All about travel

Winter Tours in Sweden

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

Are you in the process of planning your next vacation? Would you like to spend your free time outdoors in nature, experience action and adventure? Then your next destination should definitely be Sweden !

Crystal clear air, vast landscapes with large lakes and enchanting colours… that describes the first impressions of Sweden. Sweden is one of the Scandinavian countries and offers beautiful fjords and national parks, numerous natural beauties and gigantic waterfalls that make your trip there worthwhile! More than half of the land area is forested and illustrates the originality of nature. Sweden surprises with diverse nature, high mountains in the north and deep forests. Particularly fascinating is the midnight sun and the northern lights, which offer an incredibly great light spectacle, which you have certainly never seen anywhere else. Equally impressive are the vastness and solitude, which bring you even closer to nature. You may also occasionally run into other nature lovers – in Sweden, people are so uncomplicated and friendly. It doesn’t always have to be palm beaches, large hotels or Mediterranean flair. Nature usually has so much more to offer, you just have to try it once. Especially in winter, there are particularly great opportunities to explore the country and its magical landscapes. In the cold months, when the snow glistens in the sun, nature appears twice as beautiful and even more lonely. Whether it’s an active holiday or a trekking adventure , there is something for everyone in Sweden.

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Hut tour

The hut tours in winter offer an unforgettable experience: with skis or snowshoes you can ski or hike through the fantastic mountain world, over frozen rivers and lakes, while snow-capped peaks and gigantic glaciers surround you to the left and right. You move from mountain hut to mountain hut in several stages. Pure wilderness! Such peace and quiet only exists far away from civilization. Particularly romantic and unique are the Northern Lights, which can be seen above the Arctic Circle on clear nights. You experience undisturbed solitude in ice and snow, bright sunny days while hiking and driving snow at night while warming up in front of the fireplace in the hut. A sauna is also available in some mountain huts.

Winter camping

If you want it even more adventurous, you have the option of booking a tent tour . In the Arctic landscape, you are self-sufficient on tour with the winter tent. The luggage is transported in pulkas. This is a kind of sled on which luggage is pulled by animals such as reindeer and huskies or even by humans. With a stove and matching dishes, the food is prepared in the white snowy landscape and enjoyed with the bright northern lights. The tents and sleeping bags are designed for winter – so don’t worry, you’ll be well warmed. With the tent you experience independence from the outside world and everything you need is stowed in the pulkas. Who can say that they have spent the night in a tent in the middle of the mountains in the most beautiful places in Sweden?!

Husky tour

As soon as the first snow falls and the water of the lakes begins to freeze, it’s time to let the huskies go! The winter tours accompanied by huskies offer you an animal experience. Has it always been your dream to be pulled by huskies or to steer the husky sled yourself? The winter tours in Sweden can make your dream come true. Huskies have a basic trust in every person, want to help pull the pulkas at all costs and are extremely cuddly. They are friendly and reliable fellows who will quickly win your heart. With snowshoes you explore the fantastic winter landscape and the cute nature boys support and accompany you. Especially uphill, they are a great help, as they actively support people with their diligence and strength.

Other wild animals such as bears and wolves also live in the mountains. But they are usually far too shy to come close to people and do not pose a threat to mutual respect. Furthermore, moose, ptarmigan, reindeer, arctic foxes and wolverines are native to Sweden. You will get to see these occasionally.

Places to Explore

Kungsladen, Sweden — River on the King’s Road in Sweden, Image: Viktorishy / shutterstock

Winter tours are particularly recommended in the north of Sweden, for example along the Kungsleden, the King’s Road. It is a world-famous long-distance hiking trail that, unlike other hiking trails, is hardly explored by people, especially in winter. During the hike you will be surrounded by wide valleys, mighty rivers, imposing mountains, lots of forest and beautiful lakes. The Kungsleden can be explored on both the south and north sides.

It is just as beautiful to hike through Vindelfjäll with the huskies. This is a Swedish and at the same time Europe’s largest nature reserve, which is located in the northwest of Swedish Lapland, more precisely in the province of Västerbotten County. Vindelfjäll is 560,000 hectares in size, which is twice the size of the Saarland. It consists of birch and spruce forests, treeless tundra, some glaciers and lakes.

In general, all regions in Sweden are suitable for hiking. The paths are also well signposted and are visited by many people from all over the world. There are also some rest areas along the hiking trails. But if you prefer it in silence, you can plan your breaks away from the official shelters and fireplaces.

The Sarek National Park is a little more adventurous. This is the largest national park in Sweden and is located in Swedish Lapland. High peaks, glacial valleys, mountain massifs and rushing rapids surround you during your winter tour. With a hiking start from Kungsleden, you can experience the world-famous Nammasj and Skierfe mountains. Crossing the delta of the Rapaädno River, you get to see the first rugged peaks of the national park. In the heart of the Sarek National Park, past narrow valleys, over frozen lakes and rivers, across plateaus, past glaciers and through narrow valleys, there is seclusion and solitude, far away from civilization.

Hiking paradise Georgia: Camping & Trekking in the Caucasus

Georgia

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Hiking paradise Georgia: Camping & Trekking in the Caucasus

Georgia is love for me at first, second and also at every further sight. The country in the Caucasus has made it very far into my heart. On the one hand, this is due to the hospitable locals and the delicious Georgian cuisine – but above all to the outstanding and diverse landscapes. I am particularly fond of the mountains in Georgia. They are beautiful, some of them over 5,000 meters very high and in many regions they are still very wild. In my opinion, the most beautiful way to discover the country is definitely with a tent and trekking backpack! Thus, you can discover the most impressive sides of the Caucasus on multi-day hikes and experience the nature of Georgia even more intensively.

When choosing worthwhile hiking areas, trekking enthusiasts are spoilt for choice:

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Historic fortified towers and charming mountain villages in Svaneti

The Svaneti region is probably the most famous tourist trekking area in Georgia and there are good reasons for that. Numerous tours in all possible lengths and levels of difficulty await hikers here. A very beautiful and popular multi-day hike leads, for example, from Mestia to Ushguli, the highest mountain village in Europe. The road to Ushguli runs over a pass of almost 3,000 meters, past glaciers, mountain rivers and breathtaking views. On the way, you can camp in beautiful places or spend the night in cozy, family-run accommodations. A characteristic feature in Svaneti are also the historic fortified towers, which characterize the image of the small villages here and serve as an ideal photo motif. In the high-lying mountain settlements, life is very comfortable and original. Nevertheless, there is no lack of amenities – after energy-sapping (multi-day) hikes, you can enjoy a few hearty Georgian specialties with a clear conscience in one of the rustic inns, such as Khachapuri, an incredibly filling and very tasty cheese flatbread. In combination with the beautiful nature, the villages in Svaneti are therefore the perfect place for a relaxing active holiday.

A wild ride into wild Tusheti

Abano Pass Tusheti — The Abano Pass in Tusheti, Image: Marco Schätzel

In search of a portion of adventure, my second trip to Georgia ended me in the little-developed and hard-to-reach mountain region of Tusheti. The journey to Tusheti alone is an experience that everyone who has done it will remember for a long time. The trail leads over the Abano Pass, the highest passable mountain pass in the Caucasus at over 2,800 meters. The gravel road winds its way through the mountains in hundreds of serpentines. The steep slopes and views down into the valley are sure to make one or the other’s heart slip into their pants. But the long and nerve-wracking drive to Tusheti is worth it! The region is even more pristine than other hiking areas in Georgia, as it is still little developed for tourism and the journey alone deters many travelers. If you still make your way to Omalo, the largest village in the region, you will find hikes in a class of their own, such as the multi-day trekking tour over the Borbalo Pass or the beautiful day walk from Ghele to the village of Parsma. By the way, a trip to Tusheti is only possible in the summer months – the Abano Pass is snowed in for most of the year and is not passable.

Kazbegi: Climb 5000m peaks and take postcard photos

Gergeti Church, Georgia — Gergeti Church, Image: Marco Schätzel

North of Tbilisi, on the way to Russia, lies another scenic pearl of Georgia – the Kazbegi region, with the Kazbek mountain of the same name. The Mt. At 5,054 meters, Kazbek is the third highest mountain in the country and eighth highest in the Caucasus! If you want to climb a 5,000-metre peak in Georgia, you can try it out here, especially since previous alpine experience is not necessarily necessary to climb the summit and the ascent should usually not take longer than three days. The city of Stepantsminda is the starting point for the ascent of Mt. Kazbek. From here, an asphalt road has recently led up to what is probably the most famous church in the country – the Gergeti Trinity Church. Picturesquely enthroned by the peaks of the Caucasus, the Holy Trinity Church is embedded in an incredibly beautiful panorama and is one of the most spectacular and popular photo motifs in Georgia.

If you don’t have enough time or strength to climb the summit, you can also hike up to the Kazbek Glacier from the Gergeti Church and will also be rewarded with fantastic views. The whole region around Kazbegi definitely offers enormous potential for hikers, both in terms of day hikes and multi-day trekking tours. Highly recommended and relatively little knowledgeable is, for example, the path from Sno to the picturesque mountain village of Juta. By the way, the way from Tbilisi to Stepantsminda, over the old military road, is paved throughout and the journey is therefore not as lengthy and adventurous as to Tusheti. Nevertheless, the drive is scenic!

The best time to hike? Now!

Just writing about Georgia makes my hiking heart beat faster and I will almost certainly be drawn back to the Caucasus pretty soon – there are many other beautiful hiking regions to discover! A good time to travel for hiking in Georgia is from May to the end of September, although trekking tours over high mountain passes are not snow-free until mid to late June. By the way, Georgia is a very interesting travel destination, especially at the moment, in times of Covid-19. The country has one of the lowest infection rates in the region and direct entry from Germany has been officially allowed for German citizens since July 8 (as of 23.08.2020).

Camping and hiking in the mountains of Georgia is probably one of the best and most beautiful ways to go on holiday relatively safely, despite the virus. But beware: the risk of infection for a lasting Georgia travel fever is of course still extremely high!

How do you find the right luggage?

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Whether it’s a short trip, a city trip or a two-week holiday in Mallorca, the right piece of luggage is important. But before you even start the journey, there are many questions about luggage. It must be neither too big, nor too small and not too heavy. If you also travel by plane, you have to comply with certain standards. In the following sections you will find important information about luggage. Furthermore, we present different types of luggage so that you too can find the right travel companion.

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Trolley, suitcase or backpacker backpack – Which is best?

Basically, this question depends on your travel style. If you travel through Asia for weeks, you definitely don’t want to carry a suitcase with you. If you change hostels every other day and travel in uncomfortable trains and buses, you should definitely grab a backpacker’s backpack. Globetrotters want to see the craziest places and always have their equipment with them. A backpacker backpack offers hip fins and chest straps for the perfect fit. At the same time, they remain flexible at all times. Depending on their size, they can even be carried as hand luggage on air travel. Otherwise, you just have to check them in.

A trolley is best suited for city trips and weekend trips. If you only want to travel through Europe’s capitals for a few days, you will be happy about the suitcase with integrated wheels. Whether hard or soft shell, your luggage is always close to you. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the faithful companion can almost always be taken into the aircraft cabin. With the help of the extendable pole, a trolley can be pulled comfortably. However, it can get a bit complicated in cities with a lot of cobblestones, such as Rome. Then you have to carry the travel trolley by means of a handle.

Travel suitcases are suitable for longer holiday trips. A week or two in the Dominican Republic? No problem with the right rolling suitcase. Like trolleys, suitcases usually have two or four wheels. Despite the contents, they can be transported so easily. Especially on long distances at airports or train stations, they show all their skills. Depending on the intended use, you can choose between a smaller or larger capacity. If you travel by plane, you can often give up 20 or 23 kilograms.

How do you pack a suitcase quickly and in a space-saving way?

It should be clear that you pack a suitcase differently than a backpacker backpack. In this section, we refer to packing a classic wheeled suitcase or trolley. If you pack with a little brains, you will save yourself a lot of trouble later.

Before you start packing, you should first answer the following questions:

How long is my stay?
What is the weather like at your destination?
What clothing is suitable?

In order to make the best use of the volume of the suitcase, some clothes should be rolled tightly. T-shirts, trousers, skirts or dresses take up less space. However, be careful not to stuff the suitcase to the brim. Firstly, they could suffer damage and secondly, you often want to bring a souvenir from your holiday destination. Anyone who arrives at the airport overweight is often punished. Many airlines know no mercy and charge horrendous fees for every kilogram.

Furthermore, we recommend that you pack heavier items such as shoes and pants downwards in the suitcase. Light things such as shirts, dresses and blouses are packed at the end. If they are at the top, they will also wrinkle less. To make better use of the storage space, you can also hide socks and smaller items in shoes. Cosmetics and hygiene products must be packed securely before they are spilled. Cling film is best suited for this. If you wrap the cap tightly with foil, you won’t have any problems with leaking shampoos later.

If you want to travel with technical devices, you should carry them with you as hand luggage. There you can keep an eye on them at all times. In addition, task cases are often lost. Important documents, documents, passports and medication also belong in your hand luggage.

How do you secure your luggage?

Suitcases from renowned manufacturers usually have a security lock integrated. As a rule, these are three- or four-digit combination locks that can be individually programmed. Trolleys or smaller suitcases are usually made without a lock. Then it is worth buying an additional suitcase lock.

Wellington – the capital of the Kiwis

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Wellington is located at the lowest tip of New Zealand’s North Island and, with its approximately 200,000 inhabitants, is one of the country’s metropolitan areas. Despite the relatively high population density by New Zealand standards, the capital has a lot to offer and invites you to many different sights. A visit to the Kiwi capital is definitely worthwhile – it’s not for nothing that Wellington was named the “coolest little capital in the world” in 2011.

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Wellington Cable Car

If you are looking for information about Wellington, you can’t miss the famous cable car . A ride on the cute red train is simply part of a visit. The cable car transports visitors directly from the centre to the Kelburn observation deck and the main entrance of the Botanic Gardens. During the 5-minute ride, passengers can enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful city as well as the picturesque harbor.

Nature in and around Wellington

Just like the rest of New Zealand, the capital has a lot of nature to offer and attracts with numerous hikes and action for nature lovers. As already mentioned, there is the botanical garden to marvel at, where the typical New Zealand ferns grow and you are enchanted by the lush green. If you like it a bit more action-packed, you can let off steam in the Rimutaka Forest Park and explore the area on mountain bikes. A hike through the beautiful beech forests is also a good idea here. Here, too, there are many different plants to marvel at and a lot to discover.

Another hotspot for nature lovers in Wellington is the Makara Track, which runs directly along the wild west coast. The special feature of this beach hike is the spectacular view far into the distance. The start and end point of this trail are at Makara Beach, which is also the namesake for this hike. The paths are well paved and therefore this circular route is also well suited for families with children. You should plan about 4 hours for the hike and pack sturdy shoes.

The Wellington Walkways

There is also a lot to discover and experience directly in the city. The so-called Walkways are well-signposted walks in the middle of the city, which lead you through the city in an interesting and varied way.

These walking paths lead through the middle of Wellington’s local recreation areas and parks and you quickly forget that you are actually in the capital. Depending on which part of the city you are in, you can choose between the Northern, Southern and Eastern Walkways. All three routes have a different length and lead to a wide variety of destinations.

Northern Walkway, 16 km and 4 hours duration

This trail starts in Johnsonville and leads through many green parks (including the botanical garden) in the middle of downtown. The paths are relatively easy to walk, but there are some steeper sections. However, these are always worthwhile, as there are many impressive viewpoints along the way and you can get a good overview of the city.

Southern Walkway, 11 km and 5 hours duration

Beehive Wellington — Beehive, one of New Zealand’s parliament buildings, Image: JoshuaDaniel / shutterstock

This trail starts in the harbor suburb of Oriental Bay and leads all the way up to the summit of Mount Victoria. From here you have a breathtaking view over Wellington and the rugged coast. We continue through the forest, which is also known from the movie “Lord of the Rings” and offers a beautiful backdrop. Past the Wellington Zoo , the path finally leads to Island Bay and thus back to the south coast of the island.

Eastern Walkway, 2.5 km and 2 hours duration

This slightly shorter route is great for getting a first impression of the city. In the south along the Miramar peninsula to Tarakena Bay there are some beautiful views of Wellington harbour. In addition, this route takes you to some Maori sites and can get an impression of New Zealand culture.

Away from nature – a real metropolis

Wellington, despite the charm of a small town, also has a real metropolitan feeling to offer. It is even said that Wellington has more restaurants and bars per capita than the metropolis of New York. So you can also spend some time in a wide variety of locations and enjoy delicious food and unique drinks. After all, Wellington is also the culinary capital of New Zealand.

Wellington can also keep up with other metropolises on a cultural level. Concerts and live shows take place in the city almost every day, so that visitors really have a lot to offer.

The wildlife around Wellington

Due to the location directly on the water and the rugged rocky coast, sea lions in particular feel right at home in Wellington. So if you would like to experience them in their natural environment, you can take part in one of the numerous tours and experience nature from a completely different side.

The adventurous journey can be undertaken by boat as well as by jeep.

Belfast – Sights in Northern Ireland’s capital

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Belfast – Sights in Northern Ireland’s capital

As diverse as the city itself, so diverse are its sights. Belfast is steeped in more history than almost any other city in the north of Ireland. Numerous museums and monuments remind us of stormy times that divided an entire nation. Just as buildings, paintings and sculptures remind us of peace and tolerance. Especially in recent years, Belfast has established itself as an exciting and interesting travel destination. We have summarised here what makes the city special and which sights should not be missing on a holiday.

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Belfast Titanic Experience

In March 2012, the monument to what was once the largest and probably most famous passenger ship in the world opened in Belfast. Even from the outside, the building is worth seeing, because with its shiny aluminum exterior façade, it is strongly reminiscent of the fateful iceberg that sank the Titantic in 1912. The Titanic originated in Belfast. In memory of the construction project and the dramatic event, visitors can travel through that time on a total of six floors. Exhibits, replicas and artifacts are waiting here.

St. George’s Market

It is probably the oldest attraction in Belfast: St. George’s Market is popular with both travellers and locals. While the Victorian building still looks a bit inconspicuous from the outside, there is a lot of hustle and bustle inside. Fresh fruit, Irish delicacies, delicious street food and typical Irish music await. While the artists provide the right atmosphere, around 250 market stalls entice with their offers. A visit to this market is a must on a holiday in Belfast.

The Crown Liquor Saloon

Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast — Crown Liquor Saloon, Image: Min Jing / shutterstock

It is probably the most famous and oldest pub in Northern Ireland: The Crown Liquor Saloon. The first owner had the entire pub decorated with gas lamps, Corinthian columns and wood panelling by artists from Italy . The seating areas are guarded by imposing griffins and lions. In addition, there are fabrics made of brocade with lilies and feather patterns. Overall: it is probably one of the most beautiful pubs in the world, which should definitely be visited for a Guinness when visiting Belfast. Of course, the appropriate atmospheric music is also regularly available here.

Crumlin Road Goal

The Crumlin Road Goal is also one of the most popular sights in Belfast and should not be missing from the list when visiting. Insurgents, criminals, fighters for freedom and feminists. They have all been locked up in prison in the north of Ireland. During this time, even children were behind bars here. Innocent people also often died here by the gallows, although some of them were demonstrably innocent. Even today, their souls are said to haunt the old walls. During the day, visitors can visit the house on their own, and in the evening there are special horror tours in search of the restless poltergeists.

Belfast City Hall

Thanks to the reigning Queen Victoria, Belfast was recognised as a city in 1888. It was not until 20 years later that the plans for a town hall were implemented, which today separates the industrial area from the business district. With its gigantic dome and green towers, City Hall is an impressive building. Sculptures and marble adorn the interiors and halls. The gardens around the building land in summer with the large gardens to linger in. Belfast City Hall is equipped with modern lighting technology. On special occasions, the building shines in a breathtaking backdrop of light.

Ulster Museum and Grand Opera House

The Ulster Museum could be described as a mixture of art, history and naturopathy. Today, it is one of the most visited sights in the city. One million objects are waiting for visitors here. From the mummy to exciting art collections to dinosaur replicas. So you certainly won’t get bored in this museum.

On Great Victoria Street, right in the middle of the city centre, is the Irish Grand Opera House. The building dates back to 1895 and brought an oriental flair to the city at the time. In the following years, the house was renovated several times. It now offers the perfect backdrop for opera, dance, theatre, musicals and comedy.

St. Anne’s Cathedral and Botanic Gardens

Where an old church once stood until the end of the 19th century, St. Anne’s Cathedral now stands. This was built from 1899 and it took a whole 80 years until the imposing work was completed. Visitors can visit the fair here or simply admire the magnificent interior. Impressive paintings and artifacts are also at home here. As a sign of hope, the high church tower is illuminated every night, which is a nice photo opportunity for holidaymakers.

Another must-see stop for holidaymakers in the Northern Irish city is the botanical garden. Here you will find relaxation and peace. The garden is located right next to the University of Belfast and offers a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city on over 100,000 square metres. Tropical greenhouses, roses, orchids, a palm house and sculptures await you here. The piece of green in the green city is particularly suitable for a cosy picnic.

Das Belfast Castle

The magnificent Belfast Castle at the bottom of Cave Hill is the last castle in Belfast. It was built in the heart of the city in the 12th century, but a building made of wood and stones replaced it 400 years later. The reason for this was a fire, which prompted the planners to have the castle rebuilt on the outskirts of the city. The castle can be visited after a short drive out of the city center. Not only a magnificent view of Belfast, but also historic interiors and a cozy park invite you to linger. Afterwards you can visit Cave Hill.

Sóller – Valley of Gold

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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In the “Valley of Gold” lies the small town of Sóller in the northwest on the island of Mallorca. With its approximately 13,000 inhabitants on an area of about 43km², this place is certainly not one of the largest, but it is difficult to surpass in beauty.

Extensive orange plantations round off the natural look of Sóller and provide a colourful change from the lush greenery of the small town. You might think that the name “Valley of Gold” is due to the oranges, but after a short research it was clear that liquid gold was extracted from the olive groves at that time, which can only be seen sporadically today.

After this short historical digression, we turn our full attention back to the sights of the small town idyll.

What to see in Sóller

Sóller is located 3 kilometres inland from the coast, but with the district of Port de Sóller it offers direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. The small harbour town offers a beautiful view of the water and shines in full splendour, especially at dusk. The numerous restaurants and bars invite you to a cozy dinner with friends and offer a fantastic view of the setting sun off Mallorca’s coasts.

Tram, Sóller — Old tram in Sóller, Image: Karol Kozlowski / shutterstock

In the centre of Sóller, culture fans will get their money’s worth. The church of Sant Bartomeu is located in the heart of the city, in the Plaza Constitutión, where life also takes place. Even from the outside, Sant Bartomeu impresses with extraordinary architecture and imposing details. But the interior of the church also has a lot of attention to detail and is definitely worth a tour. There is also a beautiful permanent exhibition in the Plaza Constitutión, where not only local artists are exhibited, but also heavyweights such as Kandinsky or Picasso. You can also visit the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences or enjoy the flora and fauna of the Jordí Botànic, a garden with many plant species just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre towards the harbour.

Shopping & Dining in Sóller

Church of Sant Bortomeu, Soller — The church of Sant Bortomeu, Image: schoppino / shutterstock

But if you prefer to come to Sóller for shopping or a leisurely meal with friends, you will not be disappointed. Around the Plaza Constitutión there are lots of bars and restaurants. Cute cafés invite you to relax in a cozy atmosphere. Of course, the range of designer shops here is not as large as on Palma, for example, but you should plan your day trip on a Saturday. Saturday is market day in Sóller. The square is teeming with locals and tourists interested in shopping. Retailers offer all kinds of goods, such as sought-after designer fashion. Hand-painted furniture or self-made textiles can be found here in abundance. A perfect souvenir and memento for home.

Athletes or hobby hikers can also let off steam here. The GR221 long-distance hiking trail or dry stone route leads through the town and the harbour and thus offers a perfect alternative to culture and the hustle and bustle of Sóller for beginners as well as experienced hikers or mountain bikers. Guided hikes can also be booked for little money.

There are not many hotels in the beautiful small town, but there are enough. There, however, the selection is surprisingly large. Both small holiday apartments in country house style and modern, stylish apartments are part of Sóller’s repertoire.

As an insider tip, you should definitely visit the ice cream restaurant Sa Fábrica de Gelats . There you will find delicious ice cream with many different, extraordinary flavors. In general, you can rely on the regional products here. Due to the many orange plantations, it is obvious that there is also excellent orange juice and all kinds of products of the delicious fruit. So support the regional entrepreneurs and take a jar of jam home with you.

In conclusion, Sóller can only be recommended. Whether for a longer period of time or for a day trip on your next Mallorca holiday. This small but fine town offers everything your travel heart desires and will not disappoint you.

Holidays in Kenya – paradise in East Africa

Africa
Kenya

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Holidays in Kenya – paradise in East Africa

This article is a paid ad Hakuna Matata – Everything is fine. The famous saying from the movie “The Lion King” is the motto of life in Kenya. Everything is a little more relaxed there and without the pressure and hectic pace that we know all too well from Germany . But that’s not the only thing that makes Kenya a true holiday paradise in East Africa. In the endless savannahs of the country you can meet the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. And on the endless white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean, you completely forget all the worries and stress from Germany.

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The best travel destinations in Kenya

The majority of tourists who come to Kenya every year are of course looking forward to a safari. And quite rightly so. Because having seen lions, elephants and rhinos up close once in your life is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. In Kenya, you can meet the wild animals in untouched nature today in the national parks. The most famous park is Maasai Mara, which borders directly on the Serengeti. Every year, you can see a huge migration of wild animals as they cross the Mara River in search of better grazing grounds. Another, completely different highlight of the country is the coastal city of Mombasa directly on the Indian Ocean. Strongly influenced by the Swahili culture, the coastal region of Kenya is very different from the rest of the country. Endless white sandy beaches invite you to take walks along the turquoise sea. Of course, you can also swim or even dive wonderfully in the lukewarm ocean. Afterwards, the delicious, freshly caught seafood found in the city’s excellent restaurants is the perfect way to end a wonderful day.

If you don’t want it to go so far away: Alternatives within Europe

But maybe you don’t want to travel to another continent this year after all. We understand this and have therefore provided some great alternatives to a holiday in Kenya.

Holidays in Denmark

Beach Denmark — Relaxing in peace on Denmark’sbeaches, Image: Ioana Catalina E/shutterstock

A holiday home holiday on Denmark’s Baltic or North Sea coast is a real classic. And quite rightly so. After all, a holiday in a holiday home in Denmark promises to combine the best of two worlds at once. Firstly, in the holiday home you can enjoy the comfort of your own home without being disturbed by other guests. In addition, you will have the holiday paradise of Denmark right on your doorstep. Long sandy beaches, a pleasantly mild climate and the very friendly hosts make a holiday there unforgettable.

Holidays in London

As one of the oldest capitals in Europe, London is still one of the cultural centres of the continent. First-class museums, galleries and historical sights are lined up close together in London. It is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. The perfect destination for a gourmet holiday full of cultural highlights.

Summer holidays on Denmark’s largest island, Zealand

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Summer holidays on Denmark’s largest island, Zealand

Holidaymakers who tick similarly to me, in that they want to spend their holidays in the same place not only for relaxation, will find an ideal holiday area on the Danish island of Zealand. The approximately 7,000 km² island, which could also be called the “Baltic Sea country”, offers its visitors the advantage of being able to arrange their holiday stay according to individual preferences and needs. I would be happy to share with you some suggestions derived from my previous stays in a holiday home on Zealand to make your holiday more varied.

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Family holidays on the beaches of South Zealand

Karrebaeksminde, Zealand — Karrebaeksminde, Image: Gestur Gislason / shutterstock

It is up to you whether you want to reach Zealand by car ferry from Rostock or the island of Fehmarn or choose to get there by land via Flensburg and the bridge over the Great Belt. Since the island has a large number of holiday homes, you also have the option of choosing the holiday accommodation according to your budget and requirements.

South Zealand has proven to be an ideal holiday destination for me, which offers ideal conditions for a family with children. For example, the small island of Enö, which can be reached via a bascule bridge, offers wide sandy beaches that flow into shallow water, especially off Karrebaeksminde, where they form a particularly child-friendly surface. In the evenings, the sunsets offer an additional romantic experience. My family felt quite comfortable on the beaches of Faxe Bay in the eastern area of Zealand.

White sandy beaches run flat into the clear water in a child-friendly way, a bathing bridge inspires the older semesters and amber and smaller fossils trigger unimagined collecting passions. If your holiday takes you to the north coast of Zealand, some beaches on the Danish Riviera, such as the beach off Ebbelökke, which is equipped with children’s waterholes, or the neighbouring, never crowded beach of Sonnerup, are ideal for a few relaxing hours with the family.

Places to visit on Zealand

Frederiksborg Castle, Hilleröd, Zealand — Frederiksborg Castle in Hilleröd, Image: Kiev.Victor / shutterstock

It is not without reason that Zealand is called the island of castles and manor houses. While Copenhagen or Roskilde are widely known as attractive cities, places such as the medieval port city of Köge on the east coast of Zealand, Lejre near Roskilde or Hilleröd in the northeast of the island are among the insider tips of the excursion destinations. Köge convinces with a historic town centre, which is formed, among other things, by half-timbered houses from the 17th century and the Nicolaikirche from the 14th century. A few kilometres south of the village, the picturesquely situated Vallö Castle invites you to visit. Lejre offers interesting insights into the settlement history of the Vikings and has two worthwhile sights in store with the Land of Legends leisure centre and the Rococo castle of Ledreborg. Hilleröd is best known for its massive Renaissance Frederiksborg Castle, where the Danish National History Museum is an absolute must for museum lovers.

A day at Dyrehavsbakken Amusement Park

Although the Dyrehavsbakken had not been part of the program of my vacation trip to the island of Zealand, my youngest family member was able to convince me of the opposite. So we went to this oldest amusement park in the world, located north of Copenhagen , and in the end we didn’t regret this decision. Equipped with the necessary change – the individual rides charge individual prices – we passed the bust of the juggler Professor Tribini, who worked successfully here for 30 years, and plunged into the fun. The ride on one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in Europe and a visit to the 5D adventure cinema were among the fun highlights, while we were spoiled with culinary delights in one of the park restaurants.

A trip to Jammerland Bay

A holiday on Zealand allows you to get to places that have scenic, cultural or culinary highlights to offer away from the tourist centres in a relatively short distance. For example, I was thrilled by the port city of Kalundborg, which is located in the northern part of the Great Belt and on the northern shore of Jammerland Bay. Here it is worth visiting the brick building of the Frauenkirche, which dates back to the Middle Ages with five towers, and a detour to the tip of the Rösnaes peninsula.

South of Kalundborg and Jammerland Bay, which by the way has a very nice riverside hiking trail, lies the small peninsula of Reersö. With a little luck, you can discover one of the rare tailless cats that live here and take a little journey through time through the historic centre of the town of Reersö. And don’t forget to crown your trip with a visit to the thatched, more than 300-year-old Reersö Kro restaurant, which offers fried eel with white potatoes as a specialty.

Hike along the cliffs of Zealand

Hojerup Church, Stevns Klint — The collapsed Hojerup Church at Stevn Klints Bridge, Image: kimson / shutterstock

It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cliffs known as Stevns Klint in the southeast of Zealand. The coastal section, which consists of steep chalk cliffs and is up to 40 metres high, rises from the sea for about 15 kilometres. You can hike it on a kind of trail, which, however, requires sure-footed shoes. At the Stevns lighthouse, the highest point of the cliff, you can expect an inspiring view. In addition to Højerup Church, built in the 13th century, you can discover a wide variety of visible and underground buildings from the Cold War era. Next to the church, a path leads down to the beach of the cliff coast. In the visitor centre, which was built in a chalk quarry, you can take an informative break accompanied by a lot of information.

Brisbane: The pearl on Australia’s east coast

Australia

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Brisbane: The pearl on Australia’s east coast

It took less than 150 years from the founding of a lonely penal colony on the Brisbane River to the present day: Brisbane is a modern city that is considered a tourist hotspot in Australia because of its fantastically beautiful, sunlit location by the sea and the numerous holiday paradises all around.

What’s more, the entire eastern part of Australia is a popular hub for visitors from all over the world. First and foremost, it is the popular states of Queensland and New South Wales that make up Australia’s east. Quite the opposite to the Australian “Wild West”, which is so sparsely populated that a journey from one place to another can sometimes take day trips. On the east coast, on the other hand, things are much livelier – and one attraction follows the other.

There are also some climatic differences to other parts of the country: For example, the pronounced subtropical climate in Australia’s east ensures very pleasant temperatures – all year round. Mountain ranges rise up to 2,200 meters in height.
So: Full marks for Brisbane! While the cosmopolitan city of Sydney scores with its wealth of sights, visitors to Brisbane are also attracted to cultural highlights en masse.

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Brisbane – Australia’s third largest city

Brisbane City Hall, Image: SchnepfDesign / shutterstock

Brisbane, with its approximately 2.2 million inhabitants, is the capital of the particularly popular state of Queensland. Brisbane became popular due to its comprehensive range of cultural attractions: Especially as a concert lover or theater lover, you will appreciate the rich offers of Brisbane’s cultural sites.

As the third largest city behind the metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne , Brisbane is a particularly popular destination for tourists from all parts of the world. Brisbane’s internationality is just as characteristic as the cityscape, which is characterized by many subcultures. In addition, a strong, important cultural scene has been established, which is a magnet for artists from all parts of the world.

Brisbane’s nightlife is also lively and colourful. CBD, Brisbane’s Central Business District, is located on a peninsula in a bend of the Brisbane River. The city center is quite manageable in terms of area with only about 2.2 square kilometers, but the oversupply of sightseeing highlights and shopping offers fascinates all visitors so much that the individual time budget quickly becomes insignificant for some visitors. All streets in the CBD are named after members of the British royal family, such as the famous Queen Street with the huge Queen Street Mall. Queen Street stretches from northeast to southwest and is considered Brisbane’s most prestigious boulevard.

Lots of leisure fun

Shopping in the city, visiting art exhibitions, galleries and theatre performances, boat trips with many other people or a romantic holiday for two on a summer night: Brisbane overwhelms its visitors with interesting offers for big and small leisure fun:

Maheno Shipwreck, Fraser Island — The shipwreck of the Maheno in Fraser Island, Image: karegg / shutterstock

Culture lovers and art lovers will find numerous galleries, theatres and museums of various genres in the renowned Queensland Cultural Centre. While the South Bank Parklands offer wonderful opportunities for swimming, lots of sports fun, walks and bike rides or simply relaxing, visits to the Fraser Islands are a “must” for visitors to Brisbane:

The Fraser Islands are located off Queensland and are considered the largest sand island in the world with a longitudinal extension of over 120 km. There, holidaymakers can expect sandstone cliffs with great vantage points, a shipwreck, fascinating flora and fauna and unique dream beaches.

Brisbane’s dream beaches

Measured from Brisbane’s city centre, it’s less than 20 kilometres to the Pacific coast and the beautiful beaches around the city. Although Streets Beach in the South Bank Parklands offers beautiful beach life, visits to the sea beaches in Brisbane’s north and south are highly recommended: The Sunshine Coast is particularly beautiful and very popular. Along the way, visitors pass through Moreton Bay and Bribie Island, as well as the Gold Coast’s swimming beaches. The Gold Coast is considered a prime hotspot for the surfing community. There are also many shopping opportunities and a nightlife that is as amusing as it is exciting.

Great climate

A mild south-easterly trade wind is considered characteristic of the mild, warm climate in eastern Australia. Further inland, mountain ranges rise up to 2,200 metres high, which is why there is also uphill rain in the region from time to time. There are no pronounced temperature fluctuations between day and night. While there are temperature fluctuations behind the mountains near Canberra , Brisbane has a slightly humid, subtropical east-side climate. While the summer months from November to April are characterized by precipitation and warmth, in winter from May to October, as everywhere else in the southern hemisphere of the world, there is a dry climate with mild temperatures. On average, there is rain on 125 days a year and the sun shines for an average of 3,000 hours a year.

Overall, January is considered the warmest month and July the coldest month. The average annual high temperature is 26.4 °C. The lowest temperature is still a wonderfully mild 16.2 °C. The average water temperature of the sea is 24 °C. These are all the best conditions for an unforgettable holiday in and around Brisbane

Holidays with family in Mallorca – Despite Corona

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

Holidays with family in Mallorca – Despite Corona

Holidays in Mallorca in 2020 – We dared to do it despite Corona and were not disappointed. We have summarized what preparations were necessary for this and what experiences we have gained on the island.

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Preparation of the trip

Of course, face masks are part of the hand luggage on this year’s trip, like the passport and the first-aid kit. However, before you are allowed to enter Mallorca, you must first register with the Spanish health authority, provide your contact details at home and at your holiday destination and answer a few short health questions. These health questions can be answered from 48 hours before arrival. Registration can be made a few days earlier. All you need is your identity card or passport. The form is easy to understand and comprehensible. However, it is a bit annoying that as a family of four, you have to create and fill out the form completely four times, as there is no option for a group of several people.

Airport and flight

Frankfurt Airport Corona — Nothing going on at Frankfurt Airport, Image: Reisemagazin Online

Anyone flying out of Frankfurt these days will experience the airport as empty as rarely before. Hardly any take-offs and landings and therefore only a few passengers. The check-in went absolutely smoothly with little waiting time at the baggage check-in. At the gate, the usual suspects, who are already afraid at the first boarding call that the plane could take off without them and therefore have no consideration for small children when jostling. At least something normal in these crazy days. To protect our children, we booked “Business Class” on our Condor flight for an extra charge. So the rows around us were free and of course the middle seat remained empty.

The Boeing 737 itself did not seem to be fully occupied in economy class either, so I did not notice any hygiene deficiencies here either. No open drinks were allowed to be served during the flight. Instead, the stewardesses and stewards distributed a mix of packaged sweets, snacks, yoghurt and moistening wipes in a bag. Included in Business Class, the offered mix of standard seats cost 6.50 euros.

Arrival in Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca Airport, Corona — There is also little going on at the airport in Palma de Mallorca , Image: Reisemagazin Online

Contrary to the widespread reports, we did not have any large passenger volume at the airport at 10 o’clock in the morning, so that we got through the security checks quickly and without queuing. It was a bit more crowded at the baggage claim, but all holidaymakers kept the necessary minimum distance from each other. At the rental car counters you had to bring a little patience. Apparently, many travelers here rely more on self-organized hotel transport. This can also be seen when you leave the airport building. Where one transport bus usually stands next to the other, there were large gaps this year.

Procedure in the hotel

This year’s choice fell on the Protur Biomar Gran Hotel in Sa Coma. Since we already know the hotel from previous trips to Mallorca, we can compare the situation during Covid-19 times particularly well with previous stays.

If you move around the hotel grounds, e.g. from the room to the pool, masks are compulsory from the age of 6. This is certainly a little annoying for small children, but as an adult you are already used to the mask from home. At the pool as well as at the table in the restaurant, the mask can of course be taken off.

Procedure at the buffet

In the restaurant – as usual … will present a large live cooking offer. In terms of content, the restaurant strives to provide the same scope and quality as in previous years. The buffet is set up in a classic way. The only but clear difference: service staff put the food on the guests’ plates after the choice. So you can’t portion the food yourself as usual. This limits the culinary feeling of happiness a little, as you don’t dare to try a little bit of everything. In addition, the hotel serves portioned starters and desserts in a glass or bowl, which you can take yourself. Overall, it can be said that a restaurant concept has been worked out, which nevertheless provides the guest with a special experience.

The situation in the village and on the beach

Sa Coma Beach — It is not quite as empty on the beach of Sa Coma as in this photo, even in Corona times, Image: Diego Blanco / shutterstock

One thing in advance: If you move around the village, there is a strict mask requirement in Mallorca (as of July 30, 2020). In Sa Coma, located in the southeast of the island , the Corona consequences are very clearly felt. Many shops are closed. Open shops are only lightly frequented. So far, we have always been on the road here in the pre-season and have found a lively holiday resort. This is absolutely not the case this year. On the one hand, this provides a certain security, but it also makes you a little sad because it is foreseeable how hard the Covid crisis will hit the people of Mallorca. Especially those who depend on tourism.

A few vacationers gather on the beach, but the clear majority of the official beach chairs remain empty. However, the minimum distances are observed by all beach visitors, so that a safe holiday is also possible here.

Is a holiday in Mallorca possible in 2020?

Our experience shows that a holiday in Mallorca is possible even during Corona. the Mallorcans are very keen to ensure that the restrictions are not significant and that guests can enjoy their holiday as carefree as possible. The security measures in the shops (especially in large supermarkets) are at least as strict as in Germany. We do not regret our decision to fly and would book again at any time.