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Cluj-Napoca – The city trip for low-budget holidaymakers

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by Esther Burmann

From Germany by direct flight to the heart of Transylvania

Summer is coming to an end and with it the high season for holiday trips to the beach or the mountains. Late summer and autumn are ideal for city trips due to the mild temperatures. But you often have to dig deep into your pocket for this. For those who prefer to travel on a low-budget and like to go on a city tour, the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca is just the thing.

Cluj-Napoca is called Cluj-Napoca in German and is the second largest city in Romania. It is located in the northwest of the country, in the heart of Transylvania. If you only think of bats and Dracula when you hear the word Transylvania, you will be surprised – Cluj-Napoca has much more to offer than just vampires.

Off to Transylvania

Picture 4: The flamingo and sea monster boats wait in the Central Park for the next trip
The Flamingo
and sea monsters pedal boats are waiting for the next one in the central park
Ride, Picture: Esther Burmann

The city has its own airport, which is served by low-cost airlines with direct flights from Berlin, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna and Basel . As soon as you land, you can see how much green there is in Cluj County.

Due to the high number of students, who make up a quarter of the population, the city looks young and modern. In addition to the city center, where you can stroll or drink coffee, there are some parks that invite you to relax.

Nature lovers will get their money’s worth, especially in the botanical garden. Tickets cost adults 15 Romanian lei, the equivalent of 3 euros. Children, students and pensioners pay about half. On almost 14 hectares, you can find over 10,000 plant species from all over the world in the botanical garden. Greenhouses with tropical plants can also be visited.

The insider tip for walking

An insider tip for all travelers is the central cemetery. This is not far from the botanical garden. Due to its location on the mountain, you have a fascinating view. There you can take a wonderful walk or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. The first graves date back to the 16th century.

The city center of Cluj-Napoca invites you to stroll. There are many small shops, restaurants and cafes where you can take a break. In the center of the city center, on the Unification Square, is the Catholic Church of St. Michael “Sfântul Mihail”. The university’s library is particularly suitable for browsing. For those interested in culture, there is the National Museum of the History of Transylvania and the Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum in the city centre.

A park with a view

The Japanese part of the botanical garden
The Japanese part of the botanical garden, Image: Esther Burmann

Another place not to be missed is Cetățuia Park. This is located on top of a mountain and you have a great view over the city. Admission is free. Sturdy shoes and mosquito repellent are recommended, especially in the evening hours. The park is used by many young people for meetings in larger or smaller groups in the evening. Even in the dark, the view over the illuminated city is worthwhile. Due to the uneven ground, you should have a flashlight with you.

If you prefer it at ground level, you will like the Central Park. Admission is also free here. The park offers opportunities for walking, exercising and drinking coffee. There is a playground for the younger visitors. The highlight of the park is the small lake where you can go pedal boating.

Not only worth seeing during the day

Cluj-Napoca also has something to offer for nocturnal activities. Strada Piezișă is teeming with cozy pubs and pubs. There you can drink both Romanian and international beer in convivial rounds. Wine is also grown in Romania . Those who prefer to drink spirits will also find what they are looking for: Țuica, Palinka and Horinca are traditional Romanian schnapps.

The entire city of Cluj-Napoca is very low-budget friendly. You can travel by bus and train for the equivalent of 60 cents per trip. Taxis also cost significantly less there than in Germany. For a ten-minute ride, you pay about three euros. You can also eat out in Cluj for little money. Typical Romanian dishes are meat-rich, but there are also vegetarian and vegan options in almost every restaurant. If you like desserts, you should definitely try Papanași during your visit. The typical Romanian balls with cream cream and jam can be ordered as a dessert in almost every restaurant.

A Ferris wheel 120 meters underground

If you plan a little more time for your trip to Cluj-Napoca, you have the opportunity to visit the salt mine in Turda. This is about an hour’s drive from Cluj-Napoca and consists of five salt mines, four of which can be visited. You should pack warm clothes for the visit, because the temperature is constant at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. 120 meters underground, you can not only breathe in the healthy air of the salt mine, but even play mini golf and billiards, ride a Ferris wheel or paddle a boat on the lake. There is also a theatre there. On weekdays, adults pay 50 Romanian lei, which is about 10 euros. On weekends there is a surcharge of 10 lei. Reduced admission costs 30 lei per day, the equivalent of 6 euros. The salt mine, which served as a cheese warehouse until the 1990s, was expanded with EU funds, among other things, as it not only serves as a tourist attraction, but also promotes respiratory health.

Cluj-Napoca as a festival stronghold

Cluj-Napoca also has a lot to offer for festival fans. The city is the Romanian festival stronghold. The UNTOLD Festival takes place there every year. The twelfth Transylvanian Salsa Festival starts in November. The Kizomba Festival can also be visited annually in Cluj.

So it doesn’t get boring in Cluj-Napoca and if you want to see more than just this city, you will quickly find what you are looking for in the surrounding area. The trip is therefore worthwhile for every low-budget holidaymaker who wants to combine city trip, culture and nature in one trip.

Fort Lauderdale – The Venice of the United States

On the southeast coast of Florida, between Miami and West Palm Beach, lies Fort Lauderdale. As a regional metropolitan area in Broward County, the town is very popular with locals and travelers from all over the world. The numerous beaches, canals and lagoons and the relaxed, cultivated flair gave the city the nickname Venice of the USA. A fascinating holiday and travel destination, with many facets, fantastic scenery and a wide range of possibilities.

Maritime character under tropical sun

Fort Lauderdale Beach
Image: Mia2you / shutterstock

The district capital, founded in 1911, is home to around 180,000 inhabitants. An artery of hustle and bustle and tourist life is the “Strip”, a large promenade along the coastal road. Here you will find several hotels, apartments, restaurants and bars in the immediate vicinity of the beach. Along the “Las Olas Boulevard”, between the Atlantic Ocean, the “New River” and the “Tarpon River”, numerous canals shape the maritime image of the town. Water taxis crisscross the port facilities and navigable paths.

A comfortable and interesting way to get from one point to another or to go on a “sightseeing tour”. Highlights are in any case the fantastic beach sections along the 37-kilometre-long coast, the tropical climate influenced by the Gulf Stream and the natural, original beauty of the landscape.

The entire region is all about water sports of all kinds, bathing pleasure or the popular deep-sea fishing tours. Just a stone’s throw away are the wild alligator territories of the Everglades. Sports, music and a rich cultural, cosmopolitan entertainment programme are the reasons for the increased quality of life within the city, which is also known for its varied night-time entertainment.

The grown structure lives from these different social currents. In addition to the historic, picturesque “Riverwalk”, a pillar for the performing arts and culture, Fort Lauderdale is also a center of aerospace technology. New innovative companies, the international financial sector and the world of fashion have discovered the location for themselves.

Versatile centre of life and holiday paradise

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

In addition to shopping pleasure in the large shopping centers or the interesting boutiques, the city is also known for a wide range of culinary offerings. Between upscale cuisine and charming restaurants, there are many trendy restaurants with fresh food ideas from the region. There are many public parks in the city area that invite you to linger. A popular highlight is the “Hugh Taylor Birch State Park”. Located directly on the Atlantic coast, the urban natural oasis offers a wide range of leisure and sports activities. Breathtaking observations of the flora and fauna in the unique surroundings of the lagoon captivate tourists, but also locals.

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has its own beach section, accommodations and campground. A number of events, guided tours and exhibitions are offered on site. Other popular attractions include the “Riverwalk Fall Festival” in autumn, a family event program or the monthly “Sunday Jazz Brunch”, held on three stages in the beautiful “Riverwalk Park”. Imposing and with the typical charm of the southern states, the various weekly or flea markets are also presented. In the “Bonnet House Museum”, visitors can discover lasting impressions of an untouched ecosystem with island buildings from the past. Artful architectural impressions in the style of the Caribbean continued in a magnificent orchid collection and a unique natural spectacle.

Drawbridge Fort Lauderdale
The Drawbridge, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

Other cultural and museum highlights are the informative science museum “Discovery and Science”, the “Museum of Art”, the “Stonewall National Museum”, the “Broward Center of Performing Arts” or the “Classic Gateway Theater”. As a conclusion for travelers, Fort Lauderdale is a remarkable vacation paradise with an enormous variety of offers that has individual preferences for everyone. As a bonus, a light breeze blows from the sea, the sun shines from the sky for over 3,000 hours a year and beautiful stretches of beach are waiting to be discovered.

Some special facts about Australia

A fascinating land of contrasts that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a rich cultural diversity – Welcome to Australia! This country on the other side of the world has always had a magical attraction for travelers from all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. From the seemingly endless beaches to the mysterious expanses of the outback, Australia offers an unparalleled range of experiences that captivate every visitor.

What should be considered before leaving?

Skyline von Adelaide
The skyline of Adelaide, Image: myphotobank.com.au / shutterstock

Even before departure, you should inform yourself in detail about the country and its people. If you want to travel, study, work or simply take a break in Australia , you need a valid passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned return date, and a visa. You should therefore be aware of the current visa requirements for your country of origin and apply for the Australian visa that is right for you in good time. For example, the eVisitor visa is suitable for limited stays. It allows multiple entries to Australia within 12 months and allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and can be conveniently applied for at Auvisa , for example. You should also know what health care is like in an emergency and in which time zone you will find yourself.

Of the peculiarities of Australia

Australia is a country of contrasts and is full of surprises, some of which we will share with you here. Funny, bizarre and aloof, but endearing – that’s how Australia presents itself as a holiday destination!

  • Wombats , along with koalas, are one of the typical animals that everyone associates with Australia. Wombats do their business in a cube shape. The cute little animals look like fluffy, larger mice.
  • Kangaroos and emus are not able to walk backwards. This is especially interesting for children.
  • Australia has numerous, beautiful beaches. Visiting all of these would take 27 years !
  • The only mammals that still lay eggs, the echidna and the platypus, live in Australia.
  • This unique country not only boasts stunning coastal landscapes, but also desert areas that are home to a million wild camels. These originally come from Afghanistan (19th century). Today, the noble desert ships are exported to Saudi Arabia , where their meat is highly valued.
  • Dingoes, wild dogs, are very dangerous and multiply rapidly. They destroy the fertile farmland and are not afraid to invade houses. To contain the dangers, the longest fence in the world was built with a length of 5,614 km.
  • Canberra was only named the capital because Melbourne and Sydney were constantly arguing about it.
  • Fraser Island is considered the largest sand island in the world.
  • The Australian island of Tasmania, which is off the coast of Australia, has the cleanest air in the world.
  • There is hardly any other country in the world that has 19 UNESCO Cultural and World Heritage Sites on a comparatively large area.
  • The Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia, are considered the oldest continuous culture in the world. Their number is estimated at 60,000. They worship Uluru, the sacred mountain for which each tourist must apply for their own visit permit. The special thing about this mountain is that 2.5 km of its mass is below the earth’s surface.
  • And another peculiarity: 25% of Australians are not born in the country.

Summary

Apart from the natural features and the special features of the country, Australia has some bizarre peculiarities that need to be taken into account. Australia is considered the country with the most poisonous animals on water and on land. Therefore, caution is advised for children when it comes to petting unknown animals. Warnings on site should therefore always be observed.

 

 

Gerlos: The ideal place for winter sports and relaxation

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If you are looking for a destination for an active winter holiday in Europe’s mountain regions, you will almost inevitably come across the Austrian Zillertal. The Gerlostal, located in a side valley of this world-famous Alpine region, promises ideal starting conditions for winter sports and wellness in the cold time of the year. That’s why the small community of Gerlos is the insider tip among winter sports enthusiasts and that’s what it offers its visitors.

Gerlos: An Alpine community with history

Although Gerlos has just 800 inhabitants, it can look back on a long history. This takes its starting point in the 9th century. At that time, the Archbishop of Salzburg acquired land in the Tyrolean Zillertal. From the Salzburger Land, the path led to the distant farmsteads over the Gerlos Pass. Today, the congregation of Gerlos, which was soon founded, no longer serves as a transit route and accommodation for envoys of the church. The beautiful natural panorama, which in earlier times was appreciated by envoys of the church, today attracts holidaymakers from all over the world. Above all, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, climbing artists, and nature lovers are drawn to the valley.

Tourism at a beautiful altitude: Gerlos is well prepared for it

For these, the small community provides an impressive number of about 6000 guest beds. On a holiday in Gerlos , you can choose between affordable accommodation, comfortable accommodation and hotel luxury with all-round care. What attracts visitors in the first place, however, is not the accommodation, but its surroundings. A tranquil stream runs through the beautiful valley at an altitude of 1200 metres. The impressive mountain landscape makes an impressive impression and is downright challenging for winter sports enthusiasts. When the snow covers the landscape in winter, there are cross-country ski trails for cross-country skiing enthusiasts and ski resorts for alpine descent. Over 53 different lifts transport skiers and snowboarders comfortably and stylishly up to the mountain. From there, they can let off steam on around 150 kilometres of slopes. The long downhill runs offer extensive skiing pleasure. This ski area, known as the Zillertal Arena, is the largest ski area in the entire Zillertal.

In Gerlos, active holidays can be combined with a relaxing break

Relaxation after skiing is by no means neglected in Gerlos. Many hotels offer their own sauna landscapes and wellness treatments for their guests. If you want to visit an even larger sauna area, you will find the Erlebnistherme Zillertal in nearby Fügen and an adventure pool in Mayrhofen. In the warmth of steam baths, modern swimming pools and various types of saunas, you can warm up after excursions, relax strained muscles and prevent sore muscles. Every visitor can individually distribute the share of sporting activities on the one hand and relaxation and celebrations on the other, even on holiday in Gerlos. This makes a Zillertal holiday a suitable destination for both athletes and people who long for a winter break in the Alps.

Winter sports and wellness alternate

  • Alternating between hot and cold strengthens the circulation
  • Sauna initiates the necessary relaxation after winter sports
  • Alpine panorama opens up a view into the distance and strengthens the soul

Gerlos is guaranteed to offer enough snow for winter sports

Due to the good access to the alpine mountain locations of the Zillertal, Gerlos is very snow-sure during the winter months. If you book your holiday in advance, you don’t have to worry about snowfall. The geographical location and the weather conditions on site offer almost a guarantee for a winter holiday in beautiful white. Visitors can count on real snow. As is well known, this offers much nicer winter fun than artificial snow. On beautiful winter days, you can rush down over white-covered areas in the Gerlostal, while a bright blue sky lifts your spirits. You can get a sun-tanned skin on such a ski holiday just as well as on a beach holiday on a Caribbean island. To avoid sunburn and snow blindness, visitors should therefore definitely equip themselves with suitable snow goggles. Sunscreen with a high protection factor belongs in your luggage during your winter alpine holiday. The white snow reflects the light of the sun from the ground, even amplifies it and then passes on the UV radiation.

Celebrate après-ski in rustic wooden huts

Winter sports in Gerlos
Gerlos is a popular winter sports resort, Image: TM creations / shutterstock

Alpine pastures and huts in Gerlos invite you to après-ski fun. A winter sports holiday in Gerlos therefore offers a good entertainment factor. Anyone who has ever been able to experience the hut atmosphere live will appreciate it as part of the alpine sports culture. The rustic look of the small huts and the numerous opportunities to stop for a bite to eat guarantee an authentic party atmosphere that you can experience alone in the Alps. All over the world, alpine huts are being rebuilt from wood to create a similar setting to the one in the Zillertal. However, such replicas never come close to the original atmosphere at après-ski. It is an integral part of a skiing holiday to get involved in the get-togethers in the huts. Some holidaymakers make new friends on site and make contact with other winter holidaymakers, with whom they meet every year on site. Other travellers inspire new people in their own circle of friends and in sports groups for an Alpine holiday.

Enjoy culinary specialities from Tyrol

In addition to sports, wellness and partying, the physical food should not be neglected on holiday. Austria is known as a country where special emphasis is placed on food culture. During your holiday in Gerlos, you can enjoy the hearty Tyrolean Alpine cuisine. The products of organic farming are freshly processed. The result is a hearty and tasty fare. Even if you can get other dishes on site, you should try some of them during your winter holiday in Tyrol. For example, the following culinary classics are well-known:

  • Cheese dumplings
  • Kasspatzln
  • Tyrolean dumplings
  • Schlutzkrapfen

Get equipment and explore excursion destinations in the surroundings of Gerlos

There are also numerous excursion destinations for a winter holiday with children in Gerlos. If you want to introduce your offspring to winter sports, you can do so yourself in a quiet environment or book professional sports courses from experienced instructors. Not all holidaymakers arrive directly with extensive equipment for sports. This is also not necessary. Providers such as the Gerlos ski rental offer the possibility to rent the necessary equipment on site. This gives you the opportunity to start your winter holiday from home with light luggage and to try out a snowboard on site in addition to classic skis.

Summary: Why a holiday in Gerlos is worthwhile

Gerlos is an ideal starting point for daily ski trips and a wide variety of activities. At the same time, the region offers wellness facilities and beautiful small alpine huts to stop off and celebrate after an active day of winter sports in the Zillertal. On site, the Tyrolean Alpine cuisine takes care of the physical well-being.

Car accident on vacation

If you don’t pay attention once, and it’s done: A car accident during your holiday trip is probably pretty much the last thing you need. But if it has happened, you should first stay calm and get an overview of what is happening. We explain what to do in the event of an accident on holiday and what you need to consider if it is a leasing or rental car.

Procedure

If you have an accident abroad, proceed in the same way as in the case of an accident in Germany:

  1. Keep calm and get an overview of the accident site.
  2. If possible, get out of the car carefully. Pay attention to the traffic and secure the scene of the accident with a warning triangle. Always keep an eye on the traffic so that further accidents do not occur.
  3. Make sure that your passengers and the other party in the accident are okay. If necessary, provide first aid and notify the emergency doctor. In any case, contact the police to prevent disputes about the course of the accident.
  4. Then make a note of the course of the accident, take photos and ask the other party for his contact details.
  5. Fill in the European Accident Report. The report is a uniform document throughout Europe. But don’t sign anything you don’t understand.
  6. Contact your insurance company and clarify the further procedure.

Accident with the rental car

If you have an accident with a rental car during your holiday trip, then proceed in the same way as described above. Contact the police, but also the car rental company immediately after the accident. If necessary, they will then receive a replacement car for the remaining time. Just like in Germany, the car insurance of the other party in the accident will pay for the damage to your rental car if it caused the accident. If you caused the accident, your liability insurance will cover the damage to the other person’s car, but not the damage to your rental car. Here you need comprehensive insurance.

Therefore, take a close look at the insurance coverage of the rental car and the amount of coverage before renting a car. It is advisable to book full or partial comprehensive insurance in order to be covered in the event of an accident. If you then cause an accident, the comprehensive insurance usually covers the costs of repairing your rental car. In order for the insurance cover to take effect, you should notify the police. This is often also noted in the terms and conditions of car rental companies.

Accident with the leased vehicle

In the case of an accident with a leased vehicle , just like in an accident with a private car, the question of guilt must first be clarified. If you are at fault for the accident, your comprehensive insurance will pay for the damage to the leased car. In the event of a total loss, it pays for the replacement value. Often, fully comprehensive insurance is even mandatory for concluding a contract when leasing. Comprehensive insurance also covers personal injury. The lessor usually handles the repair damage. In the event of an accident with a leasing car caused by a third party, the motor vehicle liability insurance of the other party in the accident covers the damage to your leased car.

Before you drive your leased car abroad, first check whether this is contractually permitted. A trip to an EU country is often possible without consent. If an accident has occurred with the leased car abroad, then act in the same way as described above. In addition, complete the European accident report. Some car insurance policies are also valid in Europe and will cover the damage if you have an international insurance card.

Does the insurance cover the costs?

If you have an accident abroad, report this immediately to your insurance company in Germany. If you are at fault for the accident abroad, your car insurance will pay for the damage to the car. Personal injury and compensation for pain and suffering are usually somewhat more difficult to settle and should be discussed with a lawyer. Contact the hotline of the Zentralruf der Autoverversicherungen if you need information about the liability insurance of the other party in the accident. You will forward these to the insurance representative. However, this is only the case if the accident occurred in Europe.

Remember to take the international proof of liability insurance (“Green Card”) with you on holiday, as well as a first aid kit, a warning triangle and high-visibility vests. If your holiday destination is not listed on the Green Card, you may have to take out border insurance.

If you have to seek medical treatment abroad after the accident, you should have international health insurance . This pays for the costs and, if necessary, also for the return transport.

Result

A car accident on vacation can be quite the mind. The most important thing, however, is to keep calm and not hang your head. The further procedure can usually be easily arranged with the local police and – if it is a rental car – with the car rental company. If you are travelling abroad with your own car, don’t forget high-visibility vests, first aid kits and warning triangles, as well as the “Green Card”. If you have a rental car, it also makes sense to take out partial or fully comprehensive insurance so that you do not have to pay for damage to the rental car in the event of an accident that you are responsible for.

Family holidays – 1001 possibilities!

There are many different great ways to spend a family holiday together. From flexible travel by camper van to air travel to creative holidays at home, everything is possible!

The Exotics: Flight and Cruise Ship

If parents want to go on another trip with their children, it is a good idea to shorten the active travel time by flying. Of course, waiting at the airport and checking in also takes a lot of time, but children have even more freedom of movement and games can be played that would not be possible in the car, for example. Flying with babies is of course not for everyone, but good preparation can be used to it. From a certain age of the children, however, a family holiday together is then well possible as a plane trip. Of course, the question of cost also plays a role for most people on a family holiday. Air travel – especially if it is long-distance travel – is often one of the more expensive types of travel.

Nevertheless, air travel is enjoying some popularity: In 2018, there were around 46 million flights in global aviation – and the trend is even rising. Of course, these figures do not only include holiday travel, but various studies also expect increasing numbers in civil passenger air traffic: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), for example, expects an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent in civil passenger air traffic until 2036. So if a family wants to join this trend for a family vacation, it is actually possible to find comparatively inexpensive long-haul flights by researching. A flight from Frankfurt to Tampa with the airline Discover , for example, is an offer that is also suitable for a family holiday together. Especially for family trips, Tampa , which has a population of about 400,000, is a real public tip. For example, the Busch Gardens amusement park in northern Tampa is known for its many breakneck roller coasters.

The “Laser Ops Xtreme Fun Center” also promises a lot of family fun: On over 3,000 square meters, you will find one of the largest laser tag arenas in Florida as well as a huge hall with numerous arcade game machines. Families who want to take it a little easier can spend a relaxing day at the centrally located Tampa Zoo . Last but not least, the legendary Disney World Resort in Orlando is just an hour and a half drive from Tampa. These many attractions, as well as the year-round pleasant climate, make Tampa an ideal destination for an eventful family vacation.

Another – albeit rather expensive – family holiday offer is a trip on a cruise ship. The advantages of this are that all destinations of the trip are already planned and everything is organized. Thus, both parents and children can sit back and enjoy. Germans in particular like to use this type of travel: in 2018, 2.2 million Germans took a cruise – and are thus at the top compared to other European countries. Comparatively, only the British made nearly as many cruises, with a value of 2 million people.

Desire for flexibility: car or camper van

If parents want to make their family holiday more flexible and adapted to the daily needs of all family members, a trip by car or a camper van makes perfect sense. Whether it’s a city trip through France, Italy, Spain, etc. or rather a road trip through your own country or neighboring countries, there is a lot to discover on a road trip.

Depending on the mood of the day, large cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Vienna or Graz can be visited, or smaller, cozy towns, such as Bregenz in Vorarlberg, Gartz in the Uckermark or Murten in Switzerland, a wide variety of routes can be planned. With a coffee in the city centre, a museum with a special focus and exciting tips from locals, wonderful memories from the family holiday can be collected.

Above all, spending the night together on a campsite, either in a bus or tent, can also be experienced beautiful moments around the campfire or with outdoor games. The closeness to nature, which is experienced in the course of sleeping in a tent, makes the family holiday an unforgettable experience, which especially children from big cities will dream of for a long time.

Relaxed and uncomplicated: Holidays at home

A family holiday at home can also be made totally interesting and pleasant. Day trips depending on your mood, joint creative projects, such as creating self-painted wall portraits, or even a craft project such as building a tree house can create great memories and make the time together with the family a high-quality one without being characterized by boredom.

Theme days, such as a “water day” with swimming at your own pool, a water fight with water balloons and spray guns or sliding on a wet and soaped tarpaulin could also be an idea for a family holiday at home. There are no limits to the creativity of parents and children!

Family vacations are therefore as diverse as the families who plan them. So it should be possible for everyone to experience something great together and fill the summer with unforgettable memories.

Flying with babies – What to look out for

Flying with babies is not always easy, especially the first time. Often the little ones scream or cause stress in other ways. What to look out for before and during the flight is what the following article will be about. To this end, some central questions will be answered and useful tips will be provided.

When can babies be taken on the plane?

Some airlines accept babies as young as two days old. From the age of two weeks, the infants are then allowed on almost any plane. In exceptional cases, the child must be a few months old. More detailed information can be found on the websites of the respective airline. Sometimes there is even a baby changing room or a play corner for the very young. Otherwise, these can be found in the washrooms on the plane. If it is unclear whether the child is actually healthy, an appointment with the pediatrician will help.

What are the additional costs?

Up to the age of two, infants are allowed to travel on an adult’s lap, but only one child per person, i.e. parent. There is only a small flat rate of 10 to 20 percent of an adult’s airfare, often between 15 and 50 euros. It is secured with an additional lap belt. A separate children’s seat costs between 75 and 100 percent of a regular flight ticket. Children older than two years of age must have their own seat on the plane.

Carry-on baggage during the flight

Most airlines are generous in this regard, and baggage allowances are the same as adult passengers. Again, the regulations differ from airline to airline. Babies and children with their own seat are generally subject to the same baggage allowance as adults. Larger items such as the stroller or a travel cot must be checked in as bulky luggage and are usually not allowed in the cabin. In the best case, the cabin crew receives them directly at the aircraft door for stowage. Some things that the baby needs during the flight are often free of charge. Excluded from the strict hand luggage regulations are baby milk, porridge or feeding bottles. This also applies to indispensable medicines. You can either bring your own baby food or it is available on request on the plane.

Required travel documents

With a children’s passport, you can travel to any country. However, exceptions prove the rule. For example, you need a separate passport for the baby or a visa for the USA . South Africa , on the other hand, requires the original birth certificate to avoid complications when leaving the country. Information is available from the embassies of the country in question. In some countries, a travel authorization from the legal guardians is added if your own parents do not fly with you.

What is important before departure?

Before departure, it is important to check a checklist for flying with babies again to make sure that all travel documents and things that the baby needs during the flight and on vacation are there. this applies to diapers, wet wipes, a change of clothes and baby food. Toys, picture books or toys, depending on the age of the toddler, also don’t hurt for a bit of variety. It is best if the flight times do not significantly affect the baby’s daily and sleep rhythm. Night flights are particularly advantageous. A time buffer on arrival helps to avoid stress. This eliminates annoying waiting times at the counter. Many airports have their own family area. Families with babies are allowed on the plane before the other guests.

Bassinet and other useful things for flying with baby

A Bassinet is a cot or baby basket on an airplane. It is usually hooked to the wall in the first row. This allows the baby to sleep comfortably in between. Of course, it is also possible to bring your own baby seat. In this case, however, the full ticket price must be paid. In any case, it is important to find out about the exact regulations of the airline beforehand. If there is pressure on the ears , a pacifier or a bottle helps to calm the infant. Otherwise, the favorite toy provides mitigation. If the toddler falls ill before departure, the flight should be avoided if possible. This is all the more true in the case of contagious childhood diseases such as chickenpox.

What else do you need to consider when flying with a baby?

If in doubt, there is always someone on board for support, because traveling with a baby can quickly become exhausting. It is important to keep calm, even if other passengers feel disturbed by baby crying or the toddler romping around. The flight crew also has useful tips for this. Suitable water for the baby bottle is provided by the crew. The onion look helps with temperature fluctuations. The air conditioning system is mainly responsible for this.

Last-minute travel

Whether it’s some time in the mountains, by the sea or in an interesting city: holidays are the most beautiful time of year. Even booking the trip in advance triggers a lot of feelings of happiness. However, many ask about the best time to book. At the latest then, early-bird trips and last-minute trips come into play. Early bird trips are booked between four and six months before the start of the trip. They often offer their advantages to those who depend on fixed vacation periods. Last-minute offers, on the other hand, are particularly advantageous for spontaneous travelers.

Holiday Last Minute: Rich Discounts

For the German Travel Association (DRV), a trip is considered a last-minute trip if the binding booking is made no more than two weeks before the start of the trip. Shortly before the start of the trip, the various tour operators want to fill up their last remaining contingents. So they then offer holiday packages at particularly low prices – shortly before the start of the trip, rich discounts apply. And if you are a bit tight financially, there are now even loans with immediate commitment.

Last minute vs. remaining places

Unoccupied seats on the aircraft as well as free hotel rooms where vacancy is imminent are remaining seats. They are often offered at particularly reduced prices. After all, the respective tour operators do not want to be completely left with their costs. According to this, remaining places are particularly cheap last-minute offers that are booked spontaneously. Remaining seats including flights are temporarily offered with discounts of up to 50 percent.

The advantages of last minute holidays

Of course, the low price is the big advantage of last minute travel. In addition, spontaneous travelers can also check the weather conditions in the holiday destination due to the very short-term trip – then the last minute trip may have a sunshine guarantee. Statistics also show that due to the short deadlines, changes in flight times are also less frequent.

Where to find suitable last-minute offers

Departure times, destinations and hotel categories: If travelers are consistently flexible here, they meet all the criteria to make bargains in the last-minute segment. Daily updated prices are offered by tour operators and well-stocked remaining place exchanges.

Book last minute trips cleverly

Usually, prices for holiday offers are lowered about 1 – 2 weeks before the respective travel date. Sometimes the deadline is even shorter. The benchmark is often the lack of occupancy of flights and hotels. Therefore, last minute trips are generally offered all year round. However, particularly popular routes and hotels are often fully booked during the peak travel season, so there are no remaining places left. As a result, bookings should not be delayed for long, the offers are only available to a limited extent. Checking the websites of various tour operators as well as the various social media offers prove to be clever in order not to miss any last-minute bargains and remaining space offers.

By the way:
Comparative calculations of travel vouchers and offer discounts are worthwhile! Compared to euro discounts, percentage discounts usually bring more savings. In addition, less frequented destinations are cheaper, this also applies to the departure airport.

Once the right offer has been found, it is possible to book a last minute trip online up to 24 hours before departure. Taking into account existing precautionary and hygiene requirements at the respective destination, nothing stands in the way of such a spontaneous journey. Overviews of current entry requirements of the holiday countries can be found quickly online.

Cancellations are possible

Any trip can be canceled. In most cases, however, cancellation fees will be charged. The following applies: The shorter the cancellation, the higher the costs. Therefore, it is worthwhile to study the applicable conditions for cancellations in the respective conditions of the tour operator.

Tip: In certain cases, travel insurance with cancellation protection applies. They then pay the fees.

Last minute travel: Many advantages, but also a disadvantage

If you want to go on holiday spontaneously, in good weather and cheaply, you can travel with last minute offers at rock-bottom prices. Because the start of the trip is so prompt, travel cancellation insurance can be saved. The security conditions in the choice of the target country deserve attention. The disadvantage is the limited selection of destinations, flight times, hotel facilities and room categories.
So when it comes to selection and preparations, the following often applies: We don’t have time!

A conclusion

Comparatively higher discounts can be expected for last-minute offers. Leisure travellers who want to book both spontaneously and flexibly are well served with last minute travel offers. The only disadvantage is the smaller selection compared to other discount campaigns. This mainly concerns the peak travel season. On the other hand, there are often nice bargains in the low season!
However, if you are dependent on the peak travel season and are focused on a specific holiday destination as well as on a specific hotel, it is better to book early to ensure a nice holiday at the best prices.

The Jameos del Agua Caves in Lanzarote

The Jameos del Agua are lava caves in the north of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, which are now an art and exhibition center in a fascinating environment. The nearest municipality is Haría. The naturally formed caves began to be transformed into a cultural center by local architect and artist César Manrique in the 1960s. Today, the government of Lanzarote manages the facility, which includes an underground salt lake, gardens, a restaurant, a museum and an auditorium.

Natural formation of the Jameos del Agua

The literal translation of “Jameos del Agua” would mean something like “tubes in the water”. Agua is the Spanish word for water, while the word Jameo in the local dialect refers to large openings in lava tubes that are formed during natural collapses in the volcanic structure. The surrounding volcanic tube was formed at least 3,000 years ago during the last eruption of Monte Corona (also La Corona = “the crown”), the central volcano of Lanzarote. This tube has a total length of 6 km, at least 1.5 km of which are below the surface of the sea. A local nickname is “Tunnel of Atlantis” because a (again local) legend claims that the path to the legendary sunken city of Atlantis leads through this tube. The Jameos del Agua were formed by geological activity in the coastal section of the volcanic tube. They consist of the three main parts

  • Jameo Grande,
  • Jameo la Cazuela and
  • Jameo Chico.

Access to the interior is possible via the Jameo Chico.

Architectural intervention by César Manrique

Jameos del Agua
Well-kept green area, Image: Reisemagazin Online

César Manrique carefully redesigned the volcanic space to make it safe for visitors. They are supposed to see from the natural attraction that there was (almost) no human intervention. Manrique created several such centres for the design of art in the natural environment, which quickly became tourist attractions and therefore also received funding from the respective local governments. The Jameos del Agua were his first work half a century ago, he came from Lanzarote. His idea was to bring his artistic work into harmonious harmony with nature. The Jameos del Agua were first opened to visitors in 1966, but at that time they did not yet have the official status of a visitor center. After that, there were changes to the original project, which were due to the special morphology of the volcanic tube. They made visiting the caves even safer, and at the same time Manrique was able to try out creative alternatives. Finally, in 1977, the local government officially opened the center. Later, other components were added, such as the museum “Casa de los Volcanes”.

What can visitors to Jameos del Agua expect?

Inside the Jameos del Agua, visitors enter a natural basalt auditorium that can accommodate 550 people and has exceptional acoustics. Among other things, concerts are offered here. The seats follow the natural ground inclination in their position. The cave houses an underground lague with crystal clear water and a depth of 7 m. The water is seawater that filtered into the cave, which in turn is below sea level. A unique volcanic ecosystem with 77 endemic species was created here, which therefore only exist here and nowhere else in the world. The most famous is the blind crab Munidopsis Polymorpha, which became the symbol of the Jameos del Agua. It is considered extremely endangered and, among other things, does not tolerate any metal, not even traces of it. Visitors to the cave are therefore advised that they are not allowed to throw coins into the lagoon under any circumstances, which is a popular custom elsewhere.

Similar rooms in Lanzarote

Entrance area Jameos del Agua
Entrance area Jameos del Agua, Image: Travel Magazine Online

In the 1960s, Lanzarote began to open up to tourism. César Manrique, together with other artists and initiators (José Ramirez as chairman, Luis Morales, Jesús Soto, Antonio Álvarez and Ildefonso Aguilar), founded the Cabildo de Lanzarote, which promoted art projects of this type specifically for tourist activities in order to revitalize the local economy. For this purpose, the actors selected areas of Lanzarote that are characterized by special scenic attractions. The projects in question, which still exist today, are (each with the year of the start of construction):

These seven rooms are all worth a visit. They prove the synthesis that art can enter into with nature.

The Marksburg in Braubach

Today we take you to one of the most impressive and best-preserved castles in Germany – the Marksburg. Perched on a steep cliff above the Rhine, Marksburg not only offers stunning views of the picturesque landscape, but also a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in captivating history and medieval life. In this blog article, we will explore the fascination of the Marksburg, shed light on its historical significance and take you on a journey into the past.

The history of the Marksburg

The Marksburg has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was first mentioned in a document in 1231 and served as a fortress and residence of the powerful Counts of Eppstein. Over the centuries, the castle has experienced different owners and has been expanded and rebuilt several times. One of its most remarkable features is that it is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. The Marksburg has thus survived the turmoil of history and is an extraordinary testimony to past times.

The architecture of the Marksburg

The castle complex of the Marksburg is a prime example of medieval fortress architecture. The complex consists of several buildings, towers and defensive walls, which are cleverly arranged on the rock. Particularly impressive is the imposing keep, which offers a majestic view over the Rhine. The castle has been lovingly restored and maintained over the past centuries, so that today it can be admired in its original medieval state.

Castle Museum and Guided Tours

Cannons in the Marksburg
Cannons in the Marksburg, Image: Reisemagazin Online

A visit to the Marksburg is like a journey back in time to the Middle Ages. The Castle Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, weapons, armor, and historical items that bring life to life at the castle and in the region during bygone eras. Guided tours of the castle offer interesting insights into the history, architecture and everyday life in the Middle Ages. You will learn how the inhabitants of the castle lived, worked and fought and how they defended themselves against attacks.

The view from the Marksburg

The location of the Marksburg is simply spectacular. From the battlements and viewing platforms of the castle you have an incomparable view of the majestic Rhine and the surrounding landscape. The romantic vineyards, the picturesque villages and the passing ships give the view an enchanting atmosphere. A visit to the Marksburg is therefore not only a journey into the past, but also a pleasure for the senses.

Events and experiences

Marksburg Horse Stable
Torture instruments – housed in the horse stable of the Marksburg, Image: Reisemagazin Online

The Marksburg is not only a historical monument, but also a lively place that offers various events and experiences throughout the year. Medieval festivals, knights’ tournaments and historical performances take visitors back to times long past. The castle is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, creating an unforgettable atmosphere against this impressive backdrop.

Result: The Marksburg is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating castles in Germany. Its turbulent history, impressive architecture and breathtaking views make it an essential destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. A tour of the Marksburg is like a journey back in time to the Middle Ages, where you can discover the secrets of bygone times and experience the flair of a bygone era. So don’t hesitate to visit the Marksburg and let yourself be carried away into the captivating world of the Middle Ages!