2024 is right around the corner, and while we’re all pumped to see what the new year brings in the world of travel, who doesn't love a good reminisce during the festive season? It’s been quite the year after all.
Alongside all the places launching digital nomad visas, and those slapping a tonne of restrictions on tourist activity (honestly, why were tourists so unhinged this summer?), we’ve had more destinations added to Unesco’s realm of protection, details on what’s set to be Europe’s highest disco, and what felt like an endless amount of new trains.
But what were the year’s biggest news stories? As we approach the end of December, here is our roundup of Time Out’s most-read travel news of 2023.
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1. The safest countries in the world in 2023
Seeing the world solo is fast becoming the most popular way to travel, so it’s no surprise that prospective solo holidaygoers were keen to brush up on the world’s safest destinations. And what could be more reliable than the latest stats and info from the Global Peace Index? Our piece covered the latest annual ranking by the GPI on the safest places to travel and live.
Find out more and read the full article here.
2. Hong Kong’s free plane ticket giveaway
Free plane tickets to a dazzling Asian city? Who wouldn’t want to read more about that? Hardly a shocker that this news piece about those half a million free flights was of interest to so many readers, which handily covered how to sign up from wherever you are in the world.
Find out more and read the full article here.
3. European airport strikes
Travel has pretty much bounced back to pre-pandemic levels – but not without hindrance, that’s for sure. While airport strikes aren’t exclusive to 2023, they were a pretty major feature throughout the year. From French air traffic control walkouts to all the airline staff staging boycotts at certain airports, our nifty little roundup was constantly updated to keep everyone informed.
Find out more and read the full article here.
4. The Czech Republic changing its name
Countries renaming themselves is nothing new – whether it be to shed colonial connotations, or just to make life a little easier – but clearly this alteration came as quite a shock. Now informally known as ‘Czechia’, the Czech Republic will remain this country’s name in only very formal contexts, much like how Russia is the Russian Federation, and France is the French Republic.
Find out more and read the full article here.
5. The brand-new sleeper train to Berlin
In 2023, Europe really upped its railway game. And as more and more travellers opt for slower journeys to save the planet (and their pockets), our coverage of the continent’s newest high-speed and sleeper services got a lot of interest. News about this European Sleeper service was particularly popular – no wonder, as it links a cracking roster of major European cities.
Find out more and read the full article here.
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