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Jan Nowatschin

Ethan loves to travel and explore new cultures. He is also the COO of TBL.

Japan: Beyond Sushi and Into the Heart of Culinary Artistry Japan: Beyond Sushi and Into the Heart of Culinary Artistry (image credits: pixabay) Japan’s status as a food-first destination in 2025 is impossible to ignore. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported more than 30 million visitors in 2024, with a significant portion coming for the …

Read More about Top 10 Countries for True Food-First Travel in 2025

Iceland: The World’s Tranquil Retreat Iceland: The World’s Tranquil Retreat (image credits: unsplash) Iceland has held the top spot on the Global Peace Index for over a decade, earning a GPI score of 1.1 in 2023 and maintaining it into 2024 and 2025. This small island nation is practically a synonym for serenity, with violent …

Read More about Top 10 Most Peaceful Countries — and 5 Struggling with Stability

Venice, Italy: The Overcrowded Gem Venice, Italy: The Overcrowded Gem (image credits: wikimedia) Venice has become a global symbol of overtourism, drawing in around 25 million tourists annually, according to the most recent statistics from 2024. The city’s fragile lagoon ecosystem is suffering, with rising tides and pollution linked directly to the relentless stream of …

Read More about Top 10 Destinations That Could Soon Shun Visitors

Have you ever dreamed of standing alone on a quiet beach in Bali or wandering the empty alleys of Venice at sunrise? That dream is slipping away for many travelers. In 2025, some of the world’s most breathtaking places are fighting back against the flood of visitors. Imagine traveling halfway across the globe, only to …

Read More about Top 10 Destinations That May Soon Reject Tourists

Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland remains at the top of the World Happiness Report for 2025, with a remarkable score of 7.8 out of 10. The Finnish approach to life includes a deep focus on social equality and community, which researchers say is a major contributor …

Read More about Top 7 Happiest Countries (And 3 That Are Not)

Costa Rica: A Leader in Eco-Tourism Costa Rica: A Leader in Eco-Tourism (image credits: wikimedia) Costa Rica has long been recognized as a pioneer in sustainable tourism, with over 25% of its land designated as protected national parks and reserves. In 2025, the country aims to achieve carbon neutrality, making it an attractive destination for …

Read More about Top 10 Destinations Embracing Sustainable Tourism in 2025

Russia Russia (image credits: unsplash) Russia, once famed for its grand palaces and vibrant cities, has seen a sharp downturn in foreign tourists. In 2023, the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism reported a staggering 40% drop in international arrivals compared to pre-war levels. The ongoing conflict with Ukraine has led to widespread travel advisories from …

Read More about Top 7 Nations Where Tourists Are Now Less Welcome

Overcrowding: The Secret’s Out, and It Shows Overcrowding: The Secret’s Out, and It Shows (image credits: unsplash) Playa del Carmen’s days as a tranquil beach escape are long gone. The town saw tourist numbers spike to nearly 7 million visits in 2023—a jaw-dropping leap from 5 million in 2019. This influx has turned once-peaceful beaches …

Read More about Why I’ve Given Up on Playa del Carmen—And You Could as Well

Global Attitudes Shift: Visa-Free Travel Under Threat Global Attitudes Shift: Visa-Free Travel Under Threat (image credits: pixabay) It’s a shocking turn for millions of travelers: countries once known for open borders are now raising walls, both visible and invisible. The idea of packing your bag and hopping on a plane to dozens of destinations—without paperwork—has …

Read More about Visa-Free No More? Countries Tightening Entry Rules This Year

The Rise of TikTok and Its Influence on Travel The Rise of TikTok and Its Influence on Travel (image credits: pixabay) Imagine scrolling through TikTok and stumbling upon a dazzling waterfall hidden in a corner of the world you’ve never heard of—suddenly, you want to go there. That’s the real power of TikTok today. With …

Read More about TikTok Made It Famous – But Is It Actually Worth the Trip?