreux and the surrounding area promise a holiday in fantastic surroundings. The stars also felt at home here.

The most beautiful places in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands located in the Atlantic Ocean, is also known by its nickname “Island of Eternal Spring”. And that’s no wonder. Temperatures in Fuerteventura are mild all year round. In addition, around 300 days of sunshine are counted annually. This means that the volcanic island attracts a lot of beach holidaymakers. However, if you don’t go on a sightseeing tour or two through the enchanting and quaint small towns and villages of the island, you’re missing out.

The island’s capital Puerto del Rosario

Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura
View of Puerto del Rosario, Image: Steidi / shutterstock

Puerto del Rosario is a centrally located port city, and with about 41,000 inhabitants the capital of the island of Fuerteventura. Along the harbour promenade, interesting sculptures and works of art are lined up. The town centre is formed by whitewashed traditional Canarian houses. This is where the life of the island pulsates. Puerto del Rosario is not only the economic, but also the cultural center of Fuerteventura.

In the city there are some churches worth seeing, such as the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario or the Iglesia Santo Domingo de Guzmán. The most famous inhabitant of the island was the writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno, who published novels, poetry and travel descriptions. The Casa Museo Miguel de Unamuno is dedicated to him. Miguel de Unamuno was originally from mainland Spain, but was exiled to the island in 1924. In the Ecomuseo La Alcogida, which can be found just a few kilometers outside Puerto del Rosario, the traditional rural life of Fuerteventura can be explored. The museum consists of a total of seven courtyards, which were built in traditional island architecture from natural stones from the immediate vicinity. Agricultural equipment, handicrafts and everyday necessities are exhibited in the courtyards. In the evening, the bars and clubs in downtown Puerto del Rosario open their doors and attract partygoers. Those who like it quieter can enjoy the picturesque beaches of the city, such as Playa Chica, which connects directly to the harbor.

In the old fishing village of Morro Jables

Morro Jable, Fuerteventura
The port of Morro Jable, Image: IndustryAndTravel / shutterstock

A visit to the fishing village of Morro Jables is one of the highlights of every Fuerteventura holiday. The town is located in the very south of the island, on the Jandia peninsula. The former fishing village is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, picturesquely nestled between two rocky hills. The port of the village is very busy. Ferries to and from Las Palmas and Gran Canaria dock here. In the center of the town, a statue commemorates Cirilo López Umpiérrez, who founded the town in 1899. Until the 1970s, Morro Jables seemed like the end of the world. There was very little comfort in the village. For example, there was no telephone line back then. If you are looking for silence and seclusion, this is still the place for you today. Everything in Morro Jables seems a little out of time. On the adjacent Playa del Matorral, visitors can relax or indulge in water sports before enjoying freshly caught fish in one of the small restaurants at the harbour in the evening. The old town of the village looks enchanted and invites you to take a romantic walk at any time of the day.

Water Adventure and Desert Scenery in Corralejo

Corralejo, Fuerteventura
The beach of Corralejo, Image: IndustryAndTravel / shutterstock

Things are much livelier at the northernmost tip of the island, in the town of Corralejo, which has a population of around 16,500. The city is known as a party hot spot because of its high density of clubs and bars all over the island. The historic old town is also popular for shopping. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, take a detour to the protected dune landscape of El Jable, which is only a few hundred meters from the city center. The shifting dune of fine, light sand and shell limestone is constantly moving, and is therefore a natural spectacle. It is particularly recommended to visit during sunrise or sunset. Then you can take particularly romantic pictures here, which give the impression of being in the middle of a desert landscape. If you are looking for a real water pleasure in addition to sand and beach adventures, you should visit the Acua Water Park in Corralejo. Children in particular like to let off steam between water slides and water adventure landscapes.

Betancuria – Canarian history galore

The village of Betancuria has less than 800 inhabitants, and no access to the lake. Nevertheless, the place should not be left out during a Fuerteventura road trip. Flowers and palm trees bloom everywhere in the small village. The vegetation here is much richer than in many other places on the island, known as a desert island. The houses of the village shine white with terracotta-colored roofs. The small restaurants in the village look rustic: you won’t find tablecloths on the scratched wooden tables. Organic products from the region are served, such as grilled goat cheese and papas arrugadas – potatoes – with red mojo sauce. Betancuria was founded in 1404. In the local history museum Casa Museo de Betancuria, the history of the traditional village comes alive once again. Also worth seeing are the church of Santa Maria de Betancuria, built in 1410, and the Museo Arto Sacro art museum. With the Nuestra Señora de la Peña, which dates back to the 17th century, Betancuria even has a pilgrimage church. If you walk a few steps into nature on the outskirts of the village, you can look forward to magnificent views of Betancuria and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Wellness holiday – a completely different kind of relaxation

Wellness has been a term for several years now, which is always used when it comes to doing something good for yourself, your body and your soul. And that means a holiday far away from disturbing influences. Wellness holiday in the tranquility of nature. However, the term wellness is not an invention of the modern age. The word appeared in the Oxford dictionary as early as 1654 as “wealnesse” and was translated as “good health”. From this , Halbert Dunn, an American social physician, developed the word wellness in the 1950s, a neologism from the two English terms wellbeing and fitness. He focused on positive health and distanced himself from what is still understood by health today, namely not being sick.

Nutritional awareness and fitness

However, his wellness idea was initially not well received. The idea that diseases do not stand on their own, but must be seen in a context, seemed too far-fetched. Dunn knew that lifestyle, environment, working conditions and social relationships have a major influence on the development of diseases and their causes. It was not until the 1970s that Dunn received support from two American colleagues: Dr. John W. Travis and Donald B. Ardell. They defined the term wellness more precisely. According to her, wellness is an attitude to life that consists of satisfaction and well-being. To achieve this state, several factors are required: nutritional awareness, fitness, stress management and self-responsibility. This holistic approach, as it can also be found in alternative medicine, is intended to lead to the harmony of soul, mind and body. Halbert Dunn is the father of the wellness movement, but Travis and Ardell gave it the right momentum to worldwide popularity. Although it took until the 1980s for the concept to find its way to Europe.

The focus is on one’s own needs

Today, wellness holidays in Germany are absolutely trendy. Those who treat themselves to this form of vacation want more than beach and sun, but rather focus on themselves and their needs. The offers of wellness hotels are extensive: nutrition, fitness, relaxation, massages, sauna, spas and much more are included in this all-round wellness package. If you can, you can not only treat yourself to a weekend in a wellness oasis, but also say goodbye for a week or even two.

Nature and tranquility

Wellness
From massage to cosmetic treatment – the possibilities are manifold, Image: UfaBizPhoto / shutterstock

The most important thing for a relaxing wellness holiday is undoubtedly the environment. No matter how many massages, sauna sessions or yoga exercises are offered. They are of no use if it takes place in a hotel on a busy street. Therefore, it is the top priority: Pay attention to the location of the wellness oasis. Whether at a lake, in the mountains, in the park or in the forest. The main thing is peace and lots of nature. This is the only way to create the freedom and to blow your mind through in healthy air outside of the treatments. Be it jogging, cycling or just going for a walk.

Vitality cuisine as a wellness principle

By the way, good wellness hotels can be recognised, among other things, by the fact that they run a so-called vitality kitchen according to the wellness principle. This means that the menu must include wholesome dishes as well as vegetarian or vegan dishes. Fruit and vegetables must be fresh and organically grown, meat must come from species-appropriate animal husbandry. And of course, the chef takes into account the wishes and preferences of his guests.

No compulsion to do anything

The range of services offered by a wellness hotel is usually very extensive. This starts with massages and does not end with the sauna. However, if you decide to take this kind of time-out, you should make sure from the beginning that you don’t sign up for every sports and yoga program, hop from one massage table to another and do three sauna sessions a day. Stress has no access to the wellness paradise. In addition, wellness is a very individual matter. Everyone has different ideas about such a time-out and can put together their own desired program. If you want to swim at noon, good. If you just want to spend a day in a deck chair in the park, that’s fine. And if you put on your jogging shoes early in the morning and want to end the evening with a glass of wine. Optimally. No one should feel forced to do anything. No matter what is offered. If you don’t feel like fitness equipment or a massage with the hot stones, just don’t do it. A wellness holiday is about very individual needs. And these should be taken into account.

Wellness thoughts in everyday life

Every holiday comes to an end. But the idea of wellness, as Halbert Dunn had formulated it, should definitely be taken with you into your stressful everyday life. Such a stay gives food for thought for the time afterwards. It teaches the art of a balanced lifestyle, conveys a harmonious relationship between active and passive, offers incentives for healthy eating and shows the way to physical fitness. And if work threatens to devour you again in the meantime, you can book your next wellness holiday to recharge your batteries.

The new trend – holidays in the youth hostel

What do you imagine when you think of a stay in the youth hostel? Perhaps faded memories of long-gone school trips will be awakened, of musty socks, creaking bunk beds, snoring fellow sleepers or dry rolls for breakfast?

However, this image of the youth hostel is long gone, and the image has changed greatly in recent years. If you spend your holiday in a modern, friendly and well-equipped youth hostel today, it is hardly reminiscent of the gloomy and spartan accommodations in which a grumpy hostel father leads a strict regiment and chases noisy pupils across the cold corridor.

Youth hostel – then and now

The idea of the youth hostel dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1911, the teacher Richard Schirrmann opened the first youth hostel in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia. The basic idea for this was not only the promotion of youth travel, but also that of intercultural exchange in order to contribute to peace and international understanding.

The idea quickly spread: in the very first year, a further 16 youth hostels were opened, and in 1928 there were already around 2200 youth hostels internationally.
Today, almost 500 hostels organised in the German Youth Hostel Association (DJH) offer accommodation and holiday accommodation in Germany . There are around 4000 youth hostels in 90 countries worldwide, which are united under the umbrella organisation Hostelling International (HI).

School trip youth hostel
The class trip to the youth hostel is the highlight of the school year, Image: Halfpoint / shutterstock

All hotels that operate under this logo must meet certain minimum standards in terms of comfort, so that you can expect a similar level of equipment anywhere in the world. The basic equipment of a youth hostel always includes the communal facilities to promote contact among travellers. These include, in particular, the communal dining and recreation rooms, sports and outdoor facilities such as playgrounds and barbecue areas or fireplaces. Whereas large dormitories and simple sanitary facilities were the order of the day in the past, the trend in many youth hostels today is clearly towards smaller rooms – with two to a maximum of eight beds – often with their own bathroom. This means that even a longer stay is no problem for families with children.

The operators also try to make the stay as attractive as possible. Nowadays, youth hostels not only offer overnight accommodation, but often also an extensive and often specialised sports and activity programme that promises individual travellers and families an eventful stay. The catering offer has also adapted to modern needs. Whether you just want to have breakfast in the youth hostel or want a full-fledged all-round service, all requirements are catered for.

Despite all the change, however, one thing has remained the same: a youth hostel is not a hotel. You either have to bring your own towels or rent them for a small fee and the beds are not made by the staff, but they are to be obtained by the guests themselves and removed before departure. Apart from that, youth hostels have now grown into a serious competitor for conventional holiday accommodation.

Holidays in the youth hostel – holidays in a different way

What are the reasons for spending the precious holiday time in a youth hostel? First of all, many youth hostels are located in particularly charming places and in great surroundings. Whether it’s a holiday by the sea, hiking in the mountains or a stay in a historic town to admire the sights, a suitable youth hostel can be found almost everywhere. In addition, they are often housed in unusual buildings. The choice is huge: On the island of Wangerooge you spend the night in the lighthouse, in Bremen on the steamer “Weser” at the harbor. Whether it’s a historic castle, a former water tower or even a tree house, a stay in the youth hostel promises a holiday with a special flair.

Especially for families or single parents with children, youth hostels are a great alternative to conventional accommodation. A casual atmosphere, large outdoor facilities where the offspring can romp around undisturbed and a tailor-made leisure offer make the youth hostels, which are specially designed for families, particularly attractive. Around 100 youth hostels in Germany are family-certified. This means that they are not only located in very scenic locations, but also have particularly family-friendly facilities.

There are changing tables, high chairs, play and cuddle corners and everything else that makes staying with children a pleasant experience. There is a wide range of leisure activities to choose from. A wide range of possibilities ranges from creative workshops, sporting activity offers or wellness, theme and adventure packages to language trips. So it’s no wonder that more and more families are opting for a holiday in the youth hostel.

Even if you are travelling alone or as a couple, you can spend a great holiday in a youth hostel. There are always many opportunities for contact with other travellers – many an interesting travel acquaintance has already arisen while chopping vegetables in the communal kitchen. The experience, sports and learning programmes are of course also available for individual travellers.

Last but not least, the unbeatable price-performance ratio speaks for a holiday in a youth hostel. You can hardly take a cheaper holiday. Although the prices have been adjusted in recent years in the course of the modernization of the youth hostels, they are still far below the level of conventional accommodation. Beautiful locations, good facilities, full catering and an exciting leisure programme promise a great holiday at a low price. And class trips are also possible again after the long Corona break.

Holidays in a youth hostel – what you should know

Youth hostels are now also open to older young people – the traditional age restriction has largely been abolished. In some state associations, however, travelers under 27 are still given preferential treatment.

The need for membership in the German Youth Hostel Association if you want to stay overnight in a youth hostel at home or abroad has remained the same. Membership does not cost much: children, adolescents and young adults under 27 pay 7 euros per year, families and individual travellers over 27 pay 22.50 euros.

Take advantage of the taster offers, where a weekend (two nights with breakfast) with the whole family is available for 29 euros. There are also sometimes vouchers on Facebook or on the websites of the youth hostels that you can redeem for your next overnight stay.

Find out in good time before your holiday and, above all, book in good time, because the most popular youth hostels and leisure activities are often booked up quite quickly.

When booking, please indicate any special requests regarding food and accommodation, such as whether vegetarians are part of the tour group or whether you would like a room with a bathroom.

Detailed information, contact forms and booking options can be found on the websites of the German Youth Hostel Association or the individual regional associations.

Tips for hygiene when traveling

The fact that we comply with certain hygiene measures when traveling to protect our health is a matter of course for most of us. Since the Covid-19 virus has spread to almost all countries in the world, they are even more important than before. Basically, we should be careful, especially in holiday regions where high temperatures and low hygiene standards prevail. In addition, do not neglect general personal hygiene, otherwise your holidays may be affected by visits to the doctor. To ensure that you can be as safe as possible on the road, we have some tips for you below.

Garbage on the beach
Lack of cleanliness is not only a hygiene problem, but also an environmental problem, Image: Santiparp Wattanaporn / shutterstock

Brushing your teeth: don’t forget to do it at home or on holiday!

Many people regularly deal with gingivitis, which often occurs due to poor dental care. A study by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has shown that 22.3 percent of children and adolescents brush their teeth too rarely. In an online survey of all age groups in Germany , 21 percent of participants said they did not take care of cleaning their teeth every day. It is therefore not surprising that caries and the like are common.

It is also a fact that the brushing technique is faulty in many cases. An electric toothbrush can help, especially for children who have softer and more sensitive enamel that is easily attacked by too much pressure. It takes up little space in luggage, although a battery-powered model is recommended for vacations. This means that teeth can be brushed practically at any time and in any place.

Numerous parents have to encourage their children to brush their teeth even in adolescence. At some point, however, the offspring reaches the age where they no longer want to be told anything or travel alone . Admittedly, optimal dental care is not always possible on the go. However, there are a few simple measures that can help. Drinking a lot of water is part of it, because it rinses the mouth. Furthermore, chewing gum promotes saliva production. In both cases, the bacteria in the mouth decrease – so they have less chance of attacking the gums and teeth.

Of particular importance: regular hand washing

Hand washing holiday
Cold water puts less strain on the skin than warm water, Image: Yaroslau Mikheyeu / shutterstock

Especially when traveling, people spend time in a wide variety of places, including accommodation and restaurants. In some cases, public sanitary facilities such as toilets and showers are also visited. Bacteria lurk everywhere: door handles, light switches, ATMs and ticket machines, grab handles on public transport are considered hotspots with a high bacterial density.

To reduce the risk of infection, you should wash your hands as often as possible. If there is no opportunity for this nearby, you can use wet wipes or special hygiene hand gels, which are also found in many shops, restaurants and similar facilities today.

Food and drinks – common sources of infection

Fruit market in Senegal
No matter how tempting fresh fruit and vegetables are, first wash them thoroughly, then bite into them or use them to prepare food, Image: Wynian / shutterstock

While you shouldn’t be overly anxious when spending your vacation abroad, caution can’t hurt. In fact, numerous travelers become infected from contaminated food and drinks. As a result, they fall ill with traveler’s diarrhea (diarrhea) or even typhoid fever, for example.

In general, you should not eat anything undercooked and unpeeled. If you are not convinced of the cleanliness of the food offered on the open street, it is better to refrain from enjoying it. In most countries, drinking tap water is also discouraged. At best, boil it beforehand, even if it is only intended for brushing your teeth. They are on the safe side with the purchase of brand-new, closed water bottles.

Ice cubes and ice cream are also a relatively large source of danger. That’s why you should always order drinks without ice. In warmer countries, it’s best to treat yourself to a refreshing ice cream treat if you’re confident that it’s not only expertly made, but also properly chilled at all times.

If your trip takes you to tropical climes, it is also advisable to avoid fresh lettuce – dangerous germs are to be expected, for example from washing with tap water or fertilizing. Stick to the English proverb: “Cook it, boil it, peel it or forget it”, which means “cook it, fry it, peel it or forget it” in German. This is especially true in tropical countries.

Avoid contact with insects and animals

Insects such as mosquitoes, flies, bedbugs, ticks and fleas are known to be carriers of diseases, including malaria, yellow and dengue fever. If the food offered is not properly covered, you should not consume it. Flies and the like must also be kept away from purchased food and home-prepared food.

Contact with domestic and wild animals is also not entirely harmless. No matter how cute stray dogs and cats are, they can transmit pathogens to us humans. In many regions of southern Europe, they are often infected with a skin fungus that can cause inflammation of the skin. The transmission of rabies is also not excluded.

If you want to help a sick animal, you should avoid skin contact as much as possible and only touch or lift it with gloves or a towel. Clothes then belong in the washing machine, and thorough cleaning of uncovered skin areas is also important.

Bibione – Italy’s diverse holiday paradise

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Located on the right bank of the Tagliamento River, the town of San Michele Al Tagliamento is rather unknown, but the Bibione district is known worldwide and is considered a true holiday paradise for all ages and types of holidaymakers. Since the 1950s, the seaside resort has been magically attracting sun worshippers and those hungry for relaxation and inspires with its wonderful sandy beach, a good tourist infrastructure and excellent excursion opportunities.

Holidays between beach and pine forests

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

The popular resort of Bibione comes alive during the holiday season. With only 3,000 inhabitants and over 100,000 places to stay for holidaymakers, Bibione is very quiet out of season. But in the summer months, the resort delights with its extensive sandy beach, pine forests, a variety of hotels, holiday resorts, campsites, restaurants and bars and discos. Depending on your personal preferences, you can spend your holidays in Bibione very individually, as the lively resort offers suitable opportunities for every type of holiday.

Bibione – pure beach fun

Bibione’s 11-kilometre-long sandy beach offers plenty of space to sunbathe and relax, and at the same time there is plenty of space for sporting activities and for children who want to enjoy their stay on the family-friendly beach while playing and romping. Depending on the stretch of beach, there are also entertainment programmes for children and adults, so you are guaranteed not to get bored. While the beach at Bibione Spiaggia is ideal for families and offers a very good infrastructure and many sports and leisure facilities, the beach at Lido del Sole is much quieter and invites you to relax.

Beach in Bibione
The extensive beach of Bibione, Image: Climber 1959 / shutterstock

The beach section of Lido di Pini and Bibione Pineda is particularly idyllic, because here the beach is surrounded by shady pine trees. There are 6 first aid stations spread over the entire length of the beach and the beach is supervised by lifeguards. In addition, there are 6 service islands with changing rooms, toilets, showers and much more. Water sports enthusiasts can work out with surfing, sailing, kayaking, diving and many other activities. In addition, on the beach at Bibione Spiaggia there are courts for bocce, tennies, football, beach volleyball and other sports. On the beach there are also some playgrounds for children, who can quickly come into contact with their peers.

Bibione Thermal Baths

Picturesquely surrounded by pine trees, the state-approved Bibione thermal baths attract visitors with its wide range of spa, wellness and beauty treatments. The complex with its indoor thermal pools and a large outdoor area with thermal pools offers a magnificent view of the sea. The 52 ° C warm, mineral-rich thermal water also ensured that the level of awareness of Bibione was significantly increased beyond the borders of Italy. Today, the spa also scores with saunas, a hypersaline bath, a Turkish bath, a polarium, experience showers and a salt grotto.

Sights and attractions in and around Bibione

As a touristic place, Bibione itself offers only a few sights. However, if you are exploring the town, it is worth stopping at the Chiesa Santa Maria Assunta. Also worth seeing is the historic lighthouse of Bibione, which can be found directly at the mouth of the Tagliamento and is surrounded by a nature reserve and is a nice destination for a short hike. A very nice way to explore Bibione and the surrounding area is to take a bike ride, because the inner-city cycle path leads to the most beautiful places in Bibione and runs from east to west along the seafront. On this occasion, it is worth visiting the historic fishermen’s huts.

One of the attractions for families is the Luna Park in Bibione. The amusement park with its nostalgic rides inspires its visitors just as much as the Parco Zoo Punta Verde, which presents animal species from all over the world with its large, well-kept facility. Fun for the whole family is also guaranteed by a visit to the Unicef Adventure Park in Lignano Sabbiadoro. The Parco Junior also attracts visitors with play facilities for small children.

Excursions from Bibione

A holiday in Bibione can be crowned with a trip to the lagoon city of Venice . Here, unique sights such as the Basilica of San Marco and the Doge’s Palace beckon. But a trip to Trieste with its fantastic historical sights is also extremely worthwhile not only for art lovers. But the towns of Concordia, Sagittaria and Aquileia, located near Bibione, also attract visitors with unique sights and allow you to walk in the footsteps of Italian history. Around Bibione, for example, you can marvel at an ancient forum, a Roman inland port, basilicas and many other historical gems, such as the Abbey of Santa Maria in Sesto Al Reghena or the Palazzi Signorili monastery complex in Cordovado. In addition, there are numerous museums that beckon, such as the Museo Paleontologico, which offers a glimpse into history.

Tips for a relaxed trip with pets

Survey shows: Most pet owners take their pet with them on vacation in 2021

After the pet boom in Corona times, more pet owners than ever are asking themselves questions such as: What do you need to consider when choosing a destination? And what do I have to do to make the trip a positive experience for my pet as well? The World Animal Welfare Society (WTG) gives tips and reveals which destinations are particularly popular for holidaymakers with animals this year.

A survey of more than 1,000 pet owners by the World Animal Welfare Society (WTG) has shown that almost 60 percent of respondents are planning a trip with an animal this year. When animals accompany their owners on vacation, they are overwhelmingly dogs (94 percent). All other animals are far less common on trips. The most common among them is the cat (4 percent), followed by horses and guinea pigs (each under 1 percent).

Almost half of those surveyed emphasized that vacationing without an animal was unimaginable. The animal is a family member who also belongs on vacation. “To experience shared experiences and the joy of the animal, to explore a new area, is simply beautiful,” one participant left in the comments.

When choosing a holiday destination in 2021, almost half of travellers are drawn to German holiday destinations. The other top destinations are Italy, France, the Netherlands and Austria. Long distances to the destination are therefore more likely to be avoided by pet owners, which could also be due to the pandemic. With a few exceptions, the participants refrain from long-distance travel when planning – especially with animals. This is also reflected in the choice of means of transport: 84 percent of people travelling with pets use the car. In second place is traveling by motorhome or camper van (7 percent), again an individual means of travel. Trains (4 percent) and airplanes (3 percent) apparently play only a minor role in traveling with animals this year.

The survey also shows that a third of pet owners have already had difficulties or problems in the past when traveling with animals. By far the most frequently mentioned problem was finding pet-friendly accommodation. Also widespread were problems when traveling by public transport and the prohibition of having dogs with you during activities on vacation (e.g. on the beach or in shops).

But with good planning and travel preparation, unpleasant surprises can usually be avoided.

Common difficulties in choosing animal-friendly accommodation can be prevented from the outset. For example, it is important to ask whether pets are allowed. For the travel budget, it must also be taken into account that daily flat rates for animals are charged and that an adapted final cleaning must be paid in holiday homes or apartments. “It is important that the animal feels as comfortable as possible in the holiday accommodation and can be undisturbed. Therefore, third parties should not have access to the accommodation, especially if the animal is alone,” says WTG Managing Director Katharina Kohn.

“A trip with an animal should definitely be a positive experience for all travelers – including the four-legged friends,” explains Katharina Kohn, Managing Director of WTG. “Sufficient lead time in travel planning is one of the most important factors for this to succeed.” Travel preparations should include having the animal checked by a veterinarian in advance and researching the contact details of a veterinary practice at the destination. It is also important to deal with the destination country or place with regard to the local rules for animals. A bag with the most important emergency utensils, e.g. wound spray and bandages, should also always be kept ready.

Pet owners should also take a close look at their way to their destination in advance and, for example, look for suitable resting places for dogs off the motorway.

Ultimately, it is crucial that the needs of the animal are sufficiently taken into account when travelling. “Then the chances are good that the holiday will bring many positive shared experiences for both humans and animals and at the same time strengthen the bond between animal and owner,” says Katharina Kohn.

Even if traveling without an animal is unimaginable for most people, the following should still apply: If it is already clear in advance that the well-being of the animal cannot be sufficiently taken into account on vacation or that the journey would be associated with a lot of stress for the animal, care by a third party should be considered: “An animal whose needs cannot be satisfied on vacation, better stay in good hands at home, in a guesthouse, with friends, family or neighbors,” says Katharina Kohn.

Interested parties can find a lot of other advice on travelling with animals at:
https://welttierschutz.org/reisen-mit-tieren/