Ben

Hello! I'm Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences. In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights. As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.

Why Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Actually Leaning? The Surprising Truth Behind Italy’s Most Famous Tilt

September 7, 2025 by Ben

Just like in travel and vacations, we sometimes ask ourselves simple questions because we wonder why certain things we see or experience are the way they are, how they can be explained, or what the reasons behind them might be. In short, why… Today, we’re looking at an Italian monument that has become virtually iconic: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, to find out – of course – why it leans. A Tower and a Cathedral The Tower of Pisa was originally the campanile of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption) in Pisa. A campanile is … Read more

This 400,000-Person City Is One of the World’s Most Isolated — No Roads Lead Here

September 6, 2025 by Ben

Cityscape view of Iquitos, Peru with the Itaya River in the background in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest

Iquitos plays in a league of its own. This city of 400,000 inhabitants, Peru’s fifth-largest, functions like a continental island, completely disconnected from the global road network. To reach it, you have two options: plane or boat. No middle ground. This geographical constraint has shaped a peculiar city where prices soar for an imported box of corn flakes and motorcycle taxis reign supreme over potholed streets. Travelers who embrace the challenging journey discover an ambiguous Amazonian hub, torn between its role as a gateway to the jungle and its status as a mecca for mystical tourism. The Journey Is Part … Read more

This Country Plans 300,000 Autonomous Taxis by 2030

September 5, 2025 by Ben

The news never stops, whether in tourism or other sectors. It’s easy to miss important developments that might interest us. That’s why we regularly revisit recent news stories to highlight them again. A National Priority Although their public deployment is quite recent, dating back only to 2023, what we call “autonomous taxis” – driverless vehicles – are gaining momentum and attracting interest from multiple countries and municipalities worldwide. So far, only the United States and China have truly taken the leap with public services. But things are moving fast. Beyond those still testing like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, … Read more

Could Living Your Retirement on a Cruise Ship Be the Ultimate Dream?

September 4, 2025 by Ben

When a cruise ship transforms into a “floating retirement home,” it opens up fascinating possibilities. This is the latest concept from a small American cruise company, Villa Vie Residences, which has adopted the slogan “It’s not a cruise. It’s a lifestyle.” Quite a proposition… Traveling the World Throughout Your Entire Retirement Based in Florida, the company has launched a program called “permanent residence at sea,” allowing seniors to spend their retirement aboard a cruise ship while sailing around the world. This takes place in complete comfort with well-appointed cabins adapted to the aspirations, constraints, and needs of this demographic. Each … Read more

Laos Now Requires Digital “Arrival Card” for All Visitors – Here’s What You Need to Know

September 3, 2025 by Ben

Like many countries worldwide – and increasingly so – Laos is also going digital when it comes to entry formalities for its territory. Effective Since September 1st The measure has been in effect since this month. To visit Laos, all travelers must now have an “Arrival Register,” or electronic arrival card, obtained within two days prior to entering the country. This free document, which then appears as a QR Code received by the applicant, is obtained online directly on the official site immigration.gov.la. It supplements any visa that may also be required depending on your nationality. However, note that unlike … Read more

Could “Uber Trains” Soon Cross the English Channel?

September 2, 2025 by Ben

We all know Uber with its famous ride-hailing service, and now its food delivery operations, which have managed to conquer the world in just a few years. The brand has become so ubiquitous that it’s gradually becoming a generic term for an economic model based on the “customer-mobile app-service” triangle. Now, this same Uber is turning its attention to trains, specifically cross-Channel routes connecting Britain to the rest of Europe. More Than Just a PR Stunt… While this may seem like a publicity announcement for now, there’s substance behind it. The company has just announced a partnership with a startup … Read more

Playing Music Without Headphones on Public Transit Could Soon Cost You Big in Ireland and the UK

September 1, 2025 by Ben

Who hasn’t had to endure the music or video soundtrack from a fellow passenger on a bus, subway, or train who has, let’s say, “forgotten” to plug in their headphones or even turned up the volume full blast? Not exactly pleasant, and for many people, rightfully perceived as a nuisance. It’s gotten to the point where authorities in certain countries like Ireland and the UK are taking action. €100 ($110) Fine in Ireland In Ireland, it’s on trains where fines are likely to be handed out. The country’s railway company, Irish Rail, has just announced that anyone caught listening to … Read more

Albania’s Hidden UNESCO Treasures: Europe’s Next Big Beach Destination Has Ancient Secrets

August 31, 2025 by Ben

It’s the European destination everyone’s talking about for future vacations. Albania, once the world’s most isolated country, now seems determined to make up for lost time and become THE next must-visit beach destination. Between its lingering air of mystery, off-the-beaten-path charm, affordable costs (but for how much longer?), countless coastal development projects, exploding air connections, and more, it really could become just that very soon. To the point where it might overshadow – or prevent people from discovering – this other Albania with its rich culture, history, and heritage still very much present throughout the country. Not least through these … Read more

Why Slovenia Should Be Your Next European Adventure (Not Just a Quick Stopover)

August 30, 2025 by Ben

Nestled between Italy and Croatia, tiny Slovenia with its two million inhabitants deserves far more than just a hurried drive-through when traveling between these popular destinations. This hidden gem offers an incredible diversity that puts many larger countries to shame. From pristine coastline to towering mountains, rolling countryside to rich historical heritage, Slovenia caters to every type of traveler regardless of their interests. So why not make it your next destination? Ljubljana, the Charming Capital Slovenia’s capital is a vibrant yet intimate city where baroque architecture dominates the historic center and excellent museums await discovery. With just 280,000 residents, Ljubljana … Read more

EU Travel Authorization Fee Increases Dramatically Before 2026 Launch

August 29, 2025 by Ben

Like the United States, the United Kingdom, and an increasing number of countries worldwide, the European Union has also planned an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS) for all foreign visitors who are visa-exempt for entering its territory. Originally priced at €7 ($7.60), while its implementation was only scheduled for next year, the document will ultimately cost €20 ($21.70) for each applicant. Service Launch End of 2026 It’s at the end of 2026 that ETIAS (European Travel Information & Authorization System) will become mandatory for all those who are visa-exempt. The European Commission has set the fee at €20 ($21.70) – an … Read more