South America’s First High-Speed Train Will Connect Rio and São Paulo in Under 2 Hours by 2032

Octavio Frias de Oliveira Bridge, or Ponte Estaiada, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Finally, South America was the only continent without high-speed rail lines on its territory. But that’s about to change with this next-generation bullet train set to connect Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil, by 2032. 260 Miles in 1 Hour 45 Minutes This will mark a historic first for this part of the continent with a long-studied project that will link Brazil’s two largest metropolises. A potential network extension to other distant cities is also on the table, particularly Campinas, about 62 miles from São Paulo, which remains a major economic hub for the region. But initially, the focus … Read more

Argentina Now Requires Proof of Health Insurance – Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Go

Buenos Aires, Argentina - December 21, 2022: Tango dancers performing at a restaurant stage along streets of the Caminito district in Buenos Aires Argentina

While not a widespread practice globally, requiring proof of health insurance isn’t entirely uncommon either. Since this summer, travelers heading to Argentina must now show evidence of valid health coverage as part of their entry requirements. Mandatory Coverage – Or Face Denial of Entry The requirement gradually came into effect on July 1st. Since that date, all foreign visitors—whether tourists or traveling under other statuses—must present valid health insurance or medical assistance coverage for their entire stay upon arrival, regardless of whether they enter by land, air, or sea. Failure to provide this documentation can result in being denied entry … Read more

This Swiss Hotel Chain’s “All You Can Sleep” Pass Lets You Stay Unlimited Nights for One Fixed Price – Here’s the Catch

Woman wakes up in a country house or hotel with panoramic windows in pine forest raised her hands yawning. Good morning and recreation on nature concept

There are travel trends we hear about from time to time without really understanding – or remembering – what they actually mean. Today, we’re diving into another English-language phenomenon. After “extreme day trips,” “dupe destinations,” “Spring break,” and several others, here’s a concept that, while it doesn’t originate from English-speaking countries this time but rather from Switzerland, has chosen an English term to define itself: “All you can sleep.” Which is… what exactly? The Same Concept as “All You Can Eat” “All you can eat” – that probably rings a bell. It’s the formula offered at certain restaurants where, for … Read more

How a Tiny Caribbean Island Struck Gold in the AI Boom

It’s a remarkable story tied to the evolution of our 21st-century society, where the Internet and now Artificial Intelligence have taken on enormous significance. Where the Web and AI have transformed the destiny of the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla. After .tv Came .ai You probably know that every website has what’s called a domain name or address that allows you to access it. This typically consists of one part defining the owner or brand (for example, “nytimes”), and another called a suffix for geolocation (like .uk for the United Kingdom) or the type of activity of the site in … Read more

Portugal Sweeps 2025 World Travel Awards: What Makes Europe’s Tourism Champion So Irresistible?

Scenic view of the city of Porto in Portugal in warm winter sunset light with boats and Douro river in foreground

With 28 awards at the 32nd European World Travel Awards ceremony in Sardinia on October 22, Portugal emerged as the overwhelming winner of the 2025 edition. This landslide victory firmly reinstates the country as Europe’s tourism powerhouse. Reclaiming the Crown After a One-Year Hiatus Portugal has regained its coveted title of Europe’s Leading Destination, which it had to surrender to Greece in 2024. This seventh victory since 2017 marks a powerful comeback against competition from twelve nations including France, Italy, and Germany. The Portuguese government hasn’t hidden its satisfaction: this recognition validates their strategy to elevate tourism to a major … Read more

U.S. Government Shutdown Now Grounding Thousands of Flights Daily—What Travelers Need to Know

It’s easy to forget about that infamous “shutdown” that has been paralyzing the U.S. government since early October. With multiple repercussions and consequences affecting the proper functioning of the state, it’s indirectly impacting tourism and now, critically, air travel. Case in point: starting today, thousands of flights are being suspended across the United States. Quick reminder: What exactly is a “shutdown”? A shutdown, in its political and economic definition as used in the USA, refers to the immediate closure of government services and the unpaid furlough of all non-essential federal employees—that’s hundreds of thousands of people critical to the state’s … Read more

Mexico’s Riviera Maya: Tulum Entry Fees Set to Double for Foreign Visitors in 2026

The Mayan archaeological site of Tulum with its famous beach by the Caribbean Sea, Quintana Roo state, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

If there’s one region of Mexico beloved by cruise passengers and travelers alike, it’s the Riviera Maya. This stunning stretch of coastline runs from the resort city of Cancun to the border with Belize, hugging the Caribbean Sea. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy spectacular beaches, dive the crystal-clear waters around Cozumel Island, or venture inland to explore pre-Columbian sites like Chichen Itza, the Puuc Route, and Tulum. But starting January 1, 2026, access to this last destination is about to get significantly more expensive for international tourists. Twice the Price The pre-Columbian ruins at Tulum are among the … Read more

Romeo and Juliet’s Verona: Where Shakespeare’s Tragic Love Story Comes to Life

Balcony of Juliet from "Romeo and Juliet" by W. Shakespeare, Verona, Italy.

In Italy, while Padua boasts Saint Anthony and Rome has its Pope, Verona draws crowds with its famous lovers. Or more precisely, Romeo and Juliet, whose story Shakespeare immortalized in this very city. But there’s much more to discover, because Verona also features a stunning historic center filled with remnants of its rich Roman and medieval past. It’s no surprise that the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique urban layout and artistic and cultural treasures. And yes, Romeo and Juliet played a role in that too… What’s the Story Behind Romeo and Juliet? First and … Read more

Tanzania Just Crushed Its 2025 Tourism Target a Year Early—Here’s How They Did It

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Serengeti National Park

Tanzania was aiming for 5 million tourists by 2025. The good news? With 5.36 million visitors in 2024, the country smashed its target a full year ahead of schedule. A performance that has competing destinations watching nervously and confirms East Africa’s rising prominence on the global tourism map. Behind these impressive numbers lies an aggressive strategy mixing electric safaris, new air routes, and territorial diversification. Target Demolished in a Favorable Climate Tanzania has delivered on its promise. Starting from 1.8 million tourists in 2023, it tripled its visitor numbers in record time. Revenue figures tell the same story: $4 billion … Read more

Smile for the Camera: New US Border Photo Requirement Starts This December

Roche Harbor - United States of America and Canada Flags Hang From the Dock

The Trump administration is adding yet another entry requirement to an already extensive list of border control measures, as we’ve frequently covered. Starting later this year, a new regulation will primarily affect Canadians crossing into the United States, though it applies to all foreign nationals. “Smile, You’re Being Photographed!” That’s essentially what this is about. Beginning December 26, 2025, every foreign national crossing the border between Canada and the United States will be photographed by US Customs. This applies to all entry points between the two countries—from the busiest crossings to the smallest—regardless of your mode of transportation or the … Read more