The Best Time to Visit - Page 12 of 22 -

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

Lagos, the Essence of the Algarve

August 1, 2025July 31, 2025 by Ben

Lagos has found its perfect balance. Unlike British-dominated Albufeira or upmarket Vilamoura, this western Algarve town attracts a diverse crowd whilst keeping its Portuguese soul intact. Surfers mix with retirees, backpackers cross paths with families, and this eclectic bunch gets on rather well between the historic centre and the spectacular beaches. A Surf and Maritime Heritage Atmosphere Lagos breathes surf culture. Converted vans occupy car parks near the beaches, surf shops dot the town centre streets, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even at the height of summer. The town draws a young, international crowd that gives it a dynamic edge … Read more

When a railway line is reborn in Tunisia

July 30, 2025 by Ben

It’s sometimes forgotten, but Tunisia has a railway network (SNCFT) of around 2,000 km and 23 lines that covers the country rather well, connecting most major cities, particularly along the coast. And whilst trains may not be used as much as they should be by tourists, certain routes offer the discovery of superb landscapes, almost earning the title of “scenic railway lines”. It’s precisely one of these that should restart by the end of summer after several years of interruption. This famous Line 13 takes you from Métlaoui to Tozeur in southern Tunisia’s desert landscapes. Revitalising the local economy and … Read more

It’s called “the Death Road”… and you can cycle down it

July 29, 2025 by Ben

For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, there’s a road somewhere in South America that has long terrified – and still does – mountain biking enthusiasts due to its dreadful safety record. So notorious was this route that it earned the nickname “El camino de la Muerte”… or the “Death Road”. Where is it and what exactly is it? Officially known as the Yungas Road, this is a winding, narrow route located in Bolivia. Built in 1930 by prisoners, its original purpose was to connect the city of La Paz (3,600 metres) with Coroico (1,500 metres) by first climbing gradually to the … Read more

World’s Longest Immersed Tunnel to Soon Connect Two European Countries

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Ben

Much like the Channel Tunnel transformed travel between Britain and France, the Fehmarn Belt tunnel is set to revolutionise transport between two nations—and reshape land connections across Northern Europe. Germany to Denmark in 7 Minutes At 18 kilometres long, the Fehmarn Belt will become the world’s longest immersed tunnel upon completion. It will connect Denmark’s island of Lolland to Germany’s island of Fehmarn beneath the Baltic Sea, dramatically cutting journey times between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe. Construction began five years ago, with completion expected in 2029 at a total cost of approximately €7 billion. The toll tunnel will … Read more

It’s still a complicated time for tourism in Thailand

July 27, 2025 by Ben

If there’s one country that seems unsure of its direction in tourism lately, struggling to recapture its pre-Covid visitor numbers, it has to be Thailand. Between constantly changing entry rules, popular sites closing for months on end, and an on-the-ground experience that seems to be satisfying visitors less and less, one has to wonder: is the “Land of Smiles” starting to frown? A tarnishing image First, there are the entry requirements. One minute they’re being simplified, the next they’re more complex, with new digital forms and other bits of red tape making it hard to keep up. Then, since mid-May, … Read more

The World’s Only Capital-Free Nation

July 26, 2025 by Ben

Most countries proudly point to their capital city as a central pillar of their identity; some, like South Africa, even have more than one. Yet, there’s a unique exception in the world, a country that doesn’t have one : Nauru. Where is Nauru and What’s it Like? Nauru is a tiny island nation in the Pacific Ocean, somewhat isolated between Papua New Guinea and Hawaii. It’s one of the world’s smallest countries, spanning just 21 square kilometres and home to a population of roughly 11,000. Originally inhabited by Micronesian and Melanesian peoples, Europeans discovered the island around 1798. Nauru’s history … Read more

The Cruise Boom: A Global Phenomenon

July 25, 2025 by Ben

One of the biggest worries for the travel industry post-COVID was whether the cruise market would bounce back as hoped, similar to air travel. Well, the answer seems to be a resounding “yes,” looking at the latest results and upcoming projects. Almost 38 Million Cruise Passengers in 2025? The cruise industry is thriving. In 2023, the sector already saw 31 million passengers, reaching pre-pandemic numbers. And 2024 has been even better, with 34.6 million people sailing the world’s oceans, generating around 170 billion in economic impact. This is a record, but it’s expected to be surpassed this year, potentially reaching … Read more

Naoshima: The Museum Island Where Contemporary Art Replaced Industry

July 24, 2025 by Ben

Naoshima, Japan, floats in the Seto Inland Sea like an anomaly. This small 8 km² island was home to foundries and chemical plants until the 1990s. Today, tourists disembark from the ferry to see Monet paintings in an underground museum and a giant Kusama pumpkin on a pier. The Benesse Art Site project, launched by billionaire Soichiro Fukutake and architect Tadao Ando, has transformed this industrial patch of land into a global art destination. The local population, which dwindled from 8,000 to 3,000 in a few decades, has seen their island reborn thanks to visitors who come to contemplate artworks … Read more

Places you cannot visit: Brazil’s snake island of Queimada Grande

July 23, 2025 by Ben

There are places and sites we’d love to visit but simply cannot. Either they’ve vanished due to human folly or nature’s whims, or more commonly, access is no longer feasible because they’re now situated in war zones or regions where tourism is strongly discouraged. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re completely sealed off forever or that circumstances won’t change, but still. Today we’re heading to a rather unusual small island off the Brazilian coast, which has always been forbidden to the public due to its infestation of snakes. This island is Queimada Grande. Where is Queimada Grande? At just 0.43 square … Read more