Earn money with real estate

Capital investments are currently becoming increasingly popular as protection against inflation. Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. Rising inflation therefore basically devalues your money. This is shown by the inflation rate in Germany.

You can find more statistics at Statista

In contrast, real estate prices are rising nationwide every year. This is due to social growth, urban growth and a decline in living space. This is also shown by the Federal Statistical Office’s house price index.

You can find more statistics at Statista.

Real estate increases in value over time, and can therefore not only secure the value of your money, but also serve as a wealth accumulator.

Achieving financial freedom with real estate

For more and more people, investments are the path to financial freedom and a secure pension. If you want to make money with real estate, you buy properties in good locations with a profitable yield with the help of financing from the bank, then rent out the property and pay off the monthly installments through the rents. In the long term, the investor makes an additional monthly profit that goes into their account.

Of course, that’s not all you need to know as a real estate investor. To minimize the risk of losses, you need as much know-how as possible. Good news! You don’t have to start from scratch or trawl through thousands of books. There are already many experienced investors who have successfuly made their money with real estate. That’s why this article gives you 5 tips from real experts on the subject.

5 tips from real professionals

If you are thinking about good investments to increase your wealth, buying a property as an investment is the way to go. Real estate is a proven way to optimize your wealth and achieve financial freedom. Are you a total newcomer to the business? No problem. There are already hundreds of success stories of experts who have made money with real estate. We’ve compiled the knowledge for you in one article. Here are 5 tips from real professionals!

Insider tip: location is the key to success

The first tip promises to be the big secret behind real estate success. The location of a property is crucial to the success of your investment. Real estate experts recommend investing in prime or up-and-coming neighborhoods, as they often offer the best rental income and performance. A-locations are prime locations close to key facilities and amenities. B-locations offer a happy medium, while C-locations are a cheaper but riskier option. It is important to choose the right strategy for your future plans. Your choice should therefore depend on your investment goals and risk appetite.

You should remember this about the various location strategies:

• A-location – expensive & profitable
• B-location – the good center
• C-location – inexpensive & risky

Careful yield calculation protects against losses

The return is a decisive factor in the assessment of a capital investment. The key word here is: return formula. Experts recommend calculating a gross yield and a net yield. The gross yield considers the annual rental income in relation to the purchase price of the property. The net yield also takes into account operating costs, taxes and financing costs. It is recommended to make sure that the return matches your financial goals before you invest.

The gross yield helps with initial decisions for or against an investment in a property. Before drawing final conclusions, however, the net yield should also be calculated. Otherwise, later losses cannot be ruled out.

It is important to know:

The net yield is more secure than the gross yield calculation.

In our guide to real estate investments, we reveal how high the yield currently needs to be: Real estate as a capital investment for beginners.

A smart and well-considered approach to financing

The right financing is crucial. It is advisable to use at least 20% equity to minimize mortgage interest and risk. Make sure you have checked your credit rating and can pay the monthly installments without any problems. Choosing the right financing option can make a significant difference in your real estate investment in the long run. Usually, an annuity loan is taken out as a loan.

You can find more statistics at Statista

Those who think short-term end up spending far more

Real estate investments should be viewed with a long-term perspective. Experts recommend not investing in real estate if you expect short-term gains. Demand for housing increases over time, which offers long-term benefits. Plan for long-term success and remain patient.

Professional support takes you to the next level

It may be advisable to seek professional help. Real estate agents, financial advisors and tax experts can offer valuable advice and support. An experienced real estate expert can help you choose the right property and manage your investment. Our tip: Many real estate advisors offer a free initial consultation where you can ask all your questions about real estate investment.

The most important statements of the professionals summarized

Real estate investing requires research, planning and a clear strategy. By following these tips from experts, you can increase your chances of success and build your portfolio as a real estate investor. Let’s recap what really matters.

Investing in real estate can be a smart investment if you pay attention to the right factors. The choice of location, return targets and the right financing are crucial to your success. Remember that real estate investments require patience and are best invested for the long term. If you keep these points in mind, real estate as an investment can be a lucrative investment that offers you long-term financial stability.

Get off to a good start with real estate with the guide for beginners – one article to learn everything you need to know!

Guide for beginners

You’ve decided you want to invest in real estate – that’s a great idea! Real estate can be a stable and profitable form of capital investment. If returns and positive cash flow are still foreign words to you, then you’ve come to the right place. We unravel the mystery of the money-making machine that is real estate ownership. In this article, you’ll learn the basics of investing. Location, yield, financing: what really matters?

• Real estate as an investment for beginners

Community & experience: tips for beginners

The experiences of other campers are very helpful in making your rooftop camping adventure safer, more enjoyable and more successful. They will help you recognize and avoid potential safety risks, offer tips on how to use your equipment more efficiently and share information on good campsites and activities in the area for more convenience. You can also learn from their mistakes and challenges, save money and avoid frustration.

The recommendations for tried and tested equipment and the sharing of experiences contribute to the formation of a camping community in which you can make new friends. It is therefore advisable to use the experiences of other campers to plan and improve your own camping trip.

Quick summary – you can learn these things from other campers:

• Security
• Efficiency
• Comfort
• Local knowledge
• Error avoidance
• Equipment recommendations
• Community

Learn online from professionals: quick & easy

But if you’ve never been to a campsite and don’t have many campers around you, how would you like to gain this experience? No problem, the internet is full of people who have already had plenty of camping experiences. Here we have compiled a few testimonials from which you can learn a lot for your own vacation.

Experiences in nature: roof tent camping in Scandinavia

We start with an exciting tip for a travel destination. Marie and Jan, the adventurous creators of the YouTube channel “travelventure” have chosen the exciting experience of rooftop tent camping in Norway and Sweden. This trip took them to breathtaking places and created unforgettable experiences, which you can read more about here, why the rooftop tent adventure is worth it.

In search of a new adventure: camping with a roof tent!

Have a look!

• Camping experiences in Scandinavia

Frosty adventures: unforgettable winter camping

Not only can you go camping in summer, it can also be an unforgettable experience to go camping in winter. The icy season sets in and frost covers the meadow. While most people are already holed up in their cozy homes, some adventure seekers find the frosty conditions an invitation to exciting challenges. Fritz Meinecke has tested camping with a roof tent in sub-zero temperatures and now offers useful advice for winter adventures.

New adventure outside the main season? Camping in winter!

Here you can learn how to set up your roof tent, prepare your sleeping area for cold nights and light a warming fire:

• Winter camping & bushcraft experiences

Starry skies, mountains & peaks: nights in a rooftop tent

Here’s another exciting travel tip for you. This time it’s off to the mountains! Imagine opening your eyes on a clear evening and gazing directly into the sparkling starry sky, surrounded by majestic mountains. Sounds like an unforgettable adventure, doesn’t it? This magical experience awaits you when camping with a rooftop tent in the mountains. We would like to tell you about the breathtaking night experience that the bloggers from the YouTube channel Motorreport had in the mountains.

Breathtaking views: Camping in the mountains!

Their experiences can provide you with valuable tips for your own rooftop tent adventures:

• Experiences camping in the mountains of Vosges

Family adventure in a roof tent: camping with a child

For Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel from North Rhine-Westphalia, this fascination with remoteness, the romance of campfires and untouched nature turned into a leap into the deep end, as they wanted to camp as a family with children for the first time. Here we invite you to follow the Gittel family’s exciting journey and give you an insight into their experiences, decisions and adventures during their first camping vacation with a child.

Exciting vacation for the whole family? Camping with a child!

Maybe you’ll find a few ideas and inspiration for your own camping adventure with the family:

• Experiences camping with children

Lost Places: Adventure, Camping & Survival Car

Lost places are often abandoned buildings or locations with a rich history and a special atmosphere. Exploring such places can offer an exciting and unique adventure that will make your camping trip unforgettable. For YouTubers Manu and Jessy, these abandoned places are not the setting for a scary movie, but the heart of their adventures. For starters, they show you their planning for a ‘survival car’ and show off their brand new rooftop tent as they share their passion for exploring lost places.

A particularly exciting adventure? Camping & Lost Places!

Here you can get to know the roof tent for your next camping adventure, familiarize yourself with the structure, the extras and the advantages:

• Camping experiences at Lost Places

Survival car for lost places: on the road with a roof tent

YouTubers Manu and Jessy actually discover abandoned buildings and properties, so-called “lost places”, on their channel. To make it easier to experience their adventures, they have now bought the Adventure roof tent from Campwerk. This is part of their plan to put together a survival car so that they can also spend the night on the road when they are out exploring.

You can read more about the roof tents from Campwerk here:

• Campwerk roof tent

Watch the full review in this video:

You can always learn something from the experiences of other campers. That’s why we’ve quickly summarized a few tips from the video here:

Setup & extras: tips & experience for roof tent newbies

While converting their survival car, Jessy and Manu installed their roof tent and are excited to see how it will prove itself on their upcoming tours. They give tips on how to set it up and talk about their experiences with it.

Step by step: Assembling the roof tent

First, they open the zipper of the cover and remove the tarpaulin. Now you can already see that the outer tarpaulin of the tent is olive green, which goes well with the adventure. They find the running boards on their pickup very practical. Manu can use them to easily remove the tarpaulin.

Our tips: if you don’t have a pickup, a small stepladder or stool will do.

Setting up the tent proves to be surprisingly easy. Manu can simply unfold the tent using the ladder. It’s already up! All that remains to be done is to attach the hinges to the entrance. Finally, the spring rods for the windows can be attached to keep them open. Manu also shows the guy ropes in case it gets too windy, but for now the two explorers don’t need them.

You can set up the roof tent quickly with these steps:

1. Open the zipper of the cover
2. Remove tarpaulin
3. Fold out using the ladder
4. Pin the hinges to the entrance
5. Fastening the spring rods for the windows
6. Possibly bracing in strong winds

Special summer extra: tropical roof

Particularly noteworthy is the tent’s tropical roof, which creates an additional layer of air between the tent and the sun to reduce the heat inside. Manu and Jessy are curious to see if this works in practice when they use the tent on a hot summer’s day.

Tropical roof: extra ventilation for the tent on very warm days (More: Camping accessories)

Rooftop tent from the inside: Windows, mattress & lighting

The tent is also pleasing on the inside. It has windows on the sides to let in fresh air and the overall finish makes a robust impression. Numerous pockets offer space for your camping utensils and options for hanging a string of lights to give the tent a cozy atmosphere.

Manu and Jessy opted for this model as it promised enough space. But even for Manu, who is 1.98 m tall and actually has his hammock with him to sleep on, the mattress proved to be surprisingly comfortable. There is a special material under the mattress that keeps moisture out and prevents mildew and mold. They also like the skylight. They can admire the starry sky if they want to.

Tip! To find the right model for you, you can start by thinking about how big you want your roof tent to be. To do this, you should first think about how many people will be traveling with you. You can read more about this here:

• Roof tent for 2 people
• Roof tent for 3 people
• Roof tent for 4 people
• Roof tent for 5 people

You can do this once you have set up the roof tent and climb inside:

• Windows for fresh air & solid workmanship
• Pockets provide storage space for camping utensils
• Option to hang up fairy lights / lamp
• Surprising comfort & space on the mattress
• Mattress carpet pad prevents moisture & mold
• Skylight for starry sky viewing

Save money & gain freedom: first impression & benefits

Manu and Jessy’s first impression of the roof tent is extremely positive. Not only does it provide a comfortable place to sleep, it also saves money on hotel accommodation. Even more important, however, is the freedom that the roof tent offers them. They can spend the night in the most beautiful places and are not tied to pre-booked accommodation. Manu and Jessy are looking forward to their first night in the rooftop tent. They are looking forward to many exciting adventures in this practical and cozy roof tent.

That’s why it’s worth it for Jessy and Manu to sleep in the roof tent, and maybe for you too:

• Comfortable sleeping accommodation close to nature
• Money savings compared to hotels & hostels
• Possibility to spend the night in the most beautiful places
• Independence from pre-booked accommodation

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Are you also looking forward to your next adventure and would like to take a look at different roof tents? Here you will find our large overview of the various roof tent providers.

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

Once you have an overview of some of the best-known manufacturers, you should compare the roof tents with each other to find the roof tent that suits your needs. This will help you to better compare the roof tents with each other.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Enthusiastic campers: camping experience with hard shell roof tent

Marie and Jan from the YouTube channel travelventure decided to embark on the adventure of camping with a hard-shell roof tent, the iKamper Skycamp from Campwerk to be precise. Right from the start, they were delighted with the fact that they were kindly provided with the tent for their trip and had the opportunity to assemble it on site in Bochum. Despite this, Marie and Jan always emphasize that their opinion is honest and individual.

You can find out more about Campwerk here:

• Campwerk roof tent

You can watch the video yourself here:

Of course, you can always learn from the experiences of others for your own camping adventures. That’s why we’ve summarized them for you here:

Rooftop tents: for families, couples & solo travelers

Marie and Jan have found that rooftop tents offer the comfort of a camper at a fraction of the price and are more comfortable than conventional tents. They are a great option for traveling, whether you are traveling alone, as a family or as a couple. The choice of tent size here depends on the number of people traveling. Marie and Jan had a rooftop tent that was designed for four people, but it was personally too big for them. They recommend trying out the different models before buying.

Rooftop tents offer you these things:

• Camping experience like in a motorhome, only for less money
• Comfort & convenience surpasses conventional tents
• Recommendation: Try out different models before buying

If you go by how many fellow travelers you have, you can choose the size accordingly. You can read more about this here:

• Roof tent for 2 people
• Roof tent for 3 people
• Roof tent for 4 people
• Roof tent for 5 people

Roof tents for every car: installation & equipment

A roof tent can even be mounted on a van to create additional sleeping space. Roof tents can be fitted to almost any car. They are attached to crossbars on the car roof and are therefore independent of the vehicle. The installation of the roof tent is flexible. It can be easily removed if there is no space for it, or it can remain on the vehicle all year round.

What you should know about mounting:

• Roof tents fit on many vehicles
• Mounting on crossbars on the car roof
• Independent of the vehicle & flexible installation
• Disassembly possible where space is limited
• Can be mounted on the vehicle all year round

Cozy nights under the stars: more restful sleep

The roof tent itself is spacious and comfortable. It already has a mattress, which makes it easier for them to set up. With a fitted sheet, a few pillows and a comforter, Marie and Jan feel right at home. The sleeping bag remains ready as an additional option.

Even more comfortable: with additional mattress!

You can find all the other accessories you might need here:

• Camping accessories

Weatherproof, insect protection & peace and quiet: relaxing in the great outdoors

The two bloggers had the opportunity to test their roof tent in various weather conditions, including strong storms in Norway. Although you can feel the wind outside, they felt safe inside the tent. The orientation of the tent is important to avoid the wind blowing head-on. The roof tent performed well in terms of insect protection. Despite the mosquitoes in Sweden, they were largely spared in the tent thanks to the insect nets at the entrance and the windows.

In this way, the roof tent protects you from the weather:

• Feeling safe in the tent despite noticeable wind
• Important: Orientation of the tent to minimize wind
• Insect nets at the entrance & windows

Advantages of the roof tent: nature, comfort & views

Marie and Jan enjoy their camping experience with the roof tent to the full. They can experience the freedom and flexibility of camping in the great outdoors without having to sacrifice comfort and convenience. Camping with a roof tent has some clear advantages. The quick and easy set-up and take-down makes spontaneous trips possible, and it offers a cost-effective alternative to motorhomes. Despite the affordable price, the level of comfort when sleeping in a roof tent is high. The elevated position offers breathtaking views.

Traveling with a rooftop tent is also cost-effective, as it allows lower rates for ferries, campsites and toll roads than with a motorhome. This flexibility allows you to stay overnight in remote locations and gives you the opportunity to explore new places. The rooftop tent also encourages social contact with other travelers at the campsite and often allows free overnight stays outside the campsite (this is allowed in many Scandinavian countries!), making this type of travel particularly attractive.

That’s why you should go camping with a roof tent:

• Freedom & flexibility in harmony with comfort
• Simple assembly & disassembly enables spontaneity
• Cost savings compared to motorhomes
• High sleeping comfort despite affordable price
• Breathtaking views from an elevated position
• Social contact with other travelers is encouraged

You can find even more tips on the benefits at:

• Advantages roof tent

Challenges & considerations: Disadvantages

Nevertheless, there are some disadvantages, including minimally increased fuel consumption and wind noise when driving. The limited parking options, the restricted possibilities in extreme weather and the initial purchase costs are further points that should be taken into consideration. Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, making a rooftop tent an attractive option for adventurous travelers.

You should pay attention to this:

• Minimal increase in fuel consumption
• Wind noise when driving
• Limited parking facilities
• Do not use in extreme weather
• High initial acquisition costs
• Nevertheless: advantages outweigh disadvantages

To find out how best to solve the disadvantages, you can read on here:

• Disadvantages roof tent

Rooftop tent manufacturer: the first rooftop tent!

Have you been bitten by the camping bug and would like to buy a rooftop tent? There are countless suppliers on the market and this can quickly become confusing for beginners. To help you get to grips with this, you can find out more about the different manufacturers in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: suitable roof tents

Given the abundance, it’s also worth taking a look at which roof tent is best for which needs. You can find out here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Camping adventures planned: from the idea to the roof tent

The video is about a family called Gittel, consisting of Tino, Yvonne and their daughter Samiya, who are preparing for a camping adventure. Tino has the idea of getting his family excited about camping, although Yvonne has always preferred hotel vacations. In the video you can see their thoughts on how to choose the roof tent from iKamper and plan their trip, including the choice of campsite.

iKamper is a popular brand for roof tents. You can read more about it here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf5K8JMaoKE

The fascination of camping adventures: costs, equipment & family

The camping trend is enjoying great popularity, and many people cherish the desire for unrestricted freedom. They long for a vacation in the great outdoors that allows them to sleep in the most beautiful places and move on flexibly, depending on their mood. Whether you opt for a caravan, motorhome or tent depends on your personal preferences. According to a study by the ADAC, there are already 15 million enthusiastic campers in Germany. But how do you find your way around this wide range?

Between skepticism & anticipation: camping on vacation

Tino, Yvonne and Samiya Gittel live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Tino has come up with something special for his next vacation: he wants to get his family interested in camping. He thinks camping is very exciting, while his wife Ivonne is skeptical at first. She is worried that she will have to restrict herself too much in terms of space and comfort. However, their nine-year-old daughter is also enthusiastic about the idea. She has already been on a camping vacation with her aunt and had a lot of fun. So her mother is going to try it out for her sake.

This family tests camping: Ivonne, Tino and daughter Samiya.

Camping solution: roof tent, tent trailer & caravan

Sure, this year the decision has been made to go camping. However, there are different types of camping. Should it be a caravan or motorhome, or would you prefer a tent or caravan? The variety of options is considerable. A motorhome or caravan undoubtedly offers a certain level of luxury. But Tino has heard from relatives and friends who are faced with the problem of having to put their vehicle somewhere at the end of the season year after year.

A folding caravan or tent trailer, which is more compact than a caravan, is ruled out as it is too time-consuming for the family to set up. After extensive research on the Internet, the Gittels finally decide on a roof tent. Most rooftop tents on the net only offer a standard sleeping area of 1.40 meters maximum, which is too narrow for three people. Finally, they came across a suitable option – the X-Cover from iKamper, which is large enough to accommodate four people, measuring 2.10 by 1.90 meters.

Here you can quickly compare the considerations of the Gittel family:

The solution to the space problem: a larger roof tent! (Tip: You can find suitable sizes under: Roof tent for 2 people, Roof tent for 3 people, Roof tent for 4 people and Roof tent for 5 people).

Price of roof tents: Search for bargains

In terms of price, roof tents range between 800 and 4,000 euros. The decisive criteria for buying a roof tent are a sleeping area of at least 1.60 meters wide, quick set-up and an affordable price, with a pain threshold of 3,000 euros. The Gittels’ dream roof tent is somewhat expensive at 3,300 euros. However, you can also find second-hand tents on the Internet, which means you can make considerable savings. They browse for new items and bargains. Tino and Yvonne find what they are looking for: their dream tent now costs just 2,500 euros.

Price: 800 – 4,000 euros (used: around 2,500 euros)

Searching for the campsite: preparation & planning

Tino’s next challenge is to find the right campsite, which is no easy task given that there are almost 2,800 campsites in Germany. But which of these campsites is the right one for the family? The selection criteria are many and varied, because it’s not just about the campsite’s facilities. The family is looking for cleanliness and peace and quiet, which is why Tino believes that it is important to find out about the campsites in advance, for example by reading reviews and ratings.

They also want the campsite to have certain facilities, including a playground and a restaurant, to ensure they can cater for themselves on site. A site with at least four stars is preferred, and it should be a reasonably priced alternative to a hotel. In addition, they need to consider what sights they want to see and what activities they want to do. For more comfort, the roof tent is mounted on a trailer.

If you want to go camping with your child, these criteria can also help you find the right campsite:

• Reviews & ratings
• Cleanliness, relaxation & tranquillity
• Amount of the price
• Sights & activities
• Playground & restaurant?

Not just planning a campsite: buying accessories

Before the journey can begin, Tino and Yvonne have to do some shopping, including two sleeping bags, two sleeping mats as well as pots, crockery and cutlery to ensure that they are well supplied during the trip. Of course, a second-hand camping kitchen is also a must in the trailer. Tino is particularly concerned about the provisions, as he appreciates a certain level of comfort.

You need this absolute basic equipment in any case:

• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping mats
• Kitchen
• Pots
• Tableware
• Cutlery

Tip! You can read about what else you should take with you and other important camping tips here: Camping accessories.

Environmental protection & choice of destination: car & travel

A big advantage for Tino and Yvonne are the operating costs, as they use an electric car. This means that they only have to pay around 70 euros in electricity costs for a 500 km journey, compared to almost 100 euros if they were to use an older petrol car. It is also a more environmentally friendly travel option. For a shorter trip, the family opts for the North Sea coast and Cuxhaven as their destination. Friends of theirs are also camping there, and they like it too.

These tips will help you protect the environment and your wallet:

• Electric car: lower operating costs
• Choice of destination: not too far away

Is it worth it? Camping adventures with the family

In conclusion, the question arises as to whether the financial outlay was worth it and whether a camping vacation can be considered a cost-effective alternative to a hotel stay. The Gittel family is satisfied with their camping adventure. Samiya sleeps restfully in the roof tent and all family members can switch off in the fresh North Sea air without an all-inclusive program and time pressure. This vacation has brought the family closer together and they are ready for more camping adventures.

Here is the conclusion of our tester family in a nutshell:

• Satisfied Gittel family
• Restful sleep in the roof tent
• Relax in the fresh North Sea air
• Strengthening family cohesion
• More camping adventures with pleasure

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Would you also like to buy your first roof tent for the family? You can find many different manufacturers here:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

To help you find the right one, you can take a look at this comparison.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Ice-cold challenge: rooftop tent adventure in sub-zero temperatures

The idea was to test the roof tent in cold weather. While summer camping is pleasant, here we are facing really icy temperatures. Many of you may know the survival expert Fritz Meinecke, who became famous through projects such as “7 vs. Wild”. On his YouTube channel, he is dedicated to survival in the wilderness and teaches skills that are also extremely useful when camping. Fritz has even tested a roof tent from iKamper in conditions of -7 °C.

You can take a look at the roof tents from iKamper here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

Winter camping with a roof tent: survival expert shows how it’s done

Despite spending the night in the roof tent, the bushcraft feeling is a must for a survival expert. So Fritz Meinecke makes a nice fire on the side, looks for some wood in the low temperature and introduces the roof tent.

From deadwood to absorbent cotton pads: campfires like a pro

We start with practical tricks for making a fire. While Fritz collects wood, cuts it to size with an axe and then builds a fire, he explains the best way to do this. If you want to make a fire on your next camping trip, you should make sure that you mainly use dry dead wood. Then split it into smaller pieces with an axe and use the driest pieces from the core to make small sticks to start the fire. To do this, strike the end of a smaller piece with your axe to split it.

Tip from Fritz: Make sure you have two bundles of wood sticks ready so that you still have something the next day and don’t have to look for and chop wood as soon as you get up.

In order to have a good fire afterwards, the video also explains how the wood should be stacked. It is best to make a small base from the larger pieces and stack the sticks on top in a square. You can use absorbent cotton pads soaked in wax as tinder to light the fire. The best way to do this is to throw the burning absorbent cotton pad into the middle of the stacked wood.

This checklist will help you keep track of how to make a good fire quickly and easily:

1. Collecting dry deadwood
2. Splitting wood with an axe
3. Making narrower sticks
4. Base made from larger pieces
5. Stack the sticks square on top
6. Light wax-soaked cotton pads
7. Make provisions & invest wood reserves

Sleeping area: roof tent set-up & cozy furnishings

Once the wood has been chopped, the roof tent can be erected. After quickly opening the hard shell of the tent and unfolding it on the ladder, the tent is ready for the night. The survival expert only needs one or two minutes to do this. Particularly important: remember to pull the carpet pad under the mattress so that you have less moisture in the tent. Then you have the large sleeping area ready and can lie in it just like Fritz.

Let’s move on to preparing the sleeping area. At such low temperatures, you should definitely invest in a good winter sleeping bag, like the one Fritz uses. It should get really cold at night. Add a lantern to the tent for some light and your sleeping area is ready. Fritz also introduces you to some practical storage options that can be attached to the outside of the tent. These include hanging organizers and sliding hooks.

These things are important when pitching the tent and preparing for the night:

1. Quick tent set-up: Open the hard shell & unfold the tent
2. Avoid moisture in the tent with the right carpet pad
3. Comfortable overnight stay in a spacious bedroom
4. Good winter sleeping bag recommended for cold nights
5. Hang a lantern in the tent for lighting in the tent
6. Use hanging organizers & sliding hooks

You can create pleasant lighting with a lantern:

Practical outdoor cooking trick: Homemade tripod

Finally, Fritz makes a tripod out of sticks. He knots a ribbon to one side and then wraps the rest around it. As soon as the tripod is over the fire, he adds a hook made from another piece of wood. Finally, a pot is hung on it and delicious food can be cooked. In Fritz’s case, a lentil soup. But of course you can cook whatever you like. Just make sure that the food has a long shelf life.

Help with cooking: Make your own tripod

Rooftop tents for road trips & short breaks: Recommendation

Even after a wintry night in the roof tent, Fritz realizes that the roof tent is perfect for a weekend overnight stay in the wilderness. He notes that there is a big difference compared to spending the night in a vehicle. It’s difficult to set up in a parking lot somewhere in the city center. But for short vacations and road trips, he would recommend the roof tent. For him, it’s a variable thing, so it’s not something for everyday use that he will always have on the car, but for certain tours, trips and road trips.

Conclusion: Rooftop tent is great for short vacations & road trips

Rooftop tent manufacturer: overview for beginners

Curious? You can take a look at other roof tents here.

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

In addition to the overview of the various roof tent manufacturers, we also show you our personal favorites here.

• Rooftop tent comparison

Dawn in the mountains: try out rooftop tent camping

What does it actually feel like to be on the road with a roof tent? Imagine it’s early in the morning, the sun is just rising and you’re up at 1,500 meters above sea level – with a roof tent! Sounds like a crazy trip, doesn’t it? Today I want to tell you about the adventure night from the YouTube channel Motorreport in the mountains, where bloggers Anja and Matthias spent the night in an iKamper roof tent for the very first time.

You can find out more about iKamper roof tents here:

• IKamper roof tent

You can watch the video here:

On the road in the large version: Skycamp roof tent

The two bloggers had the Škoda Enyaq Coupé as their base vehicle, and on the roof of the car they had a roof tent called the iKamper Skycamp 3.0. As usual with the Skycamp models, the Skycamp 3.0 is available in a Mini Edition and a large version. They had the large version here, which offers space for up to four people. Anja and Matthias slept in it to see how spacious it is.

Tip! You can read more about this roof tent size here: Rooftop tent for 4 people.

Setting up the roof tent: Let the adventure begin!

Anja put up the roof tent for the very first time at the very beginning. To put up the roof, she first had to unlock the eyelets with the key and then fold down the tent. Now they could fold up the roof in pairs. The wind was blowing quite strongly, but the roof almost raised itself. Depending on the dynamic load capacity of the vehicle, the ladder can either be stowed directly on the roof tent or in the trunk. In the video, it was stowed in the trunk. Next, it was locked into place, extended and the roof tent was up.

Once at the top, the awning could be erected, which was surprisingly easy. The awning already came with poles that just had to be inserted into the brackets on the tent. And Anja already had a protective roof over her head.

You should remember this procedure for your first roof tent assembly:

1. Unlock eyelets with key
2. Folding down the base plate
3. Fold up the roof in pairs
4. Ladder in the roof tent or trunk depending on load capacity
5. Engage ladder & set up securely
6. Insert awning poles into brackets

Freezing temperatures & wind: experience & advice

For the overnight stay, Anja and Matthias decided to close the roof tent completely. It has three layers: the outer layer, a fly screen and a blackout blind. This meant they could be sure that they would not only stay dry, but would also be protected from insects. During the night, however, they felt the wind. The thermometer read around 5 °C. They reported that thinner sleeping bags would not have been a good idea.

As a conclusion to their first night in the roof tent, they had these suggestions for improvement: Wrap up thick and maybe put something under the mattress. But challenges aside, the view from the roof tent in the morning was simply breathtaking. When they opened the windows, a breathtaking panoramic view awaited them. Even the wind wasn’t so bad.

For your next roof tent adventure: Warm sleeping bags & put something under the mattress.

Unforgettable experience in a rooftop tent: adventure

On the whole, the rooftop tent experience was certainly unforgettable, but the bloggers are more likely to be occasional campers. One thing is for sure: it was an adventure that they will remember for a long time to come. However, those who want to travel in a smaller vehicle and be as close to nature as possible should definitely find happiness in a rooftop tent.

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Overview for beginners

Are you considering buying your own roof tent after reading this experience report? There are countless manufacturers on the market. So that you can get to know the most important ones, you should read on in this overview:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Roof tent comparison: the best roof tent?

However, you not only need an overview, but a recommendation as to which roof tent is best suited compared to others can also help you. Then it won’t be so difficult to choose the right roof tent. You can find our roof tent favorites here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Challenges & restrictions with a roof tent

The freedom of camping in a rooftop tent is undoubtedly tempting. A quick and uncomplicated set-up, the prospect of breathtaking places to spend the night and the opportunity to experience nature up close are just some of the reasons why more and more adventure-seekers are opting for a rooftop tent adventure.

Of course, camping with a roof tent also has many advantages, which you can read about here:

• Roof tents Advantages

However, as with everything in life, there are also some disadvantages and limitations to consider. You can get an even better overview directly from the source: Rooftop tent disadvantages (Campwerk).

Expensive abolition: why it’s still worth it

You may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets at the beginning. Rooftop tents are often a little more expensive than conventional tents. This is because they are specially built and made of high-quality materials. But don’t worry, it pays off! Rooftop tents are still cheaper than most caravans and motorhomes and can be used for many camping adventures to come thanks to their robustness and durability. After all, you’ll save yourself the expense of other accommodation when you’re on the road because you’re equipped with a roof tent.

Here are a few important things regarding the costs:

• Purchase price more expensive, but cheaper than caravan/mobile home
• Investment pays off in the long term, as no more hotel costs

Pay attention to the fuel: additional weight

Of course, the additional weight on the car roof can also increase your fuel consumption. Your driving behavior can also be affected by the additional weight. However, it is fair to say that this does not come close to the fuel consumption of a caravan or motorhome. In comparison, the roof tent is lighter and puts less strain on your car. There is also a maximum speed limit for some roof tents. You should definitely adhere to this to prevent accidents and save fuel.

Other disadvantages are:

• Increased fuel consumption, but less than a motorhome
• Speed limit, but fewer accidents & fuel consumption

Unsafe during storms & thunderstorms: Watch out for lightning!

Most rooftop tents can withstand rain and wind, but in the event of a heavy storm or thunderstorm, it is better to stay in the car or drive to the nearest hotel. Of course, this also means costs, but on average it is still cheaper than staying in a hotel for your entire vacation. A roof tent does not have a closed metal construction like a car. In addition, it is in an elevated position due to its place on the car roof. This can quickly make lightning strikes dangerous. However, you can simply sit in the car during thunderstorms with lightning.

Pofi tip: Always check the weather forecast so that you can plan accordingly.

You should pay attention to this in bad weather:

• Less stability during storms – solve with: one night in a hotel
• Do not set up in case of lightning – solve with: wait out thunderstorms in the car

During thunderstorms you can wait in the car and then set up the roof tent again!

No space for heavy furniture, such as cupboards

A rooftop tent is one of the most space-saving options for a vacation in the great outdoors. But due to its more compact size, the space in a roof tent is not comparable to the living space in a fully equipped caravan or motorhome. And of course you can’t permanently install furniture, you have to reassemble it every time. On the other hand, a roof tent is of course much lighter and cheaper, and you often have more sleeping space compared to a conventional tent.

You have these disadvantages due to the space in the roof tent:

• Less living space than in a caravan, but more sleeping space than in a conventional tent
• Less space for permanently installed furniture, but the roof tent is therefore also significantly lighter

Tip: With the right camping accessories, you can also stow everything important in the roof tent to save space!

Fold in the roof tent: then drive on!

And while you can easily drive from destination to destination, your car is still not 100% freely available. Once you’ve unfolded the tent in the evening, you still have to fold it up to drive to the supermarket. However, most models are designed for quick assembly and disassembly, so this should be quick and you can still buy your well-earned snack for dinner.

Short & sweet:

• Roof tent must always be dismantled first, but with a little practice it can be done very quickly

Rooftop tent manufacturer: Our recommendation

We’ve just told you a lot about the disadvantages, but perhaps we’ve been able to pique your curiosity with the solution to these disadvantages. If you would like to know more about roof tents, you can find many different models with different functions in this article:

• Rooftop tent manufacturer

Rooftop tent comparison: the best rooftop tent?

To make sure you find the right roof tent for your needs and have fewer disadvantages, you can find our shopping recommendations here:

• Rooftop tent comparison

Problems can be solved – and then everyone is quickly happy again!

5 mistakes! What to look out for when investing?

Your goal is financial freedom? Anyone can build wealth with real estate. Investments allow you to build up money over the long term. By investing, you can make your real estate work for you and benefit from interest, dividends and price gains over time. However, investing in real estate without any knowledge is too risky. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Every real estate professional has already made mistakes that you can benefit from. Stick to this checklist, avoid the 5 mistakes and minimize your risk of failure. Let’s go!

Risk checklist: What you should avoid

Stick to these points and nothing will stand in the way of your successful investment:

1. Don’t invest in real estate with too low a return
2. Designing financing for the long term instead of the short term
3. Bring in enough equity
4. Financing compared
5. Calculate net return not just gross return

Find out now what the 5 biggest mistakes are that you can make when investing.