We haven’t travelled to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg since 2018 and 2019, but in January 2025 we returned to get a taste of the Alstom Coradia Stream HC which the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) runs under the name Série 2400. The Coradia Stream HC was a candidate to become NMBS…
Tag: Romania
ILGA-EUROPE | New era of coordinated attacks on foundations of Fundamental Rights, as EU bins Equal Treatment Directive
A major report published today, 18 February 2025, identifies how LGBTQIA+ people are being weaponized to erode the foundations of freedom and democracy across Europe. The report describes the changes in 2024.
European Commission commits to single-ticket train travel, Back-on-Track unconvinced it will happen
In her working plan accompanying her application speech in front of the EU Parliament Commission, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen from Germany did not really raise high ambitions about progress in transport of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in general or improvements of the European railway network in particular, but one promise…
Turkey welcomed 62 million international tourists who together spent $61 billion in 2024
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;…
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.
REVIEW | On board the NS ICNG-B on the Brussels – Antwerp – Rotterdam – Schiphol Airport – Amsterdam – Lelystad route
Benelux, Amsterdammer or Brusselaar. The intercity train service linking Brussels in Belgium to Amsterdam in the Netherlands has many names and has a long history. From December 2024, there will be two Benelux trains per hour. The ‘IC Snel‘ (‘IC Rapid‘) and the ‘IC Traag‘ (‘IC Slow‘). Those names are said to be temporary. The…
Mr Gay Europe 2026 contest to cruise with VACAYA at summer’s end
In 2026, the Mr Gay Europe contest will take place on a gay cruise, specifically a VACAYA cruise. “The finals will take place on board an all-LGBT+ cruise spanning nine days in late summer 2026 alongside the world’s leading LGBT+ vacation company, VACAYA”, the press release says.
Which flags get to fly at Antwerp City Hall?
Today is the National Holiday of Belgium. On 21 July 1831, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha took the constitutional oath to become King of the Belgians. But I want to look at something else.
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.