Latest news with #vacationplanning
Condé Nast Traveler
7 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
How to Beat the Heat When Traveling in Europe This Summer
Millions of tourists heading to Europe this summer, particularly around the Mediterranean, are trying to figure out how they will handle their vacations in the middle of massive heatwaves. Tourist hotspots like Spain and France are facing record-high temperatures of 114.8°F. The crowded nature of these destinations during summer months doesn't help either, with everyone crowding popular venues in cities like Barcelona and Paris. And with temperatures getting increasingly higher each summer, the heat is becoming something we have to find a way to deal with as each year wears on. How then to not let the heat wilt your summer travel? It all comes down to planning. Firstly, it's important to order activities throughout the day based on when peak temperatures will occur. Make sure to plan all outdoor activities earlier in the morning when it's coolest. As soon as the temperature starts to ramp up—typically between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.—there are still a whole lot of activities that will help you keep your cool without missing out on the sights. Here is our list of things to do while staying cool in the hottest European cities travelers are heading to this summer. A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. Cooler than outside and usually free to access, libraries are, of course, quiet. Getty Images Get lost in a library Europe's cities are home to some of the most beautiful libraries in the world, where you'll find vast, maze-like spaces with marble walls and high ceilings to gaze up at. Cooler than outside and usually free to access, libraries are, of course, quiet. Browsing books in solitude can be a great moment away from both the heat and crowds bustling around outside. In Venice, large arches and pillars guard the grand Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana where you can peruse ancient Italian, Greek, and Asian manuscripts. The largest monastery library in the world is in Austria; the Stiftsbibliothek Admont is a gilded, high-Baroque style building making for a palatial tour as peak temperatures persist outside.
The Independent
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Stark research warning to overprotective parents
in Ohio A University of Michigan poll suggests a link between rising teen anxiety/ depression and overprotective parenting. The poll, conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, surveyed over 1,000 parents of teens aged 13-18. Findings show less than 50 per cent of parents would allow their teen to stay alone in a hotel room while they get breakfast, and only 20 per cent are comfortable with unsupervised amusement park or museum visits. Experts suggest that decreased independence among teens may contribute to emotional struggles. Experts recommend teaching teens real-world skills and involving them in vacation planning to establish comfortable boundaries. Experts warn this worrying parenting mistake may cause teens to be anxious and depressed
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Family travel made easy: Why airport buses beat taxis for group trips
For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. Traveling with children transforms every journey into a logistical puzzle. While taxis might seem like the most straightforward option at first glance, airport buses offer hidden advantages that make them the superior choice for families. Forget about cramming into multiple vehicles or playing luggage Tetris—coaches provide space, savings, and sanity when you need it most. Keeping the Whole Family Together One of the biggest challenges of family travel is staying organized. The thought of splitting up across several taxis—with parents in one car, kids in another, and grandparents in a third—creates unnecessary stress before you even reach the airport. With an airport bus service like Bright Bus Airport Express, everyone travels together in a single vehicle. Parents can keep an eye on restless toddlers, siblings remain within talking distance, and no one gets accidentally left behind at the hotel. This togetherness is especially valuable when managing multiple age groups, from infants to teenagers. Fixed Fares That Won't Shock Your Wallet Nothing ruins the start of a vacation faster than watching the taxi meter climb while stuck in traffic with impatient kids. Airport buses eliminate this financial uncertainty with transparent, upfront pricing that doesn't fluctuate based on demand or delays. Unlike rideshares that surge during peak times, bus fares remain consistent—whether you're traveling at dawn or during rush hour. For larger families, the savings can be substantial, often covering the cost of an extra activity or meal at your destination. Generous Space for People and Belongings Family travel means extra baggage—car seats, strollers, diaper bags, and enough snacks to survive a minor apocalypse. While taxis force painful compromises (Do we really need the stroller? Can the car seat fit?), coaches handle gear with ease thanks to dedicated luggage compartments. There's room for everyone's essentials without the arguments about what absolutely must come along. Plus, many airport buses offer overhead storage for smaller items, keeping the cabin clutter-free. Freedom to Move Without Restrictions Young travelers weren't designed to sit perfectly still for extended periods. Buses provide precious extra legroom and the ability to occasionally stand and stretch—small luxuries that make a world of difference on longer journeys. Some routes even include planned rest stops, allowing everyone to reset with a quick bathroom break or leg stretch before the airport chaos begins. Simplified Car Seat Logistics Navigating car seat requirements ranks high on the list of parental travel headaches. Most airport buses operate under different regulations than private vehicles, often permitting children to ride without bulky safety seats. This single advantage can mean packing several fewer items and avoiding the endless struggle of installing and uninstalling car seats in multiple taxis. Built-In Distractions for Restless Travelers Modern airport buses often come equipped with amenities that taxis can't match—panoramic windows perfect for sightseeing, available Wi-Fi to stream entertainment, and sometimes even tables for coloring books or games. These features help the miles pass more peacefully for all involved. Arriving Composed Rather Than Harried The true value of choosing an airport bus reveals itself upon arrival. Instead of frayed nerves from navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with multiple drop-offs, families step out refreshed and ready to tackle check-in. The journey becomes part of the adventure rather than an ordeal to endure. For families determined to start vacations on the right foot, airport buses deliver what taxis simply cannot—space to breathe, room to grow, and precious moments of calm before the airport excitement begins. The next time you plan a family trip, consider how much smoother the experience could be when you're not counting taxi meters or worrying about separated loved ones. Photo by Alex Kalinin on Unsplash
Telegraph
07-06-2025
- Telegraph
Marriage Diaries: My husband is the summer holiday Grinch
My husband is the summer holiday Grinch. As the weather improves, talk has turned to summer holidays; plans for when the schools break up and whether people are opting for somewhere far-flung or closer to home. There's chat among friends, neighbours and colleagues of French campsites and villas in Portugal. Of handy flight times and off-the-beaten-track restaurants and cafés. Not in my house, however. My husband makes a face or groans if I even attempt to discuss summer plans. He has zero interest in what anyone else might be doing, and I have never heard him say, 'Ooh, I'd love to go there.' Clearly, for him, the prospect of a summer break is torture. I honestly think my husband would be happy staying at home all summer, but I don't think that's fair on our children – or on me. Holidays can be eye-wateringly expensive, but it isn't a lack of funds making him behave like this. He'll happily shell out on golf club membership or a fancy accessory for his road bike, so I won't for one minute be accepting a line about 'cutting back' when it comes to a summer holiday. Plenty of my friends have suggested I just book something and present my husband with a fait accompli. While this is a tempting solution and would mean that, for once, I could organise the holiday I wanted, I'm not sure I can face the inevitable weeks of complaint or tutting my booking decisions will inevitably produce. Instead, I'm resigned to the fact that when we eventually do arrange a trip, I will be a travel-agent-cum-PA and do all the research, admin and packing single-handedly. It's easier to take all this on myself than deal with the groaning if I ask my husband to take a hand in the logistics and do something as alien as find his swimwear or pack a suitcase. Though he would never admit it, I think my husband does benefit from a change of scenery, albeit he'll be keen to board the return flight and get back to his home comforts. Like plenty of people, he takes a few days to chill out, but does get markedly more relaxed once we arrive and the warmer weather kicks in. However, I'm braced for moaning about food, accommodation, weather and travel delays – none of which are in my control. It sometimes jars a bit when friends are posting their glorious holiday-making all over social media and going on about 'making memories' or having long idyllic days of family bonding. Our teenage kids have had their fill of grumpy dad on tour, and soon scarper to jump on jet skis or hurtle down water slides. Yes, it would be lovely to unwind together with my husband, sipping a gin and tonic in the sun, but I know from experience, it'll be hard work. And for anyone who says to me, 'He'll enjoy it when he gets there' – I admire your optimism. My husband will never be heard saying he's had a great time. I have persevered over the years and tried to tailor our holidays so he'll love every moment, but I'm past that now. These days, I'm more inclined to ensure the children are catered for with things to do. I'll find us a resort that isn't filled with young families and toddlers but that has some other teens possibly to mingle with. I'll be packing a stack of paperbacks and my headphones so I can unplug and relax. It's taken years of holidays to realise I can't shift my husband's mindset. For him, a holiday – no matter where – is seemingly an endurance test. If only he would realise that having him as travel companion is exactly that.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Forbes
These Are The Cities Where You Have To Pay The Highest Tourist Taxes
Palm Tree-Lined Street Overlooking Los Angeles at Sunset As tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, more destinations worldwide are implementing, or increasing, tourist taxes to drive revenue for their local economies and reduce the negative impacts of over-tourism. But, when breaking down the costs of their holidays, many travelers might not realise how much these seemingly small tourist taxes can add up to throughout a trip. In some cases, they may even add hundreds of dollars to your vacation costs. Whether you're planning a weekend city break in Europe or a getaway to a US hotspot, it has never been more important to know exactly how much tourist tax you'll need to pay. To help travelers navigate these somewhat hidden costs, vacation rental company Holidu has created a comprehensive guide that highlights the tourist taxes in different cities worldwide. The site also has a handy calculator at the bottom that helps you work out exactly how much tourist tax you'll have to pay in your chosen city destination. Coming in as the most expensive city for tourist taxes is Los Angeles. This California dream destination sees visitors flock year-round to experience its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, but what many may not know is that the city imposes a substantial 15.5% tax on total accommodation bookings. For an average-priced vacation rental at $275 per night in the city, this translates to an additional $43 in tourist tax each day, which could add as much as $300 to a week-long holiday. If you plan to visit the City of Angels, you'll want to budget in the cost of this tax. The U.S.'s 'Big Apple' takes second place in the rankings of the most expensive tourist tax cities, with its combination of a $3.50 per person nightly fee alongside a 14.75% tax on total bookings. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., this is a great way for New York to generate revenue from the 60 million tourists that visit the city each year to support its infrastructure and services, keeping its wheels turning year-round for globe-trotting visitors. Another U.S. destination to make the top five ranking, the country's capital of Washington D.C comes in third place, as it imposes a 14.95% tax on accommodations, resulting in an average nightly tax of $41 on a typical rental priced at $275 per night. Many travellers are happy to pay the cost though, given the city's iconic landmarks and plethora of cultural attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, to name but a few. And it's this larger tourist tax fee that helps maintain these Washington world-class attractions and sights, many of which offer free admission to visitors. Some might say, therefore, that the added tourist tax is a worthwhile investment for the city's accessible attractions. The entertainment capital of the world takes fourth place in the rankings with its 13.38% accommodation tax, which adds approximately $28 to the nightly cost of an average $200 a night holiday rental. Known for its world-class casinos, exceptional shows, and extensive entertainment, Las Vegas puts its tourist taxes to good use to fund its education, tourism promotion, and infrastructure, amongst other initiatives, helping it to further attract visitors and enhance its reputation as one of the world's most thrilling destinations for a getaway. Rounding out the top five ranking is Montreal, Canada's UNESCO City of Design, known for its exceptional innovation. The city imposes a 3.5% tax on accommodations priced over $30 per night. While, compared to U.S. cities, this percentage may seem modest, it results in a notable $28.50 nightly tax on an average $95 per night accommodation, which is what proportionally makes it one of the highest tax rates in the ranking. Tourists should know that the tourist taxes in this city go towards the Tourism Partner Fund, helping to support and promote the wider province of Quebec's tourism industry, making them a worthwhile investment. While several cities around the world have long enforced a tourist tax, there are some which are only just considering rolling one out for visitors as a way to support their local economy and reduce overtourism: The capital of Scotland sees its fair share of tourists visiting for its historical significance and architectural beauty, and soon, travellers heading to Edinburgh will be expected to pay a tourist tax from 2026 onwards. This will be a 5% levy on various overnight accommodations in the city, which will be capped at five nights in a row, according to Edinburgh Council. With the levy in place, this is expected to increase to £50 million ($67 million) a year, which the city will invest in supporting, enhancing, and protecting Edinburgh's worldwide appeal as a place to visit and live. Thailand is also considering introducing a tourist tax before the end of 2025. Set to be as much as 300 baht, or $9.23, this one-off fee will be enforced for those entering the country by air, land, or sea. The tax will fund the country's tourism-related infrastructure, as well as insurance for tourists, but the full details are still being finalised. The costs are planned to be integrated into Thailand's Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) too, which launched at the beginning of May 2025.
