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Jan Nowatschin

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

Egypt: The Cradle of Civilization Egypt: The Cradle of Civilization (image credits: unsplash) Egypt stands as a mesmerizing testament to humanity’s enduring spirit, with roots that reach back more than five millennia. Its awe-inspiring monuments, from the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the enigmatic Sphinx, continue to spark wonder and curiosity in people from every …

Read More about 7 of the World’s Oldest Countries—and 3 of the Newest on the Map

Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon, Portugal (image credits: unsplash) Lisbon is stealing the spotlight in 2025 as one of Europe’s most affordable capitals, mixing old-world charm with modern energy. Visitors are discovering they can comfortably explore the city on about $70 a day, which is notably low for Western Europe. The city’s famous yellow trams are both …

Read More about Top 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2025

The Netherlands: Champions in Living with Water The Netherlands: Champions in Living with Water (image credits: wikimedia) In the world of flood management, the Netherlands stands tall—quite literally above water—thanks to its unmatched expertise. The Dutch have been battling floods for centuries, and their cities now boast some of the world’s most sophisticated defenses. As …

Read More about 7 Countries Managing City Floods Well & 3 Struggling to Keep Up

Germany: The Energy Giant’s Reliance Germany: The Energy Giant’s Reliance (image credits: pixabay) Germany stands out as a heavyweight in the European energy market, yet its reliance on Russian natural gas remains surprisingly high. Even in 2024, about 30% of the country’s gas supply is delivered through Russian pipelines. This dependency lingers despite government promises …

Read More about 5 Countries Still Dependent on Russian Energy & 3 Seeking Other Paths

Germany: The Largest Consumer of Russian Gas Germany: The Largest Consumer of Russian Gas (image credits: wikimedia) Germany has long stood at the center of Europe’s energy debate, with Russian gas fueling much of its economy and industry. In 2023, about 40% of Germany’s gas imports were sourced from Russia, a figure that made headlines …

Read More about 5 Nations Relying on Russian Energy & 3 Diversifying Their Sources

Bhutan: Preserving Culture Over Tourism Bhutan: Preserving Culture Over Tourism (image credits: wikimedia) Bhutan stands out for its strict tourism policy, which is rooted in the belief that happiness and cultural integrity outweigh mass tourism profits. The government has enforced a “High Value, Low Impact” approach for years, charging high daily fees and limiting visitor …

Read More about 10 Countries That Might Soon Ban Tourists

Strong Social Welfare System Strong Social Welfare System (image credits: unsplash) Austria’s social welfare system quietly underpins much of its population’s well-being. The country spends a remarkable 27% of its GDP on welfare programs, as reported by the OECD, ensuring that every citizen has access to reliable healthcare, education, and social security. This extensive safety …

Read More about 8 Quiet Reasons Austria Keeps Rising on the Happiness Scale

Italy: The Timeless Classic Italy: The Timeless Classic (image credits: pixabay) Italy remains a magnet for travelers, with more than 60 million people visiting each year. The country’s allure comes from its breathtaking mix of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and mouthwatering food. In Rome, you can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain or marvel …

Read More about 7 Nations Tourists Adore (And 3 That Are Tough to Access)

Japan: Where the Earth Never Sleeps Japan: Where the Earth Never Sleeps (image credits: wikimedia) Japan is often called the land of earthquakes, and for good reason. This island nation sits right on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity. Every year, Japan experiences thousands of tremors—some so small you barely feel …

Read More about 5 Countries Known for Frequent Quakes, 3 That Stay Relatively Still

Japan: Where Cleanliness is a Way of Life Japan: Where Cleanliness is a Way of Life (image credits: rawpixel) If you’ve ever visited Japan, you’ve probably noticed how shockingly spotless everything is—from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of Kyoto. Cleanliness is woven into the culture, with even schoolchildren pitching in to …

Read More about 7 Countries Celebrated for Cleanliness—and 3 With Cleanliness Challenges