Connect with us

Travel

The beautiful European city getting ‘out of hand’ as tourists swarm island paradise | World | News

CHANNEL TODAY BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Published

on


Valletta, the picturesque capital city of Malta, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist numbers, cementing its position as one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations.

The historic city, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture, has witnessed a remarkable influx of visitors from around the globe, contributing to its growing popularity on the global tourism map. However, local residents are worried that this growth in popularity could lead to an influx of rowdy tourists visiting the city.

This surge in visitors to Valetta can be attributed to a variety of factors, including enhanced marketing efforts, improved infrastructure, and a growing reputation as a must-see destination.

One of the key drivers behind Valletta’s tourism boom is its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while offering modern amenities. The city’s well-preserved Baroque architecture, cobbled streets, and historic sites, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace, have been magnets for history enthusiasts and culture lovers.

Simultaneously, the establishment of contemporary art galleries, boutique hotels, and trendy cafes has appealed to younger, more cosmopolitan travellers.

Valletta’s picturesque waterfront, which has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, has also played a pivotal role in attracting visitors. The city’s strategic location along the Mediterranean Sea offers stunning views and is home to a bustling harbour.

Local businesses have thrived as a result of the tourism influx, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and guided tour services witnessing a surge in demand. The economic boost has not only revitalised the local economy but also spurred investment in the city’s infrastructure.

But locals are worried the unexpected number of tourists will turn Valletta into the latest destination in Europe for rowdy holidaymakers.

Last year saw the enactment of a fresh regulation allowing music to play outdoors in Valletta until 1am. This move was made despite objections and concerns raised by residents, who worried that this alteration might lead to the conversion of the UNESCO World Heritage site into a centre of entertainment.

Valletta’s Deputy Mayor Ray Azzopardi told Times Malta: “The situation in Valletta is out-of-hand, residents are tired, and I understand, as I am one of them.

“Residents are not annoyed by the music, but by the noise. I have had residents tell me that there are certain establishments not cooperating with residents. Something has to be done.”

Jaume Ros, founder of travel site New.to, told Express.co.uk: “I get it. Malta, with its azure seas, labyrinthine lanes, and a history that feels like flipping through an ancient, worn-out book, has an undeniable allure. But I’ve seen and felt the locals’ concerns too. The charming narrow streets of Valletta, which I once strolled down feeling the echoes of knights and sailors, might just become another tourist circus. And that’s a hard pill to swallow.

“Now, the naysayers would argue, ‘Isn’t tourism a boon? More visitors mean a bustling economy, right?’ Sure, in theory. But it’s like pouring water into a cup; initially, it’s quenching a thirst, but soon, it’s spilling everywhere, creating a mess. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my jaunts, it’s that not all destinations are equipped to deal with the deluge.

“It’s not just about physical space. It’s about the cultural texture, the daily rhythms, and the spirit of the place. Social media’s relentless spotlighting of ‘Insta-perfect’ locales has inadvertently made some of these places victims of their own beauty. A double-edged sword, I’d say. It’s not just the environment at stake; it’s the very essence, the soul of these places, that gets diluted. And once gone, it’s tough to reclaim.

“But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are places bucking the trend, innovating, and finding ways to coexist. Think of entrance fees that go directly into preserving the locale or spotlighting off-beat paths to distribute the footfall. Better yet, how about promoting off-season travel? Malta in the autumn has a charm few have experienced. I remember sipping on a local brew, watching the sunset over the Grand Harbour without the usual clamour of summer. Priceless!”



Source link

Travel

I visited UK pub known for its unusual inhabitants – 1 reason I won’t go back | Travel News | Travel

CHANNEL TODAY BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Published

on


I may not be much of a dog person, but I absolutely love cats, so when I heard of a pub famed for its feline-friendly furnishings, I knew I had to check it out. Last weekend I took a trip to Bristol to visit some friends and, of course, to see the famed pub The Bag O’ Nails where pints flow freely and cats wander through the bar.

When we rocked up on Saturday afternoon, I was a little worried as I had heard from multiple friends that the pub “absolutely stinks” of cat pee. While I don’t have a particularly strong sense of smell, my boyfriend is like a bloodhound – both in that he doesn’t like cats, and that his sense of smell is significantly keener than mine. I was relying on him to tell me if the pub stank or not.

As soon as we reached the pub – about a half an hour walk from Bristol Temple Meads – we could see how popular it was. Three people were perched on a small table outside, while the narrow bar inside was absolutely rammed with people.

It was so full of punters it took me a second to realise there were not one, not two, but three cats sitting calmly on the bar as the staff weaved around them pouring pints.

The prime seats – the ones in front of the bar, and by extension, directly in front of the cats in their cardboard boxes – were all taken, as were all the seats lining the walls of the cramped pub. Even trying to get to the bar was a challenge, let alone navigating back with two pints, so once we had our drinks we headed outside to perch on the street and debrief.

I hadn’t noticed any smell to the pub so I checked with my boyfriend. He let me know the pub definitely had a little funk to it – but nothing so bad that he couldn’t be in the room. The best part about standing outside was getting to read all the signs on the door, which strictly ban children under 14 (including babies), ‘idiot pub crawls’, dogs and mice from entering the pub.

Although the service was fabulous, the feline occupants adorable and the pub was fun, there is one good reason I won’t be returning to Bag O’ Nails – it simply was too popular for my liking.

Maybe it’s because I visited on a Saturday afternoon, but the pub was simply too cramped to be able to properly sit and enjoy the cats. I did get a couple of chin scratches while I was waiting for my drinks, but due to the number of patrons in the bar it felt too overwhelming to stay for more than one drink.

Overall, Bag O’ Nails is a great pub, the cats are well loved and happy and the prices are reasonable – it’s well worth a visit, but maybe mid-week is better.



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel

The pretty 2.5-mile spring walk in pretty UK hamlet with very famous railway bridge | Travel News | Travel

CHANNEL TODAY BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Published

on


This pretty walk is one of the best in the UK and as the weather gets warmer, it’s one you should definitely add to your list for summer. The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail offers an unforgettable experience for those who take the time to explore it.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll have the chance to see incredible landscapes while taking the route. You can even stop for a quick snap of the iconic viaduct or to see the famous railway bridge from the Harry Potter films. If the weather is in your favour and you’ve got the right footwear, this one to two hour walk will lead you through some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

While on the 2.5-mile trail, you’ll have incredible views of Loch Shiel, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. 

Along the way, you’ll also pass the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1815.

This combination of natural beauty and rich history makes the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail a must-do for anyone looking to explore the best of Scotland’s landscapes.

Fort William is located just 17 miles to the south of Glenfinnan, where you’ll find accommodation, restaurants and more outdoor activities. It’s an ideal place to stay if you’re hoping to visit the area for a short break. 

The easiest way to reach Glenfinnan is by taking the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Fort William, followed by a short bus or car ride to the viaduct. 

One person on Tripadvisor who walked the route said: “Fabulous views of the viaduct and the monument. Also managed to catch the steam train going across. Time it right! Great day out! Definitely a must if you’re in the area.”

Another penned: “A lovely place to see a wonderful viaduct. There is a viewpoint path and one just outside that goes up and close. It’s glorious in person and definitely brings a sense of nostalgia.

“We went for the up and close route which was a nice walk down a path near the visitor centre/cafe. The viewpoint for us seemed a little far away and only beneficial if you have a professional camera.”

If you’re looking for a weekend away in the UK, Glenfinnan could be the perfect place for you to enjoy a scenic yet adventurous break.



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel

The beautiful European country where it’s 14p for a pint of milk | Travel News | Travel

CHANNEL TODAY BROADCASTING CORPORATION

Published

on


A British traveller has revealed the astonishingly low cost of groceries in Romania, where everyday essentials such as milk, fruit and even alcohol come at a fraction of UK prices. But beyond its affordability, Romania also boasts breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant culture that make it a fantastic destination for travellers.

TikToker @Nicoletravelandlife recently shared her shopping experience in a Romanian supermarket, Mega Image, highlighting just how affordable food and drink can be. “Just come to Romania, and it’s apparently very cheap here. So we’ve come to the supermarket, gonna grab a basket, and I’ll let you know how cheap it is,” she said in her viral video.

As she explored the store, Nicole was particularly surprised by the price of a pint of milk – just 14p. In the UK a pint of milk will set you back around 85p.

“Bargain,” she said. She then went on to point out other remarkably low prices, including a whole chicken for £1.50, fresh broccoli for 7p and an avocado for just 2p.

She also picked up a large bottle of Disaronno for £9 and a bottle of fresh orange juice for 60p, commenting on how much cheaper these items were compared to UK supermarkets.

Nicole was also intrigued by some of the unique features of Romanian supermarkets, such as cereal being packaged in bags rather than traditional boxes.

She admired the way fruit and vegetables were displayed and noted that Romania imports many of its goods but still manages to keep prices incredibly low.

At the checkout, she was shocked to find that the total cost of over 30 items came to just £20, a fraction of what a similar shop would cost in the UK. “The real truth of how much it costs,” she said, showing off her impressive haul.

Beyond the affordability, Romania offers stunning travel experiences. The country is home to medieval castles, picturesque mountains, and charming old towns, making it a dream destination for budget travellers.

The capital, Bucharest, is a mix of grand historical buildings and modern energy. Visitors can explore the grand Palace of Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world, or stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, filled with cafés, restaurants, and nightlife.

For history lovers, Transylvania is a must-visit. The Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, is a fascinating site perched on a dramatic hilltop. Nearby, the city of Brașov offers cobblestone streets, colourful baroque buildings, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.

Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to Sibiu and the Transfagarasan Highway, often called “the most beautiful road in the world,” winding through the mountains with stunning scenery at every turn.

Romania is also home to the Danube Delta, a paradise for wildlife lovers with its vast wetlands and diverse bird species.

With its low cost of living, rich history, and natural beauty, Romania is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re looking for a cheap yet exciting city break, an adventure in the mountains, or simply a place where your money goes further, this Eastern European gem is worth considering.

And with a pint of milk at just 14p, you’ll have plenty left in your budget to explore everything Romania has to offer.





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending