Travel
Richard Branson Talks Virgin Atlantic Bar, Higher Class, And Gatwick

Published
8 months agoon
By
Isabel Rosas
Virgin Atlantic is at the moment celebrating its fortieth anniversary. To commemorate this, The Times had an interview with founder Richard Branson, overlaying so many points from the airline (because of Creditcrunch for flagging this). I needed to cowl a number of the highlights, as a result of Branson had some shocking issues to say.
It’s essential to understand that whereas Branson is a billionaire, he’s form of a marketer and dreamer above all else. He says a whole lot of lofty-sounding issues, and is usually mild on particulars. On this submit I needed to cowl the 4 subjects from the story that I discovered to be most noteworthy. In no explicit order…
Branson thinks Virgin Atlantic will outlive him
There’s no denying that Virgin Atlantic is a much-loved airline, identified for its enjoyable tradition, and its progressive passenger expertise. Now, whereas folks get pleasure from flying with the airline, the enterprise case for the corporate is a special story. Virgin Atlantic hasn’t turned an annual revenue in almost a decade, since 2016. Sure, at the same time as different airways have been reporting document earnings prior to now couple of years, and the demand for premium lengthy haul journey has been by means of the tough.
Moreover, all of that is although Delta owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic, and a majority of Virgin Atlantic’s community is a part of the Delta, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, transatlantic three way partnership. If Virgin Atlantic isn’t making a living now, one has to surprise what the corporate is ready for? Regardless of the dearth of profitability, the airline doesn’t appear to truly do a lot to alter its technique.
Branson defends himself, saying that folks have been speaking in regards to the airline disappearing perpetually, and the way Virgin Atlantic is his favourite of all the companies he began:
“Each decade we’ve had folks speaking in regards to the Virgin Atlantic model disappearing. It would outlive myself and, hopefully, outlive my kids and grandchildren as nicely. I’ll struggle tooth and nail to maintain it going.”
And talking of kids and grandchildren, Branson has revealed his succession plan, and needs his two kids to take over the airline. His 42-year-old daughter is at the moment on the board of Virgin Group, and serves as chief objective and imaginative and prescient officer, and whereas his 39-year-old son is a casual adviser to Virgin Group.
Branson guarantees superb new Higher Class seat
In one thing that strikes me as being pure hyperbole, Branson is promising {that a} new Higher Class (Virgin Atlantic’s time period for enterprise class) product will likely be launched. He says will probably be “ridiculously good,” and “higher than BA first-class.”
There’s no extra context for this, however I positive am puzzled. Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787-9s positive might use a brand new Higher Class product, however the airline hasn’t introduced any concrete plans to replace these seats. And whereas I’m no British Airways cheerleader, when airline executives declare that their enterprise class is healthier than the primary class on different airways, it actually by no means seems to be true.
There’s solely a lot area that airways can moderately allocate to every enterprise class passenger whereas making the economics work, and this plan defies that. However I feel at this level we’d all settle for nearly any form of new 787 Higher Class seat.
Branson says changing onboard bar was a mistake
Virgin Atlantic was once identified for being one of many few airways to have an onboard bar for enterprise class passengers. This was constant all through the fleet up by means of the Boeing 787-9.
Nonetheless, with the Airbus A330-900neo and Airbus A350-1000, Virgin Atlantic has changed this idea with “The Loft,” which is actually a lounge space with a few benches.
Branson explains that this “was a dreadful mistake,” and says that Virgin Atlantic will “be bringing again the bar as quickly as we presumably can.” Now, it’s not clear what that really means, since I can’t think about the airline will really spend the cash altering present plane on this manner.
Branson wouldn’t go as far as to elucidate why the choice was made to drop the bar, although some Virgin Atlantic employees say that the funding from Delta has ruined what makes Virgin Atlantic distinctive, with some even calling the airline “Virgin Atlanta.”
Branson says Virgin Atlantic will return to Gatwick
In the beginning of the pandemic, Virgin Atlantic discontinued flights from Gatwick Airport (LGW), as an alternative focusing London-area operations on Heathrow Airport (LHR). In spite of everything, Heathrow slots are extra invaluable, and the provider shrunk firstly of the pandemic.
Branson says that the airline will announce new routes to North America quickly, “a few of which can finally be from Gatwick.” Virgin Atlantic nonetheless has slots at Gatwick Airport, that are being leased to EasyJet. However Branson feels strongly about returning to the airport, saying:
“It issues — it’s the place we began. I’ll twist arms.”
I’m undecided what precisely that can appear to be. Virgin Atlantic isn’t actually rising all that a lot — the airline is taking supply of A330-900neos, and retiring A330-300s within the course of.
Certain, the airline will see some modest development, so I suppose finally perhaps we’ll see a airplane or two primarily based at Gatwick Airport? Nonetheless, I’m undecided a scarcity of Gatwick flights is why Virgin Atlantic is dropping cash.
Backside line
Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. That’s fairly an achievement, and the airline has carried out loads to innovate the passenger expertise. Branson gave an attention-grabbing interview for the event, which leaves me scratching my head.
I’m undecided what to make of those updates, however Branson insists Virgin Atlantic will deliver again the Higher Class bar, is promising a “ridiculously good” new Higher Class that’s higher than British Airways first-class, and says that the airline will return to Gatwick. Moreover, regardless of the airline reporting annual losses for almost a decade, he insists the airline will outlive him.
What do you make of this interview with Richard Branson?
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Travel
Ryanair Charged Passenger $62 for Carrying Water Bottle; Says It Counts as ‘Second Bag’

Published
4 hours agoon
13/02/2025By
Isabel Rosas
Ryanair, in its regular vogue, defended its actions in a press release.
Fmendacity with Irish ultra-low-cost airline Ryanair usually comes with surprising prices. A passenger just lately discovered this the exhausting approach when she was charged £50 ($62) for a water bottle. Ruby Flanagan had booked a return non-priority ticket for $45 from London to Dublin. Touring gentle, she carried solely a backpack. Nonetheless, on her return flight, employees flagged her bag for inspection. The difficulty? A metallic water bottle tied to the highest deal with.
A Ryanair employees member tapped her on the shoulder on the gate and requested her to dimension her backpack. “That [the bottle] might want to go within the bag,” the employees member stated. Flanagan hadn’t been requested to do that at London Stansted, however the employees insisted that all the pieces should match contained in the bag. She complied, stuffing the bottle into her backpack, and returned to rescan her boarding move. Nonetheless, one other employees member declared her bag too giant and stated she would want to pay to board. In contrast to her departure flight, she couldn’t carry the bottle individually as a result of it counted as a “second bag.”
Flanagan famous the principles had been enforced inconsistently, as she noticed different passengers carrying laptops and takeaway meals in hand. A number of different passengers on her flight confronted comparable points, arguing unsuccessfully with employees that they’d introduced the identical baggage on their outbound flights. Because the gate formally closed, Flanagan relented and paid the cost, together with others who didn’t need to miss their flight. All acquired what she known as a “yellow sticker of disgrace.” Reflecting on the expertise, she realized it might have been cheaper to discard the bottle and purchase a brand new one.
Proceed Studying Article After Our Video
Advisable Fodor’s Video
“After touchdown, I dragged myself to my coach, stuffed in a grievance type with Ryanair in regards to the cost, and defined intimately what had occurred. In response, Ryanair opened by noting that I used to be ‘disputing a baggage payment charged for carrying a water bottle separate out of your carry-on bag’ after which rejected my declare, regurgitating the precise wording from its baggage web page on its web site,” she stated.
Flanagan, a journalist for The Mirror, additionally contacted Ryanair’s press crew, who reiterated that the bottle wanted to slot in her bag. “Nonetheless, I’ve but to learn how I can particularly add the water bottle provider to my ticket going ahead,” she added.
Ryanair, in its regular vogue, defended its actions in a press release, explaining that Flanagan had booked a Fundamental Fare, which permits solely a small private merchandise on board. “This passenger tried to board with an extra carry-on, and as it might not match inside their permitted bag, she was accurately required to pay a typical gate baggage payment (€60). As soon as cost was made, this passenger traveled on this flight from Dublin to Stansted (4 Feb).”
The Basic Fare is Ryanair’s least expensive ticket possibility, which incorporates only one private merchandise and a random seat task. Passengers who e-book this fare usually discover themselves in disputes with airline employees.
Final yr, Ryanair up to date its baggage coverage, requiring passengers to pay between €20 and €60 for a cabin bag after reserving their tickets. Nonetheless, staff frequently pull passengers aside at the gate and impose additional charges if their baggage don’t meet dimension necessities. In a single occasion, a father was charged £100 after employees deemed his two backpack straps too giant. In one other, a family paid £60 for a duffel bag that didn’t match the sizer. Even when passengers consider they’ve been handled unfairly, Ryanair sometimes sides with its employees’s judgment.
Ryanair’s blasé perspective towards its insurance policies is obvious on X (previously Twitter).
sure, Valentine’s Day is arising
no, we are going to NOT sit you and your companion collectively at no cost
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) February 5, 2025
The airline’s website lists quite a few optionally available charges, together with prices for reissuing boarding passes, airport check-ins, toddler charges, and youngster tools.
Final yr, Spain fined Ryanair €108 million for what it known as abusive practices, together with charging passengers for seating households collectively and for further baggage. Different airways, akin to EasyJet, Vueling, Norwegian, and Volotea, had been additionally fined. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary known as the fines unlawful and introduced plans to problem them.
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Since then, Ryanair and Spain have been feuding publicly. O’Leary referred to Spanish shopper rights minister Pablo Bustinduy as a “crazy communist minister” and, in a latest advert marketing campaign asserting flash gross sales, depicted him as a clown. The airline has additionally minimize routes from Spanish airports, citing “extreme airport prices,” whereas Spain’s airport operator Aena known as the transfer “blackmail.”
A message to Minister Bustinduy 🤡 – scrap unlawful bag fines in Spain‼️
From Madrid immediately, Michael O’Leary known as on @pbustinduy to withdraw his unlawful €179M bag fines in Spain, that are opposite to each EU regulation and the precedent ruling of the European Court docket of Justice within the… pic.twitter.com/mpm4Zeyijl
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) February 11, 2025
Ryanair has additionally made headlines for pursuing unruly passengers. Earlier this yr, the airline sued a passenger for inflicting a disruption and is demanding €15,000 ($15,450) in damages.
Travel
The Most Vacationer-Pleasant Nations In The World, In accordance To Vacationers

Published
8 hours agoon
13/02/2025By
Isabel Rosas
A main level of attraction for a lot of vacationers is the individuals they meet alongside the way in which. In any case, journey is made all of the extra fantastic when it’s tied collectively by human connections. Persons are nice world wide however in some international locations, levels of congeniality and friendliness are so excessive {that a} overseas vacationer might immediately find yourself feeling at dwelling.
Friendliness, after all, is a extremely subjective and contextual concept. However some surveys, akin to a preferred one in 2024 by the remittance firm Remitly, have tried to quantify the summary feeling of friendship exhibited by international locations, utilizing parameters that hinge on traits like openness, agreeability, and extraversion. “The friendliness of the individuals you work together with can generally make or break your expertise,” a spokesperson for Remitly instructed USA Today.
Past knowledge, first-hand opinions from vacationers that provide an actual view of journey realities are extremely important in understanding how welcoming a rustic is. Taiwan, or the Philippines, as an illustration, have all the time been journey favorites — regardless of being absent from many extensively accepted rankings. All issues thought of, right here are essentially the most tourist-friendly international locations on this planet.
South Africa
South Africa has always stood undisputed as a breathtaking vacation destination. And following a survey of the friendliest nations on this planet, has clinched a brand new standing as world no. 1 on this journey division as nicely. With a rating of 34.63 on a scale of 40, South Africa has emerged on the prime of Remitly’s extensively disseminated rankings. Given the welcoming nature of the African individuals, the communal heat they lengthen to everybody (even outsiders), and the cosmopolitan make-up of the cultural hotspot that’s this nation, it is easy to see why South Africa outperformed all different international locations on the map.
“It is an unforgettable nation, with beautiful magnificence and a wealthy historical past. The meals is nice and the persons are heat and type,” one Reddit consumer wrote, however not with out cautioning: “When balancing price and security, put a thumb on the size of security.” Whereas security is usually touted as a difficulty in South Africa — particularly contemplating the nation’s modest rating on world peace rankings — vacationers continuing with a prudent sense of warning (that journey anyway warrants) will get by easily on this smiling nation, the place persons are all the time up for a pleasant chat.
Portugal
Nice meals, vibrant celebrations, and breathtaking beaches are not hard to come by in Portugal — and neither are pleasant locals, who’re on the coronary heart of this European nation’s appeal. The Portuguese persons are a famously easygoing bunch, balancing out their workdays with lengthy laid-back hours of leisure over espresso or wine, and having fun with a life-style into which new mates might be assimilated effortlessly. As one Quora consumer described them: “Very welcoming, pleasant and useful. With a modesty that melts your coronary heart.”
It is simple to see why vacationers hold returning to Portugal, the place good instances by no means cease rolling. That stated, many vacationers additionally appear to share a perspective that, however their typically congenial temperament, Portuguese locals can generally be respectfully reserved and never speak in confidence to strangers immediately. “In Portugal, you normally make mates through social circles,” one Reddit consumer defined, noting that it was “uncommon and unusual to go as much as a stranger and make dialog.” This hardly undercuts Portugal’s reputation as a pleasant vacation spot, which has been validated in a number of surveys, together with one by the expat neighborhood of InterNations that positioned it at #1.
Cambodia
One nation that continues to persistently be showered with constructive phrases and favorable mentions from vacationers is Cambodia. This stunning nation, with its wealth of historic tradition and tropical scapes, has lengthy been a gentle fixture on the everyday Southeast Asian backpacking route – and for good cause. Cambodia’s temples stand tall as havens of peace, the nightlife is buzzing with vitality, and the locals are preceded by their world-famous repute for friendliness. Utilities like roadways or healthcare will not be too superior on this a part of the world, however the hospitality is ever superior.
“Khmer persons are all the time smiling and attempting to speak through jokes and over feeding you,” a Reddit consumer attested. “I had drivers attempt to give me a refund and in eating places after I tried to tip.” Regardless of its turbulent historical past and UN-listed standing as one of many least developed international locations on this planet, Cambodia seemingly is aware of the best way to go over and above to welcome its guests, and assure that they depart happy — and, most significantly, well-fed. Nonetheless, it’s typically advisable that, for the sake of their very own security, vacationers ought to train prudence whereas accepting handouts from strangers, particularly in tourist-centric areas.
Sweden
It is hardly a shocker that Sweden turned over a excessive rating in Remitly’s survey on pleasant nations, contemplating that the nation — like most of its different Nordic neighbors — persistently shines by means of as one of many happiest international locations on this planet. Sweden does objectively nicely on the UN-backed parameters of satisfaction that embrace a top quality of life, a way of security, low ranges of crime and corruption, and powerful social help — a life-style guided by the cultural spirit of moderation, regionally referred to as ‘lagom.’ The idea has lengthy been understood as one of many secrets and techniques to the Swedish recipe to contentment and pleasure.
Nevertheless, Swedish positivity will not all the time make itself obvious in standard methods, particularly to vacationers or different strangers. According to the tenets of ‘lagom,’ a Swede might not overindulge in dialog when it isn’t essential. As one Quora consumer identified: “This isn’t hostile conduct, it’s simply regular. In case you ask inquiries to a stranger, you’ll almost certainly be replied politely, however in a minimal, standoffish, generally embarrassed approach.” That stated, vacationers don’t have any cause to hesitate earlier than approaching an area or asking their assist whereas navigating Sweden, since their intrinsic politeness will override their reticence.
South Korea
The Korean society famously rests on a robust basis of household ties and human connections. So it could not be a stretch to presume {that a} traveler will be capable of discover ample alternative to forge friendships whereas touring South Korea. Particularly in cosmopolitan hubs like Seoul, the place English is extensively spoken and overseas populations are solely rising, probabilities of feeling misplaced are seemingly slim. This, coupled with a constant remark throughout journey boards in regards to the Korean individuals’s willingness to assist strangers, undoubtedly secures a spot for this stunning nation on a rating of the world’s friendliest locations — even when some surveys fail to acknowledge it.
“In case you are misplaced and wish to learn about places, Koreans are very approachable and readily useful,” one Quora consumer gushed, detailing how an area would possibly even go above and past to assist somebody asking for instructions by opening up their very own navigation apps. And it appears that evidently even Koreans who will not be as tech savvy will find yourself extending the identical courtesy. A Reddit consumer identified: “There are situations once we’re undecided what to do, it is the previous individuals who got here as much as us to supply their assist.”
Germany
If there’s one factor about Germany, it is that it caters nicely to all types of vacationers. Whether or not one is an opera connoisseur, a devoted clubber, or an out of doors adventurer, this European nation — which is without doubt one of the richest on the continent — has all it takes (after which some extra) to make sure a full itinerary. As one of many world’s most developed international locations, Germany additionally scores foreseeably excessive on being tourist-friendly, so far as ease and satisfaction of journey goes. Services throughout most elements of the nation are top-notch, the general public transportation community is clean, and well-preserved items of historical past lie on the flip of each road.
As for the universally held notion that Germans are a closed off bunch of individuals, alternate opinions abound within the journey neighborhood. As one Quora consumer defined: “What lots of people consider as German rudeness is our aversion of small speak, for us chatting about nothing is a waste of time.” The understanding is that whereas locals might not provoke enthused conversations with strangers, preferring as an alternative to go about their very own work, they’ll typically be more than pleased to take a while out of their meticulous routines to help anybody who’s looking for assist.
Philippines
There is a appeal in regards to the Philippines that’s positive to thrill any traveler venturing to this Southeast Asian paradise. The waters are legendarily crystal right here, life strikes at a tropically sluggish tempo, and the locals are readily sociable. For good cause, Filipinos have lengthy been licensed as a number of the friendliest individuals on this planet, guided by conventional philosophies which can be intrinsically woven into the tradition of the land. The Filipino idea of ‘nayánayá’ encapsulates the pressure of congeniality the island nation is thought for. “Its first which means is to entertain, to serve others – as in serving meals. Its second which means is to be a contented individual,” famend Philippine culinary historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria instructed BBC Travel.
A Quora consumer, who claimed to have lived within the Philippines for 5 years, testified: “No doubt, most Filipinos are nice. They’ve smiles, calm demeanors, and informal chit chat prepared for you.” Despite the fact that well-liked seashore locations like Boracay have confronted intervals of adversity and shutdowns linked to overtourism – which put appreciable pressure on the island’s sources — Filipinos weren’t reported to have been as disdainful of vacationers as locals in different overcrowded destinations like Barcelona had been. This tenacity can presumably be traced again to the communal spirit of bayanihan that informs the Filipino way of life of transferring onward and upward collectively.
Japan
Japan’s classification as a tourist-friendly nation hardly wants an introduction. The land of cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji is preceded by its picture as a well mannered, hardworking nation the world over; it isn’t with out cause that vacationers arrive on this East Asian wonderland with an expectation of hospitality that’s positive to be fulfilled. Vacationers throughout journey boards have attested to this high quality that’s so distinctive of the Japanese individuals. In response to a dialogue on whether or not or not the notion of Japan being a tourist-friendly vacation spot is definitely true, one Tripadvisor consumer insisted: “We discovered Japan to be one of the pleasant welcoming international locations we’ve got visited, with glorious customer support. Really going above and past in lots of instances.”
‘Omotenashi,’ the native expression capturing the essence of the trademark Japanese hospitality, is deeply rooted within the nation’s historic cultures that prized values of humility and benevolence. Quoting an area, the BBC famous how moral philosophies are handed down by means of generations in Japan, with easy proverbs like: “After somebody has accomplished one thing good for us, we must always do one thing good for the opposite individual. However after somebody has accomplished one thing dangerous to us, we should not do one thing dangerous to the opposite individual.”
Greece
Whilst its star islands like Santorini buckle below the pressures of overtourism, Greece continues to carry world sway as one of many world’s most stunning journey locations. And, as vacationers who’ve visited this Aegean paradise would possible confirm, this distinction goes past the whitewashed, blue-domed scapes that Instagram has satisfied us Greece is all about. The individuals of Greece are as beautiful (if no more) because the sceneries that abound there, with the 2024 Remitly report quantifying their friendliness with a 33.71 rating.
“I am actually shy and endure from very dangerous nervousness particularly whereas overseas however it appeared like plenty of the Greek individuals I met might inform and went out of their approach to assist me and did not ask for something in return,” a Reddit consumer, who traveled to Greece on their very own at 18, shared. Household values are foundational to Greek society and tie in with the native character of socializing and having fun with firm. Because the report factors out, the nation’s angle towards friendship stems from the Greek idea of ‘philoxenia,’ which interprets to a sense of congeniality and heat, or simply actually means buddy of a stranger.
Kenya
The abundance of pure wonders in Kenya is such that this East African vacation spot perpetually makes it to journey bucket lists 12 months after 12 months. Residence to globally famend wildlife reserves like Maasai Mara and the Nairobi Nationwide Park, Kenya is the place the world visits to identify the Huge 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. However, as vacationers who indulge themselves within the native tradition exterior of safaris will discover, human societies in Kenya are equally inviting. Based on a robust sense of neighborhood, Kenyan traditions account for the friendliness and hospitable therapy overseas vacationers sometimes expertise on this wild, fantastic paradise.
“I believe it’s in our tradition to deal with guests/company nicely, no matter their race,” a Reddit consumer defined, whereas underscoring a Swahili proverb — “Mgeni njoo mwenyeji apone,” which conveys the sentiment of pleasure related to internet hosting a visitor. The friendliness on Kenya’s charming Lemu island, specifically, appears to have left a memorable impression on many vacationers, who left rave evaluations in regards to the vacation spot on Tripadvisor. One consumer painted a colourful image, eulogizing Lemu for “being a REAL place with smells, donkeys and plenty of pleasant well mannered real individuals.”
Australia
Australia is home to some of the world’s deadliest wildlife, however in relation to human interactions, it holds a well-deserved repute as one of many friendliest international locations on the map. This distinction is hardly stunning, contemplating that the Fortunate Nation has been blessed with an abundance of sunny beaches, unbelievable surfs, and an all-around laid-back vibe that displays within the easygoing method of Aussies. It is not unusual to have locals smiling at or greeting passersby on the streets — one of many easiest demonstrations of the fabled Australian cultural spirit of mateship.
Then once more, relying on traveler’s personal context, Australian politeness can manifest in plenty of different methods. As one Reddit consumer remarked: “As a South East Asian I would not say Aussies are very pleasant or unfriendly. However they do thoughts their very own enterprise and have a tendency to not hassle you. Or stare at you. Which is kinda good.” By way of journey comfort that dictates how vacationers really feel about a spot, few locations can match as much as the effectivity in Australia, which validates its place as a extremely developed nation by means of its top quality of life, top-ranking security, well-connected transportation, superior healthcare, and useful social techniques.
Kazakhstan
An increasing number of world vacationers are discovering the fantastic thing about Kazakhstan, because the Central Asian nation witnesses a gentle rise in tourism numbers. Because the ninth largest nation on this planet — with a singular pure topography that covers every thing from mountains to deserts and plush greens, and is balanced out by its considerably developed city facilities just like the capital of Astana — Kazakhstan is a goldmine of tourism that has sufficient actions to make sure the avid traveler by no means runs out of journey. The individuals right here too, exude a pleasant heat that may immediately make any traveler really feel at dwelling. Within the enthusiastic phrases of 1 Reddit consumer: “Kazakhstan is SUPER pleasant and SUUUUUPER well mannered.”
Whereas Kazakhstan does not discover a point out in Remitly’s rating of the world’s friendliest nations, constructive opinions in regards to the congeniality of locals have been echoed in a number of different journey dialogue boards on Reddit. One user, who claimed to be a frequent customer to Kazakhstan, shared: “Kazakhs are actually respectful and are interested by the place foreigners are from and what they do.” In addition to the Kazakh individuals’s typically peaceable disposition, their friendliness towards overseas vacationers may theoretically be tacked all the way down to the collectivist society values they dwell by.
Taiwan
Taiwan’s pre-eminence as a pacesetter in tech — particularly within the semiconductor area — is unmatched within the world market. However, as individuals world wide are more and more discovering, this gem of a rustic in East Asia can be a journey vacation spot price exploring. A treasure trove of cultural experiences, Taiwan is dwelling to some beautiful pure marvels just like the well-known Solar Moon Lake, in addition to trendy metropolitans like Taipei, which holds distinction as the world’s safest city for solo travelers. To place it merely, one can all the time discover the vibe they go on the lookout for in Taiwan.
And as overseas guests who’ve been to Taiwan routinely affirm on journey platforms, the Taiwanese individuals actually know the best way to make a memorable impression and make up one of many world’s friendliest communities. A Reddit consumer recalled about Taiwan with evident fondness: “I am unable to consider anyplace else the place a random stranger within the largest metropolis, who’s approach older than me, and we will not converse one another’s language (my Chinese language was laughable on the time) is prepared to first stroll me to a 7-11 the place she is aware of the cashier speaks English, will get him to translate, then walks with me to the place I am looking for.”
Methodology
To compile this listing of essentially the most tourist-friendly international locations on this planet, we analyzed discussions in journey communities to gauge public sentiment, combing by means of boards like Tripadvisor, Reddit, and Quora, the place vacationers overtly share their experiences. A few of our alternatives would possibly shock readers and even appear unconventional — provided that they don’t seem to be popularly ranked — however we aimed to incorporate a broad vary of opinions that provide lesser-known, however nonetheless actual takes on journey. Professional opinion, as voiced on platforms just like the BBC, have additionally been included.
To increase the scope of what tourist-friendly means past native friendliness, our rating additionally takes into consideration the comfort and amenities of journey present in every nation. Our main search focus was on phrases like “welcoming,” “hospitable,” and “tourist-friendly” to establish locations that persistently obtain reward for his or her general expertise for guests. Whereas public evaluations fashioned a key a part of our analysis, we additionally examined nation rankings as they appeared in Remitly and different well-liked surveys, to mirror a well-balanced view of essentially the most welcoming international locations for vacationers worldwide.
Travel
1.3M pilgrims go by means of St. Peter’s Holy Door in Jubilee’s first month

Published
12 hours agoon
13/02/2025By
Isabel Rosas
CNA Newsroom, Feb 13, 2025 /
07:30 am
Since Pope Francis marked the start of the 2025 Jubilee yr, 1.3 million individuals have handed by means of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican, in keeping with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect for the New Evangelization part of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
Fisichella made the announcement at a Feb. 7 press convention for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces. The archbishop identified, nonetheless, that the numbers of pilgrims “should not a criterion of validity for the success of the Jubilee. What counts is what’s within the hearts of individuals.”
Holy doorways are often solely designated within the 4 papal basilicas in Rome — St. Peter’s within the Vatican, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Main and St. Paul Exterior the Partitions. However this yr, Pope Franics additionally opened one other location at Rebibbia jail in Rome.
Apart from the Holy Doorways, different components have contributed to the excessive variety of individuals visiting Rome and different elements of Italy to participate on this yr’s celebration.
“The Jubilee is among the main causes we’re seeing the elevated crowds. But in addition current surveys present that Italy typically stays among the many hottest journey locations on this planet,” Teresa Tomeo, an Italy journey knowledgeable and founding father of the web site, “T’s Italy, informed CNA.
“A survey discovered that vacationers need greater than only a Roman or Italian vacation. They’re in search of ‘transformative’ journey,” Tomeo mentioned. “What higher place than Italy given the entire unimaginable and essential non secular websites, to not point out the pure magnificence, for change or transformation to happen?”
Tomeo, a best-selling creator who has led a number of Italian excursions and visited the nation on greater than 60 events, mentioned these pilgrimages have the ability to strengthen a traveler’s religion.
“On our final pilgrimage in October of 2024, we had three of our pilgrims privately inform us that they had been so moved or ‘reworked’ by what they skilled in Italy, that they had been coming again into the Church,” she mentioned.
For the reason that Jubilee has begun with such giant crowds, locals and vacationers ought to count on the excessive quantity to proceed.
“Easter time and the summer season months are all the time the busiest occasions of yr in Italy and particularly Rome,” mentioned Tomeo. “I do not assume will probably be any completely different this yr. The canonizations of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati fall inside these time intervals and people particular occasions are anticipated to attract even bigger crowds.”
Tomeo encourages guests to totally immerse themselves of their Jubilee travels.
“Turin is the place Blessed Frassati is from and is buried and it has a lot to supply pilgrims when it comes to different saints,” she mentioned. “The church, St. John the Baptist, which homes his tomb, can be dwelling to the chapel of the Shroud of Turin. Though the Shroud is just not obtainable for viewing and veneration in the course of the Jubilee yr, the church is breathtaking and Turino is dwelling to a different well-liked saint — St. John Bosco.”
“After which in fact the medieval and unspoiled city of Assisi and the tomb of Carlo Acutis is a spot that deserves greater than only a day journey from Rome. To not point out the encompassing space of Assisi in Umbria and different close by saints similar to St. Rita of Cascia, St. Clare of the Cross in Montefalco, and St. Angela of Foligno,” Tomeo mentioned.
The Jubilee will proceed till Jan. 6. 2026 and it’s anticipated that greater than 30 million pilgrims will make the non secular journey to Rome in the course of the holy yr.
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