In recent travel news, a growing number of Americans are opting to leave the United States behind and embark on new lives in Europe. Additionally, we’ll delve into the details of Europe’s new visa waiver program. As the Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of the summer travel season, it might be wise to start planning your next summer vacation. Here’s why.
American Starting Fresh in Europe
The upheaval of the past few years has prompted many individuals, including some American families, to reassess their priorities and consider starting anew.
For example, the Dawkins family from Texas, comprising 59-year-old Nadine, 61-year-old Kim, and their adult children, decided to purchase a home in the charming Italian town of Latronico after becoming disenchanted with the American political climate and being inspired by CNN Travel stories about homes available for just one euro.
Similarly, the Tibb family from North Carolina chose the Italian region of Umbria for their fresh start. They bought an apartment sight unseen and successfully opened a thriving restaurant, specializing in Umbrian and Tuscan cuisine.
Lastly, Alan Andrew from Pennsylvania and his Belgian husband, Vincent Proost, undertook the adventure of restoring a neglected farmhouse in the Alentejo region of Portugal, which had been abandoned for half a century. They embarked on this journey to build their dream home.
Embracing Youthful Adventures
In everyone’s American life, there comes a moment when we take our last vacation, whether we recognize it at the time or not. That’s why it’s crucial to make the most of our health and youth while we still have them.
Terry Ward, a mother from Florida, took her son out of school for the first week of first grade to embark on a trip to Canada, where they spotted polar bears and beluga whales. She has no regrets about her decision.
Why American Families Are Choosing Europe Over the USCNN also interviewed some American Gen Z workers who experienced burnout from their jobs and the pressures of growing up during a pandemic. Consequently, they decided to quit their jobs and set off on a journey of travel and self-discovery.
If you are still in your teens or 20s, there are numerous discounts, experiences, and adventures tailored for those under 30. We’ve compiled a list of the best options, ranging from discounted airfares to working vacation visas.
For those planning backpacking trips, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide affiliated with CNN, have assembled the ultimate hostel packing list, as recommended by budget travel experts.
Price-gouging has long been a concern for travelers, and 2023 has witnessed some alarming instances of overcharging in Italy, such as a two-euro fee for slicing a sandwich for tourists and a bill of 60 euros for two coffees and two bottles of water.
Starting next year, visiting Europe will no longer be free. The newly introduced ETIAS visa waiver program will grant entry to EU countries for a fee starting at $7.70. We provide you with all the essential information about this program and Europe’s city taxes.
In Asia, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan plans to cut its $200 daily fee for tourists in half, aiming to attract more visitors following the lifting of Covid restrictions. Bhutan has traditionally been cautious about mass tourism’s impact, but its economy now requires this boost.
Culinary Adventures in Asia
In the Oriental Pearl restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, pho is meticulously slow-cooked for up to 48 hours and served with luxurious ingredients like gold leaf, wagyu beef, and foie gras. Although it comes with a hefty price tag of $170 per bowl, patrons hail it as a spectacular dish.
In Tokyo, the Take-Noko cafe serves insect cuisine, featuring dishes like cricket curry and silkworm sashimi, which are rich in protein. However, these exotic offerings may not suit everyone’s tastes.
Lastly, one of Hong Kong’s renowned local specialties is “silk stocking” milk tea. A video showcases the unique preparation process that goes into making this beloved beverage.