Marina Schumacher Travel Counsellors

19/07/2024

A beach holiday is a favourite amongst holiday styles for families and couples alike and the Caribbean with its many island paradises and long stretches of coastline along the mainland offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy this kind of holiday...

Today, I'd like to focus on the Dominican Republic, the area around Puerto Plata in particular, and show you how you can make a "basic beach holiday" a memorable, meaningful experience the whole family can saviour - quite literally (at least with one of the suggestions)!😉

At the you have the opportunity to learn about the tradition of petrified wood carving with the artisans of the Petrified Wood Association (Asoartep) - interact with them, watch them when they use machetes and knives only (no machines allowed) to transform a piece of talc formed from a sedimentary sandstone rock (also known as "petrified wood") into a work of art.

If you are looking to endulge your sweet tooth whilst on holidays, join the "Women of Altamira", the proud owners of the CHOCAL cooperative, when they share their expertise in the life cycle of a cocoa bean from pod to delicious chocolate confectionary.

Best of all, should you be looking for a truly unique, ethical and local souvenir, by purchasing from these two initiatives, you'll be supporting over 400 local farmers and families as well as improve community-wellbeing while protecting the environment, and celebrating culture and traditions.
Both community experiences have been facilitated at the hotel through a partnership with Planeterra Foundation / .

28/06/2024

Looking for a slightly different beach holiday destination? Check this very short and snappy video out!
The Gambia Experience
Cape Verde Experience
Goa Experience
Corsican Places
Sardinian Places
Contact me for further information.

11/06/2024

Especially now that I have a child, I'm looking for ways to make our travels more meaning- and impactful. Resposible and sustainable practices are important to me and I'd like to share with you a selection of them here.

24/05/2024

Time flies when you're having fun, they say...

Running one's own business is not all rainbows and unicorns, but I do not regret starting my journey as a TC three years ago, despite doubts, occasional tears and way too much coffee...

Thank you to my TC family (IYKYK) and of course my "real" family for your support, on and off-screen!

But above all, thank you to all of you who have trusted me with your holiday plans - you're the main reason I'm very much looking forward to year 4 and beyond!

04/04/2024

CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING A 2024 TTG SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL AMBASSADOR (IN TRAINING!)

I just received happy news this morning - I'm in the 2024 cohort of TTG's Sustainable Travel Ambassador program!

Ever since I've heard from fellow TCs about last year's program, I was curious about it and because I want to do my part to give my son and his (potential) children a better chance to still have a planet to explore and enjoy, I made the conscious decision to apply.

Thank you Travel Trade Gazette for this opportunity - I am looking forward to continuing my journey of learning and sharing!

https://www.ttgmedia.com/fairer-travel

01/02/2024

Safaris have been amongst the three top honeymoon styles at my last two wedding fairs I attended. That is only one motivation for me to join this webinar on the 29th February.

If you have any questions about ethical wildlife encounters, please feel free to comment below or message me - and if it's before the 29th February, I can ask the question on your behalf during the webinar and later share the outcome with you!

The Kiwano community and World Animal Protection are back after much demand. Discover Rethinking Wildlife Tourism Part 2

16/01/2024

👉Did you know, the Swiss Travel Pass allows you to travel in Italy - and not just a hop across the border to Tirano!

A journey on the Centovalli Line is not for the faint of heart, but oh so worth it for a different way of getting to Locarno!
Do you know on which other route(s) on public transport through Italy you could use the Swiss Travel Pass (subject to seat reservations)?

Our slow travel expert alights from the express train in Domodossola to discover a rural route through the hills into Switzerland

02/01/2024

When the needs of the people living and working (legitimately) in a place no longer are compatible with the wants or requests from visitors...
This brief article highlights how unbalanced tourism in a city like Venice has consequences for many people wanting to travel to the Italian city during the summer months.
I recommend visiting between October and March -> fewer people+lower temperatures+better air quality = lovelier experience :-)

Loudspeakers and tour groups of more than 25 people will not be allowed in Venice, under new plans due to come into place this summer. The move, which

07/12/2023

✨It's magic...! ✨

📅Let me show you how to transform 31 days of annual leave into a whopping 67 days of travel!

With my expertise covering everything from destinations to travel hacks, let me handle the nitty-gritty details so you can relish your (extended) holiday with absolute confidence! 😉

14/11/2023

I look forward to working with you again. 🥰

08/11/2023

Well hello - welcome to Wednesday and my "Where in the World" quiz.

Today, we're not in Switzerland - I think that picture is a bit of a giveaway to this, even though there are more beaches than you might think.

No, this island is off the coast of Eastern Africa (yes, I have mellowed a bit and give you this pointer) and the reason why I chose it is because it's a forerunner for sustainable practices including tourism:

🦀 In the early 1990s, the country to which this island belongs, was suffering high levels of marine degradation. Corals were referred to as "rocks and stones", for example and dynamite/blast fishing was a common practice.

🦀 In 1992, this island became the world's first financially self-sustaining marine protected area.

🦀 With guests visiting the island, staying in the eco bungalows and seeing the projects, the conservation and education programs remain.

🦀 This tiny island is now East Africa's best-preserved shallow reef.

🦀 Over 6,000 local children have discovered the wonders of the reef.

🦀 The island and the reef are home to over 400 species of fish and the land-living coconut crab.
(Source: Kiwano Masterclass by Rebecca Woolford)

What is the name of the island? Which country does it belong to?
Have you ever been in that part of the world?

Flashback to two weeks ago: Well done Marie, it was indeed Blausee near Kandersteg in the picture.

07/11/2023

I look forward to working with you again in the future. ✈️

31/10/2023

I'm so glad you had an extra special holiday experience. ✈️🏖

25/10/2023

It was an absolute pleasure to help you with your holiday plans.✈️

19/10/2023

Swisstainable is Switzerland's way of saying, "Let's be environmentally responsible, but let's also be smart about it." They're all about using Swiss expertise to protect our planet. Whether it's making buildings super energy-efficient, finding eco-friendly ways to get around, or practicing sustainable farming, they're leading the charge. Basically, Swisstainable is a way for Switzerland to keep its stunning natural beauty intact while still moving forward and improving the quality of life for its people. It's a global example of how we can be green and innovative at the same time! 🌿🏔️🌍

Video can be found here:
https://youtu.be/51H4rCWrSGc?feature=shared

18/10/2023

Good evening - time to snuggle up under the duvet or on the sofa under a warm throw and enjoy the last moments of this Wednesday with a little quiz, and a bit of Swiss folklore.

Today's picture is that of a stunning, almost ethereal mountain lake with a rather sad legend attached to it:
Many years ago, a beautiful young girl was found dead in this lake. This was the place where she used to spend many romantic hours with her lover. After his sudden death, which she couldn’t come to terms with, she continued to return to the this lake every night until she eventually died of grief herself. The blueness of the lake was apparently caused by her tears.
Some 30 years ago, a sculptor created a statue of a young woman which has been placed in the lake to commemorate the legend and you can see it through the clear water when going on one of the rowing boat tours.

What is the name of the lake? In which area of Switzerland is it? - this one's for you! 😉

Flashback to last week: Dee and Caroline were absolutely correct - it was indeed Bern in the picture. Bern is Switzerland's capital - not Zurich, Geneva or Basel or any other city for that matter! 🤓

17/10/2023

Thank you Sophia. I'm so glad I was able to help you book your Disneyland Paris trip.

14/10/2023

Scenic Train Or Lake Cruise?

How would you choose? Both have their merits and charms...

11/10/2023

Good morning - it's Wednesday again! I know, I didn't post last week - reason being: I was far away, in the middle of Cretan ruins and I only realised shortly before leaving, that there would have been WiFi - fancy that!

Anyway, today's picture quiz is dedicated to my lovely TC friend , who last month was on this trip through Switzerland with me and learned so much, including where and more importantly what the city in the picture is!

Coming away from this little insider comment - this city is of great significance in today's Switzerland, even though it's not Zurich... or Geneva... 😉
It's well known for its laid-back charm, 6km of arcades allowing you to go shopping/strolling around the old town even in the worst rain/hail/snow without getting soaked, houses/museums dedicated to famous people like Paul Klee and Albert Einstein, having a dip in the Aare during your lunch break (or swimming home, if you're so inclined) or its bears... yes, bears!
And if this isn't enough, the old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 40 years this year!

What city is shown in the picture? What is it's significance/role in Switzerland?

Flashback to two weeks ago: the interesting creatures in the picture were "Waggis" - typical masks at Basel's Carnival "Fasnacht".

05/10/2023

And that isn't all: Trains, buses, boats and cable cars allow you to get anywhere in the country. Perfectly coordinated and working like a Swiss watch— truly a travel system to rely on!

03/10/2023

Thank you Kate. I'm always pleased to hear that I've helped make your trip less stressful.

30/09/2023

This Or That?

Lakes Or Mountains?

Which would you choose for a beautiful Swiss holiday?

28/09/2023

Thank you TC!

27/09/2023

Hello everyone - it's Wednesday!

Today, we're looking at a fun one: the "drei scheenschte Dääg" (the three most beautiful days) - starting with the "Morgestraich" at 04am on Monday morning following Ash Wednesday, the time where we say goodbye to Winter and welcome Spring, where we go all out and eat and drink and are merry before Lent.
For the record, with "we", I mean the people truly invested in this event first and foremost and secondly the ones who are (un-)fortunate enough to live or work where these processions take place.
I still remember my first job and hearing the high-pitched squeaks of the "Pfyfferli" (the piccolo players in the picture) when they were out and about ("Gässle")... But not all music is annoying. I love the "Guggemuusig" - the more brassy bands made up of masked hobby musicians playing current hits or oldies in their own interpretations.
My parents like attending recitals of "Schnitzelbängg" - verbal caricatures of political events or other hot topics presented in verse form, spoken or sung.

Which event am I referring to? Have you ever participated in one of them in Switzerland or elsewhere (Germany is very big on them too - in particular Cologne and Mainz)? If not, would you?

Flashback to last week: We were looking at Lugano in the canton of Ticino - a most underrated gem.

26/09/2023

Thank you so much Sarah. It was a pleasure to help you plan your trip.

20/09/2023

Whaaaaat, it's already Wednesday evening - or bedtime even?
Well, no better time to give your brain a little last workout before nodding off 🥳😉

Today, I want to introduce you to the grande dame of the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. This city has always been a bit meh for me - too many banks (some 52 apparently, making it Switzerland's 3rd largest financial centre!)) and very hilly. Well, I'm so glad we stayed here during our little fam trip and were invited to a fabulous food and wine tour, where we learned lots about the city and surrounding area and of course tasted some amazing food (omg, that Blenio cheese and the pasta with pepper and pecorino) and very interesting and so easily drinkable white Merlot - another local delicacy!

If strolling along Via Nassa and wondering if you can afford the designer labels is distracting you from the beauty of the lake and parks, head up the local mountains of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore for a bit of R&R...

What's the name of the city? What's the name of the Italian speaking Canton?

Flashback to last week: it was indeed Montreux with the statue of Freddie Mercury in the picture and the song is Smoke on the Water.

13/09/2023

Good morning - it's a bit rainy here in Switzerland, but after the sweltering heat not unpleasant....

Today we're in the French speaking part of the country, in a town famous for its connection to music.
The rockstar in the picture and his band had their recording studio by the lake shore (it's now a museum and accessible to the public) and Deep Purple dedicated one of their most famous songs to a rather tragic event that happened here.

What is the name of the town? Who is the rockstar in the picture and what's the name of the band? And do you know the name of the song?

Flashback to last week: I was staying in St. Moritz in the Canton of Graubünden.

06/09/2023

Hello and welcome to a sweltering hot Wednesday evening - it was way too hot to ask you sooner to put your thinking cap on, so hopefully it's cool enough now, wherever you are! 😅

Today I'd like to share with you where I will be tomorrow evening! Look at this view.... This glitzy mountain resort is much better known when it's snow-capped and the lake frozen over to hold sporting events as polo on ice or cricket on ice (yes, there's cricket in Switzerland!) and the surrounding mountains invite skiers and snowboarders from far and wide. More adrenaline-craving men (!) might even participate in the world-renowned Cresta Run.
I personally love hiking in the area or catch one of the cable cars and head up the likes of Corvatsch mountain or - like tomorrow - get on the funicular to Muottas Muragl. Sooo looking forward to this!

Which ultra-chic resort is pictured?

Flashback to last week: This was a tough one, I admit that. It was Gasthaus Aescher (mountain restaurant Aescher) in the Alpstein mountains in the canton of Appenzell.

02/09/2023

30/08/2023

Gooood evening!
I know, I usually post these quizzes in the morning or at least afternoon, but I thought I'd try an evening for a change - just in time for an at-home pub quiz! 🤓

Today, I'm taking you East again - to an area shrouded in myths and legends from prehistoric bears (fact) to dragons and hidden treasures (hmm.... fact or folklore?).
The historic mountain guesthouse is perched dramatically on a cliffside and offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Accessible by a short hike or a cable car ride, the guesthouse has been a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and tourists seeking a unique alpine experience since the early 1800s.
It is closely associated with the nearby Wildkirchli caves, a complex of natural limestone chambers and tunnels that have archaeological significance due to prehistoric findings.

What is the name of the guesthouse? What is the name of the mountain/mountain range? Or at least the name of the Canton in which this area is set?

Flashback to last week: I am very much looking forward crossing the Peak Walk by Tissot in about 10 days at Glacier 3000! Well... as much as my discomfort with heights allows me to look forward to it... keep your eyes peeled on my socials - I shall post about my adventure in due course!