Anyone who travels today has to worry about more than just what things end up in the suitcase. Individual travelers in particular should take precautions. Not only do we as a person travel, but also our online life is always with us – and this is what should be protected more than ever when traveling.
The upcoming holiday presents people in Germany with different challenges. On the one hand, it is important to find a travel destination where you can enjoy your free time relatively safely. In addition, it makes sense not to be too careless with the data shared daily on the Internet. Especially in foreign countries and cities , the standard of digital security is often completely different from that in this country. Accordingly, the question of how it is possible to surf safely abroad is important. There are some tips for this aspect of the trip.
Accessibility is important not only at home, but also on holiday. In addition, many use the time to communicate with friends or share their experiences on social networks. Conveniently, the traveler can now access Internet access almost everywhere in the tourist strongholds – this can be found in hotels, cafés, train stations, airports, restaurants and many other places. However, public Wi-Fi networks are often insecure and the perfect place for hacker attacks.
In order not to disclose one’s own data via such a network, it is advisable to use one’s own mobile network. This is a reliable option, especially for people who want to shop online on their vacation or need to do banking.
The alternative to this is a VPN service. This secures the information sent via public hotspots by encrypting it. This means that third parties cannot simply access the data sent through the VPN tunnel. Furthermore, it is important to use a VPN provider that can also be used to manage passwords . This means that the traveller always has complex passwords at hand and knows that they are stored safely. This is because a password manager works like a digital safe that securely stores login data, credit card numbers and much more in encrypted form.
2. Back up data
Before the trip, it is important to back up the data for all devices that are carried. This way, nothing is lost in the event of loss or damage . It would also make sense to store important documents, telephone numbers and copies of travel documents in a secure cloud. If documents are lost or stolen, proof of identification is available, at least at short notice.
3. Updates and helpful apps
Before departure, all available security updates for the corresponding operating system should be applied. Apps should also be updated. In addition to the VPN service, antivirus protection is essential. Apps that help with navigation or translation also help.
4. “Holiday mobile phone”
The safest option is still an extra device with a prepaid SIM card for the upcoming trip. Especially when it’s really just about staying reachable. If you want to take photos and videos, you can do so with a real photo camera. Content created in this way can then be shared after the holiday. This also enables a “social media detox” during the free time.
Cala d’Or is located on the hilly slopes of a pine forest above the turquoise to deep blue sea. It is 60 kilometres from here to Palma. The resort in the southeast of Mallorca differs from other holiday resorts on the island: it is older and more beautiful. In summer it gets very crowded, but Cala d’Or (“Golden Bay”) was never suitable for excessive mass tourism. There are no high-rise hotel buildings. White, low buildings with a few floors under large pine trees dominate the picture in the old town centre. A flair of exclusivity lies over the marina on the narrow Cala Llonga in the west of the village.
Cala Gran in Cala D’or, Image: Anna Lurye / shutterstock
Cala d’Or owes its careful development to the artist and architect Josep Costa Ferrer from Ibiza. In the 1930s, he bought the piece of coast on which Cala d’Or is located today. He wanted to turn it into a holiday resort with Ibiza-style villas. He succeeded in doing so with the help of other founders. In the beginning, Cala d’Or was the preferred place for artists – for painters and architects. But Cala d’Or has grown over the years and with increasing tourism, on the edges and in the hinterland the buildings are no longer in style. Cala d’Or has almost 4200 inhabitants.
Market with flair in the nearby town of Santanyi
Cala d’Or belongs to the municipality of Santanyi – the nearby town that is also worth a visit. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning there is a market with a special flair! Mallorcans, residents and German holidaymakers meet here. From fruit and vegetables to underwear, handicrafts, souvenirs and homemade organic cheese, everything is offered at the stalls at the foot of the parish church. Cala d’Or’s neighbouring towns on the coast are also worth seeing. Porto Colom is located in the northeast, Porto Petro in the southwest – both are picturesque harbour towns with very good restaurants.
The inviting town centre is located on the bay of Cala Gran
If you come to Cala d’Or from the north, you will have passed the street villages of S’Alqueria Blanca, Calonge or S’Horta on the Ma-4012. From here it is only a few kilometers to the destination. They lead through fields and almond plantations to the right and left of the road. As early as January, the almond blossom begins early here and then envelops the country in a delicate, white-pink veil. At the entrance to the village there is a large roundabout, in the middle of which stands a modern metal sculpture. If you continue straight ahead on the tree-lined Avenida, you will reach the town centre and the main bay of the village, Cala Gran. This is the largest bay. A little above and behind it are hotels, holiday homes, apartments and countless shops.
Parents with children love the small Cala d’Or cove
Cross-country beach skiers will not get their money’s worth in Cala d’Or, as the coves with beautiful yellow-white, fine sand are all bordered by rocks. In Cala d’Or, visitors can climb on the rocks into the nearest bay, the eponymous Cala d’Or. But for that you have to be sure-footed and fit – and have the appropriate footwear. The Cala d’Or bay seems small and intimate, the water is usually calm, because it is protected by a headland in front of it. That’s why families with children like to use it for swimming, digging and snorkeling. Other coves are the already mentioned Cala Llonga, Cala Ferrera, Cala Esmeralda and Cala Serena. If you don’t want to visit it on foot, you can explore it with the small tourist train, which also goes to Porto Petro.
Stroll and dine in the marina
Marina of Cala d’Or, Image: Krzysztof Gach / shutterstock
In the high season, it gets crowded in the pedestrian zone in the evening. Cala d’Or has a restaurant mile on Av. Bélgica not far from Puntetes Square. The restaurants are geared towards international guests. Holidaymakers can compare German, Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Mallorcan cuisines here. But it is more romantic in the evening in the marina on both sides of Cala Llonga. On the bar terraces, guests sit close to the sea and enjoy the view of the sailboats bobbing on the water. On the west side of Cala Llonga, at the tip of the headland, lies the fortification Es Forti – a castle-like quadradic structure that once served as a defence against pirates. From May to October you can take a boat from Cala D’Or to Porto Colom and also to Cala Figuera . The latter village, an old fishing village, is impressive. It is located on a very long fjord with a small, natural harbour and colourful boathouses. It is fun to eat fish in a restaurant above the rocky bay, which may have been caught off Cala Figuera.
Nature reserve with many hiking trails
A special excursion takes holidaymakers to the Parc Natural Mondragó nature reserve, southwest of Cala d’Or with large parking lots. There is also an excursion bus from Cala d’Or to get there. The beautiful large rocky bays with turquoise shimmering water and sandy beaches of this park are completely undeveloped. They invite you to swim in crystal clear water. Well-paved, well-maintained and wooded hiking trails lead over the cliffs to viewpoints from which you can enjoy the view of the coastline. Here you can walk from one bay to the other, the most beautiful is probably S’Amarador on the edge of the pine forest. Cala Mondragó, on the other hand, is suitable for resting, as there is a beach kiosk here that offers drinks and small meals.
Hawaii is not one of the most popular backpacking destinations due to the relatively high costs. On the other hand, the island chain offers fantastic nature and the best conditions for unforgettable outdoor activities. For this reason, there are still many backpackers who decide to vacation in Hawaii. Basically, there is nothing wrong with it, but as with other destinations, there are a few things to consider, which is why we have compiled 5 tips for backpacking in Hawaii in this article.
Before you get started with Hawaii backpacking , you should first find out how the whole thing works. The best way to do this is to read testimonials. Experience reports will give you a good overview of how certain things work on a backpacking vacation in Hawaii. This can help you make the right decisions. In addition, you will be able to better assess whether a trip to Hawaii really suits you.
Don’t swim everywhere
The Botanical Garden in Kaneohe, Oahu, Image: Shane Myers Photography / shutterstock
Hawaii without swimming? Most backpackers probably can’t imagine that. However, you should be aware that you should not swim in all places. As with some other destinations in America , there are many bodies of water in Hawaii – for example, waterfall pools – that are “contaminated” with leptospira bacteria. These bacteria can cause the infectious disease leptospirosis – a potentially lethal disease. It is therefore better if you swim mainly on the beach.
Always take enough provisions with you
Hiking in the great outdoors of Hawaii sounds like a beautiful dream to many. This dream can be fulfilled, but you should never go on a hike without provisions. Be sure to take enough food and especially water with you. Deaths from dehydration are unfortunately not uncommon, which should not be ignored in view of the high temperatures in Hawaii. So always take enough provisions with you and be back before nightfall, as unknown paths in the dark are anything but pleasant.
Protect yourself from the sun
The high temperatures in Hawaii are without question a good thing and one of the main reasons why tourists from all over the world are drawn to the island paradise year after year. However, you should not neglect the risks of UV radiation , but always ensure sufficient protection. Sunscreen is an absolute must, otherwise it can lead to severe sunburns or even serious conditions such as skin cancer.
Don’t be too daring
In itself, Hawaii is not too dangerous, but you should not be too daring, because the unruly nature can be a big risk. For this reason, it is better to go on hikes or outdoor activities together with one or more other people. If an accident occurs, you can be sure that someone will call for help. If, on the other hand, you are alone, you will quickly find yourself in a hopeless situation. So don’t be too daring, but calculate potential risks – then nothing should stand in the way of an unforgettable backpacking tour.
When explorers in the United States set out west from the East Coast to discover new land, they were fascinated by the endless expanses between the two oceans. As the caravans of settlers moved through Nebraska, they were greeted not only by the Sand Hills, but also by the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains, water buffalo and, above all, a seemingly endless landscape. While the buffalo have almost completely disappeared over the years, the state is still closely connected to the Rocky Mountains. And even though Nebraska is not a classic state for tourists, some would even mockingly call it a fly-over state, there is a lot to discover for the curious eye where the settlers marched west.
The state of Nebraska is not necessarily known as a place for huge cities. Omaha is a very lively capital city worth visiting, but of course it can’t be compared to famous metropolises like New York, Los Angeles or Miami . The treasure of Nebraska is nature. And that doesn’t even mean the Rocky Mountains, but pretty much everything you can explore by car in the state. The vast steppes with their breathtaking rock formations are worth a visit, as are the reserves of the few remaining indigenous peoples, who show their visitors how people lived here long before the Europeans came to conquer the continent.
Top attractions outside the Rockies include Scotts Bluff National Monument and Chimney Rock National Historic Site. Both are huge rock formations that can be found in the middle of the steppe. Their special feature is not only given by their striking appearance, but also by the fact that they were an important symbol for the settlers on their way west. They were used to orient oneself on the way and some of the wagon tracks of the former settlers can still be found today – in addition, there are small museums and exhibitions that remember the life of the settlers on the way to the coasts in the west.
While you can follow the famous Oregon Trail of the settlers in these places, there is another popular road in Nebraska: Route 66. Here, important parts of the important road run through the United States and diners, museums and shops remind us of the historical history of the route. If you are traveling by car or motorcycle, you should definitely have taken the chance to have ridden on the route once.
Top things to see and do in Nebraska
The Lincoln skyline, Image: marekuliasz / shutterstock
One of the most important sights of Nebraska is the natural spectacles. This is a nice contrast to the visits to the often crowded cities of the United States, which can quickly trigger a sensory overload. Instead, you have the opportunity not only to see the aforementioned National Monuments and the Rocky Mountains, but also to follow in the footsteps of the settlers who once discovered the country with excursions. Whether on horseback or with a tour in the car – a journey through the steppes of Nebraska, to the lakes and rivers of the state, gives a feeling of the incredible vastness that people must have experienced when discovering the USA .
Whether you opt for the real experience on the Oregon Trail or eat a stew to your liking at Buffalo Bill’s house, the options for activities and excursions are numerous in Nebraska, and they are always connected to nature and the state’s historical history. It is recommended that you take a rental car in Omaha or Lincoln for the duration. The distances in the state should not be underestimated and it can happen that you drive for several hours through almost deserted areas until you arrive at the next sight.
Omaha and Lincoln as a center for one’s own planning
With Omaha and the state capital Lincoln, there are two cities that are particularly interesting for a visit. While Lincoln is the political and administrative center of Nebraska, one’s own life takes place primarily in Omaha. The city of Omaha has a quite impressive skyline for its small size and is home to some of the most important sights for visiting the state, especially with the famous zoo and some museums. But beyond that, it is above all an experience for the other side of Nebraska. The restaurants and diners, the theaters and cinemas, all of this conveys a bit of the attitude to life in the center of the USA. The steaks are huge, the cars as well and the people here couldn’t be typically American. It can therefore be worthwhile to spend a few days in the cities after a trip through the special nature and let this other side of the USA work its magic on you before you make your way to the next destination in the USA.
Escaping everyday life, that’s what each of us wishes for sometimes. The options are already diverse and in many cases cost-effective. If you find the local golf course too monotonous on your own holiday, you can try your luck on golf trips. This varied experience is suitable for players of all levels, which guarantees fun and a certain learning effect. This makes golf trips the perfect change for your holiday without having to do without the beach and a hotel. For this reason, we have summarized the advantages and reasons for a golf trip for you.
Many destinations and facilities, thanks to the wide choice when booking
The idea of golf trips is not new, which is why many offers can already be found in travel agencies and on the Internet. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to compare the advantages of these trips with classic holidays. In this way, it quickly becomes clear what makes golf trips so extraordinary and attractive for golfers. If you are an athlete who feels like playing golf on your holiday, you are faced with a big task in simple hotel complexes. It is not uncommon for the nearest courses to be far away and there is no concrete program for golfers and athletes of other sports.
It’s different with golf trips, where special offers are already waiting for you when booking. Starting with the green fee already paid, to the game time reservation: staying in a sports-friendly hotel has various advantages. Travel providers with experience in the industry are clearly ahead here: through special prices and offers, golf trips to Mallorca, Portugal or Turkey are offered at low prices. Planning a vacation around the sport has thus become the standard for many to be able to play the golf courses of this world.
Licence to play on holiday: this is how the programme works
Relax and work on your handicap while golfing on holiday, Image: Supermop / shutterstock
Since golf trips are not only reserved for professionals, more and more beginners and casual players are also enthusiastic about this type of holiday. Hotel complexes with a direct focus on golf trips are usually located close to the course and have their own trainers who can accompany you to the course license and beyond. Especially for partners and children, this is an ideal opportunity to develop their own skills in a relaxed and at the same time intensive training environment or to start with the sport. The golf license can be achieved in as little as seven days of vacation, which various hotels advertise on golf trips. Collaborations with surrounding golf courses have been established so that the green fee is not incurred for every training session.
Depending on the destination, players can obtain the course license throughout the year, which is thanks to particularly warm holiday regions. The favorable location of the golf courses accompanies you to the new level even out of season, with which you can start at the beginning of the season after your vacation. This means that golf trips differ only partially from conventional holidays: the trip to the warmth, however, has a sporting background. If you want to go to the golf resorts of this world alone or with your family, you should keep an eye on the offers of tour operators.
The perfect combination – with relaxation and sport
A golf trip is not always associated with effort. While many hours a day can be invested in sports, the relaxed time-outs are a welcome change. Whether on the beach or pool, swimming and relaxing is not neglected on almost any golf holiday. This makes destinations with both aspects ideal for families in which at least one member wants to focus on the sport. The enthusiasm can quickly rub off, which also offers children the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sport with a coach.
If you want a little more of the beach in good weather, golf trips are the optimally flexible choice. Here, playtime reservations for the following day allow the journey to and from the golf course to be comfortably accommodated in the quiet everyday holiday routine. If, on the other hand, you want to have more green than sand under your feet, you will not be disappointed either: this is due to the almost continuous offer of training sessions, games and the hotel’s own tournaments. At every level of player, first-class experience can be gained on sometimes large golf courses.
Our conclusion: Golf trips for more variety in everyday holiday life
The advantages of golf trips are varied and at the same time individual for each of us. Nevertheless, playing on foreign courses is an experience that should not be missed, especially abroad. While Germany, Austria and Switzerland can also be destinations for golf trips, it is above all the warm regions in the cold season that are a charming option. Booked on site or in advance, a golf trip can be the long-awaited change for sports-loving holidaymakers. If you are not yet sure, you can find out more about the topic from the usual tour operators.
Politically, Macau, formerly a Portuguese colony, is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China and there is indeed a lot special in the urban area. The city is known for its lush casino worlds, which are oriented towards Las Vegas and can now hold a candle to the desert city in the USA. UNESCO has already listed Macau as a World Heritage Site. A Macau vacation is worthwhile for players who do not want to miss out on their casino experience. There is a lot to see and experience on a Macau vacation. The various Macau sights offer a successful contrast to the casino world and an all-round successful holiday can be planned.
There are quite a few extraordinarily beautiful and interesting casinos in Macau. The design in particular is often decisive for a casino to be able to occupy a very special position. Here, tourists can be surprised at the architectural features that await them in Macau. If you want to visit Macau and get in the mood a little, a visit to the online casino is ideal to take advantage of attractive bonuses and promotions. You can still play free slot games in Macau as a demo version in an online casino.
The Venetian in Macau
True to its name, the hotel creates an atmosphere that is not only reminiscent of St. Mark’s Square in Venice , but almost replicates it. Nobody in Macau would really expect that and it seems impressive right from the start. The casino is divided into four themed areas: Golden Fish, Imperial House, Red Dragon, and Phoenix. It possesses 6000 slot machines and 800 gaming tables, making it an enormous place to gamble. It is certainly one of the most beautiful Macau casinos and has a classy atmosphere that is reminiscent of classic casino movies. The dress code is correspondingly less casual.
Sands Macau
Sands Macau is one of Macau’s state-of-the-art casinos, which already promote a shiny, futuristic look with their architecture. The casino is linked to its big brother, the Sands in Las Vegas, and has a modern approach to casino life on the inside. In addition to recreational players, Sands Macau has created dedicated areas for VIP and premium players, so everyone can focus on their goal and do so in a very private atmosphere. The dress code is upscale and the ambience is very classy, which creates a special feeling that will seize every Macau vacationer.
Wynn Macau
At Wynn Resort, there is luxury for guests in every area. The hotel and casino have 7000 employees who dedicately take care of the guests and their holidays. The casino is laid out over two floors and has 1190 slot machines and 390 gaming tables. A dedicated poker room lets poker players be among themselves if they wish. The dress code is adapted to the luxury hotel and is described as smart business, so an evening at the Wynn Casino is a special experience that no one will soon forget. Within the framework of Macau China Casinos, the Wynn Macau is one of two foreign companies that have been allowed to obtain a license.
Historic buildings worth visiting in Macau
The visitor can find many historic buildings in Macau among the sights of Macau , which still point back to the old Portuguese colonial period. During this period, grandiose buildings were created, which today give the Far East Asian city a southern European touch. The most important buildings are:
• Camões Grotto
• Dom Pedro V Theatre
• Fortaleza do Monte
• Guia Fortress
• The Holy House of Grace
• The Leal Senado building
• The Lou Kau Mansion
• Macau Central Post Office
The ruins of St. Paul
Actually, between 1602 and 1640, a church was built in Macau by Jesuit priests, which was dedicated to the holy apostle Paul. The church has not stood the test of time, but the front of the church still stands as a ruin and has been delighting tourists on their Macau China vacation for decades. The ruins are accessible today and are a unique sign of time from the immediate history of the city, in which the spirit of the past is awakened.
The Luís de Camões Garden
The garden is centrally located in the city and is actually the largest park Macau owns. Here the friendship between Portugal and Macau is celebrated and so the tourist opens up an incredibly beautiful piece of nature in the middle of the city. It is named after Portugal’s greatest poet, Luís de Camões, who once had to go into exile in Macau for two years and thus established a connection to this part of the world.
The Holy House of Grace
As a Christian element, the Holy House of Grace was built by the Portuguese and administered by the church as a hospital and nursing home. Over time, it has had many functions and has also played an important role in the city’s history. In part, the house functioned as a bank or casino with a very popular lottery. In any case, the connection to today’s gambling center is striking.
Which museums must be visited in Macau?
A holiday in Macau would not be complete without visiting one or the other of the numerous and very well-positioned museums. Macau is known for its large number of museums, which can contribute to all kinds of areas of life and history of the region. Here you can choose at will which museums best fit into the area of interest of each individual.
The Grand Prix Museum
The Venetian in Macau, Image: jeafish Ping / shutterstockGrand Prix Museum in Macau, Image: KeongDaGreat / shutterstock
The Grand Prix Museum in Macau is a reminder of the race days in Macau, when the Formula 1 cars raced over the tar here. An original Ayrton Senna race car is on display and simulators make the museum a racing experience where every visitor can feel like a driver in the cockpit. A must for Formula 1 fans, an entertaining experience for ordinary tourists.
The Museum of Gifts
When Macau became a special administrative region, there was a ceremony in the city where Chinese regions wished the city luck and presented gifts representing each province. The museum was built on the site of the ceremony, which now deals with the culture and history of Macau within the framework of this special status. The gifts and other contemporary items are exhibited for visitors. Admission to the museum is free.
The Macau Museum of Art
This museum is all about art in every form. The museum, which was only established in 1999, collects all areas of art from Macau and other regions in order to further promote the artistic life of the city and create awareness of the enjoyment of art. Artists and experts are regularly invited to the museum to create a living museum through lectures and other events.
So much to see in Macau
Luís de Camões Garden, Image: unununius photo / shutterstock
The variety of sights in Macau is enormous and it is usually not enough for a few days to see everything that is worth seeing. It is highly advisable to make a plan before the trip of which sights to see and what the greatest interest or topic of the trip should be, so that an appropriate route can be planned. Especially the numerous casinos such as The Venetian or the MGM Macau are a tourist magnet, but the historic buildings or the parks of the city are also inspiring. Public squares such as Lotus Square are a central meeting point and starting point for tourist trails in the city. Religious places, theme parks and other points of the city complete the experience.
Result
In the end, it all depends on what the tourist wants on his trip, because Macau can offer almost everything. This is where an individual route can help, which prevents it from becoming a one-sided experience with only museums or only casinos. Variety will lead to a dream holiday in Macau that will make every visitor return to the city.
In the summer of 2021, a family of four from North Rhine-Westphalia set off in a motorhome to experience an adventure of unexpected proportions. Coming from a fast-paced and often cold interpersonal world, they went in search of a place of warmth and contentment. The adventurers found what they were looking for in a region from which one would least have expected these qualities.
Eleven years ago, “Der Spiegel” reported on a blatant connection between serious mental health problems and prosperity. For example, in countries with a high average income, there is a significantly higher percentage of people with depression than in developing countries. Among those affected is Deborah Furin from the Oberbergischer Kreis – wife and mother of two children. She also learned about this scientific finding and, together with her husband Max, her 5-year-old son Noah and her 11-year-old daughter Isabella, set out to immerse herself in a socially incomparable world. Together with their two dogs, the Furins went on a two-month adventure in a 6-meter-long camper, which they named “Constantin”, to the second poorest country in Europe – Albania.
The approximately 2,000-kilometer journey alone took two weeks, as the cosmopolitan family wanted to gather impressions on the way. On the “Adriatic Magistrale” – one of the most beautiful but also most dangerous coastal roads in the world – the Furins went through the countries of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro to Albania. The parents Deborah and Max deliberately did not want to spend a classic holiday. It was supposed to be a journey of discovery through the middle of the everyday life of another society.
Priceless experiences
The family spent the following months in the form of wild camping. Completely self-sufficient, people lived in a motorhome in various places in the country. The extraordinarily poor infrastructure was particularly striking. In general, roads and buildings are in a disastrous condition, water from the tap is only available in a certain time window on a day. In order to make their own existence possible for the next week, the residents usually have to do hard physical work every day. One would think that depression, dissatisfaction and omnipresent egoism would be the order of the day without exception due to the situation. The opposite is the case and the Furin family experienced this circumstance firsthand. “I have never experienced such a degree of warmth, empathy and generosity,” said astrophotographer Deborah in an interview.
“We wanted to get a haircut in Albania and went to a hairdresser. Since we were making a documentary about our trip and wanted to include this scene as well, we asked if it would be possible to film. The hairdresser felt this as a great appreciation and subsequently did not charge a single cent for his service.” Such situations were not an exception, but everyday life. However, the North Rhine-Westphalians define another encounter as the highlight of the trip: “One afternoon we were picking a handful of figs when a man beckoned us to him. At the beginning, there was a great fear that we would have made ourselves unpopular with him with this action, but that was not the case. We got into conversation with the man and after a while he invited him to his family’s home for a coffee. After some time, we were actually offered if we ‘strangers’ would like to stay with them. Since this is the greatest possible gesture of appreciation you can get, we agreed. Theoretically, we could have been robbed. After all, our equipment could be made into good money by local standards. But this danger and the thought of it were never in the room. It was simply an act of pure humanity.”
Deborah and Max Furin are overwhelmed by the inhabitants of Albania: “Our expectations were regularly exceeded. For us, the tourist rejection of this country is absolutely incomprehensible. Albania should not be seen and traveled with the eyes, but with the heart.” To this day, the young family draws on these experiences and especially for the children, the two months were of enormous importance in terms of personality development.
Own documentary film about the trip
The Furins captured their extraordinary adventure on cameras in order to then produce a documentary film. This will be released on February 27 with the name “Lumturi – In Search of True Wealth” in feature length on her YouTube channel “Constantins Diary”. Deborah thus fulfills a lifelong dream. She and her husband deliberately chose a free platform for the release of the film, as they want to make their documentary accessible to everyone – regardless of the level of income. Nevertheless, the Furin family would be very happy about a voluntary donation due to the large financial outlay. In any case, the documentary film is worth watching. After all, it offers an excellent opportunity to significantly broaden one’s own horizons.
Breathtaking nature, beautiful beaches and paradisiacal sights: this is Phu Quoc. Vietnam’s largest island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand is still a real insider tip for many holidaymakers from all over the world. More and more tourists are now discovering the advantages of this paradisiacal island for themselves, also due to the very good infrastructure. Phu Quoc has an international airport that is served daily by planes from all over the world. There are also several ports on the island. These can be approached by cruise ships as well as private boats.
A large part of the tourists are drawn to the dream beaches of the island. With their white sand, crystal clear water and shady palm trees, they are among the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. Here you feel like you are in the middle of paradise. The absolute number one of the beaches on the popular island is Bai Truong at the gates of the island’s capital Duong Dong. The beach, also known as “Long Beach” by Western tourists, stretches over 20 kilometers along the west coast. Beach holidaymakers get their money’s worth here, as do water sports enthusiasts. Especially on the northern section of the beach, thousands of tourists from all over the world cavort, especially in the European winter months.
In recent years, numerous large beach resorts with a comprehensive range of water sports have also been built here. Bai Truong is also famous outside the Vietnamese borders for its clean water, because no motorboats are allowed here. In the meantime, the southern section of the beach is also being developed more and more and discovered by tourists. If you like it quieter on the beach, the much smaller Bai Ong Lang in the south of the island’s capital is the right place for you. Due to the small sheltered bays, the beach is especially popular with couples. Sao Beach is also one of the most popular beaches on the island, with its white sand and gently sloping water into the sea. In addition to the numerous water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing, there are also numerous restaurants and hotels around the beach.
Duong Dong: The lively island capital
Market in Duong Dong, Image: Lars Ove Jonsson / shutterstock
The capital of Phu Quoc is the city of Duong Dong. The city of 60,000 inhabitants is known and loved by tourists and locals as extremely lively. In the traditional Vietnamese small town, there is always a lively market hustle and bustle and Asian flair. Directly on the beach is the Dinh Cau temple, which you should definitely see when visiting the city. It is not only one of the most popular photo motifs on the island, but is also extremely worth seeing and experiencing. From the terrace of the temple you have a great overview of the beach and the fishing port. The port of Duong Dong is also a popular starting point for small and large island tours. Near the port is also the Duong Dong Market. The rest of the island also has some spectacular sights to offer. In the south of the island, for example, you should not miss the Hon Thom cable car. With a length of almost eight kilometres, it is one of the longest cable cars in the world and extends to the offshore island of Hon Thom. On the island there is a large water park, a beautiful sandy beach and several cozy cafes and restaurants.
Species-rich flora and fauna
The island of Phu Quoc is also characterized by its species-rich flora and fauna. Nature lovers get their money’s worth, especially in the north of the island in the Phu Quoc Nature Park. The national park, which covers more than 30,000 hectares, is one of the most beautiful national parks in Asia. Almost 500 different plant species can be found here. Off the coast there are also beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of colors. The wildlife on the island also has almost 50 different and above all rare mammal species – including small-clawed otters, dwarf gloris and silver langurs. The coasts in the south are also home to more than 120 different species of fish. The island can be explored on your own or as part of a guided tour by a trained guide. Among other things, the island still has some mountains, grottos and caves.
Best time to visit Phu Qouc: November to March
The weather on the popular Vietnamese island is determined by the tropical climate with hot temperatures and high humidity. From November to March, temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is rarely to be expected during this time. May to October is the rainy season, during which continuous and extensive rainfall is to be expected
North of Hamburg are the most beautiful camper destinations in Europe. Schleswig-Holstein attracts with beautiful beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Behind it stretches the Kingdom of Denmark with the offshore islands and over 7000 kilometers of coastline. When you cross the Øresund, you are immersed in the world of Pippi Longstocking, a colourful wooden house backdrop and the fairytale archipelago. North of it, Scandinavia shows its most beautiful side with legendary fjords and untouched nature. What are you waiting for: Rent a campervan in Hamburg and go on holiday.
Sunrise on Sylt, Image: Jenny Sturm / shutterstock
Schleswig-Holstein is one of the most popular German travel destinations. Some are drawn to the quiet beaches of the Baltic Sea and others prefer the harsh climate of the North Sea. The range of campsites along the coast is almost inexhaustible. Here you will find campsites with direct access to the beach or in the middle of the fertile marshland. Many islands are also easily accessible by camper. At the very top Sylt with a large selection of idyllically located campsites.
The Rantum campsite convinces with its unique location directly on the basin of the same name and the site in Wennigstedt extends directly behind the dunes. In the south of Schleswig-Holstein there are flourishing cities and small fishing villages. The land of cabbage is crossed by the Kiel Canal and from Eiderstedt you can experience North Sea holidays in a class of their own. The peninsula is an ideal starting point for mudflat hikes and the sulphur springs of St. Peter-Ording are a treat for body and mind. Theodor Storm was already inspired by this unique landscape. Real connoisseurs go to Schleswig-Holstein in spring or autumn. At Easter, everything is in full bloom and in autumn the North Sea shows its rough side. After a stimulating walk on the beach, you can retreat to the camper and enjoy fantastic sunsets.
The small kingdom in a big way
On the beach of Havneby on Rømø, Image: 5149mich / shutterstock
Denmark is a paradise for campers. On every corner you will find inviting places that could not be more different. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can retreat to the family-run campsites away from the tourist areas. The campsites on the west coast are holiday centres and offer everything that belongs to an exciting holiday, from bathing areas to wellness and daily entertainment. Just across the border up to Skagen stretches Jutland, the fixed part of Denmark. The roaring North Sea coast is known for its miles of sandy beaches. The Baltic Sea coast, on the other hand, is quieter and the beaches are sloping.
The island of Rømø offers campsites in the immediate vicinity of the beach and there is a lot of activity here in summer. Fanø and Møn, on the other hand, are more of a destination for individualists. The further north you drive, the more paradisiacal the landscape becomes. The Limfjord scores with secluded beaches and picturesque harbours. Here you can buy the crabs directly from the cutter or walk through fairytale villages. The coast of Thy attracts surfers from all over the world and in Skagen you will find the most beautiful dune landscape in Europe. We continue over the Little Belt to Funen. In Odense, visitors can walk in the footsteps of the fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen or go whale watching on a safari. Below the Great Belt, campers are drawn to the paradisiacal islands of Langeland, Lolland and Falster. Copenhagen’s capital is known for its cosiness.
Welcome to the home of Pippi Longstocking
After driving across the Øresund, you will reach Malmö. Here, too, the maritime flair dominates. If you continue the journey, you will be immersed in the locations that inspired Henning Mankell. Mystical villages, remote coastal strips and stony archipelagos show Commissioner Walander’s backdrop. But Sweden is opposite. In some places, the colorful wooden houses seem like a land of milk and honey and one understands why Pippi Longstocking could only have been created in Sweden. It is quiet everywhere and time sometimes seems to have stopped. Even the big cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg lack any form of hustle and bustle. Holidays in Sweden mean deceleration. If you arrive here with your camper, you are spoilt for choice. There are campsites right on the beach or along the archipelago. If you want, you can camp directly at the waterfall or in the remote hinterland. In summer, festivals are celebrated everywhere and people indulge in the bright time. But the dark winters also have flair. In Swedish Lapland , you can camp in dreamlike snow-covered landscapes and watch the fairytale play of colors of the Northern Lights.
Mysterious fjords and cute trolls
Norway is unique and full of impressions. Anyone who has ever traveled the country with a camper will never get away from it. It is the interplay of nature, the fascinating landscape, the warmth of the people and the fabulous stories that make Norway seem so different. One moment you are standing on a metre-high ledge and enjoying the fantastic view of the turquoise fjord and the next moment the cold and rough wind of the Norwegian Sea bites and ice masses of the glaciers threaten to fall down on you. Even the cities are unnatural in Norway. Oslo is far too cozy for a capital. Bergen is packed with postcard motifs. Here you can also buy Christmas decorations in winter, enjoy a panorama of superlatives with the Fløibanen or simply indulge in the maritime hustle and bustle. The fjords are indescribable and constantly changing their appearance. Bizarrely, the rocks rise up into the sky, the masses of water plunge along the stony surfaces and the boats on the water look like a miniature landscape. Many holidaymakers drive by camper to the North Cape and meet moose and learn about the traditions of the Sami.
The US state of Montana is a prime destination for those who love nature and space. Montana is located in the far north of the USA and borders Canada there. The name of the state is derived from the Latin word montanus, which translates into the English language means mountain. Anyone who knows this will not be surprised that the fourth largest of the American states is crisscrossed by sweeping mountain ranges. Montana’s most popular tourist destination is, not surprisingly, Glacier National Park, which borders Canada .
There is a sprawling nature reserve located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. There alone, nature lovers can easily spend a holiday of several weeks that will not be boring. But Montana has even more to offer. In the south of the extremely sparsely populated US state with just over one million inhabitants, there is another of the most famous national parks in the USA: Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also boasts an exciting population of wildlife such as grizzly bears and bison. Montana’s highlights are complemented by the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, one of the most historic places in the entire USA. Here, visitors can learn a lot about the Native Americans, the Indians.
Experience the frosty magic of Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, Image: Bill45 / shutterstock
Glacier National Park overwhelms everyone who visits it. On an area of around 4,047 square kilometers, there are a total of 175 mountain peaks and 25 glaciers. In addition, there are no less than 762 lakes. The national park can be visited all year round, but in winter the roads that crisscross Glacier National Park can be snowy or frozen, which requires drivers to have good driving skills to be able to move around safely.
In winter, you are rewarded for this by fairytale snow and ice landscapes, where you can go snowshoeing, for example. Cross-country ski trails are also groomed then. The very daring can try their hand at ice climbing here in the winter months and explore the diverse mountain landscape of the Glacier National Park up close. From June to September, all roads in the park are largely free of snow and therefore easily passable. These are excellent conditions for embarking on one or the other hiking adventure through exciting flora and fauna. On the way you often meet mountain goats or dockhorn sheep.
For example, you can walk around the 16-kilometer-wide Lake McDonald, which is the largest lake in the national park, on the Trail of the Cedars. If you prefer to move on the water, you can cross the lake by boat. No matter what you choose, you always have an excellent view of the mighty glaciers surrounding the lake with all possible options. The Glacier National Park can also be crossed by train. A multi-day train journey not only takes tourists to Canada, but also allows them to visit all the vegetation levels of the Glacier National Park from the train’s panoramic carriages.
Explore forests, wilderness and wildlife in Yellowstone National Park
A herd of bison moves quickly along the Firehole River, Image: YegoroV / shutterstock
If you want to explore Yellowstone National Park, which stretches over several US states, on Montana territory, choose one of the two park entrances to the north. The small town of Livingston has been the most popular entry point into Yellowstone National Park since the 19th century. On the way to the park, it is worth taking a detour to the Railway Museum of the City of Livingston. Another access point to the park is near the even smaller town of Gardiner, which is crossed by the 1,114-kilometer-long Yellowstone River. From Gardiner, you enter the park through the massive Roosevelt archway. From there, it’s on to the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, where you can get up close and personal with bears and wolves. The Bear Paw Trail invites you to hike through the park’s wooded landscape. Hiking is very popular in Yellowstone National Park anyway. About 2,000 kilometers of designated hiking trails can be hiked in the almost 9,000 square kilometer national park.
Visiting the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
In addition to breathtaking scenery, the US state of Montana also has a rich history. This was marked by numerous conflicts between the white settlers from Europe and the North American indigenous population, the Indians. The territory of today’s US state of Montana was once home to 13 different Indian tribes. The most famous Indians among them are the members of the Sioux tribe. Even today, many of the indigenous people live on Indian reservations, of which there are seven in Montana alone.
On June 25, 1876, a battle finally took place at the Little Bighorn between cavalry troops of the white settlers and the representatives of several Indian tribes. The natives were led by the Indian chiefs Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse. The fighting was about the white settlers taking over a mountain range that was considered sacred to the Indian tribes. They hoped for the financially profitable mining of mineral resources there. Since the Indians defended their territory and put up surprisingly strong resistance, many members of both sides had to lose their lives in the battle. On the Little Bighorn Battlefield, a memorial was set up soon after the battle, which now commemorates not only the white victims of the battle, as originally, but also the Indians who died in the battle in a sincere way.
