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Senior trip – explore the world in a relaxed way

PatrickJullien
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Senior trip – explore the world in a relaxed way

Many older people love to travel and discover the dream destinations of this earth with joy and curiosity. Due to the newly gained time freedom after a fulfilled professional life and usually fewer family obligations, traveling is very attractive for many seniors. Often, however, the desire to travel is also associated with insecurities in older people, as they are sometimes inhibited from taking exactly the trips they dream of due to physical limitations and the feeling of spending more effort mastering situations than before. In order to travel to the places you have always wanted to see despite these uncertainties, the senior citizen trip is a perfect alternative, as these trips are designed in such a way that older people can fully concentrate on the essentials and organizational and arduous things are taken off their hands, or the needs of seniors with regard to hotel and transport of the journey are taken into account through careful planning in advance.

Tailor-made travel experiences thanks to well-organized senior trips

Senior Hiking
Relaxation on holiday, Image: kudla / shutterstock

Senior tours are often group tours that are accompanied by experienced tour guides who are familiar with the respective destination country as well as with the wishes of seniors. Depending on the destination and organizer, there are also trips for seniors that are accompanied by trained nursing staff or even doctors and are particularly suitable for seniors in need of care.

When organising trips for senior citizens, the organisers usually set high standards for the equipment and, above all, accessibility of the selected hotels, which must meet the requirements of senior citizens in all respects. In addition to the elaborate selection of senior-friendly hotels, the organizers of senior trips also focus on a comfortable journey to the chosen holiday destination. It is not uncommon for participants in senior trips to be picked up from their own front door to be taken either directly by bus to their holiday destination, or to the train station or airport on longer journeys. Assistance with the transport of the luggage as well as the completion of formalities during the arrival and departure to the chosen place of stay for a relaxed holiday are of course just as much a matter of course as comprehensive support in all travel situations.

Cities can also be discovered in a completely new way, Image: Syda Productions / shutterstock

But not only the arrival and departure is well organized on a senior trip, but also excursions at the holiday destination are usually planned in such a way that all members of a travel group can participate comfortably. However, since individuality is also an important part of well-prepared senior trips, there is often the possibility to go on a discovery tour alone at the destination. For those who prefer to travel alone and not with a tour group from the outset, but do not want to miss out on the advantages of senior travel, many organizers of senior trips have suitable offers in their program that meet all the requirements of seniors and still leave plenty of room for individuality.

From near to far – The senior citizens’ trip opens up new horizons

The selection of different senior trips is huge and offers relaxed trips to Germany and neighboring countries. For example, the most beautiful beaches of the Baltic Sea or the magnificent landscapes of Bavaria can be explored just as easily as the rough but beautiful North Sea coast as part of comfortable senior trips. But also the mountains of Austria and especially the Polish Baltic Sea coast, to which numerous spa trips are offered, can be traveled on appealing trips for seniors. Long-distance trips for seniors are also very appealing, which lead to the most exotic places in Asia or America and impress with the fact that, as is usual with senior travel, everything is geared to the wishes and requirements of older people. Especially on long-distance trips for seniors, accompanying doctors are therefore often present, so that none of the tour participants have to worry if they react to unfamiliar food or a new climate with slight physical complaints. Just like the tour guides of a senior citizen trip, the accompanying doctors of such trips are also familiar with the peculiarities of the holiday destination and the special needs of older travelers. Carefree travel in old age is easy and problem-free thanks to the variety of lovingly compiled senior citizen trips, which is why you can still visit your dream destinations all over the world even in old age.

Vietnam – sweet, sensual and full of joie de vivre again

PatrickJullien
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0
Vietnam – sweet, sensual and full of joie de vivre again

This country has awakened, and it is probably only thanks to the unshakable optimism of its inhabitants that it has survived the times of suffering, when it became the plaything of the powers. In hardly any other region on the map of colonial empires did Europeans find their lives as sweet and sensual as in Vietnam. The fascinating triangle of countries on the sluggishly flowing Mekong promised complete enjoyment with a way of life in which culture and cuisine also mixed to create a unique cocktail. Good morning, Vietnam! In the more than two-thousand-year-old metropolis of Hanoi and in the much younger Saigon, the turmoil of the Indochina wars is hardly noticeable. This country is again a hotspot of tourism in Asia.

Phu Quoc Island, Image: Jimmy Tran / shutterstock

The awakening of this nation cannot be overlooked. Neither in the lively cities with their frenzy of growth, nor in the villages of the green north with their endless rice fields. In the stream of the new era, people have long since come to terms with their pacified everyday life and by the way, they recommend themselves as friendly and open-minded hosts. The old inhibitions against tourists from a world foreign to them no longer exist. Vietnam is a largely safe and varied travel destination.

Some testimonies of the colonial era have survived the turmoil of the wars unscathed. And the poetry of the easy life has also quietly and secretly crept back into Saigon. Five million inhabitants call it home, and the former “Paris of the East” once again exudes the charm that made life in this city so pleasant over a long period of time. Today, “Miss Saigon” acts like a precocious teenager and feels right at home in this role.

The numerous rice fields offer an impressive picture, Image: Blue Planet Studio / shutterstock

The venerable Dong Khoi Boulevard in Saigon is not only filled with people full of joie de vivre in the evening hours, on the banks of the Mekong people listen to the sounds of the on-board bands of the excursion steamers and at the gate of the temple Chua Thien Hau a few dragons watch over and at the same time symbolize luck and power. They and many other things in this interesting city are indications that this country is also committed to its history, even if it dreams of a golden future.

A trip through Vietnam leads to the white sand dunes of Mui Ne, to the palm trees and coral reefs of Nha Trang or to Long Beach, which is recommended as a land of milk and honey for divers and snorkelers. If you are planning a longer round trip through this country, you are opting for an exciting pleasure. Vietnam can even be explored by bike, as long as you are in good shape. The journey may also lead to the far north and to the rice fields near Halong and to the historic pagodas on the “Red River”.

Hikers explore the original Vietnam at Sapa, where the terraces stretch up to altitudes of 1,600 meters and where the ethnic minorities of the Dao and Mhong tribes still wear their traditional clothes. And if you like the backdrops of Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, you should take a look around Hanoi and thus in the metropolis that can be found on the maps today as Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has done it: The country is back to what it always wanted to be. The heart in the Magic Triangle – blessed by Buddha and Mother Nature.

Travel information Vietnam

Capital Hanoi
Form of government Socialist Republic
Socialist one-party system
Currency Đồng (VND)
Area approx. 331,690 km²
Population approx. 95,415,000 (2017 estimate)
Languages Vietnamese
Electricity grid 127/220 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +84
Time zone UTC+7

 

Austria – Enjoy a holiday with mountains and lakes

PatrickJullien
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Austria – Enjoy a holiday with mountains and lakes

Austria, the relatively small country in the heart of Europe, has everything you could wish for except the sea. Countless lakes, high mountains, interesting cities, a lot of culture and not only apple strudel, lederhosen and Lipizzaners are part of Austria.

Austria, Vienna State Opera
The Vienna State Opera, Image: Guniva / shutterstock

Austria consists of nine federal states, each of which has a very special charm and has something special to offer for everyone who lives here or wants to visit this country. From Lake Constance in the far west to Lake Neusiedl in the far east, Austria stretches over a length of 573 kilometres. Around 8.5 million people live here. Much about the Austrians is a cliché, neither do they all yodel, nor are they all grumpy. It is said that the real Austrian has at least one ancestor from the Czech Republic or Hungary, which points to the imperial period, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire was many times larger than today’s Austria. The love for “Sisi”, the Empress Elisabeth, dates back to this time.

Vienna offers so many sights that you won’t find enough with one or two days. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Ringstrasse with the City Hall, the Burgtheater, the Hofburg, the major museums and the Vienna State Opera are simply a must for every visitor to Vienna. Here, one magnificent building follows the other. But also horse-drawn carriages and Heuriger, Ferris wheel and Prater, art treasures in many museums and churches show a small insight into the big city, which is totally worth living in for its inhabitants due to lots of greenery, among other things.

Austria Kitzbühl
Kitzbühel is a popular winter sports resort, Image: gevision / shutterstock

But Austria does not only consist of Vienna, its capital, through which the Danube flows on its way from Germany to the Black Sea. In the east of the country, just a stone’s throw from Hungary and Slovakia , lies Burgenland. This is the youngest province in Austria. Here you can feel a bit of the proximity of the Puszta. It is a flat country, so it is ideal for cycling tours, among other things. Sailing and surfing will take place on Lake Neusiedl. Burgenland offers thermal baths and a lot of wellness for its guests, and that with an extraordinary number of hours of sunshine. Not to be forgotten are the special culinary offers and the wonderful Burgenland wine.

Austria, which is still sometimes confused with Australia as Austria, is known for its wonderful lakes. Carinthia is in first place here. There are more than 1,200 lakes here. Wörthersee, Faakersee, Klopeinersee and whatever they are called, they have wonderful water and are warm and pleasant for swimming thanks to the southern climate.

Wolfgangsee, Attersee or Mondsee are located in the Salzkammergut. These lakes usually have drinking water quality and are also ideal for a beach holiday. In addition, there are beautiful landscapes around the lakes, so you can also hike and enjoy nature.

Of course, there are also magnificent mountains in great scenery in the Gastein Valley, Styria, Vorarlberg, Salzburg and Tyrol. Many of them are also suitable for winter sports.

Something that must not be forgotten when talking about Austria is Austrian cuisine. It has a special reputation far beyond its borders worldwide. Who wouldn’t have their mouth watering when they hear pastries such as Sachertorte, Esterhazyschnitte, apricot dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn, Salzburger Nockerln, Linzerschnitten or curd strudel?

Travel information Austria

Capital Vienna
Form of government Federal republic
semi-presidential representative democracy
Currency Euro (EUR)
Area approx. 83,878.99 km²
Population approx. 8,822,250 (2018)
Languages German
Electricity grid 230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +43
Time zone UTC+1 CET
UTC+2 CEST
(End of March to end of October)

 

USA – The land of unlimited opportunities

PatrickJullien
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0
USA – The land of unlimited opportunities

The often and often cited unlimited possibilities – as far as travel is concerned, these still apply to the USA without restrictions. The USA is a fascinating, infinitely versatile destination and a very comfortable one at that. The Americans have always been a people who traveled a lot and so there is still everything the traveler needs everywhere in the country, from accommodation to many services to a rich selection of food. Enriched with the open friendliness of the Americans, the USA is such a country that you can easily discover on your own. How about, for example, one of the almost proverbial road trips over the dusty roads of the southwest? Or should it be a beach holiday in Florida ? Skiing in Colorado? Wild West experiences in Montana? Hiking in Tennessee? Thanks to its size, the USA offers an almost inexhaustible variety of individual design options all year round and thus has something to offer for every type of holidaymaker.

The skyline of New York, Image: cocozero / shutterstock

Numerous international flight connections make almost every corner of the country easily accessible. Among the most popular destinations for foreign visitors are the beaches of Florida, the street canyons and skyscrapers of New York, the sun-drenched coasts of California and the eternally tempting entertainment paradise of Las Vegas. But between the coasts, many more travel adventures await those hungry for adventure. In the New England region, for example, charming fishing villages can be discovered in the northeast, in the south magnificent architecture and relaxed atmosphere beckon, and the southwest has numerous unique natural monuments, for example in Texas, Arizona or Utah. It would probably take many lives to be able to discover all this in detail, especially since Alaska and Hawaii are two fascinating destinations outside the continental borders.

The most famous road in the world: Route 66, Image: trekandshoot / shutterstock

Where there is so much to experience, there is of course also a comprehensive range of leisure activities. As a spectator, you can experience first-class sport in usually state-of-the-art stadiums, and those who want to get active themselves will also find plenty of opportunity to do so between golf courses, ski slopes and sports facilities. In the cities, there is also a huge cultural offer, from world-class museums to great theatres and spectacular festivals. The different regions of the country differ significantly from each other, which can also be seen in terms of culinary delights. From the jambalaya in New Orleans to the clam chowder in Massachusetts to the authentic barbecue in Texas. The USA is a country of unlimited travel discoveries and can quickly turn out to be a dream destination for every holidaymaker.

The states of the USA (in brackets capitals)

Information about the USA

Capital Washington, D.C.
Form of government Federal Republic
Presidential system
Currency U.S. Dollar (USD)
Area approx. 9,826,675 km²
Population approx. 327,774,344 (2018)
Languages English
Electricity grid 120 volts, 60 Hz
Area code +1
Time zone UTC−5 to UTC−10

 

South Africa – a young state and the kick of the wilderness

PatrickJullien
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South Africa – a young state and the kick of the wilderness

The connoisseurs among the long-distance travelers argue about where the most beautiful end of the world can be found for them. But quite a few are of the opinion that this can only be Cape Town . Because a look at the globe reveals: South of Cape Town there is only the infinity of the oceans. And at some point, the region of Antarctica’s eternal ice begins. South Africa is a young country that celebrated the end of apartheid shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. Much has changed between Johannesburg and Cape Town since then, even if the heirs of Nelson Mandela could not and did not always want to budget with their new freedom. But South Africa has nevertheless developed into a longing destination for many holidaymakers from Europe and America over the past twenty-five years.

With a bit of luck, you can experience the “Big Five” in the great outdoors on a safari, Image: Carcharadon / shutterstock

Rainforests and savannahs, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains, the picturesque lagoons on the coasts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, dust-dry deserts and the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Paarl. The south of Africa is full of wonders, and if you enjoy the 360 Grand Panorama at the setting sun on Blouberg Beach and see the silhouette of the nearby Table Mountain, you have no doubt that this is indeed something like the most beautiful end of the world. Although the country is not governed from Cape Town – that is reserved for Pretoria – it is from here, at the Cape of Good Hope, that the influence of the Europeans on this region began.

South Africa, Table Mountain
Table Mountain at sunset, Image: Kanuman / shutterstock

In the beginning there was a supply station for sailors and a chamber of commerce of the Dutch at the Cape. That was in April 1652, when a certain Jan van Riebeeck landed on the stormy coast and encouraged the local population to exchange trade goods. But this very soon developed into the subjugation of the people of the Khoikhoi tribe. This servitude did not end until 1990, when Nelson Mandela was released from a long prison sentence on Robben Island and a process of reconciliation with the white population began. The gap between black and white and thus between rich and poor has remained, but the hope for a multicultural country and a farewell to racist prejudices has remained. Behind Table Mountain stretches the friendly South African wine country. The vines that are harvested here have helped the region to achieve a certain prosperity. Also because the wine produced is one of the best in the world. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek are located on the edge of the Little Karoo semi-desert, picturesquely and protected by high and karstic mountains.

The Garden Route is the highlight of southern South Africa. Between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth, the rainbow nation shows its most beautiful side with romantic bays and the deep forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park, where daredevils get their special kick at the highest bungee jumping in the world.

If you want to look around in the wilderness, you have the choice between various national parks in South Africa. The largest of them is the “Kruger“, where there are numerous lodges with all comforts and where the safaris are of special quality. However, the search for the so-called “Big Five” often ends with the realization that zebras and giraffes are also photogenic. So it doesn’t always have to be the “Lion King” on a round trip through South Africa that makes a safari so appealing.

Travel information South Africa

Capital Executive: Pretoria
Legislative: Cape Town
Judiciary: Bloemfontein
Form of government Federal Republic
Parliament-bound executive power
Currency Rand (ZAR)
Area approx. 1,221,037 km²
Population approx. 56,521,900 (2017)
Languages Afrikaans, English
Electricity grid 220-230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +27
Time zone UTC+2
UTC+1 (March to October)

 

Switzerland – Boundless Freedom and the Summit of Harmony

PatrickJullien
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Switzerland – Boundless Freedom and the Summit of Harmony

If you want to feel the boundless freedom and experience it with all your feelings, you should travel to Switzerland. With the Confederates, you don’t necessarily have to be a summiteer to get closer to the Almighty, because even in the green valleys of this unique country, the visitor experiences the summit of harmony. The landscapes of the Alpine republic are undoubtedly balm for the soul and the people who live here are as self-confident as they are hospitable. If you stand on a blooming alpine meadow at the Riffelsee on a balmy spring day and look at the panorama of the nearby Matterhorn, you will get an impression of the extent to which Swiss nature beguiles all the senses.

The Swiss national anthem begins with the words “Rufst du, mein Vaterland…” This “fatherland” has many faces and has four language groups: German, French, Italian and Romansh. The majority of the country’s inhabitants speak German, and they jokingly call the language border with France “Röstigraben”. Holidaymakers can therefore communicate very well in Switzerland, because the somewhat more difficult Rhaeto-Romanic dialect is actually only encountered in a few places in the canton of Graubünden.

As different as the dialects and languages are, so is the landscape of Switzerland. From the lovely valleys of Heidi Land, the peaks rise to heights of exactly 4634 meters. It is the Dufourspitze in the Valais Alps, which was named after a Swiss general and cartographer. The Swiss attach importance to the fact that the summit is on their territory and not on that of neighboring Italy, which is a whole 160 meters away.

Switzerland, Lucerne
Lucerne, Image: Mariia Golovianko / shutterstock

The Swiss symbol of the happy cows on lush alpine pastures has received a few wounds in the recent past, because agriculture plays a subordinate role in this country. Rather, Switzerland is the epitome of the quality of its precise movement and the richness of its inventions. In this country, people earn well, and the exchange rate, which is not very pleasant for foreigners, makes a holiday between Basel, Zurich and Zermatt a rather expensive pleasure.

But the many facets of a varied and enjoyable stay in Switzerland compensate for the supposed hole in your wallet. The hotels in this country are among the best in the world and their service is almost proverbial. In the grand hotels of Davos as well as in the pretty resorts in the Bernese Oberland or on Lake Zurich. In Saas Fee, the glacier is very close, and the icy band of the Aletsch still exists.

View of Zurich, Image: canadastock / shutterstock

Fine wines grow on the sun-drenched slopes of Ticino, and the chefs in the land of William Tell enjoy a worldwide reputation. Anyone who has tried a “Häfelichabis” in the canton of Uri will dream of this stew made of mutton and sliced cabbage for a long time to come. And from the homely atmosphere of the hut on the mountain.

For holidaymakers who move on the passes on four wheels, Switzerland is a unique territory. The former mule tracks have long been first-class alpine roads, and an overwhelming panorama is guaranteed almost everywhere. And if you are looking for ways to culture, you will find them, for example, at the Goetheanum in Dornach or in the museums of the canton of Ticino, which sees itself as the cradle of art.

Travel information Switzerland

Capital Bern
Form of government Federal Republic
Directory system
Currency Swiss franc (CHF)
Area 41,285 km²
Population approx. 8,482,150 (2017)
Languages German, French, Italian, Romansh
Electricity grid 230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +41
Time zone UTC+1 CET
UTC+2 CEST (March to October)

 

Russia offers diversity like no other country in the world

PatrickJullien
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Russia offers diversity like no other country in the world

No other country in the world combines so many different sights and landscapes on its territory as Russia. The country in the east offers different climate zones, different mentalities and languages as well as a diverse cuisine.

Russia is an exotic holiday destination – whether adventure tours to the North Pole into the eternal ice, excursions into the endless expanse of Siberia or boat tours on the Volga or the Yenisei. And sun worshippers and ski fans also get their money’s worth: the Black Sea beckons with sun, beach and blue water and the Caucasus invites you to winter fun. If you want to learn about the history and culture of the country, the hospitable Russians will be happy to tell you more about their homeland.

Siberia delivers impressive images, Image: Valerii_M / shutterstock

A classic tourist destination is certainly Moscow. The cultural and economic heart of the country beats in the capital of Russia. The city is very important to Russians, and so there is probably no Russian who does not visit Moscow at least once in his life. The city is growing incessantly and is constantly striving for something new. The metropolis is a melting pot for the whole country. And yet: Moscow does not stand for all of Russia.

St. Petersburg is also very popular with many tourists. The more than 300-year-old city is considered the cultural highlight of Russia. The density of museums in the city is impressive. In addition, St. Petersburg offers a very lively and exciting sub-culture. The architecture is just as inspiring – it’s not for nothing that the city is also called the Venice of the North. A very special experience are the so-called White Nights of St. Petersburg. Due to its proximity to polar rice, it is also light at night in the period from late May to mid-July. During this time, the sun does not set completely.

Russia, S. Petersburg, St. Isaac's Cathedral
St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Image: Roman Evgenev / shutterstock

But Russia has much more to offer than just the exciting metropolises of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nature lovers will find a unique natural landscape in Siberia, the Caucasus or the Urals. Here there is still an almost completely untouched nature, impressive landscapes, a breathtaking wilderness and a diverse animal world as well as a solitude like nowhere else in the world.

If you want to be really pampered, you should go to Crimea. There are well-known health resorts here that offer guests soothing cures and a great wellness program. And of course, Crimea is also an optimal holiday destination for sun worshippers and water lovers. The Black Sea offers bathing fun and pure relaxation for the whole family. Also on the Black Sea is the well-known seaside and holiday resort of Sochi. Here, palm trees and black beaches await the visitor. It is not for nothing that Sochi is also called the Russian Riviera.

A cruise on the Volga is an experience of a special kind. In addition to an impressive river landscape, the numerous old towns on the banks also invite you to experience. The river is considered the mother of all rivers in Russia. The Volga and the surrounding country are considered the cradle of the country. Here, the Russians say, you can find the soul of Russia. The big country simply offers just the right thing for everyone. Russia is always worth a trip!

Travel information Russia

Capital Moscow
Form of government Federal Republic
Semi-presidential system
Currency Rouble (RUB)
Area 17,075,400 km²
including Crimea: 17,102,344 km²
Population 144,526,636 (excluding Crimea)
146,877,088 (including Crimea); (As of: 2018)
Languages Russian
Electricity grid 220 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +7
Time zone UTC+2 to UTC+12

 

New Zealand – a destination of longing at the other end of the world

PatrickJullien
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0
New Zealand – a destination of longing at the other end of the world

It is a country where myths and traditions mean everything to many people. It is a country where nature celebrates triumphs in all its facets and fascinates holidaymakers from all over the world. It is a country where there is much more than cows in the meadows and shy kiwis in the forests. It is the country of which Europeans say that only the moon is further away than New Zealand. A journey to the other end of the globe leads to scenic wonders, pastures, wilderness and an almost unbelievable expanse. New Zealand is a country for people who have retained a sense of the important things in life and of originality.

New Zealand, Auckland
View of Auckland, Image: Sorang / shutterstock
New Zealand is simply a destination of longing for many holidaymakers. Some shy away from the long flights, but those who go to this distant country can interrupt this journey. For example, halfway – in Singapore. And if you go on a round trip by car or motorhome, you probably choose the right form of holiday. Because these different landscapes in New Zealand make almost every visitor euphoric. It is the residence of the “Lord of the Rings” and it is the ancestral home of the Maori. Only four million people live in New Zealand – and this in a territory that is as large as Germany with its two main islands. Even Sydney Parkinson, whom the legendary navigator and explorer James Cook took with him as a painter on his first voyage, raved about the landscape at Tolaga Bay in 1769, where the “Endeavour” anchored: “The area is indescribable and beautiful. It could represent a second paradise.”
Diversity New Zealand
The diversity in New Zealand is limitless, Image: Leelakajonkij / shutterstock
For the Maori, their homeland is the “Land of the Long White Cloud”. According to tradition, the seafarer Kupe once sailed from Hawaiki, the legendary homeland of the Maori, to New Zealand – and a white cloud showed him the way. The children of the Maori celebrate the old rites in their schools. They move to the beat of the historical incantation dances of the Polynesians. Anyone who passes by such a school should not be afraid to present themselves there, because guests from another world are always welcome. For all the inhabitants of New Zealand, their homeland is a promised land, created on an extraordinary day in the story of creation. This is a country full of contrasts, with green pastures where a few million sheep graze, with the romantic beaches of the Bay of Islands, with a colourful mix of vibrant metropolises such as Auckland and Wellington, with the ski slopes of Mount Ruhapehu and with the huge glaciers on the South Island.
Manuka Honey New Zealand
A popular souvenir from New Zealand is the Manuka honey produced there, Image: studio presence / shutterstock
These two islands between Australia and Antarctica are home to friendly people and strange birds. One of them is the kakapo, a parrot that can neither fly nor talk. On the coasts, visitors will meet many albatrosses on their round trip and, with a bit of luck, the increasingly rare kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, in the forests. While the North Island is blessed with a subtropical climate, the icy mountain giants of the South Island present themselves with a tart charm. In the north, the muddy deserts of the active volcanoes swirl near Tongariro, in the south there are penguins and sea lions on the wild coasts. New Zealand is undoubtedly a godsend for people who can’t get enough of the beauties of nature.

Travel information New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Form of government , parliamentary monarchy, parliamentary democracy (Westminster system)
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Area 269,652 km²
Population approx. 4,793,700 (2017 est.)
Languages English
Power supply 230 volts, 50 Hz
Calling code +264
Time zone UTC+12 NZST UTC+13 NZDT (October to March)

 

Honeymoon: Romantic hours together on the beach and sea

PatrickJullien
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Honeymoon: Romantic hours together on the beach and sea

The honeymoon is the most romantic holiday together you can imagine. Because while the wedding celebration was also intended for the families and friends of the new couple, the honeymoon is only for the couple themselves. Now they have time for each other, can enjoy the first days and weeks as a married couple and recover from the stress of wedding preparation. Honeymoons are therefore not planned like an ordinary holiday trip, but with a focus on romance.

Why do married couples travel after the wedding?

Honeymoon City
Romantic cities such as Paris or Venice are also popular destinations for young couples, Image: Ekaterina Pokrovsky / shutterstcok

In the past, honeymoons were reserved exclusively for aristocrats and wealthy citizens, the average population could not afford this luxury and did not have time for it. In the wealthy strata of society, on the other hand, marriages were concluded for tactical reasons and the couples had only seen each other a few times beforehand if they were lucky. On a honeymoon, they should be able to get to know each other in peace after the marriage and, of course, father children. In the 20th century, more and more middle-class couples went on honeymoons and used this time to celebrate their love and start their marriage with a beautiful experience together – a development that continues to this day.

What is on offer on a honeymoon?

A honeymoon is not an ordinary couple’s holiday, as most newlyweds have certainly done together a few times. On the honeymoon, the reception in the hotel often shows that this is about love and togetherness. The room is usually also romantically decorated, many hotels have their own bridal suites and spread red rose petals on the bed or prepare the bathroom accordingly when the couple arrives. The hotel offers candlelight dinners and sometimes there are also activities especially for couples, if the hotel is popular as a location for newlyweds. Especially in typical honeymoon regions like the Maldives, you can expect a lot and look forward to a great honeymoon time.

Where is the honeymoon going?

Honeymoon Candlelight Dinner
A candlelight dinner is a must on a romantic honeymoon, Image: Sven Hansche / shutterstock

Speaking of location – the honeymoon is something special and so should the location. Of course, the typical regions such as the Maldives or the Seychelles come into question. Here seclusion meets wellness and fantastic landscape, the sea and luxurious hotels are also available. Such a honeymoon is unforgettable, but it also has its price. Cheaper trips lead to the Mediterranean, for example, where there is also plenty of sun and great honeymoon hotels. But it can also be a great experience if the newlywed couple fulfills a joint dream for the occasion and chooses a honeymoon that does not correspond to the romantic cliché at all. Going to where both have always wanted to go as their first shared experience in marriage is also a romantic way to swear eternal love to each other.

Camping: Why caravans, motorhomes and tents are so popular

PatrickJullien
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Camping: Why caravans, motorhomes and tents are so popular

Pack your bags and just set off: the simplicity of camping is just one of the advantages of travelling with a tent or caravan. At the campsite or in the great outdoors, peace, relaxation and a lot of adventure await.

Whether with a tent or a campervan: the types of camping

Not all camping is the same. If you like it very rudimentary, pack a bag and a small tent and just drive off. Campsites are everywhere and the tent is quickly pitched and dismantled. The caravan is a little more luxurious, which brings a little everyday life to the campsite thanks to its bed and sanitary facilities. Similar to the tent, the motorhome is quickly saddled and parked on another pitch. No matter which variant: camping has many advantages – from tranquility to simplicity.

Camping: The advantages

A bit of independence: camping holiday in a tent, Image: varuna / shutterstock

Camping means distance from the stress of everyday life. Once the caravan is set up or the tent has been set up – which rarely takes longer than ten minutes – peace and relaxation in nature are the order of the day. Smartphones and laptops can finally be switched off, but if you need to stay up to date while on holiday, you will usually find wifi or even an internet café at the campsites.
Holidaymakers travelling by tent or motorhome determine their travel pace all by themselves. Whether the entire holiday is spent in one place or a new destination is on the agenda every day: everything is possible.

Be one with nature

Campers don’t have to worry about anything except the next meal. Depending on the destination, dinner consists of the offers of the local market or of your own catch. By the sea, campers have the opportunity to fish or collect fresh mussels. For breakfast, depending on the region, there are ripe figs or grapes that can be picked. City dwellers learn to enjoy the benefits of nature and nature lovers enjoy direct contact with the forest and sea.
Most campsites are also child- and pet-friendly, which means that camping holidays with dogs or camping holidays with children are no problem. On the contrary: children and four-legged friends feel much more comfortable in nature than in a hotel room.

More family time camping

Camping Caravan
With the caravan you take a little comfort with you to the campsite, Image: welcomia/shutterstock

There are no domestic distractions when camping. Families spend time together playing board games or going on joint excursions to sights and tourist spots. Tip: With an
inflatable family tent, the set-up is even faster
 – then the holiday can start right away and the children can have fun helping with the set-up.

For couples, a camping holiday is an opportunity to enjoy togetherness in nature. When cooking and barbecuing outdoors, everyone can help to prepare a delicious meal from fresh ingredients. At many campsites, barbecues are held together until late at night.

Learn and discover

Life in a tent or camper van cannot be compared to the routine at home. Giving up luxury is a liberating experience that makes you appreciate the benefits of daily life more. Children discover a lot of new things at the campsite and also learn a lot. Whether it’s how to drive an inflatable boat or how to prepare certain dishes: new experiences await you around every corner when camping.

Affordable holidays

Since a camping holiday is usually very inexpensive, the resources can be invested in exciting excursions. Short trips are no problem thanks to the proximity of the campsites to the tourist sites. The nice thing about camping: if everything has been experienced in one place, the tents can be broken up and pitched again somewhere else. Travelers are not tied to any place and enjoy the vacation days where they like it best.

Getting up when the sun rises, going to sleep under the stars: camping is ideal for nature lovers who like to drift. The natural rhythm shows where to go and the next experience often comes naturally. That’s why a holiday with a tent or caravan is a must-have experience.

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