All about travel

The border triangle of Germany / Netherlands / Belgium

PatrickJullien

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28. May 2021

The border triangle of Germany / Netherlands / Belgium

In the far west of Germany, at the outermost tip of North Rhine-Westphalia, lies the border triangle of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Along with the Dreiländermark of Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria , it is the only point in Germany where three national borders on the mainland meet. A trip to the region of the border triangle is therefore like a journey into a melting pot of cultures, because here you can get to know the different languages, customs and people in a very small space.

Thanks to the European freedom of travel, the region can be easily travelled, the national borders are usually only perceived as a sign on the roadside, as there are no longer any controls. The highest point in the Netherlands is located directly on the geographical point of three countries, as well as several observation towers. These guarantee a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding countries and always inspire visitors of all ages. There are also numerous exciting cities to visit in the region around the border triangle, all of which have their own charm.

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The most beautiful cities in the region of the border triangle

When you think of cities in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, you often think of the capitals such as Berlin, Rotterdam and Brussels. But great places in the three countries can also be explored with much less distance between them. In the border triangle there are numerous cities and places that are worth a visit at any time due to their culture, history and attitude to life.

Aachen – the vibrant student city

View of Aachen, Image: r.classen / shutterstock

The city of Aachen is one of the westernmost cities of its size in all of Germany and can look back on a long history. The region around the city has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age and, in addition to Stone Age settlements, has also seen a presence of the Romans and lively life in the Middle Ages. Today, the city is home to about 240,000 people. Of these, about 40,000 are students, which gives the city a decidedly young and bright charm. So it is above all the hip bars and cafés that invite you to stop and linger. Among the sights, the Aachen Cathedral is of particular interest. It is the largest sacred building in the city and has received its present form over the course of the last 1200 years. For a time, the impressive building was the coronation church of the German emperors and its Carolingian architecture is now one of the most important architectural monuments on the continent. Aachen Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Also worth a visit is the Elisenbrunnen fountain in the centre of the city. The Romans and Charlemagne already appreciated the hot springs that came to light here. Today, the fountain is a popular meeting place for Aachen residents.

Maastricht – Tradition meets modernity

Maastricht, border triangle — Panoramic view of the famous Dutch bridge Sint Servaas with lights in the city center of Maastricht, Image: Martin Bergsma / shutterstock

Just a few kilometres from Aachen, in the Dutch province of Limburg, lies the city of Maastricht. If you prefer to leave the car at home, you can even reach the city from Aachen by bus. Just like Aachen, Maastricht is also a university city and is now home to about 120,000 people. Here, too, the influence, creativity and joie de vivre of the young population can be clearly felt and contribute to a relaxing holiday feeling. On the sights side, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world is particularly worth mentioning.

The bookstore in the Dominican Church is located right in the center of the city and is reminiscent of a magical place with its high vaulted ceilings. There are over 20,000 books in stock here, so bookworms should plan a little more time for the visit. Another good address for all visitors to the city is the Bonnafantenmuseum. The unique architecture of the building alone makes you excited about what will follow inside. This museum exhibits numerous works of modern and contemporary art, but also exhibits from the Middle Ages. The museum café Ipanema serves excellent coffee and cake after the visit.

Liège – the city on the two rivers

Place Saint-Lambert in the centre of Liège — Place Saint-Lambert in the center of Liège, Image: AnnDcs / shutterstock

The third large city in the border triangle is Liège in Belgium. It is located at the mouth of the two rivers Ort and Meuse and presents an impressive cityscape that is significantly influenced by Masonic architecture. Furthermore, the city has numerous parks and small shopping streets, which make a stroll through the city a varied and relaxing experience. The Prince-Bishop’s Palace is one of the most important sights in the city and combines in its architecture both the Italian Renaissance, the Gothic and an influence of the French style. On the river promenade of the Meuse is the Cortius Palace, one of the most important architectural monuments in Liège.

The bright red façade, complete with a red tiled roof, was built in the 17th century and is easily recognizable from afar. The interior design is also fantastic. The palace now serves as a museum for mainly contemporary art and several hours should be planned for a visit. If you prefer to spend your holiday in nature, the botanical garden of Liège is the right place for you. This park with its huge greenhouses has existed since 1819. In the impressive glass buildings, exhibitions on various topics can be seen, some of which house trees that are up to 150 years old.

USA vacation with ESTA

United States

PatrickJullien

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25. May 2021

0

For a vacation or short business trips to the USA, it is not mandatory to apply for a US visa. Faster, less complicated and cheaper than a visa is the ESTA travel authorization.

ESTA allows U.S. travelers from 39 countries to travel visa-free to the United States and stay in America for up to 90 days at a time. The 90-day trip can be repeated as many times as you like within the 2-year validity period of the ESTA authorization.

The 39 participating countries whose nationals are allowed to travel to the U.S. with ESTA are called “VWP countries” because they are members of the Visa Waiver Program . Lucky participants in the U.S. Simplified Travel Program also include Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

However, there are other requirements to be allowed to travel to the USA with ESTA. In addition to citizenship in one of the visa waiver countries, these also refer to the purpose of the trip and certain personal characteristics or events in the traveler’s CV.

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Requirements for traveling to the USA with ESTA

Citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries are allowed to travel to the U.S. with ESTA if they have a valid biometric passport (e-passport) that will not expire during the trip to America.

Also, ESTA is only intended for private or short business trips. For longer U.S. trips or further purposes such as a job in the U.S., a visa must be applied for.

The time and financial advantages of an ESTA authorization are offset by only a few restrictions. For example, clear boundaries and rules are imposed on ESTA applicants, which start with the application process.

Questions in the ESTA application

A series of questions about the identity of the ESTA applicant is intended to give the US government an impression of whether the applicant is “worthy” of visa-free entry to the USA. These include, for example:

Do you suffer from physical or mental ailments that make you a danger to yourself and others?
Do you suffer from diseases that can be transmitted to others and are likely to be fatal?
Are you looking for a job in the United States or have you ever been employed in the United States without authorization?
Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry to the United States?
Have you ever stayed in the United States longer than allowed?
Have you ever been denied an ESTA authorization?
Do you have a criminal record?
Have you ever provided false information when registering for an ESTA?
Have you ever applied for a U.S. immigrant visa?

In addition, the names of the parents, social media accounts, aliases used (nicknames) and the contact details of the employer are asked.

Always stick to the truth

Attractions USA — Experience the diversity of the country on vacation in the USA, Image: Darth_Vector / shutterstock

If the applicant deliberately or accidentally answers incorrectly or makes other (formal) errors in the application, he or she will be immediately excluded from the ESTA procedure. This exclusion cannot be reversed and means that a visa must be applied for every trip to the USA from this point on.

This immediate closure is a precautionary measure of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is intended to increase security in the country. However, it leads to many “innocent” ESTA dropouts every year and thus also to unnecessary costs and high time expenditure for US travelers.If you want to prevent a lifelong ban by the American authorities, you pay meticulous attention to accuracy when applying for an ESTA.

The difference between ESTA and visa

Apart from the strict formal requirements for an ESTA application, visa-free travel with ESTA has almost only advantages:

	ESTA	US Visa
Latency	Max. 72 hours	15 days and longer
Additional documents	No	Yes
Interview date	not required	required
Cost	from 39,90 € (with the support of the ESTA-Online experts)	from 150 €
Suitable for	Tourists Business travellers Transients	Tourists, business travelers, Employees, students, pupils, trainees

Most of the bureaucratic inconveniences, such as additional evidence of the exact purpose of the trip, are spared US travelers when applying for an ESTA.

Applying for an ESTA: This is how it works

For an ESTA application, the passport data of all persons who want to travel to the USA together is required. In addition, there is the information about the destination (the first overnight address in the USA is sufficient here), information about the current employer and an emergency contact. In addition, the applicant needs a valid e-mail address.

The U.S. government’s security questions must also be answered for all travelers. Applicants should therefore have all answers and easy-to-read scans of all passports ready before starting the application.

The application form is completed on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or at an ESTA service provider. The latter is recommended if an applicant would like more security.

At ESTA-online, an ESTA application is checked by an expert before it is submitted to the US authorities, for example, an official document for the travel documents is issued and a money-back guarantee is granted in the event of rejection. In addition, there are German-speaking contact persons who can help with subsequent changes or questions.

It only takes about 15 minutes to fill out. Approximately 72 hours after the ESTA application, the applicant will find out whether the travel authorization has been granted or not, either during the self-check on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or through an email from the ESTA service provider.

When to apply for an ESTA?

It is important to apply for an ESTA no later than 72 hours before the planned trip to the United States, otherwise the American authorities will not be able to guarantee timely approval. To be on the safe side, it is best to apply for an ESTA at the beginning of the travel planning process.

Cycling paradise Mallorca: Unique nature and fascinating routes

PatrickJullien

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15. May 2021

0

Cycling paradise Mallorca: Unique nature and fascinating routes

Mallorca is worth a visit in all seasons and not only inspires lovers of sun and sea. Throughout the island, routes can be found through unmistakable landscapes that will delight everyone from recreational cyclists to professionals. Whether road bike, mountain bike or trekking bike, hardly any other holiday island can be explored by bike as versatile as Mallorca.

We show you what makes Mallorca a paradise for cyclists.

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Explore the holiday island of Mallorca by bike

Only very few holidaymakers think of Mallorca alone as Ballermann and crowded beaches. Cyclists and hikers have discovered the wide and diverse nature of the island for themselves and experience varied landscapes and unique fauna and flora in a very small area.

Whether along the coast or in the high mountain ranges in the north of Mallorca, every part of the island can be explored in a sporty way with a mountain bike, a racing bike or a trekking bike. Throughout the Balearic island of Mallorca , bike rental stations await holidaymakers or sports enthusiasts who travel to the Balearic island especially for cycling.

Book fantastic bike tours as a combined offer

Cycling in Mallorca — Cycling has a great tradition in the Balearic Islands , Image: leoks / shutterstock

To explore Mallorca by bike, the north and east of the island are particularly suitable. Here, even the country and side roads are in good condition and often lead cyclists directly to the beach. After all, despite all the sporting ambition, the holiday feeling should not be neglected.

Popular tours in this region lead to Cap Formentor and Port d’Alcúdia, through the old town of Pollenca or around the Platja de Muro. Due to the mountainous profile of these routes, fitness and fitness should be given. But also in the south, for example along the south-east coast of Palma, great routes can be explored by rental bike.

If you want to discover Mallorca on two wheels for the first time, you should take advantage of one of the professional tourist offers. For example, many hotels offer offers for cyclists and guided tours are also offered on site. Of course, it must be clarified in advance what fitness the participants in a tour should have and how expensive it is.

Finding the right bike rental company in Mallorca

Before you book a package deal with a hotel, you should think about renting a bike in Mallorca. Bike rentals can be found almost everywhere on the entire island, where you can find the right bike for one-off or frequent excursions. As an ambitious cyclist, you will find what you are looking for here as well as for a relaxed bike tour with your family.

Every reputable bike rental company in Mallorca not only offers you high-quality bikes, but also convinces with a strong, versatile service. For example, a pick-up and delivery service should be included in the rental price so that you can start directly from your hotel or other accommodation. Your bike rental in Mallorca should also offer you a competent contact person, ideally even in German.

A sporty holiday that no one forgets

Mallorca has long been more than an insider tip for cyclists when it comes to holidays on two wheels. Before you spend expensive money on renting a road bike or mountain bike, you will get your money’s worth more often with a free bike rental in Mallorca.

Running around Lübeck – The best trails

Germany

PatrickJullien

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13. May 2021

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If you want to explore the area around Lübeck up close and with a sporting activity, jogging and walking are ideal for this, because there are a whole range of interesting running routes around Lübeck.

Here you can find out which running and jogging routes are particularly recommended and what you should take with you when running if you are still a beginner. If you already know what you need, you can scroll down to our top 3 route suggestions.

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What to take with you

Before you just start walking, you should think about what you need and want to take with you on the road. The following tips can help you think of everything and do without everything superfluous.

Light luggage is preferable

Under no circumstances should you take a fully packed backpack with you. Always limit yourself to the most important things. A small fanny pack or a functional vest with many pockets is better than heavy bags or even a backpack that only hinders you while running.

Running belts are also useful helpers, offering small pockets for storing keys and other utensils as well as space for attaching a water bottle.

The most important utensils

Beginners in particular often don’t know what they should really take with them for running. The most important utensils are certainly a sports bra for women and good running socks, a heart rate monitor or fitness tracker as well as functional shirts and pants for all runners. If you want to use an app for your smartphone, you must of course also take your mobile phone with you. For this purpose, a pocket close to the body is recommended so that the mobile phone does not interfere with running.

In addition, on sunny days, it is recommended to bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as well as a headband, cap and perhaps a running belt to which you can attach a drink bottle. If you want to take care products such as refreshing wipes or a deodorant with you, you should pay attention to small package sizes and not take deodorant spray with you, but rather a roll-on deodorant. Recommendations and test reports on dermarollers can be found in this article.

If you want to motivate yourself and energize yourself, sports headphones (preferably well-fitting in-ear headphones) as well as energy or muesli bars are also recommended. For running in the evening, a headband with headlamp may also be recommended.

The footwear

The Holsten Gate in Lübeck, Image: foto-select / shutterstock

When running, good footwear is indispensable. For most beginners, a well-cushioned footbed and good cushioning of the outsole are recommended, which supports your personal running style. It is important that you can step and roll well. Too much damping should be avoided as well as too little damping.

In addition, good stability for the ankles is important. If you run in a natural environment, you should also rely on functional materials such as water-repellent Gore-Tex fabrics for the shoes. This keeps them breathable and still water-repellent.

The three best running routes in and around Lübeck

We have briefly summarized which routes are recommended and also worthwhile for beginners for you here.

1. Lift bridge – 45 minutes, 7.4 kilometres, low gradient

The running route is considered to be of medium difficulty and leads almost exclusively along well-paved and easily accessible paths. Nevertheless, we recommend sturdy shoes with high tread resistance. The circular route begins and ends at the lift bridge and leads along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal to the Stecknitzstraße bridge, where you change sides of the canal and walk along the bank past the rest area on the Way of St. James and along the Glitter Bridge back to the starting point.

2. Hermannshöhe – 2 hours, 17.5 kilometres, medium gradient

If you like it a little more close to nature, you will get your money’s worth with the challenging running course, which starts at Travemünde beach. Via the rest areas Eule, Fuchs and Hase you continue along the shore to turn around at the corner of Strandstraße and Travemündener Landstraße and walk back on the right side of the beach via the path along the steep cliffs. With sturdy shoes and sufficient physical condition, the route can be done well even without special skills or previous knowledge.

3. St. Gertrud City Park Tour – 45 minutes, 6.6 kilometres, slight incline

The moderately difficult route offers very good conditions and leads mainly along well-paved paths. It is ideal to start at Bertramshof, from where you can cross the Wakenitz via Moltkestraße and walk right along the bank, parallel to Falkenstraße. In front of Gustav-Radbruch-Platz, turn right and walk along Roeckstraße to the circular path around the city park. Along the other bank of the Wakenitz you will then return to your starting point via Jürgen-Wullenwever-Straße.

Best Spa Hotels in Lubeck

Germany

PatrickJullien

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13. May 2021

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The northern German city of Lübeck, which is particularly characterized by its brick Gothic buildings, is a popular destination for tourists all year round. The famous buildings around the city’s landmark – the Holsten Gate – were built as early as the Middle Ages. St. Mary’s Church is also a brick building built as early as the 13th century, which fits perfectly into the cityscape.

If you are on holiday in Lübeck, you can also do something for your well-being in addition to the sights, because the city has a variety of luxurious wellness hotels to offer where you can pamper yourself. We have briefly summarized the best wellness hotels in Lübeck for you below.

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1. Hotel Hanseatischer Hof

The elegant 4-star hotel, which is only five minutes away from the main train station, is not excellently rated for nothing. With a 2,700m² wellness area including a large indoor pool, steam bath and Finnish sauna, it is ideal for those looking for the ultimate wellness experience. Within only 15 minutes the old town is within walking distance. Accordingly, you can also fully enjoy the main sights of the city without having to put up with long journeys.

2. Blue City Apartments

If you prefer to feel at home, the Blue City Apartments may be something for you. It is a 4-star hotel in the style of a holiday resort. The complex is located directly on the beach, has a spa & wellness centre and a swimming pool. Pets are also allowed, making it the ideal place for families. If you take additional wellness and beauty products such as masks, massage oil and other care products with you for your stay, you can pamper yourself as a couple. Ideas and tests for suitable wellness products that round off the stay in a holiday apartment can be found, for example, on sichgutfuehlen.com.

3. Barefoot Hotel Timmendorfer Strand

If you are looking for a wellness hotel on Timmendorfer Strand that is relatively cheap and yet offers ultimate relaxation, we can recommend the Barefoot Hotel without reservation. Just a four-minute walk from the beach, it features a well-equipped spa and wellness centre, and offers luxurious vintage style in all rooms. Although it is “only” a 3-star hotel, it offers all the comfort and luxury you would expect from a good wellness hotel.

4. Beach apartment at the Maritimhotel

The luxurious 5-star beach apartment in the Maritimhotel offers plenty of space for two people and even includes its own small kitchen. You can fall back on a rich breakfast buffet, can use two pools and a large spa and wellness area and it is – as the name suggests – located directly on the beach. Thanks to sea views, beautifully landscaped gardens and luxurious furnishings, you can fully relax and unwind.

5. Landhaus Töpferhof

If you like it a little more rural and love the vintage style, the Landhaus Töpferhof is the right place for you. The 4-star country hotel has a gym, a small Finnish sauna in the wellness area and also offers many amenities for your stay. There are free rental bikes, a massage area, a steam bath, pottery courses and a table tennis room. Wine lovers will also get their money’s worth here, as the hotel’s historic wine cellar invites you to taste exquisite international wines.

In addition to the top hotels mentioned above, there are many other highly recommended wellness hotels in and around Lübeck, such as the SlowDown, the Baltic House or the Grand Hotel Seeschlösschen, which are well equipped and offer all the amenities you could wish for.

If you want to take your pet with you on holiday in Lübeck, for example to enjoy long walks on the beach with your dog, you will find many hotels where pets are also welcome. With the Strandgrün Golf & Spa Resort, there is also a highly recommended hotel for all those who want to combine their holiday in Lübeck with a golf course or extensive golf games.

The basic steps of video editing

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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11. May 2021

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Have you collected video material that is now to be converted into an exciting and interesting video? Don’t worry, with the right video software you can do it well even as a beginner. Only a few basic skills are necessary, more important are joy and creativity, which you should have in video editing. If you haven’t edited a film that often, you often don’t even know where to start. Therefore, below we present five basic steps with which the pruning is structured and an excellent result can be achieved in the end. We start with the viewing of the recordings, then comes the planning of the project, the rough cut, the finishing touches and then the export. Follow these steps to give the project itself your full attention and achieve a professional result.

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Preview

Video editing — Post-process the videos with the right software, Image: Gorodenkoff / shutterstock

Among https://www.movavi.de/suite/ , beginners in particular will find the right video software for this project, as Movavi Video Suite is an all-in-one solution: In addition to video editing, it can also be used to record screen content and convert it directly to bring the video into the right format and size. First, you make a preselection of which of the recorded clips should be used in the video and then import them into the program. Unneeded material should be excluded in this first step so that the import does not take an unnecessarily long time and the project file remains as clear as possible. However, the video clips should not be excluded prematurely, the Movavi Video Editor contains many editing options, so that even bad shots can still be saved by effects or color correction.

Planning

Every good film starts with a clear and structured plan that works towards a predefined goal. Imagine the finished film and think about how the desired message can best be presented visually. This step makes use of your creativity, at the same time notes can be taken or even a storyboard can be created. In this way, the thoughts can be recorded and it is ensured that nothing is forgotten during processing. The structure of the video should also be considered, no matter how short or long it is, a story should be told, including introduction, main part and conclusion.

Rough cut

Then it finally really starts: First of all, the individual clips should be put in the right order. Music can also be added if it helps with the editing sequence. They should develop a feeling for how individual shots affect each other and create a certain dynamic together. In this step, you can also insert more material than needed, if something doesn’t work, it’s still easier to fall back on other clips or delete them instead of looking for new ones. Especially when it comes to a video from your last vacation , for example, you should work with different video clips if possible so as not to bore the viewer and to set new visual accents again and again.

Processing

Once a basic structure has been created and the order is correct, then you can start editing. The video clips should be trimmed exactly to the section that is to be used. Through pre-made transitions, Movavi Video Suite helps to ensure a good flow and consistency. As a rule, straight cuts, in combination with classic blends and resolutions, are sufficient to merge the individual clips into a clean video. Conspicuous transitions should be avoided, as they tire the audience and distract them. After that, it’s time for the finishing touches: special effects, titles, music and other details are now added. Movavi’s software also offers pre-made color effects, slow motion, or time-lapses to make it as easy as possible for you as a beginner to create a professional video. Action-packed scenes in particular should be slowed down a bit to accentuate them. But a change in color between two scenes can also indicate the difference between day and night time, for example. Let your creativity run wild.

Provide

Finally, it is a matter of providing the finished project sensibly. For this purpose, there is a converter within the Movavi Video Suite, which brings the video into the desired format and ensures that the file is not too large. Care should be taken to ensure that the parameters are always set optimally for the recipient or platform through which the project is to be played later. This is the only way to present the great result well.

Convenient parking at Frankfurt Airport

Germany

PatrickJullien

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6. May 2021

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Before every flight, as a traveler, you have to ask yourself the question: How do I, and my luggage, get to the desired destination airport in the best and most comfortable way? Just recently I read a “virtual cry for help” in an online forum, in which someone had to quickly move from Wiesbaden to Frankfurt Airport. The holidaymaker was unable to access public transport due to train cancellations and fully booked buses.

An alternative is to book an airport taxi. However, this convenient option is not cheap and therefore not suitable for every budget.

So if you want to get to the airport comfortably and inexpensively, we can only warmly recommend arriving in your own car. The advantages are obvious:

You pack your car in good time before departure and can thus make your home fit for a holiday without stress, e.g. close doors and windows, use up food or distribute it in the neighbourhood, take electronics off the grid
You have the security of arriving on time and are not dependent on the reliability of the taxi company or public transport.
Even after returning from vacation, you return home stress-free

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Cost-effective parking

Cost-effective parking? At the airport? Yes, you read that right. That is possible. We tested the renowned provider Parkos (the parking space was booked easily and quickly via the online portal) and flew to Mallorca for four days. Our flight at Frankfurt Airport didn’t leave until late in the evening at 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. We had already done the most important errands the day before, so we spontaneously decided to travel to Frankfurt early to look around the city after dropping off our luggage.

But first things first: After we had parked our car in the shuttle parking lot shortly after twelve, the shuttle service took us to the desired Terminal 1 in less than 15 minutes.

Sightseeing in Frankfurt

What do you do in the Rhine-Main metropolis of Frankfurt if you have set yourself a time limit of just under five hours? Of course, first go out for a bite to eat.

What could be better suited here than the “Freßgass”, which is known beyond the Hessian state borders. Since the 1st World War, grocery stores have been coming here on Große Bockenheimer Straße.

Freshly strengthened, window shopping on the Zeil followed. Although you have to admit that window shopping is only half as much fun if you know from the outset that you won’t buy anything so as not to burden your holiday budget unnecessarily. After a visit to the Römerberg and extensive relaxation on the banks of the Main, we made our way back to the airport.

Returning from vacation – The car is already waiting

Four days later. Unfortunately, the vacation went by much too quickly. After we had taken our luggage off the conveyor belt, we called the Parkfuchs team. After the message that we landed safely, we were picked up directly in the entry and exit zone and driven to our car. As expected, this was still in the best condition in our chosen parking lot.

We would always fall back on the possibility to park our car in the shuttle parking lot. There are many advantages to this travel option to the airport:

Cheap price compared to the classic airport taxi
No dependence on train and train
Easy online booking
Video-monitored pitches
Fast and friendly shuttle service
The provider we have chosen, Parkos, also offers other services, but we have not used them. If you don’t want to use the shuttle bus, you can hand over your vehicle to the service provider directly at the airport at the valet parking service (Valet) and get the car keys handed over in person after your return, of course including the vehicle.

Luanda – Cosmopolitan feeling in Africa

Angola

PatrickJullien

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4. May 2021

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Luanda is the name of the newest and hottest place-to-be for a holiday in Africa. The capital of the south-west African country of Angola, located north of Namibia, has 6.9 million inhabitants. The official language is Portuguese and a relic from the five-hundred-year colonial era.

When Angola became the world’s largest oil producer, a construction boom by foreign investors and international corporations began after the end of the civil war in 2002. Within a few years, the capital’s population doubled. Today, Luanda is an African metropolis with international flair and an unmistakable mix of cultures. The location of the city directly on the Atlantic coast knows how to elegantly combine beach holidays and sightseeing.

The climate here is tropical (in other parts of the country also subtropical and tropical-temperate). The average annual temperature is around 24-26 °C. The months from April to October are relatively cool and dry in Luanda. From November to March is the hot, humid and humid time of the year. This period is best suited for a beach holiday. Luanda is an attractive destination all year round due to the climatic conditions.

Beaches in the middle of the city

On the extensive, white beaches of the Corimba and Benfica districts, locals and tourists enjoy grilled, freshly caught fish served with rice or salad at small beach huts. The local cuisine is also based on seafood, cassava root, corn and poultry; particularly like to be processed into spicy-hot stews. In larger cities like Luanda, you can clearly see Portuguese remnants in the cuisine.

Portuguese and Brazilian influences from the time of colonialism and the slave trade are not only expressed in the food. In the old town, the Baixa de Luanda, you can stroll through narrow alleys near the harbor, past architecturally fascinating, old buildings in colonial style and relics from the socialist phase of the seventies and eighties.

Mixed with the original African traditions, this creates a sparkling, unique cultural flair. Kuduro is a musical genre from the Sambizanga district and is one of the city’s most important cultural assets. Kuduro can best be described as a rousing mixture of Caribbean rhythms such as calypso, African percussion and techno beats.

The port is the largest and most important in the country. To call it gigantic would be an understatement. From here, crude oil, clothing, vehicles, diamonds, iron ore, coffee and fish products are exported all over the world. At the gateway to the world, the Atlantic wind blows the inkling of freedom through your face like a fresh breeze.

Attractions in Luanda

Things to do in Luanda — Image: Anton_Ivanov / shutterstock

The Saõ Miguel fortress, located above Luanda, is now home to the popular National Museum of Military History, which is well worth seeing. If you are interested in the eventful history of the country in addition to militaria, a visit to the “Museu Nacional da Escravatura”, the slavery museum, is recommended. In a chapel on a hill overlooking Luanda, you can learn a lot about the roots of Angolan identity.

The “Palácio de Ferro”, in German: Iron Palace, was probably built by Gustave Eiffel. Today, it houses a cultural centre with a dynamic, young music and theatre scene at its centre.

The “Marginal” waterfront promenade was inaugurated in 2012. It leads, including cycling and jogging routes, in a semicircular arc around the entire Bay of Luanda. Art galleries alternate with cafés or pop-up stores; Palm trees line the magnificent boulevard and complement the impressive view of the skyline. From there, a detour to “Bela’s Shopping Center”, the largest mall in Angola, is a good idea.

The “Autódromo de Luanda” is a race track that regularly hosts car races. The unusual and variable route of the railway is remarkable. Each of the sections is between three and six kilometres long. Attending such a race has cult status in Angola.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Luanda is Sangano Beach. It lies almost virgin with its fine sand at the foot of rugged sandstone cliffs. To end the evening comfortably with a few good drinks, the peninsulas “Ilha do Mussulo” and “Ilha do Cabo” are perfect. The latter is home to Café del Mar and Club Náutico, whose terrace offers wonderful views over the bay, the marina and the skyline.

A visit to the Quiçama National Park, which is particularly rich in animals, is suitable for a day trip. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, kudus, ostriches, monkeys, manatees, impalas, waterbucks, crocodiles, turtles and fourteen endemic species cavort on 9600 km². The flora consists mainly of acacias, skunk trees, baobabs and spurge.

Luanda is a testimony to Angola’s eventful history and a prime example of a successful mix of different traditions. The ever-present passion for art and theatre adds a culturally valuable touch to the holiday. An exciting gastronomic offer in combination with scenic highlights and African joie de vivre guarantee a holiday that is hard to beat in terms of exoticism. At the same time, every comfort is guaranteed by a sustainable tourist infrastructure. A holiday in Luanda caters to all preferences.

Djibouti, Lake Assal and Tadjoura

Djibouti

PatrickJullien

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3. May 2021

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Djibouti is a country in Africa. It borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Its neighboring countries are the Republic of Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south and a small piece of Somalia. The country has an area of 23,200 square kilometers and an estimated population of about 880,000. Of these, more than 600,000 live in the capital of the same name. The Republic of Djibouti has only been an independent state since 1977. Before that, it was a French colony and since 1946 a French overseas territory.

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The tourist highlights of Djibouti

Abdulhamid II Khan Mosque in Djibouti City

At the moment, tourism in the small country is still in its infancy. But Djibouti is a very interesting and extraordinary destination with a lot of potential. It has beautiful beaches, unique snorkeling and diving areas, spectacular landscapes and a turbulent multicultural capital. In addition, the weather is fantastic and ideal for Europeans, especially in the winter months with daytime temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius. The Red Sea will also have between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Holiday experiences in Djibouti

Tadjoura

For divers and snorkelers, Djibouti is an absolute dream area and an insider tip. It has a coastline of over 300 kilometers and countless underwater volcanoes, atolls and coral reefs. Not far from the capital, on the gulf of the same name, lies the city of Tadjoura, the oldest city in Djibouti and probably the best diving area in the country. The offshore Moucha and Maskali Islands also offer beautiful beaches, coral reefs and a diverse underwater world. A special spectacle can be experienced from October to January in the bay of Ghoubbet. Then the giant whale sharks come very close to the coast and tourists can experience the giants of the seas up close from the boat. Also of great interest are Lac Ghoubbet, a seawater lake surrounded by extinct volcanoes and black lava rocks, and the Petit Bara and Grand Bara salt pans, where you can sand yacht.

Lake Assal

Only a few kilometers from the Gulf of Tadjoura, surrounded by bare mountains, lies Lake Assal. At 155 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point in Africa and saltier than the Dead Sea. Salt crystals have accumulated on its shores over thousands of years and form formations of almost extraterrestrial beauty due to the reflections of light and water. Unlike at the Dead Sea, the few tourists at Lake Assal have the water almost to themselves and can enjoy the strange feeling of literally floating on the salty water in absolute peace. Some tour operators also offer excursions followed by an overnight stay in the open air, a uniquely beautiful experience on starry desert nights.

Lake Abbe

Lake Abbe, near the Ethiopian border and reaching into Ethiopia, is also a salt lake and surrounded by vast salt-encrusted plains and pyramids of salt. There are also various hot springs here, from which steam is constantly escaping. During the rainy season, hundreds of rasa flamingos, but also pelicans and ibises live on and around the lake. In the plain of Gagade, nomads set up camp from April to October and graze their herds on the banks of fertile wadis. With a bit of luck, you can also see antelopes, gazelles, zebras, jackals and hyenas.

The mountains of Djibouti

From the lowest point in Africa at an altitude of over 1,500 meters, it is only a short way in Djibouti. The Goda massif with the almost 1,800 meter high mountain Eger’aleyta is only about 30 meters away. kilometers from Tadjoura accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle. This is where Djibouti’s only forest, the Forêt du Day, is located. Cedars, acacias, wild figs, but also olive trees and juniper bushes grow here. There is even a succulent forest. There are a total of 9 villages in the region, in which mainly members of the Afar people live, some of whom have given up the nomadic life and do some agriculture up here.

Djibouti City

The eponymous capital of Djibouti is a dynamic, fast-growing port city and multicultural. In addition to a large seaport, it also has a huge container port, which is of great importance for the entire region. The country’s international airport is also located here. One of the city’s most significant attractions is the Hamoudi Mosque, the largest of the city’s 80 mosques. A visit to the Marche Central is also worthwhile. At the huge market, people of different skin colors and ethnicities come together to buy and sell. You can get to know the country and its people very well and learn a lot about their everyday life. The tropical aquarium of Djibouti City is also a must for anyone interested in the incredible biodiversity of the Red Sea.