Safety precautions during flights are a topic that affects everyone from time to time. With every check, there seem to be new tricks that the security men want to have you demonstrate. The Rhine-Main Airport near Frankfurt is notorious, with security services from Frankfurt, but also occasionally a security service responsible for Mainz . Unfortunately, the important traffic hub always has long waiting times at the security checkpoint. A combination that drives passengers up the wall and causes missed flights. This is not the only reason why the security check is always an explosive topic.

How it used to be

Hardly anyone can remember how relaxed the way through the security checks was in the 20th century. Then as now, private security services are involved in the security check. So there were the usual local variations. On the whole, however, it went quickly and without any problems. You emptied your pockets and walked through a metal detector. The flight tickets were only checked on the plane and even people who did not fly with them could come to the entrance of the plane. Farewells were much easier. Less time was also needed before the flight. Today, there are quickly long queues in front of the security check and the joy of flying is greatly reduced.

How it is today

Over the past 20 years, new safety rules for hand luggage have been devised again and again. These are based on the ideas of the terrorists, which are uncovered by the intelligence services. For example, the attempted bomb attack with explosives in the shoes led to an examination of the shoes before boarding the plane. The attempt to produce explosives with hydrogen peroxide led to the ban on larger water bottles on board. Fortunately, the underwear bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab did not lead to a ban on underwear with his failed assassination attempt . However, new, very in-depth testing techniques have been introduced to detect any irregularity under clothing.

Curiosities in the safety rules

If you have a little experience with flying, you probably know how nonsensical some of the rules that await you at the security check are. For example, lighters are generally prohibited. However, there is an exception for smokers. So if you can credibly claim that you smoke, you can take a lighter with you. Then he has to carry his lighter on his body to avoid an accident. The tobacco lobby has probably exerted some influence here, because smoking is prohibited on the plane. The lighter is supposed to enable smoking immediately after landing.

In addition to fire, sharp objects are also prohibited on the plane. For example, scissors with a blade length of more than 6 cm are prohibited. Screwdrivers and files are also not allowed. Water seems to be much less dangerous than scissors. However, since 2006, no water bottles have been allowed on the plane. This brought the shops at the airport and the airlines a plus in sales, because with the dry air in the airport and especially on the plane, everyone gets thirsty. In the meantime, the rules for taking liquids with you have been relaxed again and those traveling with small children are allowed to take water bottles with them.

There is a very curious peculiarity in Singapore. Here you can be arrested on entry if you carry obscene pictures with you. What exactly this means is at the discretion of the authorities. Since everyone travels with a mobile phone today, it can happen even without your own knowledge that you have stored pictures on your mobile computers that can get you into trouble. Fortunately, the mobile phone is not checked by default at the immigration control. Otherwise, the number of arrests at the airport would certainly be enormous.

The folding knife in hand luggage and other mishaps

If you are going on a trip, you should check your luggage carefully. If a prohibited item is discovered in hand luggage, it is not always a trivial offense. It can be particularly serious if the security check on a flight was not careful and you are carrying a prohibited piece of luggage without knowing it. In Germany, the luggage of passengers on long-haul flights is often checked again when changing planes. Here it can happen that a knife that is a little too long is found, which the security guards, for example in Nairobi, have missed. Now they are facing a charge of transporting prohibited materials.

It can end even worse if you are used as a drug smuggler without knowing it. For this reason, no one should take luggage with them whose contents they do not know. Some countries have very draconian penalties. In Singapore, you can quickly face the death penalty if you are caught with drugs in your luggage. It doesn’t help much that you claim you don’t know how these drugs got into your luggage.

Plenty of room for improvement

The security check at the airport has become an unpleasant exercise. A good security service that creates a pleasant atmosphere and carries out checks with brains makes the journey easier.

When you’re planning a trip, two things are particularly important: the right clothing and the right footwear. The latter in particular is important, as many kilometres are often covered on foot when travelling. If you wear the wrong footwear, blisters and pressure points on your feet can be painful consequences.

Our feet have the important task of carrying us everywhere. Make sure you treat them well to prevent discomfort. In this article, we explain what is important when buying and equipping perfectly fitting footwear.

The most important things in brief: What makes good footwear?

There are so many different shoes on the market today that it is often difficult to choose. If you pay attention to the following criteria, nothing can go wrong:

• Breathable materials: Your feet must have enough air to “breathe” in the shoes. Preferably choose a lightweight mesh fabric to ensure this.
• High-quality sole: A high-quality sole is characterized by being stable and compliant at the same time. In this way, it optimally supports the rolling movement of your feet. Depending on whether you prefer to be in the city or in nature, you should pay attention to different features of the sole. For example, springy soles are better suited for running on firm surfaces, such as asphalt or stones. If you want to go to the mountains instead, you should make sure that the sole has a non-slip and stable profile.
• Low weight: Especially when it comes to a trip, you should keep in mind that you also have to transport the shoes. Lightweight models that you can carry in your suitcase or backpack are ideal for this.

A tip: Not only the soles of shoes, but also insoles can make walking more comfortable. You can find high-quality insoles from various providers on the Internet.

Shoes for travel: This is what matters

It is always important to pay attention to the right footwear in the interests of foot health . When traveling, it has even more importance. Only when your shoes are both comfortable and comfortable can you really enjoy discovery tours and extensive hikes.

1. Right size

There are many criteria that you should pay attention to when buying shoes for the trip . The most important thing, however, is the right size. If a shoe doesn’t fit properly, you won’t find a grip in it and will therefore have a hard time walking. The so-called thumb test is an ideal method for determining size. So there should still be about a thumb’s width of space in front of your big toe. This distance is also known as an encore. If you don’t pay attention to it, your toes will bump against the toe cap, which can be very uncomfortable when running for a long time.

Depending on the type of footwear you choose, there are certain things to consider when determining the size :

• Ballerinas, pumps or men’s loafers: These shoes are cut out in the instep area, which is why a smaller allowance is sufficient here. Otherwise, you run the risk of not finding enough grip in it.
• Winter boots: You’ll probably wear these with insoles or at least thick soles to protect yourself from the cold. Ideally, you should take a pair of socks with you to try them on.

Also, keep in mind that shoe sizes can vary slightly to greatly depending on the brand. For many people, the size of the right and left foot also differs. That’s why it’s important that you always try on both shoes when trying them out. Slight differences can be easily compensated for with a leather insole .

To check the correct length , it is important that the shoes are not only tried on while sitting. Get up and walk around a bit so that all your weight is on your feet. This is the only way to get a realistic impression of how much your feet are pushed forward within the shoe. If you hit the toe cap of the shoes with your toes, they are too short. If, on the other hand, you lack support, you should choose a size smaller.

2. Convenience

When we travel, we usually discover new places and landscapes. This can only be fun and relaxing with a comfortable pair of shoes, because they carry you reliably through cities, forests and mountainous regions. How comfortable a shoe is is largely determined by the following factors:

• good fit
• very good padding
• Adequate support for your feet

Even before you go on holiday, you should walk in your shoes. Don’t plan long hikes yet, but wear the shoes on the way to work or in the garden, for example. This way you will quickly notice if they do not fit properly or cause pressure points. Depending on the activities you have planned for your vacation, you can choose either sandals, sneakers, or light walking shoes for your trip.

3. Consider climate and location

The holiday destination and the climatic conditions are also important for the choice of holiday shoes. If you prefer to visit cold regions where the temperatures are below freezing, you should pay attention to cushioned and waterproof shoes . In tropical and warm holiday regions, on the other hand, light and breathable shoes are well suited.

The terrain should not be ignored either. While hiking boots are best suited in mountainous regions, light sneakers or sandals are ideal for walks on the beach.

Storing and caring for shoes properly

Finally, we would like to give you tips on how to transport your shoes. After all, shoes can only serve faithfully if they are treated well. It is best to carry your shoes in a breathable jute bag to avoid waterlogging, which often occurs in plastic bags.

If you are planning a longer trip, you should take good care of your shoes beforehand and carry care products, such as waterproofing spray. These not only ensure that your shoes always look good, but also protect them from moisture and dust. Between your hikes , you should also remove the coarse dirt from the shoes and then apply a shoe polish.

The conclusion: Only travel with the right footwear!

Shoes are the be-all and end-all on every trip, so make sure that they are not only the right size, but also that they are of high quality. Depending on which region you want to travel to and what the climatic conditions are like there, you should choose either light or robust footwear.

The sole plays a special role, because it forms the foundation of every footwear. In addition, there are insoles that provide better grip and can thus prevent foot problems, for example.

Traveling often means long hours of waiting or being on the road, which can quickly become a challenge for patience. But this time does not have to pass unused. With the right attitude and some creative ideas, every minute of the travel time can be enriched.

Whether it’s learning new skills, relaxing, or simply building anticipation for the goal, there are plenty of ways to turn those seemingly lost moments into valuable experiences without taking a lot of gear with you. This article shows how you can effectively bridge the travel time with simple means without overloading the weight of the suitcase.

Entertainment and education

Long travel times offer the perfect opportunity to entertain yourself and learn something new at the same time. With a variety of options available, every moment can be used to enrich the mind and make time fly by.

Reading and Audiobooks

Books have always been faithful companions on journeys. They offer an escape from reality and make time pass faster. E-readers are particularly suitable for travel, as they can contain numerous books without weighing much and taking up space.

For those who prefer to listen, audiobook platforms offer an extensive library of titles that can accompany any journey. From captivating novels to educational nonfiction, audiobooks are a great way to entertain yourself while learning new things.

Learn languages

A trip is the perfect time to learn a new language or improve existing language skills. Language learning apps offer courses in many different languages that are specifically designed to impart knowledge in short, easy-to-digest lessons. Use the time on the plane or train to learn a few basic phrases or improve your language skills. This is particularly worthwhile if they can be used in the target country.

Podcasts and music

Podcasts are an excellent source of entertainment and education. With an endless selection of topics – from history to science to personal development – there’s something for everyone. Listening to podcasts can not only reduce travel time, but also broaden your horizons.

Music, on the other hand, offers a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the journey. Create a playlist of your favorite songs or discover new music that fits your destination.

Educational content is particularly practical because it not only captures attention, but also imparts knowledge that can be used later.

• As an example of an innovative educational app, Yuno enables learning in everyday life through short audio stories and quizzes. This app is especially suitable for travelers who want to use their time to expand their general knowledge in a fun way.

The combination of entertainment and education not only makes the trip more enjoyable, but also allows you to use your time productively.

Relaxation and meditation

Travel, especially those with long waiting times or flights, can be stressful. However, using this time for relaxation and meditation can not only help reduce stress, but also improve overall well-being during the trip.

Meditation Apps

In recent years, meditation apps have gained popularity as they help users practice mindfulness and relaxation no matter where they are. These apps offer guided meditations specifically designed to help travelers find calm, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

Relaxing Games

Not everyone finds relaxation in silence. For some, playing light, relaxing games on their smartphone or tablet can be a welcome distraction. There are numerous games that are designed to calm and entertain at the same time without increasing stress levels. Puzzle games, simple strategy games or apps that invite you to draw and paint can offer a peaceful refuge.

Mindfulness exercises

In addition to guided meditations, mindfulness exercises can also be an effective way to center and calm yourself during the journey. Many meditation apps offer special modules for mindfulness , which include techniques such as conscious breathing, body awareness, and gratitude exercises. These practices can help you enjoy the moment and make the overall travel experience more positive.

Incorporating relaxation and meditation into travel time can make a significant difference in dealing with the challenges of travel.

Result

Travel time does not have to be considered as lost time. Rather, it offers a wealth of opportunities to entertain, learn and relax. Whether it’s by immersing yourself in books and audiobooks, learning new languages, enjoying podcasts and music, or through relaxation techniques and meditation, each of these activities can enrich the trip while contributing to personal development.

Electronic devices and apps in particular are a great help today, as they take up little weight or valuable space in the suitcase. By consciously using these times, we turn them into precious moments of enrichment and well-being.

With distinctive design concepts, themed hotels create an unforgettable holiday experience. Clever concepts take guests into a parallel universe – loving details make up the special charm. Themed hotels catapult guests into bygone eras, pick up on sci-fi themes or immerse visitors in another culture. The creative concepts are not only convincing with a special design. Activities and events are precisely tailored to the topic – for an excellent customer experience that will be remembered for a long time.

Insider tips in Germany – curious or atmospheric

If you want to experience an unforgettable stay in a themed hotel, you don’t have to travel far. In Germany , there are varied locations that are a guarantee for a special holiday. Car fans get their money’s worth at the V8 Hotel in Böblingen near Stuttgart . Each room has an individual design. Classic cars and racing cars were integrated into the exciting concept. Since the location is close to the Motorworld Region Stuttgart, guests can design leisure activities to match the theme. An overnight stay in the tree house is a special experience for children and adults. The Tree Inn in Lower Saxony offers luxurious sleeping facilities at lofty heights. The charming wooden houses are equipped with underfloor heating, air conditioning, a minibar, comfortable sleeping and sitting areas, a jacuzzi and a roof terrace with lounge furniture. Large panoramic windows provide a view of nature and the adjacent enclosure with hand-reared gray wolves. The Igloo Lodge in the Allgäu is located at an altitude of 2,000 metres and is an unusual event location in a class of its own. Atmospheric lighting concepts, excellent insulation and soft skins ensure cosiness. In the ice hotel, guests can enjoy 2- and 4-seater igloos, a luxurious igloo suite, barrel saunas and an artistically designed ice bar. Fans of Miss Marple, Inspector Barnaby or Sherlock Holmes will feel right at home at the Krimihotel Hillesheim in the Eifel. All rooms and suites are dedicated to well-known crime luminaries.

Varied themed hotels in the capital

Berlin offers many options for holiday experiences of a special kind. The theme hotel Ostel is located in the district of Friedrichshain. The entire interior is furnished in the style of the GDR. The location is located in a prefabricated building, which gives authenticity. If you love nostalgia, you can enjoy typical East German charm in the style of the 80s in the Ostel. However, guests should not expect luxury, as the hotel cannot offer more than one star – authentically East German in GDR times. Hotel Provocateur Berlin takes guests back to the “Golden Twenties”. The luxurious Art Deco décor features velvet-covered beds and armchairs, elegant lighting and gold fittings in the bathroom. An atmospheric bar and a cosy restaurant round off the successful overall concept. If you love music, you can look forward to a break at the nhow Musikhotel Berlin. The theme hotel of the NH Hotel Group harmoniously harmonizes futuristic design elements and design elements from different eras. The event location in Berlin-Friedrichshain with a view of the Spree is completely dedicated to the topic of culture with changing art exhibitions and regular newcomer concerts. A spa, large rooms for business events as well as private events and two professional music recording studios are part of the exciting concept.

Mars themed hotel in planning

North of Nuremberg, in Auerbach, the themed hotel “Gate to Mars” is to be built by 2026. The ambitious hotel project is dedicated to the vastness of space and aims to offer guests a special experience. An artificial crater is to be created on an area of 60,000 square meters, on which the hotel will be built. The design is intended to convey the feeling of being in a space station on Mars. Beds as sleeping capsules, an entrance area with Hyperloop tubes, a special soundscape, light effects and culinary space meals create the basis for an adventure stay of a special kind. The hotel wants to provide scientific information as an information center for Mars research. Cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and international institutions is planned. At the heart of the hotel concept is the consideration of what life on Mars could actually look like. The budget for the project is 30 million euros. After completion, an overnight stay will cost about 150 euros.

Exciting international themed hotels

Arctic Hotel Kakslauttanen is located in the middle of unspoilt nature in the north of Finland. Guests stay in glass igloos that offer a view of the starry sky – this is ideal for observing stars and northern lights without disturbing light pollution. The Swiss Chocolate Hotel in Zurich is completely dedicated to sweet chocolate culture. The theme is taken up in the design concept and with details such as a chocolate fountain at the reception. At Cappadocia Cave Resort in Turkey , guests stay in caves or all-stone suites and rooms nestled directly against the surrounding cliffs. If you want to travel to Tokyo, you can experience a futuristic sleeping capsule concept at the Nine Hours Hotel in Kyoto .

The trip has been booked, paid for and the day of departure is getting closer and closer. At this point, at the latest, some people realize that it is time to buy one or the other utensil to make sure that the contents of the case are really complete.

In this context, it often becomes apparent that supplements of this kind can burden the travel budget in advance. Fortunately, however, there are some ways that can help you take advantage of the savings potential that is available.

The following sections provide some valuable tips and show which items should be included on the to-do list for the time before the holiday.

Tip No. 1: Use vouchers to complete your travel wardrobe

If you notice a few days before departure that your swimwear no longer meets your personal taste, you often still have time to react. Those who find OTTO vouchers, for example, often benefit from a high savings potential. As is so often the case, it is of course important to check the respective conditions in advance in order to be able to enjoy the corresponding advantages.

One thing is certain: Even short-term purchases do not have to be hectic. And with the right vouchers up your sleeve, you can easily get a bargain or two.

Tip No. 2: Create lists early on to be able to compare prices

Even though price comparisons via the Internet do not take much time these days, it is important to deal with your individual needs as early as possible.

Or in other words: If you make a list of all the clothes and items that have to be bought by the day of departure, you can save money by making the appropriate comparisons … and also make sure that the time before departure is not too hectic.

Tip No. 3: Don’t buy everything new – focus on quality instead

Admittedly, this tip is suitable for consideration all year round.

If you spend a little more money on your clothes (and/or use one of the vouchers already mentioned in tip no. 1), you often benefit from a longer shelf life due to the high quality of the materials. And it is precisely this that ensures that the corresponding accessories are also able to survive several vacations – whether on the beach or in the mountains. Of course, this also applies with regard to active holidays, where experience has shown that the equipment is put to the test.

Tip No. 4: Shop locally

Depending on the travel destination, it may be cheaper to buy clothes or accessories locally. By the way, an appropriate procedure also offers the chance to secure a beautiful souvenir that always reminds the person in question of the respective vacation.

Of course, it is also important to pay attention to the quality offered in this context. A typical example: If you buy sunglasses on the beach and only pay a few euros for them, you should not assume that the lenses are able to reliably block UV rays. Therefore, it is always important to take into account not only the first impression, but also the price-performance ratio offered.

Tip No. 5: Secure everything optimally

Ensuring that the contents of the suitcase are as low as possible also means, among other things, optimally securing the items inside the suitcase. Leaked shampoo bottles can not only be annoying, but also ensure that the search for a cleaner at the holiday destination becomes topical.

If you want to avoid stress of this kind, it is best to pack liquids in separate containers and these in turn in sealable bags. In this way, it is usually not difficult to protect your wardrobe from accidents of this kind.

Result

Packing your suitcases for your holiday, for example in Lanzarote or any other place where the temperatures are still pleasantly warm even in winter, should be fun and definitely not stressful. If you take enough time to prepare everything and at the same time know what savings potential is available, you often create the basis for the “best weeks of the year” to start a little earlier.