Georgia is currently still on the list of few travelers, but this is completely unjustified. The small country on the border between Europe and Asia offers immense diversity both culturally and scenically and welcomes its guests with open arms. The country has been independent since 1918 and is now home to almost 4 million people. A flight from Germany takes about 3.5 hours, the most common airport in Georgia is Tbilisi. However, there are also international airports in Kutaisi and Batumi.
The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, is home to more than a quarter of the country’s population and is a cultural and economic hub. The city also has a lot to offer visitors and is the center of tourism in Georgia.
The city centre of Tbilisi is particularly beautiful, especially known for its lovingly carved wooden balconies. In the narrow cobbled streets there are numerous bars, bars and wine cellars and invite you to enjoy the hospitality of the Georgians.
Another highlight in the Georgian capital is the spa district of Abanotubani. Since Tbilisi means “warm spring”, a part of the city’s history can be discovered here and visitors can enjoy the baths with sulphurous water that can reach temperatures of up to 47 degrees. There are also numerous providers of massages and other spa services here. If the legend is to be believed, the hot springs under the city were once discovered during the hunt of a Georgian king, when a pheasant he had killed fell into a hot spring and was immediately cooked.
Towering over the city of Tbilisi is the mighty Narikala Fortress, which was once the most important castle in the country and played a central role in the numerous conflicts in the region. Today, unfortunately, only a ruin remains, but after taking the cable car to the castle, there is a fantastic view over Tbilisi and the surrounding region.
Cave Monastery of Davit Gareja
In a day trip from Tbilisi you can visit the cave monasteries of Davit Gareja, which are located on the border with neighboring Azerbaijan . If you don’t want to drive yourself, you will find numerous tour operators in the Georgian capital that offer day tours here. The journey alone is an experience, because the road leads through a barren landscape marked by salt lakes. The monastery complex itself consists of 2 monasteries, the renovated Lavra Monastery in the valley and the ruins of the Ubadno Monastery a little further up the mountainside. There are also cave paintings to discover on the grounds and the view from the higher monastery to the countryside all the way to Azerbaijan is impressive.
The Ananuri Fortress
Ananuri Fortress, Image: UBC Stock / shutterstock
The Ananuri Fortress is located north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Road, picturesquely situated on the shore of the Aragvi Reservoir. The oldest parts of the building date back to the 13th century and the castle includes a variety of buildings, including an Orthodox monastery inside the complex. The castle can be visited and is developed for tourism, on the forecourt there is a small market with stalls selling food, souvenirs and all kinds of odds and ends. A special highlight is when a bridge below the fortress, which used to be part of the Georgian Military Road, becomes visible in the reservoir at low tide.
Gergeti Trinity Church Tsminda Samebna
Again north of the Ananuri Fortress, also on the Georgian Military Road, is the Gergeti Trinity Church. It can be reached on a hiking trail in about 3 to 4 hours from the road and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains, and there are numerous cafés and restaurants in the village.
Cave city of Uplistsikhe
Uplistziche, Image: Ralf Poppcke / shutterstock
About 12 kilometers from the city of Gori lies the abandoned cave city of Uplistsikhe. Once home to up to 20,000 inhabitants, the cave city with its labyrinth of underground rooms and tunnels is now abandoned. The first people are said to have lived here 3000 years ago, the last left the city in the 18th century. The largest complex of the cave city is the Tamaris Darbasi, a huge hall in the rock, which is held in place by two columns. The cave city is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage and is currently being extensively restored.
Batumi – The gambling city from Georgia on the Black Sea
Georgia’s second-largest city looks a bit like an eastern version of Las Vegas. Since gambling is strictly forbidden in Turkey , which is only 20 kilometers away, business is flourishing all the better here and has allowed some casinos to emerge. The city also has a very beautiful historic city center and a beach invites you to swim in the Black Sea in summer.
Until a few years ago, the island state of the Philippines was hardly developed for tourism, but the Southeast Asian island paradise is slowly thawing. We are going on a round trip in the Philippines.
Completely unjustly, the Philippines is a much lesser-known holiday destination than other Asian countries, because the island state in the Pacific is hard to beat in terms of beautiful islands, picturesque beaches and cultural highlights.
The fifth largest island nation in the world has a turbulent past and has been independent since 1946 and is now home to over 105 million people. A direct flight from Germany takes 14 hours, but it usually has to be changed again, for example in Dubai or Singapore.
Round trip Philippines – The most beautiful islands
The state of the Philippines comprises 7641 islands and archipelagos on an area of 343,000 square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than Germany, and the nature, culture and people of the different parts of the country are correspondingly diverse and varied.
The island of Palawan and the surrounding region are hard to beat in terms of natural beauty. Many small islands and archipelagos, some of which are hardly larger than a rock jutting out of the sea, form a tropical dream landscape here, which is often only accessible by boat and is still untouched by mass tourism.
A highlight of this region is the island of Calauit with its African animals, because during the Marcos regime, 104 African wild animals were settled here as a gift from Kenya, which coped very well with the climate on the island and have multiplied and become feral. Today, you can observe wild giraffes, zebras and impalas on a jeep safari in the middle of Southeast Asia. An experience you won’t soon forget
Boracay Island
On the beach in Boracay, Image: ekarin / shutterstock
Much more touristy is the island of Boracay , which with its white sandy beaches has probably the most beautiful bathing opportunities in the Philippines, perhaps even in the whole world. White Beach and Diniwid Beach are particularly gorgeous. In 2018, the island was closed to tourists for 6 months to give nature time to recover. In the meantime, the island is open again and the colorful life continues.
Bantayan Island
Located at the northern tip of the much larger island of Cebu , Bantayan Island is also a dream beach destination in a class of its own. With palm-fringed white sand beaches such as Sugar Beach or Alice Beach and the Spanish colonial buildings in the island’s interior, Bantayan has something for everyone. Today, the island is mainly home to luxury resorts and upscale accommodation. A special highlight of the island is also the picturesque Ogtong Cave .
About 13 million people live in the megacity of Manila and its surroundings and most visitors to the Philippines spend as little time here as possible. Nevertheless, the city has a lot to offer, especially a visit to the Fuerza de Santiago, a former Spanish fort from the colonial era. This is a good opportunity for visitors to learn more about the eventful past of the island state. The Spanish fort together with a small restored district are a must part of every Manila tour and revive a little of the spirit of the past.
The Simala Shrine in Cebu
Located on the beautiful island of Sabu , not far from Cebu, Simala Shrine is arguably one of the most extraordinary and unexpected places in the Philippines. Located high in the mountains of the island, it is a religious shrine dedicated to the veneration of St. Mary, which attracts countless visitors every year. The hustle and bustle in and around the complex is correspondingly dense, but due to its beauty, it should not be missed.
The underground river at Puerta Princesa in Palawan
About three hours from the island’s capital Puerta Princesa is one of the 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines – the underground river. To discover the river, you must either book a tour with a tour operator or buy a permit from a government office. Once you have made it to the river, the visitor is greeted by a small underground world, a cave full of stalagmites and stalactites, which leads deep into the mountain. A true miracle of nature.
Rice Terraces in Banaue – The Steps to Heaven
Always a fascinating sight: rice fields in the Philippines, Image: R.M. Nunes / shutterstock
The landscape around Banaue in the north of the island of Luzon , which is characterized by rice terraces, is so picturesque that it has even made its way onto a Philippine banknote. The rice terraces built on the mountainside can be admired most beautifully from the Banaue viewpoint and are among the most beautiful in the world. Rice was cultivated here for the first time over 3000 years ago and over time thousands of rice terraces were built into the mountainside, which are now also called “steps to heaven” by the locals.
The city of Cebu – heritage from the colonial era
The colonization of the Philippine islands began in 1521, when the Spanish explorer Magellan first landed on the island of Mactan . The city of Cebu City is still a living relic from the colonial era and offers its visitors the former Spanish Fort San Pedro and the Catholic Santo Nina Church , among other things. The Taoist temple looks somewhat unusual here in the cityscape, which takes into account the large Chinese minority of the city.
Chocolate Hill on Bohol
The island of Bohol looks like a small piece of paradise, where visitors can expect not only the white sandy beaches that gently slope into the sea, but also a dreamlike interior of the island with green vegetation and winding rivers. A special highlight of the island are the so-called chocolate hills , which, according to legend, were created from the tears of a giant with a broken heart. The limestone hills, which are over 1200 and 30 to 50 meters high, turn brownish every summer as the grass growing on them dries out, which earned it the name “Chocolate Hills”.
260 kilometers north of Rome lies the city of Pisa with 90,000 inhabitants. Due to its location on the Mediterranean, it was an important seafaring republic and attracted traders from all over the world. It became famous for its “Leaning Tower of Pisa”, which developed into one of the biggest tourist magnets in Europe and especially Italy . Nowadays, Pisa is a lively, modern city with a typical Italian flair, with many students who make up almost half of the population.
The most important buildings in Pisa are located in Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as Piazza del Duomo . Here, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral, the largest baptistery in the world and a cemetery are close to each other. These four sights were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Ponte di Mezzo, Image: Anton Watman / shutterstock
Construction of the free-standing bell tower began in 1173. Twelve years later, it happened that the tower, which had been unfinished until then, tilted by four degrees . The reason for this was a loamy soil that could not withstand the weight. The missing part was then built in such a way that the construction could not sink any further. It reached a total height of 55.8 meters and the Leaning Tower of Pisa was finally opened in 1372.
Duomo di Pisa
The Cathedral of Pisa, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , was built in the middle of the 11th century in the Romanesque style. In 1118 it was consecrated by Pope Gelasius II. The materials used for the construction were often objects that were captured in previous battles or stolen from the defeated cities. Along with the Cathedral of Florence , it is considered one of the most popular churches in Tuscany.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery, Image: Dima Moroz / shutterstock
The world’s largest Christian baptistery reaches a height of 54 meters and is located not far from the Cathedral of Pisa. On its dome there is a bronze statue of John the Baptist from the 15th century. In addition to the octagonal baptismal font , the acoustics of this church are particularly impressive. Due to the special construction, there are unique sound experiences and echoes inside the building.
Camposanto Monumentale
The Camposanto Monumentale cemetery is also part of the Piazza dei Miracoli and was already used for burials in the Middle Ages. The cloister and the Gothic marble façade that surrounds the cemetery are particularly worth seeing.
Special celebrations in Pisa
Luminara di San Ranieri
Every year on June 16, the feast of the patron saint “San Ranieri” takes place in Pisa. The whole city becomes a unique scene when hundreds of thousands of candles and lights are lit at sunset. Floating lights enchant the Arno River, on which illuminated boats sail. Various concerts take place and the party goes on until late at night. The festivities reach their climax at 11 p.m., when the big fireworks display is ignited.
Regata di San Ranieri
The actual holiday in honour of San Ranieri takes place one day later, on 17 June. In the morning, processions pass through Pisa. You will end in the cathedral, where a large mass will be celebrated. In the afternoon, the annual regatta takes place on the Arno, where the different districts of the city compete against each other in a boat race.
On the last Sunday of June, the inhabitants of Pisa celebrate the Gioco del Ponte, the “Battle on the Bridge”. In this centuries-old competition, the Tramontana and Mezzogiorno districts compete against each other. The aim of this medieval game is to take the other part of the bridge. A historical procession leads the almost 400 participants, some of whom are dressed in helmets and armor, to the scene. On the Ponte di Mezzo bridge, an attempt is finally made to push a seven-ton cart to the opponent’s side.
Tuscan delicacies
In Pisa you can find all the delicacies typical of Tuscany. Local products from the region, such as meat from pig and cattle breeding or fish from the Mediterranean, dominate the menu. The sciocco, an unsalted bread, is often served with meals. Culinary specialties include olive oil, truffles, wine and the famous pecorino sheep’s cheese. As is customary throughout Italy, antipasti and pasta are offered in almost all restaurants in Pisa.
The United States of America has always been a popular destination for vacationers and some cities have a special attraction. These include, for example, Las Vegas, which is known as a marriage and gambler’s paradise. The city in the western state of Nevada has about 650,000 inhabitants, spread over 340 square kilometers. Every year, the metropolis attracts more than 40 million visitors, who flock to the city mainly because of the numerous casinos in the large hotel complexes and because of the possibility of getting married here quickly and easily.
THE STRIP at night, Image: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB / shutterstock
If you visit Las Vegas, you will come across a place whose beginnings date back to 1854. In that year, the Mormon religious community founded a first settlement in the middle of the Mojave Desert. Interestingly, the city name Las Vegas (it comes from Spanish) is translated as “The Meadows” or “The Meadows”, which is surprising at first given the location in the desert. However, the city has various artesian springs where passing treks used to be able to supply themselves with water.
After the Mormons abandoned the settlement after only three years, the U.S. Army built Fort Baker from about 1865. When a widow named Helen Stewart sold much of her ranch to a large railroad company in 1903, and two years later the railroad ran from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, the acquired property was divided into individual parcels and sold to interested parties. This sale is considered the official birth of the city of Las Vegas as it exists today. The construction of the Hoover Dam between 1931 and 1935, as well as the legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1935, provided the final impetus for the city’s growth.
Las Vegas – Play, Play and Play More
Every visitor to Las Vegas should definitely visit one of the casinos, which are mainly located along the Las Vegas Strip and dare to make at least one bet. The hotel complexes in which they are located are as gigantic as they are unusual. The most famous casinos are:
MGM Grand Hotel (venue of important boxing matches)
New York-New York (modeled on the skyline of the megacity)
Park MGM (also known as Monte Carlo)
Mandarin Oriental
Planet Hollywood (home to one of the largest casinos in the city)
The Cosmopolitan
Paris Las Vegas (recognizable by the replica of the Eiffel Tower)
Bellagio (5-star hotel)
Caesars Palace
Flamingo (hotel with 3,626 rooms)
The Mirage (one of the most famous houses in Las Vegas)
The Venetian (lagoon city-style facility)
Stratosphere (hotel, casino and observation tower in one complex)
The famous street sign, Image: somchaij / shutterstock
In addition to these well-known houses, there are other opportunities to try your luck with Delano, Tropicana, Bally’s, The Cromwell, The LINQ Resort and Casino, Harrah’s, Casino Royale, Wynn, Trump, Circus Circus, SLS Las Vegas and Encore. Especially the large hotel complexes often have several thousand rooms as well as huge casinos, where guests can easily pursue their pleasure at the countless slot machines or gaming tables for roulette, poker, blackjack, baccarat or craps.
Hotels in Las Vegas as sights
Not only the casinos are considered a sight in Las Vegas, but also the hotel complexes themselves, in which the casinos are integrated. If you come to the city, you should take a closer look at the Luxor in the shape of a black pyramid, the New York-New York with its skyline based on New York or The Venetian with its canals and gondolas.
The hotel operators have each focused entirely on the theme specified in the hotel name in terms of design, entertainment and equipment. No matter which hotel you go to, you enter a world of your own and feel transported to Italy, France or Egypt . There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the hotel complexes and, of course, numerous restaurants and cafés.
High Roller, Big Shot and SkyJumping – experience for the very daring
For those who want to experience more than the thrill of the casino, Las Vegas has a very special experience in store. The Stratosphere Tower is not only a hotel and casino, but also a “world of experience” for visitors with strong nerves. If you have a lot of courage, you can use the roller coaster called High Roller, which has been installed on the roof of the tower, at a height of 240 meters.
The Big Shot is a catapult with which you are catapulted about 40 meters into the air, mind you from the tower mast. With the chain carousel called “Insanity – The Ride”, which runs along the outside of the tower, pure thrills are the order of the day and those who dare can jump from the 350-metre-high Stratosphere Tower into the depths and do SkyJumping.
Las Vegas Stretch Limo Service and Dancing Fountains
Water show in front of the Bellagio Hotel in 2012, Image: Paul Brady Photography / shutterstock
Who doesn’t dream of being chauffeured in a stretch limousine at least once, like the big Hollywood stars. In Las Vegas, there are several providers for such a service. With such a vehicle, the big entrance would be guaranteed and the whole family would certainly have fun being driven to dinner in this way.
Another highlight is the water fountain in front of the Hotel Bellagio, which is up to 152 metres high and illuminated by around 5,000 spotlights. It consists of 1,200 water jets, is considered the largest fountain in the world and is launched at regular intervals of 30 or 15 minutes. Especially at night, the fountain, which dances to classical and modern melodies, is a truly impressive experience. The spectacle is complemented by the city’s incredibly extensive neon signs. With the Neon Museum, there is even a visitable “cemetery” for the disused neon lighting.
Hoover Dam, Colorado River, and Grand Canyon
If you are already a guest in Las Vegas, then you should also take a detour to the world-famous Hoover Dam and the Colorado River. The dam, named after the 31st US president, dams the Colorado River into a gigantic reservoir with a total volume of 35 billion cubic meters, is located about 45 km from Las Vegas and can be easily reached by rental car.
The dam has a height of 226 metres and the US 93 state road runs on its crest, but its traffic volume has now been reduced by a new bridge. You have to take a slightly longer trip if you want to visit the Grand Canyon National Park . There are special tour offers here.
Cleveland – an underrated city by many, showcasing what the Midwest of the USA has to offer.
The Ohio city has a down-to-earth charm. Beer, sports and rock and roll mingle with cultural highlights such as the world-famous Playhouse Square and the Cleveland Orchestra. In recent decades, Cleveland has developed from an industrial center to a metropolis and has not forgotten how the chat with the neighbors works.
Sports play a big role in Cleveland. The three major professional sports teams and their stadiums are places of worship. There are the Cleveland Browns, who play in the NFL, the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team, and the Cleveland Indians, the city’s baseball team. When staying in Cleveland, you should not miss a visit to a game. You can feel how the city stands behind its teams and the sports fever is contagious.
And what goes better with a visit to the stadium than a cold beer? The inhabitants of Cleveland are very proud of their brewing skills. With a stamp book you can go through the city and try a beer at every tap. Sports and beer, the down-to-earthness of the Midwest has not been lost in Cleveland, despite the great growth, and you can feel that in the togetherness of the people.
From Rock & Roll to Classical Music
View of the Cleveland skyline, Image: f11photo / shutterstock
If you prefer music instead of sports, you will also get a taste for it in Cleveland. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame features everything from Elvis to the Beatles to Jimi Hendrix. In addition to exhibitions on certain artists, the roots of rock and roll are also told. The Hall of Fame is a must for all fans of the music genre of the 80s.
From rock and roll it goes into classical music. The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the five largest symphony orchestras in the United States. The musicians are treated like local celebrities in the city. The orchestra is currently on display at the Masonic Auditorium and Severance Hall.
Experience theater culture in Cleveland
The Terminal Tower, Image: Kenneth Sponsler / shutterstock
Sports and music, what is still missing? Theatre, of course. In the Gateaway District is the so-called Playhouse Square. Here, one big theater follows the next. Playhouse Square in Cleveland is the second largest theater district in the country after Broadway in New York . Five major theaters play over 300 different shows. Brightly lit in the evening, the district also offers the most popular restaurants and bars in the city.
A little piece of Italy
A special feature of Cleveland is the well-known Little Italy district. It is very suitable if you want to go out in the evening. The many restaurants and bars of Italian gastronomy range wines and delicacies from Italy. On the streets there are almost exclusively shops selling goods from Italian manufacturers. The designed house facades and murals also contribute to the Italian flair.
The district also has a lot to offer historically. The Church of the Holy Rosary was built around 1905 and is always worth a visit. At the same time, the Alta House was built, which is located in the neighborhood. It belongs to the Italian community and should definitely be visited.
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is mainly due to the fantastic location between the sea and the mountains. Modern skyscrapers, countless parks, elegant shopping streets, restaurants, cafés, bars and well-known cultural sights are close together in the centre of Vancouver and invite visitors to varied discovery tours. A vibrant metropolis that you should have seen once in your life.
Full moon over Stanley Park, Image: Pictureguy / shutterstock
It’s not uncommon for Vancouvers to see whales swimming in the ocean in the morning, eat in hip restaurants, and start the weekend on Fridays with a mountain hike or skiing.
The city offers a high recreational value, which Canadians appreciate very much. 2.4 million people live in the city on the Pacific. This makes it one of the largest in western Canada. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Vancouver to explore the city’s charms. Many sights make your stay in the big city metropolis eventful.
In short: Anyone who visits Vancouver falls head over heels in love with the city and is enchanted by its beauty. The large city centre alone inspires with very different districts such as the maritime harbour district of Gastown, the beach of the West End or the cosmopolitan Yaletown.
In addition, the interesting, diverse cultural landscape of the city, in the heart of the state of British Columbia, is impressive. The UBC Museum of Anthropology provides visitors with vivid information about the life and history of the First Nations, Canada’s indigenous peoples. Modern galleries, on the other hand, represent the culture of the present. Robson Square is home to international fashion stores and large shopping arcades selling the trends of tomorrow. Chinatown is the heart of an Asian city.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge, Image: Yingna Cai / shutterstock
There are tens of thousands of small shops and delicious restaurants here. A look at the city’s calendar of events makes it clear that night owls also get their money’s worth here. Popular music festivals, art exhibitions and other event highlights take place regularly. Tourists really realize Vancouver’s unique location from a bird’s eye view: huge fjords, large forests, and the white peaks of the Coast Mountains surround Vancouver and Stanley Park.
Vancouver City Garden
Canada’s largest urban park is located in the center of the city, on a 400-hectare peninsula. Stanley Park is also known as Vancouver’s green lung, as over 500,000 trees grow high into the sky here.
View of Science World, Image: SvetlanaSF / shutterstock
Inconceivable! The park is known among day-trippers for the totem poles – carvings of the indigenous people that tell interesting stories from ancient times. In addition, a large network of cycle paths and walking paths runs through the park. You will pass lovingly designed rose gardens, children’s playgrounds and romantic places to relax. The Stadtgarten is surrounded by the 9 km long waterfront promenade – Seawall.
If you cross it, you stand on the beach and have an indescribable view of the Pacific Ocean and the big city behind you. The waterfront promenade is perfect for a morning jog or for relaxed bike rides. Especially in good weather, there is an unforgettable view of the skyline. Families with young children should plan a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. It is located in the middle of the peninsula and is home to around 70,000 species of fish.
Foodlover: Discover Vancouver’s culinary delights
On the other hand, if you want to get to know the country’s cuisine, you should visit the Granville Island Public Market. Here you will find a large selection of typical local specialties, freshly caught fish and sea bulls as well as regional delicacies. Book a guided tour with a local guide and discover delicacies from all over the world together.
Lions Gate Bridge, Image: LeonWang / shutterstock
Tastings included! Another culinary treat that is part of any Vancouver vacation is a visit to the Honey Dip Donut at Lee’s. Here you can find by far the best donuts in town. A souvenir that should not be missing in any suitcase is of course the popular Canadian maple syrup. It can be bought everywhere in the city. So you can revive holiday memories at home while enjoying freshly baked pancakes.
Coast Mountains – a local recreation area at the gates of the big city
The Canadian coastal mountains, just outside the city, are an 85-million-year-old mountain range. The Coast Mountains stretch along the Pacific coast. The highest elevation is Mount Waddington, which is over 4000 meters high.
The mountains are one of the most diverse local recreation areas for Vancouvians. Many people spend their free time here. 342 kilometres of slopes with perfect snow conditions attract city dwellers to the mountains in winter. In the Coast Mountains alone, there are 48 ski lifts in the immediate vicinity of the city. In addition, there are countless water and leisure parks for families with children in the valley. Of course, the area is also ideal for extensive discovery tours into the Canadian wilderness. There are hikes with a guide to particularly beautiful places.
Tip: If you want to experience Vancouver’s breathtaking natural landscape from above, you should book a sightseeing flight on a seaplane. Acrophobia? Then visit the 4D simulator and take a virtual “Fly Over Canada Tour”. A unique experience paired with beautiful nature shots and special effects.
Final tips for a trip to Canada
View of the snowy mountains of Vancouver, Image: karamysh / shutterstock
Vancouver is worth a visit at any time of the year! In spring, the city shines in a delicate shade of pink, because then the blossoms of the cherry trees bloom and everywhere in the city it smells wonderfully sweet and flowery. Summer lures people out into nature. Nearby national parks offer outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of leisure activities.
In autumn, the countless trees of Stanley Park shine in every conceivable hue. A unique spectacle! Winter is going to be cozy. Then the city is transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland and the snow attracts ski bunnies to the slopes. For a holiday in Vancouver, a minimum stay of 3 to 4 nights is recommended.
Image: mffoto / shutterstock
The city has so much to offer and you can plan great follow-up tours from Vancouver, such as a round trip through British Columbia or a ski holiday in Whistler – one of the most popular winter sports resorts in the country. One thing you should not forget during your holiday: Allow yourself enough time to enjoy and let the beautiful place work its magic on you with a coffee or Canadian delicacies. Soak up the special atmosphere of the city and experience first-hand why Vancouver is one of the most livable metropolises on earth. This love will not pass so quickly!
A vacation in the Dominican Republic is a time-out for body and soul. Fantastic sandy beaches with crystal clear water, breathtaking sunsets, unique nature and the pure joie de vivre of the Dominicans – what more could you want?
The island state of the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean offers everything you need for a varied holiday. Below you will find our top 5 tips of the most beautiful destinations in the Dominican Republic that you should definitely have seen during your stay.
The most beautiful destinations of the Dominican Republic:
Samaná
Beaches on Samana, Image: Rafael Martin-Gaitero / shutterstock
To the northeast is the Samaná peninsula. The region is best known for its island of Cayo Levantado, also known as Bacardi Island thanks to the commercial filmed there. A perfect place to enjoy the powdery white beach and unspoiled nature. The almost 1000 km2 peninsula is crisscrossed by a mountain range with dense vegetation and invites you to hike.
Larger places to see in Samaná are Las Terrenas and the capital of the province, Santa Bárbara. Here you can still find the original and authentic Dominican Republic. A trip to the El Limón waterfall is also worthwhile. For action seekers, the ziplines are certainly interesting. Here you race through the middle of nature and get a fast-paced and impressive overview of Samaná.
In the Samaná region, there is also the possibility of observing humpback whales up close during the winter period, which are in this region for mating and giving birth to their cubs.
Isla Saona
Catuano on Saona, Image: MaRap / shutterstock
In the southeast you will find the small island of Saona. Popular here are the excursions by catamaran to this remote island. It can also be reached by ferry or boat from La Romana, 40 km away. On the island you will find various natural swimming pools in the form of sandbanks off the coast.
The island is a paradise for snorkeling fans thanks to its coral reefs and colorful underwater world. In addition, a turtle conservation project can be visited. Saona Island is also known for its Parque Nacional del Este National Park, with a wide variety of birds and rare bird species. Also worth seeing is the small village of Mano Juan, consisting of various pastel-colored wooden houses.
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, Image: Maciej Czekajewski / shutterstock
In addition to beaches, national parks and jungles, the Dominican Republic also offers a big city feeling in the capital Santo Domingo, the oldest city built by Europeans in the New World. In the enchanting historic old town of the metropolis with almost three million inhabitants, you will find the main artery Calle el Conde, one of the most beautiful shopping streets, which ends at the monument of Christopher Columbus.
In general, you will find a mixture of old architecture and modernity. Palaces such as the Columbus Palace and fortresses such as Fortaleza Ozama, but also the oldest cathedral in America, Santa Maria la Menor, bear witness to the colonial era. In the middle of the city you can enjoy peace and quiet in the cave lake park Los Tres Ojos. On the beach promenade Avenida George Washington you can taste the real traditional food, dance the night away to Dominican music and drink a glass of mamajuana (a mixture of red wine, brown rum and honey).
Puerto Plata
View of Puerto Plata, Image: jvphoto.ca / shutterstock
A popular destination both because of the more than 100 km of sandy beaches in the province and because of the provincial capital of the same name. In the capital you will find many sights such as the fortress of San Felipe, various Victorian buildings, the Amber Museum and a variety of colorful Caribbean houses.
In addition to a walk through the city centre, a ride on the cable car to the summit of the local mountain Pico Isabel de Torres is also worthwhile. Here you will find a botanical garden and a replica of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro. For lovers of good rum, a visit to the Brugal rum factory is also worthwhile. About 30 km from the gates of the 130,000-inhabitant city of Puerto Plata are also the 27 waterfalls on the Damajagua River. Certainly a highlight for all lovers of thrills. Here you can swim, slide and climb.
Playa Rincón
Playa Rincon, Image: Jakob Fischer / shutterstock
This beach has been named one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world by several magazines. It is located near the fishing village of Las Galeras on the Samaná peninsula. A three-kilometre-long natural beach with crystal clear waters, at the end of which the freshwater river Caño Frio flows into the sea. Often you are even lucky enough to have this section of beach almost to yourself.
There is so much more to discover and we could have included many more places in the list of the most beautiful destinations in the Dominican Republic, so that you usually fall for the magic of the island and visit it more than once.
Geneva is a city where the world meets. The metropolis in French-speaking Switzerland is the headquarters of the United Nations, the Humanitarian Red Cross and calls itself the “Capital of Peace”. It is also a city with an unusually high density of sports cars and high-end boutiques. For travellers, Geneva is mainly about its museums and mountains.
The Geneva / Lausanne metropolitan region has about 1.2 million inhabitants. The city of Geneva is located in a bay on Lake Geneva, from which the Rhône River flows. The city is surrounded by the Jura Mountains and Mont Blanc.
Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman), Image: Samuel Borges Photography / shutterstock
There are many museums in Geneva. The city is not only known for the United Nations and banks, but also for the watches. In the Plainpalais district is the “Temple of the Watchmaker”, the Patek Philippe Museum of the same name. It contains the best movements of the local watchmakers. The Mamco is the largest Swiss museum for modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions at Mamco are world-famous.
Not far away is the Museum of Ethnology (MEG) with its ethnological collection, which includes 80,000 objects and 300,000 books. Apart from that, there are several natural science museums, such as the Musée d’histoire des sciences, the Microcosm or the Geneva Museum of Natural History.
Shopping in Geneva
The headquarters of the United Nations, Image: nexus 7 / shutterstock
Most of the high-end boutiques can be found in the area around the Rue du Rhône. If the prices here are too high for you, you can also look out for the many individual shops. This is especially good in the artists’ village of Carouge, the “Greenwich Village” of Geneva, or in the old town with its numerous alleys, boutiques, shops and galleries. The first shopping address was to be the Globus department store.
Attractions in Geneva
The city’s landmark is the Jet d’eau, a jet of water that shoots 500 liters of water at a height of 140 meters. Especially from the Bains des Pâquis you have a good view of the Jet d’eau. In summer, the city meets here for swimming and in winter for fondue in the sauna. In the old town, travelers will find the Place du Bourg de Four and the Cathedral of St. Pierre.
The Parc des Bastions is a green idyll in the middle of the city. The Reformation Monument is also located here within the city walls. In front of the concert pavilion, you can play chess free of charge with large pieces. In winter, an ice rink is built here. The headquarters of the United Nations is located on Avenue-de-la-Paix. For those interested in history, a visit to the former fortification, Fort L’Écluse, is a good idea. As far as religious buildings are concerned, there is also the Châtillon-Michaille, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Genève and the Russian Orthodox Church of Geneva.
Cafés and restaurants
Café de la Paix is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and mainly offers a mix of Italian-French dishes. However, the title of the oldest restaurant in Geneva is claimed by the Café du Soleil. Here you will find the best fondue in Switzerland and other cheese specialties. The Café de la Gare serves typical Parisian brasserie dishes such as veal kidneys, sausage, black pudding, beef bourgignon and Swiss dishes. Chez Boubier, on the other hand, is famous for its unique butter.
Around Geneva
Not only the city itself has a lot to offer. Mont Salève can only be reached within a few minutes from the city center by taking the cable car. Depending on the season, it is suitable for paragliding or skiing. Geneva’s vineyards are particularly suitable for day hikes, for example between Lake Geneva and the Arve River. Near Lausanne are the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. There are also a few castles in the area, such as the Château de Voltaire and the Château de Coppet.
Trier – The former Augusta Treverorum is the historical, cultural and economic centre of the Moselle. On the one hand, it is young and dynamic, with an active university, and on the other hand, it is a place where history is more present than almost anywhere else in Germany. The former cosmopolitan city of antiquity has a past that even Rome sometimes envies it. A city of contrasts, shaped by the feudal power of absolutist prince-bishops.
It was in this Catholic stronghold that Karl Marx was born, whose teachings were to become the kind of substitute religion for part of the world. Trier plays the role that is probably its most likeable most convincingly: namely to be the city of wine; somewhat hidden, but very cozy, as quiet corners tend to be.
For the romantic walk through the old town of Trier, you should take at least half a day. Trier has an unusual variety of sights to offer. Some of them are so hidden that they are difficult to find by strangers. Therefore, it is highly recommended to join one of the city tours. You will start in front of the Tourist Information office at Porta Nigra.
The Porta Nigra, Image: Alizada Studios / shutterstock
The Roman city gate was built in the last third of the 2nd century from light sandstone blocks against Germanic attacks. Weathering blackened the façade as early as the Middle Ages and gave the building the name Porta Nigra (Black Gate). Converted into a church in the 11th century, it was given a four-winged annex on the west side: the Simeonstift, one of the oldest surviving monastery complexes in Germany. Today it houses the Municipal Museum.
MAIN MARKET TOWN OF TRIER
The market cross (original in the Simeonstift Municipal Museum) was donated in 958 by Archbishop Heinrich as a symbol of the archbishop’s city rule. The Petrusbrunnen (1595) in the south-eastern corner of the square was designed by the Trier sculptor Hans Ruprecht Hoffmann. Through a magnificent Baroque portal on the south side, one reaches the Gangolf Church from the 14th/15th century, which is built all around. Century. The most striking building on the main market square is the “Steipe”, the medieval drinking and festival house (1430 – 1483) of the councillors.
TRIER CATHEDRAL / CHURCH OF OUR LADY
The cathedral dates back to a Roman palace from the 4th century. This makes it probably the oldest basilica in Germany. The most precious relic of the cathedral is the Holy Robe, the legendary robe that Christ is said to have worn until shortly before his crucifixion and is now kept in the Holy Chamber. Sacred art worth seeing is also contained in the treasure chamber in the cathedral.
Connected to the cathedral by the cloister and the so-called paradise is the Church of Our Lady (13th century), one of the first Gothic churches in Germany. Its floor plan resembles the shape of a twelve-petalled rose.
PALAIS KESSELSTATT
The imperial count family built their baroque city residence in the 18th century in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral and the Church of Our Lady on the foundations of a Roman patrician villa.
PALASTAULA / ELECTORAL PALACE
The Basilica of Constantine, Image: LaMiaFotografia / shutterstock
The “Aula Palatina” served Emperor Constantine in the 4th century as a throne room, which was richly decorated with marble slabs and sculptures. In front of the imperial throne, a golden floor mosaic shone in the light, falling through the windows up to seven meters high. Since 1856, the building, which has been freed from the old coloured plaster, has been used by the Protestant church.
Architecturally connected to the Palastaula is the Electoral Palace. From 1757 to 1761, the south wing was added in the Rococo style by Johannes Seiz, one of the students of the Würzburg architectural genius Balthasar Neumann. The figurative decoration of the middle palace façade and the stone sculptures in the palace garden were created by Ferdinand Tietz. Today, the palace is the seat of the Supervisory and Service Directorate.
IMPERIAL BATHS
The spa palace of Emperor Constantine was built around the year 300 and was equipped with technical refinements such as cold, hot water and steam baths. The outer walls of the complex as well as the underground service corridors, heating shafts and ducts still exist.
AMPHITHEATER TRIER
The amphitheater, Image: Sergej Lebedev / shutterstock
Beyond the old city walls is the amphitheatre, which served as a fortification in the Middle Ages, later as a quarry and vineyard. It was built around 100 AD and could accommodate about 20,000 spectators.
THERMAL BATHS AT THE VIEHMARKT
Trier’s oldest Roman baths from 80 AD were discovered only a few years ago under the cattle market. In 1998, a museum on the bathing industry of antiquity was opened above the ruins.
KARL-MARX-HAUS TRIER
The world-famous philosopher Karl Marx was born in 1818 in a baroque town house at Brückenstraße 10 (now a museum).
ROMAN BRIDGE
The market square in Trier Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock
In the 2nd century AD, the Romans built the river crossing to the other bank of the Moselle, five of whose seven pillars are still of ancient origin.
ST. BARBARA’S THERMAL BATHS
This Roman bath complex was built as early as the middle of the 2nd century and was used for several centuries.
ST. MATTHIAS’ CHURCH
The pilgrimage church was built in the 12th century over an early Christian burial ground to house the bones of the apostle Matthias. Between 1496 and 1510, new Gothic vaults were installed and the choir and crypt were lengthened. The porches and tower crowning are Baroque.
RHEINISCHES LANDESMUSEUM TRIER
High Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Trier, Image: Vytautas Kielaitis / shutterstock
Founded in 1874, the museum displays important collections on prehistory and early history, from the Roman period as well as on the fields of medieval and modern art history. There is no comparable documentation of Roman art in Germany.
MUNICIPAL MUSEUM
In the former cloister from the 11th century, which was built as an extension to the Porta Nigra, the collections of the Municipal Museum are now on display, including painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to modern times, Dutch and Rhenish painting (mainly 19th century) as well as topography and art history of Trier.
Facts about Trier
Trier, the oldest city in Germany, is rich in history and cultural heritage. Here are some interesting facts about Trier:
Roman roots: Trier, formerly called “Augusta Treverorum”, was founded in 16 BC and was an important Roman base. The city was part of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trier has an impressive collection of Roman buildings, including the Porta Nigra, the Imperial Baths, the Roman Bridge, and the Basilica of Constantine. These buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and attract visitors from all over the world.
Porta Nigra: The imposing Black Gate, the “Porta Nigra”, is the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and a landmark of the city. It dates back to the 2nd century AD.
Imperial Baths: The Imperial Baths are the ruins of a Roman bath complex that was once used by emperors and nobles. They bear witness to the progressive Roman bathing culture.
Trier Cathedral: St. Peter’s Cathedral in Trier is an impressive Gothic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the Holy Robe, an important religious relic.
Karl Marx: Trier is also known as the birthplace of Karl Marx, the famous philosopher and social theorist. The Karl Marx House is a museum that offers insights into his life and work.
Moselle: The town is located on the banks of the Moselle River, which is known for its picturesque vineyards and wine production. The region is famous for its Riesling wine.
University of Trier: The city is home to the University of Trier, which is one of the oldest universities in Germany and makes an important contribution to education and research.
Roman Amphitheatre: The Roman Amphitheater of Trier is one of the largest surviving Roman amphitheaters in Europe and offers insights into gladiator fights in Roman times.
Festivals and events: Trier offers various festivals and events throughout the year, including the Trier Wine Festival, the Trier Old Town Festival and the Antiquities Festival “Bread and Games”, where the Roman era comes back to life.
Trier is a fascinating city that combines the history and culture of Roman times with modern life. The well-preserved Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, and rich wine tradition make Trier a unique and fascinating destination.
Museums in Trier
Trier is a city in Germany with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Here are some of the museums in Trier that showcase the history, art, and culture of the city and its surroundings:
Rheinisches Landesmuseum Trier: This museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in Germany and offers an impressive collection of artifacts from the Roman, Celtic and medieval periods. The museum is located in the former Premonstratensian monastery of St. Michael.
Karl Marx House: The birthplace of Karl Marx is now a museum that offers insights into the life and ideas of the famous philosopher and social theorist. Visitors can learn more about Marx’s life and work here.
Museum am Dom: This museum focuses on sacred art and art objects from Trier Cathedral and other churches in the region. The collection includes paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects.
Stadtmuseum Simeonstift Trier: The museum is housed in the former Simeonstift monastery and is dedicated to the history of the city of Trier. It houses a wide collection of objects documenting the development of the city from Roman times to the present day.
Museum of Prehistory and Early History Trier: This museum offers insight into the prehistoric history of the area, including tools, jewelry, and other archaeological finds.
Museum Karl-Marx-Haus: This museum is dedicated to the history of communism and the workers’ movement and offers exhibitions on Karl Marx as well as the history of socialist movements worldwide.
Museum am Wasser Trier: The Museum am Wasser is an interactive museum that focuses on the importance of water for the city of Trier. It presents exhibits on water supply, shipping and hygiene in the city.
Museum of Contemporary Art (Galerie Streitenfeld): This gallery showcases contemporary artworks by regional and international artists and provides a platform for contemporary art exhibitions.
These museums offer a wide range of cultural and historical experiences in Trier. They allow visitors to explore the city’s fascinating history and artistic diversity. Trier is a place that combines history and modernity, and the city’s museums reflect this.
Everyone knows the film “Home Alone”, in which the family goes on vacation and forgets his son at home. I don’t want to keep it so dramatic, so I’ve listed a few things that I have already forgotten personally or that like to stay at home in the heat of the moment.
At the top of my list is a small tool set. You can use it on every camping holiday.
Image: robert paul van beets / shutterstock
What I can’t do without on vacation is my coffee machine. I almost don’t dare to say it, but honestly: We even take our fully automatic coffee machine with us. I’m on vacation, why should I do without good coffee?
I’m also a big fan of the awning floor. This is a carpet made of synthetic fibres that you spread out in front of the motorhome. For example, if you stand on gravel, you can still walk barefoot out of the motorhome without stepping into anything. You should also think about a broom or even a handheld vacuum cleaner for the interior. Patchwork quilts always find their way into our motorhomes. Whether as a small doormat or just to protect the ground in the motorhome.
The motorhomes and caravans all have mosquito screens, but if a creature does get lost, you are well served with a fly swatter .
Especially when you are on a beach holiday, you often have the problem: Where to put the wet towels and bathing suits? If you have a simple clothesline and clothespins with you at that moment, it’s ideal. Simply stretch it between two trees and this problem is solved, and the things dry much better.
What used to be common practice on camping holidays still makes sense today: a flashlight. Be it for going to the toilet in the evening or to check something on the motorhome in the dark.
Think about your camera to capture all the holiday moments. Smartphones now take very good pictures, but nothing beats the quality of a camera.
Many campsites now have Wi-Fi, so you can also pack a tablet or laptop .
And to make sure that all the electrical appliances mentioned work, please be sure to think about all chargers for them!
You spend a lot of time in the great outdoors when camping, which is why we love it. However, there are other creatures as well. That’s why mosquito repellent in the form of mosquito candles or sprays ́ is also indispensable. It doesn’t matter whether you sit comfortably outside in the evening or are hiking during the day. Just like sun protection such as hats, caps or sunscreen.
Since we are already in the protection category, one more thing: spray disinfection. An absolute insider at this point: “The Toilet Bag” – A cotton bag with Sagrotan, toilet paper (is sometimes made of … very impractical at that moment) and possibly paper seat pads from the drugstore.
In addition, you must not forget the cable drum to attach to the power box. And please think about the power adapters.
A personal tip from me: I always have twodishwashing bowls with me. Sounds strange? In one bowl there is dishwater, in which I wash off. I use the other bowl to put down the clean, washed dishes. This saves me a mess at the dishwashing station and I don’t have to pick up each part several times.
The motorhome offers the advantage of getting from one place to another quickly, Image: Andrey Armyagov / shutterstock
Last but not least, there are some “nice-to-have ́s”. First of all, a grill, we have a so-called safari chef here, who offers you many different applications. Or an awning lamp to fold. Looks like a folded plastic bowl and can be unfolded when needed. Due to the small format, it takes up little space, which pleases the camper’s heart.
But the most important thing to know: At most campsites there are shops where you can buy the most important utensils.
With my personal tips at hand, your next camping holiday can start right away. I wish you a lot of fun and always a good trip!
