Europe - The Best Time to Visit

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

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

Forget Glamping: This Belgian Site Lets You Sleep Like Napoleon’s Army Did in 1815

August 28, 2025 by Ben

It’s true that nowadays unique tourist accommodations aren’t hard to find in Europe and beyond. From yurts and tipis to treehouses, vintage trailers, and even transparent bubble tents for stargazing, there’s quite a substantial selection available. However, opportunities to sleep on an actual battlefield under period conditions (though in complete safety, of course…) are extremely rare. Yet that’s exactly what’s on offer at one of Europe’s most famous battlefields – if not the world’s most renowned. We’re talking about Waterloo, in Belgium… Sleep Like One of Napoleon’s Soldiers This truly is one of the most original experiences you can have. … Read more

Europe’s Hotel Boom: Nearly 250,000 New Rooms Coming Soon to Transform Travel

August 25, 2025 by Ben

“When hotels thrive, everything thrives!” – that’s what comes to mind when looking at the latest figures from Europe’s hotel market, particularly the impressive volume of new establishments planned for this year and beyond. Nearly 250,000 rooms on the horizon These are the latest findings from Lodging Econometrics, an organization specializing in Europe’s hotel market. By mid-2025, approximately 1,700 hotel development projects are underway, representing a potential 249,000 new rooms. This is on a European continent that already boasts around 600,000 to 650,000 establishments of all categories, capable of accommodating nearly 30 million guests simultaneously. Impressive numbers, though perhaps understandable … Read more

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 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