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California – America’s Golden State on the Pacific Coast

PatrickJullien
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California – America’s Golden State on the Pacific Coast

Once upon a time, the state of California attracted countless adventurers to the Pacific in search of gold. The gold rush may be over – but the region has lost none of its fascination. The most populous state in the USA not only offers vibrant cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, but also has a considerable variety of landscapes. Here, visitors can relax on beautiful sandy beaches, hike in the shade of majestic redwood trees and marvel at the beauty of Yosemite National Park.

From the North West to the Central Coast

California, Beach
The beach in California, Image: Gabriele Maltinti / shutterstock
California’s northwest coast is famous for its redwoods and whales, which visitors can watch off the wildly romantic rocky coast. The region is also a major wine-growing region, as well as a popular refuge for artists who draw inspiration from the picturesque landscape. If you travel further south, you will reach the San Francisco Bay Area, which is framed by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco is famous for its streetcars and elegant Victorian buildings. In the 60s, Haight-Ashbury was a center of the hippie movement, and even today the city is considered liberal and progressive. Here, visitors can tour Chinatown, take in views of the city from Twin Peaks, or visit the famous Alcatraz prison off the coast.
California, Los Angeles, Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, Image: oneinchpunch / shutterstock
The Central Coast further south is also known as the “American Riviera” and is home to Monterey, the former capital of California. Here, visitors will find excellent seafood restaurants as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium with its thousands of marine animals. If you want to see sea lions and otters in the wild, you should explore the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail by bike. If you want to get to know the entire length of the Central Coast, you can drive along Highway One along the coast, which connects San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The mountainous interior of California

Northeast California is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with its mountains, forests, waterfalls, and inactive volcanoes. The Cascade Mountains are ideal for long hikes and a fishing trip to the crystal clear rivers. If you like, you can camp here and see the iconic houseboats anchored on the lakeshores. The Central Valley, which stretches all the way to Los Angeles County, is a significant agricultural area. Here, visitors can taste many varieties of fruit and vegetables. In the heartland of California lies the city of Fresno with its manicured gardens and renowned art museum. The city offers a unique attraction – an underground garden that dates back to the beginning of the
20th century by an Italian immigrant. Further inland is Gold County – so named because of the precious metal found here in the mid-19th century. Today, the region’s treasures lie elsewhere, such as the bike-friendly city of Sacramento , with its gleaming white Parliament Building and species-rich zoo. There, visitors also learn a lot of interesting things about the Transcontinental Railroad, which connected California with the eastern United States at the end of the 19th century. If you’re looking for thrills, book a whitewater rafting trip on the Sakramento River. The Sierra Nevada, also known as the “backbone of California”, has particularly picturesque natural scenery to offer. The most famous is certainly Yosemite National Park. More than 4 million guests visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site every year with its mighty mountain peaks, waterfalls, dense forests and incomparable biodiversity. In winter, the park is transformed into an enchanted snowy landscape – perfect for cross-country skiing. Other attractions in the Sierra Nevada include Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain, a popular ski resort.

The South Coast and the Desert Region

Los Angeles is located in the county of the same name and is the center of the American entertainment industry. In the Hollywood dream factory, visitors can book guided tours of the Paramount and Warner Brothers studios. Anyone who has rank and name in the film industry is immortalized on the Walk of Stars. In addition, the metropolis offers luxurious shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Bathers get their money’s worth at Venice Beach, and the best surfers put their skills to the test in Malibu. The famous Santa Monica Boulevard has rides for the whole family, and if you’re looking for great views of Los Angeles, head to the Griffith Observatory. Driving through Orange County, you will reach San Diego County with its beautiful beaches and warm ocean water. San Diego is California’s second-largest city and attracts visitors with its famous zoo, art museums, and Old Town, considered the birthplace of California. If you are interested in technology, you can visit the aircraft carrier USS Midway here. A contrast to the sandy beaches of San Diego is the desert region in the east, which borders Mexico . This is where Death Valley lies with its sand dunes, bizarre rock formations and the famous singing rocks. The “Valley of Death” is the driest and hottest region in the United States. Worlds away from the hostile desert is the city of Palm Springs with its floral splendour, thermal springs, botanical gardens and luxurious resorts.

The climate in California

Climatically, the state is divided into three zones: The coast has a maritime climate and lower temperatures than the interior due to the cold waters of the Pacific. It is also cooler on average on the north coast and it rains more often. The mountainous regions are characterized by higher temperatures, but they can drop quickly after sunset. In the winter months, a lot of snow can fall here. It is hot all year round in the desert region in the south, but it gets very cold there after dark.

The Lesser Antilles at a glance

PatrickJullien
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The Lesser Antilles at a glance

The Lesser Antilles are, in most cases, islands of volcanic origin and are located in the Caribbean. The islands are located in the eastern Caribbean Sea and stretch in the Caribbean Sea from the Virgin Islands to the Venezuelan coast. The islands belong to different countries, including European countries. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France are the European countries that are owned by these islands. In addition, Venezuela is the only South American country to have islands in its possession. Many of the small islands form an independent state, sometimes with very few inhabitants. There are countless islands belonging to the Lesser Antilles, of which 43 islands are inhabited. The Lesser Antilles, together with the Greater Antilles and Bahamas , form the West Indies.

The Lesser Antilles – But which islands are part of it anyway?

The Lesser Antilles are subdivided. For example, we speak of Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and Leeward Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The northern islands, i.e. those under the leeward, are the following islands

The Windward Islands include the following islands

Trinidad and Tobago forms a separate country and is not assigned to the Windward or Leeward Islands. Nor do they belong to the Leeward Antilles. In addition to the islands listed, there are other, smaller islands, which have not been specifically mentioned here.

Interesting facts about the Lesser Antilles

Foul Bay Beach, Barbados, Lesser Antilles
Foul Bay beach in Barbados, Image: Richard Semik / shutterstock

A passport valid for at least six months is usually sufficient for entry. The Lesser Antilles are located in the tropics. This means that there are no seasons, but rainy and dry seasons. From April to October, the weather is wetter and the chance of rain, thunderstorms and storms is increased. The dry season from November to March is the ideal time to visit and the weather is sunny, dry and warm. But even during the precipitation season, it does not rain continuously, but the weather is more likely to show itself with heavy downpours, which are over just as quickly as they occurred. Hurricanes must be expected from June to October, but the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are usually spared from the hurricanes and can even be visited all year round, as the weather there is actually always dry.

Many of the islands have their own currency. However, you can also pay with the US dollar everywhere and if you are planning a round trip over more than one of the islands, you are better off with it anyway than with the different local currencies. The islands belonging to Europe also accept the euro as a means of payment.

What to see

The center of the islands is the French Guadeloupe with the capital Basse-Terre. The international airport is also located there and is therefore usually the gateway to the Lesser Antilles. Guadeloupe has white beaches and numerous hotel complexes where you can have a good time and relax. But lush rainforests are also part of the island, which offer impressive waterfalls. Guadeloupe even has a volcano that is still active.

The island of Martinique is known as the Island of Flowers. This volcanic island also inspires travelers with beautiful beaches and exclusive hotel complexes. Highly recommended is island hopping or a cruise to the Lesser Antilles. You can visit and get to know more than one island during your holiday. It’s definitely worth it because each of the islands has its own specialty and is unique in itself. It would be a shame to miss all this. However, you have to bring enough time, because as is so often the case in the south, things are more leisurely than at home.

On the water and in the water

Saint George's, Grenada, Lesser Antilles
Saint George’s, the capital of Grenada, Image: Claudio306 / shutterstock

The Caribbean is known for its breathtaking underwater world. Magnificent coral reefs and colorful fish delight snorkelers and divers. But surfers and other water sports fanatics also get their money’s worth and can practice their sport. Underwater scooters let you discover the marine world combined with a lot of fun and action. The warm water, the hot temperatures and the crystal clear water entice you to take a catamaran cruise, of which there are numerous offers. During the trip you can enjoy the refreshing breeze from the sea, see fish, dolphins and other sea creatures and relax wonderfully.

Wonderful nature invites you to go on long hikes

If you like hiking, the islands are also the right place for you. The other rainforests with their colourful flora and fauna inspire visitors. The mostly still intact nature exudes adventure and you imagine yourself somewhere in the deep jungle. Of course, sun-seekers also get their money’s worth. The region boasts vast snow-white sandy beaches that, together with the palm trees in the background and the steel-blue waters, form a magnificent contrast that spreads paradisiacal feelings. A trip inland is always worthwhile. The locals are friendly and exude pure joie de vivre, which inevitably jumps over to you.

Other recommended activities and excursions

Saint Lucia, Lesser Antilles
Saint Lucia, Image: James R Schultz / shutterstock

To get around the area, renting a car is recommended. This makes it easy to get anywhere and can also visit places away from the tourist crowd. The big advantage is that you can stay in one place for as long as you like and don’t have to rely on a tour operator who follows your program and often leaves little time to enjoy the scenery.

Grenada is the spice island and fragrant spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon or vanilla grow on this island. The cultivation areas can be visited as well as the processing plants themselves.

What you can’t miss on the small antilles

Montagne Pelée, Martinique, Lesser Antilles
The Montagne Pelée on Martinique, Image: Petr Kovalenkov / shutterstock

Throughout the year, there are numerous festivals and events that are worth visiting. A special highlight is certainly the carnival from February to December, where the joie de vivre of the islanders is definitely expressed. Each island celebrates it at a different time.

Barbados has a big festival in April with a street festival, boat races and other competitions. There will be festivities, dancing and celebrating. In May, a large jazz festival takes place in St. Lucia. Reggae and salsa artists will also perform. Definitely worth a visit for music lovers and highly recommended.

The Caribbean is known for its excellent food with lots of fish and healthy food. Friends of culinary delights will certainly get their money’s worth in the region and it is definitely worth trying local dishes. The Caribbean is also known for rum production. Many distilleries can be visited and some have a remarkable story to tell. The oldest distillery is even operated with an old water mill.

Result
The visit to the Lesser Antilles is definitely worth it. However, you should definitely bring enough time and not want to visit too much in too little time. Island life is a bit more leisurely and some people spontaneously want to stay longer in one place than originally planned. It’s good if you have a time reserve in mind.

The most beautiful destinations on the Baltic Sea

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful destinations on the Baltic Sea

Sitting in a beach chair and looking out to sea, strolling over piers and promenades or having a good time in one of the many restaurants – all this and much more is offered by a holiday in one of the many beautiful towns and islands on the Baltic Sea.

Hiddensee

Within sight of the largest German island of Rügen lies the tranquil Baltic Sea island of Hiddensee. If you expect party hustle and bustle or endless shopping miles, you will unfortunately look in vain here. Hiddensee is another island that offers peace and relaxation. Private cars are prohibited on the island. Locals and visitors have no problem with this, however, because every destination can be reached just as easily by bike, horse-drawn carriage or on foot. Hiddensee is only 16.8 km long, the widest point of the island measures 3.7 km and the narrowest point is only 250 m wide. There are only four places on the island – Kloster, Grieben, Vitten and Neuendorf. The four villages belong to the municipality of Hiddensee, but they are very different from each other. The village of Kloster has the character of a small town, whereas Vitte and Neuendorf have retained the charm of a fishing village to this day. The Gerhard Hauptmann House in Kloster is the cultural centre of the island.

Rügen – The largest island in the Baltic Sea

Rügen, Göhren
The beach of Göhren, Image: LaMiaFotografia / shutterstock

Rügen, the largest of all German islands, is best known for its breathtaking cliffs and chalk cliffs. But the venerable castles, the extensive parks and the many pretty towns are also definitely worth a visit. If you want to see something of the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea, you can make yourself comfortable in the puffing and steaming railway, the “Rasender Roland”. Because the steam locomotive-powered train offers the opportunity to explore the Baltic Sea resorts of Göhren, Baabe, Sellin, Binz and Putbus at a leisurely pace. The magnificent spa architecture of the towns of Binz and Sellin des 19th and early 20th century and the approx. 400-metre-long pier with the imposing bridge house in Sellin. The Baltic Sea resort of Binz offers its visitors a wonderful beach promenade with a length of a good 4 km.

Cheap accommodation in holiday apartments and holiday homes on the Baltic Sea

If you want to spend the night on holiday on Rügen at a reasonable price, you should book a holiday apartment or holiday home. Our tip for finding accommodation is to book private accommodation. Vacation rental portals such as Fewostay.de offer vacation rentals at low prices and directly from the landlord. This not only saves time when looking for accommodation on holiday at the Baltic Sea, but also protects the holiday budget, because the booking on Fewostay is made directly with the host. But it is not only on Rügen that you can rent a private holiday apartment on the Baltic Sea to explore the seaside resorts of Binz, Sellin and the Königsstuhl. Along the German Baltic Sea coast, the range of holiday homes and apartments is diverse. Whether on the island of Rügen, Usedom, on the Darß or on Fehmarn, at www.fewostay.de the right holiday apartment with sea view directly on the beach can be found and booked quickly with just a few clicks.

Fehmarn

View of Fehmarn
View of Fehmarn, Image: Daniel-Froehlich / shutterstock

Fehmarn is one of the sunniest regions in Germany and has more than 20 beaches. The island is therefore a very popular tourist destination. A well-known landmark of the island is the Fehmarnsund Bridge, which connects the island and the mainland of Schleswig-Holstein. Numerous museums on the topics of art and culture offer visitors interesting information. The Peter Wiepert Museum of Local History in Burg reports on ships, history and society on Fehmarn. In the Mill and Agricultural Museum in Lemkenhafen, the only sailing windmill in Europe can be visited.

But what would an island be without a lighthouse? There are several of them on Fehmarn. The lighthouse “Flügger” offers a great view, is located in the Krummsteert nature reserve and can be visited. Right next to the lighthouse are various buildings where information is provided on the subject of shipping and meteorology. The oldest lighthouse, which was inaugurated in 1832, is located at the northeast corner.

Hanseatic City of Lübeck

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

Lübeck, the old Hanseatic city and city of seven towers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its historic cityscape, winding streets and famous sights, Lübeck is a very popular destination on the Baltic Sea. Right at the entrance to the old town is the most famous sight of the city, the Holsten Gate. The imposing gate dates back to the Middle Ages, it was part of a former fortification. Today, the Holsten Gate is home to a museum that provides information about the history of Lübeck as a medieval Hanseatic metropolis, the importance of seafaring, and interesting information about the history of the Holsten Gate. Some of you will certainly remember the old 50 DMark ticket on which the Lübeck Holsten Gate was shown. Today, the Holsten Gate adorns the reverse of the German two-euro coin. Night cats will of course want to taste the famous Lübeck marzipan. They have the opportunity to do so throughout the city and in the Niederegger Marzipan Salon with Marzipan Museum.

Usedom in the Pomeranian Bay

The island of Usedom in the Pomeranian Bay is a real paradise for water mermaids and sun worshippers with over 40 kilometres of sandy beach and a good 1900 hours of sunshine a year. Because of its many hours of sunshine, Usedom is often referred to as the “sun island”. The island baths of Karlshagen, Trassenheide and Zinnowitz are an additional guarantee for a relaxing stay on Usedom. In addition to a great long sandy beach with many water sports facilities, Karlshagen also offers a marina and fishing harbour, from which many excursions can be booked. The Baltic Sea resort of Karlshagen is one of the most beautiful destinations on the island and convinces with a gently sloping, white sandy beach and a beautiful and wooded environment. Trassenheide is home to Europe’s largest butterfly farm with about 2500 tropical butterflies, an insect zoo and numerous terrariums.

Edersee – Near-natural recreation area in northern Hesse

PatrickJullien
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Edersee – Near-natural recreation area in northern Hesse

In the north of Hesse, the Edersee unfolds, an 11.8 km² reservoir that has long been more than just a dam. Its natural surroundings make it a popular destination as a local recreation area and as a tourist dream destination in northern Hesse. From the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park to the popular treetop path to Waldeck Castle, the Edersee region presents a wide range of options for excursion enthusiasts. And the elevations around the lake offer a fantastic panoramic view of the lake landscape. If you are looking for a natural recreation area in Hesse, you should not miss the Edersee and its highlights.

The Edersee Nature Region

The Edersee is embedded in the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park, which extends over about 406 km². It owes its name to the Edersee and the Kellerwald low mountain range, which together form the picturesque natural scenery of the Hessian region. The Kellerwald is known for its distinctive beech forest areas – and surrounds the tranquil Edersee with its elevations and natural greenery. The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is also located on the Edersee, which is considered the only national park in Hesse. Since 2011, the beech forests of the park area have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the category of primeval beech forests and ancient beech forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe.

The Edersee itself lies on the eponymous Eder, a tributary of the Fulda that flows through the Edersee. In addition, the Edersee has numerous tributaries – such as the Aselbach, the Itter or the Werbe. The lake has long since emancipated itself from its function as a reservoir and is considered an important nature and recreation area in the north of Hesse. In addition to the special beech forests, exotic fauna has also settled here for Hesse. In addition to the lively fishing grounds in the Edersee, the region is home to raccoons, which spread from here to large parts of Germany, and European wildcats, which were sighted for the first time in 2009. The Edersee forms a special habitat in the heart of Germany.

History and function of the reservoir

Schloss Waldeck, Edersee
Waldeck Castle, Image: Tobias Arhelger / shutterstock

In fact, the Edersee is not that old. Between 1908 and 1914, today’s reservoir with its Eder dam was built, which still shapes the geography of the region today. Within sight of the Uhrenkopf mountain lies the large dam wall, which reaches a width of 400 meters at its crown. The reservoir was intended to contribute to being able to supply water to the Mittelland Canal. It is also used to generate electricity from the local storage power plant. This well-planned construction of the reservoir ultimately gave rise to a very special living and recreational space, which is unique to discover in northern Hesse. Today, the Edersee is one of the three largest reservoirs in Germany.

Activities – hiking, water sports and co.

The Edersee, like many similar bodies of water of this kind, is of course ideal for water sports activities. The lake is particularly popular with sailors, and there are several sailing schools on its shores. Sometimes visitors to the Edersee also dedicate themselves to windsurfing or kayaking. Of course, the fascinating natural region offers extensive opportunities for hiking. The Urwaldsteig Edersee, which leads through the middle of the untouched nature of the region, is particularly popular here – ideal for switching off. A slightly different perspective on the natural surroundings of the Edersee is offered by the Edersee treetop walk with its squirrel path, which runs about 750 meters along the wooded nature of the Edersee. Parts of the path function like a TreeTopWalk, which leads over the treetops of the local forest section. If you want to spend a varied and lively holiday at Lake Edersee, you can expect a wide range of possibilities.

Sightseeing at the Edersee

Scenic lake landscape, historic primeval beech forests, the elevations of the Kellerwald low mountain range – the Edersee is a highlight for nature lovers. But the cultural programme does not have to take a back seat when visiting the reservoir. In the surrounding area, there are a number of sights waiting for curious visitors to see. Towering above the lake is the historic Waldeck Castle, which is reminiscent of medieval times long before the construction of the reservoir. In the 12th century, the foundation stone was laid for the historic castle, which is built as a hilltop castle on a wooded hill by the lake. It is the historic home of the Counts of Waldeck, who lived here until the middle of the 17th century.

Today, the historic walls have a hotel, a restaurant and a museum. One of the most famous elevations at the reservoir is the 405-metre-high Uhrenkopf, from which there is an excellent view of the dam wall of the Edersee in good weather. The panoramic view is popular for photographing the scenic view of the Edersee. The Edersee is also just under 50 kilometres from Kassel – ideal for getting to know the Hessian city and its sights such as the historic Orangery. A popular destination for families is the Edersee Wildlife Park, which has been in existence since 1970. In the middle of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, a wide variety of red deer species, raccoons, foxes and wolves live here. The Edersee corn maze, which leads through nature at the Edersee in the style of a maze, is also a somewhat different destination. Whether classic sightseeing, the advantages of water sports or hikes through untouched natural routes – the Edersee unfolds in the north of Hesse as one of the most fascinating holiday regions in the central state

The island of Favignana – a beauty near Sicily

PatrickJullien
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The island of Favignana – a beauty near Sicily

The Egadi Islands are three small pieces of land thrown into the sea off the coast of Trapani. If you climb the hills above the city, you can see it well, as well as the two small islands of Formica and Maraone, which lie between Levanzo and Sicily. In total, less than 5,000 people live on the Egadi Islands, most of them fishermen. If you see Favignana from a bird’s eye view, the shape will remind you of a butterfly spreading its wings. It is the largest of the three Egadi Islands.

In Favignana there is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, Cala Rossa. You can read about the clear, blue waters, through which you can see the bottom perfectly, but no description comes close to the feeling of another reality that you will experience on site. The beach has no sand (there are hardly any sandy beaches on the island), and when entering the sea you have to cross rocky sections, which is why it is advisable to bring water shoes. Instead, diving here will fill your eyes and heart with joy.

There is also plenty to do on land – in addition to tasting the tuna specialties served in the local restaurants (tuna fishing is a tradition on the islands), you can also explore the Florio Palace.

What does the story of Favignana tell?

Port of Favignana
Fishing boats in the harbour of Favignana, Image: Beketoff / shutterstock

Over the centuries, Favignana has received different names: Gilia, Aponiana, Katria, Aegusa or Auegusa are derived from Latin and Greek. The Arabs called it Djazirat ‘ar Rahib, translated: Island of the Monk. The current name of the island of Favignana dates back to the late Middle Ages and is derived from the Latin favonius. An expression used by the Romans to refer to the hot wind from the west. Numerous ancient texts from different eras have been found that speak of the island of Favigna.

The coast of Favignana is rugged, rich in caves and coves. The total area of the island is about 37 km². The maximum maximum width is 4.3 kilometres.

What will Favignana offer for visitors?

Favignana and the Egadi Islands are the ideal destination for those who love to travel and enjoy the pleasure and ease that only a seaside holiday can offer, with an almost Caribbean feel. A holiday in Favignana is all about the sea and nature. Ideal for those looking for relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The contact with nature on an almost Caribbean island, the relaxing time and the excellent cuisine are the main features that attract thousands of visitors to spend their holidays in Favignana.
Of course, there is no shortage of fun either, just think of the small but numerous beach parties that are held on the island. There is also no shortage of historical and cultural sights. For example, Villa Florio, the former tuna factory in Favignana and the fortress of Santa Caterina. These places also host the most important cultural activities, exhibitions and events dedicated to art and local tradition.

Amazing diving opportunities

The marine area of the islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, together with the islets of Maraone and Formica, forms the marine protected area of the Egadi Islands. This is a great place to dive and discover the underwater beauties that lie beneath the coast of Favignana and the other Egadi Islands. The reserve is divided into four zones with different levels of difficulty and access. There are also many organized diving trips that are suitable for beginners.

As you may have guessed, Favignana is the ideal destination for a beach holiday and the clear, clean and crystal clear waters delight the soul. For this reason, Favignana is one of the most visited islands in the Mediterranean.

The magnificent beaches of Favignana

Centre of Favignana
Out and about in the center of Favignana, Image: Marco Rubino / shutterstock

The coast of Favignana offers numerous beaches, coves and caves, each different from the next. You can find beaches of fine golden sand, pebbles or even cliffs, a great variety of landscapes. The rugged coastline, sculpted by waves and wind, has several bays that are great for snorkeling. Among the most famous and popular beaches of Favignana are undoubtedly Cala Rossa and Bue Marino. For those who can’t do without sand, Cala Azzurra, the Calamoni and Lido Burrone are the ideal destinations.

Where to stay in Favignana?

There are many ways to stay on the island – holiday homes, family hotels, smaller club hotels, residences, camping, depending on the needs of different tourists. All of them offer a perfect service, some are equipped with their own swimming pool and offer all-inclusive service. If you are traveling with children, you can confidently entrust them to the expert animators while you enjoy the underwater sports or have fun with a cocktail on the beach. Each hotel in Favignana allows you to reach the beach and the sea in a few minutes, even inland hotels can be reached in less than 15 minutes on foot. Almost all hotels have sea views, but there are also some hotels that are located directly on the sea, which makes the stay on this island even more magical and summery.

If you want a more secluded location, you can rent Villa Favignana with its own garden, where you can completely relax, which is undoubtedly one of the most pleasant ways to experience an unforgettable holiday.

Rhode Island – the smallest state with a great history

PatrickJullien
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Rhode Island – the smallest state with a great history

In Rhode Island, some things are confusing. It starts with the name, because the smallest state in the USA is by no means an island. Rather, this is a peninsula on New York’s doorstep. But American history was written in this region, and it is still the home of high society. Rhode Island is hardly larger than Saarland, but officially this state can adorn itself with a somewhat more lavish name: “State of Rhode Island and Prividence Plantations”. The Americans have given this beautiful area a different name because of its geographical tininess: “Little Rhody”.

Magnificent villas and green forests

A life in luxury has been something of a matter of course here for generations. As early as the 19th century, Rhode Island was a preferred destination for the American upper class. And the magnificent villas – especially in Newport – still bear witness to the splendour of earlier days. This is where the summer residences were built, which their owners referred to as “cottages” in a touch of understatement. In reality, these villas were more like palaces of European character. In the heyday of this state, all this moved in miniature format in a maritime atmosphere, because where the green forests of the peninsula ended, the Atlantic Ocean spreads.

A mixture of music and fire

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island
Providence – Capital of Rhode Island, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Rhode Island has always been home to people who were aware of the political influence of this state on the politics of the United States. This has hardly changed to the present day, because the two representatives from Rhode Island have their seats in the House of Representatives, and the four electors have the chance to write world politics, because their votes could decide who moves into the White House as president of the USA . This is a small paradise with a great history. The “Slater Mill” in the idyllic small town of Pawtucket is considered the cradle of the industrial revolution in America. And the capital Providence is one of the oldest metropolises in the country. If you stroll through the venerable Benefit Street, you will pass impressive restored houses from the era of the Federation again and again. Every year, Providence hosts the WaterFire Festival – a mixture of musical sounds and countless beacons on the three rivers that give the city a unique character.

A Dutchman named Roger Williams

It was a Dutchman who once took possession of Rhode Island. Roger Williams chose the name “Rhode Eylandt” and was taken with the red color of the earth. In 1511, the Portuguese sailors led by the explorer Miguel de Cortereal were less interested in landing on this peninsula. They left it at entering this piece of land in their books and ignored its existence. When said Roger Williams went ashore there, he met mainly Indians. But he professed the ideals of the Baptists and decided to coexist peacefully with the natives. Thus, a century and a half later, Rhode Island could boast of being one of the first states to criminalize slavery and abolish racial segregation. However, the region also developed into a theater of war for a few years because the British claimed Rhode Island. During the American Civil War, the Europeans then ceded the peninsula to New York without a fight.

Block Island – Nature and Lighthouses

Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island
Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Image: Belikova Oksana / shutterstock

Over time, the small state enjoyed an above-average quality of life even in America. Gourmets are still drawn to the best restaurants in the historic cities. The density of universities and colleges is also very high in Rhode Island. The coasts of the Atlantic Ocean are rugged almost everywhere, and the maritime character of the area is evident in the restaurants on the plates. Rhode Island is – similar to its neighbor New England – famous and popular because of the abundance of seafood. The former summer retreat of well-heeled Americans has long since become one of the most popular destinations in the United States. A jewel of a special kind is Block Island. And this is indeed an island. It is eleven kilometres long, has two photogenic lighthouses and an interesting and protected nature reserve. In Newport, a jazz festival has been delighting music lovers from all over the world with an extensive program since 1958. Many a performer started his career here.

Remembering the “Royals” of the New World

If you climb the summit of Jerimoth Hill at Narragansett Bay, you can look forward to a great panoramic view from a height of 250 meters, because there are thirty small islands off the coast. The largest of them is Aquidneck Island. But the area is also a preferred destination for outdoor enthusiasts and ornithologists. Rare migratory birds settle here. The “Marble House” and “The Breakers” in Newport have retained the splendour of earlier eras. Both palaces once belonged to the wealthy family of the entrepreneur Vanderbilt. There, the marble is always polished to a high gloss and visitors to these museums marvel at the antique furniture and the impressive collections of art of all kinds. The memory of the legendary coal magnate Edward J. Berwind and the Astors is also kept alive in a museum. These were the “royals” of the New World, and some of them copied the architecture of European palaces.

Catalina Island – Island Adventure Off the California Mainland

PatrickJullien
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Catalina Island – Island Adventure Off the California Mainland

The legendary road trip along the west coast of the USA has long since ceased to be an insider tip. Every year, millions of people embark on this unique adventure. No wonder! California attracts with year-round mild temperatures, beautiful beaches and highways with breathtaking panoramas along the Pacific coast. Anyone who thinks that this is all is wrong! In addition to the major tourist metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco , California has another ace up its sleeve: Santa Catalina Island.

The prelude

The tranquil island of Santa Catalina, derived from Spanish as “Saint Catherine”, is located about one to two hours from the Californian mainland and can only be reached by ferry or boat. These depart from the ports of the coastal towns of San Pedro, Long Beach or Newport Beach. The duration of the crossing depends on the choice of means of transport. You have the choice between the normal ferry or the speedboat. But if you want to have the chance of an unforgettable natural spectacle on the crossing, you should keep your eyes open. Often you can watch dolphins or whales during the crossing, which are also a bit curious and like to come closer. You should therefore always have your camera ready, because maybe with a little luck you will get one of the marine mammals in front of the lens.

Catalina Island – Where to go first?

Casino Avalon Bay
The casino in Avalon, Image: Atomazul / shutterstock

The ideal starting point to explore the island is the town of Avalon. This is also where most of the almost 4000 islanders live. Avalon got its name from the now world-famous legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Presumably, the naming is related to the fact that archaeologists in the 1920s and 1930s reported human skeletons that they claimed to have found during excavations on the island. These are said to have contained remnants of blond hair and were unusually large. King Arthur, if he existed, is also said to have had an above-average height of over two meters by the standards of the time.

Today, Avalon is more of a quiet resort. It is also the only place on the island that is fully accessible to tourists. For the rest of the island, some rules apply to the protection and preservation of nature. If you also treat your surroundings carefully at home, you have a nice relaxing holiday ahead of you on Santa Catalina.

Avalon itself is a coastal town that boasts the Catalina Island Museum and the Catalina Casino. The latter is located in a building of the typical Art Deco style and houses a round ballroom that dates back to the thirties. A big piece of history! In the same building there is also a cinema, which was used as a theatre at the time. Along the coast there are numerous shops and restaurants. After extensive souvenir shopping, you can enjoy fresh fish and a glass of wine in the restaurants, for example. The beautiful sunset over the sea is free of charge.

Pure nature!

If you’ve had enough of city trips, you should definitely explore the rest of the island. Here, for example, you can see bison in the wild and have the chance to spot the increasingly rare bald eagle – the American heraldic animal. A nature reserve has been set up for it on the island. The best way to explore nature is on foot, as part of extended hikes or by bike tour. Since these two activities may require prior permissions, it is advisable to check with local tourist centres or simply at the reception of your hotel before setting off. Real water rats were already recommended the whale sightings at the beginning. However, if you like it a little more adventurous and would like to get up close and personal, there are numerous excursion options towards the sea. During a trip on the glass-bottom boat, you can observe impressive reefs and sunken shipwrecks. An unforgettable experience, especially for the little guests! If you want to get up close and personal with the underwater world, you can snorkel or dive in the clear waters off the coast of Santa Catalina. The visibility is great and the encounters with colorful schools of fish are guaranteed to be unforgettable.

And what about a little action?

Active holidaymakers also get their money’s worth here. For example, jeep or safari tours across the island or kayak tours are offered. There are also special fishing trips.

Catalina Island – From A to B

Point Vicente Lighthouse, Catalina Island
Point Vicente Lighthouse, Image: Ken Wolter / shutterstock

As already described at the beginning, various, partly private, nature conservation organizations attach great importance to the preservation of the island structure and nature. Normal cars are only allowed on the island up to an upper limit of about 700 cars. There are therefore very long waiting lists for new registrations at the local motor vehicle authority. Nevertheless, they have also found absolutely equal alternatives on Santa Catalina. The fact that the island can only be reached by water already relieves the traffic on the island enormously in terms of tourism. In addition, the restrictions only apply to cars that exceed a total length of three meters. Cars, such as the two-seater Smart ForTwo or the Mini Cooper, are therefore very common on the island. Otherwise, most of the locomotion takes place with electric golf cars. To get to the center of the island, there is also a bus. In addition, special water taxis also run between the individual towns on the island. So you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything here. Santa Catalina Island is well aware of its beauty and wants to show it off.

Overnight on Catalina Island

In addition to the typical hotels, there are also some tent and camping sites on Santa Catalina Island. So if you want to be particularly close to nature or want to enjoy sleeping under the stars, this is the place for you.

Key West – Dream beaches and Caribbean flair in southern Florida

PatrickJullien
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Key West – Dream beaches and Caribbean flair in southern Florida

The writer Ernest Hemingway and US President Harry S. Truman already preferred to spend their holidays on Key West. The popularity of this barrier island of the Florida Keys has not changed: Even today, Key West attracts with picturesque nature, white tropical beaches and a relaxed atmosphere far away from the hustle and bustle. Here, at the southernmost point of the USA, the Caribbean is within reach, which is especially evident in Key West’s culinary delights. But historical sights and a variety of shopping opportunities also await guests in this jewel of South Florida.

Key West – a paradise for beach lovers

Southernmost point USA, Key West
The southernmost point of the USA, Image: Dennis Kartenkaemper / shutterstock

Average temperatures of 24° C make Key West the perfect place for a beach vacation in Florida. The warm, crystal-clear water does the rest to attract guests. Smathers Beach stretches over a total length of 3 kilometers on the south coast. With its light, extra-fine sand and lush palm trees, this beach seems to have come straight out of a postcard. Whether it’s beach volleyball, kayaking or snorkeling – active holidaymakers get their money’s worth at Smathers Beach as well as sun worshippers. No less beautiful is Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, which is located in a national park. Here, guests may be lucky enough to see turtles while dolphins frolic off the coast. For families, Higgs Beach is ideal with its playgrounds and weak current. Right next to it, the four-legged friends can really let off steam at Dog Beach.

Get out into nature on Key West

Aerial view Key West
Aerial view of Key West, Image: Stuart Monk / shutterstock

With its tropical landscape, Key West is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience South Florida’s nature. The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers a good insight into the diverse flora of the Sunshine State: Here, the dense canopy of leaves is teeming with bird species, and lizards and butterflies can also be spotted in abundance. Guests can see even more colorful butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – even in bad weather thanks to the greenhouse. Fancy a boat trip? Then there is no better destination than the Dry Tortugas National Park, 113 kilometers to the west. The pristine coastal landscape is home to more than 300 species of birds, while colorful fish and even turtles can be admired while snorkeling. Camping on the beach is a highlight, especially for the little guests – especially because Florida’s starry sky shines in full splendour here away from the big city lights.

History Tours on Key West

In addition to beach and natural idyll, the island of Key West also holds cultural treasures. Did you know, for example, that the writer Ernest Hemingway got his inspiration here? His house, surrounded by palm trees, is now a museum where the descendants of Hemingway’s cats still live. And the 33rd US President Harry S. Truman also loved Key West – so much so that he liked to run government business from the island.

The Truman Little White House , which is over 100 years old, impresses with its original rooms: from the bedroom to the office to the president’s poker room. Visitors travel even further back in time at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. There, a 19th-century fort is enthroned, which is particularly worth seeing thanks to its imposing guns. Spectacular sunsets can also be admired here on the west coast of the island. If you are interested in the world of marine archaeology, you will get your money’s worth at the Mel Fisher Museum: One of the most valuable exhibits on display there is the gold treasure of the sunken galleon Atocha: it would be worth a whole 400 million dollars today.

Dining and shopping

Key West is the perfect place to sample South Florida cuisine. Fresh seafood like shrimp, stone crab, and lobster are at the top of the menu — as is Key Lime Pie, a refreshing pie made with sweet condensed milk and lime juice. Caribbean influences can be seen in conch fritters, golden-brown fried sea snails from the Bahamas. And Cuban cuisine is also very popular on Key West – no wonder, as the coast of Cuba is closer than the mainland of the USA. The gastronomic heart of the island beats in Duval Street, where international restaurants, bakeries, cocktail bars and cafés are lined up. With the magnificent view of the sea, the specialties taste even better, and people in Key West also prefer to go shopping in the fresh air: for example, in Mallory Square, a charming market known for its handmade pieces of jewelry made of shells. Visitors can find a wide range of clothing in the more than 120 shops of the Key West Shopping Centre. Looking for stylish swimwear? Then it’s worth taking a detour to the Ocean Key Boutique at the northern end of Duval Street.

Tokyo – cosmopolitan metropolis with plenty of tradition

PatrickJullien
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Tokyo – cosmopolitan metropolis with plenty of tradition

If you visit Japan , you have to make at least a detour to Tokyo (also Tokyo or Japanese 東京), the country’s largest metropolis and at the same time the capital. The city, formerly called Edo, is home to about 9.5 million inhabitants on 622 km² and is considered one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Tokyo – city with a long history

If you are interested in the history of Tokyo, you have to go back to 1446. In that year, a castle was started, which gave the city its original name Edo (River Gate Mouth). Initially surrounded by only a few fishing villages, the city grew rapidly over the next few centuries and became the country’s second cultural and political center of power after Kyoto .

Asakusa Shrine Tokyo
Asakusa Shrine, a Buddhist temple, Image: Phattana Stock / shutterstock

In 1868, the shogunate with its shoguns, which had been endowed with a lot of power until then, was abolished, the residence of the Japanese emperor (Tenno) was moved to Edo, the former Edo Castle became an imperial palace and the city received its name Tokyo, which is still valid today, which can be translated as “eastern capital”. During the Second World War, almost half of the city was destroyed. After the turmoil of war and the subsequent occupation by the Americans, the metropolis finally experienced an economic boom that made it the undisputed economic center of the country.

Mixture of historical and modern sights

Although many historic buildings were destroyed in the last World War, Tokyo today still presents itself as a successful mixture of modern architecture and traditional building and garden culture. Among the most important sights of the city are above all modern buildings such as:

  • Tokyo Skytree (at 634 meters high, it is the second tallest building in the world)
  • Tokyo Tower (332-meter-high, bright red and white steel tower that serves as a broadcasting tower for radio and television stations)
  • Tokyo Dome (a baseball stadium that resembles a flying saucer in shape)
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (243-meter-high Tokyo Prefectural Building)
Tokyo and Fuji
The skyline of Tokyo in front of Mount Fuji, Image: f11photo / shutterstock

In addition to these modern sights, Tokyo also has a variety of traditional buildings to visit. Of course, this includes the temples of the metropolis. Here is especially the Sensō-ji (in Japanese characters 浅草寺) or as it is officially called Kinryūzan (Japanese 金龍山). It was built as a Buddhist temple. It is not only Tokyo’s oldest, but also the most important temple complex, which can be traced back to the year 645. Another tourist highlight is the Imperial Palace (Japanese 皇居, Kōkyo). It is located in the heart of Tokyo, nestled in a park with gardens that can be visited. The actual palace area can also be visited by appointment as part of a guided tour, although the buildings themselves are not allowed to be entered. A popular place for locals is Ueno Park, which is open to the public and is home to various shrines, the University of the Arts, the Tokyo Prefectural Museum of Arts , and the National Museum . The latter is the largest and oldest museum in Japan.

Tokyo as a transport centre

In the field of public transport, Japan is best known for the Shinkansen , which can reach speeds of up to 330 km/h, the high-speed train that is one of the fastest trains in the world, along with the French TGV (320 km/h), the German ICE (368 km/h) and the Velaro (up to 403 km/h), which runs in Spain and Russia . Tokyo is, so to speak, the hub for the various routes of the Shinkansen. In addition, the city has two large airports in its urban area and the metropolitan region, with Tokyo-Haneda Airport , which today only handles national air traffic, and Narita International Airport . The network of 300 km of urban motorways and numerous main roads was completely renewed before the 1964 Olympic Games. However, the city administration is striving to reduce private car traffic in the inner city area by providing a good range of public transport services and to relieve the never-sleeping metropolis. There is a large network of buses, state-owned or private commuter train lines , as well as various metro lines. The latter extend over more than 300 km, making them the largest metro network in the world.

Tip: If you are a fan of public transport and visit Tokyo, you should not use the subway during rush hour in the morning and late afternoon. At these times, the carriages are so incredibly crowded that it can be difficult to get a seat. After all, the Tokyo subway, with a total of 12 lines, is the busiest subway in the world.

Tokyo earthquakes are part of everyday life

Tokyo Skyline
Image: f11photo / shutterstock

As is well known, Japan and Tokyo are located in one of the most active earthquake regions in the world. For this reason, the population is used to the fact that the earth wobbles slightly every now and then. There are also regular exercises in which the correct behavior is practiced. For vacationers, such an earthquake can be quite a frightening experience. However, the Japanese are considered to be a technically very advanced people and so almost all newer buildings in the city have been erected earthquake-proof and can withstand even more severe quakes without much effort. Nevertheless, it makes sense to follow the instructions that you receive from the hotel or railway staff, for example, during such an event.

The climate in Tokyo

Tokyo’s weather is characterized by a so-called subtropical east-side climate. This means that summers in the city are extremely hot and humid with 30 degrees Celsius or even more. Winter, on the other hand, is usually mild and temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees Celsius, even at night. The rainy season, which lasts from the end of June to mid-July, is very short and is characterized by mostly short and heavy rain showers. This will be followed by a persistently hot and humid period until about the end of August. Japan is also known for its typhoons, which pass over the island in September or October and usually last little longer than 24 hours. The months between mid-March and early May are a special time, because then is the time of the cherry blossom (Japanese Sakura) in Japan. It always begins in Tokyo in mid-March and ensures that almost all Japanese flock to the gardens and parks of Tokyo for Hanami, the “looking at blossoms”. Spring and early summer in particular are suitable for a trip to Tokyo in terms of weather.

Vaduz – the capital of Liechtenstein

PatrickJullien
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Vaduz – the capital of Liechtenstein

Hidden in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the sixth smallest recognized state in the world and forms an almost unknown small kingdom that has never been visited by many travelers. With its capital Vaduz, the principality not only offers a historical core in the development of Europe, but also a great destination for a short trip. Vaduz itself occupies the most important part of the country and attracts visitors with sights as well as a unique culture and history.

The long history of Liechtenstein and Vaduz

Vaduz city centre
Out and about in the city centre of Vaduz, Image: Andrii Lutsyk / shutterstock

The first settlers are said to have been on the move in the area around the Alpine Rhine as early as the Stone Age. With its fertile meadows and protected by the mountains, Liechtenstein has repeatedly had to assert itself in European history and has lost its sovereignty for a while more than once. Once just one of many counties in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, the fate was of course closely linked to today’s neighboring states of Austria and the Swiss Confederates. In 1719, the time had finally come for the current Lords of Vaduz to acquire the land and establish it as a separate principality in the empire.

After the various wars in Europe, the country’s actual sovereignty developed. Since Liechtenstein was rich, but could hardly survive isolated between Austria and Switzerland, they sought rapprochement with Switzerland. A close partnership is stipulated in various contracts, which is one of the reasons why a visit to Liechtenstein from Switzerland is now as easy as you can imagine. Vaduz as the capital has also developed into a sought-after destination for tourists. The picturesque backdrop with the castle is not only a popular motif for postcards, there is also a lot to experience and discover in the city itself – not least about the interesting history of the city and the country.

Vaduz – small village with great power

Vaduz Castle
The castle of the princely family, Image: Boris Stroujko / shutterstock

Liechtenstein’s importance in Europe can hardly be compared with the size of the country. The prince is considered one of the richest people in Europe and companies in particular use the country’s unique tax structures for their own purposes. This could possibly give you the wrong impression of what to expect when visiting Liechtenstein and Vaduz. In fact, only about 6,000 people live in the capital and many of these families have lived here for generations.

Towering above it all, of course, is Liechtenstein Castle, which is still inhabited by the princes today. This is also the reason why a visit is not possible. Instead, the focus is on the historic city centre of Vaduz. Various guided tours offer an insight into the history of the principality and the capital, and the Fürstenkino goes into even more detail about the history of the building and the country. In general, you have to think of Vaduz more like a slightly larger village. Not much has happened here since the Middle Ages and even though the city has been modernized again and again, it has not grown significantly over time.

If you stroll through the streets of Vaduz, you should definitely visit the other museums. The local history museum tells a lot about how people lived here, especially in the Middle Ages, and what the challenges were to survive in this region of the Alps. The Art Museum and the Postal Museum round off the visit. What is also always striking in Vaduz is the contrast in the city. If you still have the houses on one corner that look a bit as if they haven’t been changed for 200 years, there are already modern banks on the next corner. The principality is still known for its banking business and enjoys a very good international reputation in this industry.

Travel to Vaduz and relax a bit in the streets

If you want to travel to Vaduz, it is best to do so by bus from Switzerland. Of course, it is also possible to travel by train, but the train station of Vaduz is a little outside the actual city area and you can either rely on local transport or take a taxi. Of course, it is also possible to travel with your own car – but the number of parking spaces in the small town is manageable and especially in the popular excursion months it may well be that you have difficulties trying to park your own car.

After a stroll through the city and a visit to the three most important museums, a long view of the castle and the other historical testimonies of the city, you have a good selection of restaurants with different specialties. The cuisine can be compared to that of Switzerland and is hearty and relies on product from the region. Many cafes also offer an opportunity for relaxation and round off the day trip to Vaduz.

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