By Sophie Vermeulen
Amsterdam-based travel writer. Writes about European cities, trains, design and the small places worth the detour.
Italy launches 1,546km Saint Francis trail network ahead of papal visit
Italy has launched a 1,546km network of pilgrimage routes dedicated to Saint Francis, spanning six regions and ending in Assisi. The initiat
Swap Venice, Lake Como and Kyoto for these crowd-free alternatives
A new ranking identifies the best destination dupes for overtouristed spots like Venice, Lake Como and Kyoto. Ghent tops the list as a Venic
Wynn Al Marjan Island: UAE's first casino resort targets September 2027 opening
Wynn Resorts has confirmed its Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah will open in September 2027, becoming the UAE's first licensed casi
Japan's backup capital race: Osaka, Fukuoka and more
Japan's parliament is moving to designate a backup capital, with Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Sapporo as front-runners. The move aims to ensu
Where to get free certified glasses for Spain's total solar eclipse
Spain's total solar eclipse on 12 August requires ISO 12312-2 certified glasses to prevent retinal damage. The government and ONCE will dist
Uzbekistan's deserts: ancient cities, Zoroastrian towers, and steppe rebirth
Uzbekistan's arid landscapes hide ancient cities, Zoroastrian towers, and reclaimed farmland. Water has long determined where people settled
Iberia to charter eclipse flight with livestream from 30,000 feet
Iberia has chartered a special flight to observe the total solar eclipse on 12 August from 30,000 feet. The airline will livestream the enti
Resale platform lets travellers offload non-refundable bookings
Transfer Travel is a resale marketplace for non-refundable travel bookings, offering a way to recoup costs. Buyers can find discounted trips
Solo travel in 2026: freedom, safety, and self-discovery drive Europeans
A survey of 9,000 travelers shows freedom is the top motivator for solo trips, especially among 25-34 year olds. Safety concerns are high, w
Polish swimmer completes first Baltic crossing from Sweden in 55 hours
Polish endurance swimmer Bartłomiej Kubkowski has completed the first-ever swim across the Baltic Sea from Sweden to Poland, covering 160 ki
Robb Report names Nepal retreat world's top luxury hotel; Scottish lodge leads Europe
Robb Report's annual ranking of the world's greatest luxury hotels places Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal at the top. A former hunting lodge in
Parisians take to the Seine on silent electric hydrofoil boards
A new e-foil service on the Seine lets riders hover above the water on electric hydrofoil boards. The activity is quiet, emission-free, and