The ultimate group travel destinations in Germany

adminonJuly 10, 2023July 26, 2023Leave a Comment

Why wander far and wide when the good things are so near?

Germany is not equal to Germany – it depends on the perspective. The best example was Hamburg for me, but more about that later. The country has more to offer than Oktoberfest – yes Oktoberfest is a highlight in itself, no question – but have you ever had the sun shine on your face at the North Sea? The nightlife in St. Pauli experienced? Or have you ever felt like a princess or prince at Neuschwanstein castle? Get inspired and plan your next group trip with JoinMyTrip to the best spots in Germany!

1. Hamburg

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I have been to Hamburg twice so far. The first time I thought – wait a minute, this is the city everyone is so excited about?! Grey, bad weather, supermarkets super far apart. The sea – but full of cranes, freighters and containers. Not a very romantic sight. Or? It all depends. When I came to the city for the second time a few years later, I got a lot of things right. I knew people who live there – and so I saw a completely different Hamburg than the first time I saw it. Meanwhile I like Hamburg very much. So here are some tips for your next group trip with JoinMyTrip!

What to see in Hamburg:

Nightlife: the Reeperbahn in St. Pauli . Here stretches almost a kilometer full of bars, discos and clubs, theaters and burlesque shows. The Reeperbahn is legendary and known far beyond the country's borders.
Altona fish market: The most popular weekly market of the Hanseatic city looks back on a history of over 300 years – and attracts every Sunday between 5:00 and 09:30 70.000 visitors, among them many tourists. A quick anecdote on how to combine the former and latter destinations: a friend visited volee dirket after partying in St. Pauli the nearby fish market – and unceremoniously purchased a chicken – possibly not entirely thoughtfully. This chicken was transported home on the subway (I assume it went without a ticket to boot) and the next day the ice cream was consumed for breakfast. The chicken thankfully met a better fate and found a new home on a farm nearby.
Boat tour: There are many ways to explore the city by the water – including a boat trip. There are grand harbor tours during the day, evening light tours, tours of the Speicherstadt, and even tours with culinary highlights such as wine and cheese.
If you like musicals and/or are a Disney fan, you are also in good hands in Hamburg: from "The Lion King" (one of the best musicals I've ever seen) to "The Lion King" (one of the best musicals I've ever seen) to "The Lion King" (one of the best musicals I've ever seen)!) over "The Ice Queen" to "Tarzan" every childhood dream is fulfilled here to experience his favorite characters live.

These Hamburg highlights are made for a group trip: stroll through the fish market together in the morning, take a boat ride through the city in the afternoon, see a musical in the evening and then party on the Reeperbahn. Who comes with? Or would you rather organize a trip yourself? Then click here!

You don't know yet with whom? No problem! With JoinMyTrip you can easily find your group for Hamburg with which you can make the city unsafe!

2.Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein is the most famous of Ludwig II's castles. and one of the most famous sights in Germany. It is visited annually by about 1.5 million tourists. The structure was built as an idealized idea of a knight's castle – and actually looks like a picture-book princess castle. It is not for nothing that it is the most used depiction of one in American commercials. In the surrounding area, Schlosspark and Konigsalpe, there are also many hiking trails that are a popular destination for group hikes. In the castle park alone, there are three hiking routes characterized by different landscapes and stretching for many kilometers:

the Konigsalpen route with a length of 121 kilometers
the box seat route with 124
and the Idyllegarten route with 96 kilometers.

3. Sylt

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Dunes, villages and fresh North Sea air – sounds perfect to relax! You can do that for example at the 40km long west beach on Sylt, which stretches from Ellenbogen in the north to Hornum in the south. With only 100m2, the North Frisian island is not the best in terms of size, but it has a lot to offer for the holiday-minded heart: mudflats and salt marshes, dunes and endless beaches, dreamy corners for slowing down and lively places. Here are a few tips for those who are ready for the island.

Do you want to explore the island incognito and live like a local?? Then a bright yellow rain jacket, called Friesennerz, is a must. Just like the greeting "Moin", which flies from person to person at any time of the day or night.
Relaxed enough and want to try something new again? Then let yourself drift on the shopping mile of Westerland, Sylt's capital, which combines modernity and tradition. Whether you want to take an afternoon break in a cozy cafe or visit one of the first-class restaurants, there is something for everyone here.
Arrival: The island is easily accessible and the choice of transportation is great: whether by car, ferry, plane or train, you will always reach your destination.
For the sporty among you there are also some activities: walking, playing volleyball, surfing and cycling are popular pastimes here.
Wadden Sea: There are three types of mudflats that determine the mudflat walks: Mudflats, mixed mudflats and sandflats. Mudflat walks are available for example in Kampen, Hornum, Morsum and Keitum. The best time of year to do it is in the summer and barefoot – that's how you experience the Wadden Sea on your own body. Or would you like to take a walk on the seabed between two islands? Then take the boat from Hornum to Amrum or Fohr, where mudflat walks start to the other island in each case!

With so many different sights and excursion options, there's sure to be something for everyone – grab your friends now and create your trip on JoinMyTrip and relax on the island of!

4. Lake Constance

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Lake Constance borders four countries: Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is the largest lake in Germany and characterizes the foothills of the Alps with its idyllic lakeside promenades and lively cultural towns. There is a lot to do here: sailing, windsurfing and swimming are popular sports at Lake Constance. The Lake Constance cycle path, which leads once around the lake on about 260km, is also an attraction. If you prefer to relax, then you will be pleased to hear that wellness is also a priority here. Not yet convinced? Then here are a few particularly beautiful destinations in the Lake Constance region that you can visit as a group.

Salem Castle
Mainau Island
Rhine Falls (ok, that's a bit of a cheat because the Rhine Falls are actually already in Switzerland – but it's not far, I promise!) The Rhine Falls is the largest waterfall in Europe, making it a very special place to visit. 373 cubic meters of water flow into the lake here per second. You can watch the spectacle from the shore or from a boat.
Balloon ride: taking a balloon ride over Lake Constance is a very special experience! Pack up your group, book a ride, and you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Constance and its (semi)islands. Afterwards, you'll still be baptized as an aerialist and get your own aerialist name with certificate in hand.

Did you get the desire to plan a trip back home? Then check out JoinMyTrip, create a trip with your dream destination and find fellow travelers!

You'd rather sit back and enjoy the trip as a TripMate? Then check out our website to find top destinations!

You are looking for a car with plenty of space? You want to accommodate the whole family in everyday life and on vacation? Or you have a business and need a vehicle with plenty of storage space for your work materials? Then the van is the right model! But which van is right for me? We explain everything you need to know about vans and minivans, and provide you with the best deals right along with them!

Table of Contents

Van by the sea

Your next new car should be a van? Vans are undoubtedly among the most practical family cars. The majority of models, also known as MPVs, offer enough space for child and children as well as extensive safety equipment and modern assistance systems. Variable seating concepts, a versatile interior, the option of sliding doors and a raised seating position make vans attractive even for regular transport tasks and more aged target groups.

Vans and alternatives

New registrations of minivans and MPVs in Germany have been declining in recent years. This is most easily explained by the high demand for SUVs. Not only has the popularity of modern SUVs, which also score points for their ability to keep a good overview of the road, increased, but so has the variety of models in the SUV segment. Many drivers attach importance to a sporty look for their vehicle. In addition, there are some utility vehicles that become a van alternative with a passenger car equipment. The decline in van purchases therefore has nothing to do with the quality of the vehicles. There are many models in this segment that are also technically convincing in terms of driving pleasure, offer a high level of comfort and accelerate smoothly.

If you're looking at your car purchase from a cost-benefit perspective, vans are still ideal family vehicles as spacious all-rounders. Especially due to declining sales and growing competition, you can currently find many good deals in the van segment. The Corona purchase bonus and other monetary benefits for the purchase of an e-car or hybrid make – with restrictions – the entry into electromobility attractive for van buyers as well.

SUV, station wagon or van?

Compared to an SUV, the operating costs – which for conventionally powered vehicles include fuel costs as well as taxes – are usually lower for a van. While in 7-seaters in the SUV segment, the third row of seats tends to function as a "makeshift seat" and passengers almost ride in the trunk, in the full-size van i. d. R. still room for shopping. Individual models even offer space for up to nine people, including the Citroen Spacetourer, the Opel Zafira Life and the Peugeot Traveller. And even when used for five passengers or when folding down the back seat, vans prove to be not only more comfortable, but also real cargo wonders, z. B. for relocations. Compared to the station wagon, the van convinces with the elevated position of the driver's seat, which facilitates the view of the road as well as into the interior of the car, as well as with the extended loading height and the additional seats. For traveling with two children, the majority of the compact or. mid-size station wagon models offer sufficient space inside and in the trunk. More space for additional family members and a more comfortable entrance are often offered by the vans.

Vans for three child seats

If you are looking for a car in which three child seats can easily fit side by side in the back seat, the segment of vans is almost without alternative. Because in many vehicles the child restraint on the middle seat is not allowed. Very few SUVs and station wagons even offer the option. Three child seats side by side can be mounted, for example, in the VW Touran and Ford Galaxy. The Opel Zafira Life can accommodate two child seats in each of the second and third rows of seats. However, the model is no longer a van, but has been converted by the people from Russelsheim into a minibus with a lounge character. The Renault Espace, VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra MPVs even have two additional Isofix mounts on the third seat. Espace and Sharan are available with sliding doors on request.

Minivan or large van?

Friends group before van

Minivans and compact vans are usually based on small car or. compact car models and measure up to around 4.50 meters in length. They are characterized by a particularly good use of space in the interior and are particularly suitable for families with up to three children who like to go on vacation by car and need space for a lot of luggage. However, their nickname "diaper bombers" does not fit all life. Even if you are looking for a not too expensive, compact and practical vehicle for regular transportation, a minivan is an attractive solution. For example, many craftsmen use minivans or compact vans for everyday work trips. A large trunk makes everyday life easier.

The most affordable minivan is the Dacia Lodgy. In the case of the van from the Romanian house, compromises have to be made in terms of safety equipment and comfort. But the starting price of 11.990 euros in the segment unbeaten.

Popular minivans and. Compact vans, which are also convincing all along the line as family cars in terms of safety, are u.a. the Ford S-Max, the Kia Venga, the Fiat 500L, the Renault Scenic and the VW Golf Sportsvan. They are all in the mid-price segment. Premium vans with particularly high build quality for the somewhat larger wallet are available, for example, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class (from around 29.000 €) and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (from around 28.000 €).

Sufficient space for large families – especially on long journeys such as vacation trips – is promised by the MPVs. With a length of more than 4.50 meters, they are an intermediate stage between compact van and bus. The MPVs are almost all available as 7- or even 9-seaters – in several cases at extra cost. With the rear seat folded down, there is a huge load area, so that, for example, some small furniture can be transported easily. The large-capacity vans include. a. the Peugeot Traveller, where the name says it all. The Traveller offers plenty of space and comfort on long journeys. Another representative, the Toyota Proace Verso, is available in a variety of versions, u.a. with up to nine seats or even with a table. The Citroen C4 Spacetourer large-capacity van is based on the Citroen C4 Picasso. The Spacetourer offers modern technologies and driver assistance systems as well as space for up to seven people. All three models mentioned, as well as the Ford Galaxy, proved to be particularly safe in the NCAP crash test. They all achieved the 5-star top rating, scoring as with active and passive safety systems.

Environmentally friendly vans

Van on the move

E-mobility has also slowly found its way into the van segment. In addition to hybrid variants, the first electric cars are already available. However, the choice is still limited. If you choose an alternative drive, you should check your charging options at home or in your neighborhood in advance. Modern electric vans still fresh on the starting blocks include the Peugeot e-Traveller (up to 330 km range) and the Mercedes-Benz EQV, which offers up to eight seats and, according to the manufacturer, can travel up to 418 kilometers on one battery charge. The EQV has a hefty entry price of around 70.000 euros and does not fall under the models for which you can receive a Corona purchase premium. Subsidized with a premium of up to 9.000 euros, on the other hand, is the purchase of a Nissan e-NV200 Evalia (from 42.338 euros). The electric van is also popular as a commercial vehicle without additional windows and seats in urban traffic. As far as hybrid solutions in the van segment are concerned, the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius+ sets the tone. Compared to many other conventionally powered van models, the Prius+ has small weaknesses when it comes to comfort for families. The extra technology makes you lose space. The model with the low consumption values is particularly popular with cab companies. It may be suitable for you if you often travel with several people on short trips and you want to venture into e-mobility. You can also currently save on your Prius purchase. You can get an allowance of up to 6.500 euros. If you're interested, feel free to read more about the 2020 Corona purchase incentive here.

Your van favorite as a new car cheap through MeinAuto.de receive

You have already decided on a model? As an independent new car broker, we can not only offer you high discounts, but also attractive leasing offers and vario financing options in addition to the classic cash purchase. Configure your desired vehicle conveniently online and select the desired payment method in the configurator. You will receive a non-binding offer for your new van. Our service is free of charge for you. We will also be happy to provide you with free purchase advice. We are guided by your requirements and ideas of a new car and are happy to support you in your search for a suitable van or an alternative vehicle.

Che bella! - My 3 favorite places in Italy

Italy. The country where not only culinary dreams come true. It's a place where you can experience ancient history up close and personal, and where you can let your mind wander. About the landscape, the mountains, the sea. Italy is a way of life and full of beautiful places. Too many, to be honest. And yet they do exist: the spots that arouse a great longing in me.

That's why the call from fellow blogger Julia from "Italy and I" for a blogparade about our favorite places in Italy came just in time for me. On second thought, it's not easy for me to name just three favorite places in Italy. Every corner of this country is so unique and fascinating that I would have an easier time naming three places per region than three for the entire state. But well, I still had to choose, and I now present here my "Best of Italy" 🙂 .

Italy's most beautiful places

Corniglia, Cinque Terre

The 5 villages of the Cinque Terre are beautiful in their entirety. The path that connects them should be walked if you want to feel the magic of the Ligurian coast. For me, Corniglia is a particularly fascinating village: it is the third, smallest and highest of all five villages. Even from a distance, the colorful houses put a smile on your face.

What makes the village particularly appealing is that it does not have a harbor, which means that there are no boat tourists, which is definitely a blessing for freedom of movement in view of the already numerous bus and train passengers. And Corniglia really comes alive in the evening, when the daytime visitors say goodbye. There are not many restaurants and bars here, but the atmosphere in them is very warm. There is sitting in the alleys, drinking, laughing loudly, and you get an idea of typical Italian village life.

The beach is also an experience in itself: accessible only by descending many steps, you can then sit on the many flat rocks, jump into the water from the higher ones or swim into the caves on a voyage of discovery.

Corniglia is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy

Do you want to know more about the area? Then click your way to my article about our two-day hike in the Cinque Terre

Malcesine, Lago di Garda

After I have found my personal paradise at Lake Garda and the longing pulls me here again and again, of course a place at the lake can not be missing. In this case, I must clearly declare Malcesine as my favorite. The flair that this small town exudes, immediately strikes positively on the Italian mood and offers both bathing as well as culture and shopping enthusiasts something.

Here you can let yourself drift and discover architectural and artistic treasures from the small harbor to the Castello. The Castello also attracted Goethe in 1786, which is why today you can find a bust of him there. The view from the bell tower should not be missed by anyone who passes through there, because when I saw Malcesine from above, I had the feeling of time travel, because the houses and roofs of the old town seem to be from times long past.

In Malcesine there is also the cable car up to Monte Baldo. Up there you can hike and eat wonderfully and enjoy a fascinating view of Lake Garda. Although I prefer the trail over the backside of Monte Baldo to the top, the Cima Valdritta, it can also be reached via the mountain station from Malcesine.

Dreamlike Malcesine from the tower of the Castello

I visited Malcesine, among other places, on the first leg of my trip to Italy in the footsteps of Goethe

What you can do at Lake Garda, you can find out in my detailed Lake Garda Guide

And especially for the north of Lake Garda I have also written an informative article

Do you know my book "Arcadia and Cornetti"?? In it I tell about my two-month trip to Italy on Goethe's footsteps – Sicilian hospitality, really delicious gelato and self-doubt included!

All info about the book

Even though I am aware that Rome is not an "insider's tip" and is certainly mentioned by many as one of the three favorite places, I still can't help it. Rome is simply my favorite city, and nowhere does my heart so much as here, when I stroll through the old streets of Trastevere or stand on one of the Tiber bridges. The fact that around every corner there is something interesting, old, worth seeing, inspires me just as much as the hustle and bustle of the markets and the many beautiful old churches.

In Rome, I was particularly taken with the many vantage points from which one can look down on the city. Be it the roof of the "Monumento Nazionale di Vittorio Emanuele II", the top floor of Castel Sant'Angelo, the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, or the terraces in the green like at the Avetin or Villa Borghese – you can admire Rome from any perspective from above. And then recognizes what makes it my favorite city: Rome is a smorgasbord of history, a place of epochs, where many different styles had their place, which can be experienced today as a real photo album.

The most beautiful places in Italy: Rome

Italy – land of longing

The choice is not easy when you have to name the most beautiful cities in Italy. Because there are so many others that must be mentioned here. Matera for example, which amazes with its Sassi and its impressive history. Or Naples, which for me represents pure life and where I can simply feel at home. Or Arezzo, which with its ancient streets and its pleasant unfamiliarity is a real pearl in Tuscany. Emilia-Romagna also has such wonderful cities to offer, first of all Bologna, of course. And Venice is a magic place in itself anyway!

No matter how you look at it, Italy is and always will be a country of longing. Here one may be enchanted by dreamlike sunsets or simply indulge in sweet dolce far niente. And drink the best coffee in the world.

For more favorite places, check out "Italyandyou" and the accompanying blogparade "Favorite Travel Destinations in Italy", where a great collection of beautiful places in Italy is being created by travel bloggers 🙂 .

Which place in Bella Italia has left you speechless or enchanted?? Tell me in the comments!

Get inspiration for your next trip to Italy and learn which cities are especially worth seeing #italia #city trip #favorite places #inspiration #holiday #travel #short trip #idea #travelblog

This is Barbara, a travel-addicted psychologist. She loves sun, Italy, good food and wine. And like to think about yourself and others. Most of the time she likes herself and is always planning some trips.

Why wander far and wide when the good things are so near?

1. Hamburg

2.Neuschwanstein Castle

3. Sylt

4. Lake Constance

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