FIV Magazine Issue #32

Inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Cover Story: Interview with drag queen Jen Z

Jen Z is not only the face of this issue but also an impressive personality who is shaking up the drag scene with her art. In our big cover interview, Jen Z tells us what it means to be a successful drag queen in today’s world and how she manages to integrate her creativity and unique style into her performances.

Exclusive interviews: Lena’s Health Lab, Serlina Hohmann & more

Our latest issue is packed with exclusive interviews that provide in-depth insights into the lives and careers of well-known influencers, artists and content creators. We didn’t miss the opportunity to bring the most exciting personalities into the magazine. Among others, we talk to Lena’s Health Lab, Luke Jaque-Rodney, Katja Seifried, Serlina Hohmann and Loredana Chantal. It’s all about exciting recipes, motivating wellness tips and must-see travel destinations! You can also find the interviews here:

• Lena’s Health Lab
• Luke Jaque-Rodney
• Donato Emilio
• Elliuno
• Ourhomeliving
• Jojo.and.you
• Katja Seifried
• Olesja Schalnich
• Jacky Wruck
• Serlina Hohmann
• Life to Go
• Laura and Finn
• Whatsnext travel
• Loredana Chantal

Interview with Elliuno: Beauty secrets & tips

Elliuno shares the hottest makeup trends, her favorite products and simple tricks to create the perfect look that lasts all day. Discover how to accentuate your natural features and incorporate on-trend styles like doll cheeks and 90s brows into your everyday routine.

Life to go: Jessi & Daniel on world travel adventures & tips

Jessi and Daniel from“Life to go” give an insight into their exciting life traveling the world, from their first trip to Thailand to extraordinary adventures in Cuba. They reveal their best travel tips on how to discover the world on a budget and share their dream destinations for future trips.

Discover the new FIV Issue #32 now!

This issue is packed with inspiring stories and valuable insights into the world of fashion, art and influencer marketing. Be inspired by the creative minds we have interviewed for you and discover new perspectives.

Where can I read the magazine?

Read now for free online + in the FIV app:

• Magazine #32

Don’t miss out on the latest trends and stories from the world of influencers and content creators!

• Travellovestorys Instagram
• Travellovestorys Blog

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:

• Travellovestorys Instagram
• Travellovestorys Blog

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

Quit your job, pack your rucksack: Jessi and Daniel’s trip around the world

Jessi and Daniel quit their jobs in 2015, sold all their possessions and boarded a plane with a one-way ticket and traveled to Thailand. Today they live on Koh Samui in Thailand and are expecting their first child. They share insights, tips and tricks on social media to show others how it’s done.

• Life to go Instagram
• Life to go YouTube
• 5 years of world travel – the movie
• Life to go blog
• Life to go Facebook

Thailand: How it all began

FIV: Hello, you two. You’ve already seen a lot of the world. Let’s say you only had one destination left, where would you go and why there?

Daniel and Jessi: Phew, difficult question. We’ve been traveling the world for over 5 years and have visited 39 countries. So it’s very difficult for us to limit ourselves to one destination. Each of the countries was special, but some countries were very special for us.

Thailand, for example. Our first long-distance trip was to Thailand in 2011. We immediately fell in love with the land of smiles, returned again and again, got engaged here, got married in Thailand, started our journey around the world there in 2015 and emigrated here at the end of 2020, after more than 5 years of traveling the world, which is why we made our world travel film, to the tropical island of Koh Samui.

In addition to Thailand, we were also extremely fascinated by Namibia, Mexico, Cuba, the USA, Brazil, Ecuador, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Iceland (simply a magical country), Australia and the South Seas. Actually, all the other countries too. It is very difficult for us to limit ourselves to one destination.

Travel or vacation? Everyone as he likes!

FIV: Do you generally prefer to go on trips to discover new places or do you sometimes go with the intention of simply switching off?

Daniel and Jessi: We prefer to travel and discover countries and cultures in depth. We also love to go on vacation for a few days and relax on the beach, but after a few days we get “bummed out” and have to see something of the country, otherwise we feel like we haven’t really been there.

For us, traveling means above all that we travel from one country to the next, crossing borders and suddenly finding ourselves in a new culture, rather than being in one country and one region on a vacation. Of course, there are also holidaymakers who combine regions in one country or even 1, 2 or even 3 countries, but that is the exception rather than the rule and counts for us as a real trip rather than a vacation.

What is important here, however, is that people find the right way to explore the world for themselves. Whether it’s a single vacation, longer trips, 1 country or several countries, whether as a backpacker, luxury traveler or hotel vacationer … there is no right or wrong. Everyone should simply find their own way of traveling that makes them happy and fulfills them. And what we all have in common is the travel itself, the desire to discover countries – no matter what kind.

Adventures in Cuba and dreams of the Arctic

FIV: Which destination surprised you the most and is particularly memorable?

Daniel and Jessi: The most unusual destination for us was definitely Cuba. We got virtually nowhere with English, which is why we attended a language school for the first few weeks to learn Spanish on the spot. This was a hurdle in itself, as the Spanish teacher didn’t speak any English. After that, we spent another two weeks driving around the country in a rental car.

We really felt like we had been transported back several years. Somehow like in a country before our time. We encountered horse-drawn carriages, ox-drawn carts, cyclists and pedestrians on the highways. The roads were a pure adventure and cities like Havana or Trinidad had a very special flair, especially away from the “tourist zones”. The supermarkets were not full to the brim like in Germany, but there were often empty shelves. Internet was very limited. Sometimes we had to visit public places.

We attended a salsa class, drank the best mojito on the streets of Trinidad and bathed in the clearest and extremely turquoise sea. Cuba was definitely not easy to travel to, yet it was absolutely extraordinary and definitely needs to be mentioned here. It was also very different from a vacation in Havana, as we really traveled the country. Here we can refer back to the question above, because if you travel to Cuba as part of a package vacation, you experience a different Cuba than if you really travel the country on your own, from A to B, on to C and have to overcome a few hurdles along the way.

TIP: How to save money when traveling!

FIV: As you already have a lot of experience, can you tell us the best places to save money when planning a trip?

Daniel and Jessi: We have found that package vacations through travel agencies are often more expensive than self-planned trips. Our first vacation to Thailand through a travel agency in Cologne was well organized, but also significantly more expensive than subsequent self-planned trips there.

By comparing flights, hotels, rental cars, etc., we were able to save hundreds to thousands of euros. For us, traveling is not about saving money, but about gaining unforgettable experiences.

Therefore, we would rather save on activities and excursions than on important aspects such as a suitable rental car or a hotel that meets our needs. Ultimately, everyone should find their own way, and there is no right or wrong way.

Traveling is and remains our absolute passion

FIV: Do you still have an unexplored destination on your bucket list?

Daniel and Jessi: Antarctica is definitely at the top of our bucket list. The Arctic would also be our last continent, as we have otherwise traveled to all the other continents.

Seeing polar bears, penguins and orcas in their natural environment would be our absolute dream.

We normally prefer warmer regions, but Antarctica really appeals to us. We would also love to go to Finland in the depths of winter. Preferably at Christmas, in a cozy cabin, with lots of snow on the doorstep – maybe we’ll make this dream come true next year when our son is born and we’re no longer travelling as a couple, but as a family. Of course, we have a number of other countries on our bucket list, such as Chile, Argentina, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, Mongolia, Taiwan, New Zealand and many more. And we would also love to travel to some countries again and then, for example, to other / further parts of the country.

Traveling is and remains our absolute passion. However, we are currently taking a short break from traveling as we are expecting our first child in July. But we already have a lot of destinations in mind for next year and then as a family, which we are particularly looking forward to, which will also change the way we travel. We will be able to see countries in a completely different way again, namely through our eyes and also through the eyes of our child. That will certainly be very special.

Maldives and insider tip for the best road trip

FIV: Which island has had the most beautiful beach for you so far?

Daniel and Jessi: We would immediately say the Maldives. A fine, light-colored sandy beach and turquoise blue water in front of it. Simply perfect.
On our trip around the world we also had some of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of Australia, on Cuba in Varadero, in Thailand and Indonesia, but also on Iceland with the unique Diamond Beach, where huge blocks of ice are washed up like diamonds in the dark sand.

FIV: Do you have an insider tip for a place that is not overrun by the mainstream?

Daniel and Jessi: A road trip through Slovenia. This country absolutely blew us away. Incredibly beautiful lakes, clear turquoise water, beautiful cities and great to travel around in a camper. The people were also very friendly to us and yes, the country really surprised us in a positive way.

But we could add to the list here too, such as a road trip through Namibia or a camper van trip through Japan, which is also quite rare and meant we had lots of great encounters with the locals.

FIV: With your great experiences you have certainly put many people in a traveling mood. Thank you for the great interview and have lots of fun!

You can find more content from Daniel and Jessi here:

• Life to go Instagram
• Life to go YouTube
• 5 years world tour movie
• Life to go blog
• Life to go Facebook

Now in FIV Issue #32!

You can also discover the whole interview as well as inspiring fitness stories, travel tips and fashion in the complete magazine!

• Read now: FIV Magazine #32

Tips for family vacations:

Camping cheaply with the family? With a roof tent, you can save on accommodation costs and experience nature up close. Our expert gives tips on affordable destinations, campsites and seasonal offers. Pack up the family and head off on an adventure!

Cheap camping & traveling: Rooftop tent vacation with the family

Jil Eileen: Her life traveling around the world

FIV: As you can see in your Instagram feed, you have already seen and traveled to many countries. Which of these destinations have you liked the most so far?

Jil: Phew that’s a very difficult question, I’ve already been to 63 countries and each one had something special in its own way. I couldn’t decide where I liked it best, I would go to every country I’ve been to again.

FIV: On social media and on your website, you talk almost exclusively about travel. How did you get into this passion? What excites you most about travel?

Jil: I have always been very adventurous and loved to learn about new places, cultures and people. In 2018, I quit my job and went out on my own with a backpack to travel the world. Even before that, I’ve always scheduled my days off and vacations to travel as much as possible but once I traveled full time the ‘addiction’ hit me. What excites me most about traveling is to discover new places, to feel the freedom and to be myself.

“Happiness is the only thing that doubles
when you share it, so why not share the
what makes me happy share with you!”

Traveling on a budget? – Jil’s experiences & your money saving tips

FIV: You are only 26 years old and still very young. How do you finance your many trips? How frugal are you and do you have any tips for our readers on how to travel the world inexpensively?

Jil: For my year solo world trip I have saved well in advance, I had 3-4 jobs at the same time and was really hardworking. Accordingly, I could always put money aside. It is very important to always keep in mind that ‘little things make a mess’. This is true when saving and also when spending. Before you save nothing, save at least something. Then it takes longer until you reach the target amount, but you still reach your goal. And when spending it is exactly the other way around, if I think with every little thing ‘oh that’s only 5€’ then that can be quite a lot at the end of a trip. I always write down every € I spend on my trips to have a look at how much the trip has cost me so far. If I have budgeted well then I can also treat myself, if I have not budgeted well then I can also eat only oatmeal for 3 days Meanwhile I am self-employed and can live from my travel blog and my online store, instead of working hard and saving in advance I travel now and work during.

A day with Jil: mountains or pool?

FIV: What does a perfect day on vacation look like for you? Are you more of an active person or do you prefer to take it slower? Chilling by the pool or climbing in the mountains? What type of vacation are you?

Jil: I am the active traveler, I love to go hiking, climbing in the mountains, surfing at the sea & have so many ‘bumblebees in my butt’ that I always want to do something. Of course I also like to lie by the pool or the sea but that’s the
tends to happen between activities.

Travel adrenaline rush: dangerous hike in Hawaii

FIV: What has been your most exciting experience on your travels so far? Was there ever a particularly exciting event or maybe you did an extraordinary activity? Paragliding, bungee jumping or something like that?

Jil: I have experienced many things while traveling but the first activity that comes to mind is a hike in Hawaii. The Olomana Trail, also called ‘Three Peaks ‘. A very dangerous hike that gave you an absolute adrenaline rush.
and just damn fun even though you have come to your own limits.

Germany tour: route, tips & what the country has to offer

FIV: A few months ago you did a tour through Germany together with your boyfriend. How did you come to this idea and how did you plan the tour? Was there a fixed route or did you set off spontaneously?

Jil: We have seen so much of the world but not of our own country. We wanted to change that and so we did a lot of research and looked at what Germany has to offer. We have thought about a route in advance and are then the places we have picked out. I was sometimes with my friend on the road but also sometimes with girlfriends.

FIV: Tell us something about this tour. What destinations did you go to and what sights did you want to see? Would you have thought that Germany has such beautiful places to offer?

Jil: I must confess, I underestimated Germany!!! I never thought in my life to see such great places in my own country. We were hiking at the Mosel, in the Black Forest and in the Palatinate Forest, at Lake Constance we discovered stand up paddle for us, at the Eibsee in Bavaria we were swimming in the lake and in Saxon Switzerland we couldn’t get out of the amazement. With 25 years I have then also made it the first time to the German sea

Vacation in the car? – live and sleep in a confined space

FIV: As you can see in your Instagram feed you went camping and slept together in the car. What was it like for you to live in such a small space? Would you repeat that and recommend it to others?
Jil: For me it was no problem, you just get to know each other better and thus welds more together. We have our car a little equipped with a topper on which we slept, curtains hung on the windows to be able to darken it a little and to have privacy and decorated it a little cozy. Otherwise, of course, we had a gas stove and everything you need for camping In the beginning or to get out spontaneously, the car is the perfect alternative. In the meantime, we have expanded a van, moved in there and travel through Europe.

Family, Hippie & Seniors: 6 Stories

Not only young families are looking for adventure, even at 75 there is still enough life energy to change one’s lifestyle. The escape from everyday stress, divorce, career-related or the desire for more time and experiences with the family. The reasons couldn’t be more different, but they all have one thing in common, the desire to change and improve. Follow these 6 cases of dropouts and be impressed by their individual stories.

Tiny House: Alone in the forest for 6 years

Marc (45) had made a stark cut in his life after a burnout and bullying. He moved to the forest, out of civilization. After 15 years as a golf instructor in the 1st league, he built his own cabin himself for less than 3,000 euros, including the electrical installation!

In doing so, he thought everything through, which is why he placed his bed over his homemade stove to extract the warmth. But despite his self-fulfillment, he had a few incidents that will send a shiver down your spine. Check out the video to hear about the witch’s laugh or the propped up fork on the edge of the bed!

• 15 years as a golf instructor in the 1. League
• Isolation in the forest with dog
• Cottage for under 3,000 euros
• Self-built oven + heating

Are you interested in small minimalist houses? Read more about the Tiny House here.

A family gets off: Around the World by Bus

Many people wish for it, but only very few dare to do it: throw everything away and then up and away. The Meinhard family from Lüneburg Heath really did it. They sold all their possessions, converted an old omnibus and went on a world tour with it. For an indefinite period. Father, mother and three children. Read more about travelling with children here.

Since one year the children do not attend school anymore, but are taught by father Axel. There they learn the basics of mathematics, writing and reading, just as the older one continues her education with the help of the internet. Instead they learn something much more valuable, the impressions and ways of life from all over the world and enjoy the time of their lives, while in Germany the winter rages. Accompanies the family on their journey south through Europe, Africa and South America.

• Whole family on a world tour
• Old converted omnibus
• Father takes over schooling + online continuing education
• Journey through Europe, Africa and South America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPTMWuH835w

Minimalist emigration in a roof tent on Tenerife

Mona has quit her apartment and job in Bavaria and wants to start again after her divorce. Alone she sets off in a roof tent to Tenerife. After months of research and visits to camping fairs, she decided to buy a roof tent, because it is cheaper than a camper and not as complicated as building your own Tiny House. Mona has everything she needs in a very small space. In the trunk she stows her kitchen items and personal care products. Mainly she eats out at restaurants and showers at the gym where she has a membership. Minimalism on four wheels guarantees the change Mona has been longing for.

• Quit job after divorce
• Life in the roof tent
• Kitchen utensils and care products in the trunk
• Restaurant food
• Showers in the gym

Jobs quit for a self-determined life

Vanlife in Portugal – Imke (30) and Dominik (27) quit their jobs and have been living in a van with their two dogs for 6 months. Their motives were mainly the desire for change, out of the everyday life.

They are at the perfect age and living situation because they don’t have children yet and were unhappy with their current jobs. In total, they have invested 30,000 euros in the car and travel from savings. While this change was quite a shock to the family, they didn’t completely give up everything. They continue to pay their rent in Germany to have something to return to with their two dogs.

• Couple, Jobs Quit
• In the van for 6 months
• 30,000 invested
• Continue to pay rent in Germany

From a Sprinter to a Gypsy Snail Shell

Pernilla is a musician in a band called “Safran Sun”. She has converted a Sprinter into a loving hippie mobile. Of course, being a musician, she is on the road a lot and her apartment was empty for days. As a result she didn’t feel like paying for something she doesn’t use. Her concerts mostly take place in Holland, which is why that is her main place of residence. Her plan was very spontaneous and partly thoughtless. Shortly after she got her driver’s license, she set off with her Sprinter, which is why she had to endure a very cold winter without heating during her concerts in November. Today the young musician is happy about little extras like her kitchen, heating and sockets.

• Singer has been traveling a lot
• Apartment was empty
• Spontaneous decision
• Kitchen, heating and sockets in the Sprinter

On the road in a motorhome at 75

At the age of 67, Gisela radically changed her life after several operations, changed her diet, sold her house and bought a mobile home. Since then she has been living on the road: Gisela on the road. Some friends and relatives just shake their heads. They can’t understand how anyone could live like that – especially at her age. But that hasn’t stopped her from fulfilling her tramp. Her autoimmune disease left her dependent on everyday help, to the point where it changed everything.

Today she lives and travels alone, enjoys the visit of her family once a year at Easter. She spends the cold winters in Morocco and the warmer summers in Europe. Of course, Germany, Spain and Italy are particularly good places to travel around in Europe, because these countries are also good for a short holiday.

One journey was particularly close to Gisela’s heart – the trip to Poland, to the old Prussian region of Angerburg. Her family fled from there to Germany after the Second World War. On her journey she visited her old family home and the church where she had been baptized.

• 67 years old
• World trip after many surgeries
• Travels in a motorhome
• Once a year she visits her family
• Winter in Morocco, summer in Europe

A new start with a camper, van or car

It’s never too late for a fresh start. The travel lifestyle with a camper, van or car with a roof tent is certainly not for everyone, but these examples show that people of all ages, professions and current life situations can make it. Especially Gisela serves as an inspiration for many. However, you have to ask yourself, when is the best time for something like this?

For her, it was just in time to change her life and attitude. The question is, do you have to wait until retirement first? What many families are criticized for, dropping out in the middle of life, leaving everything behind and throwing security overboard.

Perhaps this is exactly an important approach, to use the limited time, to create experiences, to discover the world, which has a greater value than slaving for days for luxury goods and wealth. In any case, the 6 examples provide convincing advantages to think about it again.

Road trip with the whole family. Roof tent from Campwerk.

Cheap travel destinations: India, Turkey & Mexico

Great vacation for little money? Far away, but pay little money for the flight? The FIV has picked out a few beautiful and affordable destinations that are worth a visit. Here are our top 5 cheap destinations.

India: Sightseeing, beach holiday and temple visit

To South India or to the Malabar Coast the flight takes about 11 to 15 hours, but the long journey is worth it. This destination inspires with dreamlike beaches, numerous temples and cultural sites. Celebrating is also possible in India, the old hippie cult sites Anjuna and Arambol are real party paradise. The trip is especially cheap because of the good exchange rate and the low food prices. For half a kilo of white bread you pay about 40 cents in India. A packet of Marlboro cigarettes costs only about 3.30 euros, so there is a lot of money in your wallet.

Argentina: culture in Buenos Aires & relaxing on the east coast

It takes 14 to 20 hours to fly to Argentina, and the country is guaranteed to meet all requirements. Holidays in Argentina are particularly cheap due to the fall in the Argentine peso exchange rate. For half a liter of local beer one pays approximately 1,30 Euro. Culture lovers will find what they are looking for in Buenos Aires, beach lovers are better off travelling as far as the east coast. Whether families or surfers, in Argentina everyone gets their money’s worth. Nature lovers are also happy in Argentina, because the national park and the glaciers are incredible experiences. hiking, ice trekking and kayak tours – there is a lot to see in Argentina.

Turkey: Monastery, ruins & Palaces or party in Bodrum

The long flights don’t appeal to you? No problem – Turkey is only about 2 to 4 hours away. The falling exchange rate of the Turkish Lira makes the trip affordable. A box of Marlboro costs about 1.70 euros and for 0.7 litres of wine you pay about 3 euros. There is a lot to see in Turkey; from the blue mosque to monasteries, ruins and palaces. Relaxing on the beach and splashing in turquoise water is an indispensable part of a Turkish holiday. Party lovers should travel to Bodrum, the St. Tropez of Turkey. In Bodrum, however, the prices are relatively higher, there it is worthwhile to stay in a cheap hotel in the low season.

Brazil: cheap holiday & sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

The flight to Brazil takes almost 12 hours – then you have arrived in paradise. Brazil is a cheap destination if you don’t spend much time in Rio de Janeiro. It is of course sad to miss Rio, but at several other beaches you can relax much cheaper. Celebrating is of course very important in Brazil, but sightseeing is definitely on the agenda. Concerning the prices in Brazil we can say that half a kilo of white bread costs approximately 1,20 Euro and for a coffee in a restaurant one pays approximately 1,30 Euro.

Mexico: Latino parties, Mexico City & Maya ruins

The flight to Mexico, our 5th place of the cheapest destinations, also takes 12 hours. Whether dream beach or Latino parties, Mexico City or Mayan ruins – Mexico offers many different impressions. A vacation in Mexico doesn’t have to be expensive, 12 eggs cost about 1.30 euros and 0.5 liters of local beer costs only 90 cents. So a lot of money stays in your pocket although a lot is seen.

Cheap booking sites? Package tours for bargain hunters

On different booking portals you can find trips to far away dream beaches like the Maldives or Bora Bora for ridiculous prices – how is that possible? And which portals are the most popular? The FIV Magazine has selected everything about holiday guru and Co. Here you can find out what you need to know and how you can save a lot of money when booking.

Holiday Guru – Package Holidays in Paradise

A notification on your mobile phone: one week Menorca for only 391 euros. That sounds tempting, and makes many people want to jump at the dazzling offer. A bargain holiday that is only a few clicks away. The only catch is; you have to be fast. The offers are quickly sold out and often it is last minute travel. The staff scours the Internet all day long and puts together a package deal that is as cheap as possible. The trips are primarily offered via social media and are extremely easy to book. The employees only receive money if their own offer is booked. The operator pays the employees when a trip is booked via the site to which the holiday guru redirects visitors to his site. Since holiday guru does not earn anything from the offers themselves, they are offered at a low price. Differently than in the travel agency, where the coworkers claim a portion of the price of the journey for itself.

Vacation pirates – Last minute to the end of the world

The Urlaubspiraten platform is very similar to Urlaubsguru. The travel offers are ideal for students and freelancers who, unlike employees, do not have to announce their holidays months in advance. In addition, most offers are available for a maximum of two people. After booking, it is usually necessary to pack your bags directly, because last minute trips often start only a few days after booking. Thus, the hotels fill their vacant rooms. Because a guest who pays comparatively little still brings more money than an empty room. Holiday pirates also suggest destinations to the website’s guests that they may not even have heard of before. This gives you the opportunity to discover something new and fall in love with new places without having to dig deep into your pocket.

Holiday tracker – flights, luxury hotels & package tours

Urlaubstracker convinces with low prices, package tours to the end of the world but also separate flight and hotel. The site provides a lot of information about the hotels, their location and facilities. On the website you will not only find last minute offers, but you can also choose the month of the trip and then see suitable offers. Luxury trips are often offered at unbeatable prices, for example through sites like secretescapes.com. So you can travel to far away dream beaches for little money and sleep in expensive suites and luxury hotels. It is important that you inform yourself about the destination. The savings portals do not give such good insider tips as the lady from the travel agency. How about a trip to Bora Bora? With Urlaubstracker it becomes affordable and guaranteed unforgettable.

Backpacking – cheap around the world

Independently backpacking through Thailand, Indonesia or Iran – that is backpacking. On the way in an old VW bus or hitchhiking, staying overnight in cheap hotels or sleeping in a tent under the open sky, small snacks between through and eating in cookshops. A world trip with a backpack is a real adventure and a very intense experience. Our top destinations for backpacking are:

1. Thailand
2. Malaysia
3. Bolivia
4. New Zealand
5. Australia

Backpacking: Asia or rather Europe?

If you are now wondering why Thailand is on our number one spot, let us summarize it for you. Thailand is a good country for backpacking beginners: there are many backpackers, the country has a great infrastructure, the food tastes good and you get away cheap. In Thailand it is always warm and the country offers a mix of beach, culture, leisure activities, party and seclusion. Thailand also offers interesting climbing and diving areas, there is something for every type of backpacker. Many guidebooks recommend as the first backpacking trip a trip to a country within Europe. Here it is more likely that there will be no communication problems as almost everyone speaks English. A prime example is Croatia: almost everybody speaks English or even German, there are plenty of cheap hotels and you can get everywhere easily by bus or by car. If you want to go far away, you have to consider that you often have to apply for a visa or book a flight to get to another continent. Within the EU, this problem does not occur.

Save money on vacation: Top 3 tips!

Now I have already booked a cheap trip, but I do not want to spend the money I saved directly on site. What can I do to save some money on site? Where can I eat cheaply and how can I see as much as possible of the city for little money? Here we have our top 5 tips for a cheap holiday.

1. Eat cheaply on holiday – Streetfood & Co.

In tourist areas, restaurants are usually overpriced and overcrowded – therefore it is worthwhile to eat in remote side streets and smaller restaurants or at street food stands. Cooking by yourself in the fitted kitchen of the holiday flat saves money, but unfortunately so much time is lost in which you could explore the city. Fast food restaurants are usually a cheap option and can be found almost everywhere. Also practical for a packed long day are packed lunches; enough food and water is important if you want to experience a lot.

2. Travel cheaply – by bus and train through the city

Rental cars on holiday are a relaxed solution and save a lot of stress. You can store all the necessary souvenirs in the car and always have everything important at hand. Unfortunately, however, rental cars in holiday destinations are usually extremely expensive – the money saved on booking is quickly thrown out the window. Therefore we recommend travelling by bus and train. The best sights are not always within walking distance and for a trip by bus you only pay a few euros abroad. With a day ticket, one is in any case in good hands during a city trip and sees as much as possible in a short time.

3. Free city tours: see a lot for 0 Euro!

Many cities offer free city tours, where for 0 Euro you can gather as many impressions as possible.  Often there are also private volunteers, called greeters, who give tourists a free tour of their home town. These so-called greeters also like to give insider tips and you can find them simply by googling greeters and the city name.