All about travel

Cape Coral – the Venice of Florida

United States

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

In the United States, the nickname “Venice of Florida” is very common for the city of Cape Coral due to the many canals, but it may raise false expectations.

Cape Coral is a relatively young city in the southwest of the Sunshine State. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the vicinity of Fort Myers and was only created on the drawing board at the end of the 1950s. At that time, canals and roads were built through the fallow and pasture land that prevailed here and the first houses were built. Cape Coral is one of the largest cities in Florida with an area of around 298 km².

During the winter months, about 10,000 so-called “Snow Birds” are added to the almost 180,000 inhabitants. These are Americans and Canadians who come to Florida from the cold states in the north of the USA to spend the winter here. The climate in Cape Coral is extremely pleasant and temperatures rarely drop below 22° C during the day, even between December and February. During the summer months from May to October, the thermometer often shows values of 33° C, but due to the pleasant sea breeze it rarely gets extremely hot.

We recommend renting a vacation home in Cape Coral and exploring Florida from here. Cape Coral is a great starting point for discovering Florida’s south. If you want to experience a relaxing beach holiday, like water sports and boating, you will feel very comfortable here. Around the marina in the south of the village, you can choose between many inviting cafés and restaurants directly on the water.

Sights and attractions around Cape Coral

Aerial view of Cape Coral — View of Cape Coral, Image: Nadezda Murmakova / shutterstock

An absolutely worthwhile destination for nature lovers is the Four Mile Cove Ecological National Park. On the 365-hectare site, visitors can hike along the well-developed 2.7 km long trail and, with a bit of luck, see the native animals. The trail is 2.7 km long in total and leads through mangrove forests and to fantastic viewpoints. The relatively unvisited and quiet area is home to eagles, ibises and raccoons, among others. In the information centre of the protected area, you can get exciting background knowledge in advance. If you want, you can also rent a kayak and discover the landscape from the river.

For a short stop, we recommend the Butterfly House in Rotary Park, which regularly offers free guided tours. Especially for children, getting to know the different life phases of butterflies in this beautiful environment is very vivid and instructive.

The Cape Coral Military Museum may not be for everyone, but those who are passionate about historical uniforms and other Army items from different eras will certainly want to plan a visit.

The real attractions of Cape Coral, however, are the beaches and the boat tours to the offshore islands. The climate in southern Florida is suitable for a beach holiday all year round, as the average water temperature rarely falls below 25° C.

Around Cape Coral there are beaches for every taste. There are well-organized sections with sanitary facilities, snack bars and playgrounds, but also natural coasts. In general, the sand is white and wonderfully fine, so that nothing stands in the way of a relaxing holiday.

Cape Coral’s city beach is popular with tourists and locals alike. Families with small children in particular are happy about the gently sloping shore, where even the offspring can safely go into the water. On the jetty, which juts far out into the sea, numerous anglers always pursue their hobby, because the fish population here is extremely large. Romantics like to enjoy a cocktail in the evening, at sunset time, and listen to live music.

Explore the area around Cape Coral

The best way to travel to the area around Cape Coral is by renting a car. In this way, you will always discover beautiful spots for swimming and relaxing. Off the coast are hundreds of small islands with absolute dream beaches that can only be reached by boat.

Tours to Sanibel and Captiva Island are offered everywhere and you should definitely take at least one during a stay in this part of the USA. Strict building regulations on the islands prevent mass tourism here and so the beaches are often still immaculate and not lined with high hotel complexes.

Sanibel Island is a shell hunter’s paradise, as millions of them wash ashore every day. The Bailey Matthews Shell Museum exhibits the most impressive (there are 400 different species). A boat trip through the island world is definitely a must and a fantastic holiday experience for young and old. Very popular with all animal lovers are also the excursions to the natural habitats of the dolphins. Such observation tours are guaranteed to be remembered by all participants for a long time after the end of the holidays.

Although there is no shortage of beautiful natural swimming spots, a visit to a water park is usually at the top of the wish list for tourists with children for a successful holiday. To the north of Cape Coral is the Sun Splash Family Waterpark, which offers a variety of slides, lazy rivers and lots of different playground equipment.

Cape Coral is only separated from Fort Myers by the Caloosahatchee River, making it an ideal base for exploring other cities in the region. If you are looking for a destination for a relaxing beach holiday and at the same time want to experience a beautiful landscape as part of boat tours or hikes, you will certainly feel at home in Cape Coral.

Corona blues – With these tips and tricks you can drive away melancholy

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

Corona blues – With these tips and tricks you can drive away melancholy

The corona pandemic has been keeping us on our toes for more than a year. Curfews, closures and isolations are the order of the day. The home office is considered an unwritten law for the majority of the population and confines people even more to their own four walls. These are now increasingly losing their function as a place of refuge and are increasingly turning out to be personal prisons. Unfortunately, this situation will continue for a few more months. With the right mindset and activities, you can still make everyday life pleasant. In the following article, we will show you how to drive the gloomy thoughts out of your head!

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Every year again: Corona is still present in 2021

The year 2020 was marked by fear and the hope of being able to resume normal life the following year. In 2021, it is now becoming clear that this will not be the case. Birthday parties, public events and long-distance travel are also cancelled this year. Especially those who like to travel suffer greatly from the regulations. If the last vacation had to be postponed indefinitely, there is currently no longer any question of spending a vacation abroad.

How to get your mind off things

Despite the pulsating pandemic, you should not hang your head. An end is in sight and we have already survived the worst. While you are longing for a mask-free time and absolute freedom and self-determination, you can make the wait easier for yourself with some tips and tricks.

Relive old memories

Your motivation to try out new hobbies is coming to an end, you’re fed up with sports and DIYs are just not your thing? How about rummaging through dusty boxes and chests and immortalizing the treasures you find for future generations? Because many households still own VHS cassettes, floppy disks or records that cannot be played back with our modern devices. Videos from childhood days, old holiday memories and moments from times long past can be made ready for use again with just a few tools and movements. For example, there is software for digitizing VHS cassettes. The video clips can be transferred to DVD with the program or saved as a video file in the computer. All that is necessary are:

Video capture device, such as a USB device, TV tuner, or capture card
VHS Video Recorder
Analog Cables

Plan your next long-distance trip

Travelling with Corona — Traveling with Corona, Image: Viacheslav Lopatin / shutterstock

You can also use the excess time to find your next destination. Go in search of hidden places and cities that are away from the typical tourist strongholds. With the help of travel guides, specialized websites and travel blogs, you can already work out a round trip or find true insider tips. In addition, the advantages of Corona must also be seen! Due to the pandemic, expenses for leisure activities, restaurant visits and vacations have been eliminated for over a year. As a result, many people were able to accumulate a small fortune. These savings can be invested in an exceptionally long and spectacular journey. Have you ever wanted to fly over New York by helicopter or swim with dolphins? The upcoming trip is your opportunity to turn this dream into reality.

Bringing paradise into your own home

It is also possible to get into the holiday mood within your own four walls. Give your bathroom a maritime flair or bring exotic cultures directly into your own living room. There is no need to start major renovations or replace the furniture. With small changes, a big impact can be achieved!

With a new wall colour, for example, you can set a colour accent and influence the basic mood of the room. Move the furniture around and think about how you could still use the furnishings. For example, a dessert table and some cushions can suddenly become a small seat. Decoration can also make a decisive contribution to the ambience. Sort out and replace the items that have been obsolete a long time ago. Above all, decorative items with unusual colours and patterns, tropical plants and furnishings from foreign cultures can conjure up a foreign paradise from the well-known room. In addition, redecorating passes the time and is hellishly fun!

Destination Flanders: coast, culture and culinary delights

Belgium

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Destination Flanders: coast, culture and culinary delights

Flanders is the northernmost of the three regions of Belgium and is also known as the Flemish Region. In the west, Flanders is bordered by the North Sea. The Flemish Region shares its northern and eastern borders with the Netherlands. So it is hardly surprising that the official language of Flanders is Dutch. Although the Belgian capital Brussels is a region in its own right, it is geographically located in the southern part of Flanders. Thus, a visit to the well-known EU city can be excellently combined with a holiday in Flanders.

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When is the best time to travel to the Flemish Region of Belgium?

Flanders has a temperate, maritime climate. The Flemish winter is rainy and comparatively mild with temperatures averaging 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. The summer months in Flanders are usually pleasantly warm, but rarely hot. The water temperatures of the Belgian North Sea are cool and rarely reach more than 18 degrees Celsius, even in midsummer. A nice time to travel to Flanders is the sun-drenched early summer. In general, the months of May to September are recommended for a holiday in Flanders.

Holidays on Belgium’s North Sea coast

Wide sandy beaches and imposing dune landscapes adorn the almost 70 km long North Sea coast in western Belgium. Lifeguards monitor the Flemish beaches and promise passengers safe bathing in the sea. The Belgian North Sea coast can be explored particularly beautifully on a ride on the coastal railway. The longest tram line in the world runs from Knokke-Heist in the north of Flanders to Belgium’s western point to De Panne.

The seaside resort of De Panne, with its extensive sandy beach, is popular with active holidaymakers and families alike. De Panne is located in the middle of a 340-hectare dune area and offers excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Among the busiest holiday resorts on the Belgian coast are Blankenberge and Ostend. Here, holidaymakers will find numerous restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. Lombardsijde, on the other hand, is more tranquil, where only a few international tourists spend their holidays.

Flanders’ most beautiful cities: Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent in brief

Antwerp, Belgium — The Brabo Fountain on the Grote Markt in Antwerp, Image: Mistervlad / shutterstock

The medieval port city of Antwerp is known as the world capital of diamonds. In the diamond district of Antwerp, which is only about 1 square kilometre in size, travellers can buy rough diamonds and fine jewellery at favourable conditions. In addition, Antwerp is known as the home of the Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. The Rubenhuis invites you to visit the former home and workplace of the world-famous painter and marvel at some of his most important masterpieces.

Four other works by Rubens can be admired in the Cathedral of Our Lady. In general, a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady is highly recommended: The north tower of the church, built of sandstone, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It proudly rises 123 meters into the sky. Not far from the Church of Our Lady is the beer pub Het Elde Gebod, where guests can taste the different types of Belgian beer surrounded by figures of saints.

City break, Bruges — For those who like it a little quieter, Bruges is a good destination for a city trip, Image: TTstudio / shutterstock

West Flanders’ capital Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enchants its visitors with its medieval flair, cobblestone streets and canals that invite you to take boat trips. A magnificent view over the Flemish city is offered from the Belfry Tower, which is considered the symbol of Bruges. In the Chocolate Museum of Bruges, visitors can learn everything they need to know about the history of Belgian chocolate production. Art lovers are recommended to visit the Groeninge Museum . Here you will find impressive exhibits from the Baroque, Renaissance, Realism, Neoclassicism and modern times.

Ghent is considered one of the best insider tips for city trips in Europe. In the Middle Ages, the city was one of the most important metropolises in Europe. Today, Ghent is a lively student city. The landmark of Ghent is the Gravensteen moated castle. Interesting is the extensive collection of historical torture instruments that can be admired when visiting Gravensteen. Another well-known sight of Ghent is St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Ghent’s oldest parish church houses the famous Ghent winged altar, which depicts the worship of the Lamb of God. A must for street art fans is a visit to Ghent’s graffiti alley Werregarenstraat. Constantly changing works of art by creative spray artists can be discovered on the concrete walls of the 100-meter-long street.

Food and drink: Flemish specialities

Shared meals with family and friends are very important to the inhabitants of Flanders. Accordingly, a lot of emphasis is placed on high-quality preparation of the food. Even the famous Belgian fries are not just ordinary fast food, but are prepared tastefully and with a lot of love. The tasty Vlaamse Frites, as the fries are called in Flanders, are popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. Flemish cuisine is known for its hearty meat and fish dishes. The restaurants on the North Sea coast in particular also have tasty dishes with lobster, crabs, oysters and mussels on their menus. The Flemish national dish is the soup Waterzooi. Traditionally, this consists of soup vegetables and fish. Today, however, Waterzooi is also often prepared with chicken instead of fish. For lovers of desserts, the Flemish butter waffles are popular, which can be eaten as a dessert or with coffee.

Flanders is chocolate country. Belgian chocolates are popular all over the world, both because of their wide variety and because of their high quality. In addition to classic chocolate varieties, exotic varieties – for example with hemp seeds, dill or wasabi – can also be tasted in Flanders. Just like Belgian chocolate, Belgian beers have also made a name for themselves internationally. There are around 2000 different types of beer in Belgium, some of which contain exotic ingredients such as ginger or coriander and juniper berries.

Georgia – The diverse country in the Caucasus

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Georgia – The diverse country in the Caucasus

Jörg Martin Dauscher has already visited many interesting countries in his life. Destinations that may not be at the top of everyone’s wish list. With his backpack, he undertook interesting tours through Macedonia, Albania and Ukraine, among other places.

He was also repeatedly drawn to Georgia. He has now written down how multifaceted and diverse the country on the Caucasus is in his book “111 Reasons to Love Georgia”.

In this interview, we talk to the former wine merchant about the advantages and culinary highlights of Georgia.

Mr. Dauscher, why should you choose Tbilisi (Tbilisi) and not Paris, London or Rome when planning your next city trip?

So nothing against the cities mentioned, but Tbilisi has a similar amount to offer culturally, but is much more vital: the city is currently flourishing. To participate in it, or to experience it, that’s just fun! At the same time, the center of Tbilisi is quite clear and can be experienced on foot.

Which sights should not be missed by the Georgia traveler?

Nature, this tremendously diverse, exuberant nature – especially in the mountains, of course. So at least include a day hike, which also works quite well not far from Tbilisi, for example at Kazbegi or Stepantsminda.

In your opinion, how has tourism in Georgia changed in recent years?

It is exploding, more and more people have discovered the country for themselves – especially because of all the new airlines. Nevertheless, 98% of them are individual tourists who find their way to Georgia. The country is not easy to travel, but it is extremely convenient for people who want to get around on their own. Bring a lot of time, two weeks is the absolute minimum, better three! In July and August, it gets quite crowded in some places, so it’s better to target June and September.

What many people don’t know: Georgia has great and inexpensive ski resorts. You write in your book that Bakuriani is hopelessly overcrowded over New Year’s Eve. What is the best time to travel for winter sports enthusiasts?

Ski Gudauri Georgia — View of the Gudauri ski area, Image: Evgeny Eremeev / shutterstock

Both Gudauri and Mestia and the Tednuldi in Svaneti – although the latter is not really a ski resort in the European sense, it is simply too small and there are only a few lifts, but this makes up for the spectacular nature effortlessly. Bakuriani on New Year’s Eve doesn’t really have to be, but that subsides a week later. The main season in Gudauri is in January and February, but it is never crowded in the European sense. Only on weekends are there more people on the road, because that’s when Tbilisi approaches.

In your book, you name 111 reasons to love Georgia. From your point of view, what is THE most important reason to get to know the country and the culture?

Eieieiei. You write down 111 reasons and then you have to pick one! I can only answer that for myself, and for me the mountains predominate. The High Caucasus is simply phenomenally massive. Must see!

Finally, a culinary question: If you had the choice, which wine would you take? Georgian Mtsvane or Rhine-Hessian Riesling?

You’re asking the completely wrong person! In Georgia definitely the Mtsvane and it can also be the cheap one from the market. In Rheinhessen then the Riesling please, this mighty St. Georgenberg from Pfannebecker, for example, preferably with a few years of maturity!

About the author:
JÖRG MARTIN DAUSCHER, born in Franconia in 1975, worked as a wine merchant in Berlin before he took a backpack and left the city. Since then, he has repeatedly been drawn to Georgia, where he lived in mountain villages for months. Dauscher loves the mountains and the sea, he is a passionate hiker and works as an author as well as a journalist and, if necessary, also as a barista, chef or sommelier.

You can order his book 111 Reasons to Love Georgia in specialist shops or on Amazon .

Relaxation by the sea – let’s go to Spain

Spain

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Relaxation by the sea – let’s go to Spain

Spain’s coasts are every holidaymaker’s dream. There are so many small villages and towns that as a traveler you will be spoilt for choice for your dream destination. A holiday home in Spain by the sea is the perfect starting point for your holiday.

From Mallorca to Andalusia – here you will find relaxation

Spain is not one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans for nothing. In the summer months, millions of tourists cavort on the country’s beaches. Not only Spain’s capital Madrid, but also beautifully located seaside destinations are very popular. The following five destinations are particularly popular with German tourists and are visited again and again every year.

Alcúdia in Mallorca

Old Town Alcudia — The old town of Alcudia, Image: Mariasokphoto / shutterstock

Just over 20,000 inhabitants live on Alcúdia, one of the largest cities in Mallorca. To the north, the beautiful community has numerous sights, but also has a lot to offer in terms of beaches. Cleanliness and high water quality are very important here, so that families with children will also find the perfect holiday home.

Cadaqués in Catalonia

The small village of Cadaqúes is located just before the French border, directly on the Costa Brava. Well-known artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali have spent their holidays here. Located in the heart of the Cap de Creus Natural Park, Cadaqués is the perfect destination for a quiet and tranquil holiday without stress and with small beach coves to relax.

Conil de la Frontera in Andalusia

Málaga, Andalusia — View of Málaga in Andalusia, Image: S-F / shutterstock

One of Spain’s hotspots is the small village of Conil de la Frontera, which is visited by numerous tourists every summer. Nevertheless, the kilometre-long sandy beaches are never overcrowded. Due to the extremely mild Mediterranean climate, it is never too warm here, so that families with small children will also find a perfect place to be.

Cudillero in Asturias

Located directly on the Cantabrian Sea is the small fishing village of Cudillero. Built on a small hillside, this village offers breathtaking views over the north coast of Spain. Cudillero is the perfect destination for a quiet holiday, as the party scene has a break here. Instead, the picturesque old town beckons with its beautiful, old Spanish buildings and extraordinary dishes directly from the coast. Whether hake or shark, in the fish restaurants you can feast and linger in the traditional way.

Peníscola in Valencia

Spain, Valencia — Valencia, Image: karnavalfoto / shutterstock

Located directly on the Spanish east coast, Peníscola is the destination for those interested in culture and beach vacationers. Whether it’s a visit to the Templar Castle or a shopping tour through dozens of small souvenir shops, there is something for every tourist here in Valencia. A visual highlight is the old town with the traditional Spanish white houses, which was built directly on a rock. A fantastic panorama, a breathtaking view and the perfect holiday for all those who want to experience the special flair of Spain.

The holiday apartment as a starting point

A holiday apartment is the perfect choice for a holiday in Spain. From here you can start activities, visit the beach and in the evening retreat with your family to your personal feel-good environment. Forget the hustle and bustle of the hotels, but cater for yourself with Spanish delicacies. Numerous holiday apartments are located directly on the coast, so that nothing stands in the way of going to the sea directly after breakfast.

Groningen – university city with historical flair

Netherlands

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Groningen – university city with historical flair

In the northeast of the Netherlands lies the authentic, often misunderstood idyll of Groningen, capital of the province of the same name and a time-honored educational location. The regional metropolis, which has a population of around 230,000, is criss-crossed by canals and connected by waterway to the Ems coast of the North Sea. About 70 kilometers to the east is the border with the Federal Republic of Germany with the cities of Leer and Papenburg. Amsterdam is about 180 kilometers to the southwest. The special geographical location helped Groningen to grow and prosperous. Today, the remarkable city is not only popular with the many students, but also leaves a lasting impression on numerous travelers.

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Medieval centre

The first roots of a settlement in Groningen date back to 300 years BC. In the 7th century, the foundation stone for the urban core area was laid around the “Grote Markt”, the central large market square of the old town. Several archaeological investigations confirmed these findings. The first documentary mention dates back to the year 1040. It testifies to a donation by the then King Henry, who signed over the place to the Bishop of Utrecht , whereby the city was also granted the sovereign right of customs and mint.

As a result, Groningen developed into a trading and goods trading centre. The connections to England and the Baltic Sea countries prompted many merchants to settle in the city. As a later member of the Hanseatic League, a local jurisdiction and the creation of an urban infrastructure, Groningen became one of the pearls of the Dutch heyday.

St. Martin's Church, Groningen — View of the Martini Church, Image: Marc Venema / shutterstock

A touch of this era can still be felt today at the market in the old town. Immediately adjacent to it, the Martinikirche rises into the sky. Groningen’s oldest and tallest church was built between 1469 and 1482 from light brown-red sandstone. Its mighty tower once stood 127 meters before the wooden spire had to be replaced due to a fire. Another highlight of the Martinikirche is the organ built in 1692 by the famous Hamburg organ builder Arp Schnitger. At the fish market, the Aa Church is another sacred building.

The church building at the Akerkhof was built in the 15th century and also received a Schnitger organ in 1702. On the market side, the silhouette is complemented by the imposing columned building of the grain exchange, a UNESCO monument. Nearby, the Groningen town hall from 1810 shines in a similar construction. The inner-city area is surrounded by an extensive canal system, on the flanks of which the old warehouses can be admired.

Between tradition and modernity

Groningen offers travellers a real alternative to Amsterdam. The pulsating multicultural life constantly changes between tradition and modernity. The markets, shops and restaurants meet all the requirements of a versatile, urban way of life. Only on Monday mornings should you not be surprised about the emptiness in the pedestrian zones, because here the Dutch take it rather contemplative and, like in many other cities, extend the weekend.

Large parts of the city belong to cyclists. This circumstance is particularly noticeable in the area of the university, where thousands and thousands of two-wheelers almost flood the squares in front of it. Groningen has been committed to education since 1614 and has a university. The impressive main building for the approximately 50,000 students enrolled today dates back to 1909. Despite the sometimes hectic hustle and bustle, there are many places of tranquillity and relaxation in Groningen. These include, for example, the hidden small courtyards in the busy centre. In earlier times, these “Hofjes” offered accommodation for the poor or sick and are now admirable oases of reflection.

In order to discover the small farm grounds, visitors sometimes have to take a closer look. Or you can explore the special features of Groningen’s historical remnants in the form of an extremely interesting city tour. Behind walls lies the Prisenhof, another refuge of silence in the middle of the centre. The former seat of the Princes of Nassau has existed since the end of the 16th century and is landscaped with an enchanting rose and herb garden.

Bike Groningen — Explore bicycle-friendly Groningen with a two-seater, Image: SAKhanPhotography / shutterstock

Small paths lined with hedges and trees are one of the most beautiful examples of a hardly comparable Renaissance complex of this kind in the whole of the Netherlands. A little north of the city centre is the beautiful green area “Noorderplantsoen”, covered with small lakes. The water-rich park was created on a landscape created by glaciers, which was once the scene of historical battles and is now considered the leisure idyll of the people of Groningen, which is also the venue for many events.

Varied adventure programme

It is especially the diverse impressions and the contrasting versatility that make a lasting impression on the overall urban image of Groningen in the memories of visitors. In the new “Forum Groningen” there is such an aspect. The futuristic building complex is a meeting place for all generations, houses the “Storyworld Museum”, the library, several cinema halls, the “Smartlab”, a technology and workshop facility for children, but also for adults, as well as a number of restaurants. From the roof terrace, guests are rewarded with one of the most beautiful views over the whole of Groningen.

Close to the Central Station, whose historic hall is already a real sight, is the Groninger Museum. Built in 1994 under the aspect of a modern architectural orientation, the building’s perspective has provided space for controversial discussions since its opening. However, the interior design and the always sensational exhibitions make a visit an experience.

Groningen offers its visitors plenty of space for leisure activities of all kinds. Above all, the proximity to the Wadden Sea and the North Sea is appreciated. Travellers should definitely plan the Lauwersmeer National Park area in the northwest of the city as a destination. The area, which was diked in 1969, became one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands over the course of the following years. Extensive hikes, bike or boat tours with observations of the unique flora and fauna are particularly popular with families with children. A little further inland, travellers can get an idea of how the locals of the region resisted the floods of the North Sea. The terp village of Niehove, built in a circle on hills, is an example of what was done to wrest a piece of land from the water. In the east of Groningen, on the border with Germany , lies the Bourtange fortress, which William of Orange had built at the end of the 16th century and which is now used as an extraordinary living space.

The first youth trip – When the offspring slowly fledges

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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The first youth trip – When the offspring slowly fledges

Perhaps your offspring has already expressed the desire to take part in a youth trip. If this is the case, you should definitely deal with this topic. Of course, many teenagers think first and foremost of the personal freedom associated with such a trip. On the other hand, you should be aware that young people learn a lot far away from home and that a youth trip also means a good deal of responsibility. Renowned travel agents such as the Atosto Holiday Camp offer a full range of solutions from language trips to sports camps.

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Language trip – Not only in terms of education with a high learning effect

Youth Language Travel — During a language trip, the offspring get to know another culture in addition to the language, Image: A StockStudio / shutterstock

There are several different types of youth trips. A good example of this is the language trip, which has enjoyed great popularity for decades. Has your son just graduated from high school and would like to improve his knowledge of a certain foreign language before starting his studies? Then a language trip would definitely make sense. Of course, the stay should take place in a country where the respective language functions as the national or official language. In the presence of native speakers, you learn languages particularly efficiently. This applies to the lessons as well as to the host families in which the students are accommodated.

A youth trip in the form of a language trip, for example to England, has a positive effect on the independence of a young person who cuts the cord from his parents. Far away from home, he learns the right way to handle money by being able to manage the means available to him himself. Those who get into trouble abroad are more likely to look for a solution to their problem themselves or to contact the local contact person before calling their parents at home.

Sports trip – Us against the rest of the world

A sports trip is particularly suitable as a youth trip, because teens and twenty-somethings can learn the meaning of the word “teamwork” on a holiday of this kind. On the pitch, it’s important to focus first and foremost on winning your own team. This often works better if you take a step back and instead play a style of play that serves the success of the team.

Away from the pitch, the young people get to know living together with their peers and prepare for life in a shared flat, which they may aspire to during their studies or training. They cook, clean, tidy up and shop together. If all participants help, the group will finish work sooner and have more time at the end of the day for activities that the boys and girls enjoy.

Party holiday Youth trip – cutting the cord from parents and bonding with friends

Youth trip beach — Spending a nice time together on the beach on a youth trip, Image: View Apart / shutterstock

Perhaps your offspring would rather have a youth trip in the form of a party holiday. Don’t worry, this is nowhere near as bad as it sounds to some parents. Most young people prefer to spend their holidays with good friends rather than with their parents, because adults usually have other interests and younger people are often bored on holiday with their parents. Do you really want to have a chronically bad-tempered child by your side during the holidays?

You probably still remember your own youth. At a certain age, you also didn’t want to share everything from your life with your parents. In some matters you too have certainly preferred the advice of good friends. A peer can put himself in the shoes of a good friend much better than a parent. A social community of young people of the same age gives a pubescent protection and security in a certain way.

The supervisors of such a youth trip are pedagogically trained and know very well how to deal with young people. They respond to their needs and let them have a say in the daily routine.

If you decide to let your child take part in a youth trip, give him a good deal of trust. You give him the feeling that you believe in his reason and his personal development. Your child will thank you with openness and closeness. This is very important for a good relationship between parents and children.

The dream of owning your own hotel

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Your own hotel by the sea or in the mountains – who hasn’t dreamed of throwing everything away and living where it’s most beautiful?

But how does the new start succeed in the place of longing? Where do you get the money from, where do you get the know-how? What helps when things don’t go so well – and how have others set up their own hotel? The new book “The Dream of Your Own Hotel – An Instruction Manual” by the successful hotel coaches Ute Rieger and Robert Cordes provides well-founded answers in an entertaining way – and a lot of courage to finally realize your dream. Despite the pandemic? “Yes, because if you prepare your start well now, you can only win,” the motivators are convinced. We talked to the authors about their book:

Where does the longing to open their own hotel come from among so many people?
For many, hotel life is filled with positive thoughts, such as a beautiful location by the sea or in the mountains, holiday feeling, relaxed atmosphere, working where others go on holiday, enjoying being a host, etc. If these thoughts are then mirrored with their own life situation, such as an apartment in a noisy city, a boring or nerve-wracking job, a bad working atmosphere, etc., the desire for change or the desire to open their own hotel grows in many people.

The book “The Dream of Your Own Hotel” is intended to help and support you in starting your own business. Is the book aimed more at founders with an affinity for the industry or at career changers?
Many conversations and our personal perception show us that many people strive for change and seek their fortune as hosts in their own hotel. In this context, we are often approached by experts and, with an increasing tendency, by people from outside the industry who want to realize their dream of self-employment in the hotel industry. The spectrum of potential start-ups ranges from qualified hotel managers to pastors with no experience in the industry. This range is reflected in the topics covered in this book. We have deliberately decided not to write a pure non-fiction book, but to try to give an instruction manual for a possible start into self-employment in an entertaining way – mixed with our expert competence – to give your dream wings.

Step by step, we show you how to do it and what you need to consider. In addition, five hoteliers report on their hotel foundation and the expected and unexpected challenges. Because despite all the euphoria: The path from the dream to the hotel is of course not strewn with flowers. It is important to clear away stones, avoid obstacles and avoid mistakes. This book shows how the dream of owning your own hotel arrives in reality: from the vague idea to the hotel opening. And why the journey is definitely worth it.

How can you take away the fear of your own existence – especially now that you can read in the news every day about little support from the industry?

The easing of restrictions in early summer 2020 showed that the leisure hotel industry in particular experienced an increase in demand beyond the usual level. Even before the crisis, domestic German destinations in particular benefited from changing megatrends, such as security, sustainability and individuality.

Is there a recipe for success that must be taken into account when planning the hotel? For example, does the personality of the founder have to be reflected in the design of the premises – so that he feels comfortable with his project in the long term?
Already during project planning, it is important to develop an individual, unique and holistic concept in which the hotelier can find himself. Of course, the concept is also the basis for the ambience.

If you could build it, what would your perfect hotel look like?
The question cannot be answered in this way, as there are several starting points that would have to be determined in advance, such as location, financial resources, etc.

How do you think the travel industry will evolve after the pandemic?
Business trips will become fewer, local destinations will benefit from short and leisure trips.

The authors: Ute Rieger and Robert Cordes jointly run the Kiel-based consulting firm Cordes und Rieger and mainly advise hoteliers and restaurateurs on the start-up, concept development, optimisation and restructuring. In 2017, Cordes and Rieger were named “Consultant of the Year”. In addition to their expert work, Ute Rieger and Robert Cordes teach at various universities, are members of the zukunftsInstitut and their expertise is in demand on radio and television.

Outdoor in Bavaria – the best possibilities

Germany

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Outdoor in Bavaria – the best possibilities

Whether cycling, hiking or running – Bavaria is made for the most popular outdoor sports. For good reason, many excursionists are drawn to the mountains on sunny weekends, because the southern regions along the Alps in particular are known far beyond the borders for their varied areas. We have summarized a few of the best leisure ideas here.

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Cycling through Bavaria

Between steep challenges on the slope and relaxed laps around one of the many lakes, everything is possible in Bavaria. Cyclists who simply want to take a relaxing lap in front of the beautiful Bavarian mountain panorama will find an extensive and dense network of cycle paths in Bavaria. Each region can boast its own character and charm, be it the Alps, the Bavarian Forest or Franconian Switzerland. A few nice suggestions for cycling tours in Bavaria can be found here.

The Chiemsee circular trail, which leads over 60 kilometres around the entire Chiemsee, is perfect for families. Since there are naturally few inclines on such a circular route, it is ideally suited for a relaxed bike tour with a breathtaking mountain panorama in the background. If you don’t want to drive the entire loop, you can use the Chiemsee Ring Line . This bus line runs around Lake Chiemsee from May to October, connecting all important places with each other. Ideal for all visitors who want to visit all the sights in one day and are traveling without a car. If you prefer to take the route over the water, you can take the ferry from Prien to Seebruck and enjoy the entire panorama from a very special perspective. On this occasion, a visit to Herreninsel with the famous Herrenchiemsee Castle is also a good idea. The crossing is possible all year round by scheduled ferry.

Garmisch Partenkirchen, Summer — Summer panorama of Garmisch Partenkirchen, Image: Joerg Lutz / Markt Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Bavaria also has something suitable to offer for friends of longer distances who would like to spend several days on the bike. The Swabian Alb Cycle Path stretches for more than 300 kilometres through one of the most beautiful regions of Bavaria, past castles, palaces and show caves. So it’s perfect for a relaxing active holiday on the bike. The region around Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also popular with cyclists. Very close to Germany’s highest peak, the Zugspitze, cyclists also like to ride the idyllic mountain paths. The region offers lush meadows, dense forests and crystal-clear mountain views for those who are looking for relaxation in an impressive nature. The gastronomy in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is recommended for a bite to eat, be it in the form of traditional beer gardens or picturesque street cafés.

The bike tour up to the Geroldsee, one of the most beautiful moor lakes in the Alps, is particularly recommended. The almost 19-kilometre tour takes you past lakes, meadows and forests in front of the panorama of the Wetterstein chain and the Karwendel. For ambitious cyclists, there are also more challenging variants here, which lead over the steeper “Alte Gsteig” and through the forest.

Mountain hiking in the Alps

Grosser Arber, Bavarian Forest — View of the Grosser Arber mountain in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Image: Vaclav Volrab / shutterstock

In the summer months, mountain hiking is by far the most popular outdoor activity in the Alps. Countless holidaymakers and day tourists have appreciated the diverse routes around, on and over the Alps for many years and come here regularly. The network of trails in the region is well developed and marked. Signs indicate how challenging it is to master a path and how much time must be planned for it. And if one or the other ascent is too sweaty for you, you can simply take one of the cable cars to the top and start your tour there. What should never be missing on a hike or a bike tour in the Alps is a stop at one of the many huts. Whether for a hearty snack or a cool beer, the offer of the alpine innkeepers has something to offer for everyone.

Hiking holidaymakers will find a real premium trail in the Bavarian Forest with the Goldsteig , which leads in several variants from the Upper Palatinate Forest down to Lower Bavaria. In total, the Goldsteig has a length of 660 kilometres. The path leads from Marktredwitz down to Passau and splits into a north and a south route shortly after Thanstein. Of course, you can not only take the path under your hiking boots, but also explore it by mountain bike. There is enough to see in the Bavarian Forest and many guests therefore do not leave it at a single visit.

Tips for the excursion: On the road in Bavaria

As the largest federal state in terms of area, Bavaria cannot be explored in one day. Excursionists benefit from a very dense network of rail connections, which take them stress-free to the desired excursion or holiday destination. This option is perfect for cyclists, because on most trains the bicycles can be taken along without any problems. For excursions with the whole family, special tariffs such as the Bayernticket are particularly good to get to your destination both cheaply and in an environmentally friendly way. If you arrive by car, you will find numerous hiking parking spaces in all regions.

Föhr: Holidays in North Frisia

Germany

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

The island of Föhr may not be one of the most famous Frisian islands, but it has long been an insider tip for those who want to take a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. In fact, the island is best known for the many youth camps and school trips, as it combines the Wadden Sea experience and Frisian islands with the great sea air and interesting history. Föhr is not so small – after all, it is the most populous German island. But this is only one reason why more and more people are discovering the magic of the island for themselves, especially in recent years.

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What do you need to know about Föhr before visiting?

Föhr Beach — You can also relax in peace on the beach of Föhr , Image: torstengrieger / shutterstock

The traces on the island indicate that the first inhabitants were found here as early as the Bronze Age. At that time, the island was probably still partially connected to the land and it was only the rising sea level of the North Sea that finally created the actual Frisian islands. Traces of this first settlement are still among the sights that you should have seen on Föhr today. Since then, the island has experienced very different eras. For a while it was an outpost of the Frisians, later it was an important place for shipping and many boatmen and captains had their headquarters here.

“Föhr lies like a haven of peace in the middle of the North Frisian Wadden Sea”

Michael Müller Verlag “Föhr & Amrum“

Since the end of the Second World War, the economy on the island in particular has changed. While fishing and agriculture still played an important role at the beginning of the last century, today it is mainly tourism that ensures the survival of the island. Not only the overnight guests, who want to take in the good sea air and the beautiful island, for example, play an important role, but above all the day tourists. They come from the mainland or other islands and take the opportunity to take a look at the impressive area of the North Frisian Islands.

A good reason for visiting Föhr and the other Frisian islands is certainly the almost foreign way of life. While Wyk is a small town, life on Föhr always moves a little slower than it does on the mainland. Local cultures and traditions also still play an important role. This can be seen, for example, in the fact that a form of Frisian Platt is still spoken here. There are also many occasions when the inhabitants flaunt the old traditions that have been maintained on the island for centuries.

The most important sights on the island of Föhr

Landscape Föhr — Beautiful relaxation in beautiful nature, Image: Pixel62 / shutterstock

When visiting the island, the historic buildings play a role. Although comparatively small and with an eventful history, the traces of the different eras can still be seen today. A good example is the burial mounds, for example, which give an indication that the settlement of the Frisian islands began long before modern civilization. In general, graves play an important role in the sights. The talking gravestones on the churches are an example of this. Instead of simply remembering the deceased, they tell the exciting life stories of those who have found their final resting place here.

In addition to the museums, which tell of the deprivation of life on the island in the past, but also of the historical traces on Föhr, the famous windmills are an attraction for visitors. Located very close to the town of Wyk, some of them were built in the early 19th century and some have been preserved to this day in the form in which they were once built. They are also a testimony to how important agriculture once was and how the special conditions in the middle of the sea were used to achieve a yield.

Nature and culture on Föhr and the Frisian Islands

Travel Guide Föhr — You can find more information about Föhr in the travel guide “Föhr & Amrum” from Michael Müller Verlag. >> Order here

Anyone who decides to visit the Frisian Islands and especially Föhr will usually have nature in the back of their minds. The Wadden Sea Nature Reserve has a very special attraction and especially the climate and the good air invite thousands of visitors to hike and cycle on the island year after year. Here you have every freedom you could wish for. Guided tours lead through the mudflats at low tide and tell what this special spectacle of nature is all about. If you want to explore the island more, you can get your own impression of the island along dunes and excellently developed hiking trails. The museums and the regular events on Föhr also help to understand the culture a little better. In the evening you can stop at one of the many restaurants, enjoy good seafood and typical German cuisine while recovering from the long excursions in nature.