The Burning Ghats: Where Life and Death Collide Every Hour The Burning Ghats: Where Life and Death Collide Every Hour (image credits: wikimedia) Varanasi’s cremation ghats, especially Manikarnika, remain among the world’s busiest sites for Hindu funeral rites. According to data released in January 2025 by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, an average of 240 cremations …
Jan Nowatschin
The Power of Packing Cubes The Power of Packing Cubes (image credits: unsplash) Packing cubes have completely transformed the way frequent travelers organize their suitcases. In a 2024 Travel + Leisure survey, 78% of travelers said packing cubes helped them find items faster and kept their bags neater while on the move. These lightweight organizers …
Thailand Thailand (image credits: unsplash) Thailand has long been a magnet for travelers, drawing millions to its famous beaches and vibrant cities each year. In 2025, the country welcomed over 40 million tourists, a number that alarmed environmentalists and government officials alike. The consequences of such heavy tourism have become increasingly visible, with national parks …
Finland: The Land of Lasting Smiles Finland: The Land of Lasting Smiles (image credits: pixabay) Finland has become almost legendary for its happiness, holding the top spot in the World Happiness Report for several years running, with a glowing score of 7.8 out of 10 in 2023. Many Finns credit their happiness to a combination …
Vatican City: The World’s Tiniest Sovereign State Vatican City: The World’s Tiniest Sovereign State (image credits: unsplash) Tucked within the city of Rome, Vatican City is so tiny that you could walk around its entire border in less than an hour. Covering only 44 hectares, it is the spiritual heart for more than a billion …
Strong Social Support Systems Strong Social Support Systems (image credits: pixabay) Austria’s social support systems are a foundation for its citizens’ well-being, offering a safety net that few countries can match. In the latest World Happiness Report 2025, an impressive 92% of Austrians reported having someone to rely on in times of need, showing how …
Looking for ways to explore the world without emptying your retirement fund? You’re in the perfect position to discover that getting older comes with some incredible travel perks. On average, older adults will spend $6,659 on vacations this year, and nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans ages 50-plus plan on traveling in 2024. 52 percent of …
Canadian travelers are facing an unprecedented shift in global tourism in 2025. With Canadian sentiment cooling amid U.S. political rhetoric and policy friction, there are early signs that Canadians are beginning to look further afield, while 42% of Canadian travelers now rank safety and security as a leading determinant in making decisions in selecting overseas …
New Zealand: Where Oceans Meet Mountains New Zealand: Where Oceans Meet Mountains (image credits: pixabay) New Zealand is a land where dramatic coastlines and lofty peaks are never far apart. On the North Island, surfers flock to Raglan, a world-famous left-hand break that attracts wave riders year-round. Just a few hours’ drive south, volcanic peaks …
Overview of Tariff Restrictions Overview of Tariff Restrictions (image credits: wikimedia) A wave of new tariff restrictions has shaken the travel industry, catching many by surprise with their sudden reach and impact. Governments around the world have chosen to increase tariffs on goods and services closely tied to tourism, such as airline fuel, hotel supplies, …