Venice remains one of Europe’s biggest draws, but a fresh first-person account is highlighting the strain mass tourism puts on daily life, prices, and the visitor experience. The reaction lands as the city continues testing fees and crowd-control measures in 2025.

A two-week trip built entirely around street food turned into a closer look at local prices, daily routines, and how travelers connect with cities beyond tourist districts. The experience reflects a wider shift toward food-led travel that many Americans are embracing.

Traveling through five countries with only a carry-on can save time and money, but it also exposes common packing and planning mistakes. Here are five things I would not repeat after navigating airports, trains, budget airlines, and hotel check-ins with one small bag.

Seasoned travelers tend to buy the same small set of airport essentials before a flight, from water and power gear to snacks and neck pillows. The pattern reflects how flyers manage delays, airline fees, and long hours in transit.

As overtourism pushes travelers away from the world’s most photographed hotspots, lesser-known destinations are drawing attention for lower crowds, better value, and stronger local identity. Here are 10 places travel experts say are worth considering instead.

More American families are booking trips that pair grandparents with grandchildren, as new survey data, tour products, and hotel offers point to a sharp rise in multigenerational travel in 2026. Higher child care costs, flexible retiree schedules, and a push to spend on shared experiences are helping drive the shift.