The Best Time to Visit - Page 18 of 29 -

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

Alberta’s Wild West: Canada’s Best-Kept Cowboy Secret

August 8, 2025 by Ben

When we think of the Wild West with its sweeping landscapes, Native Americans, cowboys, and countless tales both legendary and true, our minds naturally drift to the United States and particularly that American West which continues to draw visitors from across the globe. Yet just across the northern border in Canada, this same Wild West spirit lives on, particularly in Alberta… Where is Alberta? Alberta spans 255,541 square miles but houses fewer than 5 million inhabitants… It’s one of three provinces that make up what Canadians call “the Canadian Prairies” – those vast agricultural plains bordering the United States that … 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

Hidden Airplane Rules That Could Land You in Trouble

August 6, 2025 by Ben

Think you know all the rules on board an aircraft? Think again. Beyond the obvious prohibitions like smoking or using your mobile phone, certain practices could land you with a hefty fine, or worse. Here are three lesser-known restrictions that could turn your next flight into a legal nightmare. Opening your miniature whisky bottle bought at duty-free The rule that devastates gin and tonic enthusiasts You’ve purchased a miniature vodka bottle at duty-free, convinced you can jazz up your orange juice during the flight? Bad idea. The regulation is crystal clear: passengers are prohibited from consuming alcohol on board an … Read more

This new Abu Dhabi museum should delight those interested in Middle Eastern culture

August 5, 2025 by Ben

For once, it’s not happening in Dubai but not far from there, in Abu Dhabi. However, as always in the Gulf, this is a pharaonic project with exceptional architecture whose inauguration is planned by the end of the year. It is indeed in December 2025 that the Zayed National Museum should open its doors in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This should certainly delight those interested in Middle Eastern culture in this city that already hosts its Louvre Abu Dhabi and will soon also welcome its branch of the famous Guggenheim. 300,000 years of history If further proof … 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

When AI Takes Over From Restaurant Chefs

August 3, 2025 by Ben

Burj Khalifa With Dubai Downtown Towers at Sunset

Where will Artificial Intelligence stop? Everywhere and in everything, it’s increasingly governing our lives, to the point where we now find it in places and for purposes we wouldn’t have imagined not so long ago. Case in point: these restaurants that will employ AI to replace their more or less Michelin-starred chefs, as we’re seeing in Dubai. First in Dubai As one might expect, this sort of thing could only emerge in Dubai. It’s indeed in this Emirati city that a restaurant run entirely by an “AI chef” will open next September. Called WOOHOO, this restaurant of the future will be … Read more

Have you heard of Anguilla? It’s just been voted “best Caribbean island” for 2025

August 2, 2025 by Ben

Anguilla, this British Overseas Territory, remains one of the lesser-known and least visited islands in the Caribbean region. Yet with its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it certainly doesn’t lack charm. Particularly as it’s been crowned “best Caribbean island” for 2025… Where is Anguilla? Anguilla forms part of what we call the Lesser Antilles, roughly 250 kilometres east of Puerto Rico and just a few kilometres from the Franco-Dutch island of Saint Martin, from where you can actually arrive by boat. Not particularly large (91 km2) nor heavily populated (16,000 inhabitants), it’s one of those upmarket, high-spending Caribbean destinations. … 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

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