Take a Tour of the Oldest Restaurants in Germany

If you’re like most Americans, one of the best aspects of traveling is coming across sites and establishments that are older than all of the United States. Though Germany itself is only as old as some of the newer states, the country boasts eating establishments that are upwards of 900 years old. If you want to get a literal taste of history, check out these three oldest restaurants in all of Germany. They may be miles apart, but the atmosphere and food is worth investing in a rental car from CarRentals.com and making the drive.

 

Zum Roten Baren

 

Zum Roten Baren is hands-down the oldest restaurant in Germany, dating back to over 700 years ago. If you’re skeptical about the true age of this establishment, just ask the current landlord for a ledger that details precisely who ran the establishment and when over the past seven centuries. There are a total of 50, each with a tenure of 30 years or more. The name “Roten Baren” has remained the same since its inception, as too has much of the décor. However, the street outside has seen a significant change. From within the restaurant, you can see where the road line used to be 800 to 900 years ago, which is 3.6 m beneath the level it’s at today.

 

In addition to delicious and hearty traditional German fare, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine collection, which is stored in the cellar that was there even before the restaurant. That said, if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, this is not. If, however, you’re a person who appreciates history and all its quirks, you will love this place.

 

Zur letzten Instanz

 

Established in 1621, this Berlin restaurant is nowhere near as old as Zum Roten Baren, but then again, a restaurant probably doesn’t exist that is. Zur letzten Instanz has been run by the same family for four generations, with each generation working with the same goal in mind: to provide a place where people can gather, eat, and be merry. Despite being over 400 years old, much of the historic structure remains. In fact, according to the owner, Napoleon himself was served at the restaurant’s tiled stove.

 

You too can eat at the tiled stove, or you can request a private room, a table within one of the two adjacent restaurants, or a spot in the beer garden. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be given a beer list of some of the best beers Germany has to offer, plus an informal menu with homey items such as pork knuckle, stuffed Beef Roulade, and liver.

 

Wurstkuchl

 

Located along the Danube, Wurstkuchl is appealing simply because of its location. However, it has something going for it that many surrounding establishments don’t: age. Wurstkuchl is over 500 years old, hence its prime location next to the Old Stone Bridge. The kitchen itself, however, is even older; evidence suggests that the current kitchen’s location has been a cooking area since as early as 1135.

 

The food itself has remained more or less the same over the past 500 years. While the menu does include more modern offerings, its best-selling plate continues to be the bratwursts and sauerkraut with sweet granny mustard.

 

Experience history like you’ve never experienced it before. Visit the three oldest restaurants in Germany for a history lesson like you’ve never been given before.

5 Tips To Help You Handle The Fear of Flying

If you stressed about flying, welcome to the aerophobia club! There are thousands of people who share their woes with you. However problematic it may be for you, traveling by air is something that you cannot avoid, particularly if you are a business traveler. The right approach is to deal with your fear and find ways to relieve stress so that that you can fly comfortably. Here are a few tips to help you in handling the fear of flying:

Recognize your triggers

The most critical aspect of dealing with aerophobia is to understand the trigger that brings anxiety for you. It may happen due to the fear of heights in some people while others face it because of the fear of enclosed spaces. There are still others who are not comfortable just because they do not fly too often and fear air crashes. A therapist can help you find your trigger and devise a way to deal with it in a positive manner so that the next time you fly, you do it with confidence.

Share your anxiety

Aerophobia is a psychological issue that you should treat like any other disease, by opening up about your fears. Let the flight attendants as well as co-passengers know about your condition rather than hiding it. Who knows, you may find that there are others who share the same fears and this may help you cope up with your fears in a better way. Moreover, the attendants and fellow passengers may even help in distracting you and calming you down during the flight.

Eat beforehand

People who suffer from the fear of flying tend to suffer from nausea and vomiting in air. Getting on the flight on empty stomach to avoid these symptoms can make things even worse. The best thing to do is to eat well in time before boarding. Eat light food that is easy to digest. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water but avoid caffeinated drinks and those high in artificial sweeteners.

Be prepared

Another important tip to deal with the fear of flying is to be prepared. Look for some natural remedies such as chewing gum, sucking candies or anything else that helps. You may ask your practitioner to give you a medication for stress-relief. Carry such things in your hand luggage so that you can reach them easily when required. Have a good book or music on your iPod to help you get distracted. Trying to get good sleep during the flight is another useful way to handle your fears.

Accept your anxiety

Lastly, it is important to accept your anxiety and take it in a stride. This fear is a part of you and should not be considered as an untreatable disease. Instead of judging yourself and thinking negative, be open and research the problem with a positive and proactive approach.

If you can put these tips into practice, the next time when you alight and have a Taxi Airport Pick-Up, you will probably be a happier passenger. Just change your attitude and flying will probably become an exciting experience for you!

5 Reasons Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your Next Holiday

Are you planning a holiday in the near future? One of the most important things that you’ll need to think about is getting some travel insurance. Each member of your family heading off on the trip will need to be covered if you want to be safe and ensure that you don’t come across any extra expenses while you are away. In this article, we are going to discuss five reasons why you need travel insurance for your next holiday. Keep reading if you’d like to find out more.

Protect Your Possessions

If you are planning on traveling with a lot of expensive items, then you should make sure to invest in some travel insurance. This means that your mobile phone, your laptop and your money will be protected should it go missing or if someone steals it on holiday. This is very important and if you want to have a stress-free holiday then you should think about getting some travel insurance that covers your personal possessions.

Flight Delays

No one wants to miss their flight but sometimes delays in getting to the airport can cause real problems. On top of this, many airlines have delays every day and this can mean that connecting flights or hotel check-in times are missed. If you want to protect yourself from any sort of flight or travel delays on your next holiday, you should think about getting some travel insurance.

Medical Bills

When you travel abroad, you are not eligible for the free health care that you might already be receiving in the UK. This is something that you need to consider when you are thinking about investing in some travel insurance. Travel insurance to cover pre existing health conditions is very important and most companies will ask about any health problems that you have. When you are covered by the insurance, you can receive top healthcare covered with your insurance making the whole process a lot less stressful.

Personal Liability

Something which a lot of people don’t think about when choosing travel insurance is personal liability cover. This sort of cover comes in handy when you are the one to cause an accident and the person involved tries to make a claim against you. This is very important and if you want to keep yourself protected and ensure that you don’t have to fork out a lot of money if something goes wrong whilst you are away on holiday.

Cancellation Fees

The final reason that you should get some travel insurance for your next holiday is the fact that you might be able to reduce the overall fees you may incur for a sudden cancellation. Of course, no one wants to cancel their trip but sometimes this is unavoidable, and you will then be required to pay a cancellation fee. With a good travel insurance package, should there may be a medical emergency or a reason that the insurance provider covers for (regarding cancellations), you will able to get away with just paying the excess and you will feel slightly better about having to miss out. Make sure to choose a policy with this service if you want to be protected.

Final Verdict

There are so many different reasons to invest in travel insurance for your next holiday including everything from possession cover to personal liability. You won’t want to have to pay the expensive hospital bills if you get in an accident or fall ill so you’ll want to make sure that you are covered should anything happen. Take a look at the different insurance policies on offer and choose the right one for your next holiday.

Saving Your Sanity: Tips For Flying With Children

travel with kids

Most parents would agree that traveling with young children is stressful. Children, as a rule, do not like to be enclosed in limited spaces for long periods of time. This, in addition to the other discomforts of air travel (such as airplane turbulence and ear-aches), tend to make them irritable passengers.

Helpful tips for planning airplane trips with children before the flight

Book reasonable flights

A long-haul flight is not a great idea for toddlers or younger children. Rather than booking a long direct flight, it is advisable to break the journey with connecting flights. Stopovers can be a great opportunity for parents to relax and the kids to stretch their legs and get excited about the airports and duty-free shopping.

Choose good seats

It is important to book the flight early so you can have a choice of great seats. Seats on the aisle rows are usually best for people traveling with children. Also, look out for seats with wider leg room and close proximity to the airplane restrooms.

Parking

If you’re parking at the airport, you can avoid expensive parking charges by reserving a parking spot close to the airport. This can ensure a smooth transition during departure and arrival. Got Parking is a great site where you can search, compare and reserve parking near the airport. You will also have 24/7 shuttle service and security cameras to keep things safe while you are away. 

Pack effectively

It’s usually helpful to make a list of items that should be present in the carry-on bag. By writing a list, you make sure that important things are not left behind. Important items within the carry on should include:

  • Food and snacks such as sandwiches, fruit, and crackers
  • Any prescription medication that your child needs
  • Diapers for younger children
  • Change of clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Favorite games, books, coloring books, and crayons
  • Favorite small toys and puzzles
  • Earplugs

On the day of the flight

  • Leave early enough

It is important to arrive at the airport early because of the waits at the security gates. For early morning flights, ensure that the kids go to bed early on the day before the flight so they can wake up refreshed and excited for the trip.

During the flight

There are several activities that can be planned to keep children occupied and entertained during the flight. Some popular activities include:

Magnetic games

These are affordable travel games made of magnetic game pieces that stick to the game board. With a variety of board games like chess, checkers, and bingo, kids can be kept occupied for hours.

Books

Older kids can choose the books they want to bring along during the flight. For younger kids, reading a favorite book can keep them entertained and on their seats.

Coloring books and crayons

Coloring books and crayons are important items that can keep children entertained during air travel. Some airlines may also provide coloring books or crayons for their children passengers.

Toys

Surprise kids during the flight with a new toy or small stuffed animal. This small and inexpensive surprise can be delightful to children.

Playing Cards

Bring along a deck of cards and play fun family games such as Go Fish, Uno or Monopoly.

Guess Who

This fun guessing game can be accomplished with Post It notes. You can make everyone write the names of 3 people on different post-it notes. All the notes are then put into a hat and each person takes turns pasting the note on their forehead. The person wearing the note can then ask up to 20 guessing questions to find out the person written on their forehead.

Portable DVD player, favorite movies and video games

If iPads or other electronic devices are allowed during the flight, downloading your kid’s favorite video games will keep them entertained for hours on end. And, as always, they will love to watch their favorite movies on the DVD player.

In-flight entertainment

Most airplanes usually have in-flight entertainment for children. Check the kid’s section for their selection of kid-friendly movies, music and video games that can be enjoyed in the air.

Check with the airline

Always ensure to call the airline ahead for any special requests. For children with food allergies, it’s important to inform the airline so they can make special food provisions.

For parents planning airplane travel in the upcoming holiday period, a combination of these age-appropriate strategies can be used to make airplane travel a delightful experience for the entire family.

Reasons To Pick A Villa Rental In Mexico For Your Next Family Vacation

Traditionally, going for a vacation with family members would automatically mean finding rooms in a five-star hotel. Well, things have changed significantly, and people are shying away from them especially those travelling in groups. Villas are the ideal option for groups due to several advantages. Luckily, most of the holiday hotspots have a wide array of villas that one can rent, and you should not miss out on one when travelling with your family.  But why choose these villas when you could stick to the conventional hotel rooms? Read below and check out the top reasons to pick a rental villa for your next family vacation;

 

Cost

When going on a vacation with your family, you must have set a budget that will cater to your needs when travelling. The accommodation part is one of the most significant elements of the budget, and it would really help your vacation if you managed to save some money by getting a cost-effective place to stay. Villas offer you a cost-effective place to stay and do not be swayed by the hefty rates. All you need to do is to calculate and you will understand why. When travelling with family, you will only need to get one vacation villa that will accommodate all of you rather than booking several hotel rooms for everyone. This is particularly applicable for large families since the children can easily share the rooms while the parents stay in one room thus saving on costs. Aside from that, vacation villas do not charge the same way hotel rooms do as you only have to pay for the time you will be spending in there. There are no per night rates, and one can leave and come back at their own discretion.

 

Freedom And Privacy

When you go on vacation, you wish to enjoy the company of your family and not having hotel attendants bothering you every time. Hotel rooms do not offer this privacy as the attendants have to come and check on the rooms every day. Aside from that, travelling with family will mean that you share hotel rooms and you might want to have your own time to clear some work or meditate. Villas offer you this kind of privacy since most of them are built like regular homes. You can always take some time off and clear your work in the study if you do not want to stay in the main lobby with the rest of the family. You have several places to spend your time, and you could relax in the garden, verandah and terrace among others. The experience of staying in a vacation villa is just like living at home since you get the privacy you have at home.

 

When you rent a villa with http://enjoymexico.net, you are not restricted to the stringent cleaning and other routines specified in hotel rooms. Therefore, you can wake up at your own time and schedule your day as you deem fit. You do not need to wake up before a specific time for you to have the breakfast made by the hotel since you can make your own. In a nutshell, you get to enjoy the freedom by renting a villa when you go on vacation with your family.

 

Better Experience

The experience of living in a villa cannot be compared to that of staying in a hotel room. The level of personalization is high, and you basically have your place to enjoy. Villas give one access to a wide variety of facilities based on how much they can part with, and you get to stay in a place that you want. Hotel rooms are often rigid, and all you can do there is to sleep, wake up and have a shower. You can choose a villa with the kind of facilities you want and give your family a treat during their vacation. Staying in a villa is like living at home away from home. They are family friendly and offer a perfect place for members to bond and share their experiences as opposed to the hotel rooms that separate all the members and make it hard to share time together.

 

Availability

If you wish to travel to places that are far away from the tourist hotspots, it can be hard to find a decent hotel. Luckily villas do not have to be in these areas, and they can be found in any location. This way, you won’t be forced to travel for long distance since the closest hotel you found was located far away from your area of interest. Booking one is a sure way of ensuring that you are closer to where you need to be and you will have plenty of space to enjoy your time there. The fact that these villas may be away from the tourist areas means that you can stay in a more residential part of the town, away from the tourist buzz and loud noises. You can blend with the locals, shop for food in their markets and enjoy some things that you would not have had you opted for the hotels.

 

Flexibility

Vacations do not always go as planned and some things can come along way and change the course of things. Do you have an extra family member joining the vacation after you have already scheduled for everything? Do you expect some guests during the holiday? A villa offers you the much-needed flexibility when dealing with such unexpected scenarios. You could host family gatherings, welcome guests and even host an extra person on your holiday if they turned up late without incurring an additional cost.

 

The reasons why you need to book a villa for your next family vacation have been laid out, and you have no reason to stick to the conventional hotel rooms again. Save money and ensure your family members enjoy the experience of visiting that place by looking for a home that will accommodate you. Your vacation will be delightful and no one will be willing to go back home when that time comes.

 

Cheap Things to do in Amsterdam

When planning a family vacation, you need to be ready for many expenses like transportation, accommodation, food and drinks, and so on. Holidays are meant to be relaxing and comforting, but not taking expenses into account can ruin your trip and your mood, so plan accordingly. 

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam, you can book cheap vacations in Amsterdam for any length of stay, from 72 hours or two weeks. Enjoy the atmosphere of Amsterdam and discover the amazing museums (like the famous Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Art Museum), galleries, shops and café by comfortable tram rides. Riding a bicycle on the streets of Amsterdam can give you a very satisfying experience and is a great mode of transportation. You do not have to be a financially broke after visiting Amsterdam. There are plenty of tourism sites which give amazing deals on touring Amsterdam. 

Looking to book your hotel? Amsterdam has the widest selection of accommodations. There are many options to suit every taste and budget. The canal homes and old-world hotels give the travelers the most satisfying holiday experience in Amsterdam.

Budget accommodations– As Amsterdam is one of the busiest tourist destinations, it is always better to book your accommodation in advance. There are plenty of budget accommodations in the city. For a pocket-friendly holiday in Amsterdam, you can look for studio apartments. Studios are an appropriate arrangement for couples visiting the city. Youth hostels are great for students and backpackers. Bigger apartments are suitable for a group of families traveling together or just larger families. The holiday apartments come cheaper if you book for a longer period.

Book early and travel light– To save some extra money during your holiday, plan early and book your accommodations in advance to get more discounts. Use price comparison websites to check the lowest rate for rooms. Plan your vacation in the off-season. Usually, less number of tourists visits Amsterdam in winter. Hotels and apartments give great discounts during the off-season. Make the most of it. 

Public Transportation & Tourist Pass– Research on public transportation system of the city before arriving. The tram rides are quite comfortable in Amsterdam and suitable for sightseeing too. You can also book a sightseeing bus ride at an affordable rate. Get a tourist pass to travel through the city. These passes can save a lot of money. Travel passes are available for different durations (one day to seven days passes).

This post piece is a collaboration with dealchecker. 

How to Best Cope with IBD While on Vacation – Tips That Will Help Ensure Your Vacation is Enjoyable

According to statistics, there are roughly 1.6 million Americans who have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with approximately 70,000 new cases each and every year. IBD can be difficult to cope with on a daily basis, but when you have plans to travel, it can really put a kink in things. Obviously, you want to spend your vacation enjoying yourself, exploring the destination, and getting that break from home, but with IBD it isn’t always so simple.

If you’ve been holding off booking that dream vacation because you are worried about how your IBD will affect your travels, it’s time to let go of that fear. Here we’ll take a look at various ways you can cope with IBD while on holidays, allowing you to still enjoy yourself and be glad you took the chance and went away.

What You Need to Know About IBD

Now, before we take a look at the tips to coping, it’s important to understand what IBD is. IBD isn’t one thing, rather it is an umbrella term used for a variety of disorders that causes chronic inflammation in a person’s digestive tract. These include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis among others.

Typical symptoms can include reduced appetite, cramping and pain in the abdominal region, fatigue, diarrhea, and more. Obviously, these are all symptoms that can greatly impact just how enjoyable a vacation may be.

Make Sure You Pack All Your Medications

The first tip is easily the most important one and that is to pack any and all medications that you have been prescribed for your IBD. You want to also be sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip so you don’t have to deal with filling a prescription while you’re away.

When packing your medication, you also want to be sure it stays with you on the plane in your purse or carry-on bag rather than checking it with your luggage. Should your luggage be lost in transit, at least you will have your medication with you.

Pack Supplements that Support Your Gut Health

Besides medication, you can also bring along supplements and items that actually support and promote gut health. A great example of just such a product is the UltraInflamX Plus 360 from blueskyvitamin.com. This particular product helps to relieve inflammation and pain associated with IBD, helps to promote a healthy digestive system, and it also gives nutritional support. It comes in a convenient powder formula that you can easily mix in with juice or water and take with you while on the go.

Be Mindful with What You Eat and Drink

While many people love to sample the local cuisine when they are away, for those with IBD it can spell disaster. The last thing you want is to end up with a case of traveler’s diarrhea, which is unfortunately very common.

To avoid this, you’ll want to stick to bottled water (even when you brush your teeth), stay away from vendor carts, make sure you aren’t eating raw dairy products, don’t eat food that has been sitting out for long periods of time, and avoid raw foods such as vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, and shellfish.

Pack a Variety of Safe Snacks and Drinks

If you plan on doing sightseeing and tours while on holidays, be sure to pack your own supply of “safe” snacks and drinks that you know are okay and don’t bother you. Often these organized tours will stop at restaurants and cafes along the way, and those establishments may not have much you can choose from. By thinking and planning ahead, you know you’ll be covered.

Plan Out Your Routes

It can also be quite helpful to plan your routes in advance making sure you map out where restrooms are along the way. You may even want to request a seat near the washroom when booking your flight, train, or coach bus ticket.

Make Sure You Purchase Travel Insurance

The final tip is to make sure you purchase travel insurance that will cover you should you have a medical emergency. You never know when your IBD may flare up and what kind of attention you’ll need, so travel insurance will act as that peace of mind. Without it you can spend an absolute fortune on medical expenses and prescriptions.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

Finally, you want to make sure you don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Yes, you are on vacation and you want to make the most of it, but knowing when to hold back and take a little time to relax is imperative to your health.

No Need to Skip Vacationing

Just because you have been diagnosed with IBD, doesn’t mean that you have to skip vacationing. Instead, it’s all about planning and being organized so that you can avoid flare-ups as much as possible, and also knowing what to do should one occur.

Take a Tour of the Oldest Restaurants in Germany

If you’re like most Americans, one of the best aspects of traveling is coming across sites and establishments that are older than all of the United States. Though Germany itself is only as old as some of the newer states, the country boasts eating establishments that are upwards of 900 years old. If you want to get a literal taste of history, check out these three oldest restaurants in all of Germany. They may be miles apart, but the atmosphere and food is worth investing in a rental car from CarRentals.com and making the drive.

 

Zum Roten Baren

 

Zum Roten Baren is hands-down the oldest restaurant in Germany, dating back to over 700 years ago. If you’re skeptical about the true age of this establishment, just ask the current landlord for a ledger that details precisely who ran the establishment and when over the past seven centuries. There are a total of 50, each with a tenure of 30 years or more. The name “Roten Baren” has remained the same since its inception, as too has much of the décor. However, the street outside has seen a significant change. From within the restaurant, you can see where the road line used to be 800 to 900 years ago, which is 3.6 m beneath the level it’s at today.

 

In addition to delicious and hearty traditional German fare, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine collection, which is stored in the cellar that was there even before the restaurant. That said, if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, this is not. If, however, you’re a person who appreciates history and all its quirks, you will love this place.

 

Zur letzten Instanz

 

Established in 1621, this Berlin restaurant is nowhere near as old as Zum Roten Baren, but then again, a restaurant probably doesn’t exist that is. Zur letzten Instanz has been run by the same family for four generations, with each generation working with the same goal in mind: to provide a place where people can gather, eat, and be merry. Despite being over 400 years old, much of the historic structure remains. In fact, according to the owner, Napoleon himself was served at the restaurant’s tiled stove.

 

You too can eat at the tiled stove, or you can request a private room, a table within one of the two adjacent restaurants, or a spot in the beer garden. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be given a beer list of some of the best beers Germany has to offer, plus an informal menu with homey items such as pork knuckle, stuffed Beef Roulade, and liver.

 

Wurstkuchl

 

Located along the Danube, Wurstkuchl is appealing simply because of its location. However, it has something going for it that many surrounding establishments don’t: age. Wurstkuchl is over 500 years old, hence its prime location next to the Old Stone Bridge. The kitchen itself, however, is even older; evidence suggests that the current kitchen’s location has been a cooking area since as early as 1135.

 

The food itself has remained more or less the same over the past 500 years. While the menu does include more modern offerings, its best-selling plate continues to be the bratwursts and sauerkraut with sweet granny mustard.

 

Experience history like you’ve never experienced it before. Visit the three oldest restaurants in Germany for a history lesson like you’ve never been given before.