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Thailand – the timeless courtesy in a magical country

PatrickJullien
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Thailand – the timeless courtesy in a magical country

In Thailand, past and present mix to create an interesting and fascinating cocktail for holidaymakers. This region in Southeast Asia has retained a mysterious charm, and many a long-distance traveler who has often landed at the airport of the lively metropolis of Bangkok believes that the smiling politeness of the people in the realm of his majesty will probably survive all time. Here, the guest is what he likes to be most in all countries: king! Thailand has many faces. Exotic beaches ideal for lounging or dreaming. The hidden monasteries in the mountains of Chiang Mai, islands full of melancholy in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea and the deep green of the jungle.

Thailand Sea and Beach
Image: Iakov Kalinin / shutterstock

And in many regions of Thailand, the rainforest begins on the doorstep of the hotel or resort. The palm trees sway in a gentle breeze on the beaches, orchids bloom in the well-kept gardens, and bananas grow on the mighty perennials with their large leaves. Khao Yai National Park is an almost magical place with one of the most extensive rainforest areas on the Asian continent. The Khao Khiau towers over the undulating green landscape with its 1350 meters, and if you move through the jungle on the narrow paths accompanied by experienced rangers, you will meet leopards, tigers, wild dogs, civets and, of course, many monkeys and birds.

Khao Yai is just one of a total of 95 national parks and protected areas in Thailand. In Khao Sok, on the highway from Phuket to Surat Thani, the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia, grows between limestone cliffs with a flower diameter of almost one meter. On the border with Malaysia stretches a marine national park: Ko Tarutao. These are exactly 51 almost exclusively uninhabited islands – one more beautiful than the other. They line up like pearls on a string in the Andaman Sea and are home to the sea nomads who leave their houses on stilts all their lives only to fish on the sea.

View of Bangkok, Image: Drone Thailand / shutterstock

If you are in Bangkok for a few days and have gradually gotten used to the traffic on the streets, you should definitely go to the National Museum. It is the largest in Southeast Asia and is housed in a palace of the former viceroy. A visit is like a journey through the history of Thailand.

There’s no question about it: Bangkok is a juggernaut and yet this city is a fascinating experience for most visitors. With the “Floating Gardens”, the golden pagodas and an impressive residence of the king. The statues of the Buddha are just as much a part of the image of this beautiful country as the monks in their saffron-yellow cloaks. The people of Thailand draw strength from the encounter with the images of Gautama. Spirituality and religiosity shape everyone’s lives.

Thailand is the traditional “land of the free” and it is about the size of France with a 2,500-kilometer stretch of coastline. It is an Eldorado for water sports enthusiasts and a highlight of international tourism. Guests are welcomed by their hosts with folded hands in front of their faces, and those who know the customs there should refrain from shaking hands and leave it at a slight bow. And one thing should definitely be taken to heart: The head is considered the seat of the soul and must never be touched.

Travel information Thailand

Capital Bangkok
Form of government Hereditary Monarchy
Military government (under constitutional monarchy)
Currency Baht (THB)
Area approx. 513,115 km²
Population approx. 67,959,359 (2015)
Languages Thai
Electricity grid 220 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +66
Time zone UTC+7

 

A cappuccino in Milan

PatrickJullien
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0
A cappuccino in Milan

Italy is famous and popular for its specialty coffees. Whether latte macchiato, cappuccino, espresso or caffè americano – these drinks are a treat in a small Italian coffee bar.

On his morning commute to work, the Italian does not miss the opportunity to enjoy his favorite cappuccino standing in the café on the corner, often parked in the no-parking zone. Holidaymakers prefer to take a seat on one of the comfortable bistro chairs. They prefer to enjoy a cappuccino sitting while eating a delicious almond tart at the same time.

Delicious cappuccinos in a cozy café in Milan

In the heart of Brera, Milan’s famous bohemian district, many a charming bakery tempts you with exquisite coffee specialties and delicious pastries. In this fascinating district, bakers and pastry chefs spoil their guests with a variety of delicacies. Many of the coffee houses there, for example in Via Madonnina, welcome their visitors early in the morning.

The passion of the coffee house operators for the black-brown hot drink and for baking creates incomparable pleasures. They are a wonderful part of a trip to Milan for any guest. The successful combination of a delicious cappuccino with sweet biscuits or a piece of cream cake is a delicious start to a Milanese morning.

How to drink the cappuccino in Milan

There are actually a variety of ways to drink a cappuccino properly. Some coffee lovers swear by first slowly removing the foam with a small spoon and enjoying it beforehand. Others prefer to stir the hot drink and the head until the foam has completely dissolved in the coffee. As a third option, some connoisseurs drink the cappuccino first. They then slowly spoon the foam out of the almost empty cup.

During one of our visits, we asked locals how they prefer to enjoy their cappuccino.

Cappuccino
Free-Photos / Pixabay

Giuseppe A., 31: “For me, the right way to drink a cappuccino is to just drink it. Basta! Do not stir, do not touch the foam, do not add sugar. This is how most coffee lovers drink their cappuccino. I do it this way, my friends do it this way and so does my family. But anyway: Drink your cappuccino as you want. It’s just important that you don’t wait too long. Italian coffee, whether espresso or cappuccino, should be served hot and drunk at the perfect drinking temperature.”

Portugal – a small country with terrific diversity

PatrickJullien
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0
Portugal – a small country with terrific diversity

The extremely hospitable coastal nation in southwestern Europe leaves nothing to be desired – even though Portugal covers just a quarter of Germany’s area. An ideal destination for relaxed round trips, provided you can resist the urge to stay in place. Because it’s beautiful basically everywhere here.

Portugal, Porto
Porto, Image: artem evdokimov / shutterstock

It is not without reason that Portugal’s multifaceted nature earned the country the World Travel Award as “Europe’s most beautiful destination” in 2018. One of the most famous holiday regions is certainly the Algarve, which attracts visitors to the south coast with its beautiful beaches, enchanting bays and spectacular rock formations. With more than 850 km of Atlantic coastline, there are plenty of other ways to spend a great holiday by the sea. Up and down the country, turquoise lagoons, bizarre cliffs and long golden sandy beaches can be discovered. In the large estuaries of the Tagus and Sado rivers, countless flamingos and spoonbills adorn the panorama.

In addition to species-rich snorkeling bays and diving areas , first-class surf spots line the Portuguese coast. In Figueira da Foz, the longest waves in Europe promise endless surfing fun, giant waves provide ultimate adrenaline rushes off Nazaré. The “perfect setting” for surfers is the tube waves of Peniche.

Lisbon, Image: TTstudio / shutterstock

In addition, kitesurfing, parasailing and all conceivable other saltwater sports are also on the program. Climbing routes in the cliffs, coastal hiking trails and various golf courses with a sea backdrop offer dry sports experiences on the Atlantic. Or you can seek out one of the many quiet fishing beaches far away from all the action, where you can simply relax while building sandcastles, swimming or walking.

However, if you want to be active, you don’t have to do without it domestically. The diverse landscapes allow you to do everything that outdoor sports demand. Torrents in the mountains challenge you to canyoning and rafting, while canoeing on the crystal-clear rivers is more leisurely. Climbing or paragliding is a special way to pay respect to Portugal’s mountain ranges.

Those who prefer to travel on two legs will find plenty of attractive trekking routes.

In winter, skiing is possible in the up to 2,000-metre-high mountain ranges of the rugged Serra da Estrela, but this should not keep summer lovers away from Portugal. In the south, there is veranda weather all year round, so you can always enjoy the country’s culinary delights outdoors.

The country produces fruits, vegetables, wine, cheese and olive oil in top quality. After freshly caught fish or a Mediterranean stew, a traditional custard cake always goes well with the espresso. A glass of port wine rounds off the evening.

Speaking of port wine: culture is not only on offer with the city of Porto and its picturesque alleys and historic buildings. Everywhere in the country, the most diverse eras and architectures have been immortalized, so it is not only in Lisbon and Porto that you can walk excellently in the footsteps of the past.

A trip to Portugal is no problem even with island fever. On the one hand, there is the flower island of Madeira, which, with its proximity to Africa , has mild winters, pleasantly warm summers and an incredible sea of flowers in spring to offer.
The Azores are really in the middle of the Atlantic. For a little more changeable weather, the sensational volcanic panoramas and a bath in the hot springs make up for it.

Travel information Portugal

Capital Lisbon
Form of government Unitary republic
semi-presidential democracy
Currency Euro (EUR)
Area 92,212 km²
Population approx. 10,310,000 (2016 est.)
Languages Portuguese
Electricity grid 230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +351
Time zone UTC±0
UTC+1 (March to October)Azores:
UTC-1
UTC±0 (March to October)

 

On the road in Cuba

PatrickJullien
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0
On the road in Cuba

A Caribbean island state has the ability like no other to awaken particularly strong longings with pictures and anecdotes: Cuba presents itself as a unique dream destination with Caribbean dream beaches, tropical landscapes, unique mountain ranges, music and cigars.

Cuba
There’s always something going on on Cuba’s streets, Image: EvijaF / shutterstock

A non-stop flight from Germany to Cuba takes less than twelve hours. The door to his Cuban adventure now opens for the traveler. At first, the capital of the Antilles island presents itself as intrusive and loud, sometimes aggressive and here and there decayed: Havana shines in the warm sunshine with its own, still morbid charm.

If you let your eyes wander over houses, street canyons and backyards after the quick first impression, you will soon discover countless beauties. Between the old town with the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal or the Plaza Vieja and the Capitol as the city’s landmark, the freshly restored Havana shines. On the one hand, travelers get an unforgettable impression of the exuberant joie de vivre of the Habaneros and, on the other hand, of the charm of Havana, as it must have affected Americans and Europeans during the first half of the 20th century.

Cuban joie de vivre

In the tropical nights and usually into the dawn, the Son Cubano groups make music under the open sky. In addition, people celebrate spiritedly with cocktails, rum and cigars, and so it is soon understandable why the great peace and relaxation in the capital of the eleven million country plays a rather subordinate role. On the one hand, many Cubans are proud of their national heroes such as Che Guevara, Maximo Gomez, José Marti or Antonio Maceo – on the other hand, they love their Havana. They say:
“Cuba is Havana – the rest is landscape.”

On the streets of the island

That Havana is not everything, however, visitors experience on a round trip across the Antilles island. The often pothole-strewn roads require the driver’s special attention, and it is not uncommon for bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and broken down vintage cars to block the route. Sociably grouped cows and bleating herds of sheep gather on the asphalt in some places and walkers do not even stop at the motorways.

So it’s best to forget the fast pace of life in Havana right away. The travel impressions that now appear become all the more intense: Green sugar cane fields, romantic villages and shrill billboards along the way – this is another side of Cuba.

Magical Trinidad

Cuba Trinidad
Colorful Havana, Image: Delpixel / shutterstock

If you visit the city of Trinidad, you probably get the best chance to understand Cuba. Once founded in 1514 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar on the south coast as “Villa De la Santísima Trinidad”, the spirit of Bacardi and the Havana Club blows through the wealthy city. The old town of Trinidad is closed to both car and horse traffic, so you can explore the historical sights on foot at your leisure. The central point and biggest tourist attraction is the Plaza Mayor.

The colonial-style square is surrounded by all the major museums, but time seems to stand still until the evening. Only then does it come alive when the samba groups play and locals and their guests come to dance, enjoy mojito or Cuba Libre and follow impulsive conversations. Then Trinidad becomes magical.

Excursion destinations in the vicinity of Trinidad are the sugar cane valley Valle de los Ingenios and the Topes de Collantes National Park.

It is located in the Sierra de Escambra. With its location between Trinidad, Santa Clara and Santi Spiritus, it is always worth a day trip, especially since the concentrated mass tourism has not yet reached this part of Cuba. Here, the low mountain range is covered by lush, green rainforest vegetation. Babbling streams and rivers as well as enchantingly beautiful lakes make the Sierra de Escambra the ideal place to unwind. The great bathing fun, on the other hand, is on the white beaches of the Ancón peninsula.

On the beach of Ancón

Not far away is the beach of the Ancón peninsula. Visitors experience welcome bathing fun in the “big bathtub”, as the Caribbean is called by the Cubans. Under palm trees, on a white beach and calm, crystal-clear water, you quickly get the feeling of having arrived in true paradise.

The turquoise sea invites you to swim, snorkel or take boat tours into the Caribbean marine world. So Ancón flatters with harmony, calm and serenity.
It doesn’t really matter where you are: In Cuba, beautiful beaches are never far away – and neither are mountains.

The particularly exciting mountain formations can be explored in the Vinale Valley. The mountains that rise from the very fertile and flat valley look like sugar loafs. They are best explored by means of a guided ride or rented bicycle. Individual speleology should not be missing on any visit program: The local caves served as good hiding places for fleeing slaves over two centuries ago. They spent a lot of time here until they were freed.

Cuba needs time

If you want to enjoy Cuba, you should take your time. The impressions of the largest of the tropical Antilles island are colorful and full of diversity. Only the perception of towns and villages, beaches and mountains, lush greenery and, first and foremost, the friendliness, serenity and joie de vivre of the inhabitants gives visitors an impression of the true atmosphere of the island. All those who have been able to feel this once want to visit Cuba again and again.

Travel information Cuba

Capital Havana
Form of government Republic
socialist, authoritarian one-party system
Currency Cuban Peso (CUP)
Convertible Peso (CUC)
Area approx. 109,884 km²
Population approx. 11,239,200 (as of 2016)
Languages Spanish
Electricity grid 110/220 volts, 60 Hz
Area code +53
Time zone UTC−5
UTC−4

 

Canada – majestic mountains between three oceans

PatrickJullien
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0
Canada – majestic mountains between three oceans

If you want to travel to Canada, you should know one thing: This country is huge, a continent in itself. It stretches from ocean to ocean and is washed by the Pacific, the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are looking for an alternative to the population density and narrowness of Europe for your holiday, you will really enjoy Canada. In the vastness of the national parks, where the forests unfold their full splendour not only during the “Indian Summer”, at the foot of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, in the tundra on the shores of the Yukon or in the fairytale forest of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

canada, Vancouver
View of Vanvouver, Image: Hannamariah / shutterstock

For many connoisseurs of the world on the other side of the Atlantic, Canada is one of the most beautiful countries on the globe. Because of the majestic mountains, the rushing rivers, the incredibly dense forests and the deep blue lakes. But also because of the open-mindedness and hospitality of the people who found their home in this great country.

Canada comprises no less than six time zones, and if you want to get an idea of these distances, you should keep in mind that the southernmost point of the country shares latitude with Rome and the northernmost tip reaches almost to the North Pole. However, a holiday in Canada is first and foremost an encounter with nature and with the wild and rampant forests. On the St. Lawrence River, they are in flames when the first frost robs the leaves of their zest for life and the trees “bloom” in all colors.

Canada, Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls, Image: TRphotos / shutterstock

In British Columbia, the relatively mild climate favors the growth of cedars, which can live up to a thousand years. Huge ferns can be found here – all of this bears the characteristics of a typical rainforest. In Alberta there are huge glacial lakes, and in Jasper National Park it can happen that a vacationer receives a visit from a bear during a picnic.

For many, Canada is something of a destination of longing, which leads to the fact that every day around six hundred people from all countries of the world decide to live permanently in this country. But it’s not just the force of nature that makes Canada so appealing. It is also the interesting cities that attract many. In Toronto , connoisseurs of unusual architecture get their money’s worth, as do those who find their fulfillment in shopping on a trip. In Toronto, the CN Tower is the tallest television tower in the world at 553 meters. And the Royal Ontario Museum, from the think tank of the ingenious architect Daniel Libeskind, is worth a visit just because of its external appearance.

Montreal is the French enclave in the New World – and you can feel that at the latest when you enter one of the city’s four thousand or so restaurants. Here, in this metropolis of 1.6 million people with its neo-Victorian buildings, international star chefs direct the temples of gourmets. If you travel to distant Vancouver, in the southwest of British Columbia, you will be particularly impressed by the landscape there. It is a city with interesting parks and a magnificent environment

There’s no question about it: Canada is a real dream – suitable for a city trip or for an extended tour in a motorhome or rental car. A country that is aware of its great freedom.

Travel information Canada

Capital Ottawa
Form of government Parliamentary monarchy
Parliamentary democracy (Westminster system)
Currency Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Area 9,984,670 km²
Population approx. 36,503,100 (as of 2017)
Languages English, French
Electricity grid 120 volts, 60 Hz
Area code +1
Time zone UTC−3:30 to UTC−8

 

Adventure holiday cruise on the sea

PatrickJullien
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0
Adventure holiday cruise on the sea

In expanses of deep blue water, the MS Amadea glides over the sea. Couples in love are standing at the railing and in the background we see the fascinatingly beautiful stern wave that the ship leaves behind. In the evening there is a gala dinner in white uniform and evening dress. Pictures that we get to see of the Phoenix ship in its role as ZDF Traumschiff in the course of each episode. This is exactly how many people still imagine a cruise today. Quiet, contemplative and even stuffy are terms that creep in in this regard. Cruises offer much more and bring advantages that no normal package holiday allows you.

Cruisers can use vacation time more effectively

Cruise Islands
A cruise ship off Santorini, Image: Georgios Tsichlis / shutterstock

See and experience a lot in a short time stress-free. Three criteria that no other form of holiday fulfils as perfectly as the cruise. Barcelona today, Rome the day after tomorrow and Naples a day later. By plane or coach a stressful affair in which you lose many hours of vacation. On the cruise ship, the holiday continues while the captain heads for the next destination. How you can enjoy this time on board depends on the concept of the chosen shipping company as well as the ship. Those who like it quiet and value upscale service and luxury will feel at home on the MS Europa 2, for example.

The multi-award-winning five-star plus ship is a floating luxury hotel. Things are more relaxed and colorful on AIDA’s kissing mouth ships. Here, holidaymakers will find a touch of Ballermann feeling and Ibiza holidays. On the way to new ports, passengers can be entertained by entertainers and dance the night away in the evenings at parties or in the disco on board. The successful combination of luxurious elegance and a lively fun atmosphere can be found on the ships of the Italian shipping company MSC. On the one hand, much of the décor makes passengers feel like they’re on a luxury liner: stairs with Swarovski stones, live music on a white grand piano in an elegant artrium, and evening wear on a gala night. On the other hand, there is the Italian attitude to life with music, pool parties and animation.

Cruise on American fun cruisers

America is the land of unlimited opportunities. So it is not surprising that the largest and most spectacular ships can be found with American shipping companies. If you decide to cruise with one of the so-called fun cruisers, you are opting for a trip on a floating small town with an integrated amusement park. Royal Caribbean International is particularly noteworthy. With the Symphony of the seas, RCI provides the largest cruise ship in the world. And that’s not the only superlative. In addition to an ice skating rink, gigantic slides and surf simulators, their fleet also has ships on which passengers can ride bumper cars, view the ship from the sea in a viewing sphere or try skydiving. All this at no extra cost. The attractions are included in the tour price. Other highlights include evening shows and musical productions in Broadway quality, which are also included. In addition to all the special features, you will also find opportunities for sunbathing, spa, fitness or quiet places to enjoy the sea on such spectacular ship models. In addition, almost around the clock a culinary variety that is second to none.

The cruise is as versatile as a round trip but as comfortable as a hotel complex

Cruise Luxury
On a cruise ship you can have a good time, Image: NAPA / shutterstock

With this statement, the advantages and special features of a cruise can probably be summed up appropriately. A round trip leads to a different place almost every day. However, you spend the time in between sitting cramped in a bus. In addition, in contrast to a ship trip, it is either a matter of living out of a suitcase or packing and unpacking suitcases again and again. Many shipping companies offer concepts that combine different needs. A cruise is a great experience for all family members. Despite all the entertainment, passengers should above all enjoy the special moments at sea. The pictures of the view of the sea and the stern wave described at the beginning can be experienced on all ships at any place. Understand this vastness of the sea, pause and switch off. You may encounter dolphins that accompany the ship for a while. These are the moments when travelers are gripped by cruise fever and that make the difference between a normal vacation and a cruise emotionally tangible.

Package tours – a good choice

PatrickJullien
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0
Package tours – a good choice

Do you want to really relax on holiday? Very good idea. But what if you could even sit back and relax while planning? Not possible? Yes, with a package tour something like this is possible.

The history of the package tour

Tourism pioneer Thomas Cook organised a railway journey from Leicester to Loughborough for workers on 5 July 1841. But this railway journey was unlike anything they had known. The travelers did not have to do anything more than pay one shilling. Everything was included in this price. During the trip, a small brass band provided entertainment for the guests. There was food; and even small games were offered.

It was the pioneer for today’s package tour. Because this concept was so well received, they spread rapidly and are still very popular today. More and more destinations are being included in this program.

Advantages of a package tour

A package tour includes many services that are not paid for individually. You pay a total price and don’t have to worry about the rest. The tour operator is responsible for the organization and planning of the entire trip.

If you want to go abroad or to a more distant city, you will be booked both the right flight and a nice hotel . But that’s not all: even the transfer to the airport by bus is included in the price. No more long searches on the Internet! The tour operator takes care of all this for you.

Anyone who thinks that such package tours are far too expensive is mistaken. In most cases, there are even huge price advantages when you book a package tour. You can opt for half board or all-inclusive for meals. And if you prefer to take care of the food yourself, that is also possible.

What else you should know about the package tour

Of course, a package tour is not always the best choice. If you decide to go on such a trip, then you should be aware that you are less flexible . Stays are planned in advance and cannot simply be cancelled from one day to the next. The airline cannot simply be changed, etc. So you can’t necessarily arrange your holiday individually . But: Exceptions prove the rule. There are also tour operators who cater to all the wishes of the customers. In addition, there are unfortunately still many destinations where package tours are not yet offered at all, even if there is demand. Package tours are very time-consuming for the organizers to plan, so that nothing goes wrong when you are on vacation.

And? Sounds really good, doesn’t it? So, what are you waiting for? Simply choose the right package tour and look forward to the upcoming holiday! You are guaranteed not to regret it. Unless you want to take everything into your own hands. But be careful: there is a lot of work waiting for you.

Germany: The land of poets and thinkers

PatrickJullien
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0
Germany: The land of poets and thinkers

Why wander far away when the good is so close? Germany is one of the most popular travel destinations. Not only tourists from abroad, but also locals discover the diversity of Germany. Whether singles or couples, families, art enthusiasts, adventurers or athletes: there is the perfect holiday in Germany for them.

The country is so geographically diverse that holidaymakers in this country are offered a lot of variety. The north is particularly popular with families, couples and dog owners. The North Sea and Baltic Sea are lined with beautiful islands and beaches that invite you to surf, sail, fly kites or build sandcastles.

Around 32 percent of Germany’s total land area is covered by forest. A walk through the Teutoburg Forest or Thuringian Forest awakens new spirits and frees you from everyday life. If you like to hike longer distances, you are in good hands in Saxon Switzerland, the Black Forest or the Allgäu . After a good breakfast with fresh bread and coffee or a warming meal such as fries, currywurst or bratwurst with mashed potatoes, you can continue on a journey of discovery.

There is plenty to discover for those interested in culture: Germany is considered a land of thinkers and poets. Goethe, Schiller, Brecht and Kant are just a few of the best-known names who have shaped the country in terms of cultural history. Caspar David Friedrich and August Macke are among the best-known German painters. The cultural landscape in Germany is so widespread that there is something to visit in every major German city: from opera houses, museums and hands-on museums for children to music festivals and literature lectures, everything is there.

Germany Neuschwanstein
Also a popular destination for foreign tourists: Neuschwanstein Castle, Image: canadastock/shutterstock

The largest German cities include the 4 cities of Berlin, Cologne, Munich and Hamburg. Berlin acts as the capital and figurehead of the country. The Reichstag with the glass dome, the Brandenburg Gate, the Victory Column and Alexanderplatz are just a few interesting sights of the capital. At Checkpoint Charlie, you can still experience the history that once divided Germany in two. Traces of the GDR have been recorded and realistically depicted in many museums in the country.

For city travellers, these and many other cities such as Nuremberg, Frankfurt am Main, Freiburg im Breisgau, Dresden, Düsseldorf or Hanover are a must. The Ruhr area, which stretches above Cologne , offers a special experience. The “Ruhr Museum” in Essen presents the history and transformation of the Ruhr area. Since then, former industrial monuments have been converted and used in other ways: For example, there is an open-air cinema in the “Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord” and the “Gasometer” in Oberhausen serves as an exhibition space that scores with a panoramic view over the Ruhr area . If you want to experience the Ruhr area by bike, you should use one of the well-developed hiking and cycling routes, which lead past special cultural sites and rivers.

Germany, Munich Marienplatz
View of Munich’s Marienplatz, Image: Tobias Grosskopf/shutterstock

Not far from the Ruhr area is the Sauerland, which is very popular with skiers and snowboarders. If there is no snow in sight, sports enthusiasts can whiz down the slopes in one of the numerous indoor ski halls in Germany, such as in Neuss or Bottrop. In the cold season, Christmas markets throughout the country also attract visitors with mulled wine and gingerbread.

In addition to the German language and the single currency, the well-developed transport network is another plus point. Travelling by car, coach, train or plane is therefore comfortable and easy.

Travel information Germany

Capital Berlin
Form of government Parliamentary Federal Republic of Germany
Currency Euro (EUR)
Area approx. 357,385.71 km²
Population approx. 82,521,000 (as of 2016)
Languages German
Electricity grid 230 Volt / 50 Hz
Area code +49
Time zone UTC+1
UTC+2 (March to October)

 

Bulgaria – in the land of roses and rakija

PatrickJullien
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Bulgaria – in the land of roses and rakija

Bulgaria – an insider tip among holiday destinations! More and more Germans are flocking to the golden beaches of the famous Bulgarian Black Sea coast. But the country has much more to offer!

Cape Kaliakra on the Black Sea Bulgaria
Bolata Beach – A famous bay near Cape Kaliakra, Image: Calin Stan / shutterstock

On Golden Sands, holidaymakers benefit from the guaranteed warm temperatures in summer. But nature lovers in the rest of the country are also happy about the good weather. Because it makes it even easier to explore the beautiful surroundings. For example, around the 260 lakes. Or on a hiking and climbing holiday in the national parks of the Pirin, Rila or Balkan Mountains. And no matter where you look, Bulgaria’s soil seems to be particularly blessed. Wonderful lush green, roses in a wide variety of colors and grapes in almost every front garden. No wonder that Bulgarians are considered sociable and friendly people. A taste of home-grown wine or schnapps (rakija) is definitely part of the holiday.

A visit to Bulgaria is not only worthwhile in summer. Winter sports in the mountains are becoming more and more popular. Snowfall and low temperatures are guaranteed! The 142 health resorts in Bulgaria are also well visited all year round. The hot and cold mineral springs and mud baths are particularly popular. A paradise for spa and wellness tourists!

In addition to its beautiful nature, Bulgaria has a rich cultural heritage. History enthusiasts will find it difficult to visit the approximately 40,000 historical sites, 36 cultural reserves, 160 monasteries and countless museums in just one holiday. But at least the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not to be missed. For example, the tomb of Sveshtari: a magnificently decorated resting place for a Thracian ruler.

Those who prefer to experience the culture of the Bulgarian people live will get their money’s worth with the tradition-conscious nation. Bulgarians like to celebrate and have the opportunity to do so on numerous holidays. On the occasion of holidays, traditional dances are performed in colourful costumes. These are best observed in one of the many cafés or restaurants. Bulgarian cuisine is tasty, rich and comparatively cheap. Even the salads are a special taste experience, as the products grown in the country taste “real like vegetables”. Other regional specialities include yoghurt with the famous Bulgaricus milk bacteria or “Sirene”, a brine cheese.

View of the Bulgarian ski resort of Borovets, Image:

Sporty holidaymakers prefer the active opportunities of the country. Not only hiking and climbing are popular sports. Equestrian sports are also part of the offer, as is cycling on the Eurovelo long-distance cycle paths. Adventure seekers can embark on a rafting or kayaking trip in the whitewater rivers. In the Black Sea, diving is very important. And in winter, you can go skiing in the mountains.

Of course, the cities of Bulgaria also have a lot to offer. In the capital Sofia , shopping enthusiasts have fun in the numerous shopping centers and then rest in one of the parks. The coastal cities of Varna and Burgas invite you to take a walk on the beach or visit the historic old town.

Almost all tourists are drawn to the coast of the Black Sea . You are faced with the choice of quiet, idyllic seaside resorts, such as Kranevo, Sveti Konstantin or Albena. Or you prefer to party into the night. At Golden Sands – the Ballermann on the Black Sea – there is always a lot going on at night. Discos and parties take place directly on the beach or even in the party ship Party Cruise. In any case, a holiday in Bulgaria will be an unforgettable experience!

Travel information Bulgaria

Capital Sofia
Form of government Parliamentary Republic
Parliamentary democracy
Currency Lev (BGN)
Area approx. 111,000 km²
Population approx. 7,050,000 (as of 2017)
Languages Bulgarian
Electricity grid 230 Volt / 50 Hz
Area code +359
Time zone UTC+2
UTC+3 (March to October)

 

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