Europe

If you’ve set off on a euro trip anytime in your life, you’ve probably visited some of the most-frequented countries on the continent: France, Spain, Italy, or the United Kingdom, just to name a few. However, many travelers tend to skip over the locations that elicit some of the most unique experiences.

The European tourism sector is one of the hardest-hit sectors among others in the world. The COVID -19 pandemic has been responsible for the restriction of movement among several countries in Europe vastly affecting the tourism industry. The tourism sector is responsible for the employment of millions of workers while the coronavirus travel restriction is responsible for the loss of jobs in millions. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism contributes about 9.1% of Europe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The GDP is worth US$ 2,018.2 in Europe's economy. WTTC’s Travel and Tourism Impact Report 2020 released in 2019, suggests that the European tourism sector is responsible for 37.1 million jobs which accounts for 9.7% of the region’s total employment. Since the lockdown in Europe, tourist destinations have closed down due to COVID-19 lockdown measures and country travel restrictions to battle the pandemic spread. Lower infection and spread [...]

According to the Worldwide Wildlife Foundation, the United Kingdom (UK) is one of the regions in the world where nature is diminishing. This has led to the dwindling of wildlife in the UK with several species of wildlife nearing extinction. The Bison is a species that is nearing extinction in the UK. Its closest relative, the Steppe bison which inhabited the UK West Blean woods near Canterbury, England for thousands of years is currently extinct. The bison last roamed the same woodlands 6,000 years before and now Kent Wildlife and Wildwood Trusts are on the verge of bringing the bison back to the woods. Human activities on earth are responsible for the depletion of natural resources and nature. Efforts should, therefore, be made to restore nature and resources that are important for the survival of wildlife and mankind. Tree planting is one way of conserving the environment and habitats. However, [...]

For the Vatican and the City of Rome, Holy Week has been strikingly different this year. The bustling crowds that usually fill St. Peter’s Square have been absent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite the absence of visitors, the Pope will still celebrate all Holy Week services, albeit without an audience. While the Vatican’s offices remain open, strict social distancing measures are in place, even as confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported. Voice of America reporter Sabina Castelfranco has been on the ground, covering the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Italy and the Vatican. Joining us from Rome, Sabina provides exclusive insights into the current situation. In this report, Sabina explains why Italy became the first European country severely affected by COVID-19 and how the virus spread so rapidly. She also sheds light on the measures being taken to protect Pope Francis after members of the Vatican tested [...]

Coronavirus knows no boundaries, and the virus has severely impacted the Netherlands. Known for its fields of tulips and iconic windmills, Holland is a beautiful country that no one can fully enjoy these days. wooden bridge in Holland We speak with Holland resident Merijn Martens about the profound impact of COVID-19 on his country and his family. Merijn shares how people are coping, including the heartbreaking reality that his parents have not been able to hold his 4-week-old newborn. He also shares a touching story about teddy bears popping up along neighborhood streets, bringing smiles and a sense of community during these challenging times. For more updates and stories, subscribe to our channel and newsletter at World Footprints. Call to Action: Subscribe to our channel and newsletter at World Footprints. Follow @WorldFootprints on Instagram and all social media platforms. Hashtags: #COVID19Netherlands #MerijnMartens #WorldFootprints #StayHome #CoronavirusImpact #HollandStories #TravelNews #CommunitySupport [...]

Ireland was quick to respond to the coronavirus situation. While many world leaders were waiting to “see what happens”, social gatherings were banned and even the pubs were closed.

...we’re connecting with Sven Parthie, a massage therapist and life coach with a focus on Stress Management, who lives in Brussels, Belgium. Sven will share how the impact of COVID-19 is being felt in Brussels and some of the creative ways Belgians are coping with the pandemic. He’ll also share some helpful tips on how to manage stress during these trying times.

With the world on edge due to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears that social distancing and mandatory shut-ins have affected the Venice canal waters. The waters are crystal-clear, which has led to the sights of swans, fish and dolphins. Italy has been locked down since March 8, which means the tourist hotspots of the streets and canal are empty. The water is typically full of debris and cloudy matter thanks to the infamous gondolas that tourists tend to partake in. However, with all this on hiatus, marine life is enjoying the waters allowing residents to sit back and enjoy from the comforts of their home.  If one looks for the lights at the end of the rainbow or the silver lining in a worldwide crisis, this would be it! Italians took to Twitter to share and celebrate the news, with some locals saying nature is taking back its space amid [...]

Careening through the backstreets of Warsaw in a minibus that bumped and jostled us through a former Communist neighborhood, I immediately regretted that extra pierogi I’d had for lunch that now threatened to expel itself.

It was just a little over three years ago that the U.K. voted to exit the European Union. Now, the exit, called Brexit, is taking shape and it could affect how people travel around Europe. According to various reports, the U.K. may no longer be associated with Europe, but for the next year, there won’t be much change in how people move around. For instance, visa-free travel will be available within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. This area encompasses a majority of Western Europe and has no active borders between the borders. It was 2016 when the U.K first decided to break away from the EU, but the rules for travel were not agreed to until April 2019. And, through December 2020, things will remain the same. According to European Tourism Association Chief Executive Tom Jenkins, people will not need a visa or [...]

A U.K. Longanair flight asked five passengers to leave the flight over concerns the aircraft was too heavy to make its short trip to Derry, Northern Ireland.

Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts--Where dark winter night are offset by a sleepless summer sun—where fire and ice co-exist; and where a dramatic landscape and insular existence supports folklore and informs a vibrant culture. Iceland has so much to offer from its nordic culture, stunning landscapes, food, natural beauty and more.... Iceland is a stunningly beautiful place if you enjoy strange and desolate landscapes. The amount of daylight varies dramatically by season. The sun sets briefly each night in June, but the sky doesn't get fully dark before the next sunrise. In the March and September equinoxes, days and nights are of about equal length, as elsewhere in the world.  Despite its name, Iceland has surprisingly mild winters for a country at that latitude owing to the warming effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream. The country enjoys a maritime temperate climate We set out exploring Iceland aboard the [...]