When people think about a vacation in Germany, a holiday in Hamburg or a Berlin minibreak comes to mind. But what about something a bit different? Maybe a visit to an old soviet aircraft site which has been transformed into a tropical resort large enough to house the Statue of Liberty?

Healthcare tourists flock from all over the world for Germany's high-end facilities – especially Arabs, for whom top-notch healthcare is a status symbol. Now, those who come for treatment are lingering for the luxury shopping. But can it compete with Paris or London for the hearts of tourists from the Gulf?

While luxury brands move away from the ‘stuffy’ traditions, a new breed of hotels that spans the entire price spectrum is competing to meet the needs of the digitally dependent Millennials. But how is such a long-standing industry redefining itself to meet the needs of Gen Y?

The stereotypical image of a holiday masks a much larger variety of desires and options, connected to states of mind, emotions, personal interests and idea of leisure and enjoyment. How much do we still identify with white sands and blue sea?