Portugal Sweeps 2025 World Travel Awards: What Makes Europe’s Tourism Champion So Irresistible?

by
Scenic view of the city of Porto in Portugal in warm winter sunset light with boats and Douro river in foreground

With 28 awards at the 32nd European World Travel Awards ceremony in Sardinia on October 22, Portugal emerged as the overwhelming winner of the 2025 edition. This landslide victory firmly reinstates the country as Europe’s tourism powerhouse. Reclaiming the Crown After a One-Year Hiatus Portugal has regained its coveted title of Europe’s Leading Destination, which it had to surrender to Greece in 2024. This seventh victory since 2017 marks a powerful comeback against competition from twelve nations including France, Italy, and Germany. The Portuguese government hasn’t hidden its satisfaction: this recognition validates their strategy to elevate tourism to a major … Read more

U.S. Government Shutdown Now Grounding Thousands of Flights Daily—What Travelers Need to Know

by

It’s easy to forget about that infamous “shutdown” that has been paralyzing the U.S. government since early October. With multiple repercussions and consequences affecting the proper functioning of the state, it’s indirectly impacting tourism and now, critically, air travel. Case in point: starting today, thousands of flights are being suspended across the United States. Quick reminder: What exactly is a “shutdown”? A shutdown, in its political and economic definition as used in the USA, refers to the immediate closure of government services and the unpaid furlough of all non-essential federal employees—that’s hundreds of thousands of people critical to the state’s … Read more

Mexico’s Riviera Maya: Tulum Entry Fees Set to Double for Foreign Visitors in 2026

by
The Mayan archaeological site of Tulum with its famous beach by the Caribbean Sea, Quintana Roo state, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

If there’s one region of Mexico beloved by cruise passengers and travelers alike, it’s the Riviera Maya. This stunning stretch of coastline runs from the resort city of Cancun to the border with Belize, hugging the Caribbean Sea. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy spectacular beaches, dive the crystal-clear waters around Cozumel Island, or venture inland to explore pre-Columbian sites like Chichen Itza, the Puuc Route, and Tulum. But starting January 1, 2026, access to this last destination is about to get significantly more expensive for international tourists. Twice the Price The pre-Columbian ruins at Tulum are among the … Read more

Romeo and Juliet’s Verona: Where Shakespeare’s Tragic Love Story Comes to Life

by
Balcony of Juliet from "Romeo and Juliet" by W. Shakespeare, Verona, Italy.

In Italy, while Padua boasts Saint Anthony and Rome has its Pope, Verona draws crowds with its famous lovers. Or more precisely, Romeo and Juliet, whose story Shakespeare immortalized in this very city. But there’s much more to discover, because Verona also features a stunning historic center filled with remnants of its rich Roman and medieval past. It’s no surprise that the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique urban layout and artistic and cultural treasures. And yes, Romeo and Juliet played a role in that too… What’s the Story Behind Romeo and Juliet? First and … Read more

Tanzania Just Crushed Its 2025 Tourism Target a Year Early—Here’s How They Did It

by
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Serengeti National Park

Tanzania was aiming for 5 million tourists by 2025. The good news? With 5.36 million visitors in 2024, the country smashed its target a full year ahead of schedule. A performance that has competing destinations watching nervously and confirms East Africa’s rising prominence on the global tourism map. Behind these impressive numbers lies an aggressive strategy mixing electric safaris, new air routes, and territorial diversification. Target Demolished in a Favorable Climate Tanzania has delivered on its promise. Starting from 1.8 million tourists in 2023, it tripled its visitor numbers in record time. Revenue figures tell the same story: $4 billion … Read more

Smile for the Camera: New US Border Photo Requirement Starts This December

by
Roche Harbor - United States of America and Canada Flags Hang From the Dock

The Trump administration is adding yet another entry requirement to an already extensive list of border control measures, as we’ve frequently covered. Starting later this year, a new regulation will primarily affect Canadians crossing into the United States, though it applies to all foreign nationals. “Smile, You’re Being Photographed!” That’s essentially what this is about. Beginning December 26, 2025, every foreign national crossing the border between Canada and the United States will be photographed by US Customs. This applies to all entry points between the two countries—from the busiest crossings to the smallest—regardless of your mode of transportation or the … Read more

Sleep With Your Head in France and Your Feet in Switzerland at This Remarkable Border Hotel

by
Lac des Rousses

The Arbez Hotel in La Cure, in the French Haut-Jura region, has been split in half by the French-Swiss border since 1863. The building belongs to both the commune of Les Rousses in France and Saint-Cergue in Switzerland. Some rooms span both countries, the staircase changes nationality at the 7th step, and the dining room operates under two different legal systems. The establishment functions as a regular mountain hotel, but with this unique characteristic that attracts curious visitors and history enthusiasts. The Arbez family has managed it since 1921. A Mountain Hotel Across Two Nations The establishment features 10 rooms … Read more

Why This Charming French Riviera Town Beats Its Famous Neighbors (And You’ve Probably Never Heard of It)

by
Segel-und Fischerboote im Hafen von Bandol, Alpes-Maritimes, Cote d'Azur, Südfrankreich, Frankreich, Europa| Sailing and fishing boats in the harbor of Bandol, Alpes-Maritimes, Cote d'Azur, southern France, France, Europe

A seaside resort since the early 20th century, Bandol boasts a 1,500-berth marina, well sheltered from the mistral winds by surrounding hills. Located between Marseille and Toulon, the town has welcomed illustrious visitors: German novelist Thomas Mann stayed here for extended periods, Marcel Pagnol found inspiration in its streets, and French cinema legends Raimu and Fernandel helped boost its reputation by vacationing here. The Beaches and Coastline The town offers numerous fine sandy beaches, as well as coves and calanques accessible via the path that runs along the corniche. This coastal trail, winding for about 4 hours of walking, reveals … Read more

The Philippines of Apocalypse Now: On the Trail of Coppola’s ‘Vietnam’

by
Restaurant boats on the Loboc River, Bohol, Philippines

As Apocalypse Now sees its new 4K Ultra HD release on 19th November, it’s often forgotten that the film’s Vietnam was never the real Vietnam. Coppola shot everything in the Philippines, in locations that still exist today. The making of Apocalypse Now in the Philippines is as much a part of cinema legend as the film itself. In March 1976, Francis Ford Coppola landed on the island of Luzon with his crew, convinced filming would wrap up in six weeks. He would leave 238 days later, having endured a devastating typhoon, Martin Sheen’s heart attack, and a $17 million budget … Read more

Greek Islands May Soon Charge Entry Fees to Combat Tourist Crowds

by
A happy mother and daughter on family holidays overlook the town of Mykonos island during a summer sunset, Cyclades, Greece

What if this was actually the solution? Faced with overwhelming visitor numbers on Greek islands during peak season, rather than each destination implementing its own measures and fees to tackle overtourism in its own way, wouldn’t it be simpler to have a nationally-defined tax applied to the islands most affected by the phenomenon? At least those located in the Aegean Sea. 34 Islands Potentially Affected This is a request recently made to the Athens government by the main Aegean islands: the implementation of an entry fee for tourists arriving at their shores. This would apply whether visitors arrive by cruise … Read more

Where to go in January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December

© 2005 - 2025   TheBestTimeToVisit.com | Privacy policy | Destinations

Où et quand partir - When and Where to Go - Wohin und wann reisen - Dónde y cuándo salir - Dove e quando partire - Onde e quando partir