Category: Travel

Sights in Helsinki – a pocket-sized metropolis

The most beautiful daughter of the Baltic Sea, as the Finns like to call their capital, is not a world-class metropolis like Stockholm in neighboring Sweden. With its small city center and manageable size, lively and cosmopolitan Helsinki feels more like a pocket-sized metropolis.

Helsinki, the cosmopolitan capital

The city, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides and lies for the most part on a heavily rugged granite peninsula, has developed its identity in the area of ​​tension between eastern and western cultures. Helsinki’s colorful history since the 16th century has left clear traces not only in the architecture, but also in the culture and the culinary, which is reflected in the cosmopolitanism of the residents.

Kauppatori: Helsinki’s bustling harborside marketplace

The lively and colorful “Kauppatori” is the heart of the city. The market is right on the quay walls of the southern harbor, where the ferries from Sweden dock. In addition to vegetables, fruit and fresh fish, Finnish handicrafts, Lapland sweaters and souvenirs are also sold here. In winter, when temperatures are below zero, the market takes place in the opposite market hall “Wanha Kauppahalli”, which dates back to the days of the Tsars.

Uppenski Cathedral: splendor of orthodoxy in Helsinki

To the east of the market, on a hill, is the largest orthodox church in western Europe. With its thirteen gilded domes and foreign architecture, the cathedral, built in 1868, stands out clearly from its surroundings and is one of the most visible manifestations of Russian influence in Finnish history. The walls and the picture wall of the iconostasis, which separates the sanctuary from the sanctuary, show the characteristic hand-painted images of saints of the Russian Orthodox faith.

Helsinki: Senate Square and Cathedral

The Senaatintori (Senate Square) and its surrounding buildings – the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the University and the National Library – form a unique neoclassical whole. The four buildings were designed in the years 1822-1852 by the Berlin architect and master builder Carl Ludwig Engel. The Cathedral (Tuomiokirkko), completed in 1852, is the most famous building in Finland.

Helsinki: Townhouse and Townhouse District

Carl Ludwig Engel redesigned the originally 18th-century quarter on the south side of Senate Square to give it a more unified look. Until the early 20th century, the Stadthausviertel was the center of the city’s trade and social life. The light blue building, which has served as a townhouse since the 1930s, was a hotel in the 19th century.

The shopping streets of Helsinki: Esplanadi and Havis Amanda

Between the magnificent shopping streets Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplanadi (both briefly called Esplanadi), lies the narrow Esplanade Park, in which various events (concerts, theatre, festivals) take place from May to September. In the park there is a bandstand, the Swedish Theater, lots of benches and the bronze fountain Havis Amanda, a sculpture by Ville Vallgren. According to Vallgren, the figure of a maiden emerging from the sea, made in Paris in 1906, symbolizes the city of Helsinki and her birth.

Free travel and free entry with the Helsinki Card

Finland is expensive compared to other countries in the EU, but the Helsinki Card is a cheap way to explore the capital. The card offers an almost two-hour city tour, free travel on all public transport, free access to around sixty museums, discounts and other extras.

The card, which can be purchased at the Tourist Office at Pohjoisesplanadi 19, costs 35 euros for 24 hours, 45 euros for 48 hours and 55 euros for 72 hours. It costs nothing for children under the age of 7, and far less than half that for older children.

 

Practical tips travel

When you travel, whether to the Baltic Sea, the Alps or abroad, a first-aid kit should always be on board. There is nothing you wish for less than that one of your loved ones falls ill, but unfortunately no one is immune to this. Read here what absolutely belongs in the first-aid kit when you go on holiday with your children.

 

How to get a healthy tan quickly

Enjoy sunlight in moderation

Sunlight has healing powers. UV radiation helps against psoriasis and neurodermatitis, sunlight releases endorphins and stimulates the circulation and metabolism. For these positive effects of sunlight, however, it applies that the sun should only be enjoyed in moderation – everything else is unhealthy. Sunbathing that is too intense causes sunburn, rapidly aging skin and, in the worst case, even skin cancer. A healthy tan is therefore achieved by tanning slowly and judiciously.

How can you achieve a healthy tan?

Especially when the skin is not yet used to the sun after the winter, it is important that it slowly comes into contact with UVA and UVB radiation again.

Therefore, at the beginning of the summer season, spend most of the time in the shade, because you get a tan there too. Time in the sun should be increased very slowly. You should avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is then too hot and too intense, the skin burns too quickly. In the solarium you can tan your skin before the summer, in the sun it is not quite as sensitive as untanned skin. However, you should also use the solarium extremely sparingly.

Self tanner as an alternative to dangerous sunlight

Another way to get a healthy tan is to use self-tanner. It does not cause sunburn or too much UV radiation on the skin, but unfortunately it is not always easy to apply. Especially in places where the skin is a little thicker or not a large smooth area – such as B. on the knees on the elbows or on the palms of the hands – it can quickly lead to yellowish discoloration and streaks that look unsightly. It also takes time for them to go away, as the self-tanner penetrates the top layer of skin.

It is also important that you know that the self-tanner does not have a sun protection factor and that you are therefore not pre-tanned. It is helpful to start taking carotene tablets three to four weeks before summertime. These strengthen the skin’s own protection and also ensure a light tan after prolonged use.

How to get a healthy tan quickly

Enjoy sunlight in moderation

Sunlight has healing powers. UV radiation helps against psoriasis and neurodermatitis, sunlight releases endorphins and stimulates the circulation and metabolism. For these positive effects of sunlight, however, it applies that the sun should only be enjoyed in moderation – everything else is unhealthy. Sunbathing that is too intense causes sunburn, rapidly aging skin and, in the worst case, even skin cancer. A healthy tan is therefore achieved by tanning slowly and judiciously.

How can you achieve a healthy tan?

Especially when the skin is not yet used to the sun after the winter, it is important that it slowly comes into contact with UVA and UVB radiation again.

Therefore, at the beginning of the summer season, spend most of the time in the shade, because you get a tan there too. Time in the sun should be increased very slowly. You should avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. It is then too hot and too intense, the skin burns too quickly. In the solarium you can tan your skin before the summer, in the sun it is not quite as sensitive as untanned skin. However, you should also use the solarium extremely sparingly.

Self tanner as an alternative to dangerous sunlight

Another way to get a healthy tan is to use self-tanner. It does not cause sunburn or too much UV radiation on the skin, but unfortunately it is not always easy to apply. Especially in places where the skin is a little thicker or not a large smooth area – such as B. on the knees on the elbows or on the palms of the hands – it can quickly lead to yellowish discoloration and streaks that look unsightly. It also takes time for them to go away, as the self-tanner penetrates the top layer of skin.

It is also important that you know that the self-tanner does not have a sun protection factor and that you are therefore not pre-tanned. It is helpful to start taking carotene tablets three to four weeks before summertime. These strengthen the skin’s own protection and also ensure a light tan after prolonged use.

Short vacation on Ascension Day: How to use the bridging day

Short break on Ascension Day: Thanks be to the bridge day

Four days off! Namely, because according to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ, as the son of God, went to heaven to his father 39 days after Easter Sunday. In 2019, this holiday is on May 30th and since it always falls on a Thursday, Friday is always a bridging day. Lucky are those who have taken time off and can thus enjoy the extra long weekend. Even a small holiday or a short trip is worthwhile for 4 days. We’ll tell you the best places to travel to.

Short vacation on Ascension Day: This is the best way to use the bridging day to relax

An extended stay in a wellness hotel is great for a 4-day weekend. Let your mind wander, relax and forget everyday worries. There are numerous hotels throughout Germany that offer wellness packages, and you should definitely be able to book something spontaneously.

If you want something more unusual, you can also take a last-minute trip to the Germans’ favorite island. 4 days of beach, palm trees and sea on Mallorca offer a great change from the everyday work week. Short trips to other European or German cities are also varied, although not as relaxing as beach holidays. Southern Europe is great, especially in spring, as are Scandinavian countries and Great Britain.

If you just want a little change of air, you can go to the Baltic Sea or North Sea within Germany and relax a bit there. However, keep in mind that there will be a lot of traffic on the motorways in both south and north directions from Wednesday afternoon.

Short vacation on Ascension Day: You can also use the bridging day at home

In the event that it is too exhausting for you to plan your vacation, travel to your destination, etc. in the four days off, just spend a few nice days at home. If the weather is nice, you can sunbathe, go to the outdoor pools that are already open, or go to a lake. Even a simple picnic in a meadow with your loved ones or a really nice barbecue in the evening can give you a great holiday feeling. Enjoy it, because everyday life goes on on Monday.

Travel planning 2020 – this is how the holiday will be a success

set goal

It doesn’t matter whether someone wants to travel alone or with friends or family. The travel destination always has to fit. Of course, it is more difficult to commit to a goal in a group. But how does that work? Some ideas:

• create a list – each fellow traveler makes a list of exactly three travel destinations. Destinations should be specified as precisely as possible. Example: »Mallorca, Ballermann«. At the end it is compared.
• find matches – are there certain similarities? It is certainly advantageous if the travel destinations match anyway. However, different goals can also be reduced to a common denominator. Beach destinations have the beaches, the sea and good weather in common.
• find a compromise – Ultimately, of course, you have to set a goal. If there is no agreement, it makes sense to determine the goal in turn every year. In the long run, no one goes away empty-handed or can feel left out. Tip: Write as many numbers on each piece of paper as you want to travel with. Now the pieces of paper are crumpled up, placed in a bowl, shuffled and finally drawn. Depending on the number drawn, the winners of the next vacations will be announced.

Safe rules should be established in advance for the selection. It makes sense to also tell children what the budget is and to explain that a cheaper holiday leaves more scope for local activities.

Search for offers and determine the best prices

While at that time those who loved to travel had to go to the travel agency and could only choose from the catalogs of the organizers with whom this travel agency worked, today the Internet is available to them. Finding and comparing deals is relatively easy:

• travel portals – there are many travel portals where vacationers can search for a destination and compare prices. However, it always makes sense to use two or three portals side by side. The prices can vary, especially since individual portals still offer vouchers or bonuses.
• content – the price alone should not decide, it always depends on the content. How is the tasting going? What does the beach offer? If, for example, there is a charge for sun loungers or parasols for hotel guests and an umbrella costs EUR 5.00 per day, these costs add up.
• experiences – it’s no secret that the descriptions of hotels and travel destinations sometimes deal with existing problems in a very creative way. A newly built hotel, for example, may not yet have any outdoor facilities, while a “centrally located hotel” may not be close to the beach, but may be on the main thoroughfare. Testimonials from other hotel guests often paint a better picture, although several reviews must be read and checked for consistency.

It is also important to calculate and compare the ancillary costs related to the holiday. What about rental car costs? What offers are there in the hotel or on site for children? What are the costs?

clarify financing

Of course, a vacation can be financed from your own funds, i.e. from your account. However, it is becoming increasingly common for vacations to be funded. There are several options here:

• tour operator – they offer to pay for the holiday in several installments before departure. However, there are also tour operators who allow complete financing over a certain period of time.
• own credit – Holiday loans or short-term loans are quite common for travel. The advantage is that the traveler can look for the provider himself online and has the opportunity to compare conditions and repayments with each other. The loans often have a term of only 12 months and are therefore paid off quickly.

Sometimes it pays to finance your vacation instead of using up your own funds. The personal reserve is retained.

Entry and formalities

Depending on the country of travel, special formalities have to be fulfilled. Even within Europe, travelers have to make sure that their identity card is still valid – provisional ID cards are often not recognized at the airport. Passports are required outside the EU. Children traveling with you must always have a passport. Depending on your destination, you may also need a visa.

On the other hand, there is the question of vaccinations or special insurance. The Federal Foreign Office provides information about the recommended vaccinations. There is a rule of thumb here that also applies to ID cards and visas: Inform in good time, because issuing or revaccinating can take several weeks.

packing list

It differs, of course, depending on the type of vacation and destination. But from skiing holidays to trekking holidays to beach holidays, the packing list is important. It should be started early so that all the items that are still needed can be acquired. Especially to think about:

• adapter – which sockets does the travel destination use? Even if some hotels rent out plug adapters, it makes sense to take your own with you on holiday.
• charging cable – they must be sought out and laid out in good time. Since almost all devices today have a battery, it can be a daunting task to find the cables and take them all with you on vacation. Tip: Provide each cable with a label that says the device.
• travel pharmacy – it should also be put together in good time, as it is easy to forget. Which means and aids are needed depends on the holiday.

Conclusion – the holiday can come

Compromises always have to be found in the group, but in the end there is always a holiday destination that everyone involved likes. Now it’s time for the real preparation. What does the expiry date of the ID card say? Is it still valid? For long-distance travel that requires a visa, applying in good time is the be-all and end-all. Depending on the embassy, ​​processing can easily take three months – and the plane will refuse entry if the visa is not available.

City trip to Miami

Gigantic skyscrapers, beautiful districts that invite you to go shopping, the surrounding Everglades that inspire with a unique nature.

Miami attractions

During a city trip, numerous sights can be visited. Many visitors are drawn to Miami Beach, where a fine sandy beach invites you to relax in a dreamlike Caribbean atmosphere. Here you also get the best view of the skyline with the gleaming office buildings.

The well-known Four Seasons Hotel and Tower is the tallest building in Miami at 240 meters. You can enjoy a magnificent view over Miami from up here. Many vacationers leisurely stroll to the harbor to admire the luxurious yachts. Boat trips are definitely worth it. During a city tour you can marvel at the Freedom Tower, the Villa Vizcaya or the “Hard Rock Café”. The famous Ocean Drive is also one of the top addresses.

If you want to offer your children something very special during your city trip, you should visit Jungle Island Park on Watson Island. This 7.5-hectare tropical park enchants with numerous animal shows and other attractions, such as parrot feeding or safari tours.

activities

For many tourists, trips to the popular Florida Keys are a must on a city trip. The beautiful coral islands inspire with white, palm-fringed sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. Numerous diving fans use these excursion destinations because of the species-rich underwater world. A trip to the sea aquarium is very worthwhile, where various shows take place several times a day, for example with giant killer whales. A visit to the Everglades National Park is also recommended. Here you can spot raccoons, flamingos and pelicans in their natural habitat.

shopping and nightlife

The center of shopping is Ocean Drive. Here you can shop extensively in large, modern malls and exclusive designer shops. The Bayside is very nice. This shopping center is located right on the water and offers a fantastic view of the Miami skyline. In addition to numerous shops, you will also find restaurants and cafés here.

Miami is known as the true center of nightlife. With a bit of luck, you might even meet a star at a party night. Numerous small, exclusive clubs make up the charm of nightlife in Miami. Here you can party until dawn, for example at the Nikki Beach Club.

Holidays in Thailand with children: yes or no?

Thailand has been very popular with many tourists for years. It’s consistently warm, the food is delicious, the cost of living is low and the beaches are beautiful. Many package tourists as well as backpackers in particular have discovered Thailand for themselves and are boosting the economy there.

Thailand is often excluded as a travel destination by families with children: “The long flight”, “too hot”, “too many risks and dangers” and “what should our child eat there?” are just some of the reasons why this travel destination ( or Asia in general) is often not considered from the outset. A trip to Thailand with the children in tow can be a great experience that is completely unproblematic for the little ones.

Vaccinations and first-aid kit

It is crucial that parents prepare themselves and their children well for the trip. This includes the most important vaccinations such as polio, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A and for longer stays also hepatitis B and a possible malaria prophylaxis, which can be taken in tablet form.

A good first-aid kit can’t do any harm either, although you can buy all the necessary medicines in pharmacies in Thailand (and they’re usually much cheaper than in Germany).

How do children survive the long flight?

For the long flight (11-15 hours, depending on the connection), depending on the age of the children, toys should be taken with them so that they can be kept busy on the plane. Many airlines have special cots for babies, in which the infants can be placed and then slumber peacefully. Older children often enjoy the on-board entertainment and are content to watch a few hours of movies or series.

The first row on the plane is basically intended as a parent-child row and can be reserved in advance. There is more space than in the normal rows and the children can spread out a little on the floor and play there, or there is space for the special baby bed.

Shade and water help in hot weather

Once in Thailand, the hot and humid climate can be challenging for children, so it’s important to keep them well hydrated than at home. The midday heat should also be avoided and primarily only the shade should be sought anyway.

For children’s sensitive skin, parents should have sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 50 in their luggage, as well as a sun hat and long-sleeved, light clothing.

This is how children can feed themselves during a trip to Thailand

As far as food is concerned, parents can bring food from Germany for their babies. Baby porridge is also available in Thailand, or you can cook it yourself in the kitchen of a holiday apartment using locally bought vegetables.

Even slightly older children can – as far as they like it – feed themselves like adults in Thailand. Rice, chicken and the delicious curries and soups, like fresh fruit, do not pose a health risk as long as everything has been cooked long enough or – in the case of fruit – peeled.

It shouldn’t be too spicy

Parents should only pay attention to the spiciness when eating their children and maybe try it beforehand. Children perceive sharpness much more strongly than adults, which is why attention should be paid to this when ordering food. Especially in the tourist places in Thailand there are also western restaurants where the little ones can be provided with pizza, fries and pasta if they feel like it.

Children’s paradise Thailand

The peculiarity of Thailand and the Asian region in general is that children are very welcome there. As a family, many Thais perceive you more consciously than individual tourists and the interest and friendliness are even greater.

Children are welcomed everywhere with open arms and in Thailand at least the locals do not need to be afraid of annoyed looks when the child is restless. Many restaurants also offer children something to play with, do handicrafts or paint, so that the little ones are busy and just as comfortable as their parents.

The children should also be prepared for the trip

If the children are big enough, you should talk to them a lot beforehand so that they too can prepare for the trip. If everyone involved approaches the holiday with the necessary relaxation and thorough preparation, a long-distance trip to exotic Thailand with children is no problem.

We’re going on vacation with our fur nose

lining

dried animal food

This is the simplest solution for the loveliest weeks of the year. You can easily transport the brand you are used to and the quantity you need. Of course you can buy the usual dry food within Germany. This is no longer a matter of course in other neighboring European countries.

Each country has its own feed manufacturers. The products are sold in supermarkets or pet shops. For you, this means a short-term feed change. A purchase over the Internet can take a few days. To get more information on the subject, you can visit the dog portal Puppyblicke.de, where you will find a lot of useful information about keeping your dog.

wet food

Depending on the size of your dog, the amount needed for a week or two is quite substantial. If you have enough space, transportation won’t be a problem. But the disposal of the garbage? Most European countries have waste sorting. Some cans can only be handed in at recycling depots. Where is the closest to your vacation spot?

The alternative is you take the empty cans home with you. The easiest way is to get your furry friend used to dry food while planning your holiday.

barf

This healthy and species-appropriate diet is the most problematic on vacation. Take-out may be available for just a week. The cold chain must not be interrupted. Transport in refrigerated containers and at the holiday destination a chest freezer or a refrigerator with a freezer compartment is required.

Within Germany you will definitely find a butcher you trust. It’s more difficult in the neighboring countries. Especially if you don’t speak the local language. In addition, many people in these countries have little understanding of your feeding problem.

The well-known dry food would be discussed here as a short-term holiday alternative.

Drive

Your dog loves driving. This is a basic requirement. How long is he used to sitting in the car? Depending on your holiday destination, you will be on the road for a few hours.

Adjust the breaks during the journey to your four-legged friend. In the car you should

• water
• water bowl
• poop bag
• rope
• muzzle

have at hand.

Park at rest stops near green spaces. The “small business” is usually done. Sensitive dogs sometimes shy away from “big business”. You are far too excited in the unfamiliar environment.

The removal of the legacy is not only important in Germany, but also in holiday countries. Sometimes there are drastic penalties if you do not comply with this activity.

In Germany we are spoiled by the many poop bag dispensers. Some of them do not exist abroad or they are empty. So you have to buy the bags on the way or at the holiday destination. The search for the dog bags can spoil a vacation day. In addition, they are relatively expensive. So stock up on those little plastic bags at home.

Another tip: do not give your darling anything to eat while driving. The excitement can lead to diarrhea or make him feel sick.

holiday destination

Your darling doesn’t know. Don’t let him run loose unattended. The inhabitants of holiday countries are often more friendly towards dogs than the media or the internet say. Unfortunately, the tolerance stops very quickly when your dog chases cats or suddenly stands on a strange terrace.

For example, pets rarely belong in the house in Italy. But that doesn’t mean they don’t love their animals. Of course it’s different in the cities. There the dogs cannot live in a garden. But in general, dogs are not family members. The locals do not take their four-legged friends with them for a stroll through town or to a restaurant.

air travel

Many airlines allow you to take your dog with you on the trip. Small dogs (so-called “handbag dogs”) can go in the passenger compartment. All others must remain in a dog box in the well-tempered hold.

Checking in and out with a dog takes some time. The flight box must meet certain standards. With all the practice and care, this procedure is pure stress for every furry friend. Does a holiday trip to Mallorca or Greece have to be with a dog?

Conclusion

The holiday together with the dog is a wonderful thing. Our fur noses are family members. Plan your holiday individually for and with your dog. Leave nothing to chance and you both will have an unforgettable time.