Autumn 2024. Ten years after my first trip to Seoul in 2014, I am returning to the Republic of Korea, better known as South Korea. Not solo this time, but with Oriol, who has never been to Korea. On the itinerary: flying with Qatar Airways to Incheon via Doha, capital Seoul, the historic city of…
Tag: Iceland
2025: Overtourism overdose?
On 1 January 2024 we wrote about how rising prices affect travel. Not only the price of flights, but also the price of activities. Pricing was a topic the year before, 2023. In 2024, conventional and social media dug into the issue of overtourism. Articles about locals protesting, Instagrammers posting about big crowds in Japan…
The best cities to visit as a gay solo traveller
In September 2024 Instagram pushed me a post by Travel Gay, a website listing “the best gay bars, nightclubs, saunas, spas, beaches, shops and more, along with interesting travel ideas and fabulous offers”. There I saw the undated post (date your articles and posts, people) ‘LGBTQ+ Solo Travel: the Best Cities to Visit?‘ by Adam…
EUROPEAN UNION | Pride events do raise awareness for LGBTQIA+
As more than 200 organisers of LGBTQIA+ pride events gather in Portugal for their biggest ever annual conference this weekend, new data from the European Commission shows that awareness of EuroPride is thought to be at an all time high.
Brussels Pride officially recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Brussels Pride is now part of the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region. This was announced in a press release by Ans Persoons (Vooruit), Secretary of State for Heritage of Brussels. Brussels now wants to submit the candidacy of pride as Intangible Cultural Heritage to UNESCO, together with other cities and countries.
European Union, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein introduce European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from May 2025
On 14 September 2024, the European Union launched its website for ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. The scheme will start being applied from May 2025.
United Kingdom introduces mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for US, Canada, Australia, EU citizens from 2025
The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to citizens of the European Union. Applying for the British ETA will cost you 10 pounds sterling.
RAINBOW EUROPE MAP AND INDEX 2024 | These are the LGBTQIA+ friendly and LGBTQIA+ unfriendly countries in Europe
2024 is worldwide a major election year. This is also the case in Europe. The Rainbow Map and Index by ILGA-Europe show(s) the continent – and yes that includes the United Kingdom – is not equipped against attacks from the far-right.
SPARTACUS GAY TRAVEL INDEX 2024 | Malta, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal the most gay friendly destinations; Belgium now 21st
Malta, Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal are the most gay friendly countries for LGBTQIA+ travellers to venture to this year. Belgium stagnates and due to the advancing countries, it is now 21st on the list.
ILGA-EUROPE | Alarming surge in transphobic speech across Europe sparks concern for June 2024 EU elections
Ahead of the elections throughout the European Union coming June, a new ILGA-Europe report shows a stark rise in anti-LGBTQIA+, and in particular, transphobic statements from politicians across Europe.