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August 1, 2025

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August 1, 2025

Holiday souvenirs can lead to high fines: ÖAMTC warns against prohibited souvenirs

Belinda Borg August 1, 2025 11:01

What begins as a harmless souvenir from a vacation can have serious legal consequences on the return journey. The ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile Club) strongly warns travelers not to take home everything available in their vacation destination. Conversely, there are also items that are legal in Austria but may be prohibited abroad and therefore should not be carried in your luggage. Dagmar Redel, travel expert at the ÖAMTC, advises obtaining comprehensive information about applicable import and export regulations before traveling, as otherwise you may face heavy fines. She also recommends carrying important medications in your hand luggage and carrying a doctor's certificate to avoid difficulties upon entry. Many popular vacation destinations have strict rules regarding the transport of natural materials. In Croatia, the export of protected mussel species and sea snails is illegal and can result in heavy fines. Even unprocessed truffles may only be exported with the appropriate permit. According to Italian shipping law, taking sand and shells from Italian beaches is prohibited; In Sardinia, for example, fines of up to €3.000 can be imposed. In Greece, taking archaeological finds and self-collected stones from archaeological sites without permission is prohibited. France and Spain also have laws to protect coasts and nature, prohibiting the taking of sand, shells, stones, (volcanic) rocks, and fossils. In France in particular, fines for the unauthorized taking of protected plants can reach up to €150.000. On the Canary Island of Fuerteventura, there are targeted information campaigns and strict airport controls to prevent the export of the unique "popcorn" algae fossils. The following generally applies:

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Urlaubsguru survey: Germans prefer new travel destinations and social experiences

Stephen Steiner August 1, 2025 10:08

A recent survey by the travel portal Urlaubsguru reveals a clear preference among Germans for discovering new travel destinations. As part of its summer campaign "Vacation is more than just a vacation," the portal surveyed the travel behavior of 1.375 people via its Instagram channel. The results show that 79 percent of respondents prefer exploring a new place rather than returning to a familiar "feel-good place." This indicates a strong desire for discovery and curiosity among German vacationers. Another key finding of the survey concerns the social component of vacation. A clear majority of 82 percent of respondents attach great importance to spending their vacation time with their "favorite people." Only 18 percent prioritize time for themselves. This underscores the importance of shared experiences and social interaction as essential elements of vacation planning for the majority of Germans. Opinions are divided regarding the use of digital media and social networks while on vacation. 42 percent of respondents use their free time for a conscious "digital detox," meaning a reduction in the use of mobile devices and social platforms. In contrast, 58 percent want to be more active on vacation and present themselves as so-called "part-time influencers" on social networks. This trend reflects the increasing importance of self-expression and sharing travel experiences on social media, even though a significant portion of travelers are consciously seeking a break from the digital world. The online survey was conducted on July 15, 2025. Participants could only choose one answer for each of the three questions. The results paint a picture of

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Oceania Cruises introduces exclusive wine menu with Gérard Bertrand

Amely Mizzi August 1, 2025 09:06

 Oceania Cruises is expanding its culinary offerings on board its ships with an exclusive six-course lunch menu paired with corresponding wines from southern French winemaker Gérard Bertrand. This new "Food and Wine Pairing Lunch" will initially be offered on board the new ship Oceania Allura starting July 18, 2025. It will be introduced on Oceania Vista in September, and by 2026, the exclusive menu will also be available on Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera. This special lunch experience is open to a maximum of 40 participants per session and will be served on select days of each voyage in the French specialty restaurant "Jacques." The cost to participate is USD 175 per person, plus gratuities. The menu was designed to pair select dishes with wines from the renowned winemaker's portfolio. Gérard Bertrand is known for his wines from Languedoc-Roussillon, a region in the South of France prized for its diversity of grape varieties and terroir. The wines served are organic and biodynamically produced and are intended to reflect the terroir of the South of France. The dishes presented will include Ossetra caviar on potato fritters, beef short rib with potato cake, and a golden chocolate dessert. Each course will be paired with a carefully selected wine, including the "Clos du Temple" Rosé or the "Clos d'Ora" from the Minervois La Livinière appellation. These wines represent the finest products of the House of Gérard Bertrand. With this new format, Oceania Cruises is further expanding its range of customizable culinary experiences. It complements existing, high-class offerings such as the "Moët &

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Former gateways to the world: Germany's former commercial airports

Jan Gruber August 1, 2025 08:39

The history of German aviation is rich in pioneering spirit and innovation, but also in places that have lost their original purpose. The need to close or convert airfields is not a new phenomenon. Even in the early years of aviation, sites had to be abandoned because they no longer met the demands of ever larger and faster aircraft or because they hindered urban expansion. After the Second World War, the division of Germany and the Allied military presence led to a re-evaluation of many airfields. Later, with reunification and the liberalization of air traffic, economic aspects and competition between regions came to the fore, leading to further consolidation. Today, the former sites often shape a new era as technology parks, recreational areas, or residential quarters. Berlin-Tempelhof: The Monument to the Berlin Airlift Berlin-Tempelhof Airport, opened in 1923, is inextricably linked to Berlin's history. Its architectural significance as one of the largest buildings of the pre-war period and its role as a pivotal point of the Berlin Airlift (1948/49), which supplied West Berlin with vital supplies during the Soviet blockade, have made it a symbol of freedom. For decades, Tempelhof was a central commercial airport in Berlin, but its inner-city location and relatively short runways limited its capacity for the ever-increasing air traffic. It was closed on October 30, 2008. The main reasons were its unsuitability for modern wide-body aircraft, its limited expansion options without massive encroachment into the urban area, and its high operating costs, which made Tempelhof loss-making for years.

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Costa Cruises announces new world cruise in 2026 with a focus on Asia, Oceania and South America

Stephen Steiner August 1, 2025 08:07

Costa Cruises has announced a new, 66-day World Cruise for 2026, taking travelers through 15 countries, 26 destinations, and 14 islands in Asia, Oceania, and South America. The cruise is scheduled to depart from Tokyo on October 18, 2026, and arrive in Buenos Aires on December 22, 2026. This special itinerary offers an in-depth exploration of the Far East, the Pacific Islands, and the South American coasts. The journey begins in the metropolises of the Far East. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Tokyo, discover the charms of Taipei from Keelung, and experience the vibrant energy of Hong Kong. Further south, adventures await travelers in the Philippines with its untouched nature. In Bali, guests can fully experience the spirituality and beaches of the island with an overnight stay. In Australia, highlights such as Sydney with the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive and the Taronga Zoo are on the itinerary, as are authentic animal experiences in Brisbane and Cairns, for example at Hartley's Crocodile Farm. After crossing the Pacific, stops follow on paradisiacal islands such as Nouméa, Lifou, Suva, Tonga, Rarotonga, and Tahiti, each promising a unique natural and cultural experience. A special highlight is a visit to the Pitcairn Islands, which offer a rare glimpse into one of the most remote communities in the world. The trip concludes in South America with the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. From San Antonio (Chile), guests can explore Santiago. Further stops include Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Ushuaia, the southernmost city on earth, where an overnight stay offers a more intensive

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Malta's rise as an aviation hub: A paradigm shift in aircraft registration

Amely Mizzi August 1, 2025 07:39

Malta, an island republic in the Mediterranean, is traditionally known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and tourism. However, the last decade has seen a transformation that has transformed the island into one of Europe's fastest-growing aviation centers. The number of aircraft registered in Malta and the number of airlines based there has increased exponentially. This remarkable upswing is no coincidence, but the result of a concerted strategy and a set of attractive conditions that Malta offers aviation companies. It is a development that is challenging traditional aviation nations and establishing Malta as a serious player on the world aviation map. The reasons for this development are complex and range from tax advantages and efficient bureaucracy to a favorable regulatory environment operating under the umbrella of the European Union. The Maltese Government's Incentives: A Foundation for Growth The Maltese government has recognized the immense potential the aviation industry holds for the country's economic development. As a result, targeted measures have been taken to position Malta as an attractive location for airlines and related services. One of the main incentives is the favorable tax environment. Malta offers a low corporate tax rate, which can be further reduced through a system of tax credits and refunds. This means that the effective tax burden for companies, especially international companies, can be significantly lower than in many other European countries. In addition to the tax advantages, Malta has also invested in the modernization of its aviation legislation. The Maltese Aviation Registry is known for its efficiency and transparency. The processes for

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Bentour Reisen releases most of the 2026 summer program

Belinda Borg August 1, 2025 07:05

The tour operator Bentour Reisen has opened the majority of its hotel program for summer 2026 for booking. More than 500 hotels are expected to be added to the program for Turkey alone. Other popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt are also already bookable, meaning that over 75 percent of the entire hotel portfolio is currently available through common reservation systems (CRS). A large portion of the flight quota for the 2026 summer season has also already been activated, enabling early travel planning. Deniz Ugur, CEO of Bentour Reisen, explained the early activation with the desire to offer customers and travel agencies planning security, especially in light of the increasing demand for classic sunny destinations. He emphasized that early bookers benefit not only from a wide selection of hotels but also from the tour operator's proven services. Making offers available early is a common strategy in the travel industry to secure a competitive advantage and respond to customers' desire for predictability. Among the services offered is the Bentour Reisen Quick Transfer, which is now also included for summer 31 for bookings made by October 2025, 2026. This service guarantees a maximum of one stopover between the airport and the hotel in the destinations Antalya and Hurghada, both on the outward and return journeys, for package tours with transfers. This is intended to provide travelers with a faster and more convenient transfer. The optional FlexSorglos and FlexSorglos Light tariffs offer additional flexibility. For €29 per adult paying full price, trips can be canceled once up to 14 days before departure without giving any reason. A one-time rebooking option is offered for

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Croatian Coastal License B: Extended validity and international recognition for recreational captains

Belinda Borg August 1, 2025 06:39

Croatia has undergone a comprehensive reform of its popular Coastal B license for recreational boaters, which takes effect immediately. This innovation significantly strengthens the international recognition of the certificate and expands the capabilities for skippers who wish to operate recreational boats and yachts. The new license now officially authorizes the captain to operate boats up to 18 meters in length, both in national and international waters. A crucial component of the reform is the explicit notation of the extended validity in English on the certificate, removing the previous geographical restriction to the Adriatic. Furthermore, the new Coastal License includes the authorization to operate a VHF marine radio, thereby fulfilling a long-standing demand from charter companies and eliminating a key difference from many other national boat licenses, such as the Austrian one. The reform in detail: Greater reach and clear international validity. With this adjustment of the Coastal B license, the Croatian government has responded to the growing number of international skippers who are choosing the Croatian coast as a popular destination for nautical tourism. The previous wording of the license, which often contained an explicit restriction to the "Adriatic Sea," repeatedly led to uncertainty and misunderstandings in practice, especially when skippers wanted to navigate waters outside the Adriatic with their boat or charter yacht. The key innovation is the explicit English statement on the certificate of competency: "The holder of this certificate is authorized to operate up to 12 nautical miles from the coast or islands." This wording is not only more precise but also more universally understandable and no longer implies a geographical limitation to the Adriatic.

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Fans call for Birmingham Airport to be renamed after Ozzy Osbourne

Belinda Borg August 1, 2025 06:04

Following the death of legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne, his fans are calling for Birmingham International Airport to be named after him. The frontman of the influential rock band Black Sabbath died on Tuesday, July 22, at his home in Buckinghamshire at the age of 76. His death came just two weeks after his farewell concert in his hometown, sparking an outpouring of condolences. An online petition to rename the airport "Ozzy Osbourne International" has since gained significant support. The renaming initiative was launched by Dan Hudson, a radio presenter known for a BBC documentary. Hudson hopes Birmingham will pay tribute to its most famous son in a similar way to how other cities pay tribute to their icons. Examples include Liverpool Airport, named after Beatles musician John Lennon, and Belfast Airport, named after footballer George Best. Such naming not only serves to honor airports but also strengthens regional identity and attracts tourists. Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, is considered one of the most influential musicians in heavy metal. With Black Sabbath, he made music history and became known worldwide. His solo career cemented his status as the "Prince of Darkness" and made him a global figure in rock music. His deep connection to his hometown of Birmingham was always unmistakable, and he regularly returned there to cultivate his roots. The petition reflects the desire of many fans to permanently anchor Osbourne's legacy in his hometown. Renaming the airport would be a

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The short chapter of Hello Airlines: The rise and fall of a Swiss holiday airline

Belinda Borg August 1, 2025 05:33

The Swiss airline Hello, which once entered the market as an ambitious leisure airline, wrote a short but eventful chapter in European aviation history. Founded in the spring of 2004 from the remnants of the insolvent Balair, Hello promised to provide Swiss passengers with affordable and comfortable travel to popular holiday destinations. With a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft and a focus on charter flights, Hello initially appeared to be promisingly positioned. However, despite initial successes and rapid expansion, the airline increasingly found itself confronted with fierce competition, operational challenges, and changing market dynamics. On October 21, 2012, Hello Airlines was forced to abruptly cease operations and file for bankruptcy, a failure that offers profound insights into the pitfalls of the European charter flight business. Birth from the ashes: Company history and founding idea The history of Hello Airlines is inextricably linked to the fate of the Swiss airline Balair. Balair, a traditional charter airline and subsidiary of Swissair, was caught up in the aviation crisis following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent insolvency of Swissair in 2002. When Balair ceased operations in 2004, a gap appeared in the Swiss charter market. The newly founded Hello Airlines was supposed to fill this gap. Although Balair then became Belair, which was later acquired by Air Berlin and went under with it, the fleets were different. The airline was founded in the spring of 2004 by Moritz Suter, a well-known name in Swiss aviation, who had already successfully built up Crossair. Suter's vision was to create an efficient and

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