Simply take a break

Travels in Europe and around the world, plus inspiring recipes.

Discover the thrill and joy of paddling. Join us on treks and hikes that last from a few days to months. Enjoy being outdoors with us, escaping the hustle and bustle, experiencing nature; from food from the forest to tips for bare survival. On the road in rough terrain, off-road road trips. Join us on our travels in Europe and around the world.

Edible wild plants | Outdoors

Cactus fruit, a treat between meals

With 190 varieties, Opuntia is the most species-rich genus of the cactus family and has been used as food, fodder and intoxicants for 3000 years. At present, the distribution area is still the Mediterranean region, America, the Caribbean, South Africa and Australia from sea level up to 5,000 metres above sea level, but you never…

Australia | Offroad

The start has been made

We left Germany in an incipient snowstorm and were able to convince a lovely lady from Singapore Airlines in Frankfurt that life in Germany and checking in with 114 kg was hard enough (46 kg were allowed!) so that we didn’t have to pay a cent overweight. Australia greeted us, our complete (!) luggage with…

Hiking | USA

Luck is with the prepared

Wir haben zwei Stunden im Internet und am Telefon gebraucht, um die Sache in Gang zu bringen. Schließlich fanden wir in Seattle einen Schweizer, der sich auf solche Probleme spezialisiert hatte. Auch die unangenehme Tatsache, dass wir das Wohnmobil in L.A. abholen müssen, konnte der Schweizer perfekt lösen – wir bekamen einen „drive away“ für…

Hiking | USA

The suffering begins

Unsere Erkältung wurde besser und wir machten uns auf den Weg nach New Jersey und New Hampshire, um zwei unserer Sponsoren zu besuchen und den Rest unserer (bereits verschickten) Ausrüstung für das Projekt entgegenzunehmen. Auf unserem Weg in den Norden wurde uns der Klimawandel – „die Erwärmung“ – natürlich bewusst und wir erlebten in New…

Hiking | USA

New York

USA über Südafrika, Kapstadt und Namibia. 9. Woche. … aber bis wir in NY ankamen, bekamen wir auf unserem Zwischenstopp in Deutschland das, was wir erwartet hatten: Grauer Himmel, zwölfeinhalb Tage (von 14) Regen, gutes altes deutsches Brot, Gespräche und ein gutes Hefeweizen mit vermissten Freunden (und Sponsoren), eine fette Steuerrechnung (die wird man nie…

Hiking | Japan

Day 1: You speak German, English? Japanese!!!

PS position: N 31º, 00.389′; E 130º, 39.953′Place (Start point): Cape SataEtmal: 12 km In the morning I realise that although rudimentary Japanese is well understood, my explosive reply is probably not. Anyway, the friendliness, helpfulness and curiosity of the Japanese, as well as lots of shared laughter, get me on the right buses further…

Hiking | Japan

Prologue: Journey, journey

The flight on the Airbus 340-600 is smooth – no shaking, no wobbling. Aki and Tomoko (from www.g-style. ne.jp) greet me like an old friend, even though we’ve only ever „emailed“ each other. The last gaps are filled at the second breakfast and Tomoko finally gets my mobile phone working with the help of half…

Here are a few important and helpful points

When traveling abroad, there are many important things to consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Passport and visas: Make sure that your passport is still valid and that you have the necessary visas and entry documents for your destination. Check this in good time, as some visas require a longer processing time.
Travel insurance: It is advisable to take out travel insurance that covers medical care, trip cancellation and loss of luggage.
Health precautions: Find out about necessary vaccinations or health precautions for your destination. Ask your doctor whether special vaccinations or medication are recommended.

Weather and climate: Research the climate and weather conditions of your destination to ensure you have the right clothing and equipment.
Safety: Check the current travel advice and safety warnings for your destination. Keep important documents such as your passport and visa safe.
Cultural sensitivity: Respect the cultural customs and laws of the host country to avoid misunderstandings or problems.
Emergency preparation: Make a list of emergency numbers and keep a small first aid kit in your luggage
Just be mindful and think about your needs and travel list.

It is advisable to start planning your trip early in order to have enough time for all preparations. Depending on the destination, additional considerations may be necessary, e.g. for trips to remote or exotic areas. It is always helpful to consult travel blogs, travelogues and experiences of other travelers for useful tips and recommendations.