Retirement is a significant life milestone. And if you are considering living out your golden years abroad, then factors such as cost of life, safety, and healthcare are probably at the top of your list. While countries such as Portugal and the Netherlands have recently been in the news as some of the most affordable places in Europe, according to Property Guides, a real estate assistance company, the most pocket-friendly place to retire is actually, Turkey.

Why Turkey is the best place to retire in Europe

The company’s data shows that retirees need, on average, 488 euros (USD 525.48) per month to live there. Located in southeastern Europe/southwestern Asia, the country is home to about 85 million people and has some of the lowest crime levels among any European country.

Turkey has also seen an impressive surge (70 per cent) in visitor numbers since the pandemic, according to a recent WTM Global Travel Report, making it the second most visited country on the Old Continent after France. This status has transformed it into a bustling meeting place of nations and a vibrant cultural destination, all factors that are important to expat retirees.

Istanbul, Antalya, and Bodrum are some of the most popular destinations with retirees in Turkey, according to Can Turken, chief operations officer of Türkiye Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Istanbul has some of the most sought-after properties of all Türkiye, being the branded residences, villas, and waterfront properties. The amenities often range between recently renovated or new kitchens and bathrooms, private parking, indoor pools, sauna, and Turkish hammam,” Turken told T+L.

Antalya, a scenic resort city on the country’s Turquoise Coast on the Mediterranean, is home to sun-drenched beaches, restaurants, hotels, and a historic downtown with many Roman and Ottoman landmarks. Turken explained that the area’s almost year-round warm weather and the blend of its beautiful natural setting and urban amenities make it a popular choice, where seaside properties with hotel-style amenities are of the highest demand.

And Bodrum, the trendy luxury vacation spot on the Turkish Riviera, famous for its crystal-clear waters, high-end resorts, designer shopping, and chic eateries, is the top choice for retirees seeking exclusivity and privacy.

The second country on Property Guides’s list of best places to retire is Germany, for its many green spaces and the highest number of hospital beds available to its residents. And Greece is third, scoring high in affordability. You’ll need about USD 1,108 on average per month to cover your expenses in the Hellenic Republic, which also stands out with low crime levels.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Feature Image Credit: minemero/Getty Images

Related: Explore Turkey’s Beauty: The Most Stunning Places to Visit

Somehow, we are just mere days away from the end of 2023. Now that another year has come to pass, we can look back on all the things we experienced and, thanks to Google, look back at all the trips we searched for and planned along the way.

Each December, Google unveils its Year in Search, which includes all trending queries we made. It highlights the things we searched for that had a sustained spike in traffic over a longer period compared to 2022.

According to Google, which shared some of its more travel-centric results, honeymooners were all about luxury escapes in 2023, including both beachside and city getaways.

The most popular honeymoon destinations in 2023

The No. 1 trending destination for honeymoons was Bali, Indonesia. The location is ideal for newly minted married couples as it offers plenty of beaches to sit on for days on end, cultural activities for those looking to make new memories together, and fantastic dining options so you can split a few dishes with your boo.

Bali was followed by the nation of Scotland, which offers a completely different, but equally fantastic vibe, filled with rolling hills and opportunities to walk along more rugged shorelines and spend a little time in a pub or two.

Following these two destinations was the French Riviera; a domestic spot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; an island getaway in Saint Lucia; the entire, ever-romantic nation of France; the adventure-lover’s dream of the Galápagos Islands; the fun-loving getaway to Las Vegas; a far-flung escape to Zanzibar; and a tapas dream in Spain.

As for actual wedding locations, Google revealed that Lake Como, Italy, led the pack, followed by Tulum and Cancun in Mexico. These were followed by Bali, which could be a double feature for wedding and honeymoon, and onto a host of domestic spots, including Long Island, New York; San Antonio, Texas; Puerto Rico; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Vermont. But really, no matter where you say “I do” or celebrate your newly wedded bliss, you’re going to have a great time, we swear.

(Feature image credit: ErmakovaElena/Getty Images) 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: Plan Your Perfect Bora Bora Honeymoon: Overwater Bungalows and Seaplane Rides Await

In a study conducted by Euromonitor International, the enchanting city of Paris has claimed the title of the most visited place in the world, reaffirming its reputation as one of the most romantic destinations.

The top three positions are dominated by Paris, Dubai and Madrid, with Tokyo securing the fourth spot, closely trailed by Amsterdam. Other notable Asian destinations in the top 20 include Singapore at 11th place, Seoul at 14th, Osaka at 16th, and Hong Kong on the 17th place.

Travel trends: Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index 2023

The index aims to establish an attractiveness score for 100 cities based on six crucial pillars, evaluating 55 metrics. These pillars encompass economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, as well as sustainability.

According to Euromonitor International, the top ten cities with the highest international arrivals in 2019 (pre-pandemic) all maintain their positions within the top 15 in 2023. Hong Kong stands out with the most significant increase in international trips.

Euromonitor International notes that Hong Kong’s surge is attributed to being one of the last major destinations to lift pandemic-related restrictions at the end of 2022. The city fully reopened all the checkpoints between its border and mainland China in early 2023.

Top 20 most visited places in the world

Paris
Dubai
Madrid
Tokyo
Amsterdam
Berlin
Rome
New York
Barcelona
Singapore
London
Munich
Milan
Seoul
Dublin
Osaka
Hong Kong
Vienna
Los Angeles
Lisbon

You can read the full report here.

(Feature image credit: Leo/ Unsplash)

Related: Pack Your Bags And Head To The Most Visited Countries In The World

Starting January 1, 2024, the Kenyan government has abolished visa requirements for international travellers visiting the East African nation. The move to allow visa-free entry aims to boost trade and tourism within Kenya. The tourism industry, crucial to Kenya’s economy, offers diverse experiences, including inland wildlife safaris and beach holidays.

President William Ruto, a staunch supporter of visa-free travel, during an event commemorating Kenya’s 60th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom, expressed, “It is no longer necessary for anyone from any corner of the globe to bear the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya.”

Key features of Kenya’s visa-free entry initiative

President Ruto: Beginning January 2024, Kenya will be a visa-free country. It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya.#SikuKuuYaJamhuri pic.twitter.com/WZkUALoAy4

— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) December 12, 2023

To facilitate visa-free entry to Kenya, government authorities have introduced a digital platform for obtaining electronic travel authorisation before visitors arrive. This eliminates the need for visa applications and approvals, ensuring a seamless and expedited entry process.

In earlier developments, the Kenyan government had already lifted visa restrictions for nationals of other African Union (AU) member states. Kenya joins Benin, Gambia, and Seychelles as the fourth country to do so. The AU introduced the African Passport in 2016 to facilitate visa-free travel for citizens across the continent.

(Feature image credit: Global Residence Index/Unsplash)

Related: From Lofoten Islands To Kenya: World’s Most Breathtaking Sunset Locations

United Airlines is making it easier for travellers to hop a train in Europe by partnering with the Lufthansa Group and Deutsche Bahn to create a single ticket for both air and train travel.

The new partnership, which went into effect recently, will allow travellers flying through Frankfurt Airport to buy a single ticket that includes a train to continue onto 25 different cities in Germany as well as Basel, Switzerland, according to United. The integrated ticket will also have one fare that includes all legs of the trip.

All you need to know about the one ticket travel in Germany

“Connecting amazing places on both sides of the Atlantic has never been so easy,” Stefan Kreuzpaintner, the senior vice president of network, alliances and partnerships at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said in a statement. “Together with our partners, we have consistently expanded our intermodal services in recent years in many European countries… It offers travellers to and from the USA a convenient, comfortable journey – a real premium product.”

Travellers who book one of these integrated tickets can receive the boarding pass for both their flight and train when checking in. They also have the possibility to access priority baggage handling and other services in the AiRail check-in area at Frankfurt Airport.

United MileagePlus members can also earn miles for the rail portion of their rail/air ticket, and eligible customers can access Deutsche Bahn lounges.

As an added perk, these tickets come with transfer and connection protection in the event of a delay or breakdown.

Trains are one of the easiest ways to get around Europe once you land with a large variety available from inter-city trains to larger lines like the Eurostar.

For its part, Deutsche Bahn operates more than 40,000 trains each day across 5,700 train stations. The company, along with its French counterpart, is also currently developing a high-speed connection between Paris and Berlin that would directly link the two major cities in 7 hours.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Feature Image Credit: Helmut Fricke/Getty Images

Related: Germany’s Enchanting Forests: Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide

When planning your travels for the upcoming year, spare yourself the hassle of airport stress by being aware of the most stressful airports in the world. According to new research, London Gatwick tops this comprehensive list, followed by Istanbul Airport and Munich Airport.

Air travel has become increasingly tedious in recent years, with news reports highlighting drastic delays, cancellations, overcrowding, and baggage losses, making the airport experience inherently stressful. To sidestep travel woes, it is advisable to avoid the most stressful airports in the world.

Charting turmoil: The top ten most stressful airports in the world

VisaGuide.World analysed several crucial factors contributing to our tiresome and stressful airport experiences. Key factors influencing the list include high passenger traffic, airport size in square metres, passenger density per square metre, the share of annual delays, and the distance in kilometres from the city. Following are the top ten in the list:

1. London Gatwick Airport
2. Istanbul Airport
3. Munich Airport
4. Denver International Airport
5. Heathrow Airport
6. Los Angeles International Airport
7. Fiumicino International Airport
8. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport
10. O’Hare International Airport

The list is predominantly occupied by the UK, Europe, and the US, featuring two British airports, three European airports, and five American airports.

London Gatwick claims the top spot as the most stressful airport in the world. Munich Airport, with the most delays, ranks third, while Denver International Airport, the world’s largest by area, secures the fourth spot in stress levels. Los Angeles International Airport, experiencing the highest traveller density, ranks sixth on the list.

Despite having some of the world’s largest airports, Asian airports stand out as the least stressful for passengers, as no Asian airport makes it to the top ten. Here are the rankings for Asian airports: Singapore Changi Airport (12th), Tokyo Haneda Airport (14th), Indira Gandhi International Airport (17th), Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (19th), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (29th), and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (30th).

(Feature image credit: Shutterstock)

Related: These Are the Best Airlines, Airports and Cruise Lines in 2023

The upcoming addition to the Gulf Tiger’s skyline will be Mercedes-Benz Places, a 1,118-foot tall, 65-storey residential skyscraper in Dubai, conceived by Mercedes-Benz. This marks the brand’s foray into the real estate world. In collaboration with the renowned Emirati developer Binghatti, this residential tower will sit in the heart of Dubai, close to esteemed landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa.

The Mercedes-Benz residential tower in Dubai: Design philosophy, completion date, and more

The Mercedes-Benz Places project has been in the works for over a year. Its design sensibilities draw from the marque’s trademark ‘Sensual Purity’ aesthetic. Judging by its initial renderings, the residential tower’s external silhouette resembles the iconic three-point Mercedes-Benz logo, and the high-end finishes and architecture align with the Sensual Purity philosophy. Ultimately, the goal is to create a calm and luxurious oasis where the needs and comforts of the residents take precedence.

“With Mercedes-Benz Places in Dubai, we are transcending automotive boundaries to create exceptional brand moments. With their extensive experience in real estate development, Binghatti is the ideal partner for us. Our goal with our first branded real estate residential tower is to forge new, desirable grounds that embody our brand’s DNA and provide our customers with a place to arrive, unwind, and call home,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales, in a press statement.

This luxury residential address in Downtown Dubai will combine smart home technologies and intelligent mobility solutions to create a functional sanctuary for its eminent residents. While there is no additional information about amenities and completion date, among other details, more will be known at the Mercedes-Benz Places launch event, scheduled for January 2024.

 

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“We are profoundly excited to be working alongside Mercedes-Benz — a truly iconic name — to develop the world’s first Mercedes-Benz branded luxury residence. Mercedes-Benz Places in Dubai is not merely a real-estate development; it will also prioritise community and mobility, setting a new benchmark for intelligent living,” remarked Muhammad Binghatti, CEO of Binghatti Properties, in a press statement.

Additionally, Binghatti is also building the world’s first-ever Bugatti Residences, featuring a private spa for cars, interiors inspired by the French Riviera, and a pair of car elevators, allowing owners to drive their cars right up to their penthouse suites.

(Feature Image Credit: Binghatti)

Related: Bugatti Residences By Binghatti Debuts In Dubai

South Korea recently introduced a convenient way for tourists to manage their finances and travel seamlessly through the Trip.PASS app. As one of South Korea’s top travel apps, Trip.PASS not only facilitates payments and tax refunds but also serves as a digital identification tool, reducing the need to carry physical documents.

Tourists in South Korea can now explore the country without the hassle of carrying credit cards and passports. By linking their debit cards to the Trip.PASS app, visitors can enjoy smooth connectivity on public transport and make electronic payments at various shops.

South Korea’s Trip.PASS app offers document-free travel

Initially available at CU convenience stores and selected shops, the app’s functionalities will expand. By mid-2024, tourists can make payments and receive tax refunds at Shinsegae duty-free shops, GS25 convenience stores, and Hyundai department stores. 

This initiative is expected to benefit shop owners and small merchants in Seoul by eliminating the need for special payment terminals or passport readers. The Trip.PASS app streamlines transactions, requiring shop owners to scan QR codes for purchases or tax refunds.

The updated version of the app is currently accessible on the Google Play Store for Android users. iPhone users can anticipate its availability by the end of January 2024.

As part of its broader strategy to attract 30 million tourists from across the world by 2026, the South Korean government previously launched Taba, a taxi app designed for foreign tourists. Additionally, real-time translation services were implemented at Myeong-dong station’s tourist information centres in Seoul, with plans to extend this service to five more subway stations in the city.

(Feature image credit: Harry Cunnigham/Unsplash)

Related: A Handy Guide To Your Next Road Trip In South Korea

Good news for K-pop fans! Girls’ Generations’ YoonA has confirmed the dates and cities for her upcoming Asia fan meeting in 2024. It will include a stop in both Hong Kong, Bangkok and Macau in January and February 2024 respectively.

The tour title, ‘Younite’ combines her name, YoonA and the word ‘unite’, symbolising her unity with her fans. Attendees can expect different kinds of segments in the fan meeting including performances, behind-the-scenes talks, and games.

YoonA’s fan meeting in Asia: Dates and cities

The fan meeting will kick off in Seoul on January 6 and 7. Then, she will head to seven other Asian cities, including Hong Kong and Macau.

The actress and singer will hold her fan meeting in Hong Kong on January 13 and in Macau on February 3. Afterwards, she will make her way to Yokohama, Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta.

Mark your calendar for the dates of YoonA’s fan meeting in Asia.

January 2024

01.06-07 – Seoul
01.13 – Hong Kong

February 2024
02.03 – Macau
02.04 – Taipei
02.12 – Yokohama
02.24 – Bangkok

March 2024

03.01 – Manila
03.29 – Jakarta

As of now, no ticketing details have been announced. So, stay tuned for the latest information.

 

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A post shared by 임윤아 Lim Yoona Official (@limyoona__official)

A top artist and actress

YoonA or Im Yoon-ah is a member of the girl group, Girls’ Generation. They are one of the best-selling artists in South Korea and one of the most popular girl groups. YoonA was cast through an Open Casting Audition and spent five years training before her debut.

Besides her music career, YoonA also ventured into acting, receiving further public attention. She starred in K-dramas such as Love Rain, The K2, The King in Love, and Big Mouth. Most recently, she was in King the Land. YoonA also starred in the movie Confidential Assignment 2: International, which performed well at the box office. For her performance, she received her first Best Supporting Actress award at the 58th Grand Bell Awards.

This story first appeared here.

All images credit: limyoona__official/Instagram

Related: Bruno Mars Is Coming To Macau For A Concert In January 2024!

There’s nothing better than finding the perfect souvenir on vacation. Getting that little something special can help you fondly remember this particular trip for years to come. But, rather than pick up any old bauble, why not make it something … fancy? For that, you’ll have to head to the city that was just named the world’s best for luxury shopping — and no, it’s not Paris or Milan.

Lartisien, an agency offering bespoke travel experiences, unveiled its list of the top 10 best cities in the world for luxury shopping. To come to its conclusion, the editors at Lartisien crunched the numbers on who had the most designer stores across “cities with prestigious reputations.” After parsing the data, it ranked Tokyo as No. 1.

Tokyo is the best destination for luxury shopping

“Tokyo’s fashion reputation — spurred by the inspiring street style and Rakuten Fashion Week — constantly attracts shopping lovers to the city,” the team wrote in the findings. “According to our research, Tokyo is the best city in the world for luxury shopping. We found that Japan’s capital had 217 designer stores — the most in our analysis — with Armani having the biggest presence.”

The findings noted that many of the city’s high-end designer shops reside in Ginza (fitting, as the name “Ginza” means “silver mint” in Japanese), including the must-see seven-floor Louis Vuitton and the upmarket shopping complex, Ginza Six.

As for the second-best city for shopping, that honour went to Hong Kong, which Lartisien noted has 211 designer stores. “The choice is plentiful for shoppers in Hong Kong, from the Landmark and Elements malls to the many flagship stores,” it wrote, adding that while the city doesn’t have as many shops as Tokyo, it is home to the highest number of “ultra-high-net-worth individuals” on Earth, who are more than happy to shell out big bucks for designer duds.

Lartisien named  Seoul, Paris, and New York City it’s third, fourth, and fifth-best spots to shop. So, are you ready to find that special — likely very expensive — souvenir? Check out the website’s entire top 10 spots to shop at lartisien.com.

(Feature image credit: WhitcombeRD/Getty Images) 

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: Calling All Shopaholics! Your Ultimate International Shopping Guide Is Here