Absolute Backpackers

Breskens is located in the extreme southwest of the Netherlands in the province of Zeeland at the mouth of the Scheldt in the North Sea. With a really large selection of holiday homes and incredibly wide beaches , the small resort is ideal as a holiday destination for families with children.

We are now going to Breskens again (as a family with two children). The holiday homes are located directly behind the dune or the dike of the Breskens. This means you can quickly walk to the beach in just a few steps. The holiday homes and apartments can be rented on a weekly basis through the Verhuur-Centrum in Breskens or through large tour operators such as Roompot.

 

The beach between Breskens and Cadzand was massively heaped up with sand from the sea in 2010 in order to protect residents from the storm surges in the North Sea, especially in the winter months. Even if the fortification of the coastal facilities is not without controversy among the locals, it has brought  about a very pleasant property for visitors: the beach in Breskens is really very wide compared to beaches on the Mediterranean Sea . It is also suitable for sports and games as well as for long walks. The beach in the area between the ferry landing point (to Vlissingen) and the Breskens lighthouse is really nice. The beach is only divided by a row of groynes every 300 – 400 metersto break the waves.

 

 

By the way: I took all the pictures from Breskens on the extended Whitsun weekend of 2017, when many visitors from nearby countries (Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg) were in Breskens. The beach is not really “full”. Below the week it means emptier😉

Play and relax on the beach in Breskens

The moment I put my feet on the sandy beach for the first time on every vacation, the vacation really begins for me. Everyone can do what they like on the beach. Some play soccer, volleyball, boules or frisbee. The others rest or read. Children are of course buried in and sometimes the family’s dad has to go into the freshly dug sand pit. The very daring kite or surf.

In the summer months, the beach cafes and restaurants along the coast are usually open daily. Both in “t ‘Halve Maentje ” or in Loods Tien you can enjoy sheltered from the wind with a wonderful view over the Scheldt over to Vlissingen and watch the pilot boats or large ships passing by. Since the Scheldt is the connection from the North Sea to Antwerp (in Belgium), large ocean liners pass here practically at any time of the day.

Weather and tides on Breskens beach

The ebb and flow of the tide can be clearly felt in Breskens. The tidal range (difference between ebb and flow) is sometimes 4 meters or more. As a result, the beach, which is already wide, becomes about 100 meters wider at low tide. Especially when the tide is low, you can hike extensively through the mudflats.

 

The weather in Zeeland is pleasant between May and September with temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius – but often quite inconsistent. If you are on holiday here, you should have shorts for sunny days as well as weatherproof clothing for windy and rainy weather in your luggage.

On the beach in Breskens with a dog

One of the special features of the sandy beach of Breskens is the fact that dogs are allowed on the beach of Breskens. Therefore, you can see many dog ​​owners walking on the beach with their four-legged companions. Here dogs and masters can romp around to their hearts’ content, play fetching sticks or jump into the water of the Scheldt.

Due to the exceptionally wide beach, you won’t get in the way of other dog owners.

The lighthouse on the beach in Breskens

The Breskens lighthouse stands prominently at the western end . With its blue and white marking, it can be recognized from afar. At night, the tower lights the way for the passing ships. It is also a good marker for hikers – you can easily see it from afar. The lighthouse can be visited on selected days between April and October.

The photos from the lighthouse on Breskens beach are from 2016:

Excursions in Zeeland

If you don’t want to spend all days on the beach, you can go on a number of excursions in the vicinity. In the vicinity you can go shopping in Sluis or cycle along the coast to Knokke. For a day trip by bike, the ferry goes to Vlissingen. From there you can reach Middelburg in about 1 hour.

By car through the tunnel under the Scheldt near Terneuzen you can reach Middelburg from Breskens in about 50 minutes. Once there, the Delta Works further north is particularly  worth a visit. It has served to protect the Osterschelde from storm surges since 1978.

By the way:  If you want to do more water sports, I recommend a visit to Wolphaartsdijk. There you can paddle, surf or even sail in the Verse Meer ”. The latter is possible in Holland on the inland waters without a sailing license.

Going out and partying in Berlin

Berlin is well worth a trip and this is also shown by the over 30 million overnight stays that guests of the city used in 2015. This corresponds to a growth of 4.2 percent. Almost all of them also want to go out in Berlin. But where can you go?

If you want to find the right location to celebrate in Berlin , you will be spoiled for choice in this big world metropolis. Because Berlin has a lot to offer its guests. There are both the hip clubs in the central areas and countless trendy pubs with a family atmosphere or small, secret corner pubs that are only known to the locals.

Out and about in Berlin

No matter where you stay in Berlin, you can get to every corner of Berlin quickly and inexpensively by public transport such as bus, tram or underground and suburban trains. These usually drive in 5 to 10 minute intervals and are therefore more suitable than your own car, which often gets stuck in rush hour traffic or where you often not only need a lot of time but also nerves due to the time-consuming search for a parking space, especially in the center.

Another advantage of choosing this form of transport: Sometimes you can meet the real Berlin originals here or suddenly find yourself in the middle of a filming or a fashion show in the subway. Often times, the journey on public transport becomes an experience in itself.

Going out in Berlin

In any case, when visiting Berlin, a guided city tour should be on the agenda for anyone outside the city, either by sightseeing bus or from the water on one of the many ships.

Many locals also use this opportunity from time to time to relax and learn something about their city at the same time. Because the German capital is so diverse that even Berliners can and want to rediscover it again and again. Also for shopping fans holds Berlin much ready for its visitors.

On Kurfürstendamm alone, the trendy shops of all well-known designers and high-quality brands are lined up next to trendy clubs.

The “Kuhdamm”, as Berliners affectionately call it, is the main thoroughfare that stretches from Grunewald to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church at the zoo.

No reason

If you want to experience Berlin in the evening and the highlight par excellence, you are in the right place in the “ Bar Any Vernunft” theater in Wilmersdorf . From the outside rather inconspicuous, inside a wonderland of a different kind opens up to the visitors.

The stage itself is set up in the Art Nouveau style in the form of a magnificent mirror tent. The guests sit around small tables and can enjoy the program undisturbed and dine carefully.

There is also an original program with the big stars from the comedy and chanson scene, such as the Pfister siblings or Max Raabe. Places can be reserved in advance for 19-37 euros.

To me or to you

The  To Me or To You seems to be the name of a bar that is particularly frequented by singles. Although this bar is well attended at all times, it is not only used as a towing shed , but is primarily a chilled scene bar not only for Prenzlauer party-goers.

Free swimmers

If you like it a little quieter: The free swimmer is ideally suited if you long for rest and relaxation after a hectic day. Directly at the Flutgraben you can go for a walk in the middle of the city and yet in quiet surroundings by the water and stop in the cafe and restaurant “Freischwimmer” on a houseboat.

If you want to do some physical activity afterwards, you can also borrow a canoe or kayak here.

Bar thousand

Bar Tausend is an insider tip . The special thing about it: You can’t recognize it as a bar from the outside. Nevertheless, you can find the well-groomed manager as well as the typical hipster Berliner and many celebrities from film and television here every evening.

Anyone who wants to be let in by the bouncers should dress smartly and stylishly. The ambience of the bar under the S-Bahn arches on Schiffbauerdamm is tastefully furnished with comfortable, heavy armchairs. Entry costs 10 euros.

Klunkerkranich

But it is also a little simpler and less complicated. If you want to mingle with the ordinary people of Berlin and still want to see something of the city, you should visit the Klunkerkranich .

This deliberately improvised-looking bar on the roof of the Neukölln Arcaden has the special charm of the imperfect. The guests sit here under the open sky and can enjoy the skyline of Berlin at sunset. A swimming pool is also set up on hot days. The “Klunkerkranich” is therefore also very suitable for families.

Cafe Einstein

The Einstein café in the Tiergarten district is furnished in the style of a traditional Viennese coffee house and offers, in addition to a fine breakfast, an extensive menu and a rich selection of cakes. This makes it a popular contact point both for its non-local Berlin visitors and for the numerous prominent regular audience .

Conclusion: going out in Berlin

All visitors to this world metropolis should definitely take several days to explore this city of superlatives. Depending on their preferences, everyone will find exactly the right location here, regardless of whether you are traveling as a couple, single or with your family.

If you get hungry for a hearty kebab after a night of drinking, for example, or would like to order a delicious breakfast at night, you can do so in one of the numerous locations that are open 24 hours a day.

Recommended here are the Bagdad bistro , the 24-hour kebab in Berlin-Kreuzberg, the “Schwarze Café” in the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district, the “Café Logo” in Blücherstrasse with a large screen and of course the Blue Bye bakery in the Bergmannkiez, which is constantly fresh Bakery products also come with small Turkish snacks.

The short vacationer in Hamburg is greeted on his weekend trip with “ Moin moin ”. The Hanseatic city of Hamburg, with Europe’s second largest seaport, is an important hub. In addition to Berlin and Munich, Hamburg is not only one of the three largest cities in Germany but also has its place in the top 10 travel destinations in Germany.

The port of Hamburg is also known as the gateway to the world. During a harbor tour, which starts from the floating landing stages, the vacationer gets an insight into the diversity of the harbor area.

The office buildings are lined up close together at the piers and exude their peculiar charm that only a port can exude. Elbe and Alster also offer plenty of water. The Alster estuary is known for its beautiful cafes and restaurants on the banks and invite you to linger.

 

 

Special sights in Hamburg

A visit to the fish market should not be forgotten. Not only culinary delights are offered. The hustle and bustle and the secret stars of the fish market alone are a special highlight. What are meant are the barkers who loudly advertise their goods.

A special landmark of the Hanseatic city is at the harbor. The Hamburg “Michel” with its viewing platform at a height of 106 meters offers a beautiful view of the entire city. The view offered is unforgettable and will stay in your memory long after your short break.

Weekend trip Hamburg – an experience for everyone

In addition to the many sights, Hamburg offers inexpensive weekly trips to the best musicals in the world and is the third largest performance location after London and New York. Performances include Tarzan, The Lion King, and Rocky. The short vacationer experiences a sightseeing of a different kind when crossing the Elbe tunnel. The journey starts at the landing stages. There are countless pictures of mussels, fish and crabs that live in the North Sea on the walls.

Going out and partying on a short trip  in Hamburg offers a very special highlight that is known worldwide. Because the nightlife takes place on the Reeperbahn. Countless attractions, from variety shows to clubs and bars, everything can be found here. Real Hamburg Deerns can be found on the most famous nightlife mile. The street is populated by shrill transvestites, easy girls and of course Hamburg originals. The short break offers a special, cultural experience with a tour of the Kiez and the harbor with Olivia Jones as your guide.

The Bavarian capital offers many options for a short vacation in Munich. The third largest city in Germany (after Hamburg and Berlin) has many sights and cultural events to offer. In addition, you can indulge in even more attractions with visits to museums and beautiful shopping tours.

The world’s most famous highlight for a short trip to Munich is the Wiesn, where the Oktoberfest is held (usually in October). In addition to culinary delicacies such as veal sausage, real Bavarian beer is served in beer mugs. Stars and starlets can be seen in the different tents, so that there is also enough celebrity density.The Wiesn also has the world’s largest fairground or fair with many different rides.

In addition to this attraction, Munich also offers a good mix of a special lifestyle and sights that can be experienced on a weekend trip . Inexpensive hostels or luxury hotels such as the Bavarian Court are available for accommodation.

Art and culture – worth seeing on a trip to Munich

In Munich, different subject areas in the field of art and culture can be covered. For technology enthusiasts, the German Museum and the BMW Museum are well worth a visit . The city’s historic buildings are shaped by rococo and baroque styles.

A tour through the historic old town of Munich gives a glimpse of the beauty and splendor of past centuries. A special experience on a short trip to Munich is a visit to the Nymphenburg with a palace concert and dinner afterwards.

A special highlight is offered to the short vacationer on the Viktualienmarkt . Colorful stands offer their fresh goods. On the edge of the market there are many small cafes, restaurants and inns that invite you to linger and relax.

In addition to the Olympic Park, the English garden with its beautiful beer gardens is a “must see” . The cityscape is shaped by the Marienkirche (mostly called Frauenkirche) and the new town hall. The carillon on Marienplatz is a special eye-catcher.

On the trail of art and culture, a trip to Munich also includes a visit to the old and new Pinakothek .

Experience culinary delicacies on a short vacation

The Bavarian cuisine offers not only international, but also regional delicacies that can be enjoyed in the various breweries in a cozy atmosphere.

For night owls, Munich offers a variety of pubs, bars and clubs where you can party until the early hours of the morning. The disco P 1 is known beyond the borders of Munich (not before 11 p.m. – but preferably until 5 a.m.), where many celebrities hang out again and again.

If you only have a few days off and still want to soak up the sun, a short trip to one of the neighboring countries is recommended. The Netherlands is a good choice. In Holland, in particular, you can not only enjoy the sun, but also go swimming in the sea. As it is very flat there, exploring the area by bike is not a problem. But which places are particularly suitable for such a short trip and what should be considered? What should you definitely pack on such a trip?

These places are particularly beautiful

When planning a holiday in Holland, one must first decide on one of the numerous places. Everyone has their own individual charm. Therefore the choice is often difficult. For this reason, here are some nice destinations for a short trip to Holland:

• Achterhoek:

This place is especially popular with water sports enthusiasts. Numerous bathing lakes invite you to swim, water ski or windsurf. In addition, the region around Achterhoek offers historic castles, beautiful villages, romantic forests and small rivers. That is why this place is also a destination for many canoeists.

• Noordwijk:

This city is internationally known under the term “Europe’s flower bathing resort”. You can not only go swimming there, but also admire beautiful parks. One of these is Keukenhof , where daffodils and tulips in particular thrive.

• Deventer:

In Deventer you can not only visit beautiful sunsets but also a large number of sights. These include the “Grote Kerk” tower and the “Speelgoedmusem Deventer”.

• Epen and surroundings:

The small town of Epen is located in the south of the province. This is especially popular for cycling because of its landscape. In addition to historic half-timbered houses, there are many fruit trees and small hills that give the area its individual charm. There are also romantic castles and magnificent mansions to admire.

• Burgh Haamstede:

In the vicinity of the place there is a nature reserve that has a beautiful dune landscape to offer. Horse lovers in particular get their money’s worth there, as there are wild horses to admire. The nature reserve is not only suitable for hikers. Since there is a cycle path through the dunes, it is also great to explore it by bike.

• Scheveningen:

Once the place was just a small fishing village. It is now the largest seaside resort in the Netherlands. Three beach areas in particular are popular with visitors: the north beach, which lies between the Kurhaus and the harbor, the Zwarte Pad, which extends north from the Kurhaus, and the south beach. There is also a lot of activity around the Kurhaus and the boulevard.

• Alkmaar:

All cheese lovers will get their money’s worth in this city, as it is the Dutch cheese city. Their cheese market is known far beyond the city limits. The Dutch cheese museum is also located in Alkmaar. The place is also popular with spa guests. The old town invites you to take a leisurely stroll and stroll.

What should you watch out for on a short trip to Holland?

There are various travel options for a short trip to Holland. In addition to flight and train, the car is a flexible alternative. Holland has a well-developed road network and the distances are clear. However, the maximum speed on motorways is between 100 km / h and 130 km / h. A maximum of 80 km / h is allowed on country roads and a maximum of 50 km / h is allowed within the village. Since the average speed is measured over a longer section of the route on some motorways, you should absolutely comply with the regulations in order to avoid fines. It is also a good idea to fill up the car in Germany, as the prices are more expensive in Holland. Smoking is also prohibited in many public areas. These include:

• Public facilities
• Public transportation
• Jobs
• Catering establishments

Smoking is also not permitted in many accommodations. Therefore, one should adhere to this rule. If it is particularly important to be able to smoke in the hotel room, you should include this aspect in your booking and ask whether this is allowed. It makes sense to book nice accommodation outside of the school holidays or the main season . This can save you a lot of money.

You should definitely pack that

First you have to think about what you want to do on your short trip. For example, if you want to go swimming mainly, you shouldn’t be without appropriate clothing. There should also be space in the travel bag for a large towel, bathing shoes and sunscreen. Anyone who mainly travels by bike should first decide whether to take their own bike with them or rent one on site. Comfortable clothing is also a must. It is best to use special functional clothing. A rain jacket for inconsistent weather should also be packed. In addition, you should protect the neck in particular from the sun to avoid burns. Camping enthusiasts must pack appropriate equipment. This includes, for example, a tent, a sleeping bag, an air mattress and appropriate cooking equipment. You should also think of warm clothing for the evening and night, as it can get cold. So that you don’t forget anything at home, it makes sense to Print out a travel checklist . So nothing stands in the way of a short trip to Holland.

When talking about city trips to England , most people inevitably think of London . The capital is without question a city with a lot to discover. However, there are other cities that are worth visiting. For example, Liverpool, Manchester or Leeds are located north of London .

I went to the industrial city of Liverpool in the north-west of England, was positively surprised and must admit that I had previously underestimated the city.

Liverpool – more than football and the Beatles

Liverpool is mostly associated with football and the Beatles . Both topics are indispensable and indispensable in the cityscape. But even those who cannot be enthusiastic about one or the other will not miss out in Liverpool.

Basically, Liverpool can be explored on foot, which is especially good along the Mersey River . Those who do not want to walk further distances – outside of the center – can use the bus. Since the city is not an extreme tourist magnet like London, Liverpool is very pleasant to explore without the hustle and bustle , which certainly has its charm during a city trip.

Stroll along the Albert Dock and the waterfront

The port district with Albert Dock is a must-see . Liverpool was one of the most important port cities in England from the 18th to the 20th centuries and the home port of the Titanic. The atmosphere along the waterfront to the Albert Dock is very special. Between the typical red brick buildings that are located around the docks, it is easy to stroll and soak in the maritime flair.

In the vicinity of the Albert Dock there is an obvious Ferris wheel, the Wheel of Liverpool . Known from several British cities, it is a bit smaller than the London Eye, but still sufficient to get a nice view over the city.

Architectural highlights nicely combined

The architecture in this area by the water is also very interesting and even laypeople can see: Liverpool has achieved what many other cities cannot – combining modern, unusual architecture with historical buildings to create a harmonious picture.

At Pier Head , for example, as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Three Graces , consisting of the Royal Liver Building (with the Liver Birds on the two towers), the Cunard Building (formerly the headquarters of the Cunard Line shipping company) and the Port of Liverpool (formerly Port Authority).

British music history – from Bowie and Oasis to Adele

We definitely recommend a visit to the British Music Experience, which is located in the Cunard Building opposite the Beatles statue. Here is the British music history starting presented with the ’50s until today. Thanks to audio samples, a few exhibits and other interactive elements, you can immerse yourself in every decade and get a feel for the mood during this time – partly with political contexts.

At the end of the exhibition there is an area in which the visitor can become musically active . There is a room in which dance styles from the respective time are shown and you can “dance” yourself. There are also some musical instruments, such as drums, electric guitar and bass, which can be tried out with the help of video instructions. Definitely a must for those interested in music, you can easily stay here for half a day or more.

More ideas for a stay in Liverpool

If you are looking for another leisure activity, the so-called ghetto golf is sure to offer a lot of fun. It is an indoor mini-golf course that was built in an old brewery building and beautifully designed in street art style .

The Chinese Arch marks the beginning of the Chinese district. The colorful arch was designed by artists from the twin city Shanghai. Apart from a few Chinese restaurants, there is n’t much more to see in China Town .

Beatles fans will of course get their money’s worth in Liverpool. From museums, statues, the famous Penny Lane, the Cavern Club etc. you can discover a lot here in the footsteps of the band. Accordingly, these places, especially Mathew Street, where the Cavern Club and Pub are located, are mainly populated by tourists.

From the Liverpool ONE Bus Station you can get to other cities very cheaply and easily with coaches from national express, for example . A further journey to Manchester , which is only about 1 hour away , is an option and can be wonderfully combined as a city trip.

Over 7,000 languages ​​are currently spoken in the world – if you travel a lot abroad, you will hardly be able to learn a fraction of them in your life in order to communicate with the locals everywhere. This is usually not a problem, as many people can also speak English. But English is far from being of help everywhere. In some European countries such as Spain, Italy and France, English proficiency is not far behind either, as the English Proficiency Index shows. Knowing other foreign languages ​​is therefore an advantage. Spanish lends itself to this for several reasons.

Italy? Spain!

Bella Italia – for a long time the country was considered the travel destination for Germans. And Italy is still right at the top of the German population when it comes to their favorite holiday destination . Almost a fifth name Italy as their favorite travel destination. However, Italy is not at the very front, but “only” in third place – Spain has now just overtaken the Germans and takes second place. Holidays are only more popular in their own homeland: almost 25 percent prefer to explore their own country while on holiday.

Versatile Spain

In addition to the much-visited Spanish islands of Mallorca, Ibiza or the Canary Islands, the mainland also offers plenty of beautiful places, be it the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona , regions like Andalusia or the Basque Country, or coasts like the Costa Blanca or Costa Brava. When you think of Spain in this country, Spanish food usually comes to mind, paellas, tortillas and tapas, plus bread with olive oil and good wine, tiki-taka football and the two big clubs Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, ​​flamenco, lively evenings, fiestas and siestas, sun and sea. But apart from that, Spain has even more to offer, beautiful landscapes and exciting diving spots as well as exciting waves for surfers, for example. Art lovers will get their money’s worth in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao as well as in the architecturally impressive inner cities of many places – the Sagrada Família church designed by Antoni Gaudí is just one of the many worthwhile destinations.

Conversation in English mostly difficult

If you don’t necessarily want to go on holiday to the popular German hotspots such as Ballermann on Mallorca, where German is often spoken, and instead want to mingle with the Spanish population far away from the classic tourist routes, you will often not be able to use English in addition to your own language so far . With a few bits of English, a Spanish dictionary and a lot of gestures, rudimentary communication usually works to a certain extent and even the most important thing, ordering a beer, the German can usually easily: Una cerveza, por favor. Anything beyond that turns out to be difficult.

While in Europe the Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands in particular have very good English skills, the Spanish, like the French and Italians, are not quite as familiar with the English language. This is shown by the English Proficiency Index , a global ranking that rates 88 countries according to their English skills . Here Spain is only in 32nd place, the average knowledge is classified as medium . So, before going on holiday in Spain, should you learn the language of the country with the help of an adult education course or an app to learn Spanish?