The Czech Republic boasts one of the world’s strongest passports, ranking fifth in the 2024 Global Passport Index. Arton Capital’s annual index evaluates the freedom of travel offered by passports, highlighting both practical and symbolic measures of global mobility. The Value of a Strong Passport A strong passport represents freedom and opportunity, enabling holders to travel to most countries without the need for visas. In contrast, weaker passports reflect limited travel options and significant barriers. The Global Passport Index examines travel freedom and considers geopolitical, economic, and social factors. Czech citizens can travel visa-free to 126 countries, obtain visas on arrival in 50, and need advance visas for only 22 destinations. This positions the Czech passport alongside Croatia and Estonia, ahead of countries like Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Japan, and Canada. Top Performers and Shifting Trends For the fourth consecutive year, the United Arab Emirates leads the rankings, granting its citizens visa-free access to 133 countries. This achievement stems from proactive diplomacy and rapid economic modernization. European nations dominate the top 20, with Spain securing second place and Germany tied with Finland and France for third. However, the United Kingdom and the United States have both experienced significant declines. The UK passport’s power...
The majority of Czech castles and chateaus close their gates for the winter season. But there are some historical pearls that welcome visitors all year round, even without any prior booking. They include palaces in city centres or chateaus and castles in small villages. We have some tips for the most interesting sights across the country. Karlštejn Castle Majestic Karlštejn Castle near Prague was built by Emperor Charles IV as a dignified seat for the placement of the Czech crown jewels, collections of holy relics and for receiving noble guests. In winter (from Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), you can visit the private and representative rooms of Emperor Charles IV. Mníšek pod Brdy Chateau The classicist chateau in Central Bohemian Mníšek pod Brdy was a mansion occupied until mid-20th century. And that is the period atmosphere that you can enjoy at the chateau. The tours will take you through the representative halls and private rooms of the last owners. When to visit? It is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dětenice Chateau Northeast of Prague, in a region called Bohemian Paradise, you can visit the baroque chateau of Dětenice. It...
Starting April 2025, Asiana Airlines, a South Korean carrier, will introduce regular flights between Prague and Seoul. This makes it the second airline to operate on this route, according to Jiří Hannich, deputy spokesperson for Prague Airport. Korean Air, which previously held a monopoly on this connection, finalized its merger with Asiana Airlines at the end of last year. The new service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, beginning April 1. Flights will utilize the Airbus A350, accommodating 311 passengers in total: 28 in business class and 283 in economy. With the addition of Asiana Airlines, the total number of weekly flights between Prague and Seoul will increase to seven. Korean Air has been operating flights on this route since 2004, interrupted only by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The route resumed in January 2022, cementing its status as one of Prague Airport’s longest-running long-haul connections. Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Prague Airport, expressed enthusiasm about Asiana Airlines’ arrival. “Asiana Airlines is a globally recognized brand, and its entry into Prague strengthens the connection to Seoul. Passengers can also benefit from Asiana’s extensive network of connecting flights from Seoul to other destinations...
Czechia, with its diverse mountain ranges and well-developed ski infrastructure, offers a variety of options for winter sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top ski resorts to consider for your next winter getaway: 1. SkiResort Černá hora – Pec Located in the Krkonoše Mountains, this is the largest ski resort in Czechia, boasting over 50 kilometers of slopes. It offers modern facilities, including cable cars and chairlifts, and caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. The interconnected areas provide a diverse skiing experience. Buy your ski pass at home You need just one ski pass to have an access to all the 50 kilometres of slopes. You can buy it on-line and pick it up at any of the 9 sKiosk vending machines. 2. Špindlerův Mlýn Ski Resort Also situated in the Krkonoše Mountains, Špindlerův Mlýn is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the country. With approximately 25 kilometers of slopes, it offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. The resort is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and regularly hosts international competitions. Choose one of the 5 ski areas. The best-known area is Svatý Petr (St. Peter), followed by Medvědín, Hromovka, Labská, and finally...
When you think about summer camp, what comes to mind? Campfires, s’mores, and maybe a few arts and crafts? Sure those things are part of the experience, but what if there was a summer camp that offered way more? One that helps you grow, meet like-minded people, and learn real-world skills – all while being a world away from the pressures of school, social media, and the everyday grind. That’s where kiDay comes in. kiDay is a game changer for teenagers looking for something different, something deeper. It’s about diving into activities you love, making lifelong friendships, and gaining valuable experiences that go far beyond just having fun. Think surfing, sailing, photography workshops, and leadership opportunities– all designed to help you build the future you want. Whatever it is, kiDay will help you find the camp best suited for you. Let’s face it, as a teenager, you’re at an age where you’re starting to explore who you really are. You’re dealing with the pressures of school, the competition to perform, and, of course social media – where it feels like everyone has their life together except you. But kiDay ensures that none of that matters. The camp focuses on creating...
European Union ministers on Thursday agreed to let Bulgaria and Romania fully integrate into Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone, known as the Schengen area, by lifting land border controls from next year, the EU’s Hungarian presidency said. Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen area in March after years of negotiations, providing free access for travelers arriving in both countries by air or sea. However, land border checks remained in place due to opposition, chiefly from Austria, over concerns that the two countries were not doing enough to prevent migrants from entering without authorization. “Interior ministers have just adopted a decision to lift internal land border controls with and between Bulgaria and Romania,” the Hungarian presidency posted on X. “A great victory for Bulgaria, Romania, and all of Europe!” Land border checks will end from Jan. 1. Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said the decision would be a “major benefit” to his country’s economy and enable “faster journeys home for the millions of Romanians” living and traveling within the Schengen area. Freedom of movement is central to European integration. More than 420 million people live in the Schengen area, and their freedom to move across borders helps businesses and tourism to flourish. Romanian President...
A new study has ranked Italy’s Trenitalia as Europe’s best rail operator, with Eurostar coming in last. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn came last for reliability. Italy’s Trenitalia claimed the top spot in a ranking of rail operators in Europe, according to a new study released on Monday. The ranking was published by the European NGO Transport & Environment (T&E). Trenitalia was followed by Swiss operator SBB and Czech company RegioJet. Austria’s ÖBB came in fourth, ahead of France’s SCNF. “Trenitalia stands out for its travel experience, SBB is the most punctual operator in Europe and RegioJet has some of the most affordable tickets,” T&E said in the report. RegioJet is also the top private carrier, excelling in fares and passenger comfort but scoring lowest for bicycle transport, which contributes just five percent to the overall rating. The ranking is based on eight indicators, with fares accounting for 25 percent. Other factors include discount programs, punctuality, ticket-buying experience, passenger comfort, night services, and compensation for delays or cancellations. Eurostar performs the worst On the other hand, expensive and unreliable service put Eurostar, which links France, Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, at the bottom of the T&E ranking. Eurostar “charge nearly twice the European average price per kilometer” but...
Ryanair has added another destination to its summer 2025 flight schedule, making it easier than ever for travelers to explore northern Italy. The low-cost carrier has announced a new direct route from Prague to Trieste, expanding its portfolio of Italian destinations. This picturesque coastal city is not only a gateway to Italy’s Adriatic coast but also a strategic hub for trips to Slovenia and Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. The inaugural flight is set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, with the route offering two weekly departures every Thursday and Sunday. Flights will operate throughout the summer season, with the final flight scheduled for Thursday, October 23, 2025. Thursday Flights Trieste to Prague: 09:30 – 10:50 Prague to Trieste: 11:15 – 12:30 Sunday Flights Trieste to Prague: 06:15 – 07:35 Prague to Trieste: 08:00 – 09:15 This schedule allows travelers flexibility for both weekend getaways and extended vacations. Affordable Tickets Now Available Tickets are already on sale in Ryanair’s booking system, with return fares starting at CZK 3,498 for spring travel dates. For example, those planning to make use of the May public holidays (May 1–8) can find excellent options. Why Visit Trieste? Trieste is more laid back and less touristy than the...
Irish budget airline Ryanair is expanding its operations in the Czech Republic, introducing three new routes to popular destinations in Spain for 2025. Starting in the spring, travelers from Brno, Ostrava, and Pardubice will have direct flights to Malaga, Girona, and Mallorca, respectively. Here’s What to Expect: Brno to Malaga: Beginning March 31, 2025, Ryanair will operate flights from Brno to Malaga twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays. Ostrava to Girona: Starting March 30, 2025, this route will offer flights from Ostrava to Girona every Wednesday and Sunday. Pardubice to Mallorca: Scheduled to launch on June 3, 2025, this route will run on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tickets will be available soon, though pricing details have yet to be announced. The First Half-year in Numbers In the first six months of this year, Václav Havel Airport Prague handled over seven million passengers, which represents a year-on-year increase of almost a quarter. The number of passengers in the first half of the year reached 92 percent of the 2019 record year. The most flights were operated to and from Great Britain, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Every eighth passenger handled at Václav Havel Airport Prague flew to or arrived from Great...
People everywhere are preparing for the holidays in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. This is also the perfect season in Czechia to explore castles and chateaux decked out for the festivities. Many historical sites are beautifully decorated and offer special tours for visitors. Wander through snowy castle parks, shop for gifts at local craft markets, or immerse yourself in traditional customs! Festive Season at Karlštejn Castle The renowned Gothic Karlštejn Castle will be adorned with traditional decorations, recreating the Christmas customs of long ago. Visitors can soak in the seasonal ambiance along the usual tour route, The Imperial Residence of Charles IV, to learn about the holiday traditions unique to this historic setting. Tours are available from November 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, every Friday through Sunday. A Noble Christmas at Třeboň Château The Třeboň Château, nestled in the scenic, UNESCO-protected pond landscape, invites you to experience a princely Christmas. A favorite winter residence of the Czech-German-Austrian House of Schwarzenberg, the château offers special tours from November 30 to December 22, 2024, and again from December 28 to January 3 (Thursday to Sunday). Visitors can also enjoy a sales exhibition of handmade ornaments (November 30 to December...
A new direct route between Brno Airport and Rome is set to launch in spring 2025, expanding travel options for passengers seeking convenient access to Italy’s capital. The announcement follows recent news of a route to Malaga, Spain, marking yet another milestone in Brno’s growing international connections. This upcoming nonstop flight from Brno to Rome will connect Tuřany Airport with Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, allowing travelers to reach Rome directly. “Tickets are expected to go on sale later this year,” shared Petr Minařík, who hinted that more details could follow as the launch date approaches. This new flight to Rome is part of Brno Airport’s ongoing efforts to expand its European routes and enhance regional connectivity. Brno Airport has already boosted its offerings with a new route to Malaga, complementing its existing connections to London and Bergamo. Talks are also underway for potential direct flights to Amsterdam, according to Minařík, indicating continued growth in Brno’s flight network. Z Brna do Říma. Nová pravidelná linka bude od jara létat z brněnského letiště. https://t.co/Sygzo0nFSW — Události Brno (@UdalostiBrno) November 7, 2024 Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
In the coming months, airline ticket prices are set to rise across Europe. Due to new European Union regulations, airlines will soon be required to use more environmentally friendly fuel, a switch that will impact ticket prices and tour packages. From January 1, 2025, travelers flying out of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Switzerland can expect higher ticket prices. At community level, the European Union has established ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the aim of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. An intermediate stage envisages a reduction of 55% by 2030. To contribute to these objectives, from 2025 all flights departing from EU airports will be obliged to use a minimum quota of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This requirement falls within theReFuelEU Aviation initiative, aimed at decarbonising the aviation sector. The fee, based on flight length and fare class, is expected to range from €3 to €15 per one-way ticket. Tourism Experts Question New Fuel Mandates The new regulations have stirred debate among industry professionals. Some argue that airlines should have more autonomy over fuel choices and pricing. “The market should remain open, allowing airlines to decide which fuel they use and how they...
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