Why Travelers Are Heading to Somalia Despite the Risks
Fundacion Rapala – Somalia has lived for decades under the shadow of war, piracy, and instability. Its name often sparks fear, not curiosity. Yet the country is now observing a surprising rise in foreign tourists. Government data shows nearly 10,000 visitors arrived in 2024, a jump of 50 percent from the previous year. Many still
It Used to Be Europe’s Secret Season. Then the Crowds Arrived
Fundacion Rapala – The story of It Used to Be Europe’s Secret Season. Then the Crowds Arrived reflects a shift that many travelers have felt but rarely stop to analyze: Europe’s fall has transformed into a new peak season. For years, September and October were whispered about as the continent’s “secret season,” a time when
Egypt’s New 155mph Desert-Proof Trains Mark a Historic Leap Forward
Fundacion Rapala – The Egypt’s high-speed trains project has opened a new chapter in the nation’s transport history. Siemens Mobility presented its Velaro train at TransMEA 2025, drawing attention from engineers, travelers, and government officials. The train, built to handle extreme heat and sand, can reach 250 kilometers per hour. The unveiling felt like more
Mount Nemrut: Where Colossal Stone Gods Guard a 2,000-Year-Old Mystery
Fundacion Rapala – Mount Nemrut rises quietly above Adıyaman, its rocky slopes blending into the Taurus range. From a distance, it looks like any other mountain. But as travelers climb higher, the surprise appears: a line of giant stone heads near the summit. Their calm expressions, worn by wind and frost, seem to watch the
Horizon Plane’s Futuristic Shape Could Revolutionize Flying
Fundacion Rapala – The aviation industry is searching for ways to fly cleaner, and the “Horizon” plane by San Diego-based Natilus could be a breakthrough. Its blended-wing body more like a manta ray than a traditional jet aims to change both design and efficiency. The aircraft is built to carry around 200 passengers while producing
In 2025, Indonesian Passport Three Times Stronger Than Afghanistan’s
Fundacion Rapala – In 2025, the Indonesian passport achieved a stronger global standing, ranking 67th out of 104 countries, based on the latest report from Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory firm in London. Holders of an Indonesian passport can now travel visa-free to 73 countries, showing steady progress in international mobility. In contrast,
Germany’s Love Affair with Bread: A Slice of National Pride
Fundacion Rapala – In Germany’s, bread is more than food it’s a symbol of identity and tradition. While the French may romanticize baguettes, Germans take pride in their hearty loaves that mirror their character: humble, strong, and diverse. The country boasts over 3,200 types of bread, according to the German Institute for Bread. This devotion
Visiting the US Is About to Get More Expensive for Foreign Travelers
Fundacion Rapala – Starting at the end of September, visiting the United States will become more expensive for millions of international travelers. The US government has approved new fee increases for people arriving from countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These changes are part of former President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The
Asia’s Top Travel Spots Face Overtourism Challenges Similar to Europe
Fundacion Rapala – Asia is now facing overtourism problems once seen mostly in Europe. Streets are crowded, beaches feel packed, and bad tourist behavior is rising. Travelers who once visited Barcelona or Venice for culture and beauty now find similar scenes in Bali, Kyoto, and Phuket. The boom in travel has brought economic benefits, but
A Halloween Night in New York that Changed Her Life Forever
Fundacion Rapala – Claire Chabaud-Tropéano never expected a spontaneous trip to New York City to rewrite the trajectory of her life. As she walked through Brooklyn on Halloween night in 2019, she felt like she was stepping into a movie crisp fall air, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, brownstone steps covered in autumn leaves, and the hum of