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.

When the train (finally) starts thinking on a European scale

August 21, 2025 by Ben

Europe boasts by far the densest rail network in the world, with heavyweights in the field like France and Germany. Yet, for the longest time, it has felt as though each country has been developing its network in isolation, with little to no connection to its neighbours. So much so that, with rare exceptions, we hardly ever consider taking the train to travel from one country to another. That’s if we even know where to find the information or how to go about booking tickets in the first place. But all that could be about to change… 21st Europe Enter … Read more

This Pacific Island Nation Could Vanish Within 25 Years

August 21, 2025 by Ben

You’ve certainly heard about climate change, but you probably haven’t heard of Tuvalu. Yet the two are intimately connected, as this Pacific archipelago could become the first nation to disappear due to climate change… Where is Tuvalu and what does it look like? It’s one of the smallest (9.9 square miles) and least populated (10,600 inhabitants) countries on Earth. Lost in the middle of the Pacific, northeast of Australia and New Caledonia, this former British territory gained independence in 1978 and remains one of the world’s least visited and known destinations. Though Tuvalu did have its moment of fame a … Read more

This Sacred Place Where Women Are Banned for Life

August 20, 2025 by Ben

There are places and sites we’d love to visit but simply cannot. Sometimes they’ve vanished due to human folly or nature’s whims, but more often their access is no longer feasible because they’re now located in war zones or regions completely off-limits to tourism. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re permanently closed or that things will never change, but still. Then there are a few that are forbidden for very specific reasons, like Mount Athos in Greece. What and where are the Mount Athos monasteries? Located in northeastern Greece, just a few dozen miles east of the city of Thessaloniki, Mount … Read more

Chiang Mai Uncovered: Why Northern Thailand’s Ancient Capital Will Change How You See Southeast Asia

August 20, 2025 by Ben

Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, stands apart as a unique gem in northern Thailand. Far from Bangkok’s relentless pace, this city moves to its own rhythm. The historic center preserves its ancient moats and remnants of city walls that encircle over 300 Buddhist temples, bustling markets spilling onto sidewalks, and a vibrant local arts scene. Temple Treasures Wat Phra That Doi Suthep watches over the city from its mountain perch at 3,280 feet above sea level. After climbing 309 steps flanked by golden naga serpent railings, the panoramic view rewards every bit of effort. In the … Read more

This Forbidden Island Will Kill You if You Try to Visit: North Sentinel Island, India

August 19, 2025 by Ben

There are places and sites we’d love to visit but simply cannot. Some have vanished due to human folly or nature’s whims, while others—more commonly—have become inaccessible because they’re now located in war zones or regions where tourism is strongly discouraged. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re permanently closed or that circumstances will never change, but for now, they remain off-limits. Today we’re heading to a small island not far from Myanmar that, despite its proximity, belongs to India: North Sentinel Island. Where is North Sentinel Island? North Sentinel is an island in the Indian Ocean, specifically in the Bay of … Read more

Will Senegal Soon Require Visas for European and American Travelers?

August 19, 2025 by Ben

While many countries are simplifying entry requirements for visitors by eliminating visa requirements, some nations are moving in the opposite direction. Senegal is considering implementing an e-visa system for citizens from countries that don’t offer reciprocal visa-free access to Senegalese nationals—including those from the European Union and the United States. A Less-Than-Promising Precedent Like Namibia recently, Senegal wants to apply a reciprocity system by requiring visitors from countries that demand visas from Senegalese citizens to complete the same process before traveling. This initiative is part of a broader program called “Senegal 2050,” which aims to transform the country economically and … Read more

The Global Cruise Fleet is About to Explode: 60 New Ships Set to Transform Ocean Travel

August 18, 2025 by Ben

As we regularly discuss, the cruise industry is experiencing robust growth with encouraging prospects for the coming years, and even more cruise passengers expected than we see today. This surge is driving cruise lines to invest heavily in new vessels to meet the growing demand. Sixty Projects Over the Next Decade We recently covered MSC Cruises’ massive $3.8 billion contract with Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire for two new ships scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. While this project remains one of the most significant in terms of scale, it’s far from the only one. Not all projects … Read more

Mexico’s Ambitious Rail Revolution: 3,000km of New Track Could Transform Travel Across the Country

August 18, 2025 by Ben

If there’s one country you wouldn’t necessarily associate with train travel, it’s Mexico. Yet with ambitious new projects on the horizon, things could soon change dramatically for those who love exploring a country by rail. 3,000km of New Passenger Lines Coming After decades of near-abandonment, Mexico’s passenger rail service is experiencing a revival with several projects currently underway. Until recently, train travel in the country was limited to a few commuter lines around the capital, plus two tourist routes: the Chihuahua al Pacifico and the Tequila Express. The former is THE premier tourist line, featuring a small train that covers … Read more

Mexico to Hit Cruise Passengers with New Entry Fees Starting This Summer

August 17, 2025 by Ben

Among the numerous ports of call offered by cruise lines sailing the Caribbean, Mexico stands out with its stunning Riviera Maya stretching from Cancun to the Belize border. This destination offers travelers the chance to enjoy spectacular beaches, dive around Cozumel Island, or embark on excursions to discover pre-Columbian sites like Tulum, the Puuc Route, or Chichen Itza. However, starting this summer, cruise passengers disembarking in Mexico will have to pay higher entry fees to enjoy all these attractions. Over 7 Million Cruise Passengers Annually With annual visitor numbers more than doubling over the past two decades to exceed 7 … Read more

Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum Finally Opens November 1st After Two Decades of Delays

August 17, 2025 by Ben

Cairo, Egypt Jan 29, 2025 The modern exterior of the Grand Egyptian Museum in the Giza district.

After years of endless waiting and repeatedly postponed promises, the Egyptian government has announced a new date for the complete opening of the pharaonic Grand Egyptian Museum. It will be November 1st, 2025, and this time, authorities seem determined to keep their commitment. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly confirmed this decision after receiving approval from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, following a ministerial meeting where final details were finalized. This announcement ends a saga of delays that lasted more than twenty years. Construction of the museum, initially scheduled to be completed in 2013, had been delayed by a succession of crises: the … Read more