Travel

Visas feel a bit like phone chargers—there are many types, and you need the right one for the job. Before you click “apply,” decide why you’re coming and how long you’ll stay. I like a simple two-step check: purpose (tourism, work, study, long stay) and proof (who’s sponsoring you, what documents you’ll show). Once that’s clear, the rest is just tidy paperwork and good timing. Tourist visa Short holiday, simple plan. Tourist visas usually come in 30- or 60-day flavors, and you can often extend inside the country. If your passport isn’t eligible for visa on arrival, this is your lane. Apply through an airline, a hotel, a travel agency, or the official portals. My go-to move is saving all bookings as PDFs with clear names—future you will thank present you at the counter. Visit visa S...

I get it—the Schengen map looks tempting until appointment slots vanish and your plans wobble. The good news: you don’t need that stamp to have an amazing trip. There are plenty of friendly, affordable places with great food, big views, and easy entry. My rule of thumb is simple: less paperwork, more memories. Here are ten non-Schengen countries I’d happily put on a 2025 shortlist, plus a few planning tricks that make travel feel lighter. Georgia Georgia feels tailor-made for weekend escapes and slow weeks alike. Tbilisi is cozy and creative; the baths, cafés, and street art make it easy to settle in fast. Head to Kazbegi for mountains that look like desktop wallpapers come to life, and save a day for Kakheti’s gentle wine country. Prices are kind, portions are generous, and the welcom...