Annabel Grossman

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a historic, opulent hotel on the lakefront in Bellagio, offering lavish period interiors, impressive lake views, extensive spa and leisure facilities, family amenities and standout dining at Mistral Restaurant. Its secluded setting provides an escape from Bellagio’s tourist crowds, but the property’s decor feels somewhat tired and its old-fashioned service can be stuffy and inconsistent. It best suits travelers seeking traditional extravagance rather than understated modern luxury.

Extreme summer heat, wildfires, drought and water shortages are prompting more British holidaymakers to consider cooler destinations such as Canada, Norway, Scotland and Austria instead of traditional Mediterranean resorts. Kayak reports sharp year-on-year increases in searches for flights to cooler locations, while Italy has issued its highest heat alert across major cities and advised tourists to stay indoors. The trend may make summer 2026 a turning point, although travel writers and holidaymakers have not abandoned Mediterranean destinations entirely.

Edinburgh has become the first UK destination to introduce a city-wide tourist levy, charging five per cent on eligible accommodation for up to five nights. Glasgow plans a similar charge from January 2027, Aberdeen is expected to follow with a seven per cent levy, and Cardiff may introduce a Welsh visitor charge from April 2027. England could also permit local tourist taxes, while Liverpool and Manchester already collect accommodation fees through business improvement districts. The levy’s supporters say visitors should help fund infrastructure and local communities, but holiday-let owners warn that the system is complex, burdens small businesses and could encourage unlicensed rentals. Responsible Travel’s Rob Perkins argues that taxes may prompt debate about overtourism but are not a complete solution.

Prishtina is portrayed as a characterful and lively capital whose brutalist architecture, Communist-era buildings, cafes, parks and cultural landmarks offer a rewarding alternative to conventional tourist destinations. Although social media users often describe it as boring or ugly, the writer argues that its lack of major attractions allows visitors to experience everyday city life without the pressure of sightseeing. Prizren is acknowledged as the prettier, more historic and picturesque destination, and the two cities are recommended as complementary stops for understanding Kosovo, which can be visited together because they are only about an hour apart.

Hilton Head Island offers a quieter, more nature‑focused alternative to the Hamptons, with expansive beaches, rich Gullah Geechee cultural heritage and historic sites such as Mitchelville Freedom Park. Cycling, marina exploration and wildlife viewing are highlighted as key activities, while accommodation ranges from beachside rentals to major hotel brands. Dining options emphasize fresh seafood and Gullah‑influenced cuisine, including highly praised private meals by chef Sallie‑Ann Robinson.

Extreme heat across Europe is driving temperature warnings in France, Spain and Portugal, with more than 1,300 deaths linked to June’s heatwave and associated wildfire risks. Authorities are not advising against travel, so holiday cancellations are unlikely to be allowed, while wildfires and storms may still disrupt trips. Recent heat has closed major attractions and caused power outages, and travellers are urged to take health precautions, especially against dehydration, heatstroke and increased drowning risks. Most visitors are expected to face minimal disruption, and those seeking cooler weather may consider alternative destinations such as Iceland or Estonia.

The Vistula Spit in northern Poland offers golden Baltic beaches, pine forests and inexpensive seaside accommodation despite lying directly beside Russia’s strategically important Kaliningrad Oblast. Krynica Morska becomes busy with Polish families in summer but is nearly deserted during the off-season, while the smaller village of Piaski focuses on nature, fishing and birdlife. A woodland trail leads to the lightly marked Polish-Russian border, where untouched Russian beaches contrast with tourist footprints on the Polish side. The region’s proximity to Russia and the Baltic Fleet lends it geopolitical significance, but the article concludes that its low prices, peaceful landscapes and relatively low profile could attract more international visitors.