“Traveling in Europe made me understand that America has an island mentality: No one exists except us.” will.i.am
Dancing Queen
Nobody gets on your nerves, you decide what to do next. Yes, there’s something about traveling alone. However, wandering around the clubs all alone is less likely. So that we don’t have to miss out on partying during our solo trips, we use the PartyWith app to network with party-loving locals and get the hottest tips for local clubs, parties, concerts and other events that provide highlights while traveling. PartyWith, free for iOS and Android.
Heaven is a place on earth
Why travel when the best is so close? The mountains in view, the snow underfoot. We stay in Switzerland and spend our weekends in one of the Whitepods in Valais. Here you feel like you’re in an igloo under the domes of the 18 pods – but the level of comfort is much higher. Light wood, cowbells and army blankets in the so-called Swiss Suite lend the Nordic-inspired interior its charm and not only ensure that influencers from abroad are snapping selfies here like crazy. Even those who know Switzerland are left speechless when they experience this accommodation. And this is undoubtedly not just due to the pods themselves, the access to the slopes or the fact that the sauna and whirlpool are just a few steps away from the sleeping area. The makers of the Whitepods pay attention to everything, to controlled energy, locally sourced products and recycling their waste – and we think that’s a lot sexier than the matching word eco-tourism. Whitepod Hotel & Restaurant, Route des Cerniers 100, 1871 Les Giettes, Switzerland, overnight stay in the Cosy-Pod from 290.- per night incl. Breakfast for two, www.whitepod.com
Up!
Everything looks completely different from above. Not only do houses get smaller, but so do our worries. No wonder flying awakens longings. The next vacation is still months away and the view over the clouds is far too distant? Then let’s just take a look around Wingly. The platform shows the routes of over 15,000 private pilots who are just waiting to take flight enthusiasts on board. The costs are shared fairly between passengers and pilot, making a sightseeing flight or excursion over the Alps possible from as little as 49. www.wingly.io
Nature boy
Exhaust fumes, hipsters, hustle and bustle 24/7. Sometimes the city gets on our nerves so much that we need a break. Out of the hustle and bustle, into the green. Back to the Land” provides ideas for cultivated country living (even temporarily), with photos that will make even the most die-hard city dwellers’ cheeks glow. 20 dropouts invite you to their homes, show you their tree huts, tents and forest houses and how they live where others only go for a walk. Frederick Pikovsky, “FARM + LAND’S Back to the Land,” Chronicle Books, ca. 25.-