How cities are tackling overtourism across Europe
Venice has reintroduced and increased its daily tourist tax for day-trippers to €10, alongside a ban on large cruise ships, as part of efforts to protect the city and manage visitor flows.
Cannes will ban cruise ships carrying over 1,000 people from mooring in the city from next year, seeking to balance its significant tourism economy with the quality of life for residents.
Across southern Europe, residents in major tourist destinations like Barcelona, Portugal, and Italy have protested against overtourism, highlighting its negative impact on local housing and public services.
These iconic cities are taking drastic measures to combat overtourism, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for long-term, multi-faceted solutions to ensure sustainability.
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The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Primark's genius 5-piece buy costs just £1 & means you can bring ALL your favourite liquids in your carry-on this summer
TRYING to pack for a holiday is never an easy task, but it's even worse when you're just relying on hand luggage. Not only do you have to squeeze in multiple outfits and shoes, you also have the issue of finding space for liquids. 2 Liquids are particularly difficult as you are only able to bring 1 litre of it with you in hand luggage. And to make it even harder, each liquid has to be in packages that are under 100ml, even if the product is only half full. Most airports also ask you to place the liquids into a small plastic bag, and many limit one bag per flyer. That can make it massively difficult for us to fit our favourite perfume, bodycare, skincare and make-up into the tiny plastic bags. Too many times have we been caught out by the liquid limitations and had to throw away a deodorant or toothpaste before even making it through security. But there's an easy solution to prevent you from having to throw your toiletries away. You can, of course, use a bar of soap instead of shower gel, and you can even swap liquid shampoo for a shampoo bar as well. This will not only save you money from buying the mini toiletries, but gives you more space for your liquid limit too. But for those pesky toiletries like foundation or face wash, there's an even cheaper option available thanks to Primark. The budget retailer is selling a five-piece travel bottle set for just £1. Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too The pack comes with a spray bottle for heat protection spray, a dispenser bottle for body lotion, two squeeze bottles for shower gel and hair products and a small plastic tub. This means you can decant your larger must-have products into smaller packaging so you don't have to miss them on your travels. The set also comes with stickers so you can label each product as well as a pourer to make sure moving your liquid products doesn't get messy. It's the perfect way to store products in your carry-on without them taking up lots of space. Holiday packing tips Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday. 1. Write a list Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase. Or for complete ease, try Google's AI app - Gemini - which will create a list for you and help you not over pack. 2. Involve your kids Jemma said: 'My girls are getting older, they're 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say 'this is what you need' and they follow the list. 'And then I give them a rucksack each - and say to them 'you can have whatever you want in there as long as it's not liquid', and they can take that on the plane. And that's their 'home away from home' items.' 3. Try a hack or two She said: "I think they all work, but for different reasons - and you've just got to pick the right one for your trip. "Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you're trying to get a lot of items into your case, it's a space saver. 'Packing cubes are great - for example, I'm going on holiday with my three kids and we're all using the same suitcase for our clothes. "These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked. "I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we've arrived." 4. Decant beauty products Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets - which are much lighter and smaller. Or, if you'll be popping to the shops when you're abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive. 5. Get organised before you come home Jemma said: 'When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes. 'Also pack it in some form of order - so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person. "Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don't leave it." More Travel Buys It's not the only travel must-have Primark shoppers a re going wild for. Primark's underseat bag has racked up a legion of fans, and measures 40x20x25cm, when its wheels are removed, meaning it's fully compliant with Ryanair's underseat baggage dimensions (40x20x25cm) TikTok user Pia Blossom decided to put it to the test and see how much the popular tiny bag can hold - while being within the regulations. It's also ideal for EasyJet customers, with their under-seat cabin bag's maximum dimensions being 45x36x20cm, including handles and wheels. She said: 'I am a chronic overpacker that refuses to pay for luggage, so this is ideal. 'Shall we see how much we can fit in it? Getting to work, Pia managed to add a 'couple of dresses, a couple of jackets, cardigan, underwear, spare bra and [two pairs of] summery shoes.' She also added a jacket and pyjamas and was thrilled to see it all fit in easily to the £25 cabin bag. 'This is closing much easier than I thought it would, which feels like a challenge to put more in," she joked.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
The world's most liveable cities for 2025 – and what it's really like to live there
While Vienna has topped the Global Liveability Index for years, 2025 crowned a new number one. From Copenhagen to Melbourne, we asked locals what it's actually like to reside in these famously liveable cities. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has long ranked cities around the globe, offering a data-backed snapshot of where life is most comfortable and secure. The world's top-ranked cities have been remarkably consistent over the past few years. But in 2025, one major shift jolted the rankings: for the first time in three years, Vienna was dethroned. Copenhagen rose to the top thanks to perfect scores in stability, education and infrastructure – a tough trifecta to beat. However, the biggest shake-ups in 2025 weren't just about rising or falling scores – they were about safety, with geopolitical tensions rising worldwide. Vienna, in particular, suffered from a bomb threat that cancelled the 2024 Taylor Swift concert as well as a recently planned attack on a train station. Still, cities in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada continue to fare well in the rankings, with Osaka the only Asian city cracking the top 10. So, what's it really like to call one of these places home? We asked locals from five of this year's top-ranked cities to find out. Copenhagen Taking the top spot in the liveability index, the Danish capital also recently ranked as the world's happiest city. The two go hand in hand, as Copenhagen's high stability, infrastructure and environment scores directly translate into daily happiness for residents. "Trains show up at 12:16 when they are scheduled for 12:16. No one blinks if you turn up in sneakers at a fancy restaurant, and a swim in a clean harbour is possible even in January if you are feeling brave," said Copenhagen resident Thomas Franklin, CEO of fintech company "Copenhagen wins me over every time with its calmness. Streets are wide, bikes outnumber cars and the city runs on common sense." Franklin also appreciates the city's community spirit and a lack of pressure that means you can meet a friend by the water with no planning and have coffee for two hours. While the skies might often be grey, he says the city is brightened by open-air markets, public saunas and the sound of kids running in the park. "It is a city that never tries too hard but always delivers," he said. American journalist Olivia Liveng moved here eight years ago and says that raising a child here has been "an unexpectedly wonderful experience" due to the city's family-friendly nature. "Our 2.5-year-old son attends a highly subsidised daycare that costs us about US$600 per month, covering everything," she said. "You can truly see where your tax money goes." A good work-life balance also benefits families, with many companies encouraging employees to take three weeks off in July. In addition, Liveng finds the infrastructure to be thoughtfully designed. "There are elevators in all metro stations, clean and reliable public transport and stroller-friendly buses," she said, contrasting it to a recent visit to New York, where a lack of lifts meant navigating the subway with a pushchair was a challenge. For a dose of local hygge, Liveng recommends a swim at Sandkaj Harbour Bath in the Nordhavn district. "It's a favourite spot to dip and lay in the Sun, especially during the warmer months," she said. For a winter visit, Franklin suggests the Islands Brygge harbour baths. "Grab a hot chocolate, sit at the water's edge and just watch Copenhagen drift by," he said. "The small rituals here are what stick with you." Vienna The Austrian capital may have slipped from first to second place in the index, but its perfect healthcare score still outranks every other city. It also maintains perfect scores in both education and infrastructure. The result is a place that residents rave about. "I'm a native New Yorker who moved to Vienna for the lifestyle about four years ago and have no plans on returning," said Nataleigh O'Connell, a communications consultant at UNIDO. "I've found a quality of life that I didn't think was possible in a major capital city." She points to affordability as a major draw, noting that rent is extremely reasonable, with a city-centre one-bedroom flat costing less than €850 per month. Vienna's extensive public transportation network is also clean and affordable, priced at just €1 a day for city residents. "It's a city that offers enough of everything, whether it be new restaurants, world-class performances or art exhibitions, without ever feeling overwhelming," said O'Connell. To experience Vienna like a local, she recommends visiting heurigen, local vineyards within the city limits. "The hiking trails that connect them offer spectacular views of the city," she said. Geneva Switzerland consistently ranks high for quality of life, thanks to policy and infrastructure that support well-being. Both Zurich and Geneva made the top five this year, but Geneva residents say their city has a different feel – more compact, more relaxed but with all the benefits of a global hub. "Geneva is a well-run city in a well-run country," said resident James F Royal, who moved here from Florida several years ago and is the author of the book Options Trading 101. "It offers many of the benefits of the big city – music, arts, business – in a cosier environment, meaning you get many advantages of urban life without the usual disadvantages." More like this:• The world's five happiest cities for 2025• The Danish city that's been designed for an easy life• Why Minneapolis is one of the world's happiest places With perfect healthcare and infrastructure scores, the city is also clean, safe and easy to navigate. "Whether you want to walk to your destination or use the dense public transportation system, you can get around easily with no car required," Royal said. In addition, Switzerland's reliable train network and central location make it easy to travel almost anywhere in Europe in just a few hours. Geneva is also one of Switzerland's most diverse cities, with more than 40% of residents born abroad. "Inhabitants get the benefits of that diversity, such as a wide range of cuisines and people with interesting backgrounds," Royal said. The city's natural beauty – especially the crescent-shaped Lake Geneva and its mountain backdrop – also add to the appeal of daily life. The lake has plenty of spots to picnic and sunbathe, with La Grange Park offering unique lake views and expansive rose gardens. Royal recommends visitors enjoy the restaurants and pop-up bars that appear during the summer months, and the Christmas markets in the winter. Melbourne Ranked fourth in the index, Melbourne received perfect marks in healthcare and education. But its high scores in culture and environment are what inched it above other Australian cities – including Sydney and Adelaide, which also cracked the top 10. Melbourne also scored well on infrastructure – and lawyer Oliver Morrisey says he chose to base his practice here due to an overall efficiency he rarely finds in other major cities. "I can walk from the Supreme Court to a client meeting near Collins Street in under 15 minutes; and I can work intensely during the day then take my daughter for a walk through Fitzroy Gardens after school," he said. "That is what liveability means to me. It is not just about lifestyle. It is about ease of movement between the parts of life that matter." Even for those outside the city centre, Melbourne's transportation network makes getting around simple. "The transport system connects the inner and outer suburbs for an easy commute within 50 minutes without segregating suburbs," said Melbourne resident Katherine Tuominen, founder of Catalyst Brand Strategy, who has lived in 10 cities around the world but finds Melbourne the most liveable. She also loves Melbourne's multicultural energy, which brings together people from all walks of life and fuels a vibrant mix of activities, events and cuisines. "It's never boring, and there are always new ways to broaden your perspective and try something different," she said. She recommends visitors wander the city's graffiti-lined laneways or explore speakeasy-style bars like Beneath Driver Lane and Miss Gunn's Basement Bar. Morrisey suggests lunch on Lygon Street, widely considered the birthplace of the city's cafe culture. "Eat slow, talk loud and take your time," he said. "That is the real Melbourne." Osaka The only Asian city to make the top 10 (ranked seventh overall), Osaka scored perfect marks in stability, healthcare and education. And while it's often overshadowed by flashier Tokyo, Osaka's under-the-radar vibe is exactly what residents love about living here. "Osaka is a very well-developed, very cool city," said long-time resident Graham Hill who runs the review website Osaka City. "It is to Japan what San Francisco might be to the United States: a smaller city, but with a unique flavour of its own." The city's reliable infrastructure – including a clean, punctual and wide-reaching transit system – make Osaka easy to live in, without the crowds of Tokyo. Hill says it's simpler to get reservations at top-tier places, and the prices are much better as well. Dominic Dijkstra, director of mixology at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Osaka, agrees: "Whether it's a quick bowl of ramen after work or a beautifully crafted kaiseki dinner, you're never far from an amazing meal." Dijkstra learned his craft in Manchester, England, and says that Osaka has a similar kind and unpretentious vibe. "People are proud of their culture and are always ready to share it with you," he said. "Osaka has a warmth and humour in everyday life that makes it feel liveable beyond convenience. People chat to you in shops, joke with you at the bar and make the city feel like home." While Osaka has major tourist attractions like the historic Osaka Castle, Hill recommends visitors seek out everyday Osaka pleasures. "Hanging out at Streamer Coffee Company in Shinsaibashi is a first-class 'cool' urban experience to rival any city," he said. "Grabbing something to eat from Utsubo Bakery Panena and sitting down in Utsubo Park delivers some of the simple pleasures available to an Osaka local." Dijkstra recommends heading to Kyobashi train hub to find the city's true soul, noting that the string of tiny bars just outside the station is always full of friendly Osakans at any time of day. "Grab a beer or a highball and squeeze in next to the locals," he said. "You'll get an authentic glimpse into why this city is so special." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Futuristic luxury yacht dubbed the ‘Sea Spaceship' revealed – offering a ‘refined escape' with seven-figure price tag
A FUTURISTIC luxury yacht that's dubbed a "sea spaceship" has been unveiled. The vast, sci-fi looking ship has been designed for high-speed cruising - and comes with an equally soaring price tag. 7 7 7 The VanDutch 75 is capable of reaching speeds up to 40 knots with its twin 1,800 hp MAN V12 engines. According to the yacht brand's website, the model is designed to "reinterpret the unmistakable VanDutch style in a more contemporary and Mediterranean key." Measuring a total of 75ft in length, the yacht's futuristic look also comes with integrated tech throughout. It's design is was inspired by Italian interiors. Pricing will vary depending on the configuration - but it is expected to run into seven figures. "A natural evolution of the VanDutch DNA, the VD75 is the embodiment of elegance, performance and cutting-edge design," the company described the vessel. "With its huge cockpit and open living space, it offers a refined escape with maximum visibility and sleek simplicity." The boat has a three-cabin configuration below deck, which includes a master suite and a crew quarter for two staff members. The company adds: "The external lines maintain that timeless style behind the success of the VanDutch production, with the addition of some technical details that act as aesthetic elements as well, working together and interacting for maximum integration." It's not the only high-tech vessel to have been launched in recent weeks. Luxury 794ft superyacht 'sea hotel' with five restaurants & mini-marina completes trial before first voyage this summer Ferrari plans to build a 100ft yacht that can "fly" over the water with no engine. The Hypersail project uses foils to stay afloat rather than fuel. The company's chairman John Elkann said: "[The] America's Cup is regulated and this boat is thought to go beyond rules. "This project gives us the chance to experiment in new areas." 7 7 The Hypersail is currently under construction in Italy. Ferrari aims to complete a prototype by some point in 2026. Elsewhere, a luxury superyacht 'sea hotel' completed its sea trials earlier this year. The Luminara was reported to be offering a glamorous trip that could cost as much as $78,377 (£58,120) for a seven-night trip. President of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Ernesto Fara said: "With Luminara, we've raised the bar once again, uniting legendary service, elevated design, and an extraordinary onboard experience to further define our distinct approach to ultra-luxury travel at sea. "This remarkable super-yacht opens the door to new destinations and deeper guest experiences, reinforcing our commitment to thoughtful exploration and continuous innovation across the fleet." 7 7
