AUTHOR
TW Ølson is the Founder and Editor of Cleared for Departure, where he creates practical, research-driven travel content to help readers plan smarter and travel with confidence. His work focuses on international travel, relocation, airline policies, pet travel, and destination planning.
For Americans planning a longer stay in Europe, France has an interesting exception to the standard Schengen 90-day rule. France and the United States have a bilateral visa-waiver agreement dating to 1949. French government guidance published in connection with Europe’s new border system has described the agreement as allowing U.S. citizens with ordinary passports to...
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Montenegro Moves Closer to EU Membership, but What Changes for Travelers? Montenegro has taken another important step toward joining the European Union, although travelers should not expect any immediate changes at the border. The EU established a dedicated working group on April 22, 2026, to begin preparing Montenegro’s accession treaty and related documents. An accession...
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Fall 2026 brings an exceptional lineup of European events worth building a trip around, from the Venice International Film Festival and Oktoberfest to Art Basel Paris and Web Summit in Lisbon. This guide covers 20 events spanning film, fashion, food, art, music, and technology, with details on public access, VIP programs, professional accreditation, and tips for booking directly through official organizers.
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Planning a European trip by train sounds simple until you actually start piecing together routes, connections and tickets across multiple countries. If you’re considering a rail trip through Europe, there’s a free resource that may help make the planning process a little easier. Byway is offering a free, pre-recorded video course on how to plan...
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Last verified: August 13, 2026 at approximately 7:30 p.m. BST / 8:30 p.m. in Sicily. This is a developing travel situation. Airport restrictions, flight schedules and volcanic ash conditions can change quickly. Travelers should confirm their individual flight directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Travelers flying to or from Sicily should prepare...
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Every summer, millions of travelers head to Europe’s most iconic destinations. August is especially busy, as schools are on break, many Europeans take their annual holidays, and international visitors arrive for peak summer travel. That popularity can create serious challenges for historic neighborhoods, transportation systems, local businesses, public spaces, and the people who live in...
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Extreme heat is disrupting flights and ground transportation across Europe, with hot conditions making takeoff harder and slowing operations. The result is delays, weight restrictions, and wider travel knock-on effects.
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A quick look at e-passports and fast-track passport services for travelers. e-Passports are electronic or biometric passports, while fast-track services are expedited application options that vary by country.
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Pickpocketing and scams remain the main safety issue in Paris, especially in busy stations, markets and tourist-heavy areas.
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In 2026, expats are increasingly choosing Europe’s secondary cities over famous capitals, prioritizing walkability, affordability, transit, and everyday livability. This roundup highlights 15 attractive options, including Valencia, Strasbourg, Bologna, Braga, Freiburg, and Trieste, while explaining why cities like London, Paris, Lisbon, and Barcelona are losing appeal for long-term relocation.
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