10 European Cities That Want Tourists Like You to Visit

It’s been a tough year for tourists heading to Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

These three popular Mediterranean destinations have been facing waves of anti-tourism sentiments. After years of unsuccessfully appealing to city authorities to change hospitality-facing regulations, angry locals turned their attention directly to tourists.

Some were beamed with water guns. Others were cornered at calm cafes.

And many were left wondering whether they’d made a huge mistake shelling out thousands to visit popular but suddenly tourist-hating European destinations.

Here’s my take as a permanent resident of Spain who has lived in Barcelona for seven years: anti-tourism sentiment in these locations has been building for a long time, and is now being compounded by a new wave of digital nomads who arrived on legal working visas. Words like gentrification have entered the chat.

There’s no quick fix to the issues brought on by a decade (or more) of mass tourism, in other words. Governing bodies need to make impactful regulatory changes to shift the sentiment towards tourists, in my opinion.

So, if you’re a little sensitive to a place’s ‘vibe’, then I highly suggest visiting another location in Europe.

For example, places that aren’t as suspicious of outsiders and don’t overcharge for everything. Cities where temperatures don’t soar into the 90s or higher. Attractions where the crowds don’t block the view and leave you prone to pickpockets. Areas where locals might even be happy to show off their hometown.

Sounds like a fairytale, right? In reality, you can find locations like these all around Europe. I’ve done a bit of heavy lifting for you based on the last seven years of traveling around the continent.

These are 10 European cities that want tourists like you to come say hello. I’ve also included a few countries, where applicable.

10 European cities that want tourists like you to visit

Cantabria, Spain
Bucharest, Romania
Tbilisi, Georgia
Copenhagen, Denmark
Graubünden or Grisons, Switzerland
Brussels, Belgium
Krakow, Poland
Bulgaria
Wales
Finland

10 European cities that want tourists (plus, 3 countries)

Cantabria, Spain

In an act of defiance, I’m recommending a Spanish destination straight off the bat. Cantabria is a Northern, coastal province known as ‘Little Switzerland’ thanks to its gorgeous mountains.

Located west of Pais Vasco or Basque Country, it also puts you in proximity to cities like Bilbao. It’s also home to the Cave of Altamira, one of Spain’s 12 National Treasures, and locals who (probably) don’t own any water guns.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Cantabria.

Bucharest, Romania

Romania is enjoying a travel boom thanks to domestic European interest in visiting. From backpackers to ravers, Bucharest has started to attract tourists who want a grittier and more authentic travel experience. (I’ve heard it likened to Berlin twenty years ago.)

Aside from authenticity, Bucharest is also known for its lovely Belle Epoque architecture, and is even home to the world’s second-largest building, the Palace of the Parliament.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Bucharest.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Similar to Bucharest (and Bulgaria, below), Tbilisi is full of life—and locals are passionate about showing off their city. Expect exciting new projects, from vinyl stores to lounges to art galleries.

In Tbilisi, you also have tons of history to enjoy, as it’s one of Europe’s oldest capitals, with a staggering 15 centuries of traditions to dig into. Also, the mountains surrounding the city are dramatic and absolutely gorgeous.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Tbilisi.

Copenhagen, Denmark

If you read my recent piece on Copenpay, you might already know that Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has a solid tourist program. You just show up, contribute a little bit to the city, and then reap a reward that’s proportionate to your service.

That should clue you in: Tourists are very welcome in Copenhagen, so long as they respect the city and keep the noise and riff-raff down. In exchange, you get to experience lovely townhouses and canals, a clean and sustainability-focused city, and iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Copenhagen.

Brussels, Belgium

Everyone skips out on Brussels because it’s known as the ‘Capital of Europe’ and, by default, dubbed a boring city. That’s because Brussels is home to major headquarters, including both the EU and NATO.

That gives parts of the city a sterile, DC-like feel—but that’s hardly the end-all. Do you like chocolate and pastries? You’ll love Brussels. What about walkable, charming neighborhoods? Once again, you’ll love Brussels.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Brussels.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow offers an unspoiled look into Poland’s long past, and especially its Medieval era. Much of the city was spared from destruction in WWII, giving you a front-row seat to places like the Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral—two places that I won’t forget visiting.

The former has a massive interior gallery that feels like something out of a dream or a fairytale storybook. I think ‘fairytale’ is a great way to describe Krakow in general. Like Wales and Catalonia, the city also has a thing for dragons.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Krakow.

Graubünden or Grisons, Switzerland

If you can foot the bill to Graubünden, Switzerland’s largest province (aka a canton), you’ll be treated to the world’s most stunning Alpine views.

And while you might be thinking about a winter visit, know that Graubünden is just as gorgeous in the summertime, offering cool temperatures and unbeatable hikes. Plus, those hefty prices drop in summer, letting you avoid hiked prices and crowds.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Graubünden.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is yet another Eastern European country that is (incredibly) open to tourists. The capital city of Sofia is a feast for the eyes, and home to enough historic sites to keep you busy for a few days.

But I want to highlight one of Europe’s coolest and least-covered landscapes: the Black Sea. Bulgarian towns like Sozopol and Nessebar are home to ancient architecture… along with lovely beaches that come alive with summer festivities.

Forget the busy beach towns in the Mediterranean—Bulgaria’s Black Sea seaside resort towns have a more magical adventure in store for you.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Bulgaria.

Wales

Looking for an escape from England? Head to Wales for rugged coastlines and mountains, and plenty of national parks. Many are home to historic castles; there’s an even ‘Iron Ring’ of well-known sites, including Harlech and Beaumaris.

Wales is also a great spot to head if you like history and folklore, as Welsh mythology usually flies under the radar compared to English and Scottish tales. Personally, I’d head straight to Anglesey…

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Wales.

Finland

Which European cities want tourists to visit the most? Helsinki has to be one of them. Why is that? I’m rounding off my list with Finland—which is famously the world’s happiest country.

Given its northern location, Finland hasn’t been overrun with tourists. Whether you want to visit Santa Claus in the Arctic Circle or simply explore Europe’s northernmost capital city, you’ve got choices. Just make sure you arrive prepared if you’ll be experiencing Finland in winter.

Here’s where to stay and what to do in Finland.

5 Types of Luggage Bags in Order of How Necessary They Are

Most travelers have a solid carry-on bag in their arsenal… but what else do you need when it comes to different types of luggage?

Can you really skate by with just a carry-on? Should you also have a reliable check-in just in case? And what about types of luggage like weekender bags, backpacks, and duffels?

You’ve got questions, I’ve got suggestions. Here’s what I’ve learned about the most popular types of luggage over almost two decades of travel. The pieces listed below are ranked in order of how likely you are to use them, and how often.

Let’s explore.

Types of luggage bags in order of how much you’ll need one

Luggage #1: Carry-on

Your carry-on is your best friend. This should be your go-to luggage for just about any adventure. Even if you’re heading out on a two-week escape, I recommend trying your best to stick to a carry-on. It’ll be easier to lug around if you have any other trips scheduled, including domestic flights and train rides.

I have a few suggestions when it comes to picking a great carry-on. First, pay attention to weight—the lighter, the better. Second, pay attention to size. Many airlines are shrinking their carry-on size limits, so the more conservative you are, the better. Check out my favorite carry-ons.

Luggage #2: Check-in

I try to avoid checking luggage unless I’m traveling a long distance and/or for more than two weeks. That being said, I usually prefer check-ins for winter trips. My partner and I will forego the carry-ons to check luggage together. It gives us the room we need to stuff in sweaters, big socks, hats, etc.

My favorite check-in piece is the Carl Friedrik Carry-On; if you can swing it, it’s well worth the added price. Its wheels and overall construction are sexy-sleek, while its casing is shockingly lightweight. If not, check out other great check-ins; as with carry-ons, look out for lighter types of luggage.

Luggage #3: Backpack

Backpacks—a type of luggage so famous that a whole genre of travelers took its name. But what about travelers who wouldn’t call themselves backpackers—should you also have a Cotopaxi or REI bag in your closet?

Personally, I don’t think backpacks have any usage beyond being hyper-portable and prepared to weather the elements. So, if you’re not an adventurer who likes to get out into the wild or a backpacker who’s always eyeing the next horizon, no need to go for a backpack.

Luggage #4: Purse, tote bag, & duffel—aka Weekenders

Below, I’ll cover weekender bags. Before the concept of a weekender bag emerged, there was the humble purse or tote bag. These are larger bags designed for multi-day use, with one exception. Unlike other types of luggage listed here, purses and tote bags aren’t always marketed towards travelers.

Here’s my point: just because a piece isn’t listed as a travel bag or luggage, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. For example, the CALPAK offers travel-ready bags like its Expandable Laptop Tote and its famous Luka Duffel. You could use either for travel or for a day out on the town.

Those two CALPAK pieces linked above both work great for weekend trips, and are often lauded as some of the best picks out there. They have a compartment for shoes, a laptop sleeve, and other features that highly mobile travelers usually look for.

Just know that not every weekender bag is going to be billed as such; some are simply dubbed duffels, while others might be listed as ‘carryalls’.

Now onto the big question—do you actually need a weekender in your closet?

I would personally get more use out of a weekender bag than a backpack because I’m no longer in my off-road adventuring era. That being said, I have an over-the-shoulder, oversized pink tote that I use as a weekender. I didn’t need to make a separate purchase to get weekender capabilities, in other words.

That being said, if you’re someone who tends to ravel for the weekend more often than not (even if it’s not to go on vacation but, say, visit family), then invest in a solid weekender. I’m a CALPAK fan, so I highly suggest looking into the pieces linked above.

Luggage #5: Duffel

Small duffels can be used as weekenders—but what about larger travel-specific duffels? Is there any reason you’d want to have a large bag with zero rolling capabilities?

I’ve personally used these types of shapeless, massive duffels for moving purposes, having spent my twenties living in a range of cities. They were perfect for stashing items of all shapes and sizes.

But there are many types of duffels out there—including rolling duffels.

If you’re packing to the brim and want to toss in items of any shape/size, a duffel is a great option. On top of rolling duffels and oversized duffels, you can also find pieces made from thin materials, which means they pack down into a small shape, just like a barely-there tote.

Here’s my verdict: there’s no need to overspend on duffels, but you might want a hardy, shapeless one on your side if you’re moving to another city or, by contrast, a duffel you can fold up and stash if you don’t need it for your whole trip.

Want a look at the sheer range available to you? Just start with Vera Bradley.

Venice Enforcing 7 ‘Forbidden Behaviors’ for Tourists That Come with Fines

In 2024, the City of Venice laid out new rules for incoming tourists, limiting group size, enacting day-trip fees, and more.

Similar to the new regulations that launched for Machu Picchu in 2025, the new rules seek to minimize the impact of high-volume tourism. In both cases, it’s designed to protect major sites.

But in the case of Venice, those new regulations are also designed to improve the daily lives of local residents. Along with protecting major landmarks, authorities in Venice are zeroing in on city culture in the hopes of improving tourist behavior.

While I’m sure this has been on the authorities’ radar for a while, this year’s highly publicized Jeff Bezos wedding (which was planned to be in the city center) was the source of city-wide protests. Locals were so thorough that the wedding was eventually moved.

And now, it looks like local authorities are cracking down on rules aimed at tourists, dubbed ‘Forbidden Behaviors’.

What are the new rules for tourists in Venice?

Technically, the rules aren’t new since they’ve been around since 2022—only the vigor with which they’ll be policed. For years now, local groups have been looking for ways to meaningfully improve tourist behavior.

For example, back in January 2024, Città di Venezia released a list of 12 norms, called ‘good rules for the responsible visitor’. The list includes suggestions on how to have a great trip while being a respectful tourist, from exploring islands across the lagoon to visiting artisan workshops to walking on the right-hand side of the street.

It’s a respectable list—but you won’t face any fines for deviating. That’s not the case with the newly enforced forbidden behaviors, which come with fines and being banned from the location.

Here’s what not to do in Venice:

Don’t eat and drink sitting on the ground, bridges, steps, walkways, etc. (Fine: €100-200)
No swimming or diving into the canals (Fine: €350)
Don’t litter or leave out trash bags in public areas (Fine: €350)
Don’t walk around in a swimsuit (or bare-chested) (Fine: €250)
Don’t feed pigeons or seagulls (Fine: €25-250)
No bicycles—even if you’re walking them by hand (Fine: €100)
No camping in public areas (Fine: €200)

12 Insanely Cheap Airbnbs in LA: 5 Nights for Less Than $500

Los Angeles: iconic, sunny, and way pricier than you might think.

Regardless of what you plan on doing during your stay in the City of Angels, price is probably top of mind.

Like other popular destinations in the US, travel expenses in Los Angeles quickly stack up. Even if you plan carefully ahead of time, flights, hotels, and transportation alone will double or even triple your original budget.

Unless, of course, you have a little Airbnb sleuth on your side. (That’s me!)

I’m billing these Airbnbs as hotcakes because I can’t imagine their nightly rates will stay under $500/week indefinitely—meaning you need to get them while they’re hot.

Ready to visit Los Angeles without going over budget? These are the best cheap Airbnbs in LA with weekly rates under $500. Yes, you’ll need to compromise on space and location, but let’s not lose sight of that ultra-shiny price point. It’s almost impossible to beat for solo travelers and couples willing to bargain.

The best cheap Airbnbs in LA

Pit Stop RV

It’s a nice RV. (Technically, it’s a camper, but a little white lie about looks will get you far in LA.) And it comes with a tiny patio with an umbrella, along with a tiny bathroom with a functional shower and toilet. Great for couples and perfect for solo travelers.

Just a heads up: this is one of two campers that are on Airbnb in this couple’s backyard, so you won’t be stranded in a weird parking lot.

Urban Oasis

Modest, updated, and with all the basics you could need, this studio is separate from the main residence, giving you a bit more privacy. There’s no kitchen, but they have a microwave and a small fridge, which should get the job done. The added perk? You’re within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Adorable Hillside Cabin

This solo cabin in City Terrace offers everything you could need for a short stay. It’s a newly renovated passion project from the property owners, meaning that, although small and very bare bones, it’s functional and has modern amenities.

Cozy Guesthouse in Historic Village

Who says you can have a quaint, charming stay for under $500/week in Los Angeles? This stand-alone cottage in Glendora’s historic district is like something out of a picture book. Its amenities aren’t sparkling and brand-new, but it’s got everything you could need—plus, character.

Entire New Studio with Private Entrance

If you want a slightly cozier and more homely feel, this new studio feels a bit more like an extended stay hotel room. It’s got a kitchenette and a separate, private bathroom. Plus, the entrance is also fully private, meaning you won’t run into anyone when coming and going.

Cozy Private Studio Near Disneyland

Like the last studio I mentioned, this cozy setup is slightly more modern. It’s got everything you could need for a comfortable stay—including a full-sized fridge (the first on this list) and a washer-dryer. That makes this perfect for families with very young kids who want to visit Disneyland—or any couple who wants to save on their room rates.

Private & Comfortable Suite

This suite gives you the keys to Pasadena (one of the best places to stay in LA County) at a fraction of the cost. It’s one of the largest of the bunch, also comes with a full-sized fridge, and has more modern features, from its floor-to-ceiling windows to its kitchen appliances.

Standalone Private Studio

Like the name suggests, this is a fully private stay—meaning you don’t need to interact with the hosts even when checking in. The kitchen is also large, with a full-sized fridge and a full-sized gas stove. The whole setup is also pretty intuitive, meaning I could see myself hanging out here for an afternoon, cooking up a meal and relaxing from the hustle.

Private and Cozy Traveler’s Den in the Hills

You get a tiny little room (with a bathroom), rightfully dubbed a ‘traveler’s den’ in the title. The major trade-off is that you get access to a lush little garden, perfect for morning coffees and catching the sunset. Plus, despite the small size of the rental, it has everything you need—including AC and a coffee-maker. Did I mention you’re in the Hills?

Unit A-Studio

Brightly lit with natural light and only 20 minutes from Downtown LA, this is one of my favorite cheap Airbnbs in LA. There’s a little breakfast and coffee bar in the DIY-but-well-suited kitchenette, a large and comfortable bed, and a massive shower. As a bonus, there’s also a workspace for anyone who might need to log some hours during their trip.

Where to Stay in Iceland Besides Reykjavik: 7 Towns

Iceland is both alluring and in reach for many Americans, especially if you’re located on the East Coast.

Whether on the hunt for stunning natural wonders, a glimpse of the Northern Lights, or just seeking out a great (Icelandic) beer, there are dozens of adventures to take on.

That being said, it’s a little confusing to navigate Iceland from its capital of Reykjavik. The majority of travelers rent a car in order to strike out on their own and see the sights.

The tougher question is figuring out where to stay in Iceland besides Reykjavik. Are there hotels outside the capital city, or should you plan on heading back each night? Or should you offload the work onto a tour guide on the island? (Also, how do you pronounce any of these words?)

I can’t answer all those questions for you; most depend on which sites you want to see and how long you have to visit. But I can point you in the right direction when it comes to figuring out where to stay in Iceland besides Reykjavik.

Where to stay in Iceland besides Reykjavik: 7 options

Akureyi
Vik
Stykkishólmur
Ísafjörður
Seydisfjordur
Hvolsvöllur
Heimaey

Where to stay in Iceland besides Reykjavik: a closer look

Akureyi

The city bus is free and some of the red traffic lights around town glow in the shape of a heart—need I say more? Akureyi gives you small-town Icelandic charm that’s known for its great weather and being a gateway to some of the island’s loveliest natural sights and activities. You can go whale watching at Eyjafjörður Fjord, for example—and you might even see a few dolphins, if you’re lucky.

Where to stay and what to do.

Vik

Dramatic landscapes converge in this quaint small town. If you’ve had Reynisfjara, a formidable black-sand beach that’s home to basalt columns, on your list of things to do, then Vik is the perfect stop-off point. Along with those awe-inspiring sea views, you can also head out on the Dyrhólaey Peninsula to get a better view of the area. You might even recognize some spots from the Game of Thrones series…

Where to stay and what to do.

Stykkishólmur

Iceland, Vesturland region, Snaefellsnes peninsula, the town of Stykkisholmur with its port (Getty)

If you’ve seen photographs of row houses painted bright colors near a picturesque harbor, that’s Stykkishólmur. Located right at the precipice of Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it’s a great spot to set up shop and get out on the water. One of the most popular activities is taking the Baldur Ferry into the Westfjords, which lets you see some of Iceland’s most dramatic islands and fjords. Once again, you might even spot a few whales, if you’re lucky.

Where to stay and what to do.

Ísafjörður

Speaking of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður is nestled right inside them. If you really want to drop off the map for rugged hiking trails, mountain backdrops, and the chance to spot some humpback, sperk, and minke whales, then head to Ísafjörður. Though a bit more rustic, you’ll be in store for a crash course on Icelandic culture.

Where to stay and what to do.

Seydisfjordur

Aside from its glorious snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping lake views, Seydisfjordur is known for being a small and artsy hub. That means one thing for travelers: you get to stay in a colorful, vibrant town that’s dedicated to doing things with a little bit of flair. I like to think of it like Cape Cod’s Provincetown.

Where to stay and what to do.

Hvolsvöllur

White church with red roof near Hvolsvollur with white clouds, gravestones and graveyard on Iceland (Getty)

Don’t want to drift too far off the Ring Road? Hvolsvöllur is a great stop. With only around 1,000 residents, it’s a tiny stop-off where you can experience the Lava Center. And the Lava Center, where you can monitor real-life lava and, if you’re lucky, see some real-life magma. Plus, it’s also the turn-off for Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, a hotspot for hikers.

Where to stay and what to do.

Heimaey Island

Housing community on Heimaey, the only inhabited of the Westman Islands, which is an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland (Getty)

Desperate to see some of Iceland’s famous Atlantic puffins? Head to Heimaey between May and August, when puffin populations are easiest to see. Aside from birding, you can also enjoy hikes around the volcanic landscape and check out museums like Eldheimar Museum.

Where to stay and what to do.

USDOT Just Unveiled a New Air Travel Complaint System

Last year, news of a newly revamped set of flight rights for Americans hit headlines.

Early on, I reported on new Fly Rights listed on the US Department of Transportation’s website. The premise was pretty straightforward: to create a single webpage where US passengers could clearly learn their rights as passengers and, more specifically, what to do in the event of canceled, missed, and bumped flights from different airlines.

Not an easy undertaking, by any stretch of the imagination—especially when you consider that airlines have historically had the right to reschedule, cancel, and re-route flights as needed.

What did last year’s Fly Rights promise from USDOT?

Under the new Fly Rights, airlines still retain many of their original rights. For example, under USDOT’s Fly Rights program, passengers wouldn’t be able to receive compensation if the airline was justified in its delays and/or cancellations due to weather, safety checks, and other extenuating circumstances.

Importantly, however, Fly Rights also laid out how to get compensation when passengers are owed. It even put the onus of responsibility for those refunds on airlines, instead of passengers—as in, the airline would automatically refund you.

At least, in theory.

Though the 2024 Fly Rights page from the USDOT promised a lot of revolutionary changes, they’ve been slow to materialize. If you take a closer look at the Airline Cancellation and Delay Dashboard, you’ll see verbiage like ‘an airline has committed to…’ which signals that those commitments are voluntary.

That being said, the USDOT has come through with a pretty major improvement. On August 13, 2025, it launched a new air travel complaint system.

Inside the new air travel complaint system, aka ACERS

The travel complaint system from USDOT is known as the Aviation Complaint, Enforcement, and Reporting System (ACERS), which is a brand-new program. It allows passengers (aka consumers) to file complaints and write comments (including compliments) on a single digital platform.

Passengers, airlines, and regulatory bodies all have access to ACERS, making it a unified system where airlines, ticket agents, passengers, and more can exchange official copies of complaints and comments. The consumer portal (that passengers like me and you would use) is run by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, aka OACP.

ACERS automatically sends complaints and comments to all entities involved, streamlining the process and preventing human error. In short, it means US passengers should have faster and more appropriate resolutions to their air travel concerns.

Is it anything like the original Fly Rights promises that were swirling in 2024? No. Is it a step in the right direction toward a more standardized air travel experience in the US? Definitely.