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Mike Starling

Travel News

Oasis and Glasto effect: A record year for UK music tourism in 2025

New data from UK Music has revealed that sell-out concerts, tours and festivals in the UK in 2025 attracted a record 24.7 million music tourists while spending hit a new high of £11.2 billion (€13.1 billion).

Travel News

Greece, Italy and Malta lead the way as European tourism grows in 2026

Amid turbulence across the tourism sector, international visitor numbers to Europe increased by 5% year-to-date, according to European Travel Commission data, with Greece, Italy and Malta recording the largest increases in arrivals.

Travel News

Have your say and nominate the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched a global campaign to identify the 7 Contemporary Wonders of the World – inviting people to nominate modern landmarks built since 1801.

Residences

A new literary‑inspired hotel has opened in northern Iceland

Located in the heart of Akureyri, Iceland’s ‘Capital of the North’, the new Skáld Akureyri, Curio Collection hotel features rooms and apartments inspired by Icelandic storytelling and Nordic design.

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Travel News

ETIAS: Will Europe’s new €20 travel authorisation system be delayed?

According to a report in the Financial Times, the EU is set to delay the launch of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until 2027.

Moments

This ultra-exclusive solar eclipse trip can be yours… for €200,000

Meliá Hotels International’s travel package to the Balearic Islands for August’s total solar eclipse is so exclusive that it's only available for one booking at each of its two hotels. The package includes flights on a private jet, a stay in a presidential suite, and a viewing experience at sea.

Moments

Why ‘alpine summer’ is one of this year's coolest travel trends

According to Google Trends data, UK search interest for ‘alpine summer’ is up 82% year-on-year – with travellers seeking out mountain holidays for their coolcations in Europe.

Travel News

No passport needed: Use your face for a ‘fast pass’ in Qatar’s airport

Hamad International Airport and Qatar Airways have launched a new biometric service that uses facial recognition for passengers to have a paperless departure in Doha.

Residences

The Dean Munich marks Irish hotel brand’s second opening in Germany

Located in Munich’s vibrant Westend neighbourhood, the design-led boutique hotel has 281 rooms, three bars, and a Japanese restaurant.

Travel News

Europe’s best islands, ranked by weather, food and greenery

In a new study of Europe’s best island escapes for 2026, Spain and Croatia dominate the overall top 10 ranking.

Sport

One of England’s ‘greatest results’ as they win a World Cup classic

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were on target as Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions dug deep to beat Mexico and set up a quarterfinal tie against Norway.

Destinations

Sunsets, fika and swimming in Stockholm and its stunning archipelago

If you’re looking for the coolest of coolcations, then a visit to Sweden’s capital city should be on your travel bucket list. In this guide to Stockholm, Mike Starling goes chasing sunsets, gets a taste of fika, and goes wild swimming on a charming island in the archipelago.

Sport

'England's superstar': Kane the hero as Three Lions beat DR Congo

Thomas Tuchel’s England are through to the World Cup round of 16 after two late goals from captain Harry Kane saw the Three Lions come back to beat DR Congo 2-1.

Travel News

Europe’s aviation sector warns EES has reached a 'critical point'

In an open letter, Europe's airports, airlines and aviation bodies have urged the European Commission to temporarily suspend the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) during peak periods, warning that border delays of up to five hours are disrupting passengers, flights and tourism.

Travel News

One of the world’s most scenic rail journeys returns for summer

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route offers journeys from Skagway in Alaska into British Columbia and Canada's Yukon Territory.

Travel News

Hot dogs in first class? Fast food classic goes gourmet on Swiss First

The ‘bastardo’ hot dog will be available in SWISS First on all flights departing Switzerland until 1 September.

Destinations

Where to go on the Italian Riviera for a luxury coastal escape

As interest in the Italian Riviera soars, travel experts reveal the most luxurious coastal towns to visit in Liguria.

Travel News

Europe's largest river cruise ship to launch on the Danube next spring

The AmaRudi, AmaWaterways’ second double-width vessel, will accommodate 196 guests across 98 staterooms and suites when it launches in April 2027.

Sport

‘Reality check’ for England: Is it time to unleash Saka and Rashford?

Head coach Thomas Tuchel urges England fans to remain positive after the Three Lions were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ghana in World Cup group L.

Residences

Europe's best hotel swimming pools: Take a dip and stay cool

Europe boasts some of the world’s most stunning hotel swimming pools. From Italy to Iceland, we take a look at the perfect spots to keep cool during the summer months.

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