All about travel

Houseboat holidays in Alsace

France

PatrickJullien

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21. May 2024

Due to its location on the border with Luxembourg and Germany, the French Alsace is a very popular region for unusual houseboat tours, which are also ideal for novice drivers. During a boat trip, travelers can not only discover numerous historical sights and enjoy the impressive nature, but also indulge in culinary delights. Start your journey in Saverne, a charming town considered the gateway to Alsace. Here are some of the top sights you can discover on your houseboat trip.

Place steeped in history: Saverne

A very popular place to start a houseboat trip Alsace is Saverne. Before leaving, you can visit the Rohan Castle in the city and, of course, stop at one of the many restaurants to try a “choucroute”, for example. From Saverne, you will then continue to Strasbourg or Nancy, where you will also pass by the famous Arzviller boat lift. The ship lift is a technical masterpiece, because here ships are hoisted or lowered 45 meters into the air on a ramp.

Out and about with the houseboat in Alsace — On the road with the houseboat in Alsace, Image: ©NICOLS

Lutzelbourg: An idyllic village

From Saverne, your route will take you to Lutzelbourg, a picturesque village overlooked by a medieval castle. Lutzelbourg is particularly known for its crystal glass grinding. About a hundred meters above the village is the ruins of the Lützelburg, from where visitors can enjoy an unforgettable panorama. The ruins of Lutzelbourg Castle offer a breathtaking view of the valley and the canal. The town itself captivates with its traditional Alsatian half-timbered houses and its quiet atmosphere.

Phalsbourg: A touch of history

Continue to Phalsbourg, a small fortified town with an interesting military history. Visit the Musée Historique et Erckmann-Chatrian, dedicated to local history and the works of the two famous writers. The well-preserved city walls and the impressive city gate are also worth seeing.

Hochfelden: Centre of Alsatian beer culture

Next, you will reach Hochfelden, which is known for its brewing tradition. Here you will find the Brasserie Meteor, the oldest independent brewery in Alsace. A guided tour of the brewery offers a fascinating insight into the art of brewing beer and of course ends with a tasting.

Relaxing on the water, Image: ©Philippe_de_Rexel

Strasbourg: The capital of Europe

Your next stop is Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, charming half-timbered houses, and impressive structures. Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is an absolute must-see. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ill River to experience the city from a different perspective.

Obernai: A jewel of the wine route

From Strasbourg, you will continue to Obernai, one of the most beautiful villages along the Alsace Wine Route. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and lively atmosphere. The Place du Marché, with its colourful half-timbered houses and Renaissance town hall, is a popular meeting place. You can also visit the Saint-Léon chapel and enjoy the local gastronomy in one of the many restaurants.

Colmar: The heart of Alsace

The journey continues to Colmar, often referred to as the “Venice of Alsace”. The old town of Colmar is a true open-air museum with its picturesque alleys, canals and historic buildings. The Unterlinden Museum, which houses the famous Isenheim altarpiece, is a cultural highlight. A walk through the “Petite Venise” district, with its pastel-colored houses and flower-adorned bridges, is an unforgettable experience.

A houseboat offers space for friends and family, Image: ©NICOLS

Eguisheim: A fairytale village

Just a short drive from Colmar is Eguisheim, voted the most beautiful village in France in 2013. The circular village with its narrow, cobbled streets and colourful half-timbered houses is a real feast for the eyes. Taste the local wine in one of the many wineries and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion: Back to Saverne

After exploring Alsace, your route will take you back to Saverne. Take the opportunity to stroll through the charming streets of the city once again and enjoy the last hours of your trip.

More tips

Alsace is an area that has a large number of locks. However, these are easy to use, so even beginners have no problems with them. The automatic locks are activated either by means of a remote control, by a light barrier or a chain of locks, only in the large Moselle locks is there also a lock keeper. The houseboats are easy to steer, so you don’t need a license for your vacation. You will receive a detailed briefing on site and can then start your journey immediately. The prices for a houseboat depend on the size or equipment as well as the chosen season, the trips are cheaper in April or October, while in the high season – i.e. in the summer months – you have to expect higher prices. However, since the climate in Alsace is mild, a houseboat tour is worthwhile in summer as well as in autumn or spring.

Where should you go on vacation next?

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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20. May 2024

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No matter what your perfect vacation looks like, whether you’re traveling as a couple or with the kids, want to spend it all or save up, here are some great suggestions for you.

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For beachlovers

South Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. During a South Africa tour you will love the sun, the sea and the sand, and you will be spoilt for choice. Visit Cape Town’s Clifton beaches for soft white sand and clear blue waters. Head to Durban’s Golden Mile for warm ocean waves and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the unspoilt beauty of the Wild Coast with its rugged cliffs and tranquil beaches. Whether you want to surf, sunbathe or take a relaxing stroll, the beaches of South Africa offer something for everyone.

You won’t find finer beaches than in Bali. Known for its rugged coastline and turquoise waters, Bali is paradise on earth – waiting to be explored.

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach that offers warm waters and silky sand, then head to Nusa Dua, surrounded by many luxury hotels in case you get a bit hungry. For something a little more lively, you’ll feel right at home in Kuta, the party capital of the island; There is always something going on in Kuta, day or night!

For city dwellers

Shanghai Tower, Image: Vladimir ZH / shutterstock

When it comes to exploring a captivating city, we can’t think of anything more perfect than Shanghai. With plenty of shopping, plenty of entertainment, and a fascinating history, Shanghai is a paradise for those looking to immerse themselves in an exciting city.

Indulge in some retail therapy on the streets of Shanghai, where brands like Prada and Burberry are ubiquitous, and cool vintage stores offer all sorts of treasures. There are also bustling markets where you can spend hours!

Shanghai also offers an abundance of art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and live music venues, making for a memorable city break.

Crowds of people walk along Nanjing Road under neon signs. The street is the city’s main business district and one of the busiest shopping districts in the world.

For families

Home to the world’s most famous theme parks, it’s no surprise that Orlando is on our list of perfect family vacations.

No matter how old you are, you’ll love a visit to Disney World, a famous mecca for roller coasters and attractions that you undoubtedly know from your favorite Disney movies. And if you want to skip the lines, a Disney FastPass+ allows you to reserve access to some Disney attractions in advance, including shows, parades, and meet-and-greets.

Of course, Orlando also features Universal Orlando, complete with three amazing theme parks, including the magical world of Harry Potter – always a hit with families!

For people on a budget

If you’re looking for value for money, Turkey is definitely worth considering. From beautiful beaches to delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this exotic location.

Blessed with turquoise waters, pebble beaches, and a booming nightlife, Marmaris offers excellent value for money, especially when it comes to all-inclusive accommodations.

For families on a budget, Turkey also offers plenty of options, with family-friendly hotels galore. The five-star Letoonia Club in Fethiye offers a special children’s club, not to mention two swimming pools with water slides.

Have we given you some ideas for your next vacation?

The tower, the park, the harbour: tradition and modernity in the popular holiday resort of Castellón de la Plana

Spain

PatrickJullien

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17. May 2024

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The tower, the park, the harbour: tradition and modernity in the popular holiday resort of Castellón de la Plana

On the east coast of Spain, right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the university town of Castellón de la Plana. It has about 170,000 inhabitants and is easily accessible because it has its own airport. But most tourists probably travel via the metropolis of Valencia, which is only 30 km away – or even with a cruise ship: Cruise ships often arrive in the port of Castellón de la Plana, and the passengers may then spend a few hours in the city. But such a short stay is actually not appropriate for the traditional city! If you can make it possible, you should take a few days for Castellón de la Plana, yes, maybe even spend the whole holiday here – it’s worth it! A beach holiday is highly recommended, as the water temperatures of the Mediterranean Sea reach around 25°C in July, even 26°C in August, and in September the water on the beaches of Castellón de la Plana is still around 24°C!

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A stroll through the old town

Castello de la Plana — Castellón de la Plana is a popular destination in Spain in spring and autumn, Image: Bonacasa / shutterstock

The old town with its narrow streets, nice restaurants and numerous shops offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and going out. If you like to party, head to the small party district of Las Tascas with its cocktail bars in the evening. And during the day it is worth taking beautiful photos in the old town. Tourists like to walk through the market square and admire the pretty town hall with its arcades. It was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. In front of the town hall there is a fountain – also photogenic. The most beautiful photo motif and landmark of the city is not the town hall, but the tower “El Fadri”. It is the octagonal bell tower of the cathedral of Castellón de la Plana, the “Iglesia Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Ascunción”. The 58 m high tower dates from the 16th century and was built in the Gothic style. It stands separately from the church to which it belongs. The cathedral itself is definitely worth seeing, but much younger than the tower. After fires and destruction, the original church was reconstructed in neo-Gothic style from 1939 onwards. It has an impressive nave with two aisles and is decorated with beautiful altars and statues. Outside there is a small cloister. The Basilica of Our Lady of Lledó, built between 1724 and 1731, is also worth a visit – a place of pilgrimage for the locals, an admirable building for tourists and also a place of silence and contemplation. The basilica is painted bright white inside and out.

Interesting and quiet: the museums

Not only the historic buildings, but also the museums prove that Castellón de la Plana is a very attractive place for those interested in culture. Two of the city’s museums should be mentioned here: The largest and most important museum in the city is probably the “Museum of Fine Arts”. Many archaeological finds are exhibited here, but also numerous pretty, colorful ceramic products. (An extra tip: ceramic jugs, cups or plates are ideal holiday souvenirs from the region!). In addition, interesting paintings and sculptures can be found in the museum. Also worth a visit is the Ethnological Museum (“Museo de Etnologia”), where mainly everyday objects of the 19. and 20th century. This is where the region’s past comes alive!

Attractive for families: the adventure pool and the beaches

Families like to spend an eventful day in the “Aquarama” adventure pool. It is located just 12 km north of Castellón de la Plana and offers attractions for swimmers and non-swimmers, such as various swimming pools, paddling pools and water slides. Children will never get bored here! But the beaches are also attractive: north of the city harbour are the beaches of Playa el Gurugú, Playa del Pinar and Playa el Palmeral. Every family will find a nice place here, even in the high season! The sand is light and fine, and the beaches slope gently down to the sea. Important for children and non-swimmers: Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season. Sanitary facilities, showers and beach bars are also available. Another tip: South of the city harbour is the beach Playa de Ben Afelí. It belongs to the southern municipality of Almassora and is often a little quieter than the city beaches on hot summer days. Beach bars can also be found here. By the way, a walk on the beach is a wonderful experience at any time of the year.

Rest and enjoy: From the park to the harbour

If you want to relax for a few hours, the best thing to do is to take a walk through Ribalta Park. This park is a “must” for visitors to the city anyway, it is one of the most important attractions! The Ribalta Park was laid out in the 19th century in the English style: with beautiful flower beds, hedges, pond and pavilions. The monuments and sculptures that additionally decorate the park form original photo motifs. The “stars” of the park, however, are the benches. They are not made of wood or plastic, as is usual in “normal” parks, but they are colorful works of art! Each bench is individually designed from colourful mosaic stones.

How about a trip across the Mediterranean?

Not only the large cruise ships dock at the port of Castellón de la Plana, but also smaller ferries that are on their way to and from the Balearic Islands. Many tourists like to take a trip to Ibiza, for example. But if you have spent a few days in Castellón de la Plana and fallen in love with this city, you may not want to leave…

Holidays in Spain in the mid-season

Spain

PatrickJullien

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17. May 2024

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Due to the heat waves that have prevailed in southern Europe in midsummer in recent years, more and more tourists are moving to cooler regions during the summer months. Currently, Holland, the North Sea and South Tyrol are at the top of the list of the most popular destinations.

But of course, wanderlust also wants to be satisfied in Germany’s most popular foreign travel destination. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at which Spanish destinations are particularly worthwhile in the off-season (March-June & September-October). We draw on information from a study by Ferienwohnungen-spanien.de , which recorded the maximum temperatures, average UV values and humidity for over 100 popular Spanish holiday resorts.

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The early mid-season in Spain from March to June

One thing in advance: UV exposure in the early off-season is significantly higher in Spain than in the late off-season – despite sometimes lower temperatures. So if you have particularly sensitive skin, we recommend postponing your travel plans to autumn.

According to the study, the most popular travel destinations at this time of year are:

Valencia
Castellón de la Plana
Huelva
Javea
Moraira
Alicante
Denia
El Campello
Cadiz
Guardamar del Segura

We briefly introduce Valencia, Alicante and Cadiz to you below:

Valencia – Birthplace of Paella

Valencia, Peñíscola — View of Peñíscola in the Valencia region, Image: Lana_May

With more than 780,000 inhabitants, the third largest city in Spain is located on the east coast of Spain directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its impressive architecture, including the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and the historic cathedral.

If you travel directly to Valencia in March, you will experience “Las Fallas” – the famous festival with the highlight of the burning on March 19th. Valencia also has extensive beaches, where you can relax in the pre-season with pleasant temperatures between 19 and 26 degrees.

Alicante – Swimming on the Costa Blanca

As a beach holiday in the early low season, Alicante in the southeast of Spain is ideal. Towering over the city on the Benacantil mountain is the castle of Santa Bárbara. An absolute highlight in the city invites you to stroll: The Explanada de España, Over 6 million mosaic stones in three colors have been processed into the floor here. At the edge, palm trees provide refreshing shade and in the evening the harbour is a magnet for good food and lively bars.

Cadiz – coastal town in Andalusia

The coast of Cadiz — Cadiz, the oldest city in the West, Image: Travel Faery / shutterstock

In the capital of the province of the same name, temperatures in summer are constantly well above 30 degrees. A trip to this traditional town in spring is a good idea. With pleasant temperatures of around 23 degrees in May, you can explore the city, which was used as a base by sailors long before the birth of Christ.

So it’s no wonder that you can see numerous finds from this era in the city’s archaeological museum. Cadiz is particularly easy to reach for German holidaymakers. Jerez Airport is just 45 kilometres away.

September & October: Soak up the sun before the dark season

Lower UV exposure at pleasant water temperatures. Visiting Spain in the late mid-season offers many advantages. Here, the Balearic Islands, which are particularly popular with German holidaymakers, also performed well in the study.

The most popular travel destinations in autumn:

Castello de la Plana
Can Picafort
Alcudia
Cala d’Or
Cambrils
Magaluf
Palma de Mallorca
Pollença
Salou
Santa Ponça
Tarragona

As in spring, Castello de la Plana appears at the top of the list of the most popular destinations. Since many other holiday resorts from Mallorca share the top rankings, we present the Balearic island as a whole in addition to Castello below:

Castello de la Plana – Tradition on the Mediterranean

A dream for every holidaymaker who is looking for a combination of culture and relaxation. In the morning, stroll quietly on the central market, visit the town hall in the baroque building from the 17th century and take numerous photos with the city’s landmark, the bell tower “El Fadrí”. In the afternoon, after the afternoon rest, the day ends relaxed at the Mediterranean Sea. This is possible in the charming capital of the Valencia region.

Even in autumn, the temperature here is still a pleasant 28 degrees and the humidity is always well tolerated.

Mallorca – Germany’s favourite island

Capo de Formentor — The Cap de Formentor is one of the most popular destinations in Mallorca, Image: Allard One / shutterstock

Almost everyone who has ever visited Cap de Formentor feels the need to return to this magical place. Mallorca is so versatile as an island that there is a suitable holiday destination for every type of holiday.

Somewhat wealthier guests like to go to Andratx in the west of Mallorca, while families with small children are likely to feel most at home in the east around Cala Ratjada, Cala Millor or Sa Coma with its beautiful peninsula Punta de n’Amer.

But there is also no shortage of excursion destinations on the largest Balearic island. In particular, the capital Palma de Mallorca with its cathedral “La Seu” is worthwhile for a day trip.

Spain is always worthwhile – no matter what time of year

In summary, a trip to Spain is always worthwhile. If you don’t mind the heat wave, you can of course spend fantastic days in southern Europe even in the middle of summer.

A little tip for the cool season: City trips to Madrid and Barcelona are also recommended in winter and offer excellent conditions to expand your cultural knowledge at temperatures just above 10 degrees.

Calabria – great beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean Sea

Italy

PatrickJullien

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16. May 2024

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Calabria – great beaches and crystal clear Mediterranean Sea

If you really think of Italy as the proverbial boot on the map, the Calabria region is the tip of the boot. It is the southernmost part of the country and has its own culture and way of life, which is particularly different from that of the people in the north of the country. Located right on the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Calabria not only has an eventful history and impressive nature, but also just the right mix of great beaches and impressive sights that holidaymakers from all over the world want. If you want to understand Italy, you have to discover Calabria on your own.

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Calabria – little-known beauty of Italy

San Nicola Arcella, Calabria — San Nicola Arcella, Image: mRGB / shutterstock

Anyone preparing for a holiday in Italy typically has destinations such as Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Tuscany or Lombardy in mind. Sicily and Sardinia have also become increasingly popular with many holidaymakers in recent years. The Calabria region is known only to very few holidaymakers, but with its beauty it has long since won a place of honour among lovers of the country in southern Europe.

Calabria has always been a contested spot on the Italian mainland. This is where the Moors once landed, later the Greeks came for a short time and it has always been an important part of history in the battles of the individual Italian states. The various fortresses and settlements in the hinterland still bear witness to this today. There are many good reasons why not only the conquerors, but also tourists today take a look at Calabria. Beautiful orange groves, entire forests of olive trees and sometimes completely untouched beaches are just a few examples of the nature that can be found in this region of the country.

Above all, however, Calabria is living Italian culture. It is above all the many traces of Normans, Moors, Greeks and Italians that have shaped a unique culture and perhaps one of the first melting pots in Europe .

Calabria and its nature – what do you have to be prepared for?

Vibo Valentia in Calabria — Vibo Valentia, Image: logaen / shutterstock

Unlike Tuscany , Calabria is a challenge to travel. Not all roads here are as developed as one would like and the general public infrastructure is rather negligible outside the larger towns. This is also a great way to explore this special part of Italy on your own. With the rental car you can go through the mountains or simply along the highways that run along the almost 700 kilometers of coastline and thus ensure that vacationers always have the feeling that the sea is at most a stone’s throw away.

But Calabria is not only the sea, but of course also the mountains. The Calabrian Arc and other small and large mountains in the region ensure that hikers also have many beautiful places to visit here. Particularly impressive are the many small villages in the hilly regions, which have not changed significantly for hundreds of years and have retained the charm of their former founders.

The highlight of Calabria, however, are of course the beaches. Located between two seas, the possibilities for a trip to the coast are almost permanent. There are some beaches in the larger towns on the coast but just as many small bays and areas that are only visited by the locals. A trip to the beach is actually part of every day in Calabria, because here you can still enjoy the sea without a tourist castle nearby.

The sights – which places should you have seen?

Tropea in Calabria, Image: leoks / shutterstock

There are many small and large villages hidden all over the region. After all, it was fought over for many centuries and many peoples have left their mark here. Hidden castles can still be found somewhere in the mountain ranges that once oversaw a supply route. Examples of the beautiful places on the coast are, for example, Isola Capo Rizzuto, Diamante or Capo Vaticano. In Isola, for example, there is the district of La Castella. An old Moorish castle that was later used again and again by the conquerors. It is built in the middle of the sea and allows not only one visit. Lying here on the beach at sunset with the castle as an eye-catcher is a real experience.

Discover and experience the culture of Calabria

A mixture of different influences can be seen both in the cuisine and in the general culture of Calabria, which is a little different from typical Italy. But that refers more to the menus than to the possibilities. Here, too, there are of course small and large restaurants on the coasts and offer fresh seafood everything you can dream of from a holiday by the sea. If you take a little time and overcome the somewhat brusque nature of the Calabians, you will notice what an interesting people live here.

Information for your holiday in Calabria

Important telephone numbers

Police: 112
Fire brigade: 115
Ambulance service: 118
General emergency: 112
German Embassy in Rome: +39 06 49213 1

Supermarkets

Conad: Various locations in Calabria, e.g. in Catanzaro, Reggio Calabria and Cosenza.
Carrefour: Supermarkets in larger cities such as Reggio Calabria and Cosenza.
Coop: Branches in many cities, e.g. in Crotone and Catanzaro.
Eurospin: Branches in cities such as Reggio Calabria, Lamezia Terme and Catanzaro.
Lidl: Supermarkets in cities such as Reggio Calabria, Vibo Valentia and Cosenza.

Doctors in the most important places

Reggio Calabria:
- Dr. Giuseppe Caridi: Ospedale Riuniti, Viale Europa, +39 0965 397111
- Dr. Maria Rosa Versace: Studio Medico, Via Gebbione, 10, +39 0965 634010
Catanzaro:
- Dr. Giovanni Tallarico: Ospedale Pugliese-Ciaccio, Viale Pio X, +39 0961 883111
- Dr. Maria De Stefano: Centro Medico, Via Acri, 16, +39 0961 721038
Cosenza:
- Dr. Francesco Russo: Ospedale Annunziata, Via Felice Migliori, +39 0984 6811
- Dr. Anna Giordano: Studio Medico, Via Roma, 25, +39 0984 32223

Important words with translation

Hello – Ciao
Thank you – Grazie
Please – Per favore
Yes – Sì
Nein – No
Sorry – Scusa
Where is…? – Dov’è…?
How much does it cost…? – Quanto costa…?
Emergency – Emergenza
Doctor – Medico
Hospital – Ospedale

Holidays

New Year’s Day: January 1
Epiphany: January 6
Easter Monday: variable (March/April)
Labour Day: 1 May
National Holiday: June 2
Assumption Day: 15 August
All Saints’ Day: November 1
Immaculate Conception: December 8
Christmas: December 25
St. Stephen’s Day: December 26

Opening hours

Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Many shops close at noon for a siesta.
Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., some also on Sundays.
Restaurants: Lunch from 12:30 to 14:30, dinner from 19:30 to 22:00.
Banks: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Airport

Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF): Calabria’s main airport, about 10 km from Lamezia Terme.
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG): Second largest airport, close to the city of Reggio Calabria.

NUDISM

Not common: There are no official nudist beaches in Calabria. Nudism is not practiced and could be considered offensive.

Post / Stamps

Post offices: In all major cities and towns. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stamps: Available in post offices and tobacconists (tabacchi).
Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 1.15 EUR; Postcard: approx. 1.15 EUR

Safety

Crime: Calabria is considered relatively safe. Observe usual precautions as in any city, especially in tourist areas.
Emergency number: 112

Current

Voltage: 230 volts
Sockets: Type F and L (Type F as in Germany)

Tip

Restaurants: 5-10% of the invoice amount
Taxis: Round up the amount
Hotels: 1-2 euros per day for cleaning staff

Customs

Allowances within the EU: No customs restrictions on personal belongings.
Alcohol: Maximum 10 liters of spirits, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages with less than 22%, 90 liters of wine, 110 liters of beer.
Tobacco: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars, 1 kg of tobacco.

How to make your home safer during the holiday season: 4 tips

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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16. May 2024

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How to make your home safer during the holiday season: 4 tips

While tourists relax on the beach, numerous criminals take the opportunity to break into houses and apartments. After all, the peak travel season always ensures that the corresponding objects are uninhabited and often unguarded. The good news, however, is that house and apartment owners are not completely defenseless against the risk of being stolen.

As is so often the case, there are some tips that can help you to live through the holiday season without burglary or vandalism if possible. But what exactly should those who have resolved to protect themselves and their property pay attention to? The following sections answer these and other questions in detail.

Although there is of course never a 100% guarantee that nothing will happen, there are some ways to enjoy your holiday a little more relaxed.

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Tip No. 1: A modern security camera

“What does it actually look like at my home right now?” – This question is probably asked by many who are enjoying a cool drink at the pool bar. After all, reports of burglaries during the holiday season often cause some tourists to feel uneasy about leaving their apartment or house alone for several days. Those who get to know a surveillance camera in comparison have the chance to find out which model best meets their individual requirements. In this context, it is of course particularly practical that there are now numerous devices that can be paired via an app and are able to transfer the recorded images to the smartphone.

Tip No. 2: Agreements with the neighbors

A good neighborhood is worth a lot. Of course, this is not only evident in “normal everyday life”, but also during the holiday season.

Anyone who, for example, on the beach in Barbados can rely on those who live right next door to take care of emptying the mailbox, but at the same time be attentive when something seems strange, benefits from the good feeling that their property is protected – to a certain extent. In most cases, such neighbourhood services are likely to be reciprocal.

And basically, of course, it is important to know your own limits and not to endanger yourself. This means that if an attentive person discovers that a burglar is sneaking around his neighbor’s house, it is always better to call the police instead of checking on it yourself.

Tip No. 3: Light installations with timers

The interplay of light and shadow plays an important role in the living area, and not only from a visual point of view. Anyone who wants to combine artificial light with the topic of security has a wide range of options – including in the smart home sector.

For example, a timer can be used to determine that rooms are illuminated at a certain time and thus look livelier. This is exactly what deters numerous burglars.

The problem behind this is that if you opt for a classic timer, you can usually only enter fixed times. Attentive burglars who keep an eye on the objects they want to enter for a few days could quickly become skeptical here and realize that no one is there.

Therefore, it is often worthwhile to rely on devices that can be paired with the smartphone. They can be switched on and off via the mobile devices whenever desired – provided there is an appropriate connection. This irregularity then looks much more realistic.

Tip No. 4: B2B (after consultation with the landlord)

Who claimed that an apartment should actually be unused during the absence of a tenant or owner? Many people have not gotten into the habit of making their living space available to other tourists over the course of time.

Of course, it is important to clarify this with the landlord. If they agree, it is even possible to earn a little extra money during the holiday. At the same time, the tenant or the owner of the apartment can be sure that the respective property will not be completely empty during his or her absence.

Kenya – the wild heart of Africa

Africa
Kenya

PatrickJullien

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15. May 2024

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If you think of holidays in Africa, Kenya is usually among the top travel destinations. The country between mountains, savannah and ocean is versatile, adventurous and has a variety of experiences and impressions in store for its visitors. The nature here is more diverse than in almost any other place in the world and the inhabitants are open, warm and hospitable. Kenya has been an independent country from Great Britain since 1963 and is now home to around 47 million people. The airport through which most tourists reach the country is located in the capital Nairobi. Occasionally, there are also direct flights from Germany to Mombasa on the Indian Ocean.

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The Masai Mara National Park – a paradise spared from poachers

Located in southern Kenya, Maisai Mara National Park embodies everything you imagine Africa to be. On 1500 square kilometers, you will find one of the most animal-rich and scenic areas in the country. The Masai Mara National Park consists mainly of savannah, which is crossed by so-called inselbergs. In this national park, visitors can get up close and personal with native species such as leopards, rhinos, lions, buffaloes, and elephants. It is best to plan your visit to the Masai Mara National Park between July and September, as the animals then make their journey from the north of the park to the south and can be observed excellently at the waterholes along the way.

Nairobi – the vibrant capital of Kenya

Zebras Masai Mara — Zebras in Masai Mara National Park, Image: travelview / shutterstock

Even though Kenya is largely known for its stunning wildlife and scenery, the capital city of Nairobi is well worth a visit. This is where most tourists end up anyway and on a tour of the city there are many exciting places to discover and interesting facts about the country and its people. Nairobi is a vibrant city with over 3 million inhabitants and is also correspondingly varied for its visitors.

A visit to the Kenyan National Museum is particularly worthwhile. An impressive variety of cultural and natural history exhibits as well as Kenyan art are displayed here.
Another special attraction of the city is without question the Nairobi National Park. Just 7 kilometres from the centre of the city, this national park is separated from Nairobi by a fence and is home to lions, ostriches and hippos. The park specialises in endangered species and is one of the last refuges for the highly endangered black rhinoceros.

Amboseli National Park – Refuge for Elephants

Kenya, Masai Mara — Masai Mara National Park, Image: Andre Marais / shutterstock

The oldest national park in Kenya, the Amboseli National Park is also one of the largest protected areas in the country with an extension of 390 square kilometers. Its stunning scenery is overlooked by the backdrop of the Kilimanjaro massif, and thanks to the tireless conservation efforts of the local Masai, this national park has been largely spared from poachers. That’s why visitors to Amboseli National Park will find a unique biodiversity. One of the highlights of the park is an impressive elephant population of over 800 individuals that roam the park in small groups.

Lake Nakuru National Park – breathtaking lake scenery

Lake Bogoria Kenya — Flamingos in Lake Bogoria National Park, Image: pornpoj / shutterstock

Lake Nakuru National Park covers an area of 188 square kilometers around the shores of Lake Nakuru and is one of the most visited national parks in Kenya after the Masai Mara. The center of the park is Lake Nakuru itself, which is only deeper than 4 meters in a few places and is therefore one of the shallowest waters of its size. Another special feature of the park is the almost endless flocks of flamingos that populate the lake’s shores. Over 4 million of the colorful birds live here and are the park’s landmark. In addition to the flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is also one of the last refuges for the endangered black rhinos. They live here under the watchful eye of the rangers who protect them from poachers.

Beach holiday in Kenya – the most beautiful beaches

Beaches Kenya — Image: BlueOrange Studio / shutterstock

Even though most visitors come to Kenya for the safaris in the national parks, the country has a lot more to offer. The long coastline of the Indian Ocean hides some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing and unwinding. However, it is important to know that there are strong ebb and flow phenomena on the Kenyan coast.

If you stay in a beach hotel, you will be well informed about this, if you visit a beach on your own, it is best to communicate with the locals about the current situation. One of the most beautiful beaches in Kenya and most famous in the world is Diani Beach. It is located 25 kilometres south of the port city of Mombasa and welcomes its visitors with a 12-kilometre-long, white and fine sandy beach. The infrastructure here is very well developed and there are a large number of hotels. Especially in the south of Kenya there are countless other dream beaches, because there the coast is protected from the surf by a coral reef. The beaches on the north coast of Kenya, on the other hand, are rather wild.