From the latest on a long-awaited biometric border system to prohibitions on pub crawls and the announcements of restricted access to an iconic sight and a host of new flights and cruises, it was a busy month in European travel. If you missed any of the headlines this month, read on to get up to speed on the big stories of October, and be sure to register for the TravelPulse newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news in the travel industry.
Crowd of travelers inside an airport terminal. (Photo Credit: tong2530/Adobe)
European Union Delays New Entry System
Once again, the European Union delayed the launch of its new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) this month. The high-tech system was set to launch on November 10, but it has now been postponed indefinitely. There has been no announcement about how this news affects the launch of the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)—a new pre-trip authorization Americans will have to acquire before arrival—as it was scheduled to launch six months after EES went live.
Prague Puts an End to Late-Night Pub Crawls
To appease residents and attract a higher-brow brand of visitors, Prague City Council has announced a ban on organized evening pub crawls. The prohibition applies to guided tours of pubs and bars from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and will take effect in early November.
Exterior of Uniworld’s S.S. Elisabeth. (Photo Credit: Uniworld)
Uniworld Introduces Women-Only Cruise
This month, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises unveiled its first-ever itinerary for women-only, a decadent adventure to the South of France. The eight-day cruise will take place in August of 2025 and sail the Rhône and Saône rivers through the alluring regions of Provence and Burgundy. Along the way, guests can participate in a range of activities like truffle hunting, chocolate tasting and lavender weaving while immersing themselves in the gastronomic and artistic heritage of the region.
Venice Extends Daytripper Fee
The city of Venice has announced it will retain its groundbreaking charge on day visitors in 2025. The fee will apply to those visiting the city between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday between April 18 and July 27. For those keeping score at home, the total days the tax must be paid will now number 54, roughly double what it was in 2024. Visitors who stay the night, local residents, students and others are not required to pay the fee.
The skyline of Reykjavik, Iceland (Photo Credit: Theresa Norton)
Europe Dominates Safest Destination Rankings
Europe leads the way in the latest Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s (BHTP) State of Travel Insurance Safest Destinations report. Iceland was awarded Safest City for 2025, with 11 European nations making the top 15 (Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Sweden). It was a similar situation in the Safest City for 2025 category as Reykjavik was listed as the world’s safest city with Copenhagen and Amsterdam coming in second and third respectively.
Celestyal Teams Up With Nat Geo
This month, Celestyal Cruises introduced seven new day tours across Croatia and Greece led by a specially trained National Geographic guide. Much more than excursions, these one-and-a-half-day experiences will take travelers beyond the typical tourist trail to gain a true insight into local cultures.
Officials in Rome are considering new regulations to limit visitors to the Trevi Fountain. (Photo Credit: Courtesy AdobeStock)
Trevi Fountain Access Restricted
The Trevi Fountain will undergo a deep clean this November, which will lead to limited access for visitors. A walkway will be built over the fountain, which will allow a set number of visitors to pass over the cleaning operation and admire the statues and carvings at one time.
Nashville Hot With European Airlines
Both Aer Lingus and Icelandair announced new direct flights to Music City this month. Aer Lingus will start flying direct between Dublin and Nashville as of April 2025, with four flights a week between the cities (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday). Starting in May, Icelandair will fly between Reykjavik and Nashville four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) connecting the capital of Tennessee with 34 European destinations via the Icelandair network.
The Old Town of Trogir, Croatia. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Cheryl Ramalho)
Rail Europe Adds Croatia
American travel advisors will now be able to book rail tickets for clients heading to Croatia as Rail Europe has added the nation to its portfolio, strengthening the brand’s offerings in Central and Eastern Europe. Croatian cities like Zagreb and Split are well connected to other European cities like Vienna, Salzburg and Bratislava, meaning advisors now have many new European trip possibilities for their clients.
Small Ship Brands Reveal 2025 Plans
Two of Europe’s leading small ship lines unveiled their 2025 plans this month. Athens-based Variety Cruises announced a host of 8-day cruises to destinations including traditional favorites like Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro in addition to up-and-coming destinations like Malta and Albania. Meanwhile, Sail Croatia announced its schedule of small ship departures next year, ranging from active pursuit and cultural-themed sailings to party cruises aimed at the social set.
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