Relais & Châteaux adds new members around the globe

In many parts of the world Relais & Châteaux is the "go to" guide for elegant accommodation.

The hospitality collection has just expanded its global portfolio with the addition of 10 new hotels, restaurants and a traditional Japanese ryokan in destinations across Europe, North America and Asia.

It says the latest members "reflect the association’s continued focus on exceptional hospitality, regional gastronomy and cultural heritage".The new additions span Portugal, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, Japan, Mexico and the US, news hub Travel Mole reports.

“Our association is committed to helping build a more respectful and sustainable world through hospitality and gastronomy,” said Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux. “It is an honour to welcome these new members, who share our values and passion for excellence.“

Among the newcomers is Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina (top image), in Lisbon, an 18-room boutique hotel housed in a restored 18th-century palace overlooking the Tagus River in the centre of the lovely Portuguese capital.

France gains two new members. La Maison des Cimes in Malbuisson is to open next month. It features eight guestrooms overlooking Lake Saint-Point with chef Matthias Marc returning to his native Jura region.

Megève Bois, meanwhile, offers an intimate alpine retreat with 13 rooms and suites, two restaurants, an extensive wine cellar and a mountain-inspired wellness spa.

Italy welcomes two additions. Masseria Aura Terrae in Puglia occupies an 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards and olive groves overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while in Abruzzo, Relais Villa Corallo combines an 11-room country house with the Michelin-starred Zunica 1880 restaurant.

In Mexico City, the Quintonil Restaurant joins the collection while Japan’s historic Hiiragiya ryokan in Kyoto also becomes part of Relais & Châteaux. Family-owned since 1818, the 23-room property offers traditional kaiseki dining, tatami accommodations and authentic Japanese hospitality.

Other new members include Villa Florhof in Zurich, a restored 15th-century boutique hotel operated under the Lalique brand; Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk, England, offering luxury countryside villas, and The Nell New York, a 134-room luxury hotel scheduled to open in autumn 2027 at Rockefeller Plaza.

* Founded in 1954 in France, Relais & Chateaux is an international collection of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants that now represents close to 600 properties across over 50 countries.

Arriva to deliver more options for European rail journeys

Train lovers will soon have more options in the Netherlands, Belgium and France with the imminent arrival of new services from continental heavyweight Arriva. 

The company is pressing ahead with plans to expand international rail services, unveiling proposals for new direct routes between the Netherlands, Belgium and Paris that could launch from February, 2028.

Arriva has businesses in 11 countries across Europe, including operating businesses in 10 countries and a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

The operator has formally notified the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) of its intention to operate two additional international services linking The Hague and Amersfoort with Paris, news service Travel Mole reports. 

The filing is a required step before launching new open-access passenger rail services in the Netherlands.

If approved, the new routes would complement Arriva’s previously announced Groningen-Paris service, creating three direct rail links between the Netherlands and Paris.

The proposed The Hague-Paris service would operate three daily round trips. In the Netherlands, trains would call at Rotterdam and Roosendaal before crossing into Belgium. 

Stops would then include Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels-South and Mons, before continuing to Paris.

A second route from Amersfoort would run twice daily via Utrecht, ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Breda. After entering Belgium, it would follow the same international corridor through Antwerp, Brussels Airport, Brussels-South and Mons before reaching Paris.

The services are planned to begin as soon as operational approvals, train paths and infrastructure access are secured.

The expansion is part of Arriva’s wider strategy to challenge incumbent international rail operators by offering more direct cross-border services. The company is positioning itself as an alternative to existing high-speed operators on one of Europe’s busiest international rail corridors.

Arriva is the largest competitor to Dutch state-owned rail operator NS in the regional rail market and has steadily expanded its international ambitions. 

The company already operates the Three Countries Train, linking Liège, Maastricht and Aachen, providing cross-border passenger services between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

Tourism continues to boom in Europe

Travel is booming in Europe despite headwinds including rising prices, geopolitical tensions, airport delays and climate concerns. 

The latest European Travel Commission (ETC) Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel shows 81% of Europeans intended to travel between June and November 2026 - up four percentage points from the same period last year.

The findings underline the resilience of travel demand while highlighting a growing focus on safety, value for money and climate resilience when choosing destinations.

The survey also shows that Europeans continue to favour multiple vacations, with 55% planning at least two trips over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expected to travel within Europe, reinforcing the region’s position as the preferred destination for its own residents.

Travel enthusiasm has strengthened across nearly every age group, reaching its highest level among travellers aged 45 to 54, where 86% are planning a trip.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe remained the continent’s most sought-after vacation region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, four percentage points higher than a year ago.

Spain tops the list of preferred destinations, chosen by 14% of respondents, followed by Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%). The enduring appeal of sunshine, beaches, cultural attractions and city breaks continues to drive demand for these destinations.

The report also points to a growing desire for more authentic and less crowded experiences.

While interest in Europe’s iconic tourist destinations has edged up to 48%, a slight majority of travellers (52%) now say they prefer exploring lesser-known locations or destinations off the traditional tourist trail.

Crowding is also becoming a more significant consideration with 11% of respondents say avoiding busy destinations. 

One in five Europeans (20%) cite safety as their top consideration, ahead of pleasant weather (15%) and attractive travel deals (14%).

Financial pressures continue to weigh on travellers’ minds, even though demand remains robust. Rising travel costs are now the biggest concern for 22% of respondents, while 17% are worried about their personal financial situation.

Geopolitical instability is also having a greater impact on travel planning than in previous years. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled over the past year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Despite higher fuel prices and increasing airfare costs, flying remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 53% planning to travel by air.

Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, said Europeans continue to place a high value on travel despite an increasingly complex global environment.

Image: Madrid

Passenger trains to link Finland with Sweden after four decades

Getting around Scandinavia is about to become a lot easier with the resumption of cross-border passenger trains between Finland and Sweden after a period of almost four decades. 

The return of regular cross-border rail services will mark a major milestone for regional connectivity across the Nordic region, Arctic Observer reported.

Finnish state railway operator VR has announced that passenger services between Oulu and Haparanda will begin on August 10, marking the first regular passenger rail connection between the two countries since 1988. 

The new route is expected to improve mobility, strengthen economic ties, and provide travellers with a sustainable alternative to air and road transport, local media reported.

The reopening reconnects Finland's railway network with Sweden's, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly from northern Finland into Sweden, with onward connections to Luleå, Boden, Stockholm, and the wider European rail network.

VR says the new cross-border service will operate every day, offering two departures in each direction daily: a total of 28 passenger services per week

VR has not yet announced official ticket prices for the new service.

Official pricing will be published once reservations open.

For Finnish travellers, the restored link also creates a practical all-rail route into Sweden and mainland Europe, reducing reliance on domestic flights for international travel.

Are AI images misleading travellers?

Are you being lied to by accommodation operators using Artificial Intelligence? 

One in five hotel photos on major booking platforms show indicators of being AI-generated or AI-enhanced, a new survey in Europe shows.

An analysis of 25,550 images used by hotels to advertise their rooms, facilities, restaurants and amenities reveals mass deception.

The study was conducted by Berlin-based marketing agency ABCD Agency in partnership with German forensic AI verification provider ContentGuard.me.

Hotel photos are one of the most decisive factors when booking accommodation online. But the report indicates  that the imagery travellers rely on is no longer just traditionally retouched but increasingly created or altered using artificial intelligence.

In a sample of 100 randomly selected hotels each across seven destinations a total of 25,550 hotel photos were analysed in May 2026. Among those popular European summer holiday destinations like Crete, Mallorca, Sicily and Alanya.

The result: approximately 19% of all images - a total of 4,778 photos - contained at least one signal typically associated with AI generation or AI editing.

These signals can appear in technical markers such as file metadata, or as visual anomalies within the image itself - including inconsistencies, irregular pixel patterns or detail errors.

When hotel photos are AI-optimised or AI-generated, expectations can be distorted in critical ways: including room size, furnishings and views. 

These enhanced images set expectations that reality often cannot meet. The result: disappointment on arrival, complaints and a long-term erosion of trust in both platforms and hotels that depend on credible visual content.

Jens Kramosch, deepfake expert and founder of ContentGuard.me explains: “Hotel photos have always been retouched to some degree. But AI takes this to a completely different level. When images are no longer just polished but fundamentally altered, it risks crossing the line from marketing into deception. Travellers need to look more closely and platforms need to start labeling AI-edited content transparently.”

Robin Wilfert, founder of ABCD Agency, warns: “When you book a trip, you're buying a promise. The photos that travelleds use to choose a hotel are the most important part of that promise. AI must not be allowed to create a gap between what's shown and what's real.”

New flights link Hanoi direct to Amsterdam

Vietnam Airlines has officially inaugurated its non-stop service between Hanoi and Amsterdam, becoming the first Vietnamese carrier to operate a direct route connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The new service marks a significant milestone in the airline's international network expansion strategy and further strengthens air links between Vietnam and Europe.The initial flight, VN83, departed Noi Bai International Airport at 3:50 AM on June 16, carrying nearly 300 passengers aboard an Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.

After a flight time of more than 12 hours, the aircraft landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In the opposite direction, flight VN82 departed Amsterdam for Hanoi at 2:00 PM on the same day.

Vietnam Airlines will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"The inauguration of the Hanoi-Amsterdam service reflects Vietnam Airlines' continued commitment to expanding its international network and strengthening Vietnam's connectivity with key global markets," said Nguyen Quang Trung, executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines.

"This new route not only offers Vietnamese travellers more convenient access to Europe, but also facilitates greater travel to Vietnam for international visitors.

"As the national flag carrier, we will continue investing in service excellence and network development to meet evolving customer demand and further reinforce our role as an air bridge linking Vietnam with the world."

The new route also strengthens Vietnam Airlines' presence in Europe. With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 non-stop routes linking Vietnam with eight major European destinations: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow and Amsterdam.

And from July 1, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of its Hanoi–Moscow service from three to four round-trip flights per week.

Europe urged to crack down on Russian tourists

Russians are not the most popular tourists. They have a reputation for being loud, smoking, and a reluctance to obey rules. 

 
The European Commission has now signalled plans to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals following criticism from a group of European countries that say current policies are being applied inconsistently across the bloc, news network Euronews reports.

The proposed measures, which Euronews says are expected to be presented next year, would introduce what Brussels describes as “targeted restrictive visa measures” aimed at addressing security concerns linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. 

The move comes after 11 European nations, led by Sweden, called on the Commission to take stronger action and create a more unified approach to handling visa applications from Russian citizens. The group also includes the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden.

In a joint letter sent to Brussels, the countries expressed concern over what they described as significant differences in how member states are implementing visa guidelines introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Those measures were designed to reduce non-essential travel from Russia, increase security screening and gradually phase out multi-entry visas in favour of single-entry permits.

The letter says inconsistent implementation has weakened the effectiveness of the policy and sent mixed political messages at a time when Europe is seeking to maintain a united stance against Moscow.

The letter urged the Commission to introduce binding restrictions, improve enforcement of existing guidelines and provide regular updates on visa issuance statistics involving Russian nationals.

France granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian nationals in 2025, issuing nearly 180,000 permits, an increase from the previous year. Italy followed with close to 160,000 visas, while Spain issued just under 100,000.

The letter says that it is difficult to justify large numbers of Russian tourists enjoying vacations across Europe while the conflict in Ukraine continues and civilian areas remain under attack.

Image: Gatot Adriansyah, Scop.io

Why patience is a virtue at European airports right now

 

Heading to Europe this northern summer? Patience will be needed. 

Travellers using major European airports are being urged to get through passport control before browsing shops, grabbing a meal or heading to airport lounges. 

Disruption linked to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause major delays.

The warning comes after multiple reports of travellers missing flights due to lengthy queues at European border controls since the biometric system was fully introduced in April.

One of the most widely reported incidents saw an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester depart with just 34 passengers onboard after more than 120 travellers were unable to clear passport control in time. 

Some passengers reported waiting up to three hours despite arriving at the airport well in advance of departure.

Travel experts are warning that similar disruption could occur throughout the summer as passenger numbers increase across popular destinations including Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Greece.

Jürgen Himmelmann, co-founder at Global Work & Travel, said: "Many travellers still have the old airport mindset of arriving, checking in and then spending an hour shopping or having a meal before heading towards the gate.

"This summer, that could be a costly mistake.

"If you're travelling through an airport affected by EES checks, your priority should be getting through security and passport control as quickly as possible. The shops, restaurants and lounges can wait.

"A lot of airports now have food outlets, coffee shops and retail stores beyond passport control.

"Once you're through, you can relax. Until then, you're taking a risk because queues can build incredibly quickly and move far slower than people expect."

Under EES, non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, must have biometric information recorded when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The process includes passport verification alongside fingerprint and facial recognition checks.

Industry groups have warned that the system is creating significant bottlenecks at some airports. 

One of the biggest issues is unpredictability. Travellers know how long security usually takes. They know roughly how long bag drop takes but with EES, the experience can vary dramatically depending on the airport, staffing levels and how many first-time registrations are being processed.

Himmelmann's tips include: Arrive earlier than you normally would, particularly during school holidays and weekends; go directly to security and passport control after checking in; save shopping, dining and browsing until after you've cleared border checks; If you're travelling with children, allow extra time for delays.

See https://www.globalworkandtravel.com/

Image: Dmitry Bogdanov, Scop.io.

Thai Airways cuts back flight schedules

Thai Airways International has joined a growing number of airlines cutting back on flights in the wake of US leader Donald Trump's ongoing Middle East madness. 

The Thai flag carrier has alerted ticket agents to a round of frequency cuts in May across domestic, Asian and European routes, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Thai Airways has blamed rising fuel costs and softer low-season demand for the cuts.

The carrier said it may adjust schedules throughout the month, trimming services on a wide range of routes.

Within Thailand, several key routes will see reduced frequencies from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Across Asia, flights to Phnom Penh will be reduced from 14 weekly flights to 11 and Singapore trimmed from five daily flights to four.

Beijing flights will be cut from two daily to one and Hong Kong trimmed from four daily to three.

Long-haul services to Europe are also impacted, with multiple routes seeing temporary reductions.

Istanbul is reduced from daily to five weekly flights with similar cuts to Munich, Stockholm and Oslo.

Thai Airways International said it will continue monitoring conditions and may make further schedule changes as needed.

Rolling on the river: Danube aims for greater visibility

Travel marketers want us to think of the River Danube as one great cross-continental tourism highway.

The Austrian National Tourist Office, Visit Hungary and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) have collaborated with regional partners to launch “Discover your Danube”, a new cross-border promotional initiative.

Flowing through multiple countries, the river offers a combination of historical landmarks, vibrant cities and scenic landscapes.

The project was unveiled at ITB Berlin 2026 and will spark marketing initiatives by the third quarter of the year, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Co-financed by the participating organisations and supported by the European Travel Commission (ETC) Co-Op Program 2026 with EU backing, the initiative aims to boost the international profile of the Danube as a seamless, multi-country travel experience.

It promotes the river not just as a route, but as a year-round destination blending nature, culture, gastronomy and local lifestyles, with a focus on independent travel across borders.

“Discover your Danube” positions the river as a flexible and immersive experience rather than a linear journey. Travelers are encouraged to explore the region in stages, from outdoor adventures and cultural city breaks to culinary traditions and regional heritage.

The campaign will target "high-value international travellers" - that means rich folk - from key long-haul and European markets.

A core goal of the project is to drive year-round tourism by highlighting off-peak travel, longer stays and sustainable mobility options such as rail, cycling and hiking.

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe behind the Volga in Russia, flowing 2,850km and passing through or bordering Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Image: Budpaest, Serhii Zarev, Scop.io    

Slovenia boosts air connectivity for tourists

Slovenia's clean, green blend of scenery, activity and gourmet offerings has seen it emerge as one of the hottest European destinations for the 2026 summer.

Easily reached by road from Venice, Zagreb or Innsbruck, Slovenia is a small nation with a big offering.

During the summer season, which will run until the end of October, Ljubljana Airport is upgrading its flight offering and expanding capacity.

There will be additional frequencies on many existing routes, a wide selection of charter flights to popular holiday destinations, and two new connections.

As of now, a new regular service from low-cost carrier easyJet will be launched at Ljubljana Airport. In addition to flights to London Gatwick and Manchester, the airline will also offer flights to Edinburgh.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which operates daily flights between Ljubljana and Amsterdam, and Swiss International Air Lines, with its route to Zurich, are introducing morning departures and evening return flights.

Spanish airline Iberia will strengthen its seasonal connection between Madrid and Ljubljana, with flights starting in early June and operating twice weekly until the end of September. Low-cost carrier Vueling Airlines will continue its flights to Barcelona during the summer schedule.

airBaltic is adding an extra weekly frequency on the route to Riga, while Aegean Airlines (Athens), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), British Airways (London Heathrow), and Wizz Air (Skopje) are also increasing frequencies.

Lufthansa will increase aircraft capacity on its routes to Frankfurt and Munich, while Finnair (Helsinki) and Transavia (Paris Orly) are returning to Ljubljana after the winter break.

Bad news is thatt flydubai has temporarily suspended flights on the Dubai–Ljubljana route, with services expected to resume after April 29.

After closing 2025 with nearly 1.6 million passengers, representing a 10.6% increase compared to the previous year, Fraport Slovenia expects Ljubljana Airport to continue its stable growth in passenger traffic.

Photo: FB Ljubljana Airport

 

Why tourism is booming in Spain

Spain is enjoying a tourism boom despite global uncertainty. 

Tourism officials and analysts expect an uptick in demand despite issues in the Middle East, travel industry news hub Travel Mole reports.

 
Some travellers, particularly from Europe, are reconsidering long-haul trips to the Middle East, and, by extension, to Asia. 

And as oil prices rise amid Gulf tensions, airfares - especially for long-haul routes - are expected to increase. This dynamic tends to favour short- and medium-haul destinations in Europe. 

Spain and cities like Madrid (above) and Barcelona, is set to benefit directly from this shift, particularly in key source markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. 

The country, seen as a safe, stable, and easily accessible destination, is well placed to capture redirected demand. 

Spain finished 2025 with 97 million foreign arrivals, official government data shows: up 3.5% from 2024. That made it was the second most-visited country in the world behind France.

It is targeting over 10 million visitors in 2026.

Combining bikes and boats is growing in popularity

Tours that combine biking and barging are all the rage, tourism operator UTracks reports.

Bike and boat holidays aim to combine the comfort of river and canal cruising with the freedom to explore well beyond the riverbanks.

And Europe’s waterways, from the flats of the Netherlands to France, Germany and the along the Danube, enable small vessels to glide into lesser-known ports while cruisers spend days cycling through river towns, vineyards and picturesque landscapes.

The Mediterranean, particularly along the coasts of Greece and Croatia, offer similar experiences at sea.

Guests can cycle village lanes, and rural backroads before heading back to their ship for dinner.

A range of routes are available and for the less energetic (raises hand), electric bikes are available for a supplement.    

https://www.utracks.com/bike-boat-information

Leading travel agent urges clients not to panic

One of Australia's leading travel agents has urged clients not to panic over the crisis sparked by Donald Trump in the Middle East.

"As parts of the world experience temporary travel disruptions, we wanted to keep you informed and reassure you that we will continue to support you," Mary Rossi Travel told clients in a newsletter.

"At this stage, there is no need to make any changes to travel plans scheduled for April 2026 onwards.

"While the situation continues to evolve, we are closely monitoring developments across the Middle East and staying up to date through airlines, government authorities, and our partners on the ground.

"We are also working directly with our airline partners to understand their policies around rescheduling and cancellations, ensuring we can provide the most accurate and timely guidance.

"In the short term, access to Europe is currently more limited as some travellers are choosing to reroute via Asia; however, availability beyond the next few weeks is expected to stabilise.

"Encouragingly, the majority of destinations worldwide continue to operate as normal, and many of our clients are currently travelling and enjoying their holidays without disruption.

"While some airlines - including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways - are currently operating with reduced services, we remain optimistic that regular schedules will resume in the near future."

So there you go.

Image: Walter Pucher, Scop,io     

Discover walking tours designed with seniors in mind

A growing number of senior travellers are enjoying multi-day walks designed for the less mobile. 

Active travel company UTracks says it has developed a collection of itineraries for senior travellers, with an emphasis on manageable walking distances, optional rest days and comfortable, pre-booked accommodation. 

Daily luggage transfers mean walkers can explore without carrying unnecessary weight, allowing them to travel in a way that suits their energy levels and interests.

Detailed route notes, an easy to use navigation app and reliable on-ground support aim to take the stress out of day-to-day logistics, UTracks says. 

"This allows travellers to focus on the scenery, historic villages and local food. Options range from short highlight walks to complete route itineraries, self-guided journeys or guided small group tours."

Among the destinations on offer are Britain’s national trails, France’s alpine passes and the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage paths.

Popular UTracks senior-friendly walking tours include: 

Hadrian’s Wall Walk: 10 days
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans along one of the UK’s great trails, stretching 133km across open countryside, forest and moorland.  UTracks offers several different itineraries along the Hadrian's Wall path, including a 10-day Rambler from Whitley Bay and one from Carlisle.
https://www.utracks.com/United-Kingdom/Self-Guided-Walking/Hadrians-Wall-Walk-From-Whitley-Bay-10-Days

Mont Blanc Guided Rambler: 7 days
Enjoy the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy at a slower pace, with the added benefit of small-groups and support from an experienced guide.
https://www.utracks.com/France/Alpine-Hiking/Mont-Blanc-Rambler-Guided-Hike

Guided Camino Walking Tour for Senior Travellers: 12 days
A relaxed guided walk covering the final 115km of the Camino Francés. Daily distances range from 10–18km, with honey and cheese tastings and optional church visits. Comfortable hotels and guesthouses round out the experience.
https://www.utracks.com/Spain/Guided-Walking/Guided-Camino-Walk-for-Senior-Travellers

There are also a range of walking tour for seniors devoted to exploring local cuisine. 

For more info see www.utracks.com 

Fancy a quick trip from London to Armenia?

One of the bonuses about visiting the UK is the easy availability of a range of cheap flights on budget airlines.

If you fancy a couple of days on the French Riviera, or maybe a weekend in Dubrovnik, then airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offer a massive range of destinations.

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air recently added Yerevan in Armenia (above) to its destinations from Luton Airport. That's an exotic getaway.

Wizz Air is adding a 15th aircraft to its Luton base, alongside launching six new direct routes to popular and emerging destinations across Europe.

The newly announced services will also connect London Luton with Alicante in Spain, Lyon in France, Corfu in Greece, Faro in Portugal and Turin in Italy.

The new Yerevan route opens up a non-stop connection between the UK and the South Caucasus, making Armenia more accessible for tourists, business travellers and those visiting friends and family. A trip to Mount Ararat sounds enticing. 

The expansion follows Wizz Air’s acquisition of valuable take-off and landing slots previously held by TUI Airways at Luton, where it uses Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The new routes form part of Hungarian-owned Wizz Air’s fleet expansion. The Budapest-based airline now flies to over 200 destinations. 

Vilnius aiming to entice a new breed of tourist

With some of the world’s major tourism drawcards suffering from overcrowding and sky-high prices, many travellers are looking for small, chic destinations as an alternative to the likes of Venice, Barcelona, and London.

That means Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, matches all the travel trends for 2026.

The European Travel Commission reported recently that tourists in Europe are prioritising lower stress travel to off-the-beaten-track locations.

At a time when surveys show 55% of travellers seeking niche destinations and 93% wanting to make more sustainable choices, Vilnius is aiming to lift its visitation numbers.

it is a less-crowded European city with strong sustainability credentials, and a compact walkable centre that offers easy access to nature.

"Overcrowding, noise, pollution, and heat are making many destinations in Europe less enjoyable for tourists,” Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, head of communication at Go Vilnius.

“Vilnius offers an off-the-beaten-track alternative with fewer crowds but plenty of authenticity.

“It also represents a genuinely sustainable travel option for tourists, whether that means reaching the city by the rapidly expanding network of sustainable rail connections, making the most of its walkability and cyclability, or getting out to the forests and lakes that surround the city.”

For lovers of rail travel, Vilnius boasts improving train connections to Poland, with an affordable daily service from Warsaw. Once in the city, travelling sustainably is easy. Vilnius has over 140km of cycle paths, and public transport use in the first half of 2025 was up by 10%.

Vilnius' compact UNESCO-listed Old Town is also ideal for exploring on foot and the city boasts four Michelin-starred restaurants.

* Vilnius has around 1.2 million annual visitors as compared to the over 20 million for major European cities like Paris and London. It is accessible by direct flight from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and other major cities across Europe, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the region. It has convenient transport links to Riga, Tallinn, and to Poland.

See Go Vilnius, the website of the official tourism and business development agency.

France keeps getting more expensive

A growing number of major French cultural institutions are adopting differentiated pricing based on visitors’ residency status, making it more expensive for those who live outside Europe.

The Palace of Versailles this week confirmed it will introduce higher admission prices for visitors from outside the European Union beginning in 2026, news hub Travel Mole reported.

From mid-January 2026, non-EU and non-European Economic Area (EEA) visitors will pay more to access the world-renowned former royal residence west of Paris, one of France’s most visited cultural landmarks.

The move follows a similar decision by the Louvre Museum and reflects a broader strategy encouraged by the French government to secure additional funding for the upkeep and modernization of the country’s most heavily visited heritage sites.

Officials familiar with the plan reported the higher tariffs will apply mainly during peak periods, when international tourism is at its strongest.

Tickets for non-EU visitors could rise to around €35 during high season. That is 5 euros more than the standard rate currently paid by European visitors.

EU and EEA residents will continue to benefit from existing pricing structures.

The French Ministry of Culture has said that the policy is designed to make major cultural institutions more financially sustainable at a time when operating costs, security requirements, and restoration expenses are rising sharply.

Versailles faces ongoing preservation challenges linked to ageing buildings, climate impacts, and the sheer volume of foot traffic through its historic halls and gardens.

According to data from 2024, around 8.4 million visitors visited the palace in 2024 (with 83% of visitors foreigners).

The decision, however, has sparked debate. Critics, including some unions and cultural commentators, have accused authorities of introducing a form of cultural discrimination.

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.