Germany Archives - Seek Your Trip

December 23, 2013 by Arlene

The Rise of the River Cruise

From the Rhine to the Danube, river cruises are quickly becoming the best way to see Europe’s finest rivers. These relaxing yet interesting trips take visitors to some of the Continent’s most intriguing cities, through some of its best scenery, and past many of its most impressive castles and historical monuments.

For a long time, however, it wasn’t this way. River cruises have historically come in second place for travellers, falling behind their oceangoing alternatives in terms of amenities and adventure. Over the last decade, the balance has changed, with more people than ever before travelling down Europe’s most impressive rivers.

Popular destinations include the Danube – the Continent’s second-longest river, and a major biodiversity hot spot – and the Rhine. The Danube itself passes beside a long list of European capitals and cultural hot spots, giving it an adventurous appeal that many tourists believe is missing on the traditional European holiday.

After all, how many other cruises let you visit Vienna, Budapest, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg from a single ship? While ocean cruises are all about enjoying the incredible views, river cruises combine scenery and culture to create a very appealing package for travellers.

The cruise ships themselves are part of the appeal. No longer the compact cruisers of previous decades, today’s river cruises are incredibly modern. Satellite TVs and Internet access allow even the most technology addicted to relax and unwind, and live bands and group entertainment make the ships a very social environment.

Then there’s the setting – some of Europe’s most magnificent rivers. With another incredible attracting waiting around every bend in the river, trips along the Rhine and Danube are packed with activity. Stop at castles and remote wineries, or visit some of Central Europe’s most exciting cultural centres and historical cities.

In many ways, river cruises are replacing the heavily marketed ocean cruises that attracted passengers en mass over the last 20 years. The ships are newer, with a selection of incredible features, and the destinations truly remarkable. The river cruise experience, it seems, appeals to a huge audience of modern travellers.

From Cologne to Vienna, Budapest to Antwerp, no other form of European travel makes it so easy to see the Continent’s highlights. Enjoy the best of Europe with a stress-free holiday this year – forget the traditional ways to travel and make your way around Europe on a relaxing, interesting, and very rewarding river cruise.

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Photo by tambako on Flickr

45 min web-assisted TDIs: 125€ per participant

45 minute IDIs @ facility: 130€ per participant

30 min web-assisted TDIs: 95€ per participant

May 6, 2013 by Arlene

Top 5 Things to Do in Munich, Germany

Aside from the Oktoberfest, there are many things to enjoy and do in the City of Munich. This busy city in Germany is home to some of the best places of interests in the country – the same places which can offer travellers a lot of exciting things to do and enjoy.

Walk the Concentration Camps

Although this is not something that many people would like to remember, be brave enough and visit this historic place as it holds some of the most haunting events in the history of men. The concentration camp in Munich is one of the many first of concentration camps constructed during the Second World War. Here, you will get to experience how the prisoners of the German armies lived as you tour the original barracks and walk across courtyards. You can also learn more about the concentration camps and the people here as you go over the exhibitions and memorials.

Go on a Beer Frenzy

Beer is of course one of the things that Germany is famous for, and you can have the best beers in town in the Hofbrauhaus, a beer hall found in Munich’s Old Town. Here, one can get to experience true and authentic beer as one drink the originally brewed beers of the place like the Hofbrau dark and Hofbrau Original from one-liter cans. Hofbrauhaus is famous for its traditional beer house atmosphere which is both fun and quite rowdy. The schwemme beer hall, has long wooden tables where one can sit and drink beer while savouring German delicacies and listening to Oompah Music. Another fun thing to do here is to look at the tables and try to decipher the inscriptions there, some of which were engraved over a hundred ago by drunken patrons.

Take a Bob Sled Ride

Bob sled down the Blomberg mountain in the Blomberg Bahn. This is one activity that those who are looking for an adrenaline rush shouldn’t miss. There are 17 sharp curves and 40 chicanes that will surely test not only one’s skills but courage as well. Climb the mountain first by foot or ride the chairlift, and slide down the mountains less than half the time you spent going up. Just don’t go too fast or you may find yourself flying out of the sled lanes. Don’t go too slow either or you might cause a collision when the sled after you hits yours.

Drive a BMW

If you want to test drive BMW cars, even the latest ones, you can do so at the BMW Museum and BMW Welt. Here you can book for a driving experience – 3 hours in the morning, or 3 hours at night, your choice. All you have to do is to make reservations about the date and time and your preferred choice of BMW car – from the classics to the latest hybrid models – and drive away around the city or to the countryside.

Take a Break

Of course, after all the things and sights you visited, it is important to take a break. Thus, be sure to head on to the Englischer Garden, which is Munich’s largest green area. Take a stroll and relax and feel your energy rejuvenate as you take in the quiet and calm of the pristine flowing rivers and swaying trees with their colourful foliage.

Don’t let the grim and stereotyped history of Germany stop you from visiting Munich or else you will be missing on some of the most beautiful places to see and exciting things to do that you won’t find anywhere else.

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Photo by werkunz on Flickr

March 26, 2013 by Arlene

7 Affordable European Destinations

European travel is often associated with prohibitive exchange rates and high prices. There are however, some destinations that that are affordable and still very exciting to visit. There are some great destinations where accommodation, travel, meals, drinks and attractions are all within any traveller’s reach.

Bucharest, Romania

This destination is surprisingly cheap despite its popularity. It is a European city that is a century old and is considered among the top 20 most affordable in the world. This astonishing fact is despite the fact that it is Europe’s 5th most visited city. It offers many free sites like the Havelska Flower Market, Charles Bridge, a castle in the middle of the city that was built in the 10nth century and Old Town Square where visitors can hear the famous clock. There are plenty of affordable food and drink options and a cost effective transport system for exploration.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is considered to be one of the most beautiful central European cities. Luckily it’s also a very affordable city as well. This was concluded after comparisons of meal and activity costs with other major European cities. Some of the most affordable and exciting attractions include the famous thermal baths and the gorgeous ancient cathedrals.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon offers many attractions that are comparable to those of other European destinations but are more pocket friendly. These include spectacular views of the sea, the beaches, more gorgeous cathedrals and cobble stoned streets. Admission to the museum Nacional de Arqueologia and the historical fortress, Torre de Belem, is free on Sundays. There are also plenty of hostels for cheap accommodation.

Berlin, Germany

It’s the capital city of Germany this makes it surprising to suggest that this famous city can be considered affordable. This cultural, art and entertainment destination has its hostels competing for business which leads to cheap rates for visitors. The city’s vibrant history is readily available to any one who is able and willing to take a hearty walk. There are plenty of parks and street food vendors where you can relax and get a cheap bite to eat.

Barcelona, Spain

Spain has gorgeous museums and churches to explore, as well as a nightlife that is rowdy enough for any party-lover. The street markets are affordable and popular cultural attractions that also make this city unique. Accommodation and meals are cheap when compared to other European cities. The city’s hostels can get crowded and a bit expensive during summer however, so visiting at this time is not best.

Warsaw, Poland

This is Poland’s largest city where visitors seek luxurious accommodation at affordable prices. This capital city is known to offer the most luxurious hotels for the lowest rates in the world. It is also a strong city, it has rebuilt itself time and time again after the many damages of war. It boasts beautiful architecture in its many cathedrals, churches and theaters that is often free to explore and view.

Krakow, Poland

Its attractions include churches, royal palaces, museums, and a fabulous nightlife. This ancient city has affordable accommodation and eating establishments along its meandering streets. If you stray slightly from the main tourists attractions you’ll definitely find some more affordable food. Many of Krakow’s museums, concerts, theaters and the like cost next to nothing for admission as well.

Thanks to Gemma at HolidayGems.co.uk for sending us this great post!

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Photo by marcelgermain on Flickr

December 6, 2012 by Arlene

Travel Bucket List: 5 Annual Music Festivals You Can’t Miss

It’s said that music soothes the soul. It’s calming and relaxing. It’s both exciting and motivational. Year in and year out, there are music festivals all over the world to do just that. These festivals attract lots of music enthusiasts across all walks of life. People have been known to travel from all over just to attend some of them. Below are but five of the most interesting world wide live music festivals worth attending…

1. SonneMondSterne – Germany

Notably, the sonneMondSterne is one if not the craziest and wildest festivals of the year. Truly Germans live life to the fullest. It’s on this platform where the big names and legends are born and molded; it’s also a time of the year where holiday insurance premiums hit the roof. The music is loud and thrilling. You could dance; party and drink to your wish, then latter on take a dip in the nearby lake. The party doesn’t stop for an amazing 24hr. this is made possible due to the fact that the DJs rotate in shifts.

2. Midi Modern Music Festival – China

Initially, the Midi Modern school festival was a showcase of their teacher’s and student’s skills. Today it has span and the festival is now the attraction for Chinese rock fans with more than 60 bands performing all together.

The Beijing students have surely managed to defile the traditional music in traditional Chinese setting. It’s an awesome way to unwind the year, as you play a critical part in making history as you party while helping upcoming artists around the country break free from societal restraints.

3. San Miguel Primavera – Madrid

Often referred to as Primavera Sound the san Miguel Primavera is a large music festival that features over of twenty concerts spanning a period of two days. It also hosts a diverse selection of independent acts stretching to all corners of the earth under one roof.

Tickets go for about 45 Euros for a two-day pass. The booking is so fast that they are usually sold out several weeks in advance. A single day’s tickets goes for around 25 Euros, but are only sold in the event that there available space left so as to avoid overcrowding. It’s advisable to grab a 3 day ticket since there might be several bands playing.

4. Ollapalooza – USA

This festival derives its name from a word meaning – an extraordinary thing/event – Ollapalooza does not disappoint by living up to its name and fame. It runs each and every year, while bringing together everyone and anyone in the music scene, including the likes of Usher and Jay Z.

5. Night of the proms – Munich

The night of the proms is held every year on December. During this period, all roads lead to Munich as music fans flock to the city for the event. The night finds its root s back to1984. Night of the Proms has brings together come of the top notch artists in almost every genre.
It’s held at Olympiahalle offering an entire weekend full of partying and soothing music from some of your favorite artists.

Held at Olympiahalle in Munich, Night of the Proms features an entire weekend full of live concerts by local favorites, both local and international. If you wish to take a break from the music, you can go ahead and check out the lively bars and clubs nearby within the city.

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Photo by scanner-fm on Flickr.