Solo Travellers

The new tourist fines sweeping Europe

Published

7 hours ago

August 8, 2025

“Locals are fed up,” said responsible tourism advocate Birgitta Spee-König. “These fines are signals that communities want to reclaim space. It’s not that tourists are worse – it’s more that the tolerance has gone. And it’s important to consider that not every fine is a crackdown: some are calls for respect.”

Anti-tourism and overtourism protests have been growing in Europe for years. While small measures – including legislation recognising the impact of unrestrained short-term lets on local communities –have come into play, these new fines are taking it further. Local authorities are recognising that they need to stand up for residents and are showing themselves willing to risk upsetting tourists to do that. It’s also a signal to holidaymakers that being away from home isn’t a free pass for doing anything you want.

“Fines won’t shift culture,” said Spee-König, noting that while they can work as a short-term measure, she doubts they can change behaviour in the long term. “Without better orientation, local governance and shared expectations, little will change. Destinations are homes, not playgrounds.”

It’s too soon to say if the new fines are working. Robert Allard, who runs Go2algarve, a specialist travel firm serving the Algarve, has noticed new surveillance cameras and an increased police presence in Albufeira’s nightlife areas. “Some people have been fined,” he said, “but at the same time, people are not really aware of the new rules, even though leaflets are available in hotel lobbies and posters are visible.”

Behaviour change campaigns take time to work, and one season won’t transform visitor habits. But the message is clear: sun, sand and sea are still on offer, but only to those who agree to enjoy them sensibly, sensitively and a little soberly.

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Solo Travellers

11 Best Spas in Paris, From Dior to La Mer

Published

2 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Kasia Dietz

The only thing better than a trip to the City of Light? A visit to one of the best spas in Paris while you’re there. The capital of culture, fashion, and fine dining also stands out as a destination for wellness—no matter the type of treatment you’re looking for, you’ll find it. Home to renowned beauty experts like acupuncturist and facial rejuvenation specialist Elaine Huntzinger, facialist Jeanne Casimir, energy balancing massage therapist Agnieszka Szablonska, and Mélanie Huynh, the founder of the holistic French beauty brand Holidermie, Paris more than delivers when it comes to massages, facials, body scrubs, and overall zen.

Whether you’re after a petite pause with some pampering in between long walks along the Champs-Élysées or just want to kill a few hours at a luxe hotel spa, there are plenty of wonderful spots to choose from in this European wellness mecca. For a full mind and body reset within the most spectacular settings—using the crème de la crème of French products—these are the addresses to book. Read on for the best spas in Paris.

Read our full Paris Travel Guide here, which includes:

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Solo Travellers

Tracee Ellis Ross’ travel series renewed for second season

Published

4 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Sweenie Saint-Vil

Roku Channel

Tracee Ellis Ross will continue to bring fans along her solo travels. Her Roku Originals series, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross, has been greenlit for a second season, which promises “even more meaningful moments and scenic escapes as Ross sets off to new destinations,” according to a press release.

The news arrives after a successful first season that made history as the most-watched unscripted Roku Originals series within its first two weeks in terms of unique viewers.

“Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross is the #1 unscripted show in Roku history, and now we get to do it all again with a Season 2!” Tracee said in a statement. “Thank you to Roku for your incredible partnership and care with my show, and to the amazing team that made it all possible. But the biggest thank you goes to everyone who has watched, embraced, and shared my journeys.”

“The way the show is resonating feels truly special—all of the comments, the conversations, the connection… my cup runneth over,” she continued. “So here’s to all the solo travelers out there, the aspiring solo travelers, those who share in the joy of solo travel by watching me do it and, of course, to my fellow over-packers! There’s so much more to see and do—the world is our oyster! I can’t wait to see where I’ll be going next and to bring all of you along.”

Season 1 of Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross is now streaming on The Roku Channel.

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Solo Travellers

7 Exciting New Airline Routes Launching This Winter

Published

4 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Taryn White

As winter 2025 approaches, US airlines are rolling out a dynamic slate of new routes, including the first-ever international flights from Oklahoma, expanded Caribbean access from Atlanta, and fifth-freedom flights within Asia.

This wave of expansion points to a larger industry trend: carriers are increasingly tapping into untapped or underserved markets, making international travel more accessible. Whether travelers are hitting the ski slopes in the Western US, soaking in the Mexico sun, or setting off for adventures Down Under, these new flights open the door to more seamless, inspired escapes this winter.

The first nonstop service from the US to Adelaide

Beginning December 11, 2025, United Airlines will launch the first-ever nonstop service between the US and Adelaide, Australia. Operating from San Francisco (SFO) to Adelaide (ADL) on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the route will offer three weekly flights through March 2026.

Often called the “20 Minutes City,” Adelaide is a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly center of arts and culture in South Australia. Start your visit at the bustling Adelaide Central Market, then explore North Terrace, home to renowned institutions such as the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum. Just a short drive away, the Barossa Valley beckons with award-winning wineries and picturesque vineyards.

The state of Oklahoma gets its first nonstop international route this November, with flights to Cancun departing once a week.

pawel.gaul

American Airlines’ record-breaking Mexico schedule

On November 8, 2025, American Airlines will make history as the first carrier to launch international service from the state of Oklahoma. The new nonstop route from Oklahoma City (OKC) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) will operate once per week on a Boeing 737.

Soon after, American Airlines is also launching its first-ever nonstop service to Puerto Escondido (PXM), Mexico, starting December 3, 2025. The new route, operating twice weekly from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) on Embraer 175 aircraft, provides convenient access to one of Mexico’s emerging coastal destinations. The expansion is part of American Airlines’ record-setting growth in Mexico, where it now serves 30 destinations—more than any other US carrier.

From Atlanta to St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Beginning December 20, 2025, Delta Air Lines will launch nonstop service from Atlanta (ATL) to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD), becoming the sole US carrier to offer direct flights from Atlanta to the island nation. The seasonal service, operated daily aboard a Boeing 737-800, will run through April 12, 2026.

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