This Country Plans 300,000 Autonomous Taxis by 2030

Taxi

The news never stops, whether in tourism or other sectors. It’s easy to miss important developments that might interest us. That’s why we regularly revisit recent news stories to highlight them again. A National Priority Although their public deployment is quite recent, dating back only to 2023, what we call “autonomous taxis” – driverless vehicles – are gaining momentum and attracting interest from multiple countries and municipalities worldwide. So far, only the United States and China have truly taken the leap with public services. But things are moving fast. Beyond those still testing like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, … Read more

Could Living Your Retirement on a Cruise Ship Be the Ultimate Dream?

Retirement on Cruise Ship

When a cruise ship transforms into a “floating retirement home,” it opens up fascinating possibilities. This is the latest concept from a small American cruise company, Villa Vie Residences, which has adopted the slogan “It’s not a cruise. It’s a lifestyle.” Quite a proposition… Traveling the World Throughout Your Entire Retirement Based in Florida, the company has launched a program called “permanent residence at sea,” allowing seniors to spend their retirement aboard a cruise ship while sailing around the world. This takes place in complete comfort with well-appointed cabins adapted to the aspirations, constraints, and needs of this demographic. Each … Read more

Laos Now Requires Digital “Arrival Card” for All Visitors – Here’s What You Need to Know

Laos temple

Like many countries worldwide – and increasingly so – Laos is also going digital when it comes to entry formalities for its territory. Effective Since September 1st The measure has been in effect since this month. To visit Laos, all travelers must now have an “Arrival Register,” or electronic arrival card, obtained within two days prior to entering the country. This free document, which then appears as a QR Code received by the applicant, is obtained online directly on the official site immigration.gov.la. It supplements any visa that may also be required depending on your nationality. However, note that unlike … Read more

Could “Uber Trains” Soon Cross the English Channel?

Uber Trains

We all know Uber with its famous ride-hailing service, and now its food delivery operations, which have managed to conquer the world in just a few years. The brand has become so ubiquitous that it’s gradually becoming a generic term for an economic model based on the “customer-mobile app-service” triangle. Now, this same Uber is turning its attention to trains, specifically cross-Channel routes connecting Britain to the rest of Europe. More Than Just a PR Stunt… While this may seem like a publicity announcement for now, there’s substance behind it. The company has just announced a partnership with a startup … Read more

Playing Music Without Headphones on Public Transit Could Soon Cost You Big in Ireland and the UK

london underground

Who hasn’t had to endure the music or video soundtrack from a fellow passenger on a bus, subway, or train who has, let’s say, “forgotten” to plug in their headphones or even turned up the volume full blast? Not exactly pleasant, and for many people, rightfully perceived as a nuisance. It’s gotten to the point where authorities in certain countries like Ireland and the UK are taking action. €100 ($110) Fine in Ireland In Ireland, it’s on trains where fines are likely to be handed out. The country’s railway company, Irish Rail, has just announced that anyone caught listening to … Read more

Albania’s Hidden UNESCO Treasures: Europe’s Next Big Beach Destination Has Ancient Secrets

Albania

It’s the European destination everyone’s talking about for future vacations. Albania, once the world’s most isolated country, now seems determined to make up for lost time and become THE next must-visit beach destination. Between its lingering air of mystery, off-the-beaten-path charm, affordable costs (but for how much longer?), countless coastal development projects, exploding air connections, and more, it really could become just that very soon. To the point where it might overshadow – or prevent people from discovering – this other Albania with its rich culture, history, and heritage still very much present throughout the country. Not least through these … Read more

Why Slovenia Should Be Your Next European Adventure (Not Just a Quick Stopover)

Slovenia

Nestled between Italy and Croatia, tiny Slovenia with its two million inhabitants deserves far more than just a hurried drive-through when traveling between these popular destinations. This hidden gem offers an incredible diversity that puts many larger countries to shame. From pristine coastline to towering mountains, rolling countryside to rich historical heritage, Slovenia caters to every type of traveler regardless of their interests. So why not make it your next destination? Ljubljana, the Charming Capital Slovenia’s capital is a vibrant yet intimate city where baroque architecture dominates the historic center and excellent museums await discovery. With just 280,000 residents, Ljubljana … Read more

EU Travel Authorization Fee Increases Dramatically Before 2026 Launch

EU flag

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

Waterloo Battlefield

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

Airbus A320 Set to Dethrone Boeing 737 as World’s Best-Selling Aircraft by Year-End

Airbus A320

While this news might seem of limited interest to the general public, in the aviation world, it marks a turning point—even a “revolution.” The Airbus A320 is on track to become the world’s best-selling aircraft by the end of the year. 12,175 Boeing vs 12,153 Airbus Until now, the Boeing 737 has been the most commercially successful aircraft in the history of civil aviation since its launch in the 1960s, with over 12,000 units sold. However, it looks like it will be dethroned by year-end by the Airbus A320, the European aircraft manufacturer’s flagship model that has now become the … Read more