By Sophie Vermeulen
Amsterdam-based travel writer. Writes about European cities, trains, design and the small places worth the detour.
New York and Paris lead global tourism attractiveness ranking
New York and Paris top the 2026 Global Tourism City Attractiveness Index, which measures both awareness and emotional appeal. Asian cities l
Madrid's international tourism spending hits record €10bn in first half
Madrid's international tourism spending reached €10.007 billion in the first half of 2026, up 11.4% year on year. The capital welcomed 5.66
Rail beats air on key European routes: where trains outpace planes
On routes like Brussels–Paris and Madrid–Seville, trains now outpace planes. Rail's speed, city-center stations, and lower emissions are res
Spain braces for first total solar eclipse in over a century
Mainland Spain will see its first total solar eclipse in over a century on 12 August, with totality also touching Iceland and Greenland. The
Cruise trends for 2026-27: new ships, themed voyages, and younger passengers
The global cruise fleet is set to grow by nearly 20% by 2037, with 13 new ships launching in 2026 alone. Themed voyages, from true crime to
Kosovo's annual bridge diving contest draws daredevils to the Drin
The annual bridge diving competition returned to Kosovo, drawing thrill-seekers from across Europe. Participants leapt from the historic bri
Europe's oldest sporting traditions: from Siena's Palio to Swiss wrestling
From Siena's Palio horse race to Swiss wrestling and Croatia's Sinjska Alka, these centuries-old competitions offer a unique window into Eur
Germany's quiet islands: slow living and nature beyond Sylt and Rügen
Beyond Sylt and Rügen, Germany's small islands offer car-free tranquillity, unique landscapes and authentic slow living. From Hiddensee's du
Europe's Best Islands for Scenic, Secluded, and Stress-Free Road Trips
Avis analyzed European islands to find the best for scenic drives, seclusion, and stress-free travel. Tenerife leads for scenery, El Hierro
Venice's Danieli Hotel reopens under Four Seasons with lagoon-inspired redesign
Venice's iconic Danieli hotel has reopened under Four Seasons management after an extensive renovation. The redesign blends Venetian Gothic
Eclipse 2026 sparks accommodation rush in Spain and Iceland
The 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse is driving a sharp spike in accommodation demand across northern Spain and Iceland. Booking data show
Ferragosto 2026: 17.5 million tourists set to spend €9bn in Italy
Italy anticipates 17.5 million visitors and €9bn in direct spending during the Ferragosto period. Foreign tourists lead the surge, while Ita