Hello again fellow travelers,

Spring is here (and summer is on the horizon) — so yes, we’re excited!

In May, we’re off to the south of France again, this time for an Azamara cruise. It’s our first time sailing with this line. Their long port days (often until 8:00 or 9:00 pm) sold us. Translation: Lots of time for our own DIY exploring — without worrying about “missing the boat” at the end of the day.😊 We’ll tell you all about it after our trip!

If Europe is calling your name this spring or summer, there are a few new travel rules to know before you go. Below, we’re also sharing some of our favorite cities, plus smart tips to help make your trip go more smoothly.

EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The European Union is rolling out the new Entry/Exit System (EES) across the Schengen Area — and it changes how you’ll go through border control.

Instead of getting your passport stamped, your entry and exit will be recorded digitally using your passport details and biometric data.

What this means for you:

You may need to provide fingerprints and a photo on your first visit.
Border crossings could take longer, especially during busy times.

➡️ Bottom line: Give yourself extra buffer time at airports and border crossings this summer.

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

If you’re visiting the United Kingdom from the U.S., Canada or Australia, there’s a new step to know about. You’ll now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding your flight.

What to know:

The cost is £16 (about $20 USD). After April 8, the cost is £20 (or $27 USD).
It’s quick and easy to apply online before you go.
Airlines may deny you boarding without it.

Transportation strikes

Transportation strikes are fairly common in Europe — especially in the peak travel season — so it’s something to keep on your radar.

We’ve been caught up in them before. Last year, we actually had to (last-minute) change our flight to Nice by a day to avoid flight disruptions before our Star Clippers sailing cruise to Corsica).

A couple of strikes to note this year:

Italy — A national rail strike is scheduled for April 11 to 12. (There’s also a national general strike on May 1 that could affect transportation).
France — A 4-day Air Traffic Control (ATC) strike has been called for later this year, October 7 to 10.

You can keep up to date on train disruptions by checking Rail Europe’s website here.

A few European cities we love

Porto, Portugal

With its colorful riverfront buildings, sun-drenched azulejo-tiled churches, luscious port wine and seriously good food, Porto is one of Europe’s most delightful cities — and very much worth visiting!

We loved:

Riding the vintage tram to Foz
Taking a day trip to the Douro Valley
Indulging in way too many sweet custard tarts (pasteis de nata)
Strolling the Douro River waterfront
Bicycling along the Atlantic beaches

➡️ Porto’s no secret anymore, so it can get busy. See our best tips for dodging the worst of the crowds.

Split, Croatia

If you’re after that perfect mix of history and beach time, Split ticks all the boxes. It’s one of the best beach towns in Croatia — and an easy place to fall into vacation mode.

Must-do:

Wander through Roman ruins inside Diocletian’s Palace
Take a boat trip to nearby islands (hello Hvar and Brac!)
Visit tiny Trogir — often called the “Venice of Croatia”
Linger over long lunches at waterfront restaurants

Bonn, Germany

A little under-the-radar, Bonn surprised us — in the best way. Set along the Rhine, it’s the birthplace of Beethoven and blends history, museums and leafy riverside strolls beautifully.

Don’t miss:

Touring Beethoven’s birthplace (a must for music lovers)
Visiting pretty Poppelsdorf Palace
Taking a scenic Rhine river cruise to Konigswinter — and exploring fairytale-like Schloss Drachenburg (worth the climb or funicular ride!)

✨Smart ways to save (and travel better) in Europe

A few savvy moves can stretch your budget and make your trip smoother — always a win.

Use guided tours to skip the lines

Pre-booking tours can save you from waiting in line. We’ve already booked a small-group Uffizi Gallery tour in Florence (with a separate entrance and no 1- to 2-hour “usual” lineup).

We regularly book walking tours, port excursions designed for cruise passengers, food experiences and day trips through Viator and GetYourGuide.