All about travel

Singapore – Sights and tips for first-time visitors

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

Singapore – Sights and tips for first-time visitors

The Republic of Singapore is the smallest island nation in Southeast Asia and is located about one degree north of the equator at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The Asian metropolis is one of the richest countries in the world. In addition to Singapore’s importance in the field of finance and economy, the state is known above all for its culture and cuisine, which is characterized by multi-ethnic groups. Chinese, Indians and Malays make up the largest parts of the population and invite visitors from all over the world to get to know the country’s cultures and cuisines.

While in Chinatown you can taste authentic bok choi, dumplings or various Chinese soups and dishes, in Little India you seem to be immersed in a completely different country. And in a way, they do: crowds of people crowd through narrow alleys, fresh spices are traded at street markets, the scent of which can still be smelled for miles in the tropical, humid air. There is simple street food and upscale restaurants, tons of jewelers with real gold displays, clothing stores, Indian supermarkets and also a huge shopping center that is open around the clock. All integrated into a noisy, absolutely authentic backdrop.

Just one bus stop or a ten-minute walk away, and you’re in the Central Business District, where there’s hardly anything left of the hustle and bustle. Welcome to Singapore!

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Places to visit in Singapore: Tips for first-time visitors

Skyline Singapore — The skyline of Singapore, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

They say that first impressions count and are largely responsible for whether you like a city or – in Singapore there are a lot of first impressions and thus many chances to fall in love with the beautiful metropolis. Different districts, the unique combination of city and nature, the colourful mix of tradition and modernity will always give you new impressions of a country full of opportunities. Sights and tips for your first visit to Singapore.

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Marina Bay with Marina Bay Sands, Merlion and Gardens by the Bay

A cliché: If you have seen the area around the Marina Bay Sands, then you are almost an expert. That’s not true, and yet the iconic hotel is somehow part of it as an unofficial landmark of the country. Also to be found in the area is the official landmark, a lion’s head on the body of a mermaid: the Merlion. From the water-spouting statue you have an incredible view over Marina Bay, including views of the Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay beyond. You can experience the latter in all its glory as part of evening light and music shows. The approximately 100-hectare park area was originally planned by the Singaporean government to provide the city with green corridors and thus improve the quality of life of the inhabitants. Today, the complex with the supertrees and the largest greenhouses in the world captivates not only the city’s population, but also millions of visitors.

Chinatown and Little India

Singapore’s neighborhoods give the country its authentic charm. It’s no wonder that Singapore is often referred to as the food capital of the world – you won’t find this unique coexistence of diverse cultures and cuisines anywhere else. Chinatown is home to particularly authentic experiences. The former enclave for Chinese immigrants is now one of the most popular districts for tourists from all over the world. Tradition and modernity, old and new alternate harmoniously here, Chinese music and cult dances create a great atmosphere and the unique backdrop in front of the skyscrapers of the Central Business District guarantees unforgettable experiences.

Here you will also find one of the most important and oldest religious sites in the country, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The interior of the temple is particularly fascinating: architecturally in the form of a mandala, it depicts an important concept of Buddhism and Hinduism, namely the universal connection. A short walk along South Bridge Road will take you from this site to the next highlight, the Indian Sri Mariamman Temple and the oldest Hindu temple in the city. That’s right – this temple is also located in Chinatown and is an important testimony to the harmonious cultural coexistence that prevails in Singapore. An important ingredient for a healthy, common togetherness: respect and appreciation, which are beautifully exemplified in Singapore.

Little India itself is also a place that is bursting with authenticity. Enjoy delicious curries, teh tarik and fresh bread dishes in one (or more!) of the countless street stalls and simply let yourself drift with the crowds. Especially on weekends there is a lot going on and with a bit of luck you may even attend one of the many traditional rites that are celebrated here.

Eating at the hawker center

Hawker Center Singapore — The Hawker Center on Smith Street in Singapore, Image: DerekTeo / shutterstock

Hawker Centers are the name given to the semi-open, covered buildings where you can buy various delicacies at reasonable prices at various stalls. The hawkers are mainly located near public housing estates or in the center of districts or neighborhoods and offer all kinds of food: whether Chinese soups, Indian specialties or Malay dishes, different cultures coexist harmoniously here.

The hawker centers are run by local authorities and were primarily used to enforce hygiene standards. With the relocation of street vendors to Hawker Center, there was no longer a lack of running water and space. Visitors typically sit on plastic chairs and tables, vendors have their own stalls or “stalls” where they can keep their ingredients safe and fresh. In the meantime, many of the centers are being replaced by so-called food courts, i.e. integrated into air-conditioned shopping centers. In addition, there is an increasing focus on the appearance as well as varied and creative menus in order to reach the younger Singaporeans and visitors. More and more often, you can now find dishes on the menus that are usually offered in restaurants.

Orchard Road and Emerald Hill

Orchard Road is the city’s most famous shopping street. Here you will find both cheap discount stores and popular international chains, but also luxury brands as well as large department stores and bazaar-like structures spread over many floors. Individual boutiques and luxury hotels complete the backdrop, and there is also a wide range of culinary offerings in the department stores, at food stalls or in the well-known Newtown Food Court.

It is said that the latter is especially popular with dessert lovers. The shopping street stretches over 2.2 kilometers. Strolling along Orchard Road will automatically take you to Emerald Hill Road. In the midst of the temples of consumption and department stores, a stroll through this street feels like a walk through a (historic) oasis: Behind the colourful facades of beautifully restored, old houses are trendy bars and pubs, exclusive boutiques and restaurants that invite you to linger in the evening hours.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Singapore serve as a refuge from the urban and shopping jungle. Located just a few minutes’ drive or walk from the northern end of Orchard Road, they offer visitors and locals a place to relax in the countryside. With more than four million visitors per year, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are the most visited in the world. In 2015, the garden even received UNESCO World Heritage status, becoming Singapore’s first site with this title. The extensive complex extends over 74 hectares of land and, in addition to being a recreation area, jogging route and green space, is also an important research centre in the field of botany and horticulture.

Admission is free, only for the National Orchid Gardens you pay a small fee. And it’s worth it: Over 60,000 plants and orchids have been beautifully draped and put together, making the orchid collection the largest exhibition in the world. A green sight in Singapore that will impress you!

About the authors

Manja and Marcel, both 26, have exchanged the dark university basement for a trip around the world for almost a year. Manja loves writing, Marcel loves creating websites, and so they decided to start their own travel blog www.faube.com . There you will not only find comprehensive tips on the planning, costs and organization of a trip around the world, but also interesting facts and reports on the most beautiful countries and cities in the world. Take a look!

Costa de la Luz – In the sun of southern Andalusia

Europe
Spain

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Costa de la Luz – In the sun of southern Andalusia

The 200-kilometre-long Costa de la Luz owes its picturesque sunsets to its location on the Atlantic coast in the far southwest of Andalusia on the border with neighbouring Portugal , which make the region shine in warm golden tones every evening. Between the lively port city of Huelva and the famous surfing stronghold of Tarifa, holidaymakers will find countless fine sandy beaches, majestic dunes and fragrant pine forests as well as authentic holiday resorts with a wide range of accommodation.

Although the Costa de la Luz is strongly influenced by tourism in many places, it also has extremely quiet and almost deserted areas where fauna and flora can develop undisturbed. These include first and foremost the almost 550 km² “Coto de Doñana” National Park in the estuary of the Guadalquivir River, whose periodically flooded wetland serves as a habitat for thousands of bird species. On hikes from Palacio del Acebron, El Rocío and Matalascañas or boat tours on the Guadalquivir from Sanlucar de Barrameda, you might even get to see the rare Iberian lynx.

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There are many wide and long sandy beaches in the regional nature reserves

Another protected area worth seeing, which also has a popular bathing beach with the “Playa de la Hierbabuena”, which is a good one kilometre long, is the 5,000-hectare national park “La Breña y Marismas del Barbate” in the area of the two municipalities of Barbate and Vejer de la Frontera in the Province of Cádiz. The wetland is located due to its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar a preferred resting place among migratory birds, where they also find enough fish as food as well as small amphibians and reptiles. With the historic dovecote “Palomar de La Breña” from the 18th century in San Ambrosio (Barbate), this national park also has the largest of its kind in the world. With an area of currently over 10,000 hectares, the nature park “Bahía de Cádiz” in the bay of the provincial capital of the same name is significantly larger. The many cycle paths make the park attractive among sporty active holidaymakers. The “Playa de Camposoto” near San Fernando (Cádiz), which has only been fully open to the public since the 1980s and until then used by the Spanish military as a manoeuvre area, is popular for swimming.

The constant sea breeze makes the Costa de la Luz a globally famous surfing paradise

At least as well known and popular as for its natural monuments, the Costa de la Luz is also a bathing and water sports paradise. The reliable winds, which blow strongly almost all year round, provide ideal conditions especially for surfing almost everywhere. In addition to the above-mentioned Tarifa, which is famous among surfers from all over the world, the beaches of Caños de Meca (Barbate) and La Fontanilla (Conil) have an excellent reputation among kitesurfers and windsurfers. The same applies to Playa de los Bateles (Conil), Playa de la Cortadura (Cádiz) and Playa Yerbabuena (Barbate), as well as Playa del Carmen (Barbate), Playa de Punta Umbría (Huelva) and Playa de Mazagón (Huelva). Traditional seaside resorts with corresponding infrastructure in the form of many accommodations and rental stations for equipment are for example Novo Sancti Petri (Chiclana) as well as El Palmar (Vejer de la Frontera) and Zahara de los Atunes (Barbate).

Mild climate and fish-rich sea made the area attractive as a habitat

Costa de la luz, Römer — Roman ruins in Bolonia, Image: elRoce / shutterstock

There is also no shortage of historical cultural monuments worth seeing in towns and municipalities that are thousands of years old on the Costa de la Luz. Even the Romans appreciated the beautiful landscape and founded settlements that have been preserved as ruins to this day, such as “Baelo Claudia” near Bolonia northeast of Tarifa in the province of Cádiz. Also frequently visited and photographed are the former Roman port “Barbesula” near Sotogrande-San Roque (Cádiz), the Bronze Age necropolis “Necrópolis de los Algarbes” near Tarifa (Cádiz) and Cape Trafalgar (Cabo Trafalgar), where the legendary Battle of Trafalgar took place in October 1805, in which Admiral Nelson defeated the Spanish-French fleet, but also met his death. There are particularly numerous caves in the region that were used as living space in the Stone Age, which are decorated with still visible and impressive prehistoric rock paintings. Examples include the “Cueva de la Laja Alta” near Jimena de la Frontera (Cádiz), the “Cueva de Bacinete” near Los Barrios (Cádiz) and the “Cueva de las Bailadoras” near Los Barrios (Cádiz).

You will hardly find fresher fish in Spain than on the Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz presents itself as an immensely scenic and also very versatile holiday area with numerous excursion and leisure opportunities. The many historic churches, monasteries and palaces in Ayamonte at the mouth of the Guadiana in the Atlantic Ocean on the border with Portugal in the province of Huelva are also worth a detour. Not far away is also the city of Isla Cristina with the popular promenade “Paseo de las Palmeras” as well as the seaside resort “Playa de Islantilla” and the hiking area “Marismas de Isla Cristina”. Punta Umbría has the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the “Marismas del Odiel” nature park as well as the beaches of La Bota, Los Enebrales, El Portil and Matanegra, and the “Playa de Matalascañas” is known for its golf courses. In Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Christopher Columbus began his third voyage to America in 1498, and in El Puerto de Santa María, many cozy sherry bodegas and restaurants for fish and seafood are welcomed.

Holidays in Greece – a few tips for tourists

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Holidays in Greece – a few tips for tourists

Because of the warm climate, beautiful beaches and history, tourists are very happy to choose cheap flights to Greece. Because this is precisely the place that is the cradle of our civilization. Wonderful architecture from which people drew in the following epochs, the birth of philosophy, the beginning of the Olympic Games or the emergence of the foundations of science are just some of the achievements that we owe to the ancient Greeks. If we also mention the wonderful natural conditions, we get a ready-made reason to book cheap flights to Greece as soon as possible and plan our vacation there.

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Why are flights to Greece so popular?

If you are planning a trip to Greece, you should determine the character of your stay in advance. It is good to decide whether you want to focus on the history of the country during the trip or on carefree recreation under sea waves. It is recommended that travelers visit the capital at the beginning. For lovers of the Mediterranean climate, a trip to a Greek island, such as Crete, Zakynthos or Samos , is suggested.

We start to visit Greece – the most important sights in Athens

The bay of Balos on Crete, Image: leoks / shutterstock

The history of the city of Athens dates back about 7000 years. The most important attraction and at the same time a must-see point of any travel program is the Acropolis – the hill that spreads over the city. In the beginning, the Acropolis was supposed to serve a protective function, but over time it became the cultural center of antiquity. This is one of the best preserved temple complexes. The most important temple on the hill is the Parthenon. Symmetrical shape and wonderful architectural decorations created by Phidias give the building lightness and harmony. The Acropolis is also home to the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – a Greek theatre made of stone, kept in good condition. You can also visit the temple of Hephaestus, a rebuilt classical stoa and a park.

Athens is not just the Acropolis. The second place that is most visited by travelers is the Agora. In the past, this was a gathering place – an equivalent of today’s market. Everyday life, popular assemblies and trade took place here. The square has become famous because of Plato’s dialogues, which made the Agora the place where Socrates asked his philosophical questions.

Before you come to Greece, you should also consider other sights in your travel program. These can be, for example, Hadrian’s Library, Hadrian’s Arch, Olympieion or the oldest district Plaka with its classic buildings and numerous restaurants. Good to know is that admission to the museums in Athens is free on some days. You should keep this in mind when booking cheap flights to Greece .

Greek beaches and other tourist attractions

Athens Parthenon — The Parthenon Temple, Image: anyaivanova / shutterstock

The Greek islands are magical. Zakynthos is considered the most beautiful island. It is part of the Ionian Islands. It is known for azure waters, golden sand, grottos and rampant flora. This is a good direction for water sports enthusiasts and street festival lovers. Great attention should be paid to the island of Samos . It is located in the Aegean Sea and is one of the most beautiful islands in this district. Paradise bays, cliffs and blue sea give the island an immanent magic. In addition, the meadows here bloom with orchids in spring, which gives it a magical character. If the goal of the trip to the Balkans is nature, one should visit one of the islands mentioned above.

The best time for cheap flights to Greece

The Mediterranean climate is significantly warmer than the climate in the majority of European countries. The best time to travel to Greece is early spring, i.e. between April and June, or autumn, between September and October. Then the weather is usually warm and it does not rain, which is of great importance for the visit. In addition, the plane tickets are cheaper because fewer tourists plan their vacation during this period. Flight tickets to Greece are considerably higher in the summer, when many people choose the Greek islands for the unforgettable and relaxing vacation.

Source: eSkyTravel.ch.

Upper Bavarian Lakes – Tourist Gems in the Alpine Region

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Upper Bavarian Lakes – Tourist Gems in the Alpine Region

The region of Upper Bavaria, which largely coincides with the 17,500 sq km administrative district of the same name, is one of the most important tourist destinations in Germany. In addition to the state metropolis of Munich and other Upper Bavarian cities such as Freising and Ingolstadt, the natural beauty of the region has contributed to this attractiveness. The numerous Upper Bavarian lakes in the region, embedded in alpine and pre-Alpine landscapes, are of outstanding importance.

More than 250 lakes are spread over Upper Bavaria. In addition to very large lakes such as the Chiemsee (80 sq km), the Starnberger See (56 sq km) and the Ammersee (47 sq km), there are a large number of small and very small lakes such as the five-hectare Weitsee near Traunstein, the warmest lake in Upper Bavaria in Waging or the Ampersee (8 ha) near Olching.

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Chiemsee – The Bavarian Sea

Lake Chiemsee, twelve kilometres long and eight kilometres wide, is the largest lake in Bavaria. It is the centre of the Chiemgau holiday region, which belongs to the districts of Rosenheim and Traunstein. The lake is surrounded by the impressive rock massifs of the Chiemgau Alps with peaks such as the Hochfelln (1674 m). Spa and bathing resorts on the more than 60 km long shoreline include the “fair trade town” of Prien am Chiemsee, the marina town of Seebruck, which has a Roman museum, and Bernau am Chiemsee with its peat station. Lake Chiemsee has an excellent reputation as a destination for water sports such as sailing, diving or surfing.

Two lake islands, which are visited by the steamers sailing across the lake, are also prominent in terms of tourism. With 285 hectares, by far the largest of these two islands is the car-free Herreninsel with Herrenchiemsee Castle, built in the 1870s and 1880s, the “fairytale castle” of King Ludwig II, as the main attraction. The neighboring, also car-free Fraueninsel (15 ha) has 300 inhabitants and is an important place of pilgrimage with its Frauenchiemsee monastery.

Fünfseenland – Cultural and natural landscape near Munich

The Fünfseenland, which is very popular with Munich and Augsburg residents as a local recreation area, extends about 30 km southwest of the state capital within the area of the Munich S-Bahn network. In addition to the five main bodies of water that give it its name, this lake landscape includes Lake Starnberg, Ammersee, Wörthsee, Pilsensee and Weßlinger See. The scenic charm of the hilly to partly mountainous Five Lakes District with forest and meadow zones is complemented by cultural sights and a number of tourist offers. The best-known communities on the shores of Lake Starnberg (former name: Würmsee) are the district town of Starnberg with its lakeside promenade, the tourist community of Tutzing and Feldafing. Just before Feldafing, the two-hectare only lake island, the Rose Island, can be visited. Here you can walk in the footsteps of Empress Sisi, who had lived nearby in Possenhofen and regularly visited the island as a summer retreat. Another monarch, Ludwig II, is commemorated in the seaside town of Berg by Berg Castle and a memorial plaque on the shore where the Bavarian king died in 1886. Five kilometres west of the Lake Starnberg , the 16-kilometre-long and up to 80-metre-deep Ammersee invites you to swim, surf, fish and sail, cycle, run and have fun in the beer garden.

For ship fans, a trip with the paddle wheel veteran DIESSEN, which was launched in 1906, is a must. For fans of sacred buildings, on the other hand, a visit to the Marienmünster in the lakeside town of Dießen is a must on Lake Ammersee. On the four-square-kilometre Wörthsee, which is privately owned by the nobility, only a small strip of shore is open to the public. The Weßlinger See (17 hectares), on the other hand, is owned by the municipality and is considered the warmest bathing lake in the Five Lakes Region. The two-square-kilometre Pilsensee, which is partly protected as a nature reserve in the shore area and partly open to bathing, belongs to the castle municipality of Seefeld.

Tegernsee – pure Bavaria

The tourism experts of the region near the town of Tegernsee, located 50 km south of Munich, advertise with the claim that Bavaria is nowhere more Bavarian than in the Tegernsee area. In fact, the climatic health resort of Tegernsee, which is located on the lake of the same name, with its monastery castle and the town hall, which has its own jetty, its down-to-earth gastronomy and its rich customs have a lot of local colour. Lake Tegernsee, where the spa towns of Bad Wiessee and Kreuth are also located, is known for its excellent water cleanliness. The lake is not only popular with tourists and health seekers, but also a hotspot for congresses and seminars.

Königssee and Walchensee – deep alpine lakes

Like Lake Tegernsee, the emerald green Königssee (5 sq km) in the Berchtesgadener Land National Park, flanked by mountain slopes, also has excellent water quality. It is therefore ideal for a holiday in the Berchtesgadener Land. With a depth of 190 metres in places, Königssee is one of the three deepest lakes in Germany, as is Walchensee, which is two metres deeper (16 square kilometres, Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen district). The two-towered pilgrimage chapel of St. Bartholomä, built on the Hirschau peninsula in the Königssee, which belongs to the municipality of Schönau, in the shadow of the Watzmann massif, is the architectural landmark of the Königssee. Hirschau, which also includes a hunting lodge that is now used as a restaurant, can only be reached via mountainous paths or by electrically powered sea steamer.

When visiting Königssee, we definitely recommend a detour to the Obersee section to experience the 400 m high Röthbach waterfall. As in Königssee, there are also some wrecks of motor vehicles and airplanes in Walchensee, which are not rusted in the oxygen-poor deep zones and are easily recognizable in the clear water. Due to its windless location in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, Lake Walchensee is a highly valued area for sailors and surfers.

Turkmenistan – Journey to an Undiscovered Country

Turkmenistan

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Turkmenistan – Journey to an Undiscovered Country

Located between Tajikistan in the east and the Caspian Sea in the west, between Uzbekistan in the north and Afghanistan and Iran in the south, Turkmenistan has yet to be discovered as a travel destination. The Central Asian country has fantastic landscapes and a rich, ancient culture to offer. After all, it is located on the legendary ancient Silk Road. The country owes numerous archaeological ruins to it.

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Special features Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan — View of the capital Ashgabat, Image: gonetothemoon / shutterstock

Turkmenistan is a young state with an ancient history. It is a former Soviet republic and has been independent since 1991. Due to its location on the Silk Road, the country came into contact with diverse influences from other cultures at an early stage, which still shape it today. Today, Turkmenistan is a republic ruled by its president with dictatorial power. The country essentially lives from the export of its immense oil and gas reserves.

The Turkmens are about 90 percent Muslim. They are shaped by their past as nomads and are correspondingly hospitable. Travelers are welcomed with open arms, welcomed and even invited home, where they can get to know the – not only culinary – traditions of the locals.

In terms of landscape, Turkmenistan inspires with scree and sand deserts, these deserts make up over 95 percent of the country. But there are also stunning mountain ranges, deep gorges, ancient forests and, of course, the coast of the Caspian Sea. Numerous endangered animal species have settled in the country’s unique landscapes. The country is a paradise for hikers, adventurers and nature lovers.

It has a distinctly continental climate, with very hot summers and equally cold winters. In summer, Turkmenistan has by far the highest temperatures in all of Central Asia; but because of the very low humidity, they are easy to bear. The best times to travel are from April to June and from September to mid-November.

Popular cities in Turkmenistan

Ashgabad Independence Monument — The park around the Independence Monument in Ashgabat, Image: Jakub Buza / shutterstock

For most tourists, a journey through Turkmenistan certainly begins with the arrival in the country’s capital Ashgabad, because one of the country’s three international airports is located here. Ashgabad, the “abode of love”, has about 800,000 inhabitants and is by far the largest city in Turkmenistan. Founded in 1881, the city is located in an oasis in the Karakum Desert near the Iranian border. There is a university, museums, theaters and a zoo.

In 1948, Ashgabad was almost completely destroyed in a severe earthquake, so there is almost no old building fabric. Instead, the city was rebuilt in the pompous style of Stalinist architecture with colossal large buildings and wide boulevards and with many public parks. Even after the end of the Soviet Union, the new rulers of Turkmenistan had themselves architecturally immortalized with statues and equestrian statues.

The Historical Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Regional History Museum are worth a visit. The Carpet Museum bears witness to the ancient tradition of Turkmen handicrafts, especially carpet weaving, which is important throughout the Central Asian region. A statue of Lenin dates back to the time of Soviet rule, overlooking the city from a pedestal made of carpet patterns. The Botanical Garden is the most important of the many parks and has a collection of both native and exotic plants. Other important parks include the green space around the Independence Tower and the park commemorating the tenth anniversary of independence.

Another city worth seeing is Turkmenabad, the second largest city in the country with just over a quarter of a million inhabitants. Among the sights of the city are the Dunya Bazaar with a wide range of goods from Turkmenistan and neighboring countries, the Allamberdar Mausoleum from the 11th century, the ruins of the settlement of Amul from the 10th century and the remains of the Dayakhatyn caravanserai.

Sights in Turkmenistan

The whole of Turkmenistan is a unique sight with its magnificent landscapes, and a day trip by camel to the desert or to the Umbar Dere waterfall is highly recommended. But here are a few selected destinations:

Kyrk Gyz

Kyrk Gyz, the “Cave of the 40 Girls”, is located about 400 kilometers from Ashgabad. According to legend, 40 girls hid here from a band of robbers, they were fed there by a mysterious old woman and, after praying to the gods, found an exit from the cave that the robbers did not know. On closer inspection, the stalactites in the cave turn out to be strips of fabric. Tradition says that whoever throws up such a strip will have a wish fulfilled if it gets stuck on the cave ceiling.

Near the cave, you can marvel at dinosaur footprints that have survived the last 65 million years unscathed.

World Heritage Site Merv

Merv on the Silk Road was one of the most important cities in the Islamic world, along with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. Merv reached its greatest prosperity in the 11. and 12th century, when the city was the capital of the Seljuk Empire. Their empire stretched from the Amuderya River to the Mediterranean Sea. Merv attracted scientists and traders from all over the world. However, the city could not resist the raids of the invading Mongols in 1221 and was completely destroyed along with all its monuments and libraries.

Kunyaurgench

Famous scientists such as Ali Biruni and Avicenna have lived and researched in this city. This is where the fight against Genghis Khan and his army took place. There are some architectural monuments and buildings from this period. The place is still sacred for Muslims.

Derveze

The 70-metre-diameter and 40-metre-deep gas crater of Derveze is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert and was formed in 1971 when a large, gas-filled cavity was drilled during test drilling. The rock cover collapsed and the gas began to escape. The engineers decided to burn off the gas, but contrary to expectations, the fire has not gone out since. A particularly impressive spectacle at night, which the locals call the “Gate to Hell” for a reason.

Dream vacation instead of nightmare: Vacationers’ rights

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Dream vacation instead of nightmare: Vacationers’ rights

Thanks to low-cost airlines, travel deals and last-minute bargains, tourism is booming like rarely before and travel (especially at low prices) is absolutely in vogue. With one click to holiday happiness – on numerous travel portals on the Internet, the next dream holiday is within reach. However, with the many offers and providers, holidaymakers are increasingly confronted with dubious tour operators or considerable travel defects. To ensure that the dream holiday does not turn into a nightmare in the end and does not lead to a legal dispute, holidaymakers should know and use their rights.

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Keep your eyes open when buying a trip: seriousness and price check of the provider

Booking a vacation has never been so easy: In the fast-paced age of the Internet, we can book our next trip from the comfort of our couch in sweatpants – no matter what day of the week, no matter what time of day. In addition to the major tour operators, there are also many unknown holiday portals that entice you with daily bargains. So why pay more elsewhere when you can get the same trip at a much lower price? Because: Thanks to meaningful offer descriptions and hotel pictures, nothing can go wrong? Oh yes, a lot!

The boom of online holiday portals is repeatedly exploited by black sheep, of which there are enough on the Internet. Travel prices that are too high, overbooked flights or travel defects in the hotel are not uncommon. In the worst case, the trip is paid for and the provider and the money are long gone, before the holiday has begun. Therefore, if you book a trip online, you should not only be dazzled by cheap offers and beautiful hotel pictures. A look at the tour operator and customer reviews is helpful so that the next beach holiday does not fall through.

Bankruptcies, bad luck and breakdowns: Money back in the event of insolvency of the tour operator

The vacation is booked, the anticipation is great and suddenly the tour operator is bankrupt! The good news in advance: When booking a package tour , the organiser is obliged and pays for the compensation. However, the recent case of the travel giant Thomas Cook shows that the sum insured is not necessarily sufficient and holidaymakers only receive part or no refund. However, this case is rather rare, so package tours are generally well insured – as long as the insurance certificate was handed over when booking the trip.

If the airline files for bankruptcy, the tour operator usually has to rebook its customers on another airline, without charging additional costs. The insurance certificate of the package tour is not only valid for the accommodation, but also for the flight. In the event of the airline’s insolvency, however, the travel contract can also be terminated – but in this case, the payment made will be refunded. If the flight was booked directly through the airline, compensation is more difficult and it is important to know your passenger rights.

Complaining about travel defects: Compensation for inadequate performance

A hotel in a beach location or a room with a sea view is what many holidaymakers want. But be careful: The description in travel offers leaves a lot of room for interpretation – often more than holidaymakers would like. The room with sea view does not mean an unobstructed view of the wide sea, just as a beach location is not an accommodation directly on the sea. However, there is no talk of travel defects here. And what about noise pollution from cars on the street in front of the hotel? This also usually falls under “reasonable inconvenience”.

The situation is different, for example, with cockroaches in the hotel room: For defects that negatively affect the price-performance ratio, travel price reductions or contract terminations by the traveler are possible. If you want to claim your rights on holiday, you should first contact the tour operator. A detailed list and photos of the defects are helpful. As a rule, reputable travel providers try to satisfy their customers with compensation or rebookings. A dispute in court is rarely worthwhile and is usually a disappointment for the holidaymaker.

Conclusion: Stress-free travel thanks to holidaymakers’ rights

Sometimes less means significantly more stress: If you book your trip with unknown or dubious operators, you shouldn’t be surprised if your beach holiday falls through. Travel deficiencies and a lack of services quickly turn the supposed dream vacation into a nightmare. And: The higher the travel price, the lower the tolerance limit, of course. Therefore, holidaymakers should know and claim their rights as a customer – regardless of whether it is a travel bargain or a luxury holiday.

Uzbekistan – foreign culture & spectacular natural wonders

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Uzbekistan – foreign culture & spectacular natural wonders

Admittedly, Uzbekistan with its capital Tashkent is not a classic destination that you would find when consulting in a travel agency. The former Soviet republic, which is located in the center of Asia , is likely to be on the very few screens of German vacationers. The country has an impressive history that goes back many thousands of years. In the days of the Silk Road, the country was a center for European traders and pilgrims, today it is an absolute insider tip for vacationers in search of foreign cultures and spectacular wonders of nature. A holiday in Uzbekistan is an adventure – and associated with impressive pictures that probably only very few people will ever see.

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Uzbekistan – The Land of 1001 Nights

Lake Chimgan and the Chimgan Mountains, Image: Dave Primov / shutterstock

When you think of the Orient, you usually think of countries like Syria, Saudi Arabia or Iran. Where the desert meets the big cities and history is combined with ruins and old desert towns. The Orient stands much more for the countries of Central Asia. This is where the authors and historians have found the actual origin of the stories, and Uzbekistan in particular, with its buildings, is typical of what many people know from films such as Aladdin or Lawrence of Arabia. This is also due to the fact that the country was sealed off for many years and holidaymakers have only recently begun to explore the cities.

Uzbekistan has a long history and has experienced change over the centuries like hardly any other country in the region. The region experienced its heyday when the Silk Road, the trade route from Europe to China, reached its peak. The country was rich and was the center of merchants and cultures from all over the world. With progressive foresight, the rulers worshipped not only Islam, but every other religion in the world. This is still evident today in the oasis cities, the monumental buildings in Tashkent and the many palaces that feed on the country’s former prosperity.

Experience Uzbek culture up close and immerse yourself in history

Uzbekistan had almost completely disappeared from the maps of the Western world during the Soviet Union. Even today, many buildings in the capital Tashkent, which was also marked by a strong earthquake, bear witness to the brutalist construction of the Soviets, which can be found in many nations of the former empire. But a lot has changed since the end of the Cold War and the Iron Curtain. Today, Uzbekistan stands for the modern influence of Islamic countries and the cultures have mixed again. Uzbekistan is a classic melting pot, which is also evident on the streets of big cities such as Tashkent or Samarkand. Hospitality, traditions and cosmopolitanism mix here in an impressive way.

The culture of Uzbekistan is also marked by the long history of the country. As one of the capitals of the Silk Road and at the same time a major Islamic nation, the country is closely linked to the connection of cultures and traditions. The country is not solely dependent on its large cities. The nature of Uzbekistan is diverse and cities like Samarkand or Tashkent are just the highlights on a journey of discovery through this unique nation.

The most important sights on the trip through Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan — View of the TV tower of Tashkent, Image: Lukas Bischoff Photographer / shutterstock

When it comes to sights, a distinction must be made between the country’s historic cities and the small treasures in the middle of the country. From the largest cities, for example, the oases with their small towns are of particular beauty. In places like Bukhara or Khiva you will find beautiful palaces, mosques and temples that were built hundreds of years ago. It is an example of the testimony that Uzbekistan has left in history. From here you can also set off into the varied nature of the country. The endless desert alternates with interesting valleys and impressive mountains that draw the landscape of the whole of Uzbekistan.

The highlights of a trip to Uzbekistan are certainly the two cities of Tashkent and Samarkand. Samarkand has as long a history as cities like Rome or Istanbul , and rulers like Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great wanted to rule it. Tombs, mosques and bazaars line the streets today and the Bibi Khanum Mosque is particularly impressive. It is considered the most beautiful mosque in the East and outside the direct Arab world. Registan Square is the highlight of the city and perhaps the country and offers impressive buildings in every direction.

Tashkent may have been scarred by the earthquake in the 1960s and Soviet rule, but life pulsates here. Ruins, monumental buildings and the construction of the Soviets characterize the cityscape, while the city itself appears like a western metropolis and also offers an impressive nightlife. Shopping, recreation, hotels and culture – all this is offered in Tashkent.

Uzbekistan is not the typical destination for Germans, but it is an adventure for anyone who books a hotel in the region. The country has a long history and its own form of beauty, which offers many great motifs.

The most popular destinations for backpackers

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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The most popular destinations for backpackers

Backpacking, i.e. backpacking trips in German, has always enjoyed great enthusiasm. In contrast to everyday hikes, backpacking trips often last several days with overnight stays. It is not uncommon for these to take place on campsites or somewhere in the middle of the wilderness. All over the world, natural wonders and national parks attract sporty hikers. In this list, some of the most popular destinations for backpackers are explained in more detail, where both newcomers and experienced hikers can experience exciting adventures. These eleven fascinating places find inspiration for a holiday on other continents. But also one or the other place here in Europe is represented, which takes your breath away with its sights.

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United States

Yellowstone

Geysers, waterfalls and over 1500 km of hiking trails are not only offered to experienced backpackers. From about 300 campsites, Yellowstone can be explored, even for newcomers, on and off the official hiking trails. One of the most popular routes is the Firehole Meadows. Along geysers, hot springs and alpine meadows, you can discover a lot of the local wildlife. Many other hiking trails lead past deep canyons, rivers and promise wonderful views of the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon

Just a day’s trip from Yellowstone National Park is Grand Canyon National Park. The majority of the more than 400 km long gorge is located here. From several vantage points you can overlook large parts of the canyon. Hikes around, in and in the canyon promise unforgettable impressions. Permission must be applied for overnight stays. If you like it a little wilder, you can throw yourself into the waters on the white water of the Colorado River, with rafting boats or canoes.

Utah Park

Several national parks in Utah invite backpackers on exciting adventures. The best known is probably the Arches National Park with the Delicate Arch. This can also be found on Utah’s license plates. But the rest of the national parks are also full of natural wonders to marvel at. The Angels Landing hiking trail in Zion National Park offers a challenging route for very experienced hikers. For beginners, Snow Canyon State Park offers a nice easy trail that can be completed in less than a day and includes all the highlights of the park.

Viet Nam

Rice Terraces in Hoang Su Phi

The numerous rice fields offer an impressive picture, Image: Blue Planet Studio / shutterstock

These are located in the north of Vietnam in the province of Ha Giang. As a national landmark, it is a special pride of the inhabitants. Via winding paths, along the terraces, you catch a breathtaking view over extensive rice fields on the slope. Especially at harvest time, the area offers special pictures. The landscapes around the rice terraces also offer mountains, valleys and bodies of water that want to be explored.

Ban Gioc Waterfalls

These waterfalls are located half in China and half in Vietnam. It is fed by the Quay Son River, which forms the border between the two countries. To visit the most famous waterfall in Vietnam, you have to buy a ticket on site. On bamboo boats you can get as close as possible to the natural spectacle. A few kilometers away from the Ban-Gioc waterfall there are beautiful cave systems. Not yet reached by mass tourism, you will meet only a few other hikers at the waterfall and its surroundings, especially on weekdays.

Austria

Kitzbühel

Over 1000 km of hiking trails invite hikers to take on challenging routes as well as leisurely walks. The most popular routes lead to the Hahnenkamm or the Kitzbüheler Horn. Several mountain huts offer wonderful views and local delicacies during the breaks. In winter, guided ski tours are also offered, where you can admire the beauty of the mountains under a thick blanket of snow. In 2019, Kitzbühel was awarded the European Hiking Seal of Approval.

Ellmau

Hikers can expect over 200 hiking tours in Ellmau . These tours lead past forests, alpine pastures and beautiful panoramas. Several mountain railways lead to the Hartkaiser or the Hohe Salve, among others. With attractions such as the Hexenwasser, this destination is particularly suitable for families with hiking enthusiasts. Here, too, you can enjoy Austrian food in the numerous mountain huts.

Australia

Blue Mountains

This national park, near Sydney, Australia , has everything a backpacker’s heart desires on 11,000 square kilometers. Guided tours offer canyoning, abseiling and many other exciting sporting activities. Of course, you can also explore the area independently without a guide. However, if there is an increased risk of forest fires, it is advisable to join a group as an inexperienced backpacker. With several viewpoints, highlights and cave visits, the Blue Mountains are not a destination for a short trip. If you have several days, you should also spend them here to take in the whole size of the area.

Wilsons Promontory National Park in Melbourne

A special highlight for wildlife photographers among the backpackers is the Wilsons Promontory National Park in Melbourne. Wombats, emus, countless bird species and of course kangaroos can be observed here in their home country. Guided hikes are also offered here and strongly recommended. These can be booked as a short trip or multi-day excursion across the national park. A very special highlight are guided tours to and into the rainforest.

Nepal

Kathmandu

2000 years of cultural history await enthusiastic backpackers in Kathmandu. The capital of Nepal not only offers traditional hiking trails, but also invites you to take hour-long trips through the city. In this, the Monkey Temple (Swayambunath), the Garden of Dreams or the shopping street in Thamel are mandatory points. Food and accommodation are offered here more cheaply than almost anywhere else. With little money, you can spend a few weeks exploring the city and the surrounding mountains.

Chitwan National Park

About 5 hours from Kathmandu is the first national park Nepal. In lodges and hotels you can stay here between the excursions. Due to the high number of wild animals, inexperienced backpackers should only take guided tours here and refrain from camping in the wilderness. Through the jungle, several safari trips can be booked, specializing in the sighting of certain animals. Elephant safaris are one of the most popular attractions in the national park. But adventures with guides are also experienced on foot. An encounter with the Tharu tribe, the indigenous people of the jungle, promises deep insights into life in the wilderness.

Kassel – The documenta City

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Kassel, with around 200,000 inhabitants the third largest city in Hesse and a documenta city, is always worth a visit. Of course, the biggest highlight is the world’s most important series of contemporary art exhibitions, which takes place every five years, but Kassel has worthwhile sights to offer all year round.

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Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe

The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe is the largest mountain park in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you visit it on Wednesdays, Sundays or a public holiday, you can also marvel at the Kassel trick fountains, always from May to October from 2 p.m. The park itself is worth a day trip, as there are numerous attractions to explore.

The Hercules

The Hercules in Kassel, Image: Angela Rohde / shutterstock

In addition to the documenta, the Hercules is the undisputed landmark of the northern Hessian city. It has been enthroned above the Bergpark for 300 years and looks most impressive from Wilhelmshöhe Palace.

The octagon, on which the Hercules stands, can also be visited from the inside in the season from March to mid-November.

Wilhelmshöhe Palace

Wilhelmshöhe Palace is also a must on any visit to Kassel. The Old Masters art exhibition inside the impressive building presents artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck. The Weissenstein wing, on the other hand, vividly shows how the lords of the castle in the 18. and 19th century and has retained its historic furnishings over the years.

The Löwenburg

Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Löwenburg is not a real castle. Rather, it is an artificial ruin that was built to beautify the mountain park. Nevertheless, its premises have historical value and are worth a visit.

Fridericianum

The Fridericianum is one of the main attractions of Kassel’s city centre. This cultural center on Friedrichplatz is impressive from the outside as well as from the inside. A wide variety of exhibitions always take place here and the documenta also intensively integrates the venerable building into the festivities. The Zwehrenturm at the end of the Fridericianum is also one of the last surviving medieval buildings that can be seen in Kassel. It dates from the 14th century and is therefore about 400 years older than the Fridericianum itself.

Grimm World

Statue Grimm Kassel — The statue of the Brothers Grimm in Kassel, Image: Marc Venema / shutterstock

Kassel is considered the city of Grimm, as the two famous brothers wrote some of their most famous works here. The Grimm World at the Kassel vineyard vividly brings visitors closer to her life and work. Among the most beautiful exhibits are the personal copies of the two brothers’ fairy tales, which are provided with many handwritten annotations.
If you want to continue following in the footsteps of the two, you can go to their monument on Brüder-Grimm-Platz. It is located right next to the gate guardhouse, where the Brothers Grimm used to live. Today, it houses the Hessian Administrative Court.

Information about the Grimm World

Opening hours

(As of 12/2019)

Tuesday – Sunday	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday	10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday	closed
Easter Monday	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Whit Monday	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
24.12.	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
25.12.	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
26.12.	10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
31.12.	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
01.01.	closed

Open on all Hessian public holidays (except New Year’s Day) during regular opening hours.

Admission

	Presentation	Special Presentation	Combined ticket	Annual pass
Adults	8 €	5 €	10 €	35 €
Reduced	6 €	3 €	7 €	25 €
Family ticket	20 €	12 €	25 €	85 €
In groups of 8 or more people	6 €	3 €	7 €
In groups of 40 or more people	5 €	3 €	6 €

Family
Parents with children and grandparents with grandchildren

Entrance free
Children < 6 years, necessary companion for severely disabled persons, Meine Card+, museum card of the German Museums Association

Reduced
Children and young people < 18, pupils, students, seniors > 65 years of age, severely disabled persons, federal volunteers and voluntary military service members, trainees, unemployed persons and social welfare recipients (with appropriate proof) or the “Mittendrin! Participation Card«, Kassel Card, GEO-Card, artCard

(As of 12/2019)

Tours

Tours	Individual tour 90 minutes by appointment	Public tour Permanent presentation 60 minutes Saturdays and Sundays 3 p.m.	Public tour Special Presentation 60 minutes Sundays 4 p.m.
Price	95 €*	Adults 5 €* Reduced 3 €*	Adults 5 €* Reduced 3 €*
Additional offer: Foreign language	20 €

*Plus. Admission

Museum of Sepulchral Culture

As a location for art and culture, Kassel offers the Museum of Sepulchral Culture
something unique in the world. This museum is all about dying, death and the commemoration of it. The range of epochs dates back to the Middle Ages and includes numerous cultures around the globe. Again and again, the museum also offers exciting special exhibitions that deal with sepulchral culture, either historically or artistically.

Karlsause

Kassel is also known as a green oasis. After the Bergpark, the Karlsaue is the largest park in the city. The linchpin of the green lung is the orangery with the castle. It is also home to the Astronomical-Physical Cabinet and the Planetarium, where various cultural events are held.

Marble

The marble bath is located in the immediate vicinity of the Karlsaue and knows how to inspire with its late baroque style. It is the last surviving bath in Germany in this style. But there was never any bathing here. Instead, the Landgrave used it for lavish parties.

Island of Siebenbergen

If you come to Kassel between spring and autumn, you should definitely pay a visit to the island of Siebenbergen. This flower island at the southern end of the Karlsaue changes its planting with each season and is ideal for extensive photo sessions.

documenta

The documenta is the undisputed number one in Kassel. No wonder, as it is considered the largest and most important exhibition of modern art ever. Although the next documenta will not take place until 2022, the event will still leave its mark on the city. Kassel has bought some of the most impressive works of art, so that they can now be viewed permanently. The most famous of these works is probably the Himmelsstürmer, which is set up in front of Kassel’s main train station. This is an inclined steel tube with a length of 25 meters, on which there is a painted figure made of fiberglass, which seems to stride towards the sky.

The pickaxe of Hercules on the banks of the Fulda and the sculpture The Strangers are also remnants of the documenta.

Bus travel – Discover the world in comfort

Unkategorisiert

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Bus travel – Discover the world in comfort

If you want to travel, there are a wide variety of options – also in terms of transport. Due to the increasingly accessible and affordable bus routes, traveling by bus has become a realistic option and is increasingly coming into focus. In the meantime, even long-distance journeys in a bus are relatively cheap and comfortable. So as long as there is a road, it doesn’t matter where you want to go.

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About the advantages of traveling by bus

Nearby departure points

Unlike traveling by plane, the bus stops are often only a short distance away. You are also not obliged to endure eternal waiting times.
Most of the time, you don’t have to change trains and can finally move directly from the bus to the hotel.

Comfort

Most buses nowadays already offer all the necessary amenities. Modern seats with legroom are part of the standard offer and often TVs are already integrated.
Package tours are also a possibility. The bus company takes care of travel, guided tours and accommodation, while the travel enthusiast can sit back and relax.

The environmental factor

If you travel by bus or even train, you protect the environment. In comparison, the bus with its relatively low CO2 emissions always performs better than cars or planes. It is also not decisive whether it is a long-distance trip or a short trip. Of course, the fellow travelers must also be included and the following applies here: the more, the merrier.

Get to know people

A bus trip always offers the opportunity to meet other people. Especially on a longer trip, people like to make contacts. Some people choose this form of travel precisely because of the social component.

The most beautiful destinations in Germany for bus travellers

Below we have listed beautiful bus destinations in Germany . In addition, you can find current tips for bus travel on the website of the bus tour operator Reisebus24.de. Here you can choose from a large selection of travel offers for singles, couples, families and groups. In addition, it is possible to request your own bus transport via the national network of local bus companies. Perfect for group outings and school trips.

Saxon Switzerland

On the border with the Czech Republic lies a green jewel – Saxon Switzerland. Impressive rock formations, as we know them from the myths, rise up from the forests and awaken an amazing panorama.

Climbing and hiking trails crisscross the area and invite travelers into nature.

History also seems omnipresent. Through historical boat trips, the medieval centre of the city of Pirna and theatre performances on the Rathen rock stage, you could almost succumb to the thought of having landed far away from reality. And yet: The routes of the bus companies also lead to this enchanted part of Germany.

The Black Forest

Bus trip Ireland — On a bus trip, you can enjoy nature and the surroundings in a very special way, Image: Irina Fischer / shutterstock

This area is also known from various legends. The most famous character is probably the little glass man from the fairy tale “The Cold Heart”.

Breathtaking natural landscapes can also be found everywhere here. In addition, the customs, which are still alive in many places today, can also be admired.

The bus trips can be just as varied. From day trips to 8-day round trips, everything is possible. Sometimes even including a river cruise. The choice is also focused on the traveler. Whether it’s a guided tour of Heidelberg and Baden-Baden or a trip to Lake Titisee and the Triberg Waterfalls.

Hamburg

With its access to the sea, Hamburg is the gateway to the world. There are all sights there along the way. The large harbour actually elicits amazement from everyone at first. The Speicherstadt with its brick warehouses is also well worth seeing. If only because it is the largest complex of its kind in the world, but also because of the peculiarly romantic atmosphere that a walk through the alleys and past the canals creates.
Hamburg is also known for its spectacular musical performances. “Tarzan” and “The Lion King” have already attracted thousands of viewers.

Munich

Munich – The state capital of Bavaria is a popular destination for a variety of reasons.
On the one hand, it is a magnet for football fans and Oktoberfest visitors, but on the other hand, it also offers a stage for garden lovers and history buffs.

Nymphenburg Palace, the Frauenkirche or the old Ducal Palace still radiate grandeur today and offer a small insight into the city’s past.

Munich’s English Garden is an impressive 375 hectares in size and its network of paths stretches over 78 km. The Chinese tower and the Japanese tea house in the middle of the greenery are real highlights. Since 1990, a classic comedy has been performed every July in the amphitheatre of the English Garden. Entrance free.

Baltic Sea

In fact, the Baltic Sea is the most popular bus destination for German tourists. The areas of the former GDR are particularly popular. Rügen and its picturesque chalk cliffs, Usedom and its romantic piers. And if you want to go a little further, you can also pay a visit to the Polish Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is also worth a detour in winter, because away from the beaches there are numerous swimming pools, zoos and museums.