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As if out of your mind – 5 tips for your enjoyment on your Gastein ski holiday

PatrickJullien
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As if out of your mind – 5 tips for your enjoyment on your Gastein ski holiday

Enjoyment is a positive sensory sensation that is associated with well-being: this is what the encyclopedia writes. Holiday enjoyment with all the senses – that’s what Gastein is committed to both in the valley and on the mountain!

See, feel and hear Gastein’s enjoyment

Hut cuisine in Gastein
Hut cuisine in Gastein, Image: © Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Marktl

The fresh mountain air that tingles on your skin during the ski descent. The intense rays of sunshine on the viewing platform on the Stubnerkogel. The sound of the wind during a walk through the winter forest in the Angertal. The splashing of the thermal water in the Alpentherme or the Felsentherme. Do you feel, hear and see it yet? This is a holiday in Gastein. Over 200 kilometres of slopes, two thermal baths and a unique winter wonderland await you in Salzburger Land.

Ski toques: Pleasure to taste and smell

Taste is love of beauty, according to the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson – and this love is raised far above the tree line in Gastein. Here, seven mountain restaurants and huts come under the ski hood. What does that mean? Seven award-winning chefs each create a speciality that is offered at one of the selected huts. In the four ski areas of the Gastein Valley, there are seven restaurants, each with a gourmet dish – and for less than 15 euros! Among the epicurean delights in recent years, there have been traditional Salzburg dishes with a certain twist: pickled fillet of organic beef with caramelized radicchio Tresiano, hot oven onions on buttered crumbs with smoked cheese and bacon, hearty venison soup, black pudding croquettes or buns have already been on the menu. Well, curious about what’s on offer this year? You have to taste that for yourself!

Summit breakfast in Gastein
Summit breakfast in Gastein, Picture: © Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Ausweger Daniel

That’s the (enjoyment) summit!

It is early in the morning, the first rays of sunshine touch the mountain peaks, slowly the mountain panorama of 400 peaks is bathed in velvety light. And you watch the scenery from a glass dome on the summit of the Kreuzkogel. In front of you is a richly laid table with fresh Salzburg bread, creamy cappuccino, hearty bacon and sweet jam. Accompanied by a freshly squeezed orange juice. This is the summit breakfast in Gastein. The Roman general Lucullus would also have enjoyed it. He was already known for his extravagant feasts 100 years BC. That is why the word “epicurean” is dedicated to him today.

Wahn-Sinn’s pleasure experiences by moonlight

Full Moon Dinner Gastein
A real experience: The full moon dinner, Image: © Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH, Marktl Photography

Sophisticated and luxurious it continues in the Gastein Sinnes-Wandel. The Full Moon Dinner in Gastein is highly exclusive. During the full moon in February, March and April, you sit down at a long banquet in the middle of the open sky at an altitude of 1,590 meters. The surrounding mountains are wrapped in mystical, dark blue light. The table with torches is illuminated. On the plates an exquisite 5-course menu with ingredients from the region. Even the prominent Gastein spa guest and writer Franz Grillparzer knew: Moons and years pass, but a beautiful moment shines through life.

New round – new happiness

Another moment of pleasure is conjured up in Dorfgastein with very special ingredients. This includes a gathering of Gastein restaurateurs and locals, regional products, a 4-course menu and, as a highlight, a gondola! That’s right – the gondola is essential at the gondola dinner on the Fulseck, a 2,033-metre-high mountain peak. After a wine tasting, up to four gourmets take a seat in the gondola and are served one course per station during a complete round. The start is at the valley station, followed by two courses at the middle and mountain stations and the final course is again served at the middle station. Floating and dining through the Gastein mountains in the evening – these are literally the highest pleasures.

Enjoyment with all the senses in all corners

The Salzburger Land is one of the regions with the highest density of award-winning chefs. The Gastein Valley is no exception. But even on a small scale, the people of Salzburg know how to pamper the palates of their gourmets. Each hut has its specialty. Pinzgauer Kasnocken from the iron pan with their spicy cheese and fine fried onions are a real treat at every mountain hut. Those with a sweet tooth will grab the Salzburg dumplings, a sweet hint of fine beaten egg whites. To digest a regional schnapps. The well-being that only a real moment of pleasure can offer is already set in. And so the encyclopedia is right and Gastein remains true to its motto: On every corner you will find holiday enjoyment with all your senses!

 

Vienna City Adventure – The somewhat different travel guide

PatrickJullien
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Vienna City Adventure – The somewhat different travel guide

There’s no question about it: Vienna is beautiful. And has a lot to offer. Magnificent buildings, outstanding museums, music is in the air. And as a visitor to Vienna, you will also be spoiled with culinary delights from morning to evening. However, Judith Weibrecht shows that one can approach such a cosmopolitan city in another way in her travel guide “Vienna – City Adventure” (Michael Müller Verlag, ISBN 978-3-95654-829-1). In this way, she gets to know the city through experiences, not through sights.

We talked to Judith Weibrecht about Vienna and special experiences.

In the Mercer study, Vienna is repeatedly voted the most livable city in the world. What do you think makes the imperial city so special?

Vienna City Adventure
More information about “Vienna – City Adventure” can be found on the

website of the Michael-Müller-Verlag.

Something very special is the close connection between metropolis and nature: Where else is a hike up a mountain just a tram ride away? Or a visit to an island with a jump into the Danube water, just a few minutes on the subway? Above all, however, it is the Viennese themselves: the humour always puts a smile on your face.

In your book “Vienna – City Adventures” you deliberately deal with experiences away from the mainstream. From the strudel bakery to an overnight stay in the museum for children. What does the perfect day in Vienna look like for you?

For me, it starts at Café Jelinek, where I slowly wake up to a melange or two and one or two daily newspapers. Then I take a walk through Josefstadt, because I always discover something new there. Afterwards I take a ride on the Ringbahn to rest my feet and still see something. At noon, I take a break at one of the legendary sausage stands to fortify myself and set up the eavesdroppers. Do I understand anything of what the neighbor is saying? I go for a walk in the Central Cemetery in the afternoon, or I take one of the guided tours described in the book. Especially those of homeless people or “Vienna ugly” I always like and each time a little different. Where I will have dinner and which concerts with original Viennese songs are really worthwhile, I won’t tell you now … Even an author has to live on something 😉

Which of the 33 city adventures described above has particularly shaped or inspired you?

I found the dialect workshop “leiwand”. You have to imagine that you attend a course in your own language and learn new words and pronunciation rules. We had a lot of fun and applied what we had learned right away at the sausage stand. Now I also know what a “Krokodü” and “a Oarschpfeiferl” are.

They are often on the road by bike. Which part of the city is particularly suitable for friends of the bike?

The whole of Vienna is crisscrossed by cycle paths, and it is difficult for me to single out one part of the city in particular, as I have been cycling almost everywhere. The Wiental cycle path is beautiful and a highlight is the cycle path around Lake Neusiedl, which is easy to reach from Vienna.

Vienna always has something to offer. Is there still a season in which Vienna lets its charm play out in a very special way?

In spring, because in the middle of the city there are many gardens such as the Burggarten or the Volksgarten. But I also find Vienna particularly charming in winter, when the city belongs more to the locals and you can, for example, skate on the Rathausplatz and drink orange punch.

 

About the author:
Judith WeibrechtJudith Weibrecht has been writing for as long as she can, and has been travelling since she is allowed to – preferably by bicycle.
She likes to get off the saddle again and again to listen to the stories of an old woman, browse a curious bookstore, taste local specialties or simply experience little adventures.

After studying pedagogy, psychology and modern German literary history in Erlangen, Weibrecht worked as a lecturer for “German as a Foreign Language” before devoting herself entirely to her passion. Since then, she has been traveling and cycling around the world, working for magazines (e.g. Radwelt, Slow Food Magazine), daily newspapers (e.g. taz, Nürnberger Nachrichten) and websites (e.g. schwarzaufweiss.de) and telling stories about people, countries or landscapes as a freelance journalist. www.judith-weibrecht.de.

Experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps while winter hiking

PatrickJullien
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Experience the beauty of the Austrian Alps while winter hiking

A hike through the snow-covered landscape of the Alps is always a pleasure. On lonely paths, you can hear the snow crunching under your shoes and you can observe one or the other animal. On somewhat busier paths, there are usually inns or snack stations where you can warm up while indulging in culinary delights. But what all hikes have in common is the clear, fresh air, which seems to be a tad fresher in winter.

Animal hike in the Montafon

The Montafon offers guided hikes with llamas. In Innerberg, hikers meet with the llamas and their owner. The animals, which are native to the South American Andes, are very tame and therefore perfect for long leisurely walks.

At the beginning of the excursion, hikers warm up with a punch while getting acquainted with the animals. With the llamas, you can then leisurely walk along old miners’ paths through the former mining region. The Andean animals slow down the hike and thus also the hikers on their way. The first stop is the Panoramagasthof Kristberg, where holidaymakers can warm up and fortify themselves.

Next we go to the St. Agatha Miners’ Chapel. It is the oldest church in the Montafon. A lot of information about the former mining region is given here. Raw materials such as silver, copper or iron were mined in the Montafon for centuries. After this short excursion into history, it goes back to Innerberg.

Winter hikes in Innsbruck

Innsbruck
Downtown Innsbruck, Image: LorenzoPeg / shutterstock

From Tyrol’s capital Innsbruck there are many opportunities for wonderful hikes in winter. The vast majority of these tours also offer many opportunities for refreshments. To get out of the city and into the winter landscape as quickly as possible, the Hungerburgbahn is a good choice. Here you will find the most popular winter hiking trails to the alpine pastures in the Karwendel mountains. Probably the most frequented path is the one to the Arzler Alm, which is also open in winter. About 150 m above is the Rumer Alm, which is easy to reach and open even in the cold season. This hike to the alpine pastures in the Karwendel offers a magnificent view over the valley with Innsbruck to the Patscherkofel to the south.

On high-altitude hiking trails through wintry Styria

Bad Mitterndorf in Styria
Bad Mitterndorf in Styria, Image: photoflorenzo / shutterstock

The winter high-altitude hiking trails offer an alternative for holidaymakers who do not want to ski up a mountain. The hike from the Tauplitzalm to the Lawinenstein is a wonderful summit hike on groomed slopes for pedestrians.

Via the Tauplitz Alpine Road, the path leads by car or ski bus to the valley station of the gondola lift. This takes you up a few metres in altitude, with a wonderful view of the valley to Bad Mitterndorf, the Grimming and above all over the Tauplitzalm ski area from here. From the mountain station, it then goes on groomed paths to the summit of the Lawinenstein, from which the holidaymaker has a 360-degree panoramic view. The view sweeps over the valley to the Grimming, over the Dachstein to the Totes Gebirge. From the summit it goes back to the mountain station, which takes the hiker back towards the valley. However, if you still want to stop for a leisurely snack, the path leads past the mountain station of the gondola lift to the Krimandlhütte at the Lawinenstein chairlift.

Torchlight hike in the Hohe Tauern

Krimml Waterfalls in winter
The Krimml Waterfalls, Image: Cristian Andriana / shutterstock

The Krimml Waterfalls are located in the Hohe Tauern National Park. With a height of 385 m, they are the largest waterfalls in Europe.

In the period from the end of December to mid-March, torchlight hikes to the Krimml Waterfalls are offered every Wednesday. It starts at the Krimml music pavilion and goes via the village of Krimml to the waterfalls. Since the hike only covers about 30 meters in altitude, it is classified as easy. On the half-hour trail, the hiking guides provide valuable impressions.

At the foot of the waterfalls, the Krimml innkeepers invite hikers to a drink and there is a small supporting programme.

Winter hiking at Lake Wolfgang

At Lake Wolfgang, there is a suitable hike for every taste. A very nice and also flat hike is the Seeweg circuit. On a cleared winter hiking trail, which is suitable for all weather conditions and also for prams, you can walk through a fairytale winter landscape for about an hour. The start and finish point is the Strobel village square. The path leads along Lake Wolfgang on a narrow path through the “Blinklingmoos” nature reserve. From here there is a wonderful view over the lake to St. Wolfgang and the mountains around Lake Wolfgang. At the fork in the road with the signpost “Zum Lipphaus” it goes to the Bahndammweg and back to Strobel.

Emigrating to Paraguay – What is there to consider?

PatrickJullien
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Emigrating to Paraguay – What is there to consider?

There are plenty of good reasons to emigrate to Paraguay. Even though the comparatively small country in South America is rarely in the spotlight in this country, it offers exactly those advantages that emigrants usually want when they want to live outside Europe. In Paraguay, it is not only very easy to obtain permanent residency. After only three years in Paraguay , one can also obtain citizenship. And the taxes are lower than almost anywhere else, and the mentality of the people really invites you to think about emigrating to Paraguay. Last but not least, the great climate should be pointed out, which guarantees many sunny days and certainly increases the joy of life.

So why not emigrate to Paraguay? How does it work? What do you have to consider if you want to emigrate to Paraguay? Here is an overview of the most important information.

Documents and applications required for a visa in Paraguay

First of all, all you need for a single entry into Paraguay is a valid passport, which every German can easily obtain, unless he or she is in possession of one anyway. As soon as you are in Paraguay, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. At least that’s how most immigrants to Paraguay proceed.

What do you need locally to obtain such a permanent residence permit? By the way, this is called Cedula or Migraciones. This is what you need:

  • a certified police clearance certificate
    This can be applied for at the citizen’s office in your place of residence, and it is required in Paraguay for people aged 12 and over.

    It is important that it is not older than 3 months when applying for the permanent visa.

  • Health certificate
    In this way, Paraguay protects itself against the fact that the entrant does not carry any serious illnesses. You can get it in a German hospital, but you can also have one made locally in Paraguay.
  • Certified copy of passport
    Alternatively, the original passport with a copy is sufficient, but you should be on the safe side here.
  • Certified copy of the international birth certificate
    You can apply for one at your responsible registration office in Germany. The costs for this are usually around 10 euros. It must not be older than 12 months.
  • Marriage or divorce certificate
    A certified copy of this must also be submitted, which must not be older than 5 years. Of course, this point only applies to those immigrants to Paraguay who are married or divorced.

 

Paraguay
View of Ciudad del Este, Image: Jose L. Stephens / shutterstock

If all the necessary documents or certified copies are available, they must be sent to the Paraguayan embassy in Germany. The following processing costs around 70 euros, although prices may change here. Once the embassy has given permission, you can enter Paraguay. There they then take care of the permanent residence permit, which is usually easy to obtain – especially for immigrants from European countries. And the initial effort for the general entry into Paraguay is also manageable, as the above list demonstrates.

Conclusion on emigrating to Paraguay

In summary, it can be said that compared to most other countries, it is very easy to emigrate to Paraguay and gain a foothold here. This applies in particular to the official regulations, but also to the way of life of the people. As an immigrant to Paraguay, you are rarely perceived as an intruder. Rather, the Paraguayos perceive new fellow citizens as an enrichment. Which is why it is always worthwhile to think about Paraguay as your new, permanent domicile. Which, as you read, is also supported by the fact that it is child’s play to obtain citizenship – as long as you behave, which, as is well known, applies in all states.

 

The island of Juist: Deceleration on the North Sea

Rosa Koppelmann
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The island of Juist: Deceleration on the North Sea

by Rosa Koppelmann (www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com)

A place where no cars are allowed to drive, horse-drawn carriages set the pace and the nearest beach is never more than 500 meters away – that’s the North Sea island of Juist! The island is located in the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony and, with a length of 17 kilometres, is the longest of the East Frisian islands. At its widest point, the island measures 900 meters, at its narrowest just 500 meters.

There are two villages on Juist: the main town, which is divided into Westdorf and Ostdorf, and the smaller Loog. The harbour and most of the hotels are located in the main town. Here you will also find supermarkets and other shopping facilities. Loog, on the other hand, offers more peace and even more individual holidays.

Everyday life on Juist is determined by the tides: because passenger and transport ships can only sail at high tide. As a result, many things on the island run a little slower than on the mainland. This is exactly what makes Juist so charming, because nowhere else can you slow down as well as here!

Discover Juist by bike and on foot

Juist hike
Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

With a length of 17 kilometres, Juist is a fairly manageable island – and yet you can experience a lot here! The island is very easy to discover by bike and since there are no cars on the island, you can drive freely and relaxed here. But even if you don’t want to rent a bike, there is a lot to see and experience here!

Everyone who visits Juist sooner or later goes to the wide, white sandy beach that stretches along the entire length of the island. Here you can rent a beach chair and watch the hustle and bustle of the visitors, take a long walk, or make yourself comfortable on one of the less visited beach sections.

From the beach you go directly into the dunes, where you can go on beautiful hikes on wooden paths. A popular route is the Otto-Leege-Pfad. In the 1920s, the biologist Otto Leege had over 50,000 wind-resistant trees planted on the island and in his memory a nature and art trail was created that brings visitors closer to nature in a very vivid way. The flora and fauna on Juist is incredibly diverse: yes, in fact, you can find around a quarter of the German flora and a fifth of the German fauna on the East Frisian Islands! With a share of 0.03 percent, measured against the total area of Germany, this is quite impressive!

The most beautiful excursion destinations on Juist

Domain Bill
With the horse-drawn carriage to Domöne Bill, Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

Both on the island and on the sea there are some fascinating excursion destinations. As soon as you arrive on the island, you will see the Memmertfeuer lighthouse. In the summer months, you can climb to a small viewing platform on top of the lighthouse. From here you are directly on the main street, where there are shops, cafes and restaurants. The Juist town hall with tourist information can also be found here.

If you are in the Wadden Sea for the first time, you should not miss a mudflat hike on Juist. The experience is as unique as the Wadden Sea itself! Another must-see is the Bill, which is located at the west end of the island; where the North Sea and the Wadden Sea meet. Domäne Bill, which is located just before the large sandbanks, serves the world-famous raisin mares and delicious coffee specialties, which can be enjoyed either in the café or on the green dike overlooking the mudflats. The best way to get to the domain is by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Tickets for the approximately one-hour carriage ride can be easily purchased at the travel agency on the main street.

A bike tour to the Hammersee is also a nice excursion by bike or on foot; the largest freshwater lake in the East Frisian Islands was created in 1932 when the dune dike was built. Here, too, there is a paved hiking trail that allows you to walk around the lake without upsetting the flora and fauna.

Seal Bank North Sea
The seal banks are a great destination for young and old, Picture: Picture: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

If you like to be on the water, you should definitely book a boat trip to the seal banks. A small ferry takes you from the harbour across the sea. After about an hour, you will reach the seal banks and can watch from the ship as the fascinating, strong animals crawl into the water, emerge from the sea and roll comfortably back and forth on the beach.

Holidays with children on the island

The North Sea island of Juist is the ideal holiday destination for families, because there is hardly a place that is safer: there are no cars here and the children can move freely. The wide sandy beach is probably the most beautiful sandpit in the world and there are large well-equipped playgrounds both directly on the beach and at the harbour. There is also a seawater wave pool on Juist for rainy days and an informative exhibition about the Wadden Sea in the National Park House in the old train station. In summer, there are theatre performances, beach parties or football tournaments specially designed for children between 4 and 15 years old. In addition, the island hosts the children’s university “Sustainable Living” from the end of June to the beginning of September. Here, topics such as climate change, climate protection and sustainability are dealt with in a playful way. The events are designed so that the children can participate independently.

Sustainability on Juist

Juist Beach
Image: Rosa Koppelmann / www.consciouslifestyleofmine.com

Due to its location in the middle of the North Sea, Juist is directly affected by climate change: rising sea levels, heavy stumbling and dune collapse in the west pose a concrete threat to the island. Due to the direct threat, the island has set itself the goal of being climate neutral by 2030.

To achieve this goal, the island has taken various measures. First, in 2016, Juist took part in the world’s first forum for the sustainable development of European islands: the Smart Island Forum. The Smart Islands Forum brings together the expertise of the islands facing similar challenges. Island regions can also be increasingly used as test balloons for technological, economic, social and political innovations.

Juist not only discusses, but also implements! The island is car-free: even goods, goods and entire removals are transported by horse-drawn carriages. Swiss Post only uses an electric vehicle for the distribution of parcels. The police ride their bikes, just like most residents and guests. Only doctors, fire brigades and the German Red Cross are allowed to use motor vehicles.

The island’s water supply is autonomous: under the island there is a freshwater lens, which is tapped alternately through several wells. The freshwater lens rises when it rains. Thus, the island is directly dependent on rainwater. The water enters the waterworks and is treated there. It is subject to the strictest legal regulations, which are continuously reviewed; so the water can be used as drinking water. Guests are asked to bottle the tap water. This means that less bottled water has to be transported from the mainland and resources can be saved.

So you can not only simply experience a wonderful, relaxed holiday on Juist, but you can also be sure that you are not overstretching your CO2 footprint!

Impressions of the North Sea island of Juist

 

Happy World Tourism Day 2019 – This logistical masterpiece is behind (air) travel

PatrickJullien
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Happy World Tourism Day 2019 – This logistical masterpiece is behind (air) travel

The increasingly globalized world is opening up opportunities for societies and individuals that not so long ago were considered a futuristic thought experiment. However, humans have already become accustomed to most of the amenities that an open world brings with it. (Air) travel is one of these comforts. It is enough to be equipped with a mobile phone and a credit card – that’s all it takes to organize a trip, no matter where you go. The flight has been booked via the app, the accommodation has already been reserved for holiday apartments via a community marketplace and the route for the city tour has been marked out on Google Maps. Only a few clicks – or so it feels – separate us from our next trip.

The busiest day since the beginning of air travel

But today, on World Tourism Day 2019, we want to pause for a moment, reflect and appreciate what a logistical masterpiece is actually behind all this. This year’s World Tourism Day is under the motto “Tourism and Jobs”: According to the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, the aim is to focus on the often underestimated role of tourism as a job engine. One in ten jobs worldwide is accounted for by tourism. This manpower is also needed to coordinate 205,468 flights in just one day – that’s how many passenger planes took off last year on the busiest day of the year, July 13, 2018. All passengers who flew on this day fill a total of 36 Olympic stadiums (2.7 million people) – a world record. By 2035, experts predict a total of 40,000 aircraft that will be in the air at the same time – more than twice as many as the current record.

All these approximately 200,000 flights covered a total of over 3 million kilometers. That’s a distance as far as from the Earth to the moon and all the way back again – 4,000 times. The longest flight in 2018 was around 14,000 kilometers – from Los Angeles to Singapore. Our editorial team came across the following infographic, which visualizes these and other figures and provides other exciting, entertaining airport and travel data:

More about travel at Horizn Studios.

Infographic uses current travel data to show what's going on at airports and tourism within a year

The graphic makes it clear that not everything always works as smoothly as passengers might like. There are some delays, flight cancellations, suitcases get lost or other annoying things happen that spoil the holiday mood a bit. However, given the numbers listed here, it is almost a miracle that flying is such a reliable and efficient way to travel. It may help to think about how many flights have already taken off on time in the past when a large “delay” appears in red lettering on the display board at the gate.

Happy World Tourism Day!

Relaxed on the plane

PatrickJullien
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Relaxed on the plane

Each of us has certainly experienced this situation several times. The long-awaited vacation is only a few days away. Although the anticipation is huge – the last days before departure are very stressful. There are various reasons for this. On the one hand, you think about whether you have thought of everything you need when packing and whether the apartment is well taken care of in your absence.

However, another factor is also planning the journey to the airport. Since you often can’t rely on the punctuality of the trains, more and more travelers decide to book a parking space near the airport. This offers a cost-effective alternative to the airport taxi and you can load your suitcases in peace and quiet and set off for your holiday.

Parking at Munich Airport

In order to get a more detailed picture of “parking at the airport”, we booked a parking space at Munich Airport via the provider Parkos. The provider compares the listed parking providers and checks whether there is capacity available in the desired booking period.

So in order to use the service and be able to park at Munich Airport, we first informed ourselves about the different parking spaces (especially about security) and finally reserved a parking space for the required period. This is guarded around the clock, fenced in and secured with camera systems. Cancellation of the parking space would have been possible free of charge up to 24 hours before the booked time.

Relaxed on the plane
The car is safely parked. Now you can fly relaxed on vacation, Image: Jaromir Chalabala / shutterstock

Arriving at the sufficiently signposted parking lot, we were already welcomed by an employee. After checking our reservation, we were assigned a seat and we safely locked the vehicle after taking out the luggage. The employee helped us transport the luggage to the shuttle bus. Our children got a free soft drink, quickly went to the existing toilet again and off we went with a good feeling towards Munich Airport.

Including shuttle transfer (took just under 12 minutes) to the departure hall, we were able to book the parking space for a cheap 54 euros for a parking period of one week.

When our vacation in Croatia was over much too quickly a week later, we called the parking provider after we had taken the luggage off the conveyor belt. After a short time, the shuttle bus came and brought us safely to our car. In general, it can be said that parking at the airport is a cost-effective alternative to the typical airport taxi. Of course, travelling by train is generally cheaper, but it is much more relaxed to travel with your own car and not have to carry your luggage around with two children. In addition, one is not dependent on the punctuality of public transport.

Our tip:

Use the time until departure and arrive early at the car park. So you have the opportunity to spend a few more nice hours in Munich . Visit the Frauenkirche or relax in the English Garden before your flight.

 

 

With the kind support of Parkos

Entry into the USA & Canada

PatrickJullien
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Entry into the USA & Canada

Canada and the USA are considered absolute dream destinations for many holidaymakers. While when you think of the United States, you immediately think of the metropolises and national parks, when you think of Canada, you think of hospitality and the outstandingly beautiful nature. However, in order to be allowed to visit these dream destinations, you must first apply for the appropriate visa – for Canada the eTA travel authorization Canada and for the USA the ESTA authorization.

Entry requirements USA

If you have decided to travel to the USA as a tourist, there are a few things to consider in advance. This should not dampen the anticipation of a great holiday in this great country, because the preparations have to be managed. A country rich in sights that cannot be counted in their diversity. Tourists from all over the world come to see the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. Of course, the big world-famous cities, such as New York or San Francisco, attract millions of visitors every year.

The lucky city of Las Vegas is also very popular, where many people hope for quick money. For most people, Niagara Falls is a must-see on their sightseeing tour. Islands, such as Hawaii, are also a popular destination.

The most important documents

First and foremost, of course, is the passport, without which nothing works. Children and babies also need it. It is important to pay attention to the validity, because it must be valid for the entire duration of the stay in the USA and not only for entry.

German citizens cannot enter the United States without a visa.

To enter the country without a visa, you need an e-passport. This also applies to children. If you do not have an e-passport, you must contact the US Embassy in Berlin or the Consulates General in Frankfurt or Munich and apply for a visa there.

It is very important that when there is an appointment for a visa application, you have all the requested papers together. It is easier and faster to request the application online according to the ESTA system. The price here is 39 euros.

A tourist who wants to go on a temporary holiday needs a visa category B -2, while a businessman needs a B -1 visa. The price for a B visa is about 144 euros.

When to request an ESTA travel authorization?

An ESTA travel authorization should be requested on average 72 hours before the start of the trip. Often it works out even later, but why take a risk? The validity is one to two years, but only if the passport is still valid.

Entry into the USA

Entry is more complex than you are used to in other countries. After the terrible terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States increased its security precautions. The controls are more complex and time-consuming, which is why it is good to adjust to them internally. It is very important to be at the airport early, as the luggage is thoroughly checked for explosives. Liquids and all electronic devices are tested separately. Passengers are also screened in detail. This applies to their own safety, to which all passengers attach great importance.

At passport control, a photo is taken and fingerprints are taken, then everything is over and the adventure can begin.

Entry requirements to Canada

The conditions for Canada are similar to entering the USA.

Since 2016, as a German citizen, you must also be in possession of an electronic entry permit – eTA – in conjunction with a valid passport. Before 2016, the passport was sufficient. The electronic entry permit can be purchased online for about 5 euros and you only need your credit card. It then remains valid for 5 years.

Entry into Canada

Here, too, security measures have been increased over time on entry, but also on domestic flights and longer controls must be expected. Here, too, this is only done in the service of the safety of all passengers.

When everything is done, you are expected to see a great country. Cosmopolitan, friendly and with the many attractions the country has to offer, it is always worth a trip. The great winter sports resorts, overwhelming natural wonders, the beautiful, creative cities, such as Montreal with its famous jazz festival or the largest city Toronto, where music, art and fashion are very important, shows the great joie de vivre of the Canadians.

The preparations are worth it

Even if traveling to the USA or Canada requires a certain amount of preparation, it is always worth it. Start early so that all the necessary papers are there, preferably work with a checklist, then there is no stress, but a relaxed start to the holiday.

What to look out for when planning a ski holiday

PatrickJullien
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What to look out for when planning a ski holiday

Soon the time has come. The nights are getting longer and the days are getting shorter. It’s getting cooler outside day by day and Christmas is getting closer and closer. And the skiing holiday is not far away. But a trip to the snow-covered mountains should also be well planned to spend fun and relaxing days.

The right ski area

The high season in ski resorts is in the months of January and February. Most Germans spend 5 to 7 days a year on the slopes. The most popular are the numerous ski resorts and regions in Austria (for example the Gastein Valley). But ski holidaymakers also get their money’s worth in Switzerland and the German Alps. Smaller ski resorts in Germany, for example the Rhön, are more suitable for a day trip or a weekend trip.

Now the question arises as to which ski area is best suited for the upcoming holiday. Before planning, it should be considered whether the area should be suitable for beginners, how many kilometers of slopes should be available, whether the area is suitable for children and families, whether there are good opportunities for après-ski parties or whether wellness and relaxation are in the foreground in addition to skiing. In the largest ski areas, for example the Zillertal or the Wilder Kaiser in Austria, all wishes are covered: The ski regions are family-friendly, there are over 500 kilometres of slopes, there are wellness hotels and après-ski parties in every village.

Hotel or holiday home?

When looking for the right accommodation, there are some basic criteria that should be considered, for example whether you want to cater for yourself on holiday or prefer to eat in restaurants or the proximity to a slope or a ski lift. Especially if the journey is by public transport, it is advantageous if at least one ski lift can be reached in a few minutes. In this way, the valuable days can be fully enjoyed without having to accept long travel times to the nearest ski lift.

Tip: Also visit our article: Holidays in the ski hut
A hotel often offers the advantage that a wellness area with a sauna or swimming pool can be used free of charge. In addition, many hotels in ski resorts offer half-board meals, sometimes even all-inclusive. So you don’t have to cook yourself on a ski holiday. Every morning a delicious breakfast is ready and offers a good basis for the day on the slopes. Most of the time, the hotels are not as remote as individual mountain huts and shopping facilities or restaurants can be reached more quickly. Après-ski parties are also more likely to be found in villages.

However, even a lonely mountain hut offers its own charm. These accommodations are particularly suitable for travel groups between 6 – 10 people. Although you have to take care of your own food, the peace and seclusion are a unique experience. It is impressive to wake up in the morning in a white winter landscape, not to hear any cars and to look down into the valley, where the first lifts are already transporting ski holidaymakers to the slopes. Nothing stands in the way of your own après-ski party on your own balcony after an exciting day in the snow. Loud music certainly doesn’t bother anyone here.

Packing your bags for your ski holiday

Packing your suitcase for your skiing holiday
Packing your suitcase is also part of your winter holiday. Image: S_Photo / shutterstock

When the ski holiday is just around the corner, you have to pack your bags. Ideally, in such a way that nothing is missing on a ski holiday and travellers can enjoy the days without missing anything. The most important thing is, of course, warm clothing and ski or snowboard equipment. Be sure to pack:

  • Long underwear
  • Ski clothing (pants, jacket, scarf, gloves, thick socks, functional clothing)
  • Sunscreen
  • Clothes for going out or partying
  • Pyjamas
  • Jacket and ski pants to change
  • Waterproof and snowproof shoes
  • Skis
  • Snowboard
  • Appropriate shoes and poles
  • Ski goggles

If you have never skied or snowboarded before and do not have your own equipment, you can of course rent it from some providers in the ski area. However, it is often more advisable to equip yourself with used equipment, as the rental prices can be quite expensive for several days and used items are offered cheaply. The research is worthwhile in any case.

In addition, ski vacationers should think in advance about whether all their luggage can be stored in the car. Otherwise, roof racks or trailers can be rented. However, this should be done early. Snow chains for the car are also important, as certain areas in ski areas cannot be reached otherwise. Especially when renting a remote mountain hut, snow chains are indispensable.

More tips

The high season in most ski resorts is at the beginning of a new year. There are still holidays all over Germany at this time and almost all ski areas are well attended. Of course, the actual ski season starts much earlier. Depending on the altitude of the ski region, as early as October or November. The ski season can last until early May in alpine locations. In almost all ski areas there are also snow cannons, which ensure that all holidaymakers get their money’s worth and can use the slopes even when there is little snowfall.

For beginners it is more recommended not to ski in the high season, as there are many skis and snowboarders on the road and unfortunately not everywhere is taken into account.

In addition, the cost of a ski holiday can quickly increase if you don’t consider beforehand that ski passes have to be purchased for each day, which can cost up to €50 a day in some areas.

“Flight shame” – and now? How to reduce the CO2 footprint when flying

PatrickJullien
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“Flight shame” – and now? How to reduce the CO2 footprint when flying

If the ideas of the young environmental activist Greta Thunberg appeal to you, then LuggageHero.com has a few practical suggestions for you. After all, instead of flying, the 16-year-old traveled by sailboat from her home country Sweden to New York this year to participate in the United Nations Climate Action Summit on September 23. The UN Youth Climate Summit will also take place on 21 September.

As a climate activist, Greta is also the face of the phenomenon “flygskam” (“flight shame”). It stands for a growing movement of people in Europe and North America who are advocating a reduction in air travel in order to reduce their harmful impact on the climate. The burning of kerosene releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and thus also contributes to global warming.

In terms of the level of emissions generated by aviation, Germany ranks 3rd in Europe and 7th worldwide. In 2018, a total of 18.26 million tonnes of CO2 were released in Germany – an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. In the global ranking, Germany is thus behind Spain and Japan.*

According to the Air Transport Action Group, air traffic caused emissions of about 895 million tons of CO 2 worldwide in 2018, out of a total of over 42 billion tons globally. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry is thus responsible for about 2 percent of all man-made CO2 emissions. These emissions can have devastating effects on our environment. As air traffic continues to increase, the losses will also continue to grow. But it’s not too late to do something about it.

Here are some tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint without giving up travel. Because: Every small step can help!

Avoid short trips

Greta Thunberg Travel
Greta Thunberg in Stockholm in March 2019, Image: Per Grunditz / shutterstock

For example, if you are If you are travelling to Warsaw by car instead of by plane, you can use the CO2 reduce emissions by more than 40%. A flight between the two cities would release 112.2 kilograms, a car journey would release 67.3 kg and only 51.8 kg if the train was used.**
It is also said that journeys of up to 965 kilometres (600 miles) can be covered more energy-efficiently by train, bus or car than by plane.

Choose direct flights

Non-stop flights save a lot of energy because more kerosene is consumed during take-off and landing than when gliding at cruising altitude. In fact, about 25% of the fuel is consumed during take-off, and at high altitudes the flight becomes much more energy-efficient. In short, changing trains is double stress – for you and for the environment.

Fly less long-haul routes

In terms of fuel efficiency, the ideal flight length is about 4,800 km (about 3,000 miles). For longer flights, more kerosene has to be carried, the aircraft becomes heavier, flies less efficiently and the CO2 footprint grows.

Relax during your travels

Fly less often and stay longer in the holiday country. This will allow you to get to know the area better. And that’s what travel is all about, isn’t it?

If possible, use “green” airports

How does an airport become “green”? Through things like smart recycling systems, sustainable building design, low noise pollution or environmentally friendly airport vehicles. Examples of such airports are Boston Logan International Airport, Zurich Airport or East Midlands Airport in Great Britain.

Book Economy Tickets

If there are more passengers on the plane, it is more energy-efficient. This is because more people can be transported in the economy sector than in business class. There, the seats are wider, more space is needed for the individual travelers and their luggage.

Pack less

The heavier your luggage, the more the plane weighs. This requires more energy. So just take less with you on the trip, it’s more convenient anyway.

Avoid plastic or use it several times

Refrain from using plastic at the airport and on the flight. This applies, for example, to straws, stirrers or cups. If you use a plastic cup during the flight, use it several times. You can even bring your own provisions and thus completely dispense with all the plastic parts that an airplane meal entails.

Look for travel companies that rely on CO2 offsetting

Some tour operators routinely offer CO2 offsetting for their trips. Look for vendors that offset not only the impact of their customers, but also the impact of their operations.

Use providers for climate compensation

With non-profit providers for CO2 offsetting, you can offset the climate impact of your flight. The money you pay into this is invested in projects that save energy or reduce emissions in other places. These include subsidies for low-consumption cooking stoves in Africa or local, environmentally friendly energy production. Some airlines also cooperate with such programs. Check beforehand what the money will be used for.

Refrain from flying for a year

The Swede Maja Rosén calls on people to resolve not to fly for a year – in 2020. Last year, she founded We Stay on the Ground to inspire activists around the world to get involved. Anyone can participate, but a “national pledge” is only considered official if at least 100,000 people from a country are present. There are currently active campaigns in Sweden, Germany, the UK, Denmark, Belgium, France and Canada.

Keep your feet on the ground

Of course, they can also be very consistent and not fly at all, like Greta and others. Simply use alternative transport options such as trains, buses, bicycles or cars (preferably in a carpool).

Seien Sie dabei – Join the Movement

It doesn’t matter whether you give up flying altogether, change a few of your habits or continue as before for the time being: you can always stand up for the environment. These include supporting research and development for greener aviation, advocating for energy-efficient public transport and electing local, regional and national politicians who are committed to the fight against climate change. Every small step helps!

*Source: Amadeus IT Group, combined with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) emission factors, compiled by Griffith University Institute for Tourism and assessed by LuggageHero.
**Source: EcoPassenger, a calculator from the International Railways Union for the environmental impact of transport. The calculation for cars is based on 1.5 passengers per vehicle, for rail travel on the average occupancy rate of trains and for aircraft on the average occupancy rate in Europe, including arrival, departure and movement on the tarmac.

LuggageHero.com is a worldwide network of safe, accessible and affordable luggage storage locations. These are located in local shops, cafes and hotels. Since launch, customers have booked over one million hours of luggage storage at over 1,100 locations in Europe and North America. LuggageHero is based in Copenhagen and already offers its service to travelers in 30 major cities worldwide. The company is one of the ” Hot 25 Travel Startups 2019” according to Phocus Wire and has been recommended by leading media such as the New York Times, Lonely Planet or CNBC.

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