News

Gloucester–Severn Tunnel Disruption in July: Key Travel Info

Train services between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction will be affected between the early hours of Sunday, 27 July and Sunday, 17 August while vital engineering work is carried out on this 35-mile stretch of line. The projects are among ongoing work to make this critical railway corridor safer, more reliable and more resilient. Buses will be used while work is carried out. Those in the area and areas nearby advised to prepare for some delays and alternate routes. Please be advised that this work is being undertaken at this time in order to minimise the disruption to passengers and freight users, and to enable work crews able to complete these works in a safe manner. This official travel warning to passengers details all the latest information regarding rail services, what to expect, and where to look for the latest updates.

Read more

Paros Named World’s Best Island for 2025 – Here’s Why

In a surprise move, Paros, among the Cyclades’ most tranquil islands, has been named the “best island in the world” for 2025 by readers of Travel + Leisure. Once a peaceful getaway, this lovely island has now skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the World’s Best Islands list, a significant leap from 24th place just a year ago. What sets Paros apart from the world’s most famous islands? But its glorious golden beaches, charming whitewashed villages and history stretching back millennia are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this relatively unknown Greek treasure has to offer. Lesser known than its jet-setty neighbor Mykonos (a party magnet with high-end resorts), Paros gives visitors who want to get away from it all — but not from the bounty and splendor of the Cyclades — a chance to do just that. It’s been described as a “smaller Mykonos” for its similar allure, but with smaller crowds and a calmer tempo. One of Paros’ most charming towns endangers its appeal. Its vibrant nightlife, whitewashed buildings and quaint cafes nestled on narrow streets carry a Mediterranean flourish. While it is much less boisterous than Mykonos, Naoussa is arguably the next big spo*t for people looking for an authentic, yet slightly lively, Greek experience, stat. Whether you are relaxing with fresh seafood by the port, or getting lost in the maze like streets, Naoussa has it all – at a much more reasonable price than its sister island.

Read more

Eguisheim: France’s Fairytale Village You Need to See

Nestled in the scenic wine-proud region of Alsace, France, beyond the hills, in one of Europe’s loveliest villages, sits Eguisheim. Not as popular among tourists as some of the other big hitters of Europe, but offset by the flair, lively streets and classic medieval feel that make it a real hidden treasure. With cobbled streets, timbered houses, and a castle at its center, Eguisheim’s appeal is rooted in its unique medieval design. The village is arranged in concentric circles, with narrow lanes leading around a central château. This rare design, dating back to the 13th century, is not only historically significant but also enhances the magical atmosphere of the village. The beauty of Eguisheim is further amplified by the colorful window boxes bursting with vibrant blooms, especially during the spring and summer months, when the entire village seems to come alive with color. Maryanne Sparkes, a French Rivercruise expert at European Waterways, describes Eguisheim as “a village that feels like stepping into a different era.” This is not just a quaint village but a place that preserves its heritage with great care. The local laws protect the village’s architectural integrity, ensuring that no building can alter its façade without strict permission. This preservation effort has kept the village’s medieval charm intact and is a large part of the reason why it won the title of “France’s Favourite Village” in 2013.

Read more

Canada Strong Pass: Free Access to Parks & Historic Sites This Summer

For travelers looking for an enhanced experience with the culture and territory of Canada, the Canada Strong Pass is an exciting way to see the historical attractions and natural scenery of the country—all free of charge. This program, launched by the Government of Canada, is offering free admission to the vast majority of its symbolic national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation sites under Parks Canada management. The program, which is in force from the 20th of June to the 2nd of September 2025, inclusive, includes a 25%-reduced rate on fees due for the camp, making it the best time to delve into regional exploration. One of the highlights of this initiative is Fort George National Historic Site, located on the scenic banks of the Niagara River in Ontario. This historic stronghold, part of the Niagara National Historic Sites administered by Parks Canada, provides a perfect setting for visitors to connect with Canada’s past. For those who may have overlooked this local gem or not visited in years, now is the perfect time to rediscover its beauty and significance. The Fort George site is a meticulously reconstructed area that transports visitors back over 200 years in time. With its ramparts and historical buildings, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. A stroll through the grounds allows guests to witness what daily life was like during the early 1800s, all while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Niagara River.

Read more

M11 Closed Near Stansted After Car Fire – Expect Delays

Drivers are facing severe delays on the M11 motorway after the road was closed when a car caught fire – one of the main routes to Stansted airport. Traffic has been stopped in both directions between junctions 8 and 9 while emergency services deal with the crash. This prolonged closure is wreaking havoc on tens of thousands of drivers, especially those trying to get to one of the busiest airports in Britain. The incident unfolded early this afternoon when a vehicle caught fire between junction eight, which connects to the A120 near Bishop’s Stortford, and junction nine, which links to Saffron Walden. Authorities responded quickly, and all traffic was held in both directions to allow for a coordinated emergency response. As a result of the fire, a fuel spillage occurred, exacerbating the situation and making the closure of the southbound carriageway necessary. The M11 is a key route for travelers heading to Stansted Airport, and this closure has caused a ripple effect on both local and long-distance travel.

Read more

Greenland Gets Closer: Direct Flights to Nuuk Now Available

Greenland, the world’s largest island and one of the most remote spots on earth, has seen quite the transformation in recent years with the November 2024 opening of the Nuuk International Airport. The new airport is the historic breakthrough in Greenland’s long effort to gain wider accessibility, bringing the island within reach as an increasingly viable destination among global travelers. The opening is particularly noteworthy to the capital, Nuuk, and all of Greenland, with direct overseas flights that eliminate the logistical challenge of traveling to the Arctic island. Prior to this breakthrough, it took multiple connecting flights to reach Greenland, and the visitor was compelled to travel through Denmark, Iceland, or Canada before finally reaching Greenland’s single international airport, Kangerlussuaq, which is remotely located away from the capital city. Now, with the direct air links to the Nuuk International Airport, tourists directly fly into Nuuk, greatly reducing the cost and the time it takes to arrive in Greenland. This new airport is part of an overall scheme to develop the island’s infrastructure, with two additional airports to be operational by 2026, making it an even more convenient experience to travel within the country.

Read more