The small Baltic Sea island is largely part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park.

The small Baltic Sea island is largely part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park.

Then it’s time to adapt the day to the needs of the little ones. For example, you can use your afternoon nap in the stroller for quieter activities. If your child is awake, however, you should return to activities that will keep them happy.Sources used: own research

Hotels that stipulate a minimum age for their guests advertise calmly for adults. There are also some of them in Germany "From 16" or "From 18"-Hotels. The reactions of guests and audience fluctuate between approval and hatred.

The former playground is now a fitness trail, and the in-house soap factory is now located in the former playroom. There are no children in the hotel "Esplanade" every trace in the Brandenburg spa town of Bad Saarow. A minimum age has been in effect here since November: Check in if you are under 16 years of age – that’s not possible.

The house wants to differentiate itself from other hotels in the health resort and appeal to those seeking peace and quiet. It is not the only accommodation in Germany that has introduced a minimum age for guests.

The adult hotel used to have its own kindergarten

A young Norwegian walks through the hotel lobby with a laptop under his arm. He’s here on business, he says in English. He finds it pleasant that he can sit down and work anywhere – without the noise of children. That’s why he didn’t choose this hotel. Many guests react positively to the concept, as hotel manager Tom Cudok says. But he also receives hate emails.

The private hotel southeast of Berlin with a spa area and 170 rooms has been around for more than ten years. At first it was strongly geared towards children, says Cudok. There was even an on-site kindergarten. However, the demand for it has decreased over the years. Gradually the house developed into an adult hotel. This has nothing to do with hostility towards children, says the 38-year-old trained hotel manager. They want to offer the guests space for peace and quiet.

Hotels specialize more

The hotel director assumes that more and more hotels in Germany will introduce similar concepts. "That will keep increasing" Cudok is convinced. He has already received inquiries from local russian women private hotels on the Baltic Sea and in the Thuringian Forest.

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association, on the other hand, sees no trend towards child-free hotels. However, there is generally a specialization and individualization of the hotel offer. "Tailor-made concepts that are consistently geared towards the wishes of the target group are successful" is it [called. However, the association does not have exact figures on adult hotels.


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Most hotels for all ages

According to the German Travel Association (DRV), most hotels in Germany are open to all age groups. There are also a few hotels that specialize in certain groups of guests such as families, seniors or couples.

According to trend researcher Peter Wippermann, the travel market tries to create offers for like-minded communities and for different phases of life. This is also reflected in child-free hotels. A hotel used to be a multi-generation house. Now it’s more likely to be separated. This was also shown by hotel offers such as romantic days for couples.

In Bodenmais, Bavaria, on the border with the Czech Republic, there is also a hotel that has been at the minimum age of 16 for several years. "People are looking for peace" says hotel owner Vencel Pinter. The guests included parents who want to take a break from their children – but also teachers and educators. The concept works, also because it is a contrast to other hotels in the area, adds Pinter.

Child-free concepts in other industries too

A contrast program is not only used in the travel market. A Berlin coffee roastery made headlines years ago when it declared a stroller-free zone and even set up a bollard for it. And that of all things in the family-rich Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg. Last summer there was also a stir about a beer garden in Düsseldorf, which had banned children from entering a beach zone. A sign said: "No kids – no dogs". Many mothers didn’t find that funny at all.

Photo show: Romantic Hotels in Germany Photo show: ten accommodations with sex appeal Parents at home alone: ​​Yeah, the kids are gone! But what do we do now? Reactions to the child-free zone in the beer garden: ” Educate children better, then bans are not necessary ”

The minimum age concept caused quite a bit of trouble for the hotel employees in Bad Saarow. Regulars who always brought their children with them were informed of the change in advance, reports Cudok. The communication: "Not always pleasant." And several times families have wanted to check in at the reception because they obviously didn’t know about the ban on children. "One family then no longer wanted to talk to us" says Cudok.

The German islands are an ideal destination for active vacationers, families and those looking for peace and quiet – even in the colder months. In addition, you can now save a lot on popular islands. 

overview

UsedomRügenHiddenseePoelUmmanzFehmarn

You don’t have to travel to Spain, the Caribbean or the other side of the world for a successful island holiday. The German Baltic Sea islands are an ideal destination for athletes, families – and anyone who wants to save. A comparison of the HomeToGo search engine compared room rates and shows particularly great savings potential on some islands.

Accommodation costs on the Baltic Sea islands: On Usedom, both the savings when booking in February are highest and the average price for accommodation is the lowest.

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Usedom

Usedom is the second largest island in the Baltic Sea, but offers the longest beach in Germany at over 40 kilometers. In summer, the island is therefore very popular with beach holidaymakers. In the cool February you can go for a relaxed walk here – also with your dog. Several sections of the beach are allowed for dogs, just as many holiday homes are happy to welcome your four-legged friend.

If you use February to stay on Usedom, you will save a lot. Compared to the high season, accommodations are then 28 percent cheaper on average. You pay an average of 33 euros per night per person – the cheapest price for a Baltic Sea holiday.

to reprimand

Chalk cliffs and cliffs: that’s what most people think of when they hear Rügen. The largest island in the Baltic Sea is also an ideal destination for romantics. Here you can take a walk in nature and in the evening enjoy a romantic dinner for two in one of the Michelin restaurants.

Rügen: The Baltic Sea island is not only an ideal destination for romantic vacations for two when the sun sets. (Source: Elxeneize / Getty Images)

You don’t have to spend too much money for a break for two: At 27 percent, the savings compared to the main season in July are only slightly lower than on Usedom. At 33 euros per night and person, the average price for accommodation is just as cheap as on the second largest island in the Baltic Sea.

Hiddensee

If you are looking for relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you are in the right place in Hiddensee. The small Baltic Sea island is largely part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park. You can only reach Hiddensee by boat and cars are not allowed on the island.

On the quiet island, you pay almost a fifth less for accommodation in February than in July. On average, vacationers here pay 40 euros per person per night. This is the most expensive price of all six Baltic islands.

Poel

If you want to experience something on vacation and want to exhaust yourself physically, Poel is the right place for you. The Baltic Sea island is the ideal destination for all active vacationers. Whether riding, surfing or swimming: athletes can work out here.

Poel: The Baltic Sea island is particularly popular with active vacationers. (Source: fermate / Getty Images)

The island is also significantly cheaper in February than in July. You save 14 percent if you vacation on Poel in the colder months. With an average price of 37 euros per person per night, Poel is a little more expensive compared to the other Baltic Sea islands.

Ummanz

Ummanz is the right place for anyone who wants to go on holiday without other holidaymakers. The Baltic Sea island is less known than Usedom and Co. But with its small fishing villages and lots of peace and quiet, Ummanz is ideal for anyone looking for relaxation off the beaten tourist track.

In the cold months the island is a tenth cheaper than in summer. On average, you pay 37 euros for accommodation in February.

Fehmarn

Steep coasts and a lot of impassable terrain are exciting, but unfortunately only partially suitable for families. Fehmarn, with its long, flat beaches, is therefore an ideal holiday destination for everyone who wants to let their children run around on the beach. Even in bad weather there is a lot to discover for little vacationers. A butterfly park, a marine center and lighthouses offer variety.

In Fehmarn, the savings are lowest between July and February: You only pay four percent less here if you are looking for accommodation in the off-season. With an average cost of 36 euros per person per night, the price is still the second lowest of the six Baltic Sea islands.

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methodology

HomeToGo used prices per night and person of still available accommodations on the islands for the evaluation. Average prices for February 2020 were compared with those for July 2019. The information was accessed on January 20, 2020. 

Sources used: HomeToGo: OstseeRecherche

The others are on time: That seems to be the credo of German airlines. A new study shows potential for improvement – and which airlines are better than the German ones. 

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If you want to fly carefree, you shouldn’t choose a German airline: That is the conclusion of a study by AirHelp. The company helps passengers with delays and other airline problems. 

The best airline is not European

For the airline ranking, AirHelp rated 72 international airlines in three categories with up to ten points:

Punctuality, service quality, claims processing

There is no German airline among the ten best airlines. 

airline AirHelp Score punctuality Service quality Claims processing
Qatar Airways 8.23 8.4 8.5 7.8
American Airlines 8.07 7.5 7.9 8.8
Aeromexico 8.07 7.8 8.4 8.0
SAS Scandinavian Airlines 8.07 7.3 7.9 9.0
Qantas 8.04 7.9 8.3 7.9
LATAM Airlines 8.01 7.7 8.1 8.2
WestJet 7.96 7.4 7.6 8.9
Luxair 7.9 7.8 7.8 8.1
Austrian Airlines 7.9 7.1 8.1 8.5
Emirates 7.8 7.5 8.9 7.1

The best airline is Quatar Airways, although there is still room for improvement in claims processing.