The Car Rental Scam in Europe I’m Starting to Get Really Sick Of

Scams in Europe run a pretty big gamut, from fake Airbnbs to pickpocketing.

I like to think I’m pretty accommodating when it comes to scams because many scammers are operating out of necessity.

But there’s one scam that keeps coming back—and it keeps getting more and more expensive for travelers. It’s one that I’ve been subjected to every single time I rent a car. (That’s not an exaggeration.)

What scam am I talking about?

Car rental companies that overcharge for insurance.

Two months ago, my partner booked a car rental for our trip to Sicily in the capital of Palermo. As the trip neared, the company followed up to ask him to finish paying for the rental. In the updated bill, he saw an additional $300 charge for insurance—which wasn’t described as being optional, and was automatically added to the final total.

In reality, that additional insurance charge was absolutely optional.

However, in the car rental company’s online payment portal, there was no way to navigate around the charge… even though the additional insurance charge was optional.

And the only reason I know that is because I write about car rental policy for tourists in Europe.

Here’s what you need to know about being scammed by car rental companies in Europe that force you to pay for insurance.

Car rental scam in Europe: overcharging for insurance by the hundreds

Here’s the beautiful thing about what I’m about to tell you: the European Commission’s Car Rental Rights report has made it extremely easy to see what is and isn’t automatically covered when you rent a car in the EU.

To clarify: there isn’t any specific legislation on car rental rights in the EU, but renters are protected under the Commission’s extensive consumer rights laws.

According to EU legislation directed at consumers, all people who rent a car have the right to clear pre-hire information and a fair contract. That’s the first thing you need to know.

Second, every rental vehicle in the EU needs to be covered by a third-party insurance group. (Brace yourself, the italics are coming back.) And this insurance must be included in the rental’s final quote.

That insurance—which the car rental company must provide—is very basic. You should always check what it covers, but know that deductibles cap out at $2,500. Some are as low as $500.

So, that’s that: you never need to cover car insurance when you rent a car in the EU because it comes with a basic, automatic policy that, at the very most, would cost you $2,500.

But should you opt for better insurance from a car rental company in the EU?

Like I just mentioned, that automatic coverage is very basic. If you’re worried about other risks, dig into the fine print of the car rental’s insurance policy.

Remember: it’s your right to have access to clear pre-hire information.

In addition to the rental company’s automatic third-party insurance, you can also add on coverage for injuries to the driver, vehicle damage, theft, vandalism, and more. Again, make sure you have firm pricing for these policies before making your reservation.

How can you make sure you’re not being overcharged for insurance as part of a car rental scam?

To prevent being overcharged, I suggest putting down a basic deposit to reserve the car, then handling the actual contract later. That gives you the time to figure out if you want to pay for extra insurance or stick with the basic policy.

Signing the contract in person also lets you verify you’re signing the right document—with the right charges.

Can You Visit the Bermuda Triangle? You Can—And It’s a Tropical Paradise

The Bermuda Triangle is one of the most enduring travel legends in the world.

Sailing myths, old wives’ tales, and even published books have speculated that a certain geographic area on the north-easternmost edge of the Caribbean is a no-go zone where vessels and aircraft are prone to disappearing.

Even compasses are said to go haywire in the Bermuda Triangle, which stretches from Miami in the west to Puerto Rico in the south to Bermuda in the north.

I have good news and bad news.

The bad news is for anyone who loves a juicy conspiracy. Beginning in the 1960s and 70s, scientists and researchers began to pick apart publications and rumors about the Bermuda Triangle. By the 1990s, various organizations had taken a fine-tooth comb to historical data tied to major disappearances and proved that the area’s cyclones were likely responsible for the most well-known crashes and shipwrecks in the Bermuda Triangle.

In short, there’s no proof that anything paranormal or nefarious is going on. It’s been debunked—many times, at this point.

Now, onto the good news for anyone who loves tropical vacations: the Bermuda Triangle, which covers parts of South Florida, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, is home to an island that rarely gets enough coverage.

Here’s a hint: it’s in the name.

So, can you visit the Bermuda Triangle?

Yes—and I suggest heading straight to Bermuda itself.

Welcome to Bermuda

Flatts Village is a beautiful seaside town on the crossroads between Hamilton and St. George’s, Bermuda (Getty)

The Caribbean is dotted with sovereign nations and overseas territories alike. The US has two in the region: Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, which you can visit without a passport. The UK has five, including the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, and three other lesser-known spots.

These consist of Anguilla, Montserrat, and Bermuda.

Despite the fact that Bermuda isn’t as well-known by tourists, it’s the second-most populous UK overseas territory in the Caribbean, behind only the Caymans. Similar to the Caymans, Bermuda is known as a tax haven because there’s no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding taxes on dividends and interests.

But forget the tax haven status for a second. This tiny 21-square-mile island is a tropical paradise. It’s got a fantastic blend of outdoor and water activities for visitors to enjoy, along with historic forts and dozens of ways to soak up that unique island culture.

And it’s less than a three-hour flight from Miami, Atlanta, and other locations on the East Coast.

Can you visit the Bermuda Triangle from the island? Plus, other things to do in Bermuda

You can absolutely visit the Bermuda Triangle from Bermuda. In fact, if you’re heading out on a popular cruise from a major provider like Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, or Norwegian, you’re probably going to pass through the Bermuda Triangle at some point.

Bermuda is a popular port of call for routes that pass through the northern Caribbean region. Some companies, like Norwegian, also offer Bermuda Triangle-themed tours.

But what about stand-alone trips to the island? What can’t you miss out on, especially if you want to learn more about the Bermuda Triangle?

The Bermuda Triangle Twilight Cruise is a popular option for those who want to get out on the water at night while hearing about the mysteries and legends attached to the region. The vessel also has a state-of-the-art glass bottom, adding to the cool factor. (GetYourGuide link here.)

However, the best way to experience Bermuda is to leave the mystery behind for a more traditional vacation experience. As mentioned above, the island is an overseas British territory, meaning it has a long colonial history that you can explore via forts, dockyards, and more. Plus, the lush beaches are another great option for relaxing in paradise.

I suggest checking out these tours:

History with a Twist
Bermudaful Island Tour
Island Wrap Around Tour
Crystal & Fantasy Caves (Not a tour, just a can’t-miss spot)

When you’re done, find a place to stay in Bermuda at one of the island’s five resorts.

US to Double Its Travel Authorization Fee on September 30

The United States announced that, starting on September 30, 2025, it will be raising the cost of its travel authorization fees for citizens of visa-exempt countries.

Prior to September 29, 2025, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) charges $21 per application. After that date, it will double to $40 per visitor. To clarify, this is separate from the ‘visa integrity fee’, which is a $250 charge for visitors from non-visa-exempt countries.

For example, someone visiting from the UK will pay $40 to have their travel application approved. But a visitor from a non-exempt country, such as China, must pay for their tourist visa application (around $25) and a separate $250 integrity fee. (Allegedly, the integrity fee will be returned to visitors who break no rules during their stay.)

Recently, the EU also raised its ETIAS fee from around $8 to $23, tripling in price, which drew criticism for being so high. The price hike was thanks to the added expenses of rolling out the EU’s latest fully digitized and biometric border systems.

So, what’s behind the spike in the US’s travel authorization cost—especially when domestic tourism is already facing ups and downs?

Why did the US double its travel authorization fee for visitors?

The doubling of the US’s ESTA fee is due to new provisions from the recently passed ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’, which has dictated that certain fees be tacked on to ESTA. The new $40 fee will be allocated toward travel promotion ($17), operational ESTA fees (now $10, formerly $4), and a Treasury General Fund fee ($13).

The slight rise in cost for operational ESTA fees mirrors price hikes in both the EU and UK. Over time, systems expand and become pricier to operate. The Treasury General Fund fee is a new addition, and is responsible for most of the rise in price

Meet America’s Most Endangered Historic Places from the National Trust

When reporting on small, historic restaurants that recently earned funding from American Express, I learned that the National Trust for Historic Places releases a handful of reports on US historic sites every year.

One annual report covers the ‘most endangered’ historic places in America.

The goal of the report is to educate the public on historic places in order to increase visibility and help communities gain the necessary resources to save their historic landmarks, buildings, and more.

To clarify, the National Trust supports repurposing of historic places—so long as they’re ‘activated’ and brought back to life, they can take new forms.

In 2025, the National Trust for Historic Places highlighted 11 locations across the United States that are waiting to be revitalized in order to serve and bring together local communities. I’m highlighting five of the most visible historic places that travelers like you and me might run into during our city-slicking.

(I highly suggest checking out the full list—it’s an interesting read that covers a broad range of threats to America’s most historic places, from rising water levels to recent hurricanes to lack of funding.)

5 endangered historic places across America, according to the NTHP

The Turtle, Niagara Falls, New York

Built in 1981 as a Native American Center for the Living Arts, ‘The Turtle’ takes its nickname from a well-known creation myth. According to Haudenosaunee traditions, Sky Woman took shelter on the back of a turtle, known as Turtle Island—aka North America.

If you study the building’s edifice, you’ll see that it was designed in the shape of a turtle. Above, you can see the entrance, which mimics the head of the turtle.

It was once painted to more clearly emphasize that turtle shape, but after the center went bankrupt in 1996 and was bought by a company, they painted the edifice white, blurring its shape.

These new owners still have plans to demolish The Turtle and replace it with a high-rise hotel. However, there’s a long-running Friends of the Niagara Turtle coalition, composed of over 1,000 indigenous and non-indigenous groups that want the site to be revitalized as a center for Native American culture, language, and heritage.

Cedar Key, Florida

Early morning at the city of Cedar Keys Florida December 4 2021 (Getty)

Cedar Key is one of the Florida Keys’ most charming communities, located in the Big Bend region. It’s also one of the most endangered historic places in America.

You might know it thanks to its ‘Old Florida’ vibe, meaning most shops and commercial ventures are local, and tourism is still small-scale. Unfortunately, devastation from 2024’s Hurricane Helene and 2016’s Hurricane Hermine has created lasting problems.

Many old wooden homes were washed into the ocean, while the old city hall and post office are also undergoing extensive renovations. Rising sea levels are also an ongoing threat. Not only do they pose problems for Cedar Key’s infrastructure, but also its historic sites from the indigenous Timucua peoples.

The good news is that both the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and the University of Florida are working closely with Cedar Key to do things like ‘wet proof’ buildings, improve drainage, and more.

Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street Buildings, Los Angeles, California

Fishing boats, formerly operated by residents of Japanese ancestry, are tied up for the duration at Terminal Island in Los Angeles harbor 4/7/1942. (Photo by: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

This site is home to two buildings: the Nanka Shoten, built in 1918, and the A. Nakamura Co. building, built in 1923. (You can see the actual photos of these buildings here.)

They look like modern vestiges of a ghost town, stranded on Los Angeles’s Terminal Island that once housed a community of around 3,000 workers. Many were Japanese, home to citizens who faced stints at internment camps throughout WWII.

When the war ended, workers returned to Terminal Island to learn that most of their homes and buildings had been razed by the US government, which had taken control of the island during the period. Today, all we have left of this unique fishing community are these two buildings.

Unfortunately, Terminal Island is now home to one of the US’s busiest storage container ports. The City of Los Angeles wants to demolish the Tuna Street buildings to make room for more commercial operations, but the Los Angeles Conservancy and the Terminal Islanders Association are battling the proposition.

May Hicks Curtis House, Flagstaff, Arizona

Who is May Hicks Curtis? She was an important member of Flagstaff’s community during the early 1900s, and shows that not all endangered historic places need a larger-than-life mission or history.

In addition to running multiple guesthouses that served travelers on the US’s very first Route 66 route in 1913, May Hicks Curtis was also a prominent member of the local historical society and women’s club.

Notably, she helped collect and store a trove of photographs from pre-WWII life in Flagstaff, giving today’s locals a pivotal connection to their city’s past.

Unfortunately, the plot where the May Hicks Curtis home has been sold for development. At the moment, the City of Flagstaff has taken ownership of the home and has temporarily moved it elsewhere—but the fate of this small home remains unknown.

Mystery Castle, Phoenix, Arizona

Mystery castle in Phoenix (Photo by Stephen Osman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Between1934-45, one father in Phoenix, Arizona, decided to create a massive, castle-like menagerie for his daughter. The idea is lovely, and the castle itself is much larger and cooler than you might think, with a total of 18 rooms and two floors—but it was built with passion instead of mathematics, engineering, or architectural skills.

When Mary Lou (the daughter in question) died in 2010, the property was given over to a trust. Unfortunately, the trust has lacked funds, and ongoing vandalism has compromised the Mystery Castle’s already-fragile structure. That adds another challenge to the equation: this site doesn’t just need to be saved, but also made safe for public usage.

Thankfully, groups like Preserve Phoenix and a newly founded ‘Friends of Mystery Castle’ are working alongside the Phoenix Historic Preservation Office to find funding and create a plan that will prevent the Mystery Castle’s demolition.

9 Affordable Mountain Towns For Your Winter Adventure Needs

Winter travel expenses can add up quickly for those who enjoy fresh powder and cold-weather outdoor adventures.

While places like Aspen and Lake Tahoe are known for being pricey winter destinations, many other mid-range wintering spots have also become exorbitant.

Colorado seems to be the main culprit when it comes to hiked prices at mountain towns, from Breckenridge to Steamboat Springs to Durango. And this isn’t just an issue during winter months when visitors pack in—ongoing rising prices are contributing to a housing crisis across the state.

The big question is: Where can Americans find affordable mountain towns to spend the weekend or a week this winter? Have they all been wiped off the map thanks to steadily rising costs, tourist demand, and even an influx of remote workers?

Turns out, you can still find reliably affordable mountain towns across the US, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Rockies to the Sierra Nevadas. I can’t promise they’re in the budget range, but I promise you won’t be paying those Aspen, Sun Valley, or Here’s where to go.

Affordable mountain towns across the US for winter adventures

Ogden, Utah
Ludlow, Vermont
North Conway, New Hampshire
Cody, Wyoming
Red Lodge, Montana
Taos, New Mexico
Laramie, Wyoming
Montrose, Colorado
Mammoth Lakes, California

Affordable mountain towns across the US for winter adventures

Ogden, Utah

Ogden, UT, US-March 23, 2025: Historic downtown of this Utah city (Getty)

Skiers and snowboarders, assemble! I’m sure you’ve already had Ogden on your radar if you like fresh powder from November to April. But you can also enjoy activities like Nordic skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing.

Here’s where to stay in Ogden.

Ludlow, Vermont

A quieter and quainter mountain town, Ludlow gives you the keys to just about any snowy adventure you could want. Skiers and snowboarders can head to nearby Okemo Mountain Resort, which the town is centered around. Or head out to the tubing park, ice skating rink, and strike out on the winter trails that weave around Okemo Valley.

Here’s where to stay in Ludlow.

North Conway, New Hampshire

You’ve got over 1,600 skiable acres in the North Conway area, which makes it one of the most expansive and affordable mountain towns in the US. Some of those ski areas are home to alpine resorts, while others take you to popular spots like Attitash, Wildcat Mountain, and Cranmore Mountain. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also easy to come by around Greeley Ponds.

Here’s where to stay in North Conway.

Cody, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park Entrance from Cody town (Getty)

Cody has more depth than you might think. While it’s known as a Wild West outpost home to many dude ranches, it also transforms into a winter wonderland each year. There’s the Sleeping Giant Ski Area, for example, which gets an average of 150 inches of pure white powder each winter.

Another reason to visit is the area’s vast number of maintained trail systems, which weave for well over 1,000 miles. Snowmobiles are welcome.

This year, Cody also has a few fantastic winter festivities planned over the next few months, which I highly suggest keeping in mind if you’re planning to visit. You’re not going to find too many spots offering ice festivals and ice fishing derbies – and definitely not any other Buffalo Bill Birthday Balls.

Here’s where to stay in Cody.

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge Mountain is renowned throughout the state as a premier skiing and snowboarding destination. It’s also more affordable and emptier than many other ski lodges in the upper Rockies. That means you can explore over 1,600 acres of fresh powder. If you plan your trip well, you can also enjoy the annual Winter Carnival.

(I also highly suggest checking out this winter guidebook on the best places to ski and snowboard in Montana, in case you want to wander beyond Red Lodge.)

Here’s where to stay in Red Lodge.

Taos, New Mexico

Known as an independent desert hub with a penchant for Earth Ships, Taos might not ring mountain town bells—especially for winter enthusiasts. But the Taos Ski Valley, located just outside of town and into the mountains, is one of the snowiest places in the continental US, getting around 300 inches of snowfall a year.

It’s a popular destination for locals who enjoy snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and more—but you can still find plenty to do that won’t put you overbudget.

Here’s where to stay in Taos.

Laramie, Wyoming

The main attraction around Laramie is the Snowy Range Ski & Recreation Area, which includes 27 trails for skiers and snowboarders that are overloaded with 200 inches of snow a year. But you also have access to Medicine Bow National Forest, which lets you take on just about any winter adventure you could dream of, from cross-country skiing to fat biking.

Here’s where to stay in Laramie.

Montrose, Colorado

Chimney Peak rock formations, 11,781 ft (3,591 m), surrounded by golden yellow fall aspen trees, by the summit of Owl Creek Pass, 10,114 ft (3,083m) (Getty)

Forget Durango and Telluride—if you can get a little bit further out into the wilderness at Montrose, you can enjoy more reasonable prices. In winter, you have dozens of trails that are great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are even more adventure offers, like the Ouray Ice Park, where you can go ice climbing.

Here’s what to stay in Montrose.

Mammoth Lakes, California

The Mammoth Lakes area has steadily become more and more expensive since COVID, meaning this is an affordable mountain town that might disappear in the next few years. (I’m talking in terms of pricing, which will likely tilt into exorbitant territory shortly.)

That being said, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even hiking. As an added perk, you can soak in the hot springs near Benton Crossing Road as you recover from a day on the slopes.

Here’s where to stay in Mammoth Lakes.

London Tube Shuts Down for a Week Due to Strikes

Travelers in London are facing an unexpected setback at Tube stations around the city.

Similar to the extensive strikes from Air Canada employees, London’s Tube staff (that’s the popular nickname for the city’s underground metro system, which is officially called the London Underground) are striking for the whole week to protest low pay and poor working conditions.

Nearly all of London’s 272 running stations are empty since the strike began on Monday, September 9. They’re expected to remain empty until Thursday, with almost all train service halted.

Why are London Tube staff on strike? And what should tourists do to get around?

The Tube is operated by Transport for London, which is now in negotiations with the workers’ union. According to the union, the strike was organized as part of a call for higher pay, better shift organization and management, and a reduction in weekly hours.

So far, the strike has generated an offer of a 3.4% rise in pay—but the union will hold strong in hopes of a better offer that includes a shorter working week for staff.

In the meantime, the nearly four million locals and visitors who rely on the Tube have been left to take taxis or cycle to their destinations.

\For travelers, that means one thing: expect longer transport times throughout the week. Taxis will be tougher to hail on the street and book online. Additionally, traffic is expected to be heavier than usual. If you’re looking for a quicker way to get around, rent an e-bike—but make sure you review the bike lane rules before setting out.

Most importantly, don’t forget about the London Overground. The Tube only refers to the city’s underground rail systems, meaning you can still catch a train at certain stations.

You can follow live updates via the BBC.