Europe - The Best Time to Visit

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

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