For many, the anticipation of the holiday only really increases when it comes to packing their suitcases. However, surveys have also shown that about a third of holidaymakers find packing their suitcases stressful. Nothing is more annoying than when something is missing at your destination, when your clothes are totally wrinkled, or when liquids have leaked.

Most of the time, this is because you didn’t take enough time to pack your luggage and did everything completely haphazardly. However, unpleasant surprises and stress can be avoided well if you take a few tips to heart when packing your suitcase. However, the most important prerequisite for relaxed packing is the purchase of high-quality suitcases.

Tip 1: Don’t pack your suitcase at the last minute

The time factor is of great importance when packing a suitcase, because time pressure inevitably leads to stress. For this reason, you should start packing early, ideally about a week before departure. During this time, you can still empty the fridge, ask the neighbors for minor errands while you are away and take care of errands.

Tip 2: Consider local weather conditions

To find out what clothes you need to pack at all, all you have to do is take a look at the current weather forecast for the holiday destination. Then you know immediately whether summer clothing is enough, or whether you also have to think about a rain jacket and an umbrella. If it looks like hot summer temperatures, light clothing is sufficient, which also has a positive effect on the weight of the luggage.

Tip 3: Type of vacation is crucial

Before you travel, you should think carefully about what you actually want to do at your holiday destination. Is it a pure beach holiday, or do you also want to be active in sports? Do you want to go out in the evening or do you spend most of your time in a hotel? A look at the hotel’s website can also be useful, because this way you can find out whether you need to pack a hairdryer or bathrobes at all.

Tip 4: Packing list saves you from forgetting

It’s definitely helpful to write down everything you want to take with you on vacation. On the one hand, this prevents you from forgetting important things, and on the other hand, you don’t pack too much. All items of clothing, but also sunscreen and hygiene articles belong on the note. In addition, you should also make sure that you think of a charging cable for the mobile phone. If you go through the list again, you may be able to cross out one or the other and only take the really important things with you.

Tip 5: Combining clothes saves luggage

On vacation, you usually have too much clothing with you, especially for women. That’s why you should only pack clothes that can be combined in a variety of ways. For example, if you have trousers that only go with a blouse, they should definitely stay at home. When choosing, care should be taken to ensure that patterns and colours harmonise with other garments. You don’t need a fresh top for every day, instead you should pack some detergent for hand washing.

Tip 6: Two pairs of shoes are enough

Women usually own a lot of beautiful shoes, but the holiday is the wrong occasion to present them. Shoes take up a lot of space in the suitcase and are relatively heavy. That’s why it’s best to choose two pairs of shoes that suit every occasion. In any case, sturdy shoes belong in your luggage, plus maybe a pair of sandals. You may also be able to pack flip-flops, because they are light and not bulky. By the way, you should also limit yourself to two jackets.

Tip 7: Proper packing is the be-all and end-all

It’s not just what you pack that matters, but also how you pack it. Heavy things such as shoes, books or the laptop definitely belong at the bottom. This also prevents the weight from being distributed too one-sidedly and everything from flying around in the suitcase. Clothes that wrinkle slightly should always be on top, then you can take them out of your suitcase on arrival. If something does wrinkle, it is hung in the bathroom while showering, the steam eliminates creases. If you pack properly, you definitely fit more in the suitcase.

Tip 8: Make full use of the space in your suitcase

It’s hard to believe what goes into a suitcase when you take advantage of all the gaps. For example, you can roll up socks and stow them in your shoes. Underwear and other insensitive items of laundry can also be rolled well. This applies, for example, to tops and T-shirts, in this way you can pack the suitcase in a space-saving way and also protect the clothes from creasing.

Tip 9: Prevent liquid leakage

Nothing is more annoying than when your clothes have been messed up by liquids on arrival. To avoid this, it is best to buy hygiene products for your holiday in travel size. The containers are usually also equipped with a screw cap, so that nothing can usually leak. However, if you have containers with you that could open during the trip, the closures are secured with adhesive tape.

Tip 10: Hand luggage as a saviour in an emergency

Even if you take all the tips and tricks to heart, the suitcase may be bursting at the seams. Then hand luggage may be the saving solution. Here you can store heavy things such as books or the laptop, you may need them during the trip. Even if the piece of luggage is quite small, it is often a space miracle. Most of the time, there is also room for clothes for the first two days, so you are also on the safe side in case the suitcase is temporarily lost.

New York, Paris, London and Sydney are just a few examples of travel destinations that are very popular among city vacationers. If you are looking for something special, you should look outside these metropolises and focus on cities with their very own charm. We have looked around the world and made a list of the most impressive city trips that are just right for holidaymakers interested in history and culture.

Bruges

The capital of West Flanders in Belgium bears the UNESCO label “World Heritage City” because it is characterized by a well-preserved brick Gothic style and the buildings form an architectural unit. Characteristic of the city centre are the medieval buildings, which characterise the scenery as authentic witnesses of time. Bruges is considered the birthplace of a group of artists of Old Netherlandish painting. Works of art from the “Bruges” are now exhibited in the Groeninge Museum.

The landmark of the capital of West Flanders is the belfry on the market square. A staircase with 366 steps leads to the observation deck of the 83-meter-high tower, which is located in the 13. and 14th century. At the same time, the building was intended to symbolize the power and wealth of the bourgeoisie and could not be surpassed by any other building. The climb is worth it not only because of the breathtaking views. Hidden in the tower is an old treasure chamber and the clockwork with carillon.

For centuries, the Bruges canals, known in Flemish as Reien, have been important connecting routes. The canals are reminiscent of Venice’s city scenery. Boat trips allow visitors to travel along the waterways, passing under romantic arched bridges and past enchanted gardens. On the 30-minute trip, which starts from five piers, tourists learn the most important things about the well-known sights.

Tip: A visit to the chocolaterie “Chocolate Line” is worthwhile, because the owner Dominique Persoone inspires with unusual chocolate creations such as edible chocolate color, chocolate lipstick or chocolate shooter.

Sukhotai

Today’s Thai city is located about 13 kilometers from the original capital of the kingdom of the same name. This was in the 13. and 14th century one of the larger kingdoms of the Thai. Sukhotai, which translates as “dawn of happiness”, was characterized by numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. They have been preserved as ruins to this day and have been declared a World Heritage Site. Of the almost 30 complexes, there are some particularly valuable remains that are worth a visit. Wat Chetuphon is a walled complex with a cube-shaped pavilion in the middle. Its side walls were decorated with stucco figures of Buddha in different postures.

Wat Mahathat was the “Temple of the Great Relic” and, as the most important temple, represented the central point. Even today, the ruinous buildings house original Buddha statues from the old days. When the kingdom was in full bloom, the central sanctuary covered an area of 40,000 square meters. In addition to smaller buildings, there are about 200 towers, the so-called chedi. Wat Ton Chan is the “Monastery on the Sandalwood Tree” and is characterized by partially collapsed chedi towers. This monastery complex became famous for the archaeologically valuable terracotta amulet finds.

When the traditional Loi Krathong festival of lights is celebrated in Thailand , a trip is particularly worthwhile. The full moon night of the twelfth month within the Thai calendar usually falls in November. On this night, Thais place floating flower boats with lights and candles on lakes and ponds, so that they turn into a sea of lights in the darkness. This ceremony takes place in honor of the water goddess Mae Kongha.

Carcassonne

Anyone who visits this southern French fortified city embarks on a journey into the medieval past. The Cité de Carcassonne is a fortress built in the Middle Ages, which today represents the old town. However, its origins lie in the Gallo-Roman period. A double wall with a length of three kilometres and 52 defensive towers encloses the complex and is completely accessible. This double ring of defensive walls was intended to make the settlement impregnable. Today, the interior of the Mauerring with its narrow alleys tempts you to relax and explore. Restaurants and cafés spoil guests with typical French delicacies and artisans present their skills in small studios.

On the left bank of the Aude, the bastide of Saint Loius was built in the 13th century during the reign of the king of the same name. The streets were laid out in a checkerboard pattern starting from today’s Place Carnot. To this day, more inhabitants live in this lower town than in the ancient upper town. It is characterized by its architectural diversity and exudes a sumptuous charm with religious buildings and the Hôtels Particuliers. The hotel complexes impress with their elaborately designed facades, impressive gates and luxurious courtyards. These structures bear witness to the heyday of the textile industry in the 18th century.

Las Vegas

Numerous myths surround the metropolis of gambling. It is known for its colorful advertisements, the shrill nightlife and the approximately 70 casinos where masses of visitors challenge their luck. About four kilometers west of the city center is a nature reserve, which was built around the city’s original most important water source: the Las Vegas Springs. Four themed trails run through the Spring Preserve and end at an oasis called “cienega.” Here, visitors explore the history of desert life, gain insights into geology and immerse themselves in the floristic and faunistic biodiversity of the region.

Few visitors know that the city is the perfect starting point to marvel at some of the most exciting natural wonders of the USA . One of them is the Valley of Fire, 80 kilometers away, where temperatures rise to over 40 degrees Celsius in April. Red sandstone formations characterize the landscape. At Atlatl Rock, petroglyphs bear witness to a past when Anasazi Indians settled the land. The forces of nature have created interesting formations in the state park: the beehives are located directly on the thoroughfare and are reminiscent of oversized beehives, while the Elephant Rock near the east entrance resembles an elephant.

Edinburgh

It is not without reason that the Scottish city is called the “Athens of the North“. The flagship of the historic capital is the castle, which was built on a former volcanic cone. Archaeological finds indicate a settlement of the rock formation, which is dated to the Middle Ages. When exactly the castle was built is not known beyond doubt. Today’s castle is home to the legendary “Stone of Scone”. Since the medieval era, this has been used to crown Scottish and English kings.

Equally steeped in history is the “One O’Clock Gun” (German: 1 p.m. cannon). In times of flourishing seafaring, the cannon was fired daily at 1 p.m. sharp to give the sailors in the Firth of Forth an exact time. Even today, the cannon shot can be heard every day except Sundays at the same time. In August, the forecourt is transformed into the stage for the Military Tattoo, a parade of military bands and dancers.

The classicist Neustadt with its magnificent boulevards of the 18th century contrasts with the old town and the castle. In the New Town, the streets are arranged at right angles. Under the suburb of Gilmerton, the visitor gets an insight into the history of the settlement. An inconspicuous hut marks the entrance to a mystical complex of seven underground chambers connected by corridors and stairs. It is not clear what Gilmerton Cove was used for. The settlement itself was inhabited by miners and quarrymen.

Ystad

The southern Swedish city is considered the setting of Inspector Kurt Wallander. The author Henning Mankell has chosen his birthplace as the setting for his crime novels. Wallander’s house is located in Mariagatan. Visitors can explore other locations such as Fridolf’s pastry shop, the Hotel Continental or the police station with the Wallander app. It is not known why the writer chose the tranquil place as the backdrop for his brutal murders.

With its half-timbered houses and cobblestones, Ystad exudes a romantic flair reminiscent of Astrid Lindgren’s Bullerbü. In the surrounding area, flat hills and a long sandy beach dominate the picture. The former fishing town houses a church dating back to 1200. St. Mary’s Church is the oldest building in the small town. A tower guard sounds a copper horn every quarter of an hour every evening. This traditional profession has been practiced since the 18th century and is considered unique throughout the country.

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 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.

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.