easyJet unveils new cheap flight options from the UK to Europe

One of the thrilling surprises for Australians visiting the UK is the ready availability of flights to exotic destinations for the cost a rail trip back home. 

There may be all sorts of restrictions; the extras can pile up and some of the flights leave from secondary airports. But there are some real bargains to be had if you have a sense of adventure. 

EasyJet - one of the leading budget airlines - has just unveiled two new routes for summer 2026 from the UK to Germany and Italy. 

Seats now on sale to Naples from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and to Munich from London Southend. 

The Naples flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from August 3, while easyJet’s new flight to Munich will start on September 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays and starting ahead of Oktoberfest. 

EasyJet holidays has also launched packages to both cities with flights and accommodation included. 

“We are really pleased to be launching even more new routes and package holidays," said  Kevin Doyle, easyJet UK country manager. 

"By continuing to grow our network, we are providing even greater choice and connectivity from across the UK.” 

As of today, easyJet serves 22 UK airports, offering more than 640 routes to 140 destinations from the UK to Europe and beyond. 

The airline also recently announced new routes from across eight UK airports including new connections to Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, the Canary Islands, Egypt and Malta. 

Worth checking out. Just don't expect any frills. 

Tauck talk: growing demand for river cruises

River cruising is booming, with travellers embracing the concept of exploring Europe while sleeping in the same space.

Tauck has this week today announced five new European river cruises for 2027, released earlier than ever, driven by what it describes as "exceptional demand".

Tauck’s growing fleet will also welcome two new river cruisers: the ms Saudade, sister ship to the ms Andorinha on the Douro (above), and the ms Reverie, sister ship to the ms Serene on the Seine (below).

Designed to meet evolving guest preferences, Tauck will also introduce a new six-day river cruise format, set to launch in late 2026, and will expand shorter itineraries for 2027.

To be offered primarily during the shoulder seasons, these journeys provide guests with the added benefits of milder weather and fewer crowds along Europe’s most popular rivers.

These shorter itineraries will also make river cruising more accessible to travellers with tighter schedules (read Americans who only get limited vacation time).

David Clark, Tauck's managing director Australia, said: “Our guests can now book these highly sought-after river cruises for 2027, providing earlier access than ever, which I know will be well received by the Australian market.

"Our growing fleet continues to unveil Tauck’s innovation, unique access and trusted expertise as we prepare to embark on our second century."

The business reports ever-increasing demand.

“We’re seeing extraordinary growth across our river portfolio, and that inspires us to find new ways for guests to experience Tauck,” said Tauck CEO Jennifer Tombaugh.

"River cruising continues to be one of the most popular ways to experience Tauck for the first time, and with these new shorter itineraries, we can now offer that exceptional entry point to guests with limited time."

With departures in March and November, Essence of the Seine is a six-day journey round trip from Paris debuting the launch of the ms Reverie. Sailing through the heart of Normandy, visits will include Rouen and the D-Day Beaches of Normandy, a cider and calvados tasting in Vernon, and a gala evening at a historic château. (From $5,290 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).

Essence of the Danube is a six-day sailing journey between Budapest and Vienna aboard the ms Joy. Highlights include guided sightseeing in Vienna and Bratislava, a gala dinner with live music and performance at Vienna’s Palais Pallavicini, and a wine tasting in Dürnstein. Departures are available in October and November. (From $4,540 per person double-occupancy, plus airfare).

Tauck is also deepening its commitment to Portugal’s Douro River, where demand remains strong and cruises often sell out well in advance.

For the first time, Tauck is opening reservations for these 2027 itineraries earlier than ever, allowing guests to secure preferred departures with risk-free deposits while final details are being completed.

For more details see www.tauck.com.au.

Budget airline rakes in the cash

 

Ryanair is the European budget airline that a lot of people love to hate.

They dislike the fact that you pay extra for almost everything other than your seat. They hate the fact that Ryanair enforces luggage limits, and will gouge you at every opportunity.

That said, Ryanair is laughing all the way to the bank.

The airline this week reported a big jump in first-half year profits by more than 40% to €2.54 billion, travel news hub Travel Mole reported.

It cited a strong Easter period and saw passenger traffic grew 3% to a record 119 million people.

Revenues over the first six months of the year were up 13% to €9.82 billion

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary, said: “Fares benefitted from having the full Easter holiday in Q1 and we achieved a full recovery of the 7% fare decline we suffered in last year's Q2.

"Ancillary revenue was solid, rising 6% to €2.91 billion.”

The airline said operating costs rose 4% to €6.96 billion.

Ryanair now has 204 Boeing 737 Max aircraft in its 641-strong fleet.

How to travel asleep on Europe’s first night bus with lie-flat seats

Buses with lie-flat beds are emerging as an enticing travel option in Europe.

Zurich, Basle, Luxembourg, Brussels and Amsterdam are in line to become among the first cities to see the arrival of a new era of overnight coach travel, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Swiss company Twiliner has announced that its first luxury night bus route will officially launch on November 14.

Twiliner’s mission is to make long-distance bus travel as comfortable - and nearly as sustainable - as rail journeys, while offering a greener alternative to short-haul flights.

The company says its service “closes the comfort gap in long-distance travel,” bringing airline business-class style to its buses.

Each double-decker bus will carry just 21 passengers (18 on the upper deck and three on the lower level).

This is compared to up to 80 seats for a normal cheap-and-cheerful coach service.

Seats (above) looking like those found in business class cabins in commercial aircraft. At the push of a button, they fully recline into flat beds.

Travellers can expect pillows, blankets, privacy screens, reading lights, USB ports, wifi and personal storage compartments.

Downstairs, passengers will find bathroom and changing facilities and a snack bar stocked with light refreshments.

Each guest will be allowed to bring one large suitcase (up to 23kg) and a small carry-on, with options to book extra space for bikes or sports equipment.

Sustainability is a major part of Twiliner’s identity. The buses will run on HVO diesel, a renewable fuel made from recycled fats and vegetable oils.

The company says the system cuts carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to flying and is on par with train travel in terms of sustainability.

The trips will, however, not be cheap: one-way fares start around €155 (about $AU270) to €250 depending on distance and season. But you will save on the cost of a hotel room overnight. 

The network will debut with one route: Zurich–Basle-Luxembourg-Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam.

By the end of 2025, a second route between Zurich and Barcelona will be launched: Zurich–Berne-Girona-Barcelona.

Initially operating several times per week in December, Twiliner expects to offer daily departures by mid-2026.

Additional routes are already planned for 2026 with the aim of a total of 30 European destinations within the next three years. These would include cities such as Copenhagen, London, Paris, Berlin, Milan, Munich and Vienna.

“This is about redefining how people move across Europe at night,” said Twiliner CEO Samuel Keller. “You can rest, work, or simply sleep your way from one city to another - comfortably and sustainably.”

See https://www.twiliner.com/en/

Taxing times: Amsterdam hits tourists the hardest

If you think your hotel room in Amsterdam is a little expensive, you can blame the local taxes. 

The biggest city in the Netherlands has claimed the top spot as the European city with the highest tourist tax, new rankings compiled by Holidu.pt, the Portuguese branch of the holiday rental technology company Holidu. 

The ranking is based on data from Euromonitor’s “Top 100 City Destinations.”

As of now, Amsterdam charges tourists an average of €18.45 per night, applying a 12.5% tax on the total value of accommodations. 

The measure is part of the city’s strategy to tackle over-tourism, support public infrastructure, and ensure that tourism contributes to Amsterdam’s economy.

Second place is shared by four Greek destinations -Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes and Thessaloniki - which apply an average daily tax of €8.17. 

Dubbed a “climate resilience tax”, it is designed to fund infrastructure upgrades and sustainable tourism. Rates vary by accommodation type and are lower during the off-season (November to March).

Berlin ranks sixth, following a recent tax increase. Since January 1, the German capital imposes a 7.5% levy on the net cost of accommodation, averaging €7.38 per night. Notably, the tax now also applies to business travellers, marking a departure from previous exemptions common in German cities.

Italy is also included  in the top 10, with Milan leading among Italian cities. The city raised its maximum tourist tax to €7 per person, per night, for guests in 4- and 5-star hotels. The average rate now stands at €6.44. 

Rome and Florence share eighth position, with an average rate of €6.18. In Rome, tourists pay €10 per night in 5-star hotels, €7.50 in 4-star, and as little as €4 in 1-star accommodations. Florence applies similar rates, with 5-star hotels at €8, 4-star at €7, and 1-star at €3.50.

Interestingly, some of Europe’s most popular tourist cities do not top the list. 

Barcelona, Paris, and Nice rank 11th and equa 12th. 

While Barcelona charges an average of €5.81 tourist tax, Nice and Paris stand at €5.65 per night. 

AirAsia eyes Gulf hub as it ponders return to Europe

Malaysia-based low cost carrier AirAsia is looking to expand its flight destinations into Europe.

AirAsia has plans to establish an airport hub in the Arabian Gulf, giving it a stepping stone to resume European flights after a long absence.

It is eyeing one-stop flights from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick among other major cities.

AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said talks were held with government officials from some Gulf states recently, but no location has yet been decided.

“From there, Europe is a shorter distance," he told the Financial Times. "We can then start looking at those kinds of exciting, longer-haul fares, and start taking people around the world through a one-stop and multi-hop strategy."

The airline has tried non-stop flights to Europe previously, including to London and Paris, but found the high costs a negative factor.

Costs are a major factor in the Asia market with rival Jetstar Asia recently announcing it will shut down.

“I think destinations that decide that they’re premium are missing out on a big market," Fernandes added.

"We’re going back to the Ryanair strategy of looking at alternative airports to serve those markets.”

AirAsia currently only has about 8% of its passenger traffic taking connecting flights.

It hopes to significantly grow this.

“Airlines such as ours have just been point to point, but a shift could be a very, very profitable part of the business for us,” Fernandes said.

Airlines may be forced to allow two free cabin baggage items

The European Union is set to increase the pressure on budget airlines that impose charges for hand-held carry on bags.

  
The EU is acting again airlines’ ‘unjustified extra costs’ by tentatively adopting a proposal which will allow air travellers to bring two pieces of baggage into the cabin for free, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The proposal would see passengers allowed a handbag or small backpack, as well as conventional hand luggage of up to 7kg at no cost.

Several low-fare airlines allow only one small item for free and charge for any extra luggage.

Trade group Airlines for Europe (A4E) is, predictably, opposing the move. 

It says it will lead to higher prices for all, including customers who choose to travel light.

“Forcing a mandatory trolley bag obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need,” said A4E managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou.

The proposal, if passed, would apply to all flights to and from the 27 nations that make up the European Union.

It was an amendment adopted as part of a wider air passenger rights charter proposed by the European Commission and will be up for a future EU vote.

Image: Walter Pucher, Scop.io 

Airline to fine unruly passengers

Budget airline Ryanair has revealed it intends to fine disruptive passengers who get kicked off a flight.

It has introduced a £500 fine which it says it will impose on unruly passengers, news portal Travel Mole reports. 

The airline says it remains ‘committed to tackling unruly passenger behaviour for the benefit of passengers and crew, and will continue to pursue disruptive passengers for civil damages.’

“At a minimum, they will now be issued with a £500 fine.”

Ryanair has supported legal action against disruptive passengers which led to flights being diverted recently.

“It is unacceptable that passengers are made suffer unnecessary disruption because of one unruly passenger’s behaviour, a Ryanair spokesperson said. 

“To help ensure a comfortable and stress-free environment, we have introduced a £500 fine, which will be issued to any passengers offloaded from aircraft as a result of their misconduct.

“Disruptive behaviour in such a confined shared space is unacceptable, and we hope that our proactive approach will act as a deterrent.”

Ryanair passengers who musbehave will also will also be pursued through the courts for civil damages by the company.

Holidaymakers have a growing focus on wellness

Holidays that focus on health and wellness are all the rage as we approach Global Wellness Day on June 14. 

Regenerative travel, recharging. physical health, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing are among the main drivers of vacation choices, trend forecasters and travel platforms like Kayak’s What the Future Travel Trend Report say. 

They suggest that by the end of the decade, holidays that support longevity and wellness will rival traditional luxury escapes in popularity.

Savvy travellers are trading indulgence for purpose and seeking itineraries that move their bodies, clear their minds, and connect them more deeply with nature.

So I'm told. 

Active travel company UTracks reports a growing appetite for wellness-focused holidays. 

“Our itineraries naturally align with this shift,” says general manager Kate Baker. 

“Walking and cycling, staying in small locally run lodgings, and spending time immersed in nature, it’s a style of travel that, while not new, seems increasingly in tune with what people are looking for in 2025.

“Our travellers want to feel recharged, not just during the trip, but afterwards. Our tours offer a healthy dose of time in nature, terrain that moves you, and transformation that lasts. 

"When people return home feeling clearer, stronger, and more connected to the places they’ve visited, that’s a good sign our tour balance is right.”

UTracks Tours in Europe fitting this vibe include:

• Mont Blanc Guided Walk (France, Italy, Switzerland)
https://www.utracks.com/France/Alpine-Hiking/Mont-Blanc-Guided-Hike

• Cycling the Danube Path (Austria)
https://www.utracks.com/Austria/Self-Guided-Cycling/Blue-Danube-Cycle-to-Vienna-in-Comfort

• Amalfi Coast Walk (Italy)
https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Self-Guided-Walking/Classic-Amalfi-Coast-6-Days

and
• Lake Bled and the Julian Alps Circuit (Slovenia)
https://www.utracks.com/Slovenia/Self-Guided-Walking/Lake-Bled-and-the-Julian-Alps

European vineyards worst hit by climate change

Europe’s wine regions have experienced the most significant climate shifts among global viticultural areas, a new study published in PLOS Climate reveals.

The Public Library of Science is a non-profit organization that publishes academic journals.

The research, conducted by a team of scientists led by Elizabeth Wolkovich, analysed climate exposure across 749 globally-distributed vineyard locations using over 500 grape-growing regions. 

It found that European wine regions have recorded the most extreme increases in warming metrics, particularly in the frequency of hot days and maximum temperatures during the growing season, trace journal the drinks business reported.

The study assessed 10 climate metrics relevant to viticulture - including daily minimum, maximum and mean temperatures during budburst, the growing season and harvest, as well as the number of hot days exceeding 35°C. 

It compared recent climate conditions (1981–2020) against pre-industrial baselines (1901–1940) to quantify the effects of human-caused climate change on winegrowing.

Southern and western Europe showed the highest levels of climate exposure across nearly all metrics.

In particular, the number of extremely hot days in these regions increased by nearly five times compared to pre-industrial levels. The average temperature during the growing season has also risen by more than two standard deviations in key European vineyard areas.

The study found that while climate change is impacting all wine regions globally, the severity and nature of that exposure differ. 

For instance, North American regions generally saw lower relative increases in extreme temperatures and hot days than their European counterparts.

These warming trends present growing challenges for viticulture. 

Changes to average and extreme temperatures during the growing season can alter grape phenology, including earlier ripening and shifts in harvest timing, which in turn may affect grape composition, wine style and regional identity.

Although the study does not offer prescriptive adaptation strategies, the authors emphasise that these observed changes are consistent with anthropogenic climate change, and suggest that many of the world’s most historic and prestigious wine regions are already undergoing unprecedented climatic shifts.

The findings underscore the need for wine producers, particularly in Europe, to assess and implement long-term strategies to address evolving climate risks, including grape varietal selection, vineyard management adjustments, and potential shifts in regional production norms.

Image: Vineyards in Catalonia. Silvia Arellano, Scop.io 

Booked to fly with Swiss? You might check your flight still exists

Have you booked a flight with Swiss International Airlines this northern hemisphere summer?

You might want to check that your flight still exists.

Swiss International, the replacement for Swissair, which went bankrupt in 2002, has announced it will cancel around 1,400 flights between now and October.

The cancellations are down to a pilot shortage, the airline says, and could see up to an average of 15 flights cancelled daily. 

Air passenger rights company AirAdvisor says it could impact up to 50,000 UK travellers alone, new hubs Travel Mole reports.

This includes those with connecting and indirect itineraries.

Swiss operates flights out of UK using London Heathrow, London City, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor, said: “With this latest wave of Swiss cancellations, summer just got more complicated for UK travellers. We’re not seeing a demand problem but a staffing and scheduling bottleneck.

“Flights are getting axed not because people aren’t flying, but because airlines don’t have enough fully trained pilots.”

Customers on cancelled Swiss flights can get a full refund and free re-routing.

“We regret that we are unable to offer the affected connections as originally planned," the airline said.

"In such cases, we inform the affected customers as early as possible.

“Schedule adjustments are made as far in advance as possible to minimise inconvenience and to find the best possible alternative travel solutions.”

Hmm.

Vinarchy in SA: global wine giant has big plans for South African brands

The giant new Vinarchy wine business includes two South African brands known for producing affordable bottles.

Straight after taking over Pernod Ricard’s still wine portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and Spain, Vinarchy confirmed the new brand has big plans for Flagstone and Kumala brands, which were previously part of Accolade.

Accolade was bought out of effective bankruptcy two years ago by a consortium of international backers led by global investment house Bain & Co.

Kumala’s wines are produced in several key areas within the Western Cape, including Olifants River, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Worcester.

Flagstone, based at Somerset West, occupies the site of a former De Beers dynamite factory an sources fruit from vineyards that stretch from cool Walker Bay region to the warmer Darling district.

The South African labels - which offer the benefit of lower production costs - are part of a stable of brands including Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, St Hugo, Petaluma, St Hallett and Orlando from Australia; Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road and Mud House from New Zealand; and Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus and Azpilicueta from Spain.

“South African wine is an important category for our retail customers, particularly in Europe and the UK,” said Ben Clarke, Vinarchy’s executive chair.

“Flagstone and Kumala cater to that market. Our brands will continue to have their own identities under Vinarchy, with the benefit of being part of a global network.

“Through our global distribution network, we are incredibly proud to share our wines in almost every corner of the world,” Clarke told drinksbusiness.

“Our portfolio has something to offer everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wine to some of the world’s most popular global brands.”

So expect to see more of the South African brands on the global stage - particular in supermarkets and at lower price points.

“Labour accounts for 60% of any vineyard’s operating costs, and in the South African context, we have sufficient labour,” says Dr Erna Blancquaert, a lecturer at Stellenbosch University.

On your bike: a new element to barge holidays

There is a growing trend towards active holidays and as Australians return to Europe in growing numbers, many are upgrading the classic barge cruise with a new twist: the bicycle.

Bike and Barge holidays, where travellers cycle each day and stay aboard a floating hotel each night, are surging in popularity, offering an active yet relaxed alternative to traditional river cruising.

The trend reflects a broader shift in the way Australians want to travel: slowing down, staying active, and experiencing Europe more intimately.

"It’s an effortless way to explore," says Kate Baker, general manager at UTracks, a specialist in small-group active holidays.

"You cycle as much or as little as you like during the day, then come home to a warm meal and your own cabin; no bags to move, no rushing around, just pure travel enjoyment."

On a typical Bike and Barge tour, travellers can cycle scenic paths through vineyards, farmland, and historic towns by day, and return to their barge, a cosy vessel carrying between 12-140 guests, each evening for relaxed communal meals and sunset drinks on deck.

With the same cabin each night, there’s no need to pack and unpack, and no long coach transfers interrupting the flow of the journey.

“More Australians are choosing to add this active element to their river cruise experience,” Baker says. “It’s a way to stay healthy on holiday, while also creating more memorable and personal encounters, whether that’s chatting with a local in a village square or stopping spontaneously at a market or café.”

With electric bikes available, the holidays are accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Now you are talking!

Here are some suggested UTracks Bike and Barge options open for 2026 bookings.

The Danube by Bike & Barge
Cycle along the Danube River, discovering charming Austrian villages, grand riverside castles, and vibrant cultural hubs between Passau and Vienna. Gentle, scenic cycling routes lead to baroque abbeys, vineyards, and the historic heart of the Habsburg Empire.
https://www.utracks.com/Austria/Bike-Boat/The-Danube-by-Bike-Boat

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge
Journey through the Netherlands and Belgium, cycling past windmills, vibrant tulip fields (in season), and canal-laced cities. Each night, a comfortable barge awaits, docked near bustling market squares or picturesque waterways.
https://www.utracks.com/Netherlands/Bike-Boat/Amsterdam-to-Bruges-Bike-Barge-Comfort

Veneto Bike & Barge
Cycle through the stunning landscapes of Italy’s Veneto region, from the enchanting city of Venice along the canals and waterways of the Po River. The route offers a mix of Renaissance architecture, fantastic food and wine, and serene country trails.
https://www.utracks.com/Italy/Bike-Boat/Veneto-Bike-Boat

Provence Bike & Barge
Follow in the footsteps of great artists as you cycle through Provence’s lavender fields, vineyards, and historic villages. The route passes through the Rhône Valley, with opportunities to sample local wines and Provençal delicacies before returning to the comfort of your barge.
https://www.utracks.com/France/Bike-Boat/Provence-Bike-Boat

Tulip Tour Bike & Barge
Cycling through the tulip capital of the world while based on board a comfortable river barge. The journey takes in springtime highlights including the world's largest flower gardens of Keukenhof in Lisse, where plants such as hyacinths, crocuses and, of course, tulips will dazzle with their colour. 

https://www.utracks.com/Netherlands/Bike-Boat/Tulip-Tour-Bike-Barge-Comfort

ITA to be the newest member of Star Alliance

Leading global airline program Star Alliance officially has a new member.

ITA Airways - the replacement for now defunct Alitalia - has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following a verdict by the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). 

Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, this decision paves the way for its entry into the world’s largest airline alliance. The onboarding process will now move at full throttle.

Celebrating the milestone, Star Alliance chief executive officer Theo Panagiotoulias said: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to officially join the Star Alliance network as a full member. 

"The decision by our CEB underscores the strong confidence our members have in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and general manager of ITA Airways, was also enthusiastic. 

“We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and to bring the excellence of Made in Italy into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach," he said. 

"This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network."

ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

Co-owner Lufthansa Group is mentoring ITA Airways through its integration journey into Star Alliance, said  Dieter Vranckx, chief commercial officer of the Lufthansa Group..

“I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance," he said. 

"As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. 

"ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio.” 

The Star Alliance network will grow to 26 member airlines, offering over 18,000 daily flights connecting 192 countries.

The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.

See www.staralliance.com

Now Eurostar will have a rival on cross-Channel rail routes

Virgin Trains, part of Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is set to begin operating passenger trains to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel following an announcement by the UK rail regulator. 

Virgin Trains has also announced the acquisition of a fleet of high-speed trains as it gears up to challenge Eurostar, which has held a monopoly on routes to Europe since 1994.

Virgin Trains said this week that there are “no more major hurdles to overcome” before it can begin operating. 

It has acquired a fleet of 13 high-speed trains for future services from London through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, Brussels and onwards to Frankfurt, starting in late 2027.

Thanks to a financial package negotiated with BlackRock, Virgin has purchased the 330 kmh trains from Germany’s Deutsche Bahn. 

The Siemens-built 406 series trains were most recently in service between Frankfurt, Brussels and Amsterdam. Each train is composed of eight carriages and seats 425 passengers, news portal Travel Mole reports.

“The opportunity to purchase these trains now was an offer too good to turn down," Branson told British media. 

"With no need to wait for new trains to be built, we can bring forward our plans for new services through the Channel Tunnel that customers have been demanding. 

"Anyone who has taken one of these trains has been enchanted by their reliability and comfort.”

Virgin Trains will start its services in December 2027, with seven return trips planned each day from 
London to Paris, and six a day to Brussels. Two of the Brussels services will continue to Germany. 

That will make Virgin the first company to offer direct UK-Germany services.

Virgin Trains head of European Operations Jean-Eric Suiscon said “We are happy to have 
found a way to adapt services in Germany for Channel Tunnel services."

Remote walking holidays make huge strides

Remote walking tours are booming as more travellers seek off-the-beaten-path experiences, one leading travel company is reporting. 

More Australians embracing active travel in Europe than ever before, UTracks has said, saying demand for immersive experiences in remote destinations is among their fastest-growing segments.

These journeys take travellers deep into some of Europe’s most remote landscapes, from Romania's dramatic peaks in Romania to Iceland's Nordic wilderness.

Albania is a trending destination, gaining attention for its rugged terrains and rich cultural history. 

The remote village of Theth, nestled in a stunning valley, provides access to some of the country’s most spectacular trails, including the renowned Peaks of the Balkans Trail. 

This multi-country guided hike weaves through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo at elevations of up to 2,300 metres. 

“Travellers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer a sense of discovery,” says Kate Baker, general manager of UTracks (www.utracks.com.au). 

“Places like Albania deliver that in spades, offering pristine nature, deep history, and warm local hospitality.

"With more people seeking out destinations that feel personal and unspoiled, our walks offer the perfect balance of exploration and cultural immersion.” 

UTracks offers a range of hiking experiences in wild and remote destinations, including: 

# Iceland: Footsteps of Thor https://www.utracks.com/Iceland/Guided-Walking/Iceland-Footsteps-of-Thor

# Poland Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Hike https://www.utracks.com/Poland/Alpine-Hiking/Poland-Pieniny-and-Tatra-Mountains-Hike

and 

# Transylvania Castles amd Mountains https://www.utracks.com/Romania/Self-Guided-Walking/Transylvania-Castles-Mountains 

Image: Walking in Albania 

It is getting easier to fly in and out of Ljubljana

Slovenia is riding a tourism boom and it is getting easier to fly in and out of its vibrant capital Ljubljana.

Ljubljana Airport (above) is set to expand its flight offerings in spring with the introduction of new routes from KLM and Eurowings, and increased flight frequency from Turkish Airlines and British Airways.

KLM will launch daily flights to Amsterdam starting in late March, providing up to 11 flights per week while Eurowings will begin flights to Düsseldorf in mid-April, offering three weekly departures.

One-way tickets from Ljubljana to Amsterdam by KLM, with onward connections worldwide via Schiphol Airport, start at €70.

The route with Eurowings will offer onward connections through Eurowings’ network to European vacation destinations. One-way fares start at €39.99.

Turkish Airlines will increase flights to Istanbul to 18 times per week in June, while British Airways will offer eight weekly flights to London Heathrow from June onwards.

With the addition of the new flights, the summer schedule will feature 27 connections from 24 carriers.

Ljubljana Airport saw a 13.3% increase in passenger traffic in 2024, reaching over 1.4 million passengers, with recovery approaching pre-pandemic levels. Top destinations included Istanbul, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Paris, and Munich.

Global hotel giant expects Ruby to shine

How many brands does one hotel company need?

In the case of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) at least 20, it appears.

IHG has just acquired the "urban lifestyle" Ruby hospitality brand and its related intellectual property for €110.5 million.

Ruby is a premium urban lifestyle brand with properties situated in major European city destinations.

IHG expects to rapidly expand the brand globally, news portal Travel Mole reports.

Established in 2013, the brand currently operates 20 hotels (3,483 rooms) in major cities across Europe with another 10 hotels in the pipeline (2,235 rooms).

There are nine hotels open in Germany (Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart), three in London, three in Vienna, two in Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich), and one each in Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands.

The pipeline hotels are set to open over the next three years in cities including Edinburgh, Marseille, Rome and Stockholm.

Ruby hotels have a "Lean Luxury" approach, whatever that jargon means.

Ruby will extend IHG’s appeal to modern, lifestyle-focused travellers, IHG says, and offer hotel owners a "cost-efficient conversion-friendly premium hotel concept". 

IHG expects to grow the brand with other hotel owners in Europe and globally and expects to have the Ruby brand ready for development in the US by the end of the year.

IHG says it is targeting the Ruby brand to grow to more than 120 hotels over the next 10 years.

Among its first tasks will certainly be improving the clunky Ruby website. 

 

  

Planning to be in London? Ryanair launches new cheap flights

 With budget airline Ryanair you know exactly what you are getting: a seat on a plane that may, or may not, depart on time. 

Want to reserve a seat? That will cost you more. Want extra baggage? Pay up. Want something to eat? Hand over your credit card.

It's cheap, but not necessarily cheerful  

If you are happy to just get a cheap seat to a faraway destination you might never have heard of, then there are some intriguing options available on the Ryanair network. 

Ryanair has just revealed its London summer 2025 schedule with seven new routes from London Stansted.

The airline will launch new flights to Bodrum, Clermont-Ferrand, Dalaman, Münster, Lübeck, Linz (a re-launch) and Reggio Calabria, as well as extra frequencies on 30 other London routes. 

OK. These are not mainstream destinations. I even had to look up Dalaman, as I'd never heard of it. It's in south-west Turkey, apparently. But flights start from around $60.  

Overall, Ryanair is offering a total of 206 routes.

To support this traffic growth, Ryanair will base one new Boeing 737 in London Stansted for the summer, travel site Travel Mole reports. 

This brings Ryanair’s total London-based fleet to 56 aircraft and will create 30 new jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said: “We are pleased to announce new summer routes from London. We are also launching extra frequencies on 30 other London routes.”

Tourism to Slovenia keeps on soaring

Regular readers will know that Gourmet on the Road has great enthusiasm for visiting Slovenia, having enjoyed two recent trips.

It is no surprise, then, to discover that the Slovenian tourism industry achieved remarkable milestones in 2024 despite a challenging environment, outperforming both European and global averages.

With a 7.5% increase in international arrivals and exceptional performance across established and emerging markets, Slovenia strengthened its reputation as a leading green hospitality destination with attractions including delightful capital Ljubljana and Lake Bled (above).

That success sets an optimistic tone for 2025.

The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport says it will remain committed to fostering balanced tourism growth, guided by the principle of "a little more and a lot better".

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB), with the country previously part of Yugoslavia.

Tourist arrivals surged by 6.3% compared to 2023, reaching an impressive total of 6.58 million visitors for a very small nation.

Overnight stays also saw significant growth, rising by 4.5% year-on-year to a record 16.85 million, according to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia.

At a press conference in Ljubljana, Matevž Frangež, state secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, praised local tourism industry operatives.

Frangež said: "In terms of guest arrivals and overnight stays, we have once again exceeded [pre-Covid] 2019.

"We are seeing moderate and steady growth in guest arrivals, but our focus goes beyond numbers. In line with the adopted tourism strategy, Slovenia is prioritizing quality, aiming to attract more discerning guests, deliver unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international visitors, and, most importantly, generate greater added value for our economy."