The world in your pocket

The electrified tourist plans his journey on the road. What he seeks, he shows his mobile phone: from the cathedral to the nearest toilet. There was once a travel book called I'm out. Hape Kerkeling million-selling account of his trek to Santiago de Compostela met a longing of the time: Travel unplugged as it were, with backpack, walking stick and a lot of faith in God. Beautiful, right?
No, not really. Who wants to be on the road in the old style, faces a dilemma: either you plan everything in advance, or be reckoned with hardships. Sore feet because you have lost. Wet clothes, because the storm's surprising in an open field. Bad mood because you are not local people can make themselves understood. Itchy skin, because the property has a bed bug problem. Weary limbs, because the books that should protect them from all that weigh as much. Disappointment, because their tips are long run. Mass tourism is the lone hot on their heels. Who he wants to escape easily, must be informed quickly and well. The Pilgrimage will be no longer yourself, but just like him.

The traveler of the future is perhaps not so worried. Let's call him the electrified tourists. His walking stick he carries in his pocket - as a smart phone, tablet or netbook with GPS. But that's enough of the jargon. It's easy to minicomputers that can be carried around, not only effortless, but know thanks to satellite tracking of where they are. This technology is now in almost every other phone. Our traveler is therefore already electrified mass move. Let's look over his shoulder.

In the beginning, he packs his bag, as usual. No, not quite. He has an application like Pro Packing on the iPhone. Since he is one where he wants, why, how long - and gets a list of things he probably needs, including weight indication and a reminder once again to water the flowers. Then off in the car to the airport. A free program of the DB meter accurately calculated the fastest route from the location to the target, delays included. The ticket is booked our traveler also on the Internet. During the ride he checks in by mobile phone, the boarding pass comes on the screen, shortly before a visit to seatguru.com. The time before departure is a good place to browse for travel reading. Three or four books from the e-book store, maybe even more, they weigh nothing.

After landing, while waiting at the baggage claim, our traveler booked his quarters. He checks to see which hotels have been rated in the travel forum of his confidence at its highest. Then he studied for two or three booking centers from for the best prices. If the house of choice in a nice neighborhood? A view of the mobile version of Google Street View gives it away. To get there, he takes a taxi, without fear of rip-off. The application taximeter shows what it may cost.

We continue to shop. The concierge does not need our tourist seeking. Reviews radar shows him in his near popular shops. During the deliberations in the shop the online translator helps to clean speech. On the way back a little culture: Wikihood explains the sights all around. And what kind of a church tower over there? A photo with the built-in camera, and Google Goggles recognize the building. Not even with the most human of all the technology needs of their users can only: Sit or squat is the software that makes finding the toilet. If the walk has fallen, our traveler is thinking of those who follow him. It sends its collected automatically as a touring route recommendation to a community like GPSies.com. Finally, a greeting to the loved ones at home - old-fashioned as a holiday card. In order, however, where digital, with photos and text from your phone.

All of these programs it already, for little or free. Most are poor, so they are often dismissed as a gimmick. But there's more. For freedom. Initial plan, then go, had to this rule, thus far, everyone - except for a few InterRail and hitchhikers. The traveler of the future makes it better: He plans while he is away. He rolls his route from place to place like a carpet before him. Reverse longer stay, move on is always in its sole discretion.

Anyone looking for holiday above all peace, will give thanks to such an offer. The strongest reservations can be felt within the so-called information elite, probably fueled by the fear of the future can no longer turn off. Newspaper reports on the new technology to control obsessively to the same point: the GPS-believer who is under the spell of his tools against the wall because he did not sheer typing his destination is responsible.

Granted, one can overdo it. Who in the Sistine Chapel first after the mobile phone does that has to be beyond help. But you can not transfigure the travel day, if you do, as every moment was so precious that it desecrated distraction? Even the Jakobswegpilger but not spend all day in contemplation and reflection. He also sometimes stands idly, waiting for the bus.

But on Geschmacklereien development has long been out. The tourism industry is a fact that their clientele is becoming more independent. The traveler of the future acts almost like a business partner, an online travel agency in their own right. And a movable top of that. Of 100 people who travel internationally, already 40 have a smartphone. The most recent World Travel Trends Report has identified for the Berlin Tourism Fair. With no phone, only two percent are on the road. Of these 40 smartphone owners use their device 16 to obtain travel information, and 12 make reservations.

This means that there are already hundreds of millions of people on the go are never really "off." As the GPS points they swarm over the globe. Sometimes slow as a wanderer in the no man's land. Sometimes fast as a passenger on the plane, where the cell phone ban is eased. In privacy-sensitive Germany as an idea arouses fears. And yes, see who all wants, which is also seen - without knowing by whom and for what purpose. Presumably, this conflict is solved in the best manner: it laments the loss of privacy and then turned on but the GPS function on the Smartphone, because now it is so convenient times.

Here, too, could be sentimental: Was not very nice, the Wegsein, being a foreigner, is not doing very reason for traveling? But it has nothing romantic at night with the case through a strange city err. Something worse and you can save today. Not for nothing have become even ski jackets GPS transmitter. Many a lost and avalanche victims will save his life traceability.

Nevertheless, skepticism is appropriate, secular one reason: The technical blessing is not even from the sky. Tourism and communications companies are pushing forward the progress with billions of investments because they hope to sell through these channels in the future in a big way. The electrified passenger is also just around the clock, around the globe customer. It must always be alert to see a flood of advertising and half-truth reliable information. Underestimate also the fees incurred when abroad goes online. There have been pleasantly surprised with tourists after the return of four-digit bills. The virtual tour is now also the time looking around money. Even worse can occur if the phone has stored credit card numbers, bank account to a wire. Book in a champagne mood of the holiday acquaintance with a wedding trip to Las Vegas, so things go very quickly.

Is the dream faded away from Wegsein? No, quite the contrary. The closer we are networked with the world, the more important it is also her escape sometimes. But then, out 2011 no longer pilgrimage route. The A minor pressure controlled to the off button on the navigation devices. They make travel easier, it may not be happy. Only what time "travel" meant that there are no more soon.

OSTRICH: The old steamer to Khulna, Bangladesh

The boat is full with five hundred passengers and a little flair in the colonial steamers on the rivers of Bangladesh. The man with the two heavy travel bags, he can make it no longer really. The first cables are caught, even announcing a groan and crunch to the departure of the ship, while it reaches just running up the pontoon. Suddenly, he Shift in the steamer. The ship touched the harbor wall, then it is again close to the investors. The Ostrich will also include this passenger yet.

The departure of the steamer was preceded by an anxious wait. Heavy fog had enveloped the country for days in dark gray, cluttered schedules of ferries and the skippers on rivers in the Ganges Delta robbed the view. Only now, the sky has cleared, the Ostrich is taking off and stomps down the Buriganga.

Actually, the steamers were already in a maritime museum. Between 1912 and 1938 they were built in the shipyards of Calcutta, when Bangladesh was still British India. Someone even then they must have given the name of Rocket. Rocket launcher like - because of the shape and because of the speed, at least in those years knew nothing like it.

Together with three identical ships, the Ostrich travels on the rivers today between Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and Khulna in the west of the country. It has long been the little fleet cult: A ride on the paddle wheeler is for backpackers to any Bangladesh tour, tourism agencies connect the river often travel by visiting the Sundarbans, one of the largest mangrove forests in the world.

In six of the first class cabin can be the man who has just managed to board covered with a sigh on the crisp white bed. Huq Howlader, 61 years old, prayer cap, brown horn-rimmed glasses, white beard, is a stockbroker. He has done good business in the capital, now he wants to return to his native village. Howlader was late because he had forgotten his lungi, the shorts for the night. In his haste he has caught the market a copy with a lush floral pattern. Now he takes out the Lungi and examined with a serene view the colorful piece of cloth. "It's only for a few nights," he says. Every few weeks will Howlader the ship because it is a relaxed travel and because he is afraid of the bus drivers who do not fear death. "On the ship, at least I can sleep calmly."

"Only Allah knows what the weather is," says Captain Salam

About 30 hours need the paddle steamer from Dhaka to Khulna after, three days later they are back in the capital. The one way in first class costs eleven euro, a third class ticket which is not much more than a tenth. Of course there are faster transport in Bangladesh, even better and more modern. To be honest, the Rockets are not even very nice ships. The Ostrich, for example, the rust-colored crude form of a houseboat, ship their skin is cracked and dented, the metal sheet which is to protect the paddle wheel is deformed bizarre. Nevertheless, it will travel with it quite comfortable around the country. There are in the almost ten-square-foot cabin with air conditioning, a sink and a coffee table. Printed on pillows, blankets and curtains is a blue wheel, the logo of the national shipping line BIWTC, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation.

After the Ostrich has left the Buriganga, now they plowed the waters of the Meghna River. Two river dolphins show up and just as quickly as. On a wooden boat catches up with fishermen with two children the net that cannot celled boat rocks on a carpet of water hyacinths, the guys waving. Up on the bridge, Captain Abdus Salam and talked to his helmsman on the weather and the fog. Salam, 51 years old, has a long white beard and a gentle voice. "Only Allah knows what the weather is," he says.

The Ostrich winds through a dense network of aquatic plants

For 34 years he controlled boats on the water, 17 years as captain. A year ago he wanted to quit. His son had died in a swimming accident. The shipping line he even offered a post in the country. But then he's moved on. "On the steamer to get your mind off things," he says. Salam has brought his ship in any port or, once there was an incident. When you create he had almost crushed a passenger who could not wait to disembark. Salam was therefore in the capital trial. "I could not see him," he said, "I've made a mistake." In the end, it has acquitted the judge.

Ferries in Bangladesh deserve their bad reputation. A few months ago and which completely filled Coco capsized 300 kilometers south of Dhaka in the dense fog. They had not yet taken every 90 deaths from the water, because the next ferry crashed into a motor boat and lay down on a sand bank. More than 5,000 passengers in the past 20 years came in ferry disasters in Bangladesh killed. But of the great maritime disasters were the Rockets so far been spared. No one had fallen in the nearly 100-year history because of an accident, the PR spokesman for the line a few days later, proudly. After all, keep the ships of state BIWTC appeared approximately at the predetermined number of passengers. Around 600 people visit the Ostrich place - that is little compared to the new private ferry lines on which are crowded, often up to 2000 people. The shallow draft makes it easy to maneuver. The flat design makes the Rockets more stable than the more comprehensive term ferries that threaten to topple in a storm.

But storms are still not in sight. On the rear deck of the Ostrich tea is served - little more than an effort suggestion of luxury, a touch of colonial travel comfort. Howlader, the stockbroker, sits at the breakfast table, a long table with a tablecloth, the only white on the first day of the trip. A passenger leans against the railing, his eyes following a boat with brown sails stretched on bamboo poles. On the banks smoke smoke from the chimney of a brick factory. The Ostrich winds through a dense network of aquatic plants. The Green now covers almost the entire river. Two waiters take care of each guest, fried fish, fried chicken and vegetables and serve.

Howlader leafs through the Bengal Financial Express. The age of ten he drove the first time at one of the steamers, third bottom in the class. As a young man Howlader moved to London, heard the BBC, to learn English, and was surprised that at the beginning of the financial news programs always have been reported. "What is this exchange that it is more important than the Queen?" He wondered.

Howlader sat in the library, read in with the world of derivatives and other assets and was soon able to pay with the first stock gains his rent. As an exchange expert, he returned to Bangladesh, where it is missing on every other inhabitants of all basic necessities. "I came back, because I wanted to help." He says at least. His home had changed, but the Rockets still contributed to his village, but had been upgraded with diesel engines.

The poverty line on board marks a rope, which the crew stretched between the first and third class. In the cheapest seats, there are no cabins or chairs. Women, men, children have designed the deck planks and have moved their veils. It is surprisingly quiet for so many people in confined spaces. In the shelves to the ceiling put orange life rings, at a kiosk selling drinks and cookies. A young man stands in the middle of the seated crowd and talks at the travelers. Maybe he is a preacher, or dealer. Most of it not look dignified.

Up on the bridge Captain Salam, meanwhile, has other worries. For example, the countless small fishing boats on the Meghna. As to the cries from the water follows a long-drawn bugle of the Ostrich, the push for rail passengers. A wooden boat with two fishermen came too close to the ship. Water enters the boat, it is already questionable depth in the water. A grotesque scenario: During a fishing vigorously in the belt sets to reach the shore, can the asses of others at the bow in anger any more. He gestures wildly, almost loses his balance. Soon you can not hear the two, only seeing the mouth movements, the Flailing arms, but to whom they blame for the near-accident is clear. Finally reached the boat that would save the country.

Captain Salam will lose not a word about the incident. Not later than the Ostrich again on an afternoon in the port of Dhaka and flow is at anchor, passengers from the lower deck on land. Salam packs his travel bag. For two days, he can now relax at home. "Maybe even" a little longer, he says, smiling again with this sly look. So exactly can say never. The fog is, it should in the next few days are denser.

Tour at Dubai

The financial crisis Dubai has received a major blow. Nevertheless, they built, A stroll from the Palm Jumeirah to the new Old Town. The fascination comes from the warm, blue-gray water. Over there, a hundred feet above the bay begins Palm Jumeirah, the large, in desert sand man-made island Palm form. Here, however, we are still in the country, has created almost as nature, the One and Only Royal Mirage, a luxury hotel with a nearly one kilometer long sand beach, with a Mediterranean and an Arabic-style hotel with matching restaurants and extensive swimming pools . The Royal Mirage is an oasis, large enough to let the skyscrapers and construction sites of Dubai behind. To dive into the pool area with its warm water - or even in the warmer waters of the Gulf. In order to eat Indian or Arab, to sunbathe, shop, to do nothing.

The Mirage is old for Dubai circumstances, it was built ten years ago. But the South African hotel magnate Sol Kerzner is building with its local partners, as it were, namely at the outer end of Palm Island. There, in November, a luxury boutique hotel opened in the emirate as it is, the One & Only The Palm. It only has about 100 rooms. To get there by car, you have to go once through the palm trunk, then through a tunnel on the outer half-ring, which you follow up on one end. Faster the shuttle boat, whose futuristic investors on the beach of the Mirage is receiving the guests.

Already open longer has the hotel on the tip of Palm Jumeirah, the Atlantis, which also belongs to the small, delicate realm of Kerzner hotels. There, the trip is longer, at least if one takes the new Einschienenzug from the mainland. Walking to the station is a single, still partly sandy site, so not only the shoes are dusty in the heat. The station itself is ready, ultra-modern and spacious. Two escalators lead to the platform. Every 20 minutes from the train, slowly, he slides over the dam and past the tall buildings full of apartments and offices, which dominate the beginning of Palm Jumeirah. Further out, followed by the arms arranged in perfect shape, giving the island its distinctive look, some already loaded with hundreds of villas, some still pure sand, free from everything. Finally comes a new bridge and the train pulls into the outer ring. There, emblazoned wide and high, bright and sparkling, the Atlantis.

The luxury here is different than on the mainland, a mass luxury brand, Robinson Club, just bombastic. In particular, the huge aquarium in the center of the lower floors of the hotel. On the long journey to the front desk draw the rays and small sharks by the entire world besides fish. At the pool before the main hall is noisy bustle. Only when the hotel facing the sea leaves again, comes to rest. Only a few guests enjoy views of the bay, the wide lawn and the walk along the edge of the area protected by a stone wall artificial island.

Then it's back to the monorail, left in the distance the famous hotel is in the form of a sail, Burj al Arab, with its partially gilded suites, on the right projects at the Dubai Marina, a new high-rise city on the waterfront, with an artificial waterway through the canyons of skyscrapers. Between them is small and almost hidden behind trees, a relic of the past ten years old: the Royal Mirage.

The fact that Dubai has received major financial crisis in a major blow, also felt this hotel. Pride is one of One and Only but it have held in the past two years prices, instead of like other part, to reduce sharply "In fact, Dubai has experienced between 2009 and 2010 crises due to global crisis," says the Managing Director Olivier Luis. "However, the hotel resorts because of their small numbers were less affected than the many city hotels."

What say the people of the Mirage want is nevertheless obvious. Previously, the view was clear. Today, he is left on the quay wall of the Dubai Marina and is otherwise indicated on the houses of the island. Not quite atypical for the region, says a German tourism manager who is familiar with local conditions. The investment conditions change in an instant. As can kill suddenly at the Spa Hotel, an artificial island or change the width of a skyscraper next door, the atmosphere in the direction of big-city atmosphere.

The pace of change is high, although the Emirate of Dubai in the crisis the money had gone out and now moves many a development project or abandoned. What yesterday was still the ultimate, is now deprecated and has been that way. Thus, the newest attraction of Dubai real estate is not caused by the sea, but 15 kilometers in the interior of the desert city.

Around the tallest building by far the world, the Burj Khalifa, Emaar Properties, one of the Dubai real estate giant, built a modern wonderland - consisting of three hotels under the brand The Address, probably the largest mall in the world and an artificial lake, including dozens of restaurants and bars with terraces, built directly on the water.

Here you can see: not only the pace of change is high, and the pace of learning. Emaar is not a hotel or a consumption landscape temple built, but both intertwined. Downtown Dubai is the total work of art because it brings to life next to the more Western-style skyscrapers, the Arab architecture.

It is activated around the lake, the concept works. Tourists, foreign workers and locals stroll, admire the huge fountains of solemnity and to music, in which even the Burj Khalifa is involved, then the lights at different levels to the rhythm.

Law, however, is the authentic food from around the world, including the very good buffet restaurants in Arabic is kept cool, The Address Dubai Mall, on the other side of the shopping center is the top hotel, The Address Downtown Dubai with nearly 200 luxury rooms. Once over the water of the Arab district begins in the district, The Old Town. A bazaar is missing there just as an apartment complex in the style of the rock houses in Yemen. The showpiece of the Old Town is the third hotel, The Palace.

After going down by a Geschlängel of arcades, fountains and fairy lights, you get to the Palace. Here the individual is receiving the tea-table. If you're lucky, a room is replaced with a view over the lake on the Burj Khalifa and can see how the more than 800 meters high building with the changing position of the sun the color seems to change, and finally black lights in the evening. An elegant skyscraper stands there like a rocket into several tapering steps, with semi-circular elements on the outside.
The pool of the hotel faces the lake. Where to swim in the evening, overlooking the Arabian Palace with its columns, to the Burj and the periodic water fountains, is an artificial experience, yes, but an experience. Just as later in the evening to sit on the balcony and enjoy the quiet of the warm night an exotic drink.

The Burj greyish in the morning mist, the lake is empty, the magic gone, but only until the next afternoon when the sun goes down slowly. The taxi to the airport, it is fast out of Old Town. On our way we pass all sorts of high-rise buildings and neighborhoods, it is like a journey through the wild years of the last decade. What 2005 was still hyper-modern, looks uncool and not as it could come back into fashion.

Valentine's Day in Tuscany: a memory that will last forever

Valentine's Day in Tuscany between art, nature and fitness will be amazing for lovers. February 14 is the feast of love, dating to medieval times and celebrated throughout the world. What better opportunity to spend a romantic weekend in Tuscany, giving you a memory that will last forever. Celebrate Valentine's Day in Tuscany breathing the atmosphere of other times of the most beautiful cities, making unforgettable walks in nature or relax and take care of you in one of the elegant spas surrounded by scenery.

Valentine's Day in Tuscany: the magic of art cities
Enjoy Valentine's Day to visit the most beautiful art cities can feel the magic of these timeless places. Florence has always been one of the most romantic cities in Italy. Walking through the old town past the famous monuments emblem of the Italian Renaissance, or you can plunge into the narrow medieval streets where you can still find small shops and restaurants serving typical Tuscan specialties, first of all, the famous "Fiorentina". Necessary destination for anyone who loves the Old Bridge, especially when the sun falls on the roofs of the city center resulting in a show of incredible beauty.

Valentine's Day in Tuscany: surrounded by the colors, scents and sounds of nature
Imagine spending three days immersed in nature to discover the beautiful landscapes of the Tuscan countryside, you can take a stroll on foot or horseback riding along exciting routes that lead through meadows and ancient forests to reach the old churches and picturesque villages perched on fortified hills. And the evening after a romantic dinner by candlelight, relax by the fireplace tasting a good glass of wine.

Valentine's Day in Tuscany: welfare for two
Pamper yourself by choosing to spend Valentine's Day in Tuscany in one of the elegant spas. Many spas have packages for you in Serbian special treatments, such as chocolate massage or a bath in wine to go strictly into two.

So don't miss spending this valentine's day with your beloved in Tuscany.

Love bed breackfast: elegant design, for your relaxation in Rome a few steps from Vatican Museums and St. Peter

Love is the new Rome bed & breakfast for discerning travelers who like to travel in style without spending a fortune! The new B & B Amor is located just opposite the station Ottaviano and in the heart of central Prati district: St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Castel S. Angelo are all within walking distance. The relaxed contemporary style, combined with a touch of pop, is a guarantee of relaxation. The 5 rooms are unique and different: all with private bathroom, safe, air conditioning and heating, LCD televisions with Sky HD box, wi-fi access, breakfast room and communal kitchen with coffee machine and tea. The staff is multilingual and available cots. Love is the perfect solution for those on vacation but for business travelers. The rooms - Angelica, Beatrice, Brenda, Lola and Priscilla - were designed with guest comfort in mind: singles, doubles and triples, and each offers a unique and different, with many facilities and services, which usually can be found only in expensive hotels design. Breakfast is served in your room whenever you prefer, including fruit juice, croissants and coffee, a selection of tea, hot chocolate or cappuccino. We organize private transfers to and from the airport - for prices and to book the service just send an email indicating the date of arrival, airport of arrival and departure, airline and flight number. Making a memorable stay is easy, why not try? For more information: http://www.amor-bed-breakfast.com

Tourism in Abruzzo

Abruzzo: land vivid and strong. The earthquake caused the collapse of entire countries, has broken lives, flattened monuments and symbols of history, but failed to extinguish the souls of those who have always lived. The earth shook, but continues today, even now, proud in its strength, offering unique wonders. Art, tradition, history and nature: Abruzzo is a tourist destination not only for those seeking a journey through culture and customs, but for those who want to rediscover the original and primitive contact with nature that makes a frame. From sea to mountain, traveling through the landscapes of Abruzzo will closely with national parks, reserves and pristine oasis. Flora and fauna dress the area offering visitors a healthy path and original. Summer and winter it is easy to be impressed by the paths immersed in the vast expanse of the Apennines and no shortage of facilities to spend your days of stay. Shelters cottages and B & B will crown your dream of a green holiday, offering accommodation in well equipped facilities, tasting of typical local products and tours in uncharted woods. 133 km of coastline instead welcomes tourists seeking relaxation in contact with the sea. Golden beaches, cliffs, capes and coves surround the coast of Abruzzo, ensuring guests a welcome nothing short of astounding. There are numerous services available for tourists from the Abruzzo Region. Hotels, guesthouses and apartments, set in modern and completely renovated to meet large holiday crowd that runs during the summer months. Winter is definitely the season when the Abruzzo sees bigger crowd. Italians are so many skiers, especially Lazio, who decide to spend their winter holidays in villages scattered along the Abruzzi Apennines. Fortunately, the region has responded well by providing extensive facilities for conventions and those who decide to spend a week of skiing in Abruzzo.