The Best Time to Visit -

From Paper to Digital: Egypt Updates its Entry Requirements

January 11, 2026 by Ben

Beautiful Nile scenery with sailboat in the Nile on the way to The Front of the Abu Simbel Temple - Egypt, Africa

It might seem like a minor “detail” in the grand scheme of travel, but it is another clear sign of the shift towards digital solutions replacing traditional paperwork. Very soon, the arrival cards used to enter Egypt will be moving to a digital-only format. Starting February 2026 Until now, arriving in Egypt—much like in several other countries—involved filling out a paper “landing card” provided either on the plane or at the airport to collect passenger data. However, from February 2026, these paper forms will be replaced by a digital application that will process passenger information electronically. This update is a … Read more

You’ll Soon Be Able to Spend the Night in the World of Harry Potter

January 9, 2026 by Ben

Glenfinnan,Inverness-shire,Scottish Highlands-July 21 2022:The train driver waves and lets off steam to onlookers,as the iconic train,shown in Harry Potter films,crosses the tall viaduct,mid summer.

It is a saga that has defined the last few decades, capturing the imaginations of several generations. Harry Potter is finally getting his first dedicated hotel, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in his magical world overnight. However, you won’t find it in the Highlands of Scotland; the project is actually set for Germany. The World of Harry Potter For the few who might have missed it, Harry Potter began as a series of seven novels by British author J.K. Rowling, published between 1997 and 2007. To put it briefly, it tells the story of a young orphan who discovers … Read more

The Silent Killer: When an African Lake Claimed 1,700 Lives 40 Years Ago

January 7, 2026 by Ben

On the evening of 21 August 1986, Lake Nyos, a seemingly tranquil crater lake in north-west Cameroon, released a deadly surge of between 100,000 and 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This dense gas cloud swept down the surrounding hillsides at nearly 50 kilometres per hour, suffocating 1,746 people and almost 3,000 head of livestock within a 25-kilometre radius. Victims died in their sleep, without a sound or a flame. While houses and vegetation remained eerily untouched, the tragedy revealed a rare and terrifying geological phenomenon to the world: the limnic eruption. How gas builds up at the bottom of a … Read more

Chinese New Year: It’s almost that time of year again…

January 4, 2026 by Ben

Cute smiling little 2 - 3 years old Asian toddler baby boy child in traditional red Chinese costume celebrating Chinese New Year with Chinese lion dance in Bangkok, Lunar New Year celebration concept

Chinese New Year is the most significant event in the Chinese calendar. Far more than just a public holiday, it is a season of renewal, family reunions, and a deep-rooted celebration of ancient traditions. Unlike the Gregorian New Year on 1st January, the date shifts every year according to the lunar cycle, typically falling between late January and February. For 2026, the festivities are set to kick off on Tuesday, 17 February. Weeks of festivities and ceremonies The celebrations aren’t limited to a single day. In fact, they officially span three weeks, with preparations beginning a good week before the … Read more

The Rise of the “Private Stopover”: The New Frontier of Cruising

January 2, 2026 by Ben

Labadee, Haiti - MAY 01, 2018: People enjoying sunny day on beach at island Labadee in Haiti on may 1, 2018

In the world of tour operators and cruise giants, there are generally two ways to win over the public. You can either take them to existing, well-known landmarks where they’ll share the experience with every other tourist, or you can build an entirely new destination from scratch—complete with custom infrastructure and attractions—exclusively for your own guests. It’s a trend that is rapidly gaining steam, with more and more cruise lines now making these private enclaves the centrepiece of their itineraries. A Growing Trend Whether in the Caribbean for North American holidaymakers or across the Mediterranean for the European market, cruise … Read more

London to Debut Its First Self-Driving Taxis by Summer 2026

December 29, 2025 by Ben

London's taxis and red buses front of big ben on a cloudy day, selective focus

It’s official: by the first half of 2026, London will welcome its very first autonomous taxis. This marks a major milestone as the UK capital becomes the first city in Europe to roll out the technology, with Swiss cities expected to follow suit shortly after. The end of the road for the iconic Black Cab? While they only truly entered public service in 2023, “robotaxis”—or driverless cars—are rapidly gaining momentum globally, capturing the interest of governments and municipalities alike. Until now, the US and China were the only nations to have fully taken the plunge. However, 2026 will see this … Read more

Artificial Intelligence takes to the slopes!

December 27, 2025 by Ben

People lifting on ski-lift in winter sunny the mountains detail.

With AI now a fixture in almost every aspect of our lives, it was only a matter of time before it made its way onto the ski slopes. This is particularly true for resorts, which—both in France and abroad—are increasingly turning to smart technology to better manage their ski areas, infrastructure, and guest services. An increasingly essential technology Admittedly, skiing might not be the first industry that comes to mind when you think of AI, and its impact isn’t always obvious to the casual holidaymaker. However, AI is now working behind the scenes to improve your skiing experience, enhance safety, … Read more

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

December 26, 2025 by Ben

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”?

December 21, 2025 by Ben

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!

December 5, 2025 by Ben

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