Adventurous on the road: discover the world with these travel tips

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Top travel destinations: From Thailand to Sri Lanka

FIV: Hello you two, by now you’ve visited countless places. Is there a place that you particularly like?

Yvi and Simon: Thailand is our favorite travel destination. On our very first visit in 2019, we fell in love with the fascinating culture, stunning beaches and delicious food. This trip marked the beginning of our shared thirst for adventure and inspired us to plan a trip around the world. Thailand will always have a special place in our hearts as it is the place where our dream of traveling around the world began.

Sri Lanka is another favorite destination for us. Our trip in the summer of 2022 during the economic crisis was unforgettable. Despite the difficult circumstances, we were touched by the friendliness and hospitality of the locals. The diversity of the culture, the delicious food and the untouched nature, from the tea plantations to the national parks, made a deep impression on us. Sri Lanka has taken a special place in our hearts.

Relaxation or adventure?

FIV: Most people tend to explore new places as vacationers during the summer vacations. Can you explain the difference between vacation and rest?

Yvi and Simon: On our trip around the world, we noticed that many people use the terms “vacation” and “travel” interchangeably. However, we define them as follows: “For us, “vacation” means taking time out from everyday life to relax and unwind, often at a fixed location such as a beach resort or spa hotel. The focus is on comfort, rest and leisure, without necessarily paying attention to every euro. In contrast, the term “traveling” implies an active engagement with new places, cultures and experiences. It is less about relaxation and more about discovery and adventure, often with a carefully planned budget to gain lots of experiences.

Overall, it can be said that during a vacation, the focus is often on taking a break and relaxing from everyday life, while traveling is about experiencing and getting to know the world. We have discovered a passion for traveling and are always on the lookout for new adventures, cultures, tastes and impressions. Together we have already traveled to around 50 different countries, including many in Europe as well as far-flung destinations such as Australia, Indonesia and Thailand, but also special destinations such as Hawaii, Jordan, Colombia and Panama.

FIV: How do you prepare for your trips?

Yvi and Simon: Careful planning and organization are essential when preparing for a trip. Once the destination has been decided, we book accommodation, think about how we’re going to get around and check our insurance. When packing our suitcases, we use packing lists and roughly plan what we want to do on each day to save time.

However, as we gain experience, we let ourselves drift much more and are open to new adventures. Sometimes our plans change spontaneously, and that’s okay. We have more useful tips and interesting and important points on our website,
which should be considered when traveling around the world.

Watch out! Saving tip:

FIV: Do you have any insider tips on how to save money on vacation without sacrificing fun and adventure?

Yvi and Simon: There are a few areas where you can save money on your vacation without compromising your experience, for example, you can easily compare prices for flights, accommodation, transportation and activities and save money.

You can compare flights online at “Skyscanner” or “Google Flights”. It’s similar for accommodation. “Booking.com, Airbnb and similar apps are your best friends. Accommodation such as hostels or Airbnb accommodation is usually cheaper. It’s best to take the bus from the airport to the city instead of a cab or Uber.

And if it does have to be a cab or Uber, then share the costs with other passengers or leave the airport if possible, as this saves unnecessary airport fees. You can also save on food by visiting local markets and cooking for yourself instead of going to expensive restaurants.

Paradise beaches and insider tips

FIV: Do you have any recommendations for people who would like to go on vacation to the beach?

Yvi and Simon: We discovered some of the most beautiful beaches on our trip around the world. On the west coast of Australia, we were impressed by Turquoise Bay in Cape Range National Park with its clear waters. Cable Beach in Broome and Reddell Beach offered relaxing backdrops. Lucky Bay around Esperance was named one of the best beaches in the world. In Hawaii, we were fascinated by the black sand beach of Waianapanapa on Maui. However, the beaches in the Philippines were particularly unforgettable during our boat trip from Coron to El Nido. Nacpan Beach on El Nido and Darocotan Island on Palawan attracted visitors from all over the world with their white sand and crystal-clear water.

FIV: Where is a good place for a solitary vacation?

Yvi and Simon: A special tip is Darocotan Island in the Philippines. As already mentioned, white and pristine sandy beaches, pleasantly temperate and cerulean-colored water and a diverse and colorful coral reef await you here. There are few tourist facilities on Darocotan Island, making it an ideal place for travelers looking for peace and nature off the beaten track.

The island offers accommodation in the form of simple huts and campsites, allowing vacationers to experience the beauty and seclusion of this tropical paradise up close – you should pack a good book and plenty of sunscreen. There is also a sunken shipwreck off the island, which can be easily reached from the beach.

This island for relaxation away from tourism

FIV: Do you have a special insider tip for a more unknown place?

Yvi and Simon: We found paradise on earth during our trip – Karimunjawa. This group of islands off the coast of Java is a hidden gem of Indonesia. With turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, it offers untouched beauty.

Unlike overcrowded tourist destinations such as Bali or the Gilis, Karimunjawa remains untouched by the mainstream. Here, visitors can enjoy the peace and serenity of nature while snorkeling, diving or hiking.

The arrival by ferry from Jepara on Java, which takes several hours, ensures that the island is not overrun by mass tourism. This allows travelers to experience the authentic flair of Karimunjawa and explore the untouched nature in peace.

FIV: Which absolute dream destination is still on your bucket list?

Yvi and Simon: Iceland is a dream destination that is right at the top of our bucket list. The breathtaking landscape with its glaciers, numerous waterfalls, endless lava fields and active volcanoes fascinates us beyond belief. The natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, which light up the sky in brilliant colors, is also an experience that you will never forget and should see once.

A visit to Machu Picchu is also high on our bucket list. We want to admire the ancient and impressive ruins of the Incas and see the mysterious history and beautiful landscape with our own eyes. We also want to experience a safari in Africa and see the unique and diverse wildlife.

FIV: Then we hope that you can fulfill this dream very soon. Thank you for your great tips and impressions!

You can find more from Yvi and Simon here:

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More about travel, vacations and experiences

Have these wonderful experiences got you into travel fever and want to plan your next trip right away? Here is a list of destinations that might interest you:

Travel XXL: Tips and recommendations worldwide