The Best Time to Visit -

Canada Could Soon Join the High-Speed Rail Club with Toronto-Quebec City Line

September 15, 2025 by Ben

Among all the countries that currently operate high-speed rail networks, there could soon be one more on the other side of the Atlantic. Canada is seriously considering developing its own high-speed rail system. Service Twice as Fast as Current Options This idea, while debated for years, has now been officially endorsed. The creation of a high-speed rail line connecting Toronto to Quebec City via Montreal could finally become reality. This would represent significant progress for passenger rail service, which has traditionally taken a backseat to freight in Canada. The current passenger trains are often criticized for being slow, delayed, and … Read more

Why You Should Explore French Polynesia on Foot: Hidden Mountain Adventures Await

September 14, 2025 by Ben

When people think of Tahiti and French Polynesia, they naturally picture turquoise waters, stunning lagoons, coconut-fringed beaches, and incredible diving opportunities. But hiking? That’s rarely the first thing that comes to mind. Yet the archipelago, particularly the islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora, offers visitors who venture inland some truly spectacular trekking experiences. On Tahiti One of the most surprising things about Tahiti is its incredible interior mountains, home to lush flora, waterfalls, and verdant valleys. This is another side of the island that hiking enthusiasts can discover through several pleasant trails. Here are three excellent hiking options: On Bora … Read more

Sweden Unveils Stunning New Marine National Park: Over 1,000 Wild Islands Just an Hour from Stockholm

September 13, 2025 by Ben

While Stockholm may not be as well-known to American travelers as some European capitals, Sweden’s stunning capital consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most welcoming cities and a leader in sustainable tourism. From eco-friendly transportation and accommodations to renewable energy initiatives and pollution reduction efforts, Stockholm sets the bar high for responsible travel. Add to this rich cultural heritage and pristine nature right at the city’s doorstep, and you have an unbeatable combination. Now, the Swedish capital has gained an exciting new attraction with the inauguration of Nämdöskärgården Marine National Park. Just One Hour by Boat from Downtown Sweden has … Read more

The Rise of “Extreme Day Trips”: Why Travelers Are Flying Abroad for Just One Day

September 12, 2025 by Ben

We hear about it regularly (or almost), but what exactly are “extreme day trips”? There are things we hear about more or less regularly without knowing—or having forgotten—what they actually mean. Today we’re taking a closer look at a phenomenon that’s gaining traction in certain circles, though not yet among the general public, known as “extreme day trips.” So what does this mean exactly? International Travel in Under 24 Hours Let’s start by understanding this expression “extreme day trips,” which we could simply translate as “lightning trips.” Because that’s exactly what it is—the idea of flying abroad for just one … Read more

Europe’s Revolutionary Ticketless Train System is Finally Here – And It Could Change Everything

September 11, 2025 by Ben

Not so long ago, we would have thought this was science fiction. But now the technological revolution we’ve been experiencing for some time – with Artificial Intelligence and its countless applications increasingly governing our lives – makes us believe that anything is possible. And very much in the realm of reality… This is how things are evolving in rail transport regarding pricing and new forms of ticketing. Even though this is currently happening only in a few countries during testing phases, there’s a good chance that these new practices could soon become widespread beyond simple experimentation… After Japan, the United … Read more

Is Japan Losing Patience with Foreign Tourists?

September 10, 2025 by Ben

For some time now, Japan has been implementing or considering new measures for tourists wishing to visit the country. Officially, these are designed to combat the overtourism it has been experiencing for the past two or three years in places like Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and several other destinations, while also “reassuring” its residents who are concerned about this influx they haven’t been accustomed to. However, upon closer examination, not all the decisions made or planned are necessarily directly related to fighting tourist overcrowding… Latest Developments… A “JESTA” System Coming Sooner Than Expected Like many countries, Japan has decided to implement … Read more

Sleep Behind Bars: Europe’s Most Intriguing Prison Hotels Will Lock You Up in Luxury

September 9, 2025 by Ben

Among the unique accommodations to try while traveling, we recently told you about the possibility of sleeping on the Waterloo battlefield. Even more original is the idea – why not, after all – of spending the night in what was once a prison, with several addresses across Europe offering this unusual experience. From the Netherlands to Slovenia via Switzerland, here’s a European tour of some fascinating prison hotels:

Discover Canada for Less: The “Strong Canada” Pass Offers Major Savings This Summer

September 8, 2025 by Ben

Looking to escape the usual vacation spots? Canada has just launched an enticing summer-long initiative running until September 2nd that makes exploring the Great White North more affordable than ever. As Canadian authorities put it, “Enjoy free or discounted admission by choosing Canada as your travel destination”. Who Benefits and What Can You Save? While the “Strong Canada” initiative primarily targets young travelers, it offers substantial savings for anyone planning to explore Canada’s natural wonders. The program provides a 25% discount on camping fees and free admission for everyone to national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas … Read more

Why Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Actually Leaning? The Surprising Truth Behind Italy’s Most Famous Tilt

September 7, 2025 by Ben

Just like in travel and vacations, we sometimes ask ourselves simple questions because we wonder why certain things we see or experience are the way they are, how they can be explained, or what the reasons behind them might be. In short, why… Today, we’re looking at an Italian monument that has become virtually iconic: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to find out – of course – why it leans. A Tower and a Cathedral The Tower of Pisa was originally the campanile of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption) in Pisa. A campanile is … Read more

This 400,000-Person City Is One of the World’s Most Isolated — No Roads Lead Here

September 6, 2025 by Ben

Cityscape view of Iquitos, Peru with the Itaya River in the background in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest

Iquitos plays in a league of its own. This city of 400,000 inhabitants, Peru’s fifth-largest, functions like a continental island, completely disconnected from the global road network. To reach it, you have two options: plane or boat. No middle ground. This geographical constraint has shaped a peculiar city where prices soar for an imported box of corn flakes and motorcycle taxis reign supreme over potholed streets. Travelers who embrace the challenging journey discover an ambiguous Amazonian hub, torn between its role as a gateway to the jungle and its status as a mecca for mystical tourism. The Journey Is Part … Read more