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.

Mexico’s Most Stunning Ancient Pyramids: 3 Pre-Columbian Wonders You Can’t Miss

August 15, 2025 by Ben

Mayans, Aztecs, Incas… it’s true that we often get confused about where, when and how these civilizations developed their cultures. What we do know is that they were all incredible builders who constructed monumental pyramids, often at the heart of cities, that we can still see today. So let’s embark on a journey to three truly remarkable pre-Columbian pyramids located in Mexico. Chichén Itzá: The Most Famous This is visually the best-known pre-Columbian site in Central America, featuring its famous impeccably preserved pyramid. Chichén Itzá, this ancient Mayan city located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is indeed considered one of the … Read more

Why French Polynesia is Becoming the Cruise Industry’s Best-Kept Secret

August 15, 2025 by Ben

While cruise ships face growing resistance in port cities worldwide—with many destinations imposing hefty taxes or outright bans on massive vessels—there’s one paradise where cruising is not just welcome, but actively encouraged. A Focus on Quality Over Quantity When you’re an island or archipelago, especially one far from everything else, boats and cruising take on an entirely different meaning. French Polynesia perfectly exemplifies this approach, with its tourism sector, particularly cruising, set to reach record numbers this year. This isn’t entirely surprising when you consider that one-third of tourists visiting French Polynesia (264,000 in 2024) choose to explore the region … Read more

France’s Castle Mystery: Why This Country Has More Castles Than Anywhere Else

August 14, 2025 by Ben

When it comes to 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, for what reasons, and so on. In short, why… Today, we’re talking about something France is the undisputed world champion of: the number of castles. But actually, why is that? Nearly 50,000 Castles! You only need to travel regularly through France to notice there’s no shortage of castles throughout the country. Large ones, small ones, in good condition or practically in ruins, famous ones or completely unknown to … Read more

New Zealand to Charge Foreign Tourists for National Park Access Starting 2027

August 14, 2025 by Ben

While Auckland and the capital Wellington offer considerable tourist appeal, and Māori culture is certainly worth experiencing, New Zealand remains primarily a nature destination with diverse and spectacular landscapes. It’s a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks largely to the numerous national parks and reserves scattered across both main islands that make up the country. However, starting in 2027, entry to most of these natural spaces will become fee-based for foreign visitors, who number between 3.5 and 4 million annually. Between $12 and $24 per site Admittedly, New Zealand won’t be the first destination to implement such measures. Nevertheless, this … Read more

How Mexico’s Once-Glamorous Resort Paradise Became a No-Go Zone

August 13, 2025 by Ben

Tourist destinations can be like celebrities—after their moment in the spotlight, some fade into obscurity or even fall from grace entirely. This is exactly what happened to one Mexican coastal resort that once captured imaginations worldwide but now leaves its residents desperate to move away and tourists looking elsewhere for their vacation. Welcome—if we can call it that—to Acapulco! Rise to Fame Acapulco is a coastal resort city and port on Mexico’s Pacific coast, located in Guerrero state just a few hundred miles south of Mexico City. Nestled in a deep bay that’s almost entirely enclosed, the city made its … Read more

Dubai Just Broke Another World Record – And This One Will Take Your Breath Away

August 13, 2025 by Ben

Dubai is undoubtedly the city that consistently dominates tourism headlines worldwide, particularly when it comes to groundbreaking innovations. This Emirati metropolis continues to show us what tomorrow’s megacities will look like, from their architecture and urban planning to the services and amenities designed for both residents and tourists. The World’s Tallest Hotel Once again, all eyes are turning skyward. In addition to being home to the world’s tallest building – the famous Burj Khalifa we’ve covered before – Dubai will soon welcome the world’s tallest hotel as well. Hotel Ciel is set to open its doors to first guests in … Read more

Malta, Iceland, and the Netherlands Top the Charts as Safest LGBT+ Travel Destinations

August 12, 2025 by Ben

Staying informed about travel news can be overwhelming, especially when important developments might slip through the cracks. That’s why we regularly revisit recent stories that deserve a spotlight, bringing you updates on topics that matter to travelers worldwide. Europe and Canada Lead the Way These findings come from a comprehensive survey conducted this year at ITB Berlin, Europe’s largest tourism trade fair. The study examined the safest and least safe destinations for LGBT+ travelers, using criteria that encompassed everything from legal frameworks and laws to real-life experiences shared by both residents and visitors. The goal was to identify the best … Read more

Why New York City is Called the Big Apple: The Surprising Story Behind NYC’s Famous Nickname

August 12, 2025 by Ben

When it comes to travel and vacations, we sometimes find ourselves asking simple questions about things we see or experience during our trips. We wonder why certain places have particular names, how traditions came about, or what’s behind the stories we hear. Today, we’re exploring one of those curiosities: why is New York City nicknamed the Big Apple? It Likely Started in the Horse Racing World As is often the case, the exact origin of this nickname isn’t definitively established. However, the term Big Apple to describe New York City reportedly dates back to the 1920s, when a sports journalist named John … Read more

How to Master Money in Mexico Like a Pro

August 11, 2025 by Ben

These are obviously among the questions we ask ourselves when traveling abroad. What currency is used there, what money should I bring, where to exchange it, what budget to plan for on-site, should we leave tips, etc. Here we offer you some answers to get you started. Today, we’re heading to one of the most tourist-friendly countries, at least in certain regions, to talk money. Welcome to Mexico and more specifically to that coastline around Cancun known as the Riviera Maya. What Currency Does Mexico Use? The peso has been Mexico’s currency for over 150 years. Precisely since 1863 when … Read more

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