Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ecuador is under a state of exception in eight provinces, including Pichincha (Quito), declared for 60 days from 15 September 2026, and curfews have been imposed several times this year, so check the current decree. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the coastal provinces (Esmeraldas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos and Santo...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Travel advisory, October 2026: Ethiopia is in an active conflict. Fighting in the north resumed on 23 September 2026, and the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Tigray, Amhara and Gambela, plus parts of Oromia, Afar and other regions. It does not advise against travel to Addis Ababa itself, but it warns of a high terrorism threat, reports of attacks on military sites in the...

Old San Juan is a walking city, and most of its sights can be seen on foot without a guide. A guided walk adds context, and two operators run history and mural routes. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones, and carry water and sun protection. Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Getting to the start The Tren Urbano does not reach Old San Juan. It stops at Sagrado...

Sightseeing in San Juan centres on Old San Juan, where Spanish fortifications, a cathedral, a governor’s mansion and two museums sit within a short walk of each other. Santurce adds an art museum and street murals. Prices are in US dollars, and the heat is strongest at midday, so start early. Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Castillo San Felipe del Morro...

San Juan is a good city for a couple’s weekend built around evenings: a sunset walk on the old city wall, cocktails, a long dinner and one night excursion to the water. The options here come from named venues with published hours. Beyond them, this page does not list specific romantic hotels, so pick a stay by neighbourhood on a booking site. Prices are in US dollars and often add Puerto...

San Juan works as a base for two to four nights, with the forts and museums in town and the rainforest, bioluminescent bay and mountains on day trips. Two longer options, Culebra and Vieques, each need an overnight. Choose lodging by area on a booking site, since this page names no specific hotels. Prices are in US dollars and often add Puerto Rico’s 11.5% sales tax. Atlantic hurricane...

San Juan works well for families that mix history, short nature outings and one or two water days. Prices are in US dollars, many include Puerto Rico’s 11.5% sales tax, and Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Midday heat is strong, so plan the forts and walks for the morning. Water safety with children Condado and Ocean Park have dangerous rip currents, and tourists...

Most day trips from San Juan head east to the rainforest and the Fajardo coast, or south into the central mountains. Hire a car for flexibility, since public transport does not reach most of these places. Prices are in US dollars, and Atlantic hurricane season (1 June to 30 November) can cancel boat days at short notice. El Yunque National Forest El Yunque is about an hour from San Juan by road,...

San Juan’s guided attractions fall into four groups: rum and food tours around the harbour, a zip line in the mountains, kayak and boat days on the east coast, and ticketed visits to a rainforest centre. Prices are in US dollars, and many operators add Puerto Rico’s 11.5% sales tax at checkout. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, so book flexible dates if you travel in...

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, a US territory, so prices are in US dollars and no passport is needed for US citizens (a REAL ID or passport is used for the airport ID check). Many prices have Puerto Rico’s 11.5% sales tax added at checkout. Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, peaking from about August to October. Beach safety comes first Condado and Ocean...

Travel advisory: Walking is the most exposed way to see Abu Dhabi, so read the current advice first. The UAE has been caught up in the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran, and Iranian missiles and drones were fired at it from 28 February, with debris from intercepted missiles landing in parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO reports strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region since 8...

Travel advisory: Abu Dhabi’s sights are open, but the UAE is in the middle of a regional conflict. Iran has fired missiles and drones at the country since 28 February 2026, and debris from intercepted missiles has fallen in parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO says strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region have continued since 8 July. It does not advise against travel to the UAE, and the...

Travel advisory: A romantic trip needs a clear view of the current risks. The UAE has been caught up in the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran, with Iranian missiles and drones fired at the country from 28 February and debris from intercepted missiles falling on parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO reports strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region since 8 July. It does not advise...

Travel advisory: Before planning a stay of several nights, know that the UAE has been affected by the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran. Iranian missiles and drones were fired at the country from 28 February, and debris from intercepted missiles fell on parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO says strikes and retaliatory attacks have taken place across the region since 8 July and that...

Travel advisory: Families should read this before booking. The UAE has been caught up in the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran: Iranian missiles and drones were fired at the country from 28 February, and intercepted debris fell on parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO reports strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region since 8 July and warns of the risk of more. It does not advise...

Travel advisory: Since 28 February 2026 Iran has fired missiles and drones at the UAE, and debris from intercepted missiles has come down in parts of Abu Dhabi. Regional strikes and retaliation have carried on since 8 July, according to the UK FCDO. That body does not advise against travel to the UAE, but the US State Department rates the country Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”. On the...

Travel advisory: The UAE has been drawn into the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran. Iranian missiles and drones were aimed at the country from 28 February, and debris from intercepts landed in parts of Abu Dhabi. A ceasefire in April was followed by renewed strikes across the region, which the UK FCDO dates from 8 July. At the time of writing the FCDO does not advise against travel...

Travel advisory: Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE have been caught up in the 2026 conflict involving Iran and the United States. Iran fired missiles and drones at the UAE from 28 February, and debris from intercepted missiles fell on parts of Abu Dhabi. The UK FCDO says strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region have continued since 8 July. The FCDO does not advise against travel to the UAE,...

Walking is the only way to cover Varanasi’s old city, because the lanes (galis) are pedestrian and cars and buses stop at Godowlia or about 1.5 km short of the temple. These routes run from the lanes to the river steps. Carry a small bag, zip it, and keep your phone in a front pocket. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar) and are approximate.

Varanasi sightseeing covers working temples, a river fort, Buddhist ruins and museums, and several of them are places of worship first and sights second. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, take shoes off where asked and keep voices low. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar), and fees and hours change, so check before you go. Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the corridor...

Varanasi is an intense pilgrimage city, and romance here is quieter than a resort holiday: a dawn on the water, a heritage palace stay on the river and an evening aarti from a boat. The choice is small, so this page lists what is real and what to expect. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar) and are approximate, so check before you go. A palace stay on the river BrijRama...

Two to five days is the useful range for Varanasi. Two days covers the river, the main temple and one outing, while five leaves room for museums, the silk lanes and a slow afternoon. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar), and train times and fees change, so confirm them before you book. Two to three days Spend the first morning on a sunrise boat from Assi to Dashashwamedh,...

Varanasi has few attractions built for children. Most of the city is crowded riverside steps, narrow lanes shared with motorbikes and cows, and working temples, so family days here take planning. The options below are the calmer ones, and the sections after them cover what to avoid. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar) and are approximate. Sarnath Deer Park and...

Four places work as day trips from Varanasi: Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Chunar Fort and, as a long day, Prayagraj. Distances below are approximate road or rail figures, and fees, train times and fares change, so check before you go. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar). Sarnath Sarnath is about 10 km from the ghats (sources give 8 to 13 km) and takes 30 to 45 minutes by car.

Guided tours in Varanasi fall into three groups: walks led by local operators, boat trips along the ghats, and temple visits where the official ticket is the sensible way to skip a queue. This page lists what exists and what to check before paying. Prices are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar) and move often, so confirm them first. Local walking operators VaranasiWalks, with a...

Varanasi, also called Banaras and Kashi, is a pilgrimage city on the Ganga where most of the day happens on the riverside steps, in the lanes behind them and in the temples. The UK government lists no travel warning for Varanasi, and the usual India cautions apply: crowds, touts and quoted prices that need agreeing in advance. Prices below are in Indian rupees (INR, roughly 95 to the US dollar)...

Travel advice. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department lists Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The Armenia and Russia land borders are closed, so visitors arrive by air....

Travel advice. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia, and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where mines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department lists Azerbaijan at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed, and visitors...

Travel advice for couples. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department rates Azerbaijan Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The Armenia and Russia land borders are closed, and...

Travel advice. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia, and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where mines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department lists the country at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. Land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed; the Georgia and...

Travel advice for families. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia, and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department lists Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed, and...

Travel advice. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the Armenia border and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, because of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The US State Department rates Azerbaijan Level 3, Reconsider Travel. Land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed; air entry is normal. The day trips...

Before you book a tour. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the Armenia border and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts hit by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where mines and unexploded ordnance remain; the US lists Azerbaijan at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed, and visitors fly in. The tours described here stay...

Travel advice. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia, and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts, where landmines and unexploded ordnance remain. The US State Department lists Azerbaijan at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The land borders with Armenia and Russia are closed, so...

Accra is a city for short walks in distinct districts, linked by ride-hailing rides, rather than one long route. Heat, traffic and uneven pavements keep most walks to a couple of hours, so start early and carry water. Prices are in cedis (GH₵), at about 11.7 to the US dollar. Sachet “pure water” varies in quality, so buy sealed bottles when you can. Jamestown and Usshertown Jamestown...

Accra’s main sights cluster in a few districts: the old colonial coast at Jamestown, the central monuments around High Street and Independence Square, and the quieter residential areas of Cantonments and Adabraka. Prices are in cedis (GH₵), at about 11.7 to the US dollar, and several sites include solemn memorials, so dress simply and keep voices low. Fees were confirmed from official pages...