Columbus, OH

When it comes to travel destinations in Europe, Rick Steves is just about the undisputed master. He can tell you where you go, what to see, and when to make those flight reservations to experience each city at its peak. It stands to reason that, after spending so much of his life traveling the continent, he would have accumulated some favorite and not-so-favorite destinations. And since he's been gallivanting abroad since the 1960s, we're sure he's got quite a laundry list of disappointments — if only we could have a beer with him and get his real, unvarnished opinions.

Rick Steves' Most And Least Favorite Places In Europe

Starting in May 2025, UK citizens traveling to the European Union (EU) will need to comply with a new visa waiver system, which will apply not only to Schengen Area countries but also to certain non-Schengen nations. The EU is introducing this visa waiver as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and streamline entry procedures across the continent. The waiver, expected to be operational in time for the May 2025 half-term, will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. UK citizens under the age of 18 and over 70 will be exempt from this requirement.

Visa's will be required for 2025 travel

Paris has changed a lot in the last few decades. Not so long ago, the tourist circuit was limited to a small number of famous locations and you’d find few locals who spoke more than a handful of phrases in English. These days, Paris is a more worldly, cosmopolitan place. However, the densely packed French capital still has its distinct way of doing things. Parisian culture places huge value on food, beauty and leisure, and many of the faux pas (at least in the eyes of Parisians) made by visitors occur when these sacred principles are infringed. From dining to (not) queuing, here’s your easy guide to navigating the City of Lights the Parisian way.

13 unwritten rules you should know before travelling to Paris

Business Insider

I love that cruises come with an all-inclusive cost, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways to overspend if you don't plan ahead.

I've been on dozens of cruises, and I've learned to avoid 6 spending traps that drive up the bill

New York Post

Cruise passengers waiting to set sail on a round-the-world voyage have been left stranded for a staggering three months in Northern Ireland after a slew of infrastructure issues plagued the luxury liner.

The Villa Vie Residences’ Odyssey ship had been scheduled to depart Belfast back on May 30 for the first leg of a three-year cruise before problems were detected with its rudders and gearbox, BBC News reported. 

The delays have meant some passengers have spent months living on the docked cruise ship — with no sail date in sight. 



Dr. David Austin, who sold his house in Georgia to set...

Cruise passengers stranded in Ireland for three months after planning dream trip to sail the world

Traveling abroad can be an enriching experience, but in certain destinations, American tourists might find themselves paying more than the local rates. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as the “tourist tax,” can affect various services and products. Here are 18 places where Americans often report being overcharged. 1....

18 Destinations Where Americans Are Overcharged

While it may not be on as many travel bucket lists as its Southern European neighbors Spain and Italy, Portugal is a treasure trove of quintessentially European experiences. Think walkable old city centers with cobbled streets, imposing castles, perpetually great food and wine, and a coastline that makes you want to immediately retire and move there. The prolific travel guru Rick Steves, an authority on the best places to visit in Europe, has flattering things to say about this coastal country on the edge of Europe, which is both travel- and pocket-friendly. While Steves' take on why Portugal's capital Lisbon reminds him of San Francisco is a glowing (rather surprising) ode to both cities, he recommends those looking for a truly authentic taste of Portugal minus the crowds to head to the small town of Tomar.

The Untouristed Town Rick Steves Recommends For A Perfect Taste Of Portugal Without Crowds

If you want to plan a relaxing beach vacation but don't know if you can afford it, consider a trip to Dominica. Lush forests blanket the hot, mountainous island, accompanied by the songs of tropical birds. Whether you long to see Boiling Lake, the second largest hot spring in the world, or try a bowl of callaloo, Dominica makes a beautiful and affordable choice for a Caribbean getaway.

Head To This Caribbean Island For A Tropical Vacation That Won't Break The Bank

Queens, NY

The Caribbean is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultures, but not all islands are equally safe for travelers. Here are some of the most dangerous places in the Caribbean that you might want to avoid, along with verifiable facts and advice. Haiti: High Risk of Kidnapping. Haiti tops...

Avoid These Dangerous Caribbean Destinations: Travel Safely in 2024

Unmask the ultimate destination for international travelers in America. Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Luxury Link. International tourism is a vital part of the U.S. economy, with foreign tourists spending billions each year to experience the nation’s cities, national parks, and historical landmarks. In 2023, international tourism...

15 American Cities That Are Swarming With International Tourists

Moms Who Think

If you're interested in traveling around the world, then France must be an entry on your bucket list. There's so […]

16 Things to Know Before Visiting France

The US Sun

TRAVEL experts have revealed their top tips on how you can get yourself a free hotel room upgrade without it costing you a penny. It's always that extra-bit special when you’re staying in a plush room along with a fantastic view – but you’ll invariably have to pay for the privilege.

Three ways to get a hotel room upgrade without having to pay for it – according to experts

Fortune

Italy has seen hundreds of millions of tourists this summer, and the number keeps growing. A new tax might help address it—or not.

Italy is mulling a €25-a-night tax for tourists staying at its most expensive hotels to turn overtourism into economic gain

If you're planning a Greek vacation, it's a pretty good bet that you're going to be visiting Santorini. In 2023, there were 3.4 million visitors to the small island with a population of only around 20,000. Cruise ships bring in around 17,000 passengers a day to Santorini. That means, if you want to see the famous Santorini sunset from the town of Oia, you're going to be packed in with tons of other people (as you can see in the pic below), and even worse, you could be waiting hours to get a ferry from the ship and more time to take a chair lift to the city. It's gotten bad enough on Santorini with overcrowding from cruise ships that some cruise lines are canceling planned stops, meaning that, even if you've booked a cruise there, you still might not see it.

This Is Arguably The Worst Way To Visit The Iconic Greek Island Of Santorini

The Independent

Tourists from the UK are cancelling their summer breaks to Mallorca due to “dangerous” anti-tourism protests, according to a local holiday homes rental company .“Long-standing clients who have been coming to Mallorca for years and had already made their reservation this year have called – after seeing the news – to cancel,” Maria Gilbert, manager of the Habtur Balears, told Diario de Mallorca.She added that the company have frequently been asked “if it’s dangerous to go to Mallorca” and if locals are “going to hurt us” ahead of peak summer season.Alquilair, another holiday rental specialist, shared similar messages of guests...

British holidaymakers cancelling trips to Mallorca following ‘dangerous’ anti-tourist protests

Hawaii State

Throw a dart at a map of Hawaii, and it could land on any of the archipelago's eight main islands. The lush "Garden Island," Kauai, receives fewer annual visitors than Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island. Yet it has one offbeat thing going for it, hotel-wise, that those islands don't. For four straight years, USA Today readers have named a site in Kauai as the Best Pool in America.

Swim In One Of The Best Hotel Pools In America At This Hawaiian Resort

Vietnam has been touted as being one of the cheapest destinations in the world in 2024, but it's so much more than simply a bargain bucket list check. While, yes, Vietnam is decidedly an inexpensive destination, you'll come away feeling rich in cultural experiences and the interactions you have with friendly locals. Whether you're marching your way across the country by rail on the famed Reunification Express or discovering the lesser known hidden gem of Vietnam's southern islands, you'll be wowed at the value for money in this beautiful country.

One Of The Cheapest Travel Destinations In The World Is A Tourist-Friendly, Tropical Paradise

When you think about an image of Greece, it's likely that you envision the Acropolis. The famous hill in Athens with the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2023, brought in around 23,000 visitors per day. In fact, it's so popular that there is now a daily visitor cap of 20,000.

The Best Time Of Day To Visit The Iconic Acropolis In Greece, According To Rick Steves

THE CAPTAIN of the Bayesian has insisted he did everything he could to save those who died in the tragic shipwreck, sources close to him have said. James Cutfield, 51, is being investigated for manslaughter as friends told local outlet Corriere that he is living through the darkest days of his life. The unnamed sources […]

Bayesian captain ‘says he did everything he could to save passengers & abandoned no one’ as he leaves Italy after horror

Insider

After visiting 30 tropical islands, some of my favorites have been Bora Bora, St. Barts, Curaçao, Barbados, and St. Martin.

I've been to 30 tropical islands. From Bora Bora to Barbados, here are the top 5 I'd visit again.

NewsBreak

European Union Passport Stamps Are Coming To An End. Visit Before This Date To Get One

For decades, passport stamps have been a cherished memory for travelers, with each one marking a new adventure — a physical reminder of all the places...

European Union Passport Stamps Are Coming To An End. Visit Before This Date To Get One

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