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Changes on the Horizon for St. Peter’s Basilica

February 22, 2026 by Ben

Rome, Italy - December 31, 2016: St. Peter's Basilica facade in Rome, Italy. St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and one of the largest churches in the world.

It is Rome, yet not quite. The Vatican, home to the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, is set to undergo a series of updates this year to mark a significant milestone in its history. Four Centuries of History To celebrate its 400th anniversary, St. Peter’s Basilica is embracing the modern era. Visitors can look forward to a blend of technological innovations and the opening of brand-new spaces. One of the most anticipated changes is the opening of full public access to the roof terrace. This will feature a new permanent exhibition detailing the building’s history, alongside a dedicated “rooftop café”—a welcome … Read more

Algeria: One of the “Top Destinations to Watch” in 2026

February 20, 2026 by Ben

Remains of Cuicul village in Djemila town, archaeological area rich in well-preserved Berber-Roman ruins in North Africa, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sétif, Algeria.

The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has released its annual industry trends report, positioning Algeria at the forefront of African destinations to watch this year. Alongside Angola, the country is highlighted as one of two “off-the-beaten-track” African locations seeing a significant surge in interest from international travellers. This recognition follows a strong performance in 2024, when Algeria welcomed over 3.5 million foreign visitors—a 10% increase compared to 2023. Saharan tourism has been particularly buoyant, with more than 22,700 international tourists venturing into the southern regions. The publishing world is also taking note. In 2026, Lonely Planet is releasing a … Read more

Train travel is coming to the United Arab Emirates

February 18, 2026 by Ben

DUBAI, UAE - NOVEMBER 18: Dubai Metro as world's longest fully automated metro network (75 km) on November 18, 2012, Dubai, UAE.

It’s easy to forget that you can’t simply hop on a train everywhere in the world—and that doesn’t just apply to tiny nations. In fact, there are about thirty countries where rail travel remains off the cards, either because the tracks are reserved strictly for freight or because a network simply doesn’t exist, as is the case in Iceland. That’s why whenever a country decides to open up passenger rail, it’s big news for train enthusiasts. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the next to join the club, and the project is shaping up to be quite an adventure. A … Read more

Capri: The End of the Road (Almost) for Large Group Tours

February 15, 2026 by Ben

Capri Italy Oct 12, 2025 View of the ferry docks and the town of Marina Grande on the picturesque island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy

If there is one island in the Bay of Naples world-renowned for its beauty and the dolce vita, it is undoubtedly Capri. As you might expect, visitor numbers skyrocket during peak season—to the point where local authorities have (finally) decided that, starting this year, it’s time for some ground rules. Managing the Crowds It’s official: from next summer, organised groups of more than 40 people will be banned from Capri. The move is designed to better manage the influx of tourists, which on certain days sees over 50,000 visitors descending upon an island of barely 10 $km^2$ with just 13,000 … Read more

Already in crisis, Cuban tourism sinks further following latest US decisions

February 11, 2026 by Ben

Cuban flag hanging on a door in Trinidad, Cuba

Not long ago, we discussed the precarious state of tourism in Cuba and its rather gloomy outlook within a deeply complex local and international context. Despite the dark clouds, a glimmer of hope remained—a sense that the endless downward spiral triggered years ago by a multitude of factors might finally stabilise. However, the latest measures taken by the Trump administration against the island suggest the exact opposite. In fact, things look set to get much worse. A deliberate attempt to suffocate While relations between Cuba and the US have been strained for decades, Washington’s recent decisions mark a significant escalation … Read more

What to See and Do in Barcelona

February 10, 2026 by Ben

Barcelona offers an exceptional blend of architecture, culture, and Mediterranean lifestyle. With world-renowned modernist buildings, medieval streets, and urban beaches, the Catalan capital attracts millions of visitors each year. To make the most of your trip, simplify your travel planning by reserving activities in advance, as major attractions often sell out weeks ahead, particularly during peak season. Here are the experiences you shouldn’t miss ! Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces Antoni Gaudí’s distinctive style defines Barcelona’s skyline. La Sagrada Familia, still under construction after 140 years, remains the city’s most visited monument. The basilica is expected to reach completion in 2026, becoming … Read more

New Trekking and Camping Experiences Coming to Uluru, Australia – Even as Climbing Remains Banned

February 8, 2026 by Ben

Uluru, AUSTRALIA - July 4, 2015: Uluru at Sunrise

A while ago, we explored the wonders of Uluru, the iconic red monolith standing at the spiritual heart of Australia. For decades, climbing the rock was considered the “must-do” activity for any visitor to the Red Centre. However, that changed recently when the climb was permanently closed out of respect for the local Aboriginal people, for whom the site is deeply sacred. Furthermore, staying overnight within the National Park has strictly been off-limits. But that is about to change, with the launch of a new, exclusive multi-day guided trek. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk Set to be the highlight of … Read more

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation fees set to rise

February 6, 2026 by Ben

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England - June 24, 2006: Tourists on punt trip (sightseeing with boat) along River Cam near Kings College in the city of Cambridge, England

It has been nearly a year since the scheme was first rolled out. However, starting this month, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for travel to the UK is being extended to new nationalities, with a price hike expected to follow shortly. A planned increase from £16 to £20 While an official date has yet to be confirmed, the cost of an ETA is set to rise from £16 (€18.50) to £20 (€23). Following a previous increase just a few months ago, this effectively doubles the price since the scheme’s initial launch. Furthermore, the requirement is being extended to more … Read more

Japan Tourism Update: A Rising Star… and a Cause for Concern

February 4, 2026 by Ben

Buddhist monks performing zen at autumn temple

Around twenty countries across the globe currently account for more than three-quarters of all international tourist arrivals. Each has its own unique appeal, its specific target audience, and varying levels of success over the last few years—though most share ambitious goals for the rest of the decade. So, how did these “flagship destinations” fare last year, and what does the future hold? Today, we look at a country that was far from a mainstream choice for a long time, but is now attracting record-breaking crowds. Welcome (with a few caveats…) to Japan! A record-breaking year “Historic record” is perhaps the … Read more

Tourism in Brazil: Setting Sights on Latin American Leadership

February 1, 2026 by Ben

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - April 11, 2024: Dramatic view of Christ the Redeemer statue on top of the Corcovado mountain above clouds during sunrise.

Brazil is part of an elite group of around twenty countries that collectively account for over three-quarters of global tourism. Each of these nations has its own unique draw and varying levels of success over recent years, but most share a common thread: high ambitions for the rest of the decade. So, how do the results from last year look, and what lies ahead for these “flagship destinations”? Today, we look at Brazil—a country on the rise with clear intentions of dominating the South American market. One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Destinations Did you know which country saw the strongest … Read more