Simply be out and about with the whole family, easily integrate the baby into leisure activities and use parental leave, for example, to go on a long journey. This is more or less the idea of many enthusiastic travellers who become parents. But not only travel fans, who are often on the road anyway, want a nice vacation with the baby. Of course, the offspring should also accompany their parents on the classic annual vacation, and many questions arise: When can a baby travel? Where is the best place to travel, and which places do you prefer to avoid? What do you have to consider when organizing, and how is traveling with baby really? We have compiled the most important answers.

When can you travel with your baby?

Theoretically, a baby can be on the road with its parents immediately after birth. Quite a few babies are born while traveling and are then right there. In practice, however, it is not for nothing that the first weeks after a birth are called “postpartum”. Mom and child should rest and arrive in their new life. However, if you really want to, you can also go on a trip right away.

Most airlines allow children from one to two weeks of age. Whether this is the right time for a long-distance trip by plane is up to parents to decide for themselves. However, caution is advised, because of course there are not only many people on the move at airports, but also pathogens. And babies’ immune systems are still developing.

It’s a little less complicated by train or car. Especially in your own car or camper, you can enjoy the greatest possible freedom. Provided that the baby likes to lead along.

Which places are recommended, which are better avoided with a baby?

Actually, you can travel with a baby to almost any place in the world, because wherever people live, babies are born. Of course, you will prefer certain places and avoid others so as not to put yourself and your family in unnecessary danger. An overview:

• When traveling with a baby for the first time, it is best to choose destinations where you already know your way around, because the new life as a family is exciting enough. You don’t necessarily have to deal with a new environment.
• It is an advantage if the climatic conditions at the destination are similar to those at home. So you don’t travel with a baby to the coldest or hottest places in the world. The rainy season with its continuous rainfall and extreme humidity should also be avoided.
• Destinations for which a travel warning has been issued are better avoided. As a family, you are much more vulnerable than when you are traveling alone.
• Extreme altitudes are also not recommended if you do not live in such an area anyway.
• In some places in this beautiful world, certain vaccinations are needed. Many of them cannot yet have a baby, and for this reason should not travel to such places.

What do you have to think about when you travel with your baby?

It depends a little on where you travel and how long you will stay there. On the one hand, it’s about everything you need for the trip itself. It’s hard to rummage in your suitcase on the road, so you have to have things at hand. This is all the baby would need at home, i.e. bottles, diapers, creams, spare clothes and pacifiers. The same applies to the stay itself, although it always depends a little on where you are going. Are you vacationing in a European country and can you even access the proven diaper brand? Or are you far away and have to expect that there are unusual animal species in the jars of baby porridge?

There is one more thing to consider, and that is the necessary documents if you are traveling abroad. Is the health insurance suitable, is the child healthy, does the other parent, if not present, agree to the trip? If you want to have a good overview, you can download a checklist for the flight here. Of course, it also applies to other long-distance journeys, such as by train.

What is it really like to travel with a baby?

On Instagram and travel blogs you can always see beautiful pictures of relaxed parents and sleeping or smiling babies while traveling. They sleep in the back seat of the car, they marvel from the train window, they relax on the plane. One thing you should know before you go on a trip with a baby: Your own child can quickly throw a spanner in the works and make all the beautiful pictures ad absurdum. Every child has their own personality and the trips they enjoy can be a real surprise.

Although most children like driving, not all of them do. Some cry non-stop, which can make a road trip an ordeal. Or maybe it’s just the car seat that pinches in one place, a problem that can be solved quickly. Some babies fall asleep in the hustle and bustle, others are already annoyed (and make this known loudly) when the radio in the supermarket is too loud. While one baby really likes to be pushed through the world in a stroller, another is outraged when it has to lie alone somewhere and wants to be carried all the time.

So if you want to travel with your baby, you should first get to know it properly and try out which situations it accepts well and which ones affect it. Accordingly, you can choose your destinations, as well as the activities on site and also the type of arrival. What speaks against a few months Hiking to celebrate in the home environment when the child is slumbering in the carrier for it? As it grows up, its tolerance for new situations also grows, which it can get to know again and again through parents who love to travel.

Anyone can go on a winter holiday, but in the long run even skiing and snowboarding become boring. However, this does not mean that you have to cancel your winter holiday. There are still a lot of activities off the beaten track. Snow and ice have much more to offer. In addition, the most beautiful areas for your winter holiday in Europe make it very easy for you to occupy yourself off the slopes. We have summarised the best activities for your active winter holiday for you here.

Where is the journey going?

In Europe , we can consider ourselves really lucky, because here we have some of the most beautiful winter sports resorts in the world. If you look at the Dolomites , for example. They offer several areas for enthusiastic winter sports enthusiasts.

Two of the most popular are Val Gardena and Alta Badia. Here you have the opportunity to practice winter sports on the Dolomites World Heritage Site . Treat yourself to a break in one of the wellness hotels in the Dolomites, which offer great relaxation and recreation programs.

In addition to the Dolomites, there are also other classic winter sports areas in this country, in France, Switzerland and Austria. However, it has a lot more to offer besides Ischgl. However, winter activity does not necessarily always have to be associated with an overnight stay. If you live near a ski resort, you can simply plan a day trip at the weekend to work out in the snow.

Cross country

Skiing in a different way – that’s cross-country skiing. On predetermined trails you can move comfortably on skis. This eliminates the rush of speed that you experience with regular skiing. However, this will give you much more time to enjoy the landscape and its surroundings.

However, cross-country skiing beginners should first get to grips with the sport. It may look easy, but the discipline is technically very demanding and exhausting. A wide variety of muscle groups, such as legs, arms and torso, as well as endurance are trained.

Hiking with snowshoes

You can really slow down on a hike with snowshoes. You are mainly out and about in deep snow and rather untouched nature. The snowshoes ensure that the weight of the hikers is evenly distributed on the surface and that they do not sink too deep during their steps.

In this sport, the equipment is very important. In addition to snowshoes, a warm snowsuit is essential. Since you often move around in untouched landscapes in the mountains, there is a risk of avalanches. Therefore, you should take appropriate precautions, for example with an avalanche backpack, a shovel, an avalanche transceiver and a probe.

Ice skating

Ice skating is now possible almost everywhere in larger and even smaller cities. In the corresponding ice rinks, beginners can rent skates and take their first steps on the ice.

Ice skating itself is a very good sport to train endurance. At the same time, the cardiovascular system is stimulated. In addition, coordination and the sense of balance are trained. Ice skating is particularly suitable for people with joint problems.

The gliding movements on the ice do not challenge the body as much as, for example, jogging, where every step causes a small impact shock.

Curling

The so-called curling is a little more leisurely. However, this sport is still challenging, even if not so much physical effort is required. Two teams compete against each other.

Each team must try to glide their curling stones over an ice surface as close as possible to a set target. With the so-called curling broom, the speed of the stones as well as the distance they cover can be measured.

In curling, good hand-eye coordination and strategic thinking are particularly important. It is not for nothing that it is considered a precision sport.

Toboggan

Not only children will have fun with this winter sport, but also the adults. For tobogganing itself, you don’t need more than a sled. Ideally, it should be made of wood. Models made of plastic are simply less robust and can break down more quickly.

In ski resorts you will find specially marked toboggan runs where you can ride your sled. If you don’t want to travel that far, however, a snow-covered hill near you will do. However, tobogganing is not as easy as it looks. Above all, the control requires some practice, because it is done by shifting the weight.

Ice climbing

A breathtaking and equally dangerous winter sport is ice climbing. This is where the Dolomites come into play again, because the Val Travenanzes in the eastern Dolomites in particular offers great opportunities for ice climbers. There you will find a rock about 200 meters high and 400 meters wide, covered with various ice lines. Beginners in particular should not dare to climb the ice wall on their own, but should be guided by a mountain guide.

Swimming in the thermal baths

After so much excitement on the ice wall, you deserve a little relaxation. In addition to the wellness hotels in the Dolomites already mentioned, you can also relax in the various thermal baths. In sub-zero temperatures, you can swim outside in the wonderfully warm water. This relieves tension and gets the circulation going. This is a really relaxed way to bring an active winter holiday to a close.

It is said to resemble a “fairy tale from 1001 nights”. Something mysterious, almost mystical, is associated with it. It promises an escape as if to another world, where something unknown awaits at every corner: exotic spices, magnificent remnants of former advanced civilizations, Bedouins wrapped in robes riding camels. The language is from the Orient and all the expectations that come with a trip to corresponding countries. If you choose the right highlights, you can actually experience all this – and much more.

In search of the Orient…

… many people who want to travel are already faced with the first important question: Which countries belong to it at all? After all, there are no defined boundaries as to where the Orient actually begins or which cultures can still be described as Oriental. Although the Orient is probably known to every child because of stories like that of “Aladdin”, only a few people know how it is defined in detail. It is therefore time to shed light on the matter: The term is derived from a Latin word called “Oriens”, which can be roughly translated as East. It includes several countries in Africa and Asia that have a similar culture and religion and are sometimes characterized by the aforementioned peculiarities. The most important influencing factors are Islam, the hot climate and the great wealth of numerous countries in the oriental world, which make for a unique mix. This is what makes up the “fairy tale from 1001 Nights” for many people in this country and is reflected, for example, in typical food, typical music or typical clothing.

The Orient, as the Orient is also called, primarily includes Afghanistan, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Yemen, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. This already makes it clear how diverse the travel destination really is – and that one cannot actually speak of the one Orient. Instead, it is worthwhile to explore this part of the world in all its facets and to discover the differences in oriental culture depending on the country. In addition to traditional places to go such as the oriental markets, there are also modern sights that are worth a visit. So if you want to experience the real Orient, you should plan a round trip and don’t miss the following highlights:

Morocco: The epitome of the Orient

If you are looking for the classic Orient as most people imagine it, with its colorful market hustle and bustle, its spicy scents and its ancient sights, Morocco is the perfect destination. The former capital Marrakech in particular is therefore often referred to as the “Gateway to the Orient” and impresses with its original culture, its bright colors and its safety, because not every destination in the Orient is suitable for a trip, as the previous list has made clear. Nevertheless, a certain amount of caution is also advisable in Marrakech, especially in crowds such as traditional markets. Nevertheless, a visit is worthwhile – with appropriate safety precautions – and the “must-sees” for visitors to Morocco also include the “blue city” Chefchaouen, the Sahara, the former royal city of Fez and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Ben Haddou. They all allow visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating past of the Orient.

Israel: The Land of Encounter

Few people think of Israel first when they plan a trip to the Orient. But it is a recommended place to go for so many reasons, because there the oriental culture shows itself from a completely different side. Israel is a country where different religions and cultures meet; Today as then. This has left numerous traces and shaped it into a diverse destination that also reflects oriental influences. The bazaar in Jerusalem or the Dome of the Rock, for example, seem to be typical. But other sights also make up this part of the Orient and present it in a new light: dream beaches near Eilat, holy sites of various religions such as the Western Wall or the oldest inhabited city in the world called Jericho. However, precisely because Israel is such a melting pot, there are always conflicts there. Once again, therefore, a certain amount of caution is required when traveling.

Jordan: A journey into the past

It is only in the last few years that Jordan has been enjoying increasing popularity as a travel destination in the Orient. Because there, the remnants of earlier advanced civilizations can be explored in a safe environment and for comparatively little money. With the rock city of Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and the capital Amman, Jordan has no shortage of highlights and each of them brings an incomparable oriental flair. So if you associate the Orient with the desert, Bedouins and camels, Jordan should not be missed. Above all, however, it is worthwhile to seek contact with the locals. Those who behave respectfully prove to be extremely hospitable and may allow them a first-hand insight into their culture.

Qatar: Modern Orient of Superlatives

At the latest since the bid for the 2022 World Cup, Qatar has probably been a household name. The country is located on a peninsula on the Persian Gulf and is also characterized by a desert-like landscape with high dunes. In contrast, however, are the ultra-modern skyscrapers that adorn the modern Orient today, especially in Arab regions. Qatar is therefore an excellent place to go to experience today’s Orient and to change your perspective, so to speak. But even here there are still some sights with typical oriental flair, such as the Souq Waqif market in Doha. If you want to go to Qatar in the near future, you may still be able to attend a World Cup match and thus experience the futuristic atmosphere that prevails everywhere in the country particularly intensively. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that it is an Islamic country and therefore sports betting, for example, is prohibited. If you still want to do so, you should do so in advance in your own country after a careful look at the quotas .

Oman: The Oriental Caribbean

Oman is one of the lesser-known destinations on the Arabian Peninsula. Nevertheless, it is absolutely worth seeing – especially if you are looking for oriental flair. Oman is home to impressive Islamic places of worship, ancient sights, fortresses, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Wadi Nakhar, the so-called “Grand Canyon” of the Orient. But not only these highlights are good reasons to travel to Oman, but also its beautiful beaches and oases, which have earned it the nickname as the Oriental Caribbean. Overall, Oman is considered one of the safest, most peaceful and beautiful destinations for a vacation like from 1001 nights.

Turkey: Bridge between Occident and Orient

Turkey is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the Orient, but it is important to move away from the tourist centres. After all, this was once the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, but today Turkey is also strongly influenced by its Western neighbors. It is therefore considered a bridge between the Orient and the Occident, which in turn has given it its very own charm, which differs from other oriental cultures. If you are looking less for mass tourism in Turkey and more for the oriental side of the country, you will find it in Edirne, Istanbul and Izmir, for example.

UAE: A culture through the ages

Finally, the United Arab Emirates cannot be missing from this list. Similar to Qatar, they stand above all for the future of the Orient. Superlatives await at every corner and the wealth of these countries is visible in numerous details such as gilded decorations. Nevertheless, the robes, the camel markets, the high sand dunes and much more make it clear that you are still in the Orient. A unique mixture that everyone who is interested in the Orient in all its facets should have seen. However, this does not mean that all rules have been overridden in the United Arab Emirates. Islamic principles also apply here, which must be observed, for example, when choosing clothing or gambling. It is therefore essential to inform yourself in advance and to adhere to these rules – then nothing stands in the way of a successful trip to the Orient of then and now!

Butterflies in the stomach – at the beginning of a relationship, you have the feeling that the time together is not enough. Couples feel a certain exclusivity in these first few months. Why shouldn’t this period of time be used to freeze? Here are 5 tips to make your holiday together a success.

1. Wanderlust? Where do you want to go?

The first thought of a romantic getaway is very exciting. However, you should keep a cool head when planning. After all, you want your holiday to be a complete success. Many lovers see the first trip as a test of endurance for the new love. However, this is a matter of opinion and not every relationship can withstand this “endurance test”.

So the first step should be openness. A romantic evening for two is the best time to start planning. Common goals bind emotionally to each other and strengthen love. There are different strategies to find out whether the ideas coincide. One way is to brainstorm. Spontaneous ideas are collected without judgement or censorship.

Once the decision has been made for a suitable destination, the next question is when you want to escape from everyday life. If you like to travel from July to October, you have a wide choice of sunny destinations. A little time out is of course possible all year round. It is also worth looking for alternatives for the colder seasons. However, a winter holiday with a dog , for example, requires additional planning and usually cannot take place spontaneously.

In Iceland, a special volcanic beach can be explored, the so-called Diamond Beach of the Jökulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. It is home to countless crystal clear ice formations, which is how it got its name. Those who are magically attracted by the warmth will not be able to escape the charm of the island of Malta . But the picturesque archipelago has much more to offer. The temperatures are around 14-15 degrees even in winter, which is why it can be visited all year round.

So if you can’t find a suitable vacation day right away, you shouldn’t despair. It is a good idea not to plan long vacations at the beginning of a relationship. This is less complicated and gives first insights into the new relationship life.

The most important thing is that both partners agree with the decision. Understanding and respecting each other’s travel habits is the most important prerequisite.

2. Between identity documents, insurances and entry requirements

The trip is booked, but the suitcases are still empty. Next, all the necessary documents should be packed. The most important document for a time out abroad is the passport. A German passport can be used to travel to over 170 countries.

In addition to the entry requirements, the driver’s license should also be checked. This is crucial when a rental car is waiting on site. Under certain circumstances, an international driver’s license must still be issued here.

It is particularly practical if you can pay directly with the local currency in the holiday destination. This can be used to pay the taxi driver or bus to the hotel immediately. With a fixed budget in cash, the traveler has a greater overview of his expenses. This creates transparency and prevents more expenditure than planned.

If, on the other hand, you would like to monitor your finances online in a relaxed manner, you can do so with a credit card. Each account model has different conditions. If you don’t have a credit card yet, you can apply for one at your bank.

In times of Corona, it is important to find out before departure what vaccination status and test certificates are required in the respective country. Accordingly, the vaccination can be refreshed if there is insufficient protection. It also avoids waiting times at the airport.

You are protected worldwide with international travel health insurance. Nobody wants to get sick on vacation. If this happens, it saves the traveler a lot of trouble. In the event of illness, the insurance covers the costs of medication or operations on site and, under certain circumstances, transport home.

3. Activities, culture and sights

Just planning the trip and collecting ideas for the excursions arouses anticipation. If you like unusual experiences, you can book a carriage ride through the city. Lovers can experience pure romance at a picnic while the sun goes down.

However, you shouldn’t plan too much here. Rest breaks are important and contribute to relaxation. After all, it’s a vacation and not a business trip. It is worthwhile to go offline for this period and leave the mobile phone off. This avoids distraction and gives more freedom for time together. Another tip is not to mess up your sleep rhythm too much. Seven to eight hours are also perfect on vacation.

4. Travel provisions

Healthy nutrition on holiday: As soon as the journey starts, the stomach starts growling. This can be very exhausting. To get ahead of hunger, it is worth preparing something.

Before leaving, both partners can put together a small bag full of healthy snacks and small meals. Here, a joint purchase can reveal certain preferences. In addition to your own needs, there are also general tips:

1. Food that needs to be refrigerated should be prepared immediately before departure and, if possible, stowed in a cooling bag.
2. Protein-rich foods such as eggs or legumes fill you up. To save space and effort, a salad that combines all this is suitable. However, raw egg foods such as mayonnaise should be avoided and an oil dressing should be used instead.
3. Between meals, a small snack is a good idea. Chocolate-covered foods are not as good as cereal bars, for example. Nuts, on the other hand, are not only healthy, but also provide new energy.
4. The right preparation is very crucial when taking it with you. Sliced apples and unpackaged sandwiches are rather unsuitable for a trip. Sliced fruit spoils much faster. A lunch box is best suited to transport everything safely.

The prepared food can be eaten well in small breaks. It is a good idea to eat smaller meals throughout the day on a trip. With good planning and a little patience, you can save a lot of time and money along the way.

5. Holiday fund

How much budget you have available is very individual. Some couples have a joint holiday fund, in which, for example, they save leftover money from shopping and invest it in the holiday. Not everyone can afford the same amount of travel, which is why it makes sense to agree on a fixed budget early on.

A common fund requires a lot of trust and tolerance. So the first thing you should do is figure out which expenses should be shared. On a separate joint account, something can be put aside before the trip. There is no real solution to this. It looks different for every couple.

One thing is certain, before and during the trip, decisions have to be made in which money plays a major role. It is therefore worthwhile to define a fair distribution.

Result:

The first holiday together is very exciting. Maybe not everything goes according to plan right away. It doesn’t have to. Even if someone gets sick or the beach is too crowded, you shouldn’t panic. The main thing is that you are empathetic in any case and try to understand your counterpart. This also creates a new level in the relationship and strengthens cohesion. So it’s worth being brave and taking this step. The first holiday together is an unforgettable experience for every couple, which welds together and can be a good basis for the future.

Hiking combines exercise and nature. If you go hiking, you should make sure that you have the right equipment with you. This is especially true for hiking tours in the mountains. In addition to food and drink, suitable clothing, suitable footwear and hiking poles are mandatory.

On the move: This is part of the hiking equipment

Many people have rediscovered hiking for themselves. While some take it easy, others test their limits and embark on a multi-day tour through the mountains. Ambitious hikers and pilgrims experience many exciting things on their long excursions, which are often completely unexpected.

Before every hiking tour, there is therefore thorough preparation and associated consideration of which things should be included in the hiking holiday. What should not be forgotten on any hike is the right equipment. In order not to overlook anything, it is advisable to create a packing list beforehand on which all important things are noted.

1. The hiking boots

Hiking boots come in many styles, from mid-high shoes to mountain boots. For hikes in the mountains, shoes that reach above the ankle are recommended. In this way, they give the wearer a secure footing and protect their ankles from stones. When it comes to hiking boots, the right fit is also important. They should fit comfortably and well, as they will be worn for several hours (on rough surfaces). It is also important to take care of your hiking boots. These should be cleaned intensively after each hike with suitable care products. Cleaning should only be done by hand to protect the material.

2. Hiking clothing

The right hiking clothing is the be-all and end-all when hiking. This should be breathable. That’s why many hiking fans now swear by sports underwear and functional shirts. Since the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains, a softshell jacket, a windbreaker or a rain jacket should not be missing in your luggage. Suitable hiking pants are also important. There is a choice of shorts and long trousers. Trouser models are particularly practical, in which the long legs can be removed if necessary.

Headgear, sun protection & Co.

Every skier knows that UV radiation is stronger at high altitudes. Hikers should also take this to heart and protect themselves accordingly with suitable headgear (for example a cap), sunglasses and sunscreen.

4. Hiking poles

Not every hiker attaches importance to hiking poles. However, if you hike in the mountains, you should not do without the practical helpers. The steeper the paths, the more useful the poles become. They relieve the legs, as the arms are additionally used, and thus help with the ascent. You can usually notice the difference the next day, when the sore muscles are not too severe.

5. Food and drink

On longer hikes, nutrition is extremely important to keep the body hydrated and energized. Snacks such as trail mix and muesli bars are suitable for a little refreshment in between. After the hiking tour, it can then be a hearty snack so that the body can replenish its energy stores.

Water should always be available in sufficient quantities on hikes. If you attach great importance to sustainability and want to do without bottles and waste, you can use a special hydration system. This is a bag with an integrated tube. The tube then protrudes from the backpack and can be attached to the side. This allows the hiker to drink water if necessary without having to take off the hiking backpack.

6. Hiking backpack

Of course, a good hiking backpack should not be missing on a hiking tour. For a day trip, a backpack with a volume of between ten and 30 liters is sufficient. For hikes lasting several days, larger models should be chosen so that there is enough space for provisions and spare clothes.

The construction of a hiking backpack varies depending on the manufacturer and model. Some models are equipped with a practical mesh back. A mesh cover ensures good ventilation of the back and prevents sweating. There are also some differences in the equipment. Most hiking backpacks have numerous compartments in which water bottles, smartphone, wallet and other utensils can be stowed.

7. Sleeping bag

If you are going on a hiking trip lasting several days, you are well advised to take a sleeping bag with you. The sleeping places in mountain huts are usually quite well equipped. Nevertheless, it is advisable to find out in advance what the bedding looks like. If no bed linen is available, the hiker can fall back on his sleeping bag.

8. Emergency kits

Something can always happen when hiking. That’s why when it comes to security, more is actually more here. If you are on the road for several days, you should have the following things with you, among others:

• First aid kit
• Blister plasters
• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Headlamp
• Power bank for the smartphone
• Neoprene gloves

If necessary, a rain cover for the backpack can also prove useful, especially if it rains frequently in the respective region.

What else do you need to consider when hiking?

Whether in Europe, America, Asia or Africa – anyone who goes on a hiking tour must adhere to the rules applicable in the respective country in order to protect nature, other people and themselves. In addition, the following applies:

If you have never been in the mountains before, you should start with small tours to test your own fitness. Inexperienced hikers will quickly notice the difference between a hike in the plain and in the Alps. Gradually, the length of the tours can be increased. The altitude also plays a role. It is better not to start too high up. For the first hikes, up to 1,500 meters above sea level are recommended. This way, the body gets used to the differences in altitude better.

Overall, everyone should be careful not to overstrain their body when hiking. Sweating is normal and part of it. However, if you experience pain while walking, it is better to hike more slowly or take a break. One rule says the following: If you can talk to someone without any problems while hiking, you walk at the ideal hiking pace.