By buying a holiday property, you gain a valuable piece of quality of life. Whether it’s a beach house or an apartment in the mountains, these places promise relaxing vacations. However, the variety of holiday resorts also poses various dangers for your holiday home. Especially properties that are not normally inhabited all year round need comprehensive protection. Especially if you rent out your property to friends, acquaintances or on the open market, it is crucial to protect yourself from possible damage during use. In this article, you will learn how you can comprehensively insure your holiday property.

Choosing the right insurance for the right protection

The insurance of holiday homes is based on two pillars: residential building insurance and household contents insurance. Both insurances protect against fire, lightning, storm, hail, tap water and cover different areas of the property. Residential building insurance offers protection for the building itself and permanently installed inventory. Household contents insurance, on the other hand, protects movable objects within the house. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal possessions.

To ensure that you as a homeowner receive comprehensive protection, it is often advisable to have both residential and household contents insurance. In a holiday home insurance, you can take out both together. This ensures that the building itself and all your household contents are adequately secured.

Residential building insurance protects the building and helps in the event of loss of rent

Since holiday homes are usually not inhabited all year round, damage can often go unnoticed. As a result, important measures to limit the damage are delayed or even omitted altogether.

Consequential damage in particular, such as that which occurs after a cable fire or a burst pipe, can represent considerable financial burdens. With residential building insurance, it is possible to protect yourself against these damages.

Holiday home insurance is also optimal if the property is rented out externally via booking portals for holiday homes. In this case, many insurance providers make it possible to protect yourself against loss of rent.

Household contents insurance protects the inventory

Especially in holiday areas with short seasons, the risk of burglaries increases considerably. Household contents insurance offers comprehensive protection for the inventory of your holiday home or holiday home in the event of damage.

This means that items that have been stolen after a burglary or damaged by vandalism will be replaced by your home insurance. In addition, this insurance also protects your facility from damage that can be caused, for example, by fire or burst water pipes.

When it comes to insurance, also think about the garden

The idea of owning a holiday home on the Rhine or the Baltic Sea is undoubtedly appealing. But for many homeowners, the uncertainty remains as to whether their household insurance covers their garden furniture and who bears financial responsibility in the event of damage. Typical damage, such as the theft of garden furniture, damage caused by barbecue embers or storm and hail damage, raise many questions.

As a rule, balconies and terraces adjacent to the house are protected by household contents insurance, as they are considered part of the place of insurance. However, outdoor items, such as garden furniture or barbecues, must also be insured against storm damage and theft.

The garden itself is usually not part of the place of insurance for household contents insurance, unless this has been separately agreed. However, items in garden sheds or garages on the property are covered in most cases, often with a specific cap on reimbursement.

Garden furniture is generally insured against simple theft through household contents insurance, as long as it does not have to be placed in the house or garage every evening. However, this must be agreed as an additional coverage option.

Household contents insurance also offers protection against damage caused by storm, hail, lightning, fire and explosion, provided that these covers have been taken out additionally. This applies to garden furniture, parasols and permanently installed playground equipment. However, it is important to know that in the insurance sense, a storm event only exists from wind force 8.

Vacant holiday home: How to protect your property during your absence

If you own a vacation home and are away for an extended period of time, there are some important precautions to take to protect your property and investment.

Turn off electrical appliances that are not needed to save energy and check that taps are tightly closed to prevent water damage.

Install reliable security devices such as alarm systems, motion detectors and surveillance cameras. These measures can deter potential burglars and alert you to suspicious activity.

Hire someone to inspect your holiday home regularly. This could be a neighbor, a friend, or even a professional property manager. They can respond to potential problems before they get bigger. Have someone pick up your mail regularly. Avoid piling up letters and parcels, as this can attract burglars.

In regions with extreme weather conditions, such as the storm-swept Halligen , it is important to prepare your holiday home for storms, floods or other natural disasters. Make sure that windows and doors are well locked and that you have appropriate insurance policies that also cover this type of damage.

No one doubts that smoking is harmful to health. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get rid of the health-threatening habit overnight. It becomes particularly embarrassing when you go on a trip as a smoker. Because more and more destinations have become smoke-free and you have to come to terms with the local rules somehow.

Of course, there are also alternatives to the glow stick that can be especially useful in foreign countries. For example, you can reach for the so-called nicotine pouches, which convince not only with the nicotine kick but also with interesting flavors. If you are interested in this option, which is particularly beneficial to travelers, you can check it here. By the way, the pouches are available in different strengths, so you can choose them according to your own nicotine consumption.

With or without nicotine pouches, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the local restrictions regarding smoking. This way you make sure that you don’t violate local laws and thus save yourself a lot of problems.

Spain

If you want to travel to the “Land of the Rabbits”, as the name of the country translates in the language of the indigenous people, the Phoenicians, then you should definitely know that there is a complete ban on smoking in Spain . In the outdoor areas of public facilities, on playgrounds and even if you want to experience the famous bullfights up close, lighting a cigarette is a taboo.

So-called smoking clubs are an exception. You can also smoke in the outdoor areas of some bars, but you have to accept that these places are quickly overcrowded.

What will not particularly please friends of the Spanish sun: a nationwide law is currently being discussed that will turn all beaches into smoke-free zones.

Austria

Until recently, Austria could be described as a Mecca for smokers. Because here the annoying habit was dealt with quite liberally. Smoking was allowed in most places in the land of mountains and lakes. For this purpose, special smoking rooms had been set up, whereby the only requirement for the enjoyment of the cigarette was that no smoke penetrated into non-smoking areas.

However, since November 1, 2019, the liberal approach to smoking has come to an end. A complete ban on smoking has been introduced in all bars and restaurants. So if you want to admire the Austrian sights and try out the local cuisine at the same time, you have to rely on alternatives to cigarettes.

Germany

If you want to linger over beer and sausages in the land of the Oktoberfest, you have to thoroughly study the regulations of the individual federal states beforehand. Believe it or not, it is up to the authorities in the 16 countries to introduce smoking bans on their own.

In general, smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, offices, hospitals, theatres and universities. The same applies to all train stations and airports. In the states of Bavaria, Saarland and North Rhine-Westphalia, the absolute smoking ban also extends to pubs and restaurants. However, there are exceptions that make the life of smokers easier in the other 13 federal states. Here you can light a cigarette in the specially marked side rooms of restaurants without making yourself liable to prosecution.

Ireland

In the land of fairies and goblins, people have long been uncompromising against smokers. The country was the first in the world to introduce an absolute ban on smoking in 2004. Anyone who dares to follow their bad habit in closed rooms must expect a fine of up to 3,000 euros. The strict measures have found support among governments worldwide and the smoking bans in other countries were not long in coming.

United States

In the United States, it is often decided at the local level whether and where you can smoke. Since smoking regulations can therefore vary not only from state to state, but from city to city, it is advisable to always inform yourself locally before reaching for a cigarette.

The measures against smokers are particularly strict in California and New York. Here, there is an absolute ban on smoking in many parks and not only inside buildings, but even within a radius of several meters around the building itself. Smoking is also prohibited in swimming pools and also on promenades and beaches. Also, you can’t buy cigarettes in these states if you’re younger than 21.

However, this is not the case everywhere in the United States. Especially in the south of the country, people have a somewhat milder attitude towards smokers. In some places you can even experience scenes known from westerns, where someone goes smoking into the bar.

Holiday pictures are both beautiful memories of unforgettable moments and an ideal way to use them creatively. While in many households the pictures are forgotten after a short time, there are a variety of original options to stage them or to lovingly store them. To ensure that your holiday pictures don’t rot on your smartphone or camera in the future, we have collected a few nice ideas for using your photos in this article.

Photo calendar and travel diary

If you always want to keep your holiday pictures within reach, a photo calendar or a travel diary is primarily suitable. The photo calendar can be equipped with pictures of a wide variety of trips, so that they always fit the respective day and season. With the help of a travel diary, on the other hand, it is possible to relive the journey again and again through the pictures and share the moments together.

Change of seasons with picture frames

Similar to the photo calendar, picture frames also have the potential to adapt the atmosphere in the room to the respective season by deliberately changing the pictures. With the help of a rotating gallery of the most beautiful holiday pictures, there is always the right spatial mood. In addition, the picture frames can also be visually selected according to the current season. While pictures of the last beach holiday are ideal in summer, pictures of winter, for example of snow-capped mountains, create the right ambience. To save yourself unnecessary effort, it is important to rely on picture frames that can be easily replaced. Alternatively, there are now digital picture frames. With these, it is possible to make a pre-selection of images suitable for the season, which are then automatically displayed in rotation.

Personalized Gifts

Holiday pictures, on the other hand, are a good way to give a gift to dear friends or family. Whether personalized photo calendars, mugs or even puzzles – any gifts are not only unique, but also a great opportunity to share past travel experiences and bring joy to others.

Wall collages and photo walls

Nowadays, thanks to the use of modern technology, it is possible to use the most beautiful holiday pictures even expansively. Unique wall collages or entire photo walls from your own holiday pictures can be created in numerous sizes and formats and are a great alternative to small photo frames. In addition, they make it possible to furnish entire walls creatively and aesthetically, giving the room a special charm.

Digital slideshows and screensavers

Holiday pictures can also be used for digital slide shows or as a screensaver for the computer or even TV. These dynamic presentations are also a great way to share travel memories with friends and family while brightening up your home. To ensure the necessary variety, the duration of the slideshow is important. For example, it is important to make sure that an image is displayed for between five and 15 minutes before a new one appears.

Conclusion – Holiday pictures offer a wide range of creative options

If you want to store or even present your holiday pictures in the best possible way, there are numerous ways to do so. Nevertheless, it is always important to remember that the way in which the holiday pictures are used should depend entirely on personal preference and furnishing style. With a little creativity and sensitivity, the holiday pictures can not only be stored, but stylishly integrated into everyday life.

The beautiful peaks of the Alps or the breathtaking mountains of the Pyrenees attract numerous holidaymakers every year. To ensure that you are sufficiently equipped for hikes or long walks at high altitudes and valleys, you should put together your luggage carefully. We provide you with the appropriate checklists and tips for this.

The right clothing for a mountain holiday

If you don’t just go to the mountains to unwind and spend a wellness holiday there, you need suitable outdoor clothing. Which pieces absolutely belong in your luggage depends on the respective season. In principle, however, you should take these items of clothing with you:

• Breathable underwear with a perfect fit and high freedom of movement
• Long and short hiking pants with practical pockets
• Short-sleeved hiking shirt for warm days
• Long-sleeved hiking shirt for cooler weather or sun protection
• A softshell jacket that protects against wind and moisture
• Possibly a rain jacket with a waterproof surface.

In addition, it can be useful to pack a cardigan even in summer. As soon as the sun disappears behind the clouds, it quickly gets cool high up in the mountains. For example, cardigans can be used to regulate heat exchange, because the practical parts can be worn open or closed as well as an additional layer under the jacket. If you’re out in the mountains in spring, autumn or winter, you’ll need extra layers to keep you warm. Thermal underwear and fleece jackets are then the order of the day. Gloves, headbands and hats may also be necessary.

Robust footwear in the right size

In addition to a neat outfit, you need shoes that can withstand the demands of the mountains. They should have a profiled sole and consist of a robust upper material. It is best to impregnate the shoes before the trip so that they repel moisture. Also, break in your footwear before your holiday so you can make sure it fits properly. Suitable hiking socks and insoles have an effect on comfort. Again, you can experiment a little in advance. Merino wool socks are a suitable choice because they are breathable and keep you warm.

Note: Suitable footwear is essential for a safe step. Your toes should still have a little room in the front. At the back, the heel must sit firmly. Also, pay attention to where you go. It is best to stick to marked hiking trails and always be attentive. Do not underestimate the dangers and always check the weather forecast before a longer hike.

Small first-aid kit for the mountains

For the mountain holiday, pack everything you would otherwise put in your first-aid kit. These include painkillers, plasters, wound dressings and a wound healing ointment. The following products should also be taken with you for a mountain or hiking holiday:

• Awning: At high altitudes, UV radiation is particularly strong. Take plenty of sunscreen and a lip balm stick with UV protection.
• Blister plasters: Painful blisters can spoil any view, no matter how beautiful. The best way to get none in the first place is to choose the right footwear. If it does happen, you can help yourself with blister plasters. They protect the bladder and relieve the pain a little.
• Insect repellent: Especially in the summer months, you have to expect mosquito bites. Therefore, pack an appropriate protective spray. This should definitely contain the active ingredients DEET or Icaridin.

Extra luggage for multi-day hikes

Of course, the optimal luggage composition depends on how you will spend your holiday in the mountains. For example, if you plan to hike from hut to hut and sleep or even camp in a different accommodation every night, you will need additional equipment:

• Hand wash: This allows you to quickly wash your clothes on the go, so you don’t have to carry around as much.
• Small Gas Stove: Those who hike diligently consume a lot of calories. With a gas stove, you can prepare hot meals even in the wilderness. For hiking, there are particularly small and light models.
• Tent: It is important to have a low weight, after all, you have to carry the tent around with you. In summer, a tarp may be the better and lighter solution.
• Sleeping pad: This means that the floor no longer feels so cold and uneven.
• Sleeping bag: It keeps you cosy and warm at night when camping or in hiker’s huts. Be sure to buy a model in the right temperature range.

Note: Wild camping is prohibited in Germany and many other European countries. However, in Norway or Sweden, it is allowed as long as you follow certain rules and do not stay in one place for more than one or two nights. The exact provisions can be found in the so-called
“Everyman’s Right” of the respective country
.