New Zealand Introduces New Tourists-Only Fees for Natural Landmarks

If you’ve been keeping track of hiked tourist fees and prices, you’ve had a busy year.

Off the top of my head, I can list a few new charges that tourists heading to popular destinations will face.

There’s the UK’s new flat ETA fee for all tourists entering the country. Then, there’s the new fee and time slot system at Peru’s famous Machu Picchu. Last are new green initiatives like Hawaii’s green tourist tax, which will start in 2026.

Now comes New Zealand. The country’s conservation minister recently announced plans to levy fees on tourists who visit the most famous landmarks around Aotearoa.

New fees for tourists in New Zealand—and controversy for local groups

New fees for some of New Zealand’s top landmarks haven’t yet been approved by national authorities, but the proposal would charge between NZ$20-40 for major sites, around USD 12-25. That’s per site.

Currently, the scheme only applies to Te Whanganui-a-Hei or Cathedral Cove, Tongariro Crossing, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Milford Sound. However, additional sites could be added in the future.

There’s just one caveat: locals won’t be paying. These fees are exclusively for out-of-country visitors, who make up around 80% of the total number of site visitors at these locations annually.

The goal is to raise funds that can be used to transform New Zealand’s wildest corridors, literally by ‘unleashing growth’ —but some are calling foul. The proposed fees for these four natural landmarks are piggybacking on a larger reform of conservation law in New Zealand. Around 30% of the country is ‘conservation land’, meaning it’s publicly owned and protected.

However, new reforms to national law have made it easier for companies and individuals to purchase conservation land and/or open the land up to economic activity.

In short, though New Zealand’s proposed fees for visitors to natural landmarks might seem adjacent to sustainability-focused initiatives (like Hawaii’s green tax), it’s stirred controversy amongst the country’s environmental protection groups.

What’s the Difference Between the UK and Britain? Your Guide to the British Isles

The United Kingdom and Ireland are two of the most popular international destinations for Americans. In 2024, over 40 million Americans flew over to the UK, while another 1.5 million headed to the Emerald Isle.

There’s just one catch.

Though we love to visit the British Isles, not many of us are well-versed in the difference between the UK and Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland, or Scotland, Wales, and England.

Similar to the Scandinavian and Nordic countries, it’s an overlapping and complex topic that’s driven by centuries of history.

Looking for a little guide to the British Isles? Consider this your one-stop introduction to the UK and Britain, along with the other geographic, national, and cultural differences you need to know before visiting.

Just one thing before we start: I’m not delving into historical topics like the Battle of Culloden in Scotland or The Great Hunger in Ireland. If you want to learn about the centuries-long and deeply political exchanges across the British Isles, I recommend starting that very heady journey with this guide from Oxford.

And I recommend keeping that history in mind if you happen to get involved in a discussion about identity across the British Isles. (More on this below.)

Guide to the British Isles: geography

Let’s start with the most basic way that you can tell the difference between the UK and Britain, along with all other countries on the British Isles. Use the handy image above for reference.

The British Isles refer to all the islands in this region. The largest are Great Britain (usually called Britain) and Ireland. But there are many other important islands in the mix, like the Isle of Man, the Isle of Jersey, and Anglesey in Wales.

Great Britain refers to the largest island, which is home to England, Wales, and Scotland.

Irelandrefers to the second-largest island, which is home to the nation of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a territory of the United Kingdom, but it is still on the island of Ireland.

So, if you’re talking about all the islands, you say British Isles. If you’re just talking about the largest island, home to England and Scotland and Wales, that’s Great Britain. And if you’re talking about the nation of Ireland or Northern Ireland, they’re both in Ireland.

You’re still with me, right?

Guide to the British Isles: countries

If you were paying attention to the last section, you might already know the difference between the UK and Britain. The UK is a country, while Britain is the island it’s located on.

Remember: Britain and Great Britain are used interchangeably.

The UK consists of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

A good way to think about their countries-within-a-country is the US’s relationship to federally recognized tribal reservations, which are run as sovereign nations. It’s not an identical setup, but it’s similar in that England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all retain special rights as part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland, by contrast, is unified as a single republic with various counties. Ireland is also part of the European Union, meaning it uses the euro. The UK, by contrast, famously exited the EU and uses the pound.

Guide to the British Isles: culture and language

The British Isles are small, but they have a long, larger-than-life history. That’s a delicate way of saying that the overlap between culture, language, and tradition is a hot topic.

You’ll hear many different opinions—so if you happen to be discussing identity in the British Isles with a Scot, Welsh, English, or Irish person, listen and don’t assume.

For example, a Scot might consider themselves both Scottish and British. That element of British identity comes from sharing the island with England and Wales.

The same is true in Ireland; many citizens of Northern Ireland identify more strongly with Ireland than Britain, though they’re technically part of the UK.

Language diversity is also prevalent. English is the most common tongue, followed by Irish. (The Irish call their language Irish, not Gaelic.) But Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Cornish are still spoken. Welsh, for example, is still the official language of Wales.

There are also many cultural and linguistic distinctions within each nation.

For example, England is often split informally between North and South. Northerners, from cities like Liverpool and Manchester, don’t always consider themselves English.

That being said, I feel fairly confident saying that residents across the British Isles do share one thing in common: pub culture.

Ranking the Best Beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego: Top 10 Views

San Diego—a SoCal gem known for its gorgeous beaches, mild weather, indie breweries, great attractions, and that one unforgettable shout-out from Anchorman. (Did you know that San Diego means a whale’s vagina in Spanish?)

Toss in sites like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and the Gaslamp Quarter, and it’s not hard to see how San Diego has become one of the US’s most visitable (and re-visitable) destinations.

The big question is… where should you stay?

If you’re heading to San Diego, I vote you find a rental that showcases the very best of the city. And, in most estimations, the best of the city can be found along its stunning coast and bay.

If you’re looking for a ranking of the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego, start here.

I’ve rounded up the best of the bunch for your next Pacific Coast adventure, then ranked them according to their top features.

And by the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego, I mean you can see the ocean from a balcony, from a patio, or from the back door. You might even get sandy just by stepping out the door.

Ranking the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego

Great vibes, better view: Bayside Retreat in Mission Bay
Total beach access: Rustic Oceanfront Beach Pad
Energetic Boardwalk spot: Boardwalk Stay Shared Hot Tub and Patio
Sexy & chic beachfront: Rooftop Beach Views – Liquid Blue 2
Affordable & laidback: Mission Beach Ocean Front 2 Bedroom
Great views + space to roam: Ocean View with Massive Private Deck
Bay views with room for the whole fam: Bayfront with Large Private Patio
Small-but-mighty studio escape: Ocean Beach Surfside Cottage 17
Total views with lux amenities (1): Capri Coastal Haven
Total views with lux amenities (2): Beach Front Condo – Capri by the Sea

Best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego: a closer look

Bayside Retreat in Mission Bay

Enjoy a 180-degree view of Sail bay from the private rooftop deck whenever you like, then head to the beach. In just a few steps, your toes will be sinking into the sand. This guesthouse sleeps four between a bedroom and a sofa pullout in the living room.

Rustic Oceanfront Beach Pad

You’ve got unobstructed ocean views straight from this quaint studio rental. It also has super-groovy and tasteful wood paneling on the walls and roof, adding a dash of hippie-beachy vibes. Best of all, you can soak up those ocean views straight from the bed thanks to the large window.

Boardwalk Stay Shared Hot Tub and Patio

This two-bedroom stay comes with a shared hot tub and patio, the latter of which opens straight onto the beach. If you’re looking to be right in the action on the Boardwalk or have a front-row seat to those West Coast sunsets, look no further.

Rooftop Beach Views – Liquid Blue 2

This chic (dare I say sexy?) condo comes with two bedrooms and another couch setup that sleeps a total of five. Ultramodern and designed to showcase those endless ocean views, you have unprecedented access to the Pacific Ocean straight from this rental. Did I mention there’s a rooftop deck with a fire pit?

Mission Beach Ocean Front 2 Bedroom

This cozy two-bedroom rental showcases San Diego’s beachy vibe thanks to its cute interior design. But the real treat is the view of Mission Bay, which you can see from many rooms in the apartment. Or it could be that California King bedroom—which has a window overlooking the beach, too.

Ocean View with Massive Private Deck

Looking to go big, and possibly over the top at the best beachfront Airbnbs in San Diego? Rent this two-bedroom home near Belmont Park. You’ve got a massive private deck, garage, and grill with gorgeous views of the park and ocean. Though you don’t have direct access to the beach, the views and OTT amenities are hard to beat.

Bayfront with Large Private Patio

You’ve got unprecedented access to South Mission Beach with this rental, with stunning views of Mission Bay (Sunrise). Not only are you steps from the water, but you also get to soak up the calming breeze and view far from San Diego’s busier areas. (As a perk, it’s also pet friendly!)

Ocean Beach Surfside Cottage 17

With a back door that opens onto one of the city’s coolest cliffs that overlooks the pier, this Airbnb is hard to top for beach-lovers. While you need to walk a short distance to reach the beach, I like this pick because of the views of the pier. It’s romantic, cozy, and quiet.

Capri Coastal Haven

This condo comes with oceanfront views and a few luxury amenities that you’ll actually want to use. That includes 24-hour security, along with a spa, sauna, and pool. But the real champion is the oceanfront views from the balcony and the large floor-to-ceiling windows, which showcase the Pacific.

Beach Front Condo – Capri by the Sea

Located in the same complex as the previous Airbnb (Capri Coastal Heaven), this condo offers a similar setup and view. The main difference is that it’s been recently remodeled, giving it a slightly more modern appearance and more contemporary appliances.

Affordable Upstate New York Towns to Visit for a Slow, Relaxing Vacation

When it comes to New York, there are three areas that tourists are usually familiar with.

The first is New York City—there’s not much to say about the Big Apple except that it considers itself the cultural center of the universe, and a good number of people would agree.

Long Island is usually close behind. While not too many tourists make it to Long Island, it’s home to well-known areas like the Hamptons and Fire Island.

Then comes Upstate New York.

It’s common to think that upstate comprises the rest of the state—which is further north than NYC and Long Island. In reality, ‘upstate’ refers to the northeastern portion of New York.

It’s home to places like Niagara Falls, the Catskills and Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes, and the state capital of Albany. But, aside from well-known spots like Hudson Valley and Lake Placid, most travelers know little about upstate.

Ready to pull back the curtain on affordable Upstate New York towns to visit that won’t break the bank? Here’s your guide to landing a slow, relaxing vacation.

Affordable Upstate New York towns to visit

Seneca Falls
Watertown
Newark
Hornell
Elmira
Cortland
Rome
Corning
Glens Falls
Celoron

Affordable Upstate New York towns to visit

Seneca Falls

If you like nature and love history, Seneca Falls has all the trappings of a quaint Upstate getaway—with the slashed prices. While the city itself isn’t the cheapest, the activities available are mostly free or are highly affordable, such as the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls Canal Walk, Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake State Parks, and a charming downtown area.

If you really want to save and are on good terms with Mother Nature, go camping—there are plenty of great spots that are free or low-cost.

Watertown

Want a smiley, friendly community? Watertown is one of the most welcoming affordable Upstate New York towns to visit. Despite its small size, it packs a punch when it comes to outdoor recreation and historic charm. The downtown drag is dotted with historic buildings, along with mom-and-pop shops where locals are happy to share what makes Watertown so unique.

Newark

Yes, New York has its own Newark—and it’s nothing like its New Jersey counterpart. It’s quiet and close-knit, giving you the keys to a low-key trip. There’s also quite a bit of revitalization happening, meaning you can check out new shops and venues around town. It also has a small arts community that’s very LGBT-friendly.

Hornell

Often known as Maple City thanks to its large maple tree groves, Hornell is an affordable hub that showcases a new side of Upstate New York. Along with friendly locals, a walkable downtown area, and public holiday celebrations, you can hike and wander through some of the state’s most secret parks and forests. That’s because Hornell is located in the stunning Canisteo Valley.

Elmira

Welcome to one of Mark Twain’s summer abodes, where he wrote some of his most famous works and was later buried. It’s not hard to see why the famous writer liked the area—situated amid the mountains and near the Chemung River, Elmira showcases some of the most stunning natural corridors in Upstate New York. It’s also part of the Finger Lakes Wine Country, making it easy to visit a local winery.

Cortland

Thanks to the SUNY Cortland campus, this town isn’t really a secret—but it’s one of the most affordable Upstate New York towns to visit any time of year. The community is friendly and close-knit, public parks and extensive hiking trails are within reach, and the downtown area has plenty of shops and restaurants to explore. On foot, I might add.

Rome

History fans will do well in Seneca Falls or Rome. Rome is sometimes called the City of American History thanks to its role in the Revolutionary War. You can visit a nearby fort, which is also a national monument. Nature is also yet another reason to visit. You can take the Mohwak River Trail, explore the Delta Lake State Park, and check out the ultra-unique Rome Sand Plains, home to pine barrens just like those in New Jersey.

Corning

Considered one of the friendliest and most affordable towns in the Finger Lakes region, there are plenty of reasons to visit Corning. First, it’s close to the Finger Lakes, giving you access to trails and waterside activities. Second, it’s got a lovely little downtown market area, known as the Gaffer District. Third, and most importantly, it’s got the Museum of Glass. There, you can learn about the history of glassmaking and even try your hand at the ancient art.

Glens Falls

Glens Falls is the top pick for affordable upstate New York towns to visit for families. The town is overwhelmingly family-friendly, from its public parks to its wonderful library. It also has a few other secret ingredients, such as historic sites from the French and Indian War, tons of hiking and biking trails in the nearby Adirondacks, and a wonderful range of theatres and galleries, including the Hyde Collection.

Celoron

Located on Chautauqua Lake and the birthplace of Lucille Ball, Celoron gives you a balance of natural wonders and pop culture. (It doesn’t get any better for travelers like me.) As an added bonus, you also have access to the Lake Erie Wine Trail and will notice historic sites and buildings around the town, which date back to the 1700s.

EU Triples Price for 2026’s ETIAS Entry Form

After years of ongoing delays, it looks like there’s another update for the EU’s intended ETIAS fees and forms.

Here’s a quick catch-up: The EU has plans to launch a new entry-exit system for its borders, known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The goal is to make it easier to track, log, and regulate movements in and out of the Schengen Zone by citizens of visa-free countries.

Additionally, the ETIAS will include a small fee, which covers the setup and ongoing operations of the new, expanded digitized system.

But ongoing delays have set ETIAS back years from its original launch date in 2021. Those delays are thanks to the various states involved; each has had to create and launch a digital entry-exit system (EES) before the EU can integrate operations into a single, unified ETIAS system.

In short: no EES, no ETIAS.

Since I’ve been covering ETIAS, it’s been pushed back to 2022, then 2023, and then to early 2025. Now, it’s slated to launch in the last quarter of 2026. (If I were a betting woman, I’d say we have a few more years to wait still.)

There’s now a new fly in the ointment—it’s not another delay but instead a price hike.

Originally, the ETIAS form would cost around $8 (or €7). Now, it’s up to $23 (or €20), almost three times the original announcement.

Why is the ETIAS more expensive all of a sudden?

Let’s compare visa fees in the US, UK, and EU. The US has an ESTA fee (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) of $21, and the UK recently launched a new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) form that costs around $25. Viewed side by side, the EU’s ETIAS fee isn’t high.

Still, tripling the price for a travel fee that’s already been delayed for four years has rightfully raised some eyebrows.

What’s with the sudden up-charge?

First, the price hike isn’t official; it still needs to be approved by European Parliament sometime within the next two months.

Second, it likely accounts for the big tech that’s going behind the new EES. Similar to the US, which has a similar program that cross-references huge portions of data, the EU’s new ETIAS system will cover the entirety of the Schengen Zone—which includes countries that aren’t in the European Union.

This region comprises the world’s most active tourist zone, which welcomed over 2.5 billion visitors last year. That’s compared to the US’s 73 million visitors in 2024. That’s a huge gap in visitor numbers compared to the price points, which is almost the same for someone who wants to visit the US or EU.

In other words, the ETIAS (and EES) is a much larger and more complex operation than originally anticipated, which is why the project has seen delays and, more recently, a new (higher) price.

Berlin Tours in English: 7 Tips & Insights from an Expert Guide

If you’ve taken a tour from a passionate, knowledgeable guide, I’m sure you already know: they can turn a vacation from good to great.

Aside from giving you a great experience, a tour from a qualified guide can also introduce you to new passions and interests.

That being said, not all guides are created equally. I’m a fan of a particular type of guide—one who is local, who has practical knowledge about what they’re talking about, and one who has a few (possibly strong) opinions about the topic at hand.

The big question is… how do you find local tour guides?

Usually, I focus on tours that are easily accessible. That means I recommend a lot of TripAdvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide tours because tourists are familiar with these companies.

That being said, my favorite tour company to recommend is ToursByLocals.

It’s a company that I’ve covered before, thanks to its sterling promise of ethical tours from local experts. (This article isn’t sponsored, either—I’m actually a big fan of the company and think their approach to tour-providing can alleviate many tensions that are becoming common in tourist zones.)

This time around, I’m zeroing in on tips for Berlin tours in English from a local expert, Marriette.

She graciously answered a short questionnaire about her experience offering tours to travelers in her home of Berlin, Germany. If you want to book a tour in the city, I highly recommend working with Marriette.

If not, enjoy these insights and tips that are based on her twenty years of experience offering Berlin tours in English. (And German, of course!)

“Local guides don’t just show you the highlights – we bring the city to life.” -Marriette

Berlin tours in English: tips & insights from a local expert

Berlin isn’t like other cities—meaning relying on local guides is important

In a city with so much recent history, delving into Berlin’s identity isn’t as simple as booking a basic tour. According to Marriette, the main advantage of booking with local guides is that they have personal stories, a sense of humor, and know all the little details that bring Berlin to life.

As Marriette puts it, you’re not just listening to a history lesson—you’re walking through a living story.

Marriette loves Berlin’s hidden courtyards

Want to know one spot in Berlin you wouldn’t find without an expert local guide like Marriette? Courtyards—which is something I never would have guessed, and I’ve visited Berlin a handful of times. Normally, travelers like me waltz past these locations without realizing we’re missing those kinds of hidden corners that are full of character, charm, and history.

Local tours take a personal turn

One of Marriette’s most memorable tour moments occurred at the Berlin Wall. Like I mentioned above, Berlin is dotted with historical markers—and many of its residents remember the Cold War. During one tour to the Berlin Wall, a Finnish traveler told her a story about how his father helped one East Berliner flee the city during the Cold War.

The traveler’s father (also Finnish) was working a construction job in Berlin during the peak of the Cold War. One night at a bar, he met a local man with an uncanny resemblance. The Finnish construction worker agreed to hand over his passport so that the East Berliner could flee, as authorities wouldn’t be able to tell them apart based on the photo.

After a few hours, which had given the East Berliner plenty of a head start, the Finnish construction worker reported the passport as stolen, and authorities were none the wiser. That act of kindness bonded the men forever, and they continued to call each other on Christmas to check in.

She recommends skipping the fast food

Berlin has an up-and-coming foodie scene that flies under the radar for many visitors. Not only can you find delicious German staples, but also find imaginative new concepts in dining. Marriette recommends skipping the chain restaurants and being brave as you sample a new menu. Even if you don’t like the dish, you’ve opened yourself up to a new experience!

Berlin always has something new to explore—and guides know the way

One reason Marriette is so passionate about giving tours in Berlin is the city’s ‘layered, strange, honest, rebellious’ nature—and I’m quoting Marriette on that. Once again, cities like Berlin aren’t nearly as easy to quantify, summarize, and explore as we might imagine. The more daring and innovative a city, the more cool, new projects are constantly taking off.

In other words, how can you actually expect to dig into new shops, restaurants, venues, and more without the help of a guide—especially in a city as large, dynamic, and complex as Berlin.

Marriette is dreaming of visiting Japan

One of my favorite questions to ask local guides when I’m on a tour is which country or city they want to visit. (It’s kind of like asking your favorite musician for the name of their favorite musician, no?) Marriette is dreaming of a trip to Japan. She enjoys slow travel and would love to sink into the rhythm of life in Japan, sampling traditional rituals and things like vending machine culture.