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.

Costa Brava Could Lose Half Its Vacation Rentals by 2029

August 11, 2025 by Ben

Spain, particularly Barcelona and the Mediterranean coast, ranks among Europe’s most over-touristed destinations. The situation has reached a tipping point where protests, regulations, and outright bans targeting tourists and cruise passengers are becoming commonplace. Vacation rentals like Airbnb are increasingly in the crosshairs of authorities both here and elsewhere… But hold on… A new decree published in Catalonia aims to heavily regulate vacation rentals along the coast. The legislation gives municipalities free rein to regulate or ban listings for these properties by 2029. The ultimate goal, as always, is to convert these accommodations into permanent housing for local residents. While … Read more

Paris Gets New Museum for the Man Behind Those Iconic Metro Entrances

August 10, 2025 by Ben

While Paris already boasts an impressive collection of museums—over 130 within the city limits—there’s apparently still room for exciting new projects like a dedicated museum celebrating Hector Guimard. This renowned architect from the early 20th century is famous for designing those beautiful Parisian metro entrances from his era, and is widely regarded as France’s most important representative of the Art Nouveau movement. Certainly worthy of its own museum. Opening Early 2028 Come January 2028, the French capital will welcome a museum dedicated to Hector Guimard and Art Nouveau in general. The museum will be housed in one of the architect’s … Read more

Why Bari Should Be Your Next Italian Adventure: The Hidden Gem Everyone’s Missing

August 10, 2025 by Ben

It’s an Italian city you occasionally hear mentioned, though you might not always know exactly where it’s located within the country. Yet whilst it may be less famous than Rome, Florence, Venice or Naples, Bari – for that’s what we’re talking about – has plenty to offer visitors both within its walls and in the surrounding area. Where is Bari? Bari is a major port city of over 300,000 inhabitants situated on the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region, in southern Italy. Put simply, the city sits at the “heel” of the Italian boot, 250km east of Naples and 450km … Read more

Évora, Capital of Alentejo

August 9, 2025 by Ben

Évora feels like those university towns that slow down in summer and come alive in September. Except here, students mingle with 2,000 years of Roman history and an intact medieval centre. The capital of Alentejo draws visitors for its Roman temple planted right in the city centre and its chapel lined with human bones. Portuguese visitors come for the regional wines and local cuisine, whilst foreign tourists tick off another UNESCO site from their list. The Fortified Historic Centre Évora’s medieval walls still encircle the old town across 3 kilometres. Unlike other Portuguese fortified cities, there’s no exhausting climb here … Read more

Hanoi’s Iconic Scooters Could Soon Vanish from City Centre

August 9, 2025 by Ben

It’s practically a symbol of Vietnam’s capital, if not the entire country. The countless scooters in varying states of repair, smoking and spluttering throughout the city, could well disappear from central Hanoi as early as next year… Scooters: A Social Phenomenon To say that scooters and other small motorcycles are abundant in Hanoi would be an understatement. This is hardly surprising, given that they’re the primary mode of transport for most residents – so much so that there are reportedly over 5 million of them for a population of around 9 million. It’s practically a world record… Whilst this mode … Read more

Why Faro Might Be Portugal’s Most Underrated City (And Why That’s Actually Perfect)

August 8, 2025 by Ben

Faro suffers from an image problem. Each year, millions of tourists pass through its airport before heading straight to Albufeira, Vilamoura or Lagos. The administrative capital of the Algarve remains in the blind spot of Portuguese tourism, caught between its role as an airport hub and that of an active university town. It’s a shame and a blessing at the same time. A shame because the city deserves better than its 45-minute taxi transit. A blessing because it spares it from the tourist development that has disfigured much of the coast. The fortified historic centre: 2 hours flat Faro’s old … Read more

Alberta’s Wild West: Canada’s Best-Kept Cowboy Secret

August 8, 2025 by Ben

When we think of the Wild West with its sweeping landscapes, Native Americans, cowboys, and countless tales both legendary and true, our minds naturally drift to the United States and particularly that American West which continues to draw visitors from across the globe. Yet just across the northern border in Canada, this same Wild West spirit lives on, particularly in Alberta… Where is Alberta? Alberta spans 255,541 square miles but houses fewer than 5 million inhabitants… It’s one of three provinces that make up what Canadians call “the Canadian Prairies” – those vast agricultural plains bordering the United States that … Read more

Italy Approves World’s Longest Suspension Bridge Project

August 7, 2025August 7, 2025 by Ben

The Italian government approved on Wednesday 6th August the colossal project for a 3.3-kilometre suspension bridge linking Sicily to Calabria. With an estimated cost of €13.5 billion, the project has sparked intense debate between supporters of economic development and opponents concerned about environmental and mafia-related risks. A ministerial committee gave its definitive green light on Wednesday to the €13.5 billion (£12.7 billion) project to build the world’s longest suspension bridge, connecting the island of Sicily to the mainland, announced a spokesperson from the Infrastructure Ministry. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, the project’s main champion, described it as a “historic moment” … Read more

Hidden Airplane Rules That Could Land You in Trouble

August 6, 2025 by Ben

Think you know all the rules on board an aircraft? Think again. Beyond the obvious prohibitions like smoking or using your mobile phone, certain practices could land you with a hefty fine, or worse. Here are three lesser-known restrictions that could turn your next flight into a legal nightmare. Opening your miniature whisky bottle bought at duty-free The rule that devastates gin and tonic enthusiasts You’ve purchased a miniature vodka bottle at duty-free, convinced you can jazz up your orange juice during the flight? Bad idea. The regulation is crystal clear: passengers are prohibited from consuming alcohol on board an … Read more

This new Abu Dhabi museum should delight those interested in Middle Eastern culture

August 5, 2025 by Ben

For once, it’s not happening in Dubai but not far from there, in Abu Dhabi. However, as always in the Gulf, this is a pharaonic project with exceptional architecture whose inauguration is planned by the end of the year. It is indeed in December 2025 that the Zayed National Museum should open its doors in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This should certainly delight those interested in Middle Eastern culture in this city that already hosts its Louvre Abu Dhabi and will soon also welcome its branch of the famous Guggenheim. 300,000 years of history If further proof … Read more