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There’s a Dutch saying that goes, “Once you step outside your door, the hardest part is already behind you.” And it’s true, planning a trip and heading out on the road is often much easier than you expect. The hardest moment is deciding to go. That one step means change, excitement, and leaving your comfort zone for something new.
We know the feeling well, we’ve taken that same step ourselves. And so have millions of theme park fans and travelers who discovered how rewarding it is to explore the world beyond their hometown.
If you’re unsure where to begin or still wondering whether travel is right for you, don’t worry. We’ve gathered some inspiring guides, stories, and tips to help you take that first step.
Let’s make your next journey unforgettable.
Every week I wander through theme parks, Efteling, Europa-Park, Disneyland, you name it and one thing keeps surprising me: the days that end up feeling the most magical are never the ones I planned down to perfection. They’re the days that go “wrong.” Or at least… wrong according to the script I had in my head.
A perfect theme park day does not start with a spreadsheet. It must not start with alarms, highlighted maps, or a minute-by-minute ride plan. In fact, the more rigid the plan, the easier it is for the day to fall apart. One delayed attraction, one unexpected queue, one tired group member, and suddenly everything feels stressful.
There is something about Christmas that invites us to slow down. The year draws to a close, the days grow darker, and suddenly there is space to look back before rushing forward again. For me, that moment of pause always brings me back to the same feeling. Gratitude.
And it’s only just beginning. If you had told us ten years ago that, by the mid-2020s, the theme park world would look the way it does now, we might have laughed. Theme parks have always been places of wonder and thrill, but the pace, scale, and ambition of what is being built right now is something else entirely.
Universal is finally coming to the UK, and we're so excited. Plans for a brand-new Universal Studios theme park and resort in Bedfordshire, England have been officially approved by the UK government, marking the first Universal theme park in Europe and the first on British soil. With a projected opening around 2031, this park isn’t just another attraction, it’s set to be a massive entertainment destination, complete with themed lands, hotels, dining, entertainment and more.
Yes. Definitely. And in some ways, it’s even better. This is a question I get asked a lot: “Is Efteling really as good as Disneyland?” Every single time, my answer is the samebased on years of visiting both parks, across different countries and eras: Yes. Efteling is absolutely as good as Disneyland. I'll make the statement even bolder, depending on what you value in a theme park, Efteling might even come out on top.
Travel is more than just getting up and going. It’s about being knowledgeable so you can travel better, cheaper, and longer. So besides the destination guides above, below you will find links to articles I’ve written that deal with planning your trip and other general advice, so your total vacation is as amazing as it can be. These articles are relevant for any trip, no matter how long!
