Travel

I was in an African restaurant in Berlin recently, and the topic of discussion was travel — not just to our countries of origin. As German passport holders, we are fortunate to have access to 189 countries and territories around the world without needing a visa. In effect, the world is at our feet. The same applies to those who …

The just concluded ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, underscored the resilience and innovation driving the global tourism industry amid ongoing challenges. From 4 to 6 March, the event welcomed 100,000 attendees, 87% of whom were international participants and featured 5,800 exhibitors from 170 countries. This year’s showcase reaffirmed ITB Berlin’s status as the premier meeting point …

The UK has announced the introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Union nationals. Similar to the US ESTA program, the new system will require EU travellers to obtain a digital travel permit before entering the UK, starting from 2 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme: The application process is generally quick …

In a groundbreaking move for Nigeria’s aviation industry, Air Peace, the country’s leading airline and West Africa’s largest carrier, is set to make its debut at the prestigious ITB Berlin, the world’s largest international travel trade show. This marks the first time a Nigerian airline will participate as an exhibitor at the globally renowned event, which attracts over 10,000 exhibitors …

Nigeria is set to introduce an automated system for processing short-stay visas, aiming to streamline approvals, boost tourism and attract business travellers. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo recently announced that the new system would eliminate long wait times upon arrival at Nigerian airports. Under the new policy, travelers can apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals expected within 24 to 48 …

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing significant challenges with baggage handling, leading to growing frustration among passengers due to long waiting times and lost luggage. A recent survey by Allianz Direct found that 11.85% of travellers at BER experience baggage issues, ranking the airport among the top four in Germany for such incidents. On average, passengers wait approximately 2.73 days …

ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, will once again bring together the global tourism industry from 4-6 March 2025. The 2025 event, taking place under the motto “The world of travel lives here”, is expected to attract more than 10,000 exhibitors from 190 countries. This year, African countries are expected to make a significant impact, showcasing the continent’s …

‘Detty December’ has become synonymous with Lagos’s vibrant end-of-year celebrations, attracting Nigerians from the diaspora and international visitors eager to partake in the city’s dynamic festivities. The term, a playful adaptation of “dirty,” signifies the uninhibited revelry that characterizes the holiday season in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. Detty December has become an annual homecoming that fosters reunions with family and …

Ghana has officially announced a groundbreaking visa-free policy for all African nationals, underscoring its commitment to fostering Pan-African unity and economic integration. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the initiative on 18 December 2024. The move positions Ghana among a select group of African nations — Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry …

Travel experts have scored London areas out of 100 based on their suitability for tourists Camden is revealed as the best destination, achieving the highest score in the study Westminster places second, while Hammersmith and Fulham is third on the list   Experts recommend that those traveling to London consider these destinations for their stay New research has discovered which …

An online expert warns of a surge in holiday accommodation scams, noting a 28% rise in bookings and highlighting August as the peak month for bookings Common scams include fake listings, phishing attempts, fake reviews, payment fraud, and bait-and-switch tactics To protect yourself, verify accommodations by checking reviews and ratings while being cautious of overly positive or negative feedback, with …

A new study has revealed the European cities with the cleanest Airbnb’s accomodation, with Split, Croatia taking the top spot.  Holiday rental experts at GuestReady analysed Airbnb data to find the average cleanliness rating for rental properties in 50 popular European cities. They considered the 100 most reviewed properties in each city to determine which cities have the cleanest accommodations …

The first ITA Airways flight from Rome Fiumicino arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana, on 6 June, marking the launch of weekly non-stop flights from Rome to Accra, Ghana. The new development increases travel options to the West African country. To celebrate the launch of the new intercontinental route, the airline’s first destination in sub-Saharan Africa, a ribbon-cutting …

Planning holidays in Europe, many travellers look for destinations with a good offer of water sports and activities, especially to entertain the youngest. And that’s why waterparks are a popular choice but selecting the best one for the whole family can be challenging. New research by the travel insurance experts at PayingTooMuch has analysed 30 of the top waterparks in Europe, to …

A new study by global luggage storage provider Stasher reveals the cheapest and most expensive European cities for a weekend getaway. The study analysed data from Hotels.com, Kayak.co.uk, and Numbeo.com to find out how much it would cost to make all the expenses needed for two people for a short trip in every European city with an airport, from flights and hotel …

Most often, media reports on immigrant communities in Europe focus on problems of residency status, accommodation, integration, poverty and crime. And the “newness” of it all. Little Lagos, however, is an established community with an impressive track record of achievement among its inhabitants. Nigerian school children in London perform well in academic exams and the British Nigerians boast a wide selection of business, sport, education and artistic successes, including Shirley Bassey, Sade and Ben Okri.

Nigeria’s biggest airline has launched regular scheduled non-stop flights to London from Lagos. Air Peace’s inaugural flight on 31 March was greeted by Nigerians like an epochal event as the airline offers much lower fares compared to international carriers plying the same route. The London trip comes a month after the Nigerian flag carrier said it would commence direct flight …

Bulgaria and Romania have become Schengen members. From 31 March, the Schengen rules will apply in both EU member states including on issuing Schengen visas while controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted. Commenting on the epochal event, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “I welcome the lifting of internal air …

Travelling should be an opportunity to learn. This is why a new tour operator has developed a unique concept for people interested in travelling to Africa. Farafina Travels, an offshoot of the think tank Farafina Institute, would like travellers to really get to know the continent through its peoples, its cultures, its history, its landscape, its animals etc. The concept …

The national airline of Italy, ITA Airways, will launch weekly non-stop flights from Rome to Accra, Ghana, on 6 June. The new development increases travel options to the West African country. “This strategic expansion to include the Rome-Accra route underscores the airline’s commitment to providing enhanced connectivity and fostering international travel within the sub-region,” ITA Airways said. From Germany, the …