The three shocking reasons so many people are falling off cruise ships - and what to do if it happens to you, revealed by the Mail's holiday guru
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The Independent
8 minutes ago
- The Independent
Venice considers increasing cost of local gondola rides to deter tourists
Authorities in Venice are considering increasing the price of 'secret' cheap gondola rides – usually used by locals – after social media influencers shared tips about the budget-friendly boats. Queues have been getting longer at four crossings at the Grand Canal, Venice 's main waterway, after influencers posted about the large gondolas or traghetti (ferries). The ferries cost around €2 (£1.70) for tourists, and even less for residents, which is a far cry from the €80 (£68) gondola ride that most visitors will pay on average. Locals have complained that they are now suffering as a consequence. 'The ferries have become the latest trend for tourists who want to spend little and get in a gondola,' Andrea Morucchio, a local artist, said in a statement to the Times. 'Thanks to influencers and bloggers it has become one of the most popular things in Venice and as a result Venetians are suffering.' While travel guides have long recommended boarding traghetti to get around the city, the rise of social media has increased their popularity. Influencers have recommended the boat ride to solo travellers who may not be able to afford an individual gondola, plus mooted it as an easy way to snap a selfie without going over budget. Simone Venturini, Venice's councillor for tourism, told The Times that the city was considering increasing the price for tourists, then investing these funds into opening up two new ferry crossings across the Grand Canal. 'An increase would be justified since tourists are using the service as a substitute gondola ride,' he said. Tourists causing havoc on gondolas is not new. In 2024, a group of tourists fell overboard after taking photographs from the vessel. While navigating a low bridge near St. Mark's Square, the gondolier's alleged request for the passengers to remain seated were ignored, causing the incident to occur. The city has a complicated relationship with tourism. Last year, Venice became the first city in the world to charge admission for day trippers. A €5 (£4.30) to €10 (£8.60) levy was trialled between April and July this year. Tourists who make reservations less than four days in advance are charged the higher rate. Day trippers visiting during peak hours – 8.30am to 4pm – have to pay the daily fee, while overnight tourists with hotel reservations are exempt from the charge. However, businessmen in the city have proposed an even larger entry fee at €100 (£86) after they said Venice is in a 'state of calamity'. Setrak Tokatzian, president of St Mark's Square residents' association, called for the charge in order to stem the 'rivers of people' arriving in Venice. 'There's a complete explosion of overtourism like never before, with a type of people wandering around without entering shops or even knowing where they are.'
Daily Mail
9 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
A (bath)room with a view: Inside the Lana Dorchester Collection hotel which offers an understated elegance and breath-taking vistas for those in search of the 'anti-bling' Dubai
Dubai has long been synonymous with a flashy opulence that attracts a 'nouveau riche' crowd who want to holiday in the latest 'it' hotel and be seen dining in the newest restaurant. But for those who would rather shy away from that scene, The Lana Dorchester Collection offers different kind of luxury - sleek, refined, and purposefully restrained. In a city famed for pushing the boundaries of architectural spectacle and gilded extravagance, The Lana is something a little different. The 5-star hotel's 30-storey silhouette rises above the vibrant Business Bay district. Its clean lines and shimmering facade present a sharp contrast to the city's more ostentatious landmarks. Its rooftop infinity pool is a calm oasis with 180 degree views of Downtown Dubai, and flanked with white cushioned sunbeds. There are many signs of a good hotel: one is that your feet don't burn on its tiling in the afternoon sun. The Lana manages that with aplomb. Just don't ask me how! Just beside it is the popular High Society bar which attracts a crowd of couples and business travellers. From its vantage point overlooking Marasi Marina, the rooftop offers uninterrupted vistas of speedboats skimming the water and the Burj Khalifa looming in the distance. It's the perfect spot from which to sip on a cool cocktail, brought to you by the hotel's very cool staff Inside the hotel lies an expanse of cool creamy marble, walnut trimmings and elegant neutral furnishings topped off with huge floral displays, a theme that continues into the bedrooms. We stayed in a junior suite which came furnished with a vast bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, small lounge area and a private balcony. But the standout feature - which the hotel staff described as 'the influencer's favourite' - was the deep soak free-standing bathtub positioned directly in front of the window and with an uninterrupted view of the glittering marina. . Slipping into its bubbly warmth was heaven. I can't think of a better way to relax after an evening desert safari (highly recommended!). The hotel is also rightfully proud of its culinary credentials. Michelin-starred Martín Berasategui brings an inventive Basque tasting menu and we sampled an extensive array of it. For those seeking an oasis of calm amid Dubai's ceaseless energy, The Lana offers a rare combination: modern luxury with memories you will cherish - like a bath framed by the glittering skyline - that linger in memory long after checkout.
The Independent
38 minutes ago
- The Independent
Big changes for UK travellers going to Europe in 2025
There are several big changes ahead for UK travellers going to Europe in 2025. From October, UK citizens travelling to and from Europe will encounter changes at the borders, The Independent's travel correspondent Simon Calder explains. The European Union is launching its much-delayed entry-exit system (EES). By April 2026 the process should be complete, transforming the border experience at all crossing points in and out of the Schengen area (comprising the EU except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland). Simon explains how travellers will go through the formalities at airports, land borders and ports in the Schengen area on both arrival and departure.
