On Wednesday 5 November 2025, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive plan to accelerate the development of high-speed rail across the European Union, offering passengers significantly reduced travel times. By boosting fast, comfortable, safe, and reliable rail services, the plan supports the EU’s twin goals of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness.
Tag: Helsinki
EuroGames 2028 / 2029 / 2030 coupled to Antwerp Pride
The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025 in Antwerp. This year’s theme is “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit”. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2025 edition, the organising committee focuses on belonging. Belonging…
Seventeen EU countries condemn Hungary’s pride and protest ban as human rights groups launch legal challenge
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage across Europe, the Budapest police have formally banned an LGBTQIA+ march scheduled for 1 June 2025, citing its resemblance to Budapest Pride. This is the first known use of Hungary’s newly enacted ‘Anti-Pride’ law, and it has triggered an intense backlash from human rights organisations, 17 European…
There’s more than one way to enjoy a cruise
July 2024. Steve and I are cruising on the Norwegian Getaway, a Breakaway class ship by Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL. Interestingly, our stay on board happened shortly after the Getaway paid a visit to the dry dock for some refurbishments. The route? Piraeus, which is the port of Athens in Greece; followed by Mykonos;…
Antwerp number 1 of 40 most exciting cities to visit in 2024
For the British newspaper of record The Sunday Times, Antwerp in Belgium is the number one exciting city to visit in 2024.
Europeans visit other European countries over 7 nights on average
In the COVID-19 pandemic stricken year of 2021, tourism trips made by residents of the European Union to another EU Member State had an average duration longer than one week – 7.9 nights – ranging from 4.3 nights for trips to Czechia and Luxembourg to 11.3 nights for trips to Romania.
European Union and 15 Member States challenge Hungary’s gay propaganda ban in court
The European Commission, the European Parliament and fifteen member states of the European Union are taking Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for its 2021 ban on communication about LGBTQIA+ topics.
REVIEW | Finnair A350 Business Class Helsinki to Bangkok
Nico traveled to Thailand in July 2022. He kindly shares his experience on board and in the lounge.
REVIEW | Finnair Non-Schengen Business Class Lounge Helsinki
Nico traveled to Thailand in July 2022. He kindly shares his experience on board and in the lounge.
REVIEW | Finnair Airbus A320 Business Class Brussels to Helsinki
Nico traveled to Thailand in July 2022. He kindly shares his experience on board and in the lounge.
