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Why Americans Are Flocking To This Caribbean Island Despite Safety Warnings

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Blessed with sunny temps year-round and being a paradisiacal island bordered by turquoise seas, Jamaica is a no-brainer for Americans planning a tropical getaway this winter despite not being the most peaceful of countries.

According to the State Department, Americans should, in fact, ‘reconsider’ travel to Jamaica due to the nation’s widespread gang activity and ongoing issues with crime, but it’s not like that’s stopping U.S. citizens from flocking into Montego Bay:

Aerial View Of A Resort Zone In Jamaica, Caribbean Sea

This winter alone, Jamaica is expected to host over 1 million visitors, with an additional 180,000 airline seats, not to mention its best winter season yet: among all nationalities, Americans are leading the figures, accounting for 74,000 of those new seats.

Considering the dire safety warnings, what is it about Jamaica that has got Americans so hooked regardless?

Resort Zones Are Safe

Jamaica is not exactly the safest Caribbean country out there, but as a destination, it is relatively safe. Does that sound confusing? Allow us to explain briefly:

idyllic caribbean beach with pier and gazebo, Montego Bay, Jamaica

While it’s true crime rates in Jamaica are exceedingly high, as noted by Numbeo, and infrastructure in some areas is lacking at best, these are problems that, for better or for worse, mostly concern residents, especially those living in largely underdeveloped towns.

As a privileged tourist, however, you’ll be likely staying in a heavily-fortified, well-surveilled resort, where no one gets in or out unless they’re staff, guests, or have been invited, and where criminals do not operate.

Paradise beach, Jamaica

Controversial as it may be, though Jamaica is far from being a perfectly functioning state, factoring in the corruption levels and violence, it’s a paradise for visitors, and they have little, if anything, at all to be worried about when going there on vacation.

Luxury Resorts Galore

Jamaica’s wide range of resorts, particularly in and around Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, plays an equally big part in the island’s popularity with Americans.

Let’s face it: when you have only 7 to 10 days of paid vacation per day, an all-inclusive resort is as good as it gets, where pampering is expected 24/7, amenities are world-class, and the quality of food is unrivaled––have we mentioned the private beaches yet?

Alcoholic Drink Resting By The Poolside At A Luxury Resort In The Mexican Caribbean, Mexico

They’re not particularly expensive, either, with an overnight at the SeaGarden Beach Resort, in the heart of Montego Bay, costing $250 a night on a weekend this February, or an even-cheaper $193 at Deja Resort, with stunning ocean views and meals included.

Naturally, if you’re the splurging type, and we’re talking 4 figures-a-night, there are much-pricier villas at a paradisiacal Round Hill, or at the landmark, five-star Secrets St. James, with prices at those higher-end listings ranging from $1,044 to $2,000 a night.

Jamaica Is Surprisingly Visitor-Friendly

Coco palms on a sunny beach in Jamaica

We wouldn’t be the first ones to venture outside the protective walls of a resort unaccompanied unless it’s the shopping zones in Montego Bay or Negril, which are still strictly patrolled, but if beaching for 7 days straight isn’t your idea of fun, there is a way you can safely explore Jamaica.

Just book a guided tour!

From Montego Bay, you can visit a marijuana farm and bird sanctuary for only $81, pick up and drop off at your location of preference included, or even go on an adults-only, ‘reggae’ catamaran cruise with an open bar along the coast, from $110.

Jamaicans Shopping From An Open Air Fruit Market In Downtown Kingston, Jamaica, Caribbean

To our fellow culture buffs out there, a must-do while in Jamaica is the Bob Marley Guided Tour of Nine Mile, featuring a stop in St. Ann, the birthplace of the music icon and Jamaica’s most emblematic figure, as well as the Bob Marley Mausoleum ($167.48).

From Kingston, the vibrant capital of Jamaica, there are walking tours of colorful murals ($26), or if you’re keen on something a little more hippy, check out this incredible Story of Jamaican Music Tour, starting from $90 per person.

Flights There Are Cheap

View from a luxury resort in Jamaica

Finally, there’s the fact that Americans can fly nonstop to all three international airports of Jamaica, located in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Based on Kayak data, the average rate of one-way flights from the United States to Jamaica is a surprisingly affordable $90, with the complete list of nonstop routes listed below:

Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Kingston (KIN)

5-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Spirit Airlines

3 flights per day with American Airlines

4-6 flights per day with JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines or Delta Air Lines

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

Nonstop Flights From The U.S. To Montego Bay (MBJ)

8-11 flights per day with JetBlue, Spirit Airlines or Southwest Airlines

5-7 flights per day with JetBlue, Southwest Airlines or Spirit Airlines

3-6 flights per day with American Airlines

6-9 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Frontier Airlines

2-8 flights per day with American Airlines

3 flights per day with United Airlines

2-4 flights per day with American Airlines or Frontier Airlines

2-3 flights per day with American Airlines

  • Houston-Intercontinental (IAH)

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

  • Houston-William P. Hobby (HOU)

1 flight per week every Saturday with Southwest Airlines

1-3 flights per day with American Airlines or United Airlines

2 flights per day with Southwest Airlines

1-3 flights per day with Delta Air Lines or Sun Country Airlines

0-2 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday with American Airlines, Jet Blue or Delta Air Lines

1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines

0-1 flight every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with United Airlines

0-1 flight every Wednesday and Saturday with Xtra Airways

0-1 flight every Saturday with Southwest Airlines

0-1 flight every Saturday with United Airlines

Flights From The U.S. To Ocho Rios

1 flight every day with American Airlines

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Travel Alert: U.S. Officially Bans Hidden Fees For Hotels And Vacation Rentals

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Hot diggity dog! Our tax dollars have finally been put to good use by the very people we pay to represent us.

It’s been a contentious year in the world of politics, but no matter if you’re Team Donkey, Team Elephant, or toeing the line in the middle, surely we can all agree it’s long overdue for an overhaul of travel-related fees, especially sneaky ones!

Woman checking in to hotel

I mean, wasn’t it popcorn-worthy to watch the CCOs of Frontier and Spirit squirm being grilled by the Senate for incentivizing gate agents to scope out oversized baggage?

Well, now it’s hotels’ and vacation rentals’ turn to make things right, so there’s no more sudden surprises.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just announced a bipartisan rule officially banning so-called ‘junk fees’ just months after other traveler-friendly protections were implemented for flight delays and cancellations.

What Are ‘Junk Fees’?

Woman booking trip online

Travel long enough, and you’ve probably encountered the ol’ bait-and-switch tactic at some point.

In fact, my girlfriend, who is a hotel manager, says add-on fees are guests’ most common complaint.

Fortunately, in this case, they’re bozos who didn’t read the clearly marked parking fee, but she also says there are many guests asking if her property charges a ‘resort fee‘ – Exhibit A for junk fees.

There have been many bad apples who hide charges at first glance only to tack them on your final bill, and you know exactly who the main culprit has been.

Is it a sin to tack on resort fees?

Ehh, maybe not. But ‘Sin City’ is the Mecca for sneaking in charges, where oftentimes tourists are caught by surprise with exorbitant fees higher than their room rate.

Woman booking hotel on tablet

It’s similar to budget airlines selling $25 flights, only to tell you your bag is too large for a ‘carry-on’ as you board and charging you double (if not more) than what you spent on airfare before allowing you to take your seat.

In other words, a cheap trip can stack up really quickly! The FTC has taken notice and is putting a stop to it.

The bottom line is to check your bottom line. There will be so much more transparency moving forward.

Hotels and vacation rentals will still be able to charge extra fees, but you’ll know about them upfront.

“The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time”.

– FTC Chair, Lina M. Khan

How Hotels And Vacation Rentals Will Look Going Forward

Couple arriving at vacation rental

Truth be told, after visiting nearly 40 countries, the research that goes into a trip can be more exhausting than the travel itself.

Confirming prices, scouring reviews, and navigating complicated policies can be such a drag to the point you might ask yourself if it’s worth taking a trip at all.

The good news is those days will now be few and few between – at least for domestic trips.

The U.S. obviously has no bearing on what Cancun, Punta Cana, or Timbuktu charge.

Let’s use Airbnb as an example. When I plan out a trip and want more space or an amenity that hotels don’t typically have, like in-unit washers and dryers, I opt for Airbnb.

A Door Open Showing Luggage Beside A Made Hotel Bed In A Hotel Room, Unspecified Location

When searching apartments, you’ll see nightly rates all over the map, quite literally and figuratively, but what you won’t see right away are the big question marks that reveal themselves on the final checkout page.

These can range from pet fees, extra guest charges, and the company’s much-maligned cleaning fees, which can often be outrageous.

I’ve even had a host try to charge me extra for their electricity bill, which was never discussed until after checking out.

Vacationer viewing water from hotel room window

Needless to say that Venmo request was denied, but you can see why the FTC has needed to step in.

The primary issue with hotels is the aforementioned resort fees, so rather than think you just scored the deal of a lifetime on a $99 beachfront villa; it will now be listed as, say, a $500 beachfront villa with an itemized breakdown of resort fees, etc.

The FTC’s press release states, ‘the most prominent price in an ad needs to be the all-in total price—truthful itemization and breakdowns are fine but should not overshadow what consumers want to know: the real total’.

Live Events Are Affected Too

Crowded concert

In a day and age where travelers follow their favorite musical acts and sports teams, the FTC is tackling the same issues for live events.

For example, when I buy tickets for my beloved Padres, I never pay anything close to the price listed for tickets.

If I think I’m buying $30 outfield seats, that likely means $55 outfield seats with all the extra fees tacked on.

Now those tickets should be listed as $55 (or close) to avoid any headaches and surprises.

Concert in the Gorge Ampitheater in Washington.

The FTC estimates that consumers across the board will save over 53 million hours of time and over $11 billion over the next decade.

The new rules have already passed in a 4 to 1 vote and will become effective 120 days after it’s published in the Federal Register.

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Americans Can Fly Nonstop To These 4 Cultural Beach Destinations In The Caribbean

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The Caribbean may be the number one destination for Americans going on a sunny break in winter, but for some, it’s not without its downsides:

Cancun, Punta Cana, and the like are all primariliy resort destinations you go for relaxing, taking a breather, and some week-long pampering, and though they are indisputably incredible on the luxury tourism front, the cultural offer is infamously lacking.

Fortified City Walls Of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

With a growing number of U.S. passport holders now actively seeking cultural immersions when away from home, as opposed to lounging by the pool all day, the usual beach hotspot may not exactly fit their criteria for a more meaningful experience.

There are plenty of exceptions to the rule, of course, with incredible Caribbean destinations boasting not only palm tree-lined sands and turquoise seas but also mind-blowing sights.

If we may add, they’re all a short 2-4 hour flight away from major U.S. hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and others:

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Colorful Houses In Old San Juan Puerto Rico

The bustling capital of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated U.S. territory U.S. citizens can travel to passport-free, San Juan is a cultural treasure dating back to the time of Spanish rule, which, similarly to Santo Domingo, has retained much of its Old World allure.

The main attraction here is Old San Juan, a maze of cobble-covered streets and tree-shaded plazas flanked by brightly-colored edifices that will make you feel more like being in Southern Europe, proper, than somewhere in the Caribbean.

Cobblestone Alley Lined With Colorful Houses In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

The towering Bautista Cathedral serves as the final resting place for Juan Ponce de León, a renowned Spanish explorer, and the Old Town is still surrounded by city walls, making San Juan one of a handful of colonial cities in the Americas to have this feature.

Needless to say, there are countless beaches and swimming spots within a short distance of the picture-perfect historic center, with a sandy Condado Beach, lined with restaurants and high-rises, and El Escambrón, a well-frequented snorkeling area, to name a couple.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Tourist woman appreciating the beauty of the colonial city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

The often-overlooked capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is the oldest European city in the Americas and a bustling metropolis best known for its cobbled Zona Colonial, with buildings dating as far back as the 1500s, surrounded by UNESCO-listed ramparts and towers.

Its towering cathedral is the first built by the Spaniards upon their initial incursion into the New World, while Plaza de España is the city’s colonial centerpiece, housing a monumental Alcázar de Colón palace and a number of casual, charming cafes.

Old Spanish Ozama Fortress In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Minus the buzzing traffic, exotic smells emanating from the stall-lined Mercado Modelo, and the fact it’s a little rough around the edges, you could easily be led to believe Santo Domingo is just another postcard town in Spain, but that’s not to say old stones is all it has to offer.

With up-and-coming Boca Chica and its largely undeveloped, sun-kissed shores being a short half-hour drive from the historic center, where beachfront stays start from $63, it is a budget-friendly alternative to a pricey Punta Cana or increasingly expensive La Romana.

Cartagena, Colombia

Historical City Center In Cartagena, On The Caribbean Coast Of Colombia, Mexico, South America

Lining the sun-drenched Caribbean shores of Northern Colombia, Cartagena ticks all the boxes for what makes a culture-infused sunny break great: it has the postcard-ready colonial core, the inviting street food scene, and even pristine islands just off its mainland.

If you’re going to Cartagena this winter, you should take your time strolling its monument-packed fortified Old Town, filled with 16th-century squares, street food stalls strewn along cobblestone alleys, and ornate Baroque churches, as well as walking the impressive ramparts.

Woman Walking Down the Street in Cartagena

Thanks to its tropical weather, Cartagena is great for water-based activities, and one could argue no visit is complete without an island-hopping adventure: in that case, this 5-island boat tour around the Rosario archipelago is a must-do, costing only $75.66.

Now, if you’re keen on seafood, you can’t miss out on Pezetarian‘s sushi tacos: not exactly traditional, but one of Cartagena’s culinary highlights, nonetheless; as for authentic Colombian food, Reina Arepa probably serves the yummiest arepas in town, starting from a single dollar.

Tulum, Mexico

A Father And His Son In Tulum Ruins, Mexican Caribbean, Mexico, Latin America.jpg

A trendy resort town straddling the turquoise Mexican Caribbean, Tulum may be best known for its luxury hotels, party scene and shop-bordered Quinta Avenida, but if it’s ancient culture you’re coming all the way down to Mexico for, then it’s ancient culture you’ll get:

It is home to the sprawling, 13th-century Tulum National Park, an archeological zone comprising the iconic cliffside Castillo, a Mayan watchtower overlooking the Caribbean, and many smaller temples, including the landmark, mural-clad Templo de las Pinturas.

A Young Woman Smiling For A Picture At The Ancient Ruins Of Tulum, Mexico, Latin America.jpg

The Tulum Ruins ranks among the most popular in the Yucatán Peninsula for tourists to immerse themselves in the region’s rich past, though they’re not the only ones accessible from Tulum: for instance, the equally-beautiful Cobá is a 45-minute drive inland.

This winter, Americans flying directly to Tulum Airport can use the opportunity to board the newly-launched Teen Maya, a scenic train traveling on a loop around Yucatán and calling at Tulum to discover many more Mayan sites, undisturbed native settlements, and colonial towns.

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Move Over London! This Timeless U.K. City Was Just Named The World’s Best Destination For 2025

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London, it was a good run! Now it’s another timeless city’s turn in the spotlight, at least according to the New York Times.

Naming 2025’s ‘52 Best Places to Travel’, taking home gold is a U.K. city often left in the shadows of London.

People walking through historic plaza of Bath, UK

But, travelers have been more receptive to exploring more of what the U.K. has to offer, from trending destinations such as Edinburgh, the rise of Belfast, and other lesser-known cities on the up and up with new train routes, which is your best bet to reach 2025’s top destination.

Exuding Roman-era charm, delightful tea shops, and picturesque villages on the outskirts, you’ll be magnetized toward an array of historic sites and, even more so, the wide selection of spas to melt your stress away, hence the name Bath.

Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than London’s sky-high prices.

Forget The Household Names: How Bath Sets Itself Apart

The Great Bath at the Roman Baths

At first glance, Bath may not feel like a typical U.K. city. In fact, it’s relatively small in size, housing just 94,092 inhabitants according to the last census records.

Boasting grand Georgian architecture and Roman-style bathhouses, Bath is a far cry from London’s towering skyline and tourist-curated landmarks.

Bath is easy to explore on foot and well-connect by bus and train from London, but while here, a great way to see the sites is by electric scooters dispersed across the city to see the sites

There’s no place like Bath anywhere else in the U.K. Sure, there are other timeless gems like the Cotswolds, but everything fails in comparison to what Bath offers.

Historic Roman baths - Bath, U.K.

Bath is an eye-popping city perfect for kicking back and unwinding rather than pub-hopping across London.

While there are certainly traditional pubs here, the main draw of Bath is ample Roman spas originally consisting of thousands of archaeological discoveries, many of which are open to the public to enjoy all the benefits of naturally warm hot springs just as the Romans did.

Bath’s Must-Visit Spas

With a name like Bath, it would be hard-pressed to find any tourists who didn’t enjoy a soak at a bathhouse.

Roman Baths sign - Bath, U.K.

While I’m certainly no spa expert by any means, I can attest to how relaxing and beneficial visiting such concepts can be as I’ve visited Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon Istanbul’s traditional hammams, and I liked both so much that I even made a point to visit a new hot spring resort in my home state of California.

I haven’t had the privilege to visit Bath, but can totally relate to visitors’ enthusiasm like this review for Thermae Bath Spa:

“Only thermal baths in the whole of the UK. Great to be in the rooftop pool looking out over the countryside and UNESCO world heritage city!”

You can also book tickets to the Roman Baths Museum, a fascinating tour showcasing the old world.

Bath's Roman baths ancient spa

According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 3 favorite spas to visit Bath:

  • Thermae Bath Spa
  • The Cross Bath
  • The Bath Massage Company

Cheaper Stays: Historic Hotels And Cozy Inns

Saying Bath is cheaper than London is an understatement, as a majority of global destinations don’t sniff London’s bank-breaking prices.

Bath offers a variety of intriguing stays brimming with character rather than splurging on name-brand hotels.

The Empire Hotel in Bath, U.K.

Many of Bath’s top accommodations are centrally located, making for a great way to start your day with a cup of coffee or cap off your day with afternoon tea, a long-held British tradition.

Dating back to the 1400s Sally Lunn’s is a must-stop for great local fare, including tea and better yet, the chic Z Hotel is within walking distance and only $51 per night.

For those who do stick with the familiar brands back home to rack up points, Hotel Indigo is a great value too for a 4-star stay around $100 per night.

Entrance to Bath, U.K. hotel

The best choice, however, has got to be 5-star Ayrlington, incredibly priced with a nightly rate of just $71 for a last-minute getaway or just $10 more in spring.

To discover the serene side of Bath, venturing away from the quaint city center, you’ll find a cozy inn overlooking the scenic River Avon – The Old Mill Hotel is also very affordable at just $56 through March.

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Medieval Sights & Vibrant Culture: Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit The Friendliest City In Europe

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Traveling to Europe in winter is not an idea that appeals to most people:

It’s cold, for sure, daylight hours are limited, especially up north, and across many countries, locals are not exactly at their most welcoming selves––can you really blame them when it’s 23°F out?

Colorful Gamla Stan In Stockholm, Sweden

Like everything in life, there is always an exception to the rule: in this case, not the freezing temperatures, but how exciting, lively, and welcoming a city can be despite the bleak weather, or more interestingly even, as a result of it.

Believe it or not, Stockholm is the perfect city break during the festive break, ranking the highest for friendliness across the pond, according to Condé Nast Traveller, and offering a fairytale-like winter experience (with the medieval Old Town and fascinating History to go with it).

It’s far from being a sunny getaway, but it might as well melt your heart:

Discover Sweden’s Colorful Medieval Capital This Winter

Gamla Stan In Winter, Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is built across 14 islands distributed around an archipelago on the Baltic Sea, all connected by as many as 50 bridges, an extensive underground system––which we’ll get to in a bit––and multiple ferry routes.

With a population of over 1.6 million people, it is the largest city not only in Sweden, but the whole of Scandinavia, so it can feel a little overwhelming at first, with so much to see and so little time, but if you’re visiting this winter, a good place to start is Gamla Stan.

Swedish for ‘Old Town’, this centrally-located island is famous for its cobbled streets and skinny, ocher-colored houses dating back centuries.

Gamla Stan Cathedral In Stockholm, Sweden

It’s true Stockholm is kinder to sightseers in summer when it’s (somewhat) pleasant out, and there’s more sunshine compared to the rest of the year, but we’d argue winter is when it’s at its most magical:

It is the friendliest city in Europe, as per the latest survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, where it scored an impressive 94.07, and indeed, walking into any bakery or restaurant or asking locals for directions, you’ll be greeted with politeness and a hospitable smile.

Maybe it’s the mysa spirit, maybe it’s the fact you can never get grumpy with a happy tummy full of cinnamon buns from Café Saturnus, the pride and joy of Stockholm’s coffeeshop scene; either way, Swedes are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Archway In Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

And you know what they say, there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing:

It’s So Beautiful You Won’t Mind Being Outside

Stockholm is meant to be seen on foot, and you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.

Temperatures range from the mid-20s to low 40s in winter, and this is the Baltic Sea, after all, so it gets windy––definitely make sure you wear enough layers to protect yourself from the teeth-chattering cold and don’t hold back on the mulled wine and hot choccie.

Warning given: don’t miss a snow-dusted, 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral dominating the skyline, the majestic Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family––yep, they have one of their own, in case you didn’t know!––and the spearing, red-brick City Hall.

gold crown on a bridge in stockholm with royal palace in the background

For unashamed wintery fun and an overload of culture, make sure you pay Skansen a visit: a short ferry ride away from the city center, this is Stockholm’s world-famous folk park, depicting life in a rural part of Sweden as if it was still the olden days.

Add to that winter markets filled with stalls, offering a wide range of products, from fine smithing and ceramics to Swedish street food faves like sausages and pickled herring, and historical celebrations with traditional music and dance, and you get the gist of it.

Escape The Cold Underground

Colorful Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is hella cold this winter, and while there’s definitely some sightseeing to be done, and the freezing temperatures shouldn’t keep you from exploring the picturesque Gamla Stan, you can always take refuge in one of many indoor attractions:

Check out Moderna Museet, a vast collection of modern and contemporary art housing lesser-known work from artists like Matisse and Picasso, or Vasa, a museum entirely centered around a well-preserved, 17th-century warship.

The ABBA Museum is another must-do while in Stockholm, a thrilling exhibit (and celebration) of Sweden’s greatest musical act, and don’t forget about the often-overlooked Stockholm Metro:

Lava-Shaped Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

‘Wait, the metro?’

Yes, the metro.

Forget about London’s dirty tube seats and the rampant pickpocketing plaguing the Paris underground: Stockholm’s is a literal gallery of surrealist art, with stations that have ceilings that look like boiling lava or spaceships and any other creative design in between.

We’re not talking about one or two stations: each of them has a particular, individual characteristic that sets them apart, with bright colors or psychedelic patterns, and the metro system itself is considered the world’s longest art gallery.

All we can say to you is happy exploring!

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