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On the trail of “Only Murders in the Building”: A visit to The Belnord in New York City
The Only Murders in the Building series has quickly become a popular hit, and with it, the impressive apartment building known as ‘The Arconia’ also gained a lot of attention. But what many fans may not know: The real building behind the show’s facade is called The Belnord and is located in the heart of New York City’s Upper West Side. In this blog article, you can find out everything you need to know about this iconic building and how you can visit it yourself. The Belnord — The real face behind “The Arconia” The Belnord, which serves as the backdrop for the fictional “The Arconia”, is located on 86th…
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Holi Festival in India – Experience colors, chaos, and spirituality up close
Imagine you are standing in the middle of an Indian old town, the sun is beating down on the roofs, and suddenly a handful of pink powder swirls through the air. Then green, blue, yellow. Strangers smile at you, laughingly rub color on your face, drums sound – and before you know it, you are part of the biggest color game in the world. Welcome to the Holi Festival in India. Origin and meaning of the Holi Festival Holi is much more than an Instagram moment. Originally a Hindu spring festival, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. At the same time, it celebrates the end of winter, the…
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Off-the-Beaten-Path – consciously avoiding overtourism
When Instagram spots become a nuisance Imagine you’ve been looking forward to the sunrise over Santorini for weeks – and then you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with 500 other people in the alleyway of Oia. Welcome to overtourism! Popular travel destinations such as Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik are visited by millions of people every year. Sounds good for the economy at first? Think again. The downside: the infrastructure is collapsing, locals are moving away because rents are rising, and the beautiful old town is becoming a backdrop for TikToks. Tourists who don’t want to be perceived as a nuisance need to rethink their approach. And this is where “off-the-beaten-path “…
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Amsterdam: opportunities for city tourists
The Dutch metropolis of Amsterdam is located in the north-western part of our neighboring country, near the IJsselmeer and the North Sea. The city, which has a population of just over 925,000, has been the capital of the country since 1983, although the seat of government is in The Hague. Amsterdam is well known far beyond the borders of the Netherlands. The metropolis is considered cosmopolitan and tolerant, is a special feature due to its canal belt, and is also very popular among city tourists. The following sections are intended to provide a brief overview of the interesting leisure activities available to tourists in the canal city. Places of interest…
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France’s swimming trunks law: Why men have to swim in speedos — and what swimming rules apply in other countries
If you enter a public pool in France, you will soon realize: Different bathing rules apply here than elsewhere. Long, loose swim shorts — which are completely normal in other countries — are strictly forbidden there. Instead, only one thing is allowed for men: tight-fitting swimming trunks, often known as “Speedo”. What at first glance seems like a bizarre style requirement has surprisingly profound reasons — and France is by no means the only country to regulate its swimwear. Why only tight swimming trunks are allowed in France The law prohibiting men from wearing wide swim shorts in public swimming pools, campsites, hotel pools or water parks dates back to…
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New York City’s hidden treasures: Discover 4 unknown highlights of the city
New York City, a metropolis considered by many to be the beating heart of the world, is a true melting pot of cultures, styles, and experiences. The city that never sleeps attracts visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its iconic sights, diverse neighbourhoods and inimitable metropolitan flair. From the twinkling lights of Times Square to the impressive silhouette of the Statue of Liberty and the majestic Empire State Building, New York City offers a wealth of world-famous attractions that no trip should be without. But off the beaten tourist track, a different New York is revealed — a New York that is full of hidden treasures…
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Food allergies on vacation: how to protect yourself
A relaxing vacation can quickly become dangerous for people with food allergies — especially if you are in a country where you don’t speak the language and where English is not a matter of course. But with the right preparation and a few practical tips, you can travel safely and enjoy your vacation experience despite allergies. In this article, we’ll show you what to look out for — including a clever solution in the form of allergy cards to download for free. Challenges for allergy sufferers when traveling For people with allergies, many uncertainties lurk abroad: Preparation before the trip Medical documents & emergency medication Always pack a current medical…
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Respectful temple visits in Thailand: all the rules and background in detail
There are more than 41,000 Buddhist temples, known as “wats”, in Thailand. They are not only magnificent buildings, but above all, spiritual centers, places of prayer and meditation. Visitors are generally welcome — provided they behave respectfully and observe cultural customs. Here you will find a detailed overview of all the important rules, their meaning and helpful tips for your visit to the temple. 1. The dress code: respect through appropriate clothing The right outfit is the first sign of respect. Conservative, discreet clothing is expected in a temple: If you are inappropriately dressed, many large temples offer sarongs or light throws for a small fee. Note: In front of…
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5 unique adventure cruises
Fancy an adventure? If you would like to travel on a ship away from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, we recommend these tours: Mekong river cruise with AmaWaterways: an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia The mighty Mekong River winds its way through the hearts of Vietnam and Cambodia, offering travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and scenic treasures of Southeast Asia. AmaWaterways invites you to discover this fascinating region from a new perspective on board the luxurious AmaDara. Why a Mekong cruise with AmaWaterways? A trip with AmaWaterways on the Mekong River means not only comfort and luxury, but also authentic experiences that bring you…
