It’s “Official”: This Famous Roman Landmark Will No Longer Be Free Starting January

Beautiful sunset in Rome in orange, pink, purple and purple colors – a view of the landmarks and ancient architecture in the city center from the roof of the historic building

It has been a topic of debate for two years, but the decision is now official: Rome’s world-famous Trevi Fountain will require a paid entry fee starting January 7th. €2 up close, free from afar… Between battling over-tourism, protecting heritage sites, and generating much-needed revenue, substantial tourist taxes and entry fees for major landmarks are becoming the norm worldwide—particularly in Italy. Following the introduction of a 400-person capacity limit, access to the iconic Trevi Fountain will now cost €2 per person from January 7th, 2026. This comes almost two years after the measure was first proposed by local authorities. The … Read more

We hear about them more and more these days, but what exactly are “Smart Airports”?

Businessman suit passenger use self driving chcek-in robots assistant for ticket and accompany them to their gate at international airport.

There are certain buzzwords that crop up regularly, yet we often don’t know—or have simply forgotten—what they actually mean. Today, we’re looking at a term that is set to redefine air travel: the Smart Airport. This new breed of terminal is likely to become the standard for all of us within just a few years. The airport of tomorrow Put simply, a smart airport is one that harnesses cutting-edge technology—starting with Artificial Intelligence and biometrics—to make the journey smoother, safer, and more efficient. The ultimate goal is to transform a place often perceived as stressful into a connected, automated experience, … Read more

Tips for Visiting the Sahara: Don’t Forget to Wrap Up!

Morocco. Sand dunes of Sahara desert

If you’re planning a trip to the Sahara—be it in Morocco, Tunisia, or the South of Algeria—now is the ideal time to go. The most favourable period for a visit runs from October to mid-April, when daytime temperatures are bearable. However, this doesn’t stop the nights from remaining bitterly cold! A Paradox for Many Visitors It might seem baffling. When you’re in the Sahara, or indeed any desert area around the globe, you can be sweltering during the day, only for the exact opposite to happen once night falls. Temperatures plummet to freezing levels, potentially reaching as low as 10°F … Read more

Brazil Unveils Latin America’s Longest Marked Trail

Path to Amazon River through the jungle

Not long ago, we were telling you about what is set to become Europe’s, if not the world’s, largest walking loop in Portugal. Now, it’s Brazil’s turn to launch what is officially the longest marked trail in Latin America. Timed for Belém’s COP30 The trail, officially named the Trilha Amazônia Atlântica, was unveiled a few weeks ago to coincide with Belém’s COP30 climate summit. This “Amazonia Atlantic Trail,” as its name translates, is a lengthy, marked walking route located in the state of Pará. Stretching for a total of 468 kilometres, the route begins in the historic centre of Belém … Read more

Calling All Pokémon Fans: Tokyo is the Destination!

Some things leave a lasting mark across generations, and the famous Pokémon are undeniably one of them. So much so, in fact, that these peculiar creatures are about to get their very own dedicated theme park in the city of Tokyo. An Immersive Experience While the Pokémon universe has never had an exclusive, dedicated site—just zones within more general parks—that’s all about to change very soon. Indeed, the “PokePark Kanto” is set to be inaugurated in early 2026, specifically on February 5th. This will be a 2.6-hectare site entirely dedicated to them in the west of the Japanese capital, featuring … Read more

The World’s Highest Hotel is Here—And Yes, It’s in Dubai

Dubai, UAE - october 22, 2024: skyscrapers Dubai Marina, Ciel Tower, Cayan Tower, DAMAC Heights, Princess Tower

We recently mentioned the Las Vegas hotel-casino that reportedly offers the most expensive suite in the world: US$100,000 per night for 850 square metres spread across two storeys in a setting that many agree isn’t always in the best taste. But we digress… That was a record in hospitality, but it has recently been eclipsed by another—less pricey yet even more colossal. The city of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, has just inaugurated the world’s tallest hotel. 82 Storeys and 377 Metres High It was in mid-November that Dubai opened the Ciel Dubai Marina, which will now hold the … Read more

US National Park Entry Fees to Soar for Non-Residents

Family standing next to Thor's Hammer hoodoo on top of mountain looking at beautiful view. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

We had almost forgotten about the measure, given that the news cycle from the Trump Administration is constantly flooded with various announcements about anything and everything. But the fact remains: the entry price for US National Parks is set to increase for foreigners starting next year. And by an even larger margin than anticipated, it turns out… Pass Price Trebles It was this week that US authorities officially announced the future access prices for the (63) National Parks and Reserves for foreign tourists. From 1st January 2026, the annual “America the Beautiful” pass will jump from US$80 to US$250 per … Read more

Cruise Ship Trends That Will Transform Your Next Voyage

Cruise Trends Centralcruise 7

The cruises our parents and grandparents experienced are vastly different from those we enjoy today, and the journey promises to be even more transformative in the future. But what do cruise lines have in store to surprise us while addressing current challenges? Here’s a look at the latest trends shaping the cruise industry! Intimate Cruises Closer to Nature More and more travelers are seeking a different kind of cruise experience, and intimate cruises are leading the way. With smaller ships, these cruises can reach destinations where massive vessels simply can’t dock. Companies like Ponant and Aranui offer the experience of … Read more

The World’s Most Visited City in 2024 Isn’t Paris, London, or New York—And It’s Not Even Close

Morning sunrise view of Bangkok city in ratchaprasong area from window of Baiyok hotel room, Bangkok city, Thailand

Paris and its museums? New York and its skyscrapers? London and its perpetual buzz? Tokyo and its overwhelming scale? None of these cities claim the top spot. Bangkok takes the crown in 2024 with 32.4 million international arrivals, far ahead of Istanbul in second place with 23 million visitors. The Thai capital blows past all competition and confirms a trend: Asia is drawing massive crowds, sometimes at the expense of traditional European destinations. A Visa Policy That Changes Everything Thailand has simplified access with a 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries and visa-on-arrival expanded to 31 countries. This strategy works. … Read more

The World’s Most Expensive Hotel Suite Will Cost You $100,000 Per Night (And You’ll Need to Book at Least Two)

Aerial view of The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas Nevada, USA. November 22nd, 2022

Among our recurring themes, there’s one that covers places you’ll never visit. Either because they’ve disappeared due to human folly or nature’s whims, or more often because access isn’t really possible anymore—they’re now located in war zones or regions where tourism is strongly discouraged. But there’s also a place that, while not forbidden, endangered, or in a risky location, you still have very little chance of ever visiting. This time it’s purely for financial reasons, as we’re talking about the most expensive hotel and suite in the world… $100,000 USD Per Night This hotel is the Palms Casino Resort in … Read more