CITY

Individual travel as a good alternative to package tours

If you ask me what the advantage of an individual trip is, I would clearly say: freedom. The freedom of your personal vacation arrangements and the flexibility on site. But in contrast to a package tour, you bear full responsibility for an individual trip: there is no contact person who can help you, so you have to organize and plan everything yourself. On the other hand, it has the enormous advantage that you can look around for the best and cheapest services yourself and put them together at your own discretionary.

Organizationally, a lot is demanded, but if you have a talent for organization and like to take travel into your own hands, the work is worth it. In addition to that, you can spontaneously plan your activities on site without being tied to any package services. You can also combine different activities and visit several stations one after the other, whether alone or with someone, it’s entirely up to you. There is no “common thread” – you have full responsibility, but also full control.

Benefits of city breaks

• Short travel time

A city trip usually only takes a few days and can therefore easily take place over the weekend. In the short time it is usually enough to explore the city sufficiently. The arrival and departure points of large cities can be reached quickly and easily.

• Comfortable means of transport

Due to the good networking through various means of transport such as underground, tram or buses, you can usually get from A to B quickly on these trips. Even in deserted areas there is the possibility of calling a taxi.

• Good infrastructure

In large cities there are usually numerous options to access public WiFi, so you can briefly report your stay to your family and friends on the go.

My 3 savings and travel tips for city trips

That travelling comes withcosts at a considerable level is obvious However, there are several points that you can consider and implement in order to save some one or two euros when traveling:

1. Mainland instead of island
Getting to the mainland is often much cheaper than going to an island. If you are after a holiday in Spain, you can e.g. travel to Alicante cheaper than to Ibiza.

2. Cheap meals
In countries where food is generally very expensive, food and drink should at best be included in an all-inclusive package. Otherwise, self-catering is a good way to save money.

3. Couchsurfing or home sitting
If you are sociable this is a wonderful and affordable alternative to expensive hotel accommodation.

City trip

The 5 most popular cities in Europe

During my time as a flight attendant, I have been to almost every European city for work. Of course, every metropolis has its own charm and I can understand that so many travelers love the classics like Paris, London and Barcelona. Still, I think other beautiful cities should be highlighted as well. Here are my five favorite European cities that are always worth a trip:

Copenhagen / Denmark

Copenhagen is casual. The Danes simply know how to combine the beautiful with the practical. Copenhagen is not only the center of Danish design, but is also called the Venice of the North because of its numerous canals. The Danish capital is clean all around. The streets, the air and the omnipresent water make your pulse drop and your mood rise. A day in Copenhagen is really a vacation day! Copenhagen has already been named the best bicycle city in the world twice. Royal castles in the middle of the city, modern architecture, bathing in the harbor, small alleys with buten houses, Gourmet restaurants – Copenhagen is all that and much more.

Copenhagen / Denmark

Copenhagen is casual. The Danes simply know how to combine the beautiful with the practical. It is not only the center of Danish design, but is also called the Venice of the North because of its numerous canals. The Danish capital is clean all around. The streets, the air and the omnipresent water make your pulse drop and your mood rise. A day in Copenhagen is really a vacation day! Copenhagen has already been named the best bicycle city in the world twice. Royal castles in the middle of the city, modern architecture, bathing in the harbor, small alleys with buten houses, Gourmet restaurants – Copenhagen is all that and much more.

Lisbon / Portugal

Lisbon is an impressive city. The charm of the beautiful old buildings combined with the relaxed idleness of the residents welcome tourists immediately. As theCapital of Portugal is located on hilly terrain, the imposing Castelo de São Jorge offers a fantastic view of the entire old town with its pastel-colored houses, the Tejo estuary and the suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril. Lisbon is an authentic capital, with hotels and restaurants for every taste, budget and requirement. A trip to Lisbon can be planned all year round, as the sun shines for up to 290 days a year and the temperature rarely falls below 15ºC.

Lisbon / Portugal

Palermo / Italy

Palermo was once Italy’s feared Mafia city and is now the Italian city with the lowest crime rate. Nevertheless, the first glance at Palermo is sobering because the paint is off and the house facades are crumbling. But that is precisely why Palermo is fascinating, original and unadulterated. The capital of the Italian island of Sicily spoils its visitors with numerous cultural highlights. Marked by an eventful history, the monumental buildings such as the Norman Palace or the Cathedral of Palermo extend over the entire city area. And so that La Dolce Vita is not neglected, the bay of Mondello, located directly in front of the city gates of Palermo, invites you to relax and unwind.

Palermo / Italy

Palermo was once Italy’s feared Mafia city and is now the Italian city with the lowest crime rate. Nevertheless, the first glance at Palermo is sobering because the paint is off and the house facades are crumbling. But that is precisely why Palermo is such a fascinating city. It is original and unadulterated. The capital of the Italian island of Sicily spoils its visitors with numerous cultural highlights. Shaped by a long and eventful history, the majestic and monumental buildings such as the Norman Palace or the Cathedral of Palermo extend over the entire city area. And so that La Dolce Vita is not neglected, the bay of Mondello, located directly in front of the city gates of Palermo, invites you to relax and unwind.

Valencia / Spain

In my opinion, Valencia is an absolute insider tip when it comes to a city trip. Valencia is always overshadowed by its big sister Barcelona, but this is for no reason. Because Valencia offers everything that Barcelona has, but only to be much less touristy and relaxed. The combination of culture, sightseeing, beach and shopping experience makes the city absolutely worth discovering. It is also the architectural contrast from gothic cathedrals and cobblestone squares to futuristic building complexes which makes it fascinating. With 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 18 degrees, the city offers a perfect climate.

Valencia / Spain

In my opinion, Valencia is an absolute insider tip when it comes to a city trip. Valencia is always overshadowed by its big sister Barcelona, but for no reason. Because Valencia offers everything that Barcelona has, but only to be much less touristy and relaxed. The combination of culture, sightseeing, beach and shopping experience makes the city absolutely worth discovering. It is also the architectural contrast from Gothic cathedrals and cobblestone squares to futuristic building complexes which makes it fascinating. With 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 18 degrees, the city offers the perfect climate to discover it on a walk under the blue sky.

Rotterdam / Netherlands

Rotterdam has always been overshadowed by one of the most visited cities in the world – Amsterdam. Of course Amsterdam is beautiful, extremely popular and the tourist attraction of the Netherlands. But while Amsterdam is beautiful for tourists, Rotterdam is Dutch through and through. The Muslim major himself stands for the multiculturalism of the city. After the war, the city was rebuilt using modern design standards, which resulted in the construction of the current skyline. The city is a pulsating hub for excellent cuisine, art and culture, for a legendary nightlife and not to forget for one of the largest seaports in the world.

Rotterdam / Netherlands

Rotterdam has always been overshadowed by one of the most visited cities in the world – Amsterdam. Of course Amsterdam is beautiful, extremely popular and the tourist attraction of the Netherlands. But while Amsterdam is beautiful for tourists, Rotterdam is Dutch through and through. The Muslim major himself stands for the multiculturalism of the city. In a country that still struggles with inclusive immigration. After the war, Rotterdam was rebuilt using modern design standards, which resulted in the construction of today’s monumental skyline. The city is a pulsating hub for excellent cuisine, art and culture, for a legendary nightlife and not to forget for one of the largest seaports in the world.

International

The 3 most popular cities world wide

What actually makes a city a favorite city? Is it because of the architecture? Is it the food or the people? In my opinion, it’s because of the feeling and beautiful memories that the city leaves behind when you come home. Here are my three most popular cities world wide:

1. Sydney

Sydney is and will always remain my all-time favorite. I went there for the first time in 2006 and it was love at first sight. The city offers the perfect mix of business, beach life, moving history and the famous Australian BBQ. A melting pot of all cultures in one city.

2. Dubai

Dubai is the city of prosperity, luxury and bright skyscrapers. It is a city of superlatives which is either loved or hated. The desert metropolis is often compared to Las Vegas because of its artificial construction.

3. San Diego

For me personally, San Diego and Orange County are the ultimate travel tips when planning a trip to California. While most tourists want to go to Los Angeles, I think they often miss out on the most beautiful part of the state.

1. Sydney

2. Dubai

3. San Diego

Book a trip

Which city do you want to visit?

Book your next city trip here quickly and easily

New York, Rio, Tokyo? Or would you prefer Oslo, Prague, Berlin? No matter which city you want to explore, you can book your next city trip here quickly and easily.

Book a trip