The Best Time to Visit -

Money Matters: Budgeting and Currency for Your Vietnam Trip

April 15, 2026 by Ben

Attractive woman in a dress is traveling in Halong Bay. Vietnam. Travel to Asia, happiness emotion, summer holiday concept. Picturesque sea landscape. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

It is one of the most common questions travelers ask before heading overseas: “How much cash should I bring, and what kind of budget do I need?” While credit cards are increasingly common, navigating Vietnam’s financial landscape requires a bit of local know-how. Whether you’re wondering about the best way to get local currency or how much a bowl of street-side Pho will set you back, we’ve got the answers for your upcoming Vietnamese adventure. Understanding Currency in Vietnam First things first: the local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Today, it exists almost exclusively in paper (or more accurately, … Read more

Great news: The Paris Catacombs have finally reopened!

April 12, 2026 by Ben

Skulls in the Catacombs of Paris, France.

It is easily one of the capital’s most unusual landmarks—a site that is virtually unique in Europe. These world-famous catacombs have long been a major draw for tourists, and for 2026, they have just reopened their doors following a extensive “makeover.” A five-month hiatus In total, the site was closed for five months of renovation work. Reopening this April, the Catacombs have been modernised to enhance the visitor experience for the 600,000 people who flock there every year. The ossuary now boasts upgraded technical facilities and more efficient ventilation, alongside structural reinforcements designed to better preserve the site and the … Read more

The ‘Sofa Seats’ Set to Upgrade the Economy Flying Experience

April 10, 2026 by Ben

United Airlines recently announced a new feature coming to its long-haul flights next year. Starting in 2027, the US carrier will introduce the “Relax Row”—rows of three seats in Economy that transform into a flat sleeping surface. It’s a clever way to enjoy a more comfortable flight without the usual eye-watering costs. Three Seats, One Bed The concept is straightforward: a row of three seats is fitted with special leg rests that lift up 90 degrees. Once raised, they align with the seat cushion to create a wide, flat surface, effectively turning the row into a small sofa or a … Read more

UK Entry: ETA Fee Set to Rise on April 8th

April 5, 2026 by Ben

Llangollen town along the river dee in north Wales, UK

It’s been on the cards for a while, but it’s now official: the price of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required to enter the UK is set to rise from £16 to £20 (roughly €25) for all applicants from 85 different nationalities. The change kicks in this April. The End of the Grace Period Beyond the price hike, the other major update regarding the ETA is that the “tolerance period” has officially ended. Since late February, there is no longer any leniency for those who may have “forgotten” to apply, and no exceptions will be made. This means that airlines, … Read more

Mount Everest: Tighter regulations ahead for those aiming for the summit

April 1, 2026 by Ben

Mature high Altitude Himalaya Nepalese Mountain Guide staying on rocky Slope with Backpack Climbing Gear and looking Up

It’s true that this news only affects a select few—those daring enough to tackle Mount Everest. However, it signals a clear commitment from the Nepalese authorities to better protect the Himalayan range. To that end, the rules for scaling the “Roof of the World” are set for a major overhaul in 2027. Fewer crowds, higher costs, and better environmental protection These three pillars summarise Nepal’s strategy to refine and accelerate measures introduced in recent years. Permit numbers have already been reduced, and prices have skyrocketed. For foreign mountaineers, a permit now costs $15,000 per person during the peak spring season … Read more

Essential Entry Requirements for Visiting Mexico

March 28, 2026 by Ben

Tlacolula de Matamoros, Mexico - March 2, 2025: Vegetable vendors at the Sunday Market in Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Mexico remains one of the world’s top travel destinations, drawing huge numbers of visitors from North America and Europe alike. While it is often seen as an easy, hassle-free destination to access for a holiday, there are a few important “subtleties” regarding entry requirements that you shouldn’t overlook. Up to 180 Days Visa-Free As mentioned, for standard tourism, Mexico’s entry requirements are relatively flexible. British citizens, along with many other nationalities, do not require a visa for stays of less than 180 days. You simply need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, as well as proof of … Read more

Airlines Slash Flights as Rising Fuel Costs Bite

March 25, 2026 by Ben

Refueling of airplane at airport. Ground service before flight.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is hitting the aviation industry with a double blow. Beyond the immediate chaos of rerouted flight paths and disrupted traffic through traditional Gulf hubs, the regional instability has sent fuel prices soaring—and airlines are feeling the heat. The surge in kerosene costs is now so significant that many carriers are being forced to overhaul their networks, with dozens of routes suspended indefinitely. From Vietnam to New Zealand: A Global Shortage Of all the nations grappling with fuel scarcity and skyrocketing prices, Vietnam is perhaps the most striking case. On one hand, the national … Read more

Entry Fees Introduced for Germany’s Most Famous Cathedral

March 22, 2026 by Ben

Cologne Cathedral and a beautiful sky in Germany

While the proposal to charge entry for Notre-Dame de Paris sparked heated debate and eventual rejection, things have moved much more smoothly across the Rhine. A consensus has been reached regarding Germany’s most iconic place of worship: Cologne Cathedral is set to introduce an admission fee for visitors. Launching in late 2026 The decision is final. Starting in the second half of this year, visitors to Cologne Cathedral will be required to pay an entry fee. This brings the landmark in line with similar historic sites across Europe—most notably in Spain, Italy, and the UK—where such charges are common practice. … Read more

Global Travel Under Pressure: How the Iran Conflict is Reshaping Bookings and Airfares

March 18, 2026 by Ben

The sky reflected on modern glass skyscrapers and the sea as seen from the Palm Dubai. The buildings in the photo are located in Dubai Marina

The joint Israeli-American strikes against Iran in late February 2026 have triggered immediate and profound disruption across the travel sector. Within days, the industry has come under dual pressure: a collapse in bookings for numerous destinations far beyond the Middle East, and a surge in fuel surcharges as airlines begin to pass rising costs onto passengers. The partial closure of regional airspace and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil supplies—have destabilised a market that, until mid-February, was performing strongly. The long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo had recently propelled Egypt … Read more

Tracking air traffic in real-time? It’s easier than you think…

March 11, 2026 by Ben

Munich, Germany - July 30, 2014: Close-up of the flightradar24.com website on Internet Explorer.

At a time when global travel often feels a little unpredictable, more and more people are looking to keep a “close eye” on live flight activity across the globe. Whether out of necessity or pure curiosity, several specialised tools have been around for a while to help you do just that. One of the most reliable and well-known is Flightradar24, which has been a staple for aviation enthusiasts since its launch in 2007. How does it work? In simple terms, you could think of it as “Google Maps for the sky.” It is a proven global flight tracking service that … Read more