Europe - The Best Time to Visit

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

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

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

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

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

150 times more tourists than residents: this dream island is on the brink of crisis

August 4, 2025 by Ben

With a population of just 40,000 inhabitants, Zante recorded approximately six million tourist overnight stays in 2023 – a staggering ratio of 150 visits per resident. This Ionian Sea island, also known as Zakynthos, holds the European record for overtourism according to a recent study by British consumer association Which?. Covering an area of 406 km², Zante is the third largest Ionian island after Corfu and Kefalonia. Zante town, the capital of the eponymous island, sits on the eastern coast and houses around 16,000 inhabitants – nearly half of Zakynthos’s total population. But these figures explode during the summer season … Read more

It’s official: fewer cruise ships will dock in Barcelona

August 1, 2025 by Ben

If there’s one tourism sector that has been causing controversy for quite some time, it’s the cruise industry. With supporters and detractors, these ships stand accused of contributing to overtourism, damaging the environment, and much more besides. In short, it’s an ongoing debate that’s pushing some port cities to take action and try to find a compromise for an activity that isn’t always well received but nonetheless supports plenty of people and local businesses. Barcelona is perhaps the most representative example. From 7 to 5 terminals As we know – and we often discuss this – the Catalan capital remains … Read more