Couples tie the knot during a festival on an Amsterdam ring road
AMSTERDAM — Securing a coveted slot to exchange wedding rings on Amsterdam's usually traffic-choked ring road seemed like a good omen for Zuzanna Lisowska and Yuri Iozzelli's future life together.
'It just seemed like super fun idea,' Lisowska said. 'And, you know, statistics were on our side. There were 400 couples who wanted to do it, so we feel really lucky to have been chosen.'
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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Major warning over $50,000 act during popular Aussie travel period: 'Risky'
Australian travellers are being urged to rethink getting personal loans to pay for their winter travel plans. Nipping over to Europe or the US to escape the cold is a well-trodden path that thousands take every year. But some aren't spending months to save for the holiday and are instead taking out loans to ensure they can live life to the fullest. Tax expert Kiki told Yahoo Finance this can have huge ramifications down the line if you want to buy a home. "It's a bit risky taking out a loan, especially in this environment where the banks are quite strict with borrowing capacity, and taking out a personal loan of $50,000 will definitely impact your borrowing capacity," she said. Outrage as young Aussie spends $50,000 'house deposit' on Europe trip Centrelink age pension changes coming into effect from July 1 $1,000 ATO school fees tax deduction that Aussies don't realise they can claim "If they're going on a holiday just to have a break and take some pictures, and it's not for a family reunion or anything of that sort, then I think it's a bit silly." Fifty grand might sound like a ridiculous amount to spend on a jaunt to Europe, but this number was cited by some on social media. Brooklyn posted a TikTok asking how people managed to afford to go away every single it just sneaky savings hacks? Racking up credit card debt? Staying in the cheapest, nastiest hostel and eating bread every day? Everyone had their personal trick, but one person said, "I know a lot of girls take out $50,000 personal loans just to go." Another added: "I know of people who took out $50,000 to go on trips, absolutely astounding." The answer absolutely floored Brooklyn, especially considering she had budgeted just $16,000 for two people to spend 10 weeks in Europe. "Is this genuinely something people are doing? Like, I save diligently, I don't really drink, I don't really go out and do any of those things, and I can't afford to go on these massive holidays every year," she said. Data from Finder revealed Aussies have slowly been taking out more in personal loans for their holidays and travel plans. In January 2020, Aussies were approved for $35 million worth of personal loans for getaways alone. While that's a lot, it's nothing compared to the $1.1 billion taken out for car loans in the same month. Personal loans for travel obviously took a massive dip during the pandemic, but ever since July 2021, the total amount taken out has been steadily increasing. The latest data showed $59 million was approved just in July, 2024. Kiki said people are too often trying to 'keep up with the Joneses' and con themselves into these huge holidays just because others are jet-setting at the same time. Finder actually discovered more than 2.14 million people would go into debt to pay for their holidays. A further 5 per cent of Aussies, more than one million people, said they felt pressured to organise travel plans they couldn't afford. Personal finance expert Sarah Megginson told Yahoo Finance you need to be very careful going down this route as it can be a slippery slope. "A growing number of Aussies are drowning in debt to be able to travel," she said. 'While it's tempting to splurge on a holiday, taking out credit to do so can cause long-term financial consequences and keep you stuck paying off debt for months or even years." When Brooklyn uploaded her video, some Aussies weren't too fazed by the $50,000 admission. "I'm happy for them. As long as they pay it back who cares? Life is for living," wrote one person. "When it's that or waiting 5 years to save — take the loan! See the world! Life is too short," added another. But Kiki said this laissez-faire attitude towards loans isn't the best outlook. "People just don't realise the impact it has on them when they come back from the holiday, which is the concerning part," she told Yahoo Finance. "If you want to go on a holiday, then save for it, and then you won't have to stress about the aftermath of coming back and having to deal with this loan that is probably anywhere between two to five years of repayments." Having debt hanging over your head for that length of time can take a huge toll on your finances and mental health. Kiki said you can keep costs down by booking flights well in advance, checking the same accomodation on multiple sites for the lowest price, finding free walking tours, or going just before or after peak season. Also putting any savings into a high interest account can boost your money as much as possible. That was another point many raised on TikTok. They're both credit and yet it's personal loans that seem to be demonised, some said. However, Kiki explained that if you're putting all your travel expenses on a credit card, you're at least getting the frequent flyer points. You could rack up enough points that flights for your next holiday are a fraction of if you bought them outright. You can also get certain travel insurance when booking with a credit card, and some cards have interest-free periods if you pay off your debt in full each month, which is not usually available with personal loans. Credit cards and personal loans can carry incredibly high interest repayment rates, with some north of 20 per cent, however, there are some in the 5-10 per cent range, depending on a few factors. But Kiki said optics can play a role if you want to get a mortgage a few years after that big Europe holiday. "The bank might ask why was this loan taken out, and if the answer is, 'For a holiday', then they might perceive that behaviour as not someone that is financially stable," she said. The same can and will happen if you have loads of credit card debt. But the difference is you will have a credit card debt at the end of your holiday based on exactly what you've spent, compared to potentially overestimating how much you'll need for the in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
Forbes
8 hours ago
- Forbes
How To See The Best Of Bergen On A Norway Cruise
This iconic view of Bergen is easy to get thanks to the funicular railway Fløibanen, easy to do independently for cruise ship visitors. David Nikel Bergen remains Norway's top cruise destination, even as other ports like Ålesund and Tromsø grow in popularity. In 2024, the city welcomed 328 cruise ships and nearly 600,000 passengers. With even higher numbers expected in 2025, Bergen continues to cement its reputation as the leading gateway to Norway for cruise travelers. Why so popular? Bergen is ideally placed for Norwegian fjords cruises but also as a pit-stop on longer itineraries to the Arctic. It's also the starting point for the Norwegian coastal express, which offers daily departures on the cruise ferries of Hurtigruten or Havila. Surrounded by seven mountains and steeped in maritime history, Norway's second-largest city offers intriguing architecture and cultural heritage, but with easy access to the best of Norwegian nature. The waterfront area of Bergen can get busy on a warm summer day. David Nikel Even better? The compact cruise terminal places you just minutes from the heart of the action. Where Cruise Ships Dock In Bergen Most cruise ships dock at Skolten or Bontelabo, two piers located just a short walk from Bergen's historic city center. These are working port areas, so passengers may be required to follow a designated pedestrian route when disembarking. Signs and port staff help ensure everything runs smoothly. On occasions when exceptionally large cruise liners visit, they may berth at Jekteviksterminalen, a dedicated terminal a bit farther out. In those cases, shuttle buses or coordinated transfers typically bring passengers into the city center. If you're planning to explore Bergen independently, it's worth checking your docking location at Bergen Port Authority in advance. Just keep in mind that berth assignments can change at short notice. Things To Do In Bergen Near The Cruise Port Wherever your ship docks, many of Bergen's main attractions are easily accessible, whether by foot or a quick shuttle ride. A postcard-perfect row of colourful wooden buildings, Bryggen is one of the most iconic and accessible sights from the cruise port. Once the heart of the Hanseatic League's trading empire in Norway, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now home to artisan workshops, independent galleries, and cosy cafes. The colorful facades of Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage site at the heart of Bergen, Norway. David Nikel Step into the narrow alleyways behind the facades to soak up the medieval atmosphere and discover a quieter side away from the busy main street. Just five minutes from Bryggen lies the lower station of Fløibanen, a funicular railway that whisks you up Mount Fløyen in under 10 minutes. From the top, you'll enjoy outstanding views of the city and surrounding mountains. Other than exploring easy walking trails or grabbing a coffee with a view, seek out the playful troll statues nestled in the forest (Trollskogen) for a dose of Norwegian culture and a memorable adventure in nature. Bergen's central area is wonderfully walkable from the piers. Take in the 13th‑century Rosenkrantz Tower, admire the grand facades around Torgallmenningen, and browse independent boutiques along Strandgaten. Between Bryggen and the main square, the Fish Market (Fisketorget) offers seafood stands and other local delicacies in a lively atmosphere. It's busier with tourists these days but remains a fun stop for quick bites like salmon, shrimp, or a taste of reindeer sausage. Worthy Cruise Excursions In Bergen Bergen is one of those rare ports where you definitely don't need an organized tour to enjoy your day. But if you're keen to see more than the city center, or dig deeper into Norwegian culture and nature, there are some excellent cruise excursions worth considering. Edvard Grieg's Home at Troldhaugen: One of Norway's most celebrated composers, Edvard Grieg spent much of his life in a lakeside villa just outside Bergen. Today, Troldhaugen is a museum dedicated to his life and work, featuring his preserved home and beautiful gardens. Cruise excursions typically include a short recital of Grieg's music, which adds a special dimension to the visit. It's a relatively short trip and often bundled up with a city tour, making it ideal for a half-day outing. Hardangerfjord in the summer. getty Hardangerfjord Day Trip: If you're craving a taste of Norway's dramatic natural beauty, a day trip to the Hardangerfjord could be the highlight of your cruise, especially if your itinerary is light on fjord sailings or you've visited Bergen before. Famous for its photogenic waterfalls and blossoming fruit orchards, the Hardanger region is a favorite among Norwegians for its richness in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Excursions vary, with some traveling exclusively by coach, while others include a scenic fjord cruise as part of the journey. Bergen Travel Tips Bergen's weather is famously unpredictable, and frequent light rain is all part of Bergen's charm. Even during summer, it's wise to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes, and layerable clothing like wool sweaters and scarves to stay comfortable, especially if you're heading into the hills or on a fjord excursion. Spring and early summer in Bergen is festival season. For example, Bergen International Festival runs late May to early June and is a major cultural highlight, filling the city with music, theatre, dance and many thousands of visitors. If your cruise stop coincides with a major event, expect busy streets, full restaurants, and limited availability of taxis. Consider booking entry and seats in advance, particularly for concerts featuring Edvard Grieg's music. Even rides on the funicular may have longer queues thanks to increased foot traffic. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes Why European Cruise Itineraries Don't Always Tell The Full Story By David Nikel Forbes Avoid These 10 Rookie Mistakes On Your First Cruise By David Nikel
Travel Weekly
9 hours ago
- Travel Weekly
Riverside is bringing new playfulness to river cruising
ABOARD THE RIVERSIDE DEBUSSY -- Looking around this ship, what struck me most was how much fun people were having. The guests. The crew. The CEO. It felt more like a reunion than people meeting for the first time. My traveling partner noticed it, too, commenting that it seemed like everyone genuinely enjoyed being together. During an eight-day Rhine river cruise last month from Amsterdam to Basel, Riverside Luxury Cruises CEO Jennifer Halboth credited that fun to what she calls the crew's creative and understated approach to delivering luxury service. It was something I noticed throughout the sailing: running jokes shared between guests and crew; a singer's infectious attitude that practically forced us out of our seats and onto the dance floor; and when a bartender let my friend and me hop behind the bar for an impromptu lesson on how to make the perfect whiskey sour. Halboth said she wants the staff's personalities and creativity to be on display during Riverside sailings. The line also aims to "deliver the best, but obviously in a really kind of understated, not stuffy, authentic way," Halboth said. "We've got this standard we want to deliver, but I find when the ship is doing its best is when every crew member gets to be their authentic self when they are meeting the authentic selves of our guests," she said. "You don't want to feel like you're talking to the same person every time. They have their own story, and their story starts to pull out your story." Riverside's Debussy sailing the Rhine. Photo Credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises What that translates to is a crew that brings a spark of fun and playfulness to the Riverside experience. One crew member left such an impression on a guest that they coordinated for a surprise piece of cake to be delivered during a wine tasting to celebrate the crew member's birthday. Executive chef Simeon Petkov said that under Riverside's management, he has more freedom to tap into his artistic nature in the kitchen. He formerly worked for Crystal Cruises, which owned the Debussy and Riverside's other river cruise vessels, and where he said operations were more corporate. "If you have imagination, and if you're striving to do something, you can really do it," he said. "You can really experiment." That approach lends itself to curating a brand that strives "to be unique in every facet: how we work with the trade, how we cater to guests, onboard," Halboth said. For example, she said, the line aims to connect with travel advisors in personalized ways, like orchestrating a Christmas-in-July event to highlight the brand's holiday market cruises. The line's northeast director -- a sommelier -- hosts wine tastings to demonstrate the line's commitment to cuisine. And despite competing against players that have operated river cruises for decades and with fleets 10 times the size of Riverside's, Halboth said the brand works hard to promote itself to travel advisors, such as by attending trade shows like ASTA River Cruise Expo and offering advisors deals to experience the product. Halboth said that in terms of its hospitality and culinary, Riverside's "front of the house … has really delivered." She is confident about the onboard product and said the brand is focusing on improving the "back-of-house" operations, like its booking engine. Riverside Debussy passengers, including CEO Jennifer Halboth, hit the dance floor. Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman The 110-passenger Debussy, which was about half full, is beautiful, open and bright, with modern décor that feels like being in a luxe, landlocked hotel instead of floating down a castle-lined river. Riverside will add two ships to its fleet in 2027 and 2028, the Bach and Mahler, respectively, which are currently chartered by Uniworld. Those vessels will bring Riverside's fleet to five. When asked if more ships are in the plans, Halboth said the line will observe how the 2026 season goes, but she anticipates the brand will be "firing on all cylinders."
