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Winter holidays with a baby: What do you need to pack with you?

Snow-covered meadows, glittering hoarfrost and frozen lake landscapes – the cold season has a special charm. This is precisely why many people are drawn to nature at the end and beginning of the year. Even if the temperatures are sometimes below freezing, a winter holiday with a baby is worthwhile. The prerequisite for a successful trip is the right equipment. What do you need to bring with you?

The basic equipment for babies

The most important thing on a winter holiday with a baby is that the infants do not freeze and that their skin is well protected. Not only temperatures below freezing point cause problems, but also heating air and the high UV radiation on the mountains.

So the offspring have it cozy and warm

Snowsuit Baby
What the sand is in summer is the snow in winter, Image: FamVeld / shutterstock

Whether it’s a walk in the snowy landscape or winter sports, the baby should be wrapped up thickly. A one-piece snowsuit including feet and hood is ideal for this. Underneath, the onion look proves its worth. To do this, the infant simply wears several thin layers of bodysuit, shirt, tights and leggings. If it gets too hot for the baby, one of the layers under the snowsuit can simply be removed.

If you carry the baby on your body most of the time, you can confidently do without the snowsuit if you have a well-functioning babywearing jacket. The tragejacken-baby.de babywearing expert therefore also recommends wearing several layers of clothing under the babywearing jacket.

Particular attention should be paid to warm feet. Wool socks that reach the knee are a good option because they can’t be easily removed. A pair of leather first walkers fits well over it. Tiny baby hands are optimally protected from wind and weather with mittens. Whether in a snowsuit with a hood or in a babywearing jacket, the baby’s head must be protected from cold draughts at all costs. Even under the hood, a woolen hat is worthwhile. Otherwise, a well-lined headgear is advisable.

Babies don’t just need special equipment during the day and in the fresh air – they don’t want to freeze at night either. For this, parents pack the cozy warm winter sleeping bag. Hats are not recommended when sleeping because infants regulate the temperature through their heads. This process can be disrupted by the cap.

This way, eyes and skin are well protected

Cream, cream, cream, is the motto for parents and children on a winter holiday. The air is dry, the heaters are running at full speed and the UV radiation in the mountains is very high. Before families go for a walk, you should apply a good baby sunscreen with a high sun protection factor to your face, ears and neck. If gloves are not put on, then it is also important to apply cream to the fingers and backs of the hands.

Then another layer is applied. For this, the baby gets a greasy cold protection cream gently massaged in without water. This replaces the missing heat-insulating fatty tissue of the infants.

Does the baby need special sunglasses? That depends on the circumstances. If the infant is pushed in the stroller most of the time, then it is protected from direct sunlight there anyway. When wearing it, a hat with a peak and neck protection is usually sufficient. The older and more active the offspring is, the more recommended are extra sunglasses, for very small babies the utensil is rather annoying.

What else do you need to take with you on a family holiday?

The other equipment is essentially hardly different from the packing list of the summer vacation. Milk powder, nursing scarf, bibs, snacks, jars and diapers should be available in sufficient numbers – at least for the journey and the first few days. Then at least as many bodysuits, pants, tops, tights, socks, etc. have to be in your luggage as they would be needed at home. The exact packing details depend on the type of holiday and the accommodation. If the apartment offers a washing machine, porridge-smeared tops can be washed at any time. If it is a special baby hotel, bottle warmers, high chairs and an extra bed are usually available. Especially for the first holidays with a baby, child-friendly accommodation is worthwhile. In addition, it can be helpful to inquire in advance with the operators as to which necessary items are already available or can be procured on site. All you need is an email or a quick phone call. With sufficient preparation, there is nothing in the way of a relaxing break as a family.

Baby food when travelling: What needs to be in your luggage and what is available on site?

One of the main concerns of parents planning a vacation is taking care of the baby on site. The further away the destination is, the greater the question marks and fears become. What utensils do you need to pack in your luggage, what is available on site and what precautions need to be taken?

Bottle warmers, milk powder and co. – the packing recommendation

What exactly ends up in the luggage depends heavily on the booked accommodation and the destination. If you travel to a special baby hotel in Central Europe, you don’t have to worry. On site, he will often even find porridge jars of his favorite brand. If the baby is allergic or only drinks a certain milk, a sufficiently large supply of suitable food must be brought along. Unless there is a supermarket with the appropriate products in the area. You should not rely on good luck, but either ask the Internet or contact the shop or accommodation directly.

Holiday apartments usually offer a more or less well-equipped kitchen. Depending on the property, there may even be high chairs, cots, night lights and vaporizers. Here, too, the operators will be happy to answer the questions in advance. If you travel by car, you usually have enough space to pack your own bottle warmer, milk porridge, etc.

For air travel, the amount of luggage is limited. Nevertheless, it is advisable to have a few things with you. Especially when heading for long-distance destinations, the following utensils should be considered:

  • Baby food (at least for the journey and the first few days until you can find products on site)
  • Powdered milk
  • Bottles / Drinking Cups
  • Glass warmer
  • Immersion blender
  • Adapter
  • Biscuits, nibbles, snacks
  • Breastfeeding scarf, breast pump

Aids for the stay on site

Holiday with baby
Don’t worry – a holiday with a baby brings many beautiful memories. Image: Tiplyashina Evgeniya / shutterstock

It is certainly easiest for couples to go on holiday with a fully breastfed baby, because then hardly any equipment has to be taken with them. If the baby is just starting to eat, you can find fresh vegetables all over the world. Either the parents prepare it themselves into a porridge or ask the hotel kitchen about it. In the meantime, there are more and more families who practice alternative feeding for babies. Hanna von Babyled-weaning.de writes on her blog about the advantages of introducing the offspring directly to solid food. The porridge phase is omitted in Baby-Led-Weaning. If you are a fan of the method, you will have little difficulty on holiday. If necessary, the baby simply eats with the parents or is breastfed or bottle-fed. No matter how and where the baby eats, adequate hygiene must be observed. A quick look at the restaurant kitchen can help to identify good basic cleanliness.

Especially if the baggage allowance is limited, it is worth researching local equipment rentals. In some destinations, there are agencies where everything the travel family needs, from travel cots to bottle warmers to water wings, can be rented. An example of this is Bali baby hire. There are even well-trained childminders and nannies available if the parents want time together.

If you assume that there are no high chairs on site, you can also get table seats especially for travelers in advance. Then both mum, dad and offspring can eat relaxed.

Eating on a family holiday: The conclusion

Fears and stress about baby care on holiday are usually unfounded. In all regions of the world, babies are born and eat. In fact, babies are often much more flexible than is commonly assumed. Both for the reassurance of mother and father, as well as for emergencies, it does not hurt to make a few preparations. A sufficient amount of milk powder should be in the luggage of young, unbreastfed infants. Otherwise, a timely e-mail with precise questions about the equipment of the accommodation clarifies many questions. The more extensive the baby equipment on site, the more

Holidays with pets – travelling with dogs, cats & co.

You want to spend the most beautiful time of the year with your loved ones and that often includes one or the other pet. But to ensure that the holiday is equally relaxed for humans and animals, there are a few things to consider. With our tips, nothing stands in the way of a wonderful time for everyone involved.

General tips for vacationing with your dog, cat or other pets in the EU

Pets are part of the family for many people and therefore they should not be missing on holiday. However, you have to think about a holiday with a pet in advance so that it is really pleasant for everyone involved.

First of all, it is worth knowing that according to the legal regulations, travelers are allowed to take a maximum of five pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) with them per person. Within the EU, they are allowed to travel if they are clearly identified, i.e. have a microchip or tattoo. The identification number of the animal must be noted in the EU pet passport issued by the veterinarian. In addition, a note about a rabies vaccination must be entered in it, which must be done no later than three weeks before travel within the EU.

Depending on the country of travel, there may be other regulations, such as leash and muzzle requirements, which holidaymakers should inform themselves about in advance. When travelling outside the EU, the re-entry conditions must also be observed. Information about these is provided by the respective embassies and tourist information offices of the destination country, among others.

Winter holiday dog
With the right planning, you can spend a nice winter holiday with your pet, Image: Hrecheniuk Oleksii / shutterstock

It is also important to find out before the start of the holiday whether the travel cancellation and liability insurance also applies to the pet.

Of course, a pet may not be taken on holiday in a suitcase. Therefore, a suitable transport box must be procured, to which you should get your pet used in advance, for example by occasionally placing a treat in the box. Then the animal associates positive associations with the container and can easily endure it in it for a while.

Finally, pet owners should create a travel checklist for their little friends in advance and think about which things they absolutely need on holiday. In addition to food, treats and animal toys, this can also include sun protection, a muzzle for dogs or special medication for calming or against motion sickness.

Traveling with your pet on the plane

When travelling by flight with a pet, the regulations of the respective airline must be observed. Small animals, such as hamsters, usually count as hand luggage, while larger animals such as dogs and cats must fly in the hold. Here you should definitely remember that the animals have enough water and food in their box for the road. Not only on the plane, but also on the train or car, pet owners should always be prepared for their pets to relieve themselves.

Car travel with a pet

Longer car journeys mean stress for pets. If high temperatures are added in summer, the holiday trip becomes a strain for the animals. Owners should therefore preferably leave in the early morning or evening hours and provide enough water. On a holiday with a dog , it is advisable to give your four-legged friend a break every few hours to go for a walk. A matter of course: never leave animals alone in a closed car in summer.

Holidays with dogs, cats and co. – find the right accommodation

When choosing the right accommodation, it is of course important to make sure that pets are welcome there. Whether on the North Sea and Baltic Sea, in charming low mountain ranges such as the Harz and Eifel, in the Bavarian mountains or abroad – everywhere you can find holiday apartments, holiday homes and hotels that allow people and animals alike to have a good time. On a holiday with a dog, the four-legged friends can let off steam to their heart’s content by the sea on designated dog beaches and in popular nature areas such as the Sauerland, Allgäu or Thuringian Forest, there are countless opportunities for long walks with four-legged friends anyway. Metropolises such as Hamburg, Berlin or Copenhagen are also not unsuitable for a holiday with a dog, because in addition to pet-friendly accommodation, there are a number of green spaces that are suitable for walking.

FAUBE – a travel blog for world explorers and the curious

Travelling means freedom, thirst for knowledge and courage. A spot in the sun, by the sea or in deep snow, depending on personal preference.

Manja and Marcel, both 26, have exchanged the dark university basement for a trip around the world for almost a year. Manja loves writing, Marcel loves creating websites, and so they decided without further ado to start their own travel blog www.faube.com . There you will not only find comprehensive tips on the planning, costs and organization of a trip around the world, but also interesting facts and reports on the most beautiful countries and cities in the world.

World Travel and Travel: Unforgettable Adventures

The dream of the two is to make the world accessible to everyone – from anywhere. Travelling means discovering new things. To get to know yourself from a different side, to bring out new character traits. Be brave and consciously take a different direction. Not to choose the stop that promises a “wonderful view”, but one later (just as beautiful view, but much less hustle and bustle). A trip and especially a trip around the world means starting every morning with anticipation of the new day. Insights into different cultures, exploring distant countries, getting to know people from all over the world. When you travel, you will never return poorer – your adventure makes you richer in motivation, acceptance, a blossoming love of life. The world is so diverse, captivates with unique landscapes, fascinating cities and lovely people, you would love to get to know every spot. That’s what Manja and Marcel are trying to do and would like to share the story with you – they will also be happy to help you realize your own dream trip.

Insights into the world trip

Image: faube.com

Seeing the peculiarities of this world with their own eyes has always been a dream that the two of them are fulfilling in stages. They have already been allowed to go on three big trips, and on their return they were always asked: “So, how was it?” A question that requires more than just words to answer.

On this trip around the world, they experienced so much: stone deities in centuries-old pagodas and Balinese magic in Indonesia>Indonesia. Artistic temples with a rich history on Thailand’s islands. Multiculture and authentic cuisine in Singapore’s hawker centres and on the streets of the city-state. Endless expanses and breathtaking landscapes in Canada and the USA. Dazzling autumn colours and fascinating culture in Japan.

Friendly, helpful people with beaming faces and exciting stories – everywhere. Memories that they were happy to take home with them and would like to share with you.

FAUBE – what to expect

(Long-term) travel is Manja and Marcel’s passion. Maybe yours too? On the website, they answer important questions about the planning, organization and costs of a trip around the world, for example: How much does a trip around the world cost? How do you plan a trip around the world? Which countries should I travel to and what do I need for it?

You will also find valuable tips on travelling in general, including comprehensive packing lists for your holiday and guides for the most beautiful destinations in our beautiful world. Let yourself be inspired, motivated and supported and read together with Manja and Marcel about the most beautiful countries and places. Travelling means broadening your horizons – come with us!

Rediscover Mallorca with a rental car

Without a rental car, a wonderful holiday in Mallorca is of course possible, without question! But with your own car, it can be an unforgettable and, above all, very varied holiday.

Car hire for your hotel holiday

Individual tours are becoming more and more popular, and even if you have booked a package tour, it makes sense to take a rental car. Who has ever liked to commute for hours to their hotel in a shared bus? Every few minutes a stopover on the way to drop off all guests at their holiday home. A journey of one hour, for example to Cala Millor on the east coast of the island, can quickly turn into a 3-hour tour in a stuffy coach. With a rental car, on the other hand, you can get to the longed-for holiday destination quickly and easily. It is best to find out about the different providers early on:
Car rental in Mallorca – The best providers

Driving fun all over the island

Cala D'or, southeast of Mallorca
Cala D’or, Image: jasminepersson96 / Pixabay

The roads in Mallorca have been very well developed in recent years. Striking and unusual at first are the many roundabouts. But this makes exploring the island even more fun. A round trip on the popular Balearic island can be arranged in different ways. No matter which route you have chosen in the end, you will always come back on one of the very well-developed and smoothly to drive main connecting roads. This does not mean that the side roads are less passable. Maybe sometimes a little narrow, steep or curvy, but waiting times at traffic lights are hardly experienced anymore and potholes, gravel paths or cobblestones are rarely found.

Discover all facets of the island

Many hikers are looking for peace and quiet, and find it best on a small secluded rocky island on the west side of Mallorca. From the charming village of Sant Elm, a small boat goes to Sa Dragonera, affectionately known as Dragon Island. This beautiful square is difficult to reach by public transport.

If you are planning a trip to the beautiful Tramuntana mountains, you should not miss the serpentine drive. The winding cobbled roads offer a thoroughly unforgettable driving pleasure. On one side you can look into steep, sloping slopes and on the other side meter-high rock formations protrude from the ground. If this seems too exciting and dangerous for you, you can still come north to reach the small town of Sóller as your destination. On the way over the mountains, there are countless opportunities for a stopover. Be it the breathtaking view into the distance over thousands of olive trees, orange farms and wine-growing regions, or one of the small hidden mountain lakes. You will discover curious goats and sheep along the roadside, and occasionally small herds of cows by the water.

Party holiday with cultural programme

If you have booked a holiday with friends, a club or family in El Arenal , you most likely want to have a lot of fun, go partying, turn night into day, enjoy the beach and the sea. Of course, the cultural program will not be neglected either. In principle, public shuttle buses run to Palma and back several times a day. The closer you live to Ballermann 1, the higher the probability that the journey into the city in the morning will hardly be a problem. The prices are also affordable.

Streets Mallorca
Image: Juergen Faelchle / shutterstock

But if you live in the direction of Ballermann 15, in the quiet village of Can Pastilla, the buses are usually so full in the morning that you can’t get a seat and have to wait for a later one. After the day has started angrily, you might be able to laugh about it again in the afternoon after visiting the cathedral or an extensive shopping tour. Or not. Because in the late afternoon, everyone – tourists, hotel staff and party guests – wants to go exactly where they came from.

In fact, it is not uncommon for many buses to stop at some stops in Palma in the afternoon. Simply because they are simply full! With a rental car, you can get from A to B much faster. But he travels much more relaxed and will mainly remember positive experiences of his well-deserved vacation

Visas for travel to Australia – what to consider

Australia is a fascinating country. Especially the flora and fauna and the scenic features make the country a real tourist magnet. But if you are planning a trip to Australia, you should not only deal with your itinerary when planning, but also remember that a visa Australia is necessary for entry. To ensure that the planned trip can be started without any problems, it is advisable to apply for the required visa in good time.

Suitable visas for the Australia trip

There are different visas that can be applied for entry. The eVisitor is a so-called business and tourist visa and is the most commonly used. Alternatively, an ETA for Australia can also be applied for. While Germans and Austrians have the choice of applying for the ETA or eVisitor visa, travelers with citizenship of the USA, Canada, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Brunei must apply for the ETA. Since tourists from Germany and Austria have the choice, the eVisitor is recommended to them, as it is associated with lower costs.

Requirements for obtaining an eVisitor

To use the eVisitor, it must be a business or leisure trip. Depending on the specific case, the eVisitor is also sufficient for voluntary work. However, this depends on the individual case. However, work for payment is not allowed with an eVisitor under any circumstances. So if you are planning work and travel, you need either a work permit or a working holiday visa. If a pure holiday trip is planned, however, there are no problems with the eVisitor and this is also completely sufficient. As a general rule, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon departure. The planned length of stay in Australia should not exceed 3 months at a time.

An eVisitor is denied if the applicant has outstanding debts to Australian authorities . Even those who have been sentenced to a prison sentence of more than 12 months do not receive permission to enter the country. In addition, entry is denied if tuberculosis is present at the time of entry.

Validity period of an eVisitor

It is no problem to apply for the eVisitor early, because the eVisitor remains valid for 12 months from the day of approval. During the validity period, entry is possible at any time. Entry is also possible again and again within this period, as long as a single stay does not exceed 3 months. It is not possible to renew an eVisitor, but new visas can be applied for as often as you like. However, at the time of application, it is imperative that the applicant from a visa is not in Australia.

Apply for visas conveniently online

Sydney
View of Sydney, Image: Rudy Balasko / shutterstock

The eVisitor can be applied for very easily. There is the possibility to apply for an eVisitor for a single person as well as to apply for a visa for several people with one application. All this can be done conveniently online, so that the visa application takes hardly any time and is possible without much effort. Since the passport numbers are necessary for the application, it should of course be at hand. The cost of an eVisitor is €14.95 per person and must be paid directly at the time of application. This also applies to applications within a group application.

If you need a working holiday visa to be able to work during your trip, you have to reckon with significantly higher costs, because here the price for the visa is 450 AUS$ (approx. 280 €) per person. However, it is also true that a continuous stay of 12 months is possible. The special tourist visa can be applied for by German and Austrian backpackers who have not yet exceeded the age of 31.

Another alternative can be the Visitor Visa. This can be provided if a longer stay is planned. With this visa, travelers can enjoy a stay for up to 12 months at a time. It should be noted that costs of about 90 € must be expected here and that the processing of the application takes at least 3 weeks.

Short-term to visa Australia with urgent application

Image: F R i M A G E S / shutterstock

Anyone who wants to travel must already be in possession of a visa. Already at the check-in at the airport, it is checked whether a valid ETA or eVisitor visa is available. If this is not the case, the trip cannot be started. If you are planning to travel at short notice or if you forgot to apply for a visa in time, an urgent application can help. But here, too, a processing time of a few hours must be expected. In addition, a surcharge of € 17.50 is due for urgent applications. In individual cases, however, the approval can be delayed and so the urgent application should also be submitted a few days before the start of the trip, because this is the only way to be on the safe side.

Beautiful destinations for a cycling holiday

Cycling holidays are very much in vogue. Tour operators have long recognized this and are enticing with great offers. The possibilities are almost inexhaustible. If you like it, you can cycle through the most beautiful landscapes in Europe or along a themed cycle path. Many people don’t want to travel exclusively by bike on holiday. Then a hotel in a bicycle-friendly location with cycle paths right outside the door is recommended. Not only Germany can be easily explored by bike. There are very well-developed cycle paths throughout Europe, which often even lead past the most beautiful sights of the country. Below are all the tips for the most beautiful European cycling holiday destinations.

Along the German coasts and the islands

Cycling holidays Germany
Relaxed cycling through Germany, Image: Oleksiy Rezin / shutterstock

The cycle paths in Germany are very well developed. Especially along the rivers and seas you will find a whole range of scenically inviting cycling routes. The north of Germany is particularly attractive for cyclists due to its flat location. Here you can cycle along the entire coast without any significant incline. Sylt is very popular with cyclists. The whole island is developed with cycle paths and many are located in the middle of beautiful landscapes or lead directly along the coast. From List to Hörnum you can cycle along cycle paths throughout.

Hotels and campsites are geared towards cycling day tourists and offer offers for holidaymakers who make a bicycle tour of the island. The East Frisian islands and coastal areas also offer attractions for bicycle tourists. Here you can cycle directly on the dike with a fresh breeze and enjoy a fantastic panorama. Most East Frisian islands are car-free and the bicycle is the only means of transport for tourists. A bike tour along the Kiel Canal is also unforgettable. Wanderlust arises, because many a big pot passes by and with a bit of luck you can even see a cruise ship.

Attractive cycle paths along rivers

Europe is crisscrossed by large and small rivers. They all score with beautiful cycle paths that lead directly past the well-known sights and always lead along the banks of the river. One of the most famous is the Elbe Cycle Path. Tourists from all over the world move along the river and discover the well-known landscapes by bike. In addition, the Elbe Cycle Path offers other attractions.

For example, it often runs along the former German-German border, because the Elbe was also considered the border river between East and West Germany. In addition, stages lead past the German Stork Road. For example, in the Wendland you can admire storks everywhere, which have built their nests on chimneys or old factory storms. Tours along the Rhine are also worthwhile. Interesting cities such as the fashion metropolis of Düsseldorf or the carnival stronghold of Cologne await you here. In between are picturesque natural idylls, such as the Rhine Valley near Königswinter with the island of Nonnenwerth or the Rhine floodplains near Bonn. Great cycling areas also await visitors along the Weser, the Isar and the Lippe.

Denmark is a paradise for cyclists

Copenhagen has been voted the bicycle capital of Europe several times and rightly so. Nowhere else in a capital city can you find such good opportunities for bicycle tourists. The sights can be easily explored by bike. Buses also offer sufficient opportunities for cyclists to take them along. North of Copenhagen there are fantastically located bike paths that lead directly along the coast.

But not only the capital, but also Funen and Jutland attract with unique attractions for cycling holidaymakers. The coastal areas of the Little and Great Belt have a large number of national bicycle lanes. If you want to discover the whole of Denmark , you can simply cycle along the Marguerite Route. The coastal road leads exclusively along the Danish coast and always through particularly beautiful landscapes and nature reserves.

The good thing here is also the flat landscape. Cyclists rarely have to struggle with inclines and so this cycling holiday is guaranteed to be a relaxing experience. There is a lot to see on the routes along the Limfjord. On the Salling peninsula, the cycle path leads over the disused island railway route. From Skive to the Sallingsund Bridge, you cycle through quaint villages with chalk-white churches and the beautiful beaches invite you to linger.

Cycling through the Benelux

The Netherlands is the cycling nation of Europe. The whole country is crisscrossed with cycle paths and the capital Amsterdam also has an exemplary network of cycle paths. A bike tour along the canals or the Dutch North Sea coast is guaranteed to provide plenty of variety. Here you will find well-known cities, such as the cozy cheese town of Alkmaar or the port city of Rotterdam.

In the hinterland, Bruinisse and Andijk are top-class holiday areas. The border area with Germany and Belgium is also known for its very well-developed cycle paths. Here you will find the border town of Kerkrade with its idyllic market square and the region around Vaals, which is located in the middle of the border triangle. In Belgium, too, you will find excellent cycle paths along the coast. If you like it more sporty, you should set off on tours through the Ardennes. Here you can torture yourself over extreme inclines and are rewarded with fantastic views of picturesque Belgian small towns. Malmedy and the small town of Eupen near the German border are well worth seeing. For nature-loving cyclists, tours through green Luxembourg are a must. The area around Vianden is particularly beautiful.

Cycle tours to Southern Europe

Cycling in Mallorca
Cycling in Mallorca, Image: kovop58 / shutterstock

The south of Europe scores with beautiful weather and well-known sights. Some areas are also attractive for cyclists. The Spanish coastal regions of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada offer charming roads that lead right past the busy beaches.

The island of Mallorca is particularly recommended. Mountain bikers will find the best opportunities here. France has less well-developed cycle paths. But you can cycle safely over remote roads here. These lead, for example, through the landscapes of Provence marked with lavender blossoms or through the green, historic and often deserted region of Picardy. Brittany is particularly attractive for cyclists.

In the low season you will find only a few tourists here and you can enjoy the beautiful beaches alone. If you want to reach these beaches, you have to pedal hard, because first you usually have to conquer extreme gradients. Then it goes steeply downhill directly to the beach with a dream panorama. England offers hardly developed cycle paths. Nevertheless, you should not shy away from a cycling holiday. Most holidaymakers cycle through the Lake District north of Manchester. Some are drawn to the border region with Scotland and the Pennines. But if you cycle here, you need an off-road bike and weatherproof clothing.

Winter camping: How to keep your motorhome comfortably warm

Many motorhomes have long been winterized on their parking lot. Winter camping in snow and ice has its own special charm, because even in the freezing cold, outdoor life can be enjoyed to the fullest. If you take the following tips to heart, you will have it wonderfully warm in your camper throughout your holiday.

Winter camping: Insulating the vehicle properly

Powerful heating and good insulation should not be missing on board when winter camping. To ensure that it remains comfortable in the vehicle at all times, a lot of equipment is added. Warm duvets and extra fleece blankets are a must on any trip to the snow. In many vehicles, there are so-called “cold bridges” in the floor area. If the camper has neither carpets nor underfloor heating, sleeping mats or special heating mats are laid out. This means that pets travelling with you will also be comfortable at night. Thermal mats or films on the windows and doors help against cold bridges on the windows. Icy air likes to penetrate the cab. To prevent the cold from entering the living area, a thermal curtain is simply hung between the areas. In the case of a panel van, rear door insulation is also recommended. Especially in winter, many campers shy away from the lengthy construction of the awning. However, as a climate lock and mud flap, it has many advantages. The summer models are not necessarily recommended for icy temperatures. Partial tents are ideal as winter awnings to reduce the snow load, as well as a wide rotten strip that keeps dripping and melt water outside. Another plus is the extra storage space. With a stove, the awning becomes a cozy terrace from which to watch the snow drift.

How is heating used during winter camping?

For winter camping, it is best to use a gas cylinder with a correspondingly high propane content, because the otherwise common butane is not able to change its aggregate state from liquid to gaseous in frost. Suitable models can be found online, for example.

Depending on how well the camper is insulated, the gas consumption is three to five kilograms per day. Two gas cylinders of 11 kg each last about five to seven days in the cold. Nothing is more annoying when winter camping than having to go out into the snow in the middle of the night to change a gas bottle. “Duo-Control” ensures a peaceful sleep. Two gas cylinders can be connected on board. If one is empty, the supply automatically comes from the other bottle. Some vehicles have a gas level indicator in the on-board electronics. If this is not available, the supply can be checked regularly with a gas scale or a special gas checker. Other heat sources on board are:

  • Infrared heating
  • Catalytic furnaces
  • Electric Radiant Heater
  • Heating lamp especially for the awning

Important: An electric radiant heater should only be connected in exceptional cases, as the power consumption in the vehicle is already higher in winter due to the early onset of darkness. Whenever possible, shore power should be used and the operation of power guzzlers should be restricted.

This is how the water supply works in winter in a motorhome

A big issue in winter camping is the freezing of the water pipes. Water tanks that can be heated provide a remedy and prevent frost damage to the system. Models with an antifreeze monitor counteract the freezing of the boiler. It should be noted here that the valve opens automatically at an ambient temperature of below four degrees Celsius and the water runs out. Before filling, the on-board heating is therefore put into operation one hour in advance. Most of the waste water tanks in the camper are not heatable. Here it helps to place a bucket under it and simply let the water drain away. If you don’t want the water to freeze, an antifreeze is added directly to the bucket. This is also filled into the sinks shortly before the caravan is parked so that the water in the pipes does not freeze. In frost, smaller tanks can no longer be emptied properly, which is why a bucket as large as possible is placed under it for the only slightly soiled gray water. If the grey water tank is not insulated, the drain gate valve is permanently opened at very low temperatures and a collection container is placed underneath.

Feel good in the right place

The success of winter camping stands and falls not only with the right preparation and equipment, but also with the place. If you are not a fan of a survival holiday, look for a place with heated sanitary facilities and drying rooms for ski equipment and other laundry. If it does get too uncomfortable in the camper, lounges with Wi-Fi are practical. The relaxation factor is also significantly increased if there is a sauna, steam bath or even an indoor pool on the course.

DLT Travel – The Italy Experts

When German holidaymakers are drawn abroad, Italy is considered the most popular destination for Germans, along with the Balearic Islands. Whether it’s a city trip to one of the many interesting cities in the country, culinary delicacies in Tuscany or a beach holiday on the beach. Italy’s diversity is limitless.

However, the search for the right holiday destination can quickly become a challenge with the diversity of the southern European country. Support in planning your trip is available from the Italy specialist DLT Travel. In addition to personal contacts with hotels and agencies, the tour operator from Büchenbach in Central Franconia also draws on the expertise and hotel network of the Italian parent company DLT Viaggi, which has been present on the Italian market since 2006.

Vieste on the Adriatic Sea
Vieste on the Adriatic coast, Image:
By: Kite_rin / shutterstock

With more than 50 employees, the company is currently located in the port city of Formia (approx. 80 kilometers away from Naples) is active in the care of those interested in Italian travel.

More than half a million followers on Facebook and a satisfaction rate of over 95% ensure that the success story of the parent company was presented by Facebook in 2015 at the Confommercio in Rome . The Group has always distinguished itself by the fact that, in addition to the pure presentation of holiday destinations, it also promotes technical innovations. In addition to some innovations in the booking process, for example in video production for better presentation of the hotel facilities.

This quality is now being transferred to the German market with its own location.

But DLT Travel is much more than just an Italy specialist. True to the company’s own motto: “Simply travel with quality”, the portfolio includes a large selection of high-quality and low-cost offers to the most popular destinations. It doesn’t matter whether the holiday is to take place by the sea or in the mountains. When browsing the website, you can easily get alternative suggestions. Why not spend the first rays of sunshine of the year in Vieste in Puglia and get yourself in the right summer mood.

There is a particularly great variety in the range of group and bus tours. Take advantage of the next regulars’ table of your circle of friends and let yourself be inspired by the cultural possibilities. In 2020, for example, there will be the opportunity to experience the opera La Bohème as a group at the traditional Puccini Festival. The anticipation already begins with the joint journey by bus.

But the cultural offerings within Germany are also impressive. Anyone who has ever been a visitor to a major event (concert, musical) will confirm that the hectic journey to and from the event takes away a lot of the joy. With an organized bus tour, you can relax and concentrate on the main event.

Special highlight: The latest offers and special specials can be found quarterly in the downloadable print catalogue. Even more inspiration to leaf through.

Other things to note about DLT Travel:

    • Travel insurance: DLT Travel works with renowned travel insurers such as Hanse Merkur to secure your trip
    • From a total sum of 400 euros, it is possible to pay off the trip in monthly installments (deposit: 100 euros)
    • Here you can find the website of DLT travel: >>

      https://www.dlt.travel/de

 

Relaxed parking at Frankfurt Airport

Before every flight, as a traveler, you have to ask yourself the question: How do I, and my luggage, get to the desired destination airport in the best and most comfortable way? Just recently I read a “virtual cry for help” in an online forum, in which someone had to quickly move from Mainz Central Station to Frankfurt Airport. The holidaymaker was unable to access public transport due to train cancellations and fully booked buses.

An alternative is to book an airport taxi. However, this convenient option is not cheap and therefore not suitable for every budget.

Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport, Image: Pradeep Thomas Thundiyil / shutterstock

So if you want to get to the airport comfortably and inexpensively, we can only warmly recommend arriving in your own car. The advantages are obvious:

  • You pack your car in good time before departure and can thus make your home fit for a holiday without stress, e.g. close doors and windows, use up food or distribute it in the neighbourhood, take electronics off the grid
  • You have the security of arriving on time and are not dependent on the reliability of the taxi company or public transport.
  • Even after returning from vacation, you return home stress-free
  • Cost-effective parking

Cost-effective parking? At the airport? Yes, you read that right. That is possible. We tested the Frankfurt provider parkfuchs24.de (booking the parking space was easy and fast via the online portal) and flew to Madrid for four days. Our flight at Frankfurt Airport did not leave until late in the evening at 8.50 p.m. on Saturdays. We had already done the most important errands the day before, so we spontaneously decided to travel to Frankfurt early to look around the city after dropping off our luggage.

But first things first: After we had parked our car in the parking lot in Neu-Isenburg shortly after twelve, the shuttle bus took us to the desired Terminal 1 in less than 15 minutes.

Sightseeing in Frankfurt

What do you do in the Rhine-Main metropolis of Frankfurt if you have set yourself a time limit of just under five hours? Of course, first go out for a bite to eat.

What could be better suited here than the “Freßgass”, which is known beyond the Hessian state borders. Since the 1st World War, grocery stores have been coming here on Große Bockenheimer Straße.

Freshly strengthened, window shopping on the Zeil followed. Although you have to admit that window shopping is only half as much fun if you know from the outset that you won’t buy anything so as not to burden your holiday budget unnecessarily. After a visit to the Römerberg and extensive relaxation on the banks of the Main, we made our way back to the airport.

Returning from vacation – The car is already waiting

Four days later. Unfortunately, the vacation went by much too quickly. After we had taken our luggage off the conveyor belt, we called the Parkfuchs team. After the message that we landed safely, we were picked up directly in the entry and exit zone and driven to our car. As expected, this was still in the best condition in our chosen parking lot.

We would always fall back on the possibility to park our car in the shuttle parking lot. There are many advantages to this travel option to the airport:

  • Cheap price compared to the classic airport taxi
  • No dependence on train and train
  • Easy online booking
  • Video-monitored pitches
  • Fast and friendly shuttle service

The provider we have chosen, parkfuchs-24, also offers other services, which we have not used. If you don’t want to use the shuttle bus, you can hand over your vehicle to the service provider at the valet parking service (Valet) and get the car keys back in person, including the vehicle, if you wish, after your return. The possibility of subjecting your vehicle to exterior cleaning and car care during the holiday season promises bright prospects.

And if you return from vacation late in the evening or at the weekend and the refrigerator at home is empty, you have fresh food directly in the car with the help of the shopping service.