By Sophie Vermeulen
Amsterdam-based travel writer. Writes about European cities, trains, design and the small places worth the detour.
Airbnb Expands into Full-Service Travel with AI, Car Rentals, and World Cup Experiences
Airbnb is moving beyond holiday rentals to offer car hires, airport transfers, luggage storage, and AI-powered trip planning. The platform w
Azerbaijan's Tea Ritual: Jam as a Separate Course, Not a Stir-In
In Azerbaijan, tea is a social anchor, served before meals and during negotiations. The ritual pairs strong black tea with artisanal jam, ta
Riyadh Air Opens Ticket Sales for London Flights, Eyes European Expansion
Riyadh Air has started selling tickets for flights between London and Riyadh, with Manchester and Madrid next. The airline aims to connect o
Qatar's Tourism Sector Rebounds After Regional Crisis, Eyes Global Visitors
Qatar's tourism sector is recovering after repatriating 12,000 international visitors during regional tensions. The country is launching sum
Almaty: Where the Tian Shan Meets Contemporary Art and Urban Life
Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital, offers mountain trails within 30 minutes of the city centre. The new Almaty Museum of Arts (ALMA) showc
Lisbon Tops Global Expat Livability Ranking as European Cities Dominate
Lisbon has been named the best city in the world for expats, according to a comprehensive study that evaluates healthcare, safety, affordabi
Istanbul's Nightlife: Rooftop Clubs, Bosphorus Cruises, and Late-Night Street Food
Istanbul's nightlife spans rooftop clubs in Beşiktaş, Bosphorus dinner cruises, and late-night street food in Galata. The city's unique tran
Navigating Summer Travel Amid Middle East Crisis: EU Rights and Tips
The Middle East crisis may raise fuel costs and disrupt summer travel across Europe. The European Commission reminds passengers of their rig
La Dolce Vita Orient Express to Link Rome and Istanbul in 2026
The La Dolce Vita Orient Express will debut in October 2026, running from Rome to Istanbul over five days. Tickets start at €20,000, with st
Finland Invites 16 Foodies to All-Expenses-Paid Culinary Trip This Autumn
Visit Finland is offering 16 international guests an all-expenses-paid culinary trip this autumn. The initiative aims to elevate Finnish cui
Thailand Plans to Cut Visa-Free Stays for Tourists from 90 Countries
Thailand plans to slash visa-free stays for tourists from over 90 countries, including Europe, from 60 to 30 days. The move aims to curb cri
Dutch travel groups launch campaign against steep aviation tax hike
Dutch travel groups have launched the 'Gelijke Vliegtaks' campaign against planned aviation tax hikes that could make the Netherlands the EU