The “unexpected” is not always surprising because it is rare. Rather, at times, it could be a result of “unfamiliarity.” Not having explored Saudi Arabia outside the Two Holy Cities, my recent visit to the country’s Red Sea coast caught me off guard, enabling me to face the “unexpected,” from hospitality to flavors of the culture to weather.

I was recently invited and hosted by the newly minted ultra all-inclusive Rixos Murjana, located within the ambitious King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), about an hour drive north of Jeddah.

I arrived early in Jeddah early in the morning, and the weather was not as hot as I thought it would be. After about an hour’s drive, I arrived at the resort. As I was expecting the near-unbearable hot weather, an “unexpected” gentle breeze, coupled with Saudi hospitality, welcomed me with the promise of a redefined coastal escape.

The first thing that caught my attention about Murjana was its architectural expression. It was neither loud nor quiet. Instead, it communicates with the guests in a soft and refined language of luxury. To me, the design offered a sophisticated blend of contemporary lines mixed with traditional Turkish and Hijazi coastal architecture, and embellished with modern art features. At times, makes you feel like you are walking through an art gallery. In other words, it was an atmosphere of the local mingling with the global luxury.

Despite the large space and scale, as Murjana is the country’s largest ultra all-inclusive resort, the service remains surprisingly personal.

While the resort is an escape to modern luxury along the Red Sea’s turquoise welcome and silky sand, to truly understand the soul of the region and the heritage of the Red Sea, one must walk the winding alleys of the al-Balad district, Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage historic area.

I spent an afternoon and evening exploring traditional shops and buildings, their wooden “rawasheen” (latticework balconies) leaning over the streets like silent storytellers. They reminded me of “cumba” of old Ottoman houses in the streets of Istanbul.

During the visit to the old Jeddah, we visited the newly opened Red Sea Museum, which offered a very sophisticated, curated dive into the maritime history that shaped this coastline. In a way, the museum takes the visitors on a journey, from the past to the present, bridging the gap between ancient spice routes and the modern vision of the country.

Of course, the visit to al-Balad was crowned with a stop at the legendary Albasali, a decades-long, family-owned fish restaurant. I must say, the fresh Red Sea fish, prepared with spices that have moved through these ports for centuries, was one of the best I had for a very long time.

Back to my stay at Murjana. While the country is a multipurpose destination, I think Murjana has definitely raised the bar for the luxury all-inclusive concept, making it a “destination within a destination,” from facilities, restaurants, to wellness. The concept is suitable for both couples’ escapes and families with kids. The Murjana Waterpark, Saudi Arabia’s first fully integrated hotel waterpark, and the Rixy Kids Club offer the engagement needed for families with kids, while the culinary offerings at the resort’s seven restaurants are equally diverse.

The diverse international dining options, including global flavors at Terra Mare, delicate cuts at Ala Aksam Steakhouse, rustic Italian cuisine at Piazzetta Italiana, and Belgian chocolates, coffee or ice cream at Godiva Cafe.

Moreover, guests can unwind at the resort’s 111-meter-long swimming pools, the longest in the Middle East, or the award-winning Anjana Spa.

As Saudi Arabia moves toward its Vision 2030, adding new luxury hospitality to its tourism portfolio represents a landmark effort on the journey.

For the Turkish traveler, who loves the sea, culture and cuisine, the Red Sea indeed has a lot to offer. As the breeze continues to blow across these ancient waters, a visit to the coast of the Red Sea will offer the “unexpected” in the kingdom, with an invitation to explore a side that is as refreshing and refined with luxury.

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Adatepe, a historic stone village on the slopes of the Kaz Mountains in northwestern Türkiye, has been nominated to represent the country in the U.N. Tourism’s “Best Tourism Villages 2026” program, drawing widespread celebration among locals and officials.

The U.N. initiative recognizes rural communities that preserve cultural heritage and natural resources while promoting sustainable development through tourism. Alongside Adatepe in Çanakkale province, three other Turkish villages were also nominated: Sığacık in İzmir’s Seferihisar district, Eski Datça in Muğla’s Datça district and Ziyaret village in Tunceli’s Ovacık district.

Preserved Ottoman-era village

Located between the Aegean Sea and the western foothills of the Kaz Mountains, Adatepe is known for its fully restored 19th-century Ottoman-Greek stone houses with courtyards and gardens. The village has retained its traditional architectural character, earning a reputation as an open-air museum.

After the population exchange between Greece and Türkiye in the 1920s, the village was resettled by Turks from Crete. It began attracting attention in the 1980s, when restoration efforts helped preserve its historic structures. It was declared a protected site in 1989, which helped safeguard its original urban fabric.

Adatepe also contains layers of history dating back to ancient civilizations, with traces from the Trojans, Persians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans. Landmarks include a historic mosque, a stone schoolhouse, cobblestone streets and nearby views of the Zeus Altar, a popular scenic and archaeological site. In antiquity, the settlement was known as “Gargaros.”

Cultural preservation efforts

Ayvacık District Governor Mustafa Karaali said the nomination reflects the village’s unique heritage and careful preservation.

He said Adatepe represents “a very valuable part of both regional and global cultural heritage” due to its stone architecture, integration with nature and centuries-old history.

Karaali credited government conservation policies, local commitment and tourism operators for maintaining the village’s authenticity.

“Seeing Adatepe represent Türkiye on this international stage is clear evidence that our rural development and cultural tourism goals are on the right track,” he said, adding that officials hope the village will ultimately win the designation.

Local pride, expectations

Local business owners and residents welcomed the nomination with enthusiasm.

Hotel operator Mehmet Şoförtakımcı said the village has been carefully preserved without being altered. “We are very happy because our village has been protected and brought to today without being changed,” he said, adding that residents are hopeful it could be selected as one of the world’s best tourism villages.

Hasan Kaymakçı, a 69-year-old shopkeeper who has lived in Adatepe for decades, said the village already attracts significant interest from visitors.

“Our village is very beautiful and historic. It is known worldwide,” he said, adding that locals treat visitors with care and hospitality.

He also noted claims in historical documents suggesting the settlement may be around 2,000 years old and said his family has long-standing ties to the area dating back generations.

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The western Turkish province of Manisa, the third-largest city in the Aegean region by population and economic size, blends deep historical roots with a vibrant cultural heritage that continues to shape daily life. Known in antiquity as Sypylos, the city has been home to successive civilizations, from the Lydians to the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans.

Ancient crossroads of civilization

Manisa’s history stretches back to antiquity. The region, known as Sypylos in early records, flourished under the Lydian Kingdom and later became an important urban center during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Located along major trade and political routes, it developed as a strategic hub linking Anatolia to the wider Mediterranean world.

During the 14th century, Manisa served as the capital of the Saruhanids, founded by Saruhan Bey in 1313. Its most prominent era came under Ottoman rule, when it became a key training ground for imperial princes between 1437 and 1595. Sixteen Ottoman princes, including future sultans such as Murad II, Mehmed the Conqueror, Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, Murad III, Mehmed III, and Mustafa I, governed the province as part of their administrative training.

These princes and their entourages left behind a lasting legacy of charitable works, including mosques, madrassas, inns, baths, fountains, bridges, hospitals and libraries that still shape the city’s architectural landscape.

Capital of Lydia

One of Manisa’s most important archaeological treasures is the ancient city of Sardes, once the capital of the Lydian Kingdom. Often credited as one of the earliest places where coinage was invented, Sardes lies at the foothills of the Gediz Plain and preserves layers of Greek, Roman and Byzantine history.

The city’s monumental structures include the Temple of Artemis, regarded as one of the largest and most impressive temples in Anatolia. Originally begun in the third century B.C. and later used during the Roman period, its massive surviving columns reflect its architectural scale and significance.

Another major discovery is the Sardes Synagogue, considered one of the largest ancient synagogues in the world. Dating to the A.D. third century, it features mosaic floors, marble decorations and Hebrew inscriptions, highlighting the presence and prosperity of the Jewish community in Roman-era Sardes. The synagogue was part of a larger complex that included a gymnasium and bathhouse, illustrating the city’s multicultural structure.

Archaeological excavations, ongoing since 1958, have also revealed sections of Lydian fortifications, palace remains and evidence linked to King Croesus and conflicts with the Persian Empire. Researchers have uncovered what are believed to be some of the earliest silver coins in the world, underscoring Lydia’s economic innovation and influence.

Royal burial grounds

Near Sardes lies the vast burial landscape of the Tumuli of Bin Tepe, part of the Gediz Plain near Salihli. Known as the royal necropolis of Lydia, the area contains hundreds of burial mounds dating to the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.

The largest of these, attributed to King Alyattes, measures roughly 355 meters (1,165 feet) in diameter and rises more than 60 meters high. European travelers once called the site “the pyramids of Anatolia.” These monumental earth mounds reflect the wealth and burial traditions of the Lydian elite, built on a scale that mirrors their social status.

Lydia’s legacy

Artifacts from Sardes and Bintepeler are housed in the Manisa Museum. The museum displays objects spanning from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period, including sculptures, architectural fragments, mosaics, glassware, ivory items and everyday pottery.

Finds from the tumuli – such as sarcophagi, grave steles and burial goods – provide key insights into Lydian royal customs and funerary traditions.

Volcanic landscapes

Manisa is also home to the Kula-Salihli UNESCO Global Geopark, Türkiye’s first and only UNESCO-certified geopark. Covering about 300 square kilometers (115 square miles), the area features volcanic cones, basalt columns, lava fields and fairy-chimney-like formations known as Kula Fairy Chimneys.

Ancient geographer Strabo referred to the region as “Katakekaumene,” meaning “Burnt Land,” due to its volcanic terrain. The area has been geologically active for millions of years, with the last eruption occurring around 4,700 years ago. It also preserves prehistoric human footprints, adding to its scientific significance.

Traditional architecture

The district of Kula preserves some of the best examples of Ottoman-era civil architecture in western Anatolia. The Kula Houses, dating mostly to the 18th and 19th centuries, feature timber frames with mudbrick infill, bay windows and narrow streets that reflect traditional urban life and craftsmanship.

In the city center, historic Ottoman structures such as Yeni Han and Kurşunlu Han continue to serve modern cultural and artisanal functions. The Muradiye Mosque complex, associated with Mimar Sinan’s school of architecture, and the grand Sultan Mosque complex built under Ayşe Hafsa Sultan, mother of Suleiman the Magnificent, remain major landmarks.

Mesir Macunu Festival

One of Manisa’s most distinctive cultural events is the Mesir Macunu (Paste) Festival, which traces its origins to a 16th-century healing paste prepared for Hafsa Sultan using 41 herbs and spices. The tradition evolved into a public distribution ceremony and later into a large-scale festival.

Recognized in 2012 on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the festival attracts tens of thousands of participants each year. During the celebration, mesir paste is scattered from the minarets of the Sultan Mosque, drawing crowds who gather to catch it as part of a centuries-old ritual believed to bring health and good fortune.

This year marks the 486th edition of the festival, scheduled for April 22-26, with the final distribution taking place on April 26.

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People who experience a persistent desire to travel – often described as a “travel itch” – tend to plan their next trip even while already on one, according to research and expert commentary.

The term “travel itch” refers to a continuous urge to travel, plan trips and change locations, especially when staying in one place for too long. Those who experience it often feel there is always more to see, do and explore.

From necessity to lifestyle

Historically, travel was driven by trade, exploration, war, religion and curiosity. Today, however, it is increasingly seen less as a necessity and more as a source of pleasure and recreation.

In modern life, stress, routine and fast-paced living have pushed many people toward seeking novelty and change. Travel offers an escape through new environments, cultural interaction and the sense of discovery, both external and internal.

Research suggests that travel can reduce stress, improve mental well-being and increase happiness levels. Beyond exploring new places, it also serves as a form of self-discovery.

What ‘travel itch’ looks like

The “travel itch” is characterized by a strong and ongoing desire to travel frequently, difficulty staying in one place for long periods and a sense that there is always more to experience.

People who experience it often:

Regularly search for flight deals, hotel discounts and promotions, Read travel-related content even while on vacation, Plan their next trip while still on a current one, Look back at travel photos and memories to relive past experiences, For many, even the planning process itself is enjoyable and rewarding.

Academic perspective

Cornell University psychology professor Thomas Gilovich told Anadolu Agency (AA) that several factors may drive the travel itch, including a desire to learn more about the world and interact with different people.

Gilovich said international travel broadens perspective and exposes individuals to unfamiliar situations.

“A place we visit stays with us, continuing to educate and enrich us,” he said.

He added that travel strengthens emotional connections not only to places, but also to people, expanding both identity and worldview.

Memories, even imperfect ones, endure

Gilovich noted that travel experiences tend to leave few regrets and even negative moments are often remembered positively over time.

He also said people who struggle with staying in one place may still form deep connections where they live, but they are also driven by awareness of a wider world full of opportunities to learn and explore.

Travel, he added, builds on knowledge gained from books and other sources by turning information into lived experience.

Social media’s influence

Gilovich pointed to a growing link between social media and travel desire. Seeing destinations in films, television or online content can increase interest in visiting those places.

At the same time, he noted that social media may intensify comparison, with users frequently asking themselves why they are not traveling as others do.

However, he said experiential goods like travel tend to affect people differently than material goods, which are more often tied to direct comparison.

Experience vs. material goods

Gilovich’s research highlights three key elements of experiential consumption: anticipation, the experience itself and memory.

He said travel begins long before the trip takes place, as people anticipate and imagine the journey, then experience it, and finally relive it through memory.

Unlike material goods, he added, travel is less subject to ongoing comparison, which may make it a more lasting source of satisfaction.

Gilovich also warned that social media can make destinations overly popular, potentially reducing their uniqueness as tourists begin visiting the same highly shared locations.

Advice for travelers

Gilovich encouraged travelers to slow down and engage more deeply with local environments, suggesting that simple interactions – such as talking with locals in a neighborhood cafe – can lead to richer experiences.

He also cautioned that focusing too heavily on documentation or social media sharing may cause travelers to miss the deeper value of experiencing different ways of life.

Some individuals may also experience a compulsive element to travel, particularly in adventure activities such as mountain climbing or nature-based trips, where the desire for more intense experiences can grow over time.

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A fundamental shift is transforming the social landscape of the Rhineland’s capital this spring, as Düsseldorf trades its reputation for stiff, showroom-style luxury for a dynamic, community-driven “urban cool.” Led by digital curators and exclusive membership networks like Mr. Düsseldorf, the city is witnessing a surge in night flea markets, secret event series and a breakdown of traditional German social barriers, signaling a new era for one of Europe’s most affluent hubs.

New Rhineland revolution

For decades, Düsseldorf was defined by the glitz of the Königsallee – the world-famous “Kö.” It was a place where social currency was measured by the labels on your shopping bags and the horsepower of the car idling in front of the Breidenbacher Hof. It was a city where you showed off what you had, rather than who you were with. However, the “boring German” stereotype, characterized by rigid professional hierarchies and a predictable, high-society social calendar, is officially in the rearview mirror. Düsseldorf is currently undergoing a cultural seismic shift that is repositioning it from a sterile center of commerce to a pulsating heart of European lifestyle.

This matters because the city isn’t just maintaining its “fancy” status; it is evolving it into something far more experiential and layered. Historically, Düsseldorf has always been the sophisticated, slightly more polished sibling to its neighbors in the Ruhr area or its rival Cologne. While Cologne is known for its heart and the Ruhr for its industrial grit, Düsseldorf was the “fine dining” of German cities – immaculate but often perceived as lacking a certain soul. Today, that soul is being forged in the fires of a new urban movement. The modern Düsseldorfer isn’t looking for a passive shopping trip or a formal gala; they are looking for “Düsseldates.” Curated, high-energy moments that combine exclusivity with a raw, industrial aesthetic. The city is increasingly defined by its “Bezirksliebe” (district love), where the focus moves away from the central business district toward the lived-in charm of neighborhoods like Flingern, Pempelfort and Unterbilk.

Düsseldorf is unique in its ability to balance global corporate power – as a hub for telecommunications, advertising and fashion – with a deeply rooted Japanese influence, being home to the largest Japanese community in Germany. This internationality is now bleeding into the social scene, creating a cosmopolitan vibe that feels more like London or New York than a medium-sized German city on the Rhine. The “fancy” hasn’t disappeared; it has simply become “cool.” It’s no longer about being seen on the Kö; it’s about being known in the right WhatsApp groups and having access to the pop-up gallery in an old backyard in Oberbilk. This revolution is breaking down the walls of the “Old Money” establishment, opening the door for a generation that values community, digital connectivity and aesthetic authenticity over mere material display.

‘Member Club’ economy

The most visible sign of this shift is the rise of the modern membership network. Leading this charge is Mr. Düsseldorf, whose black, personalized metal membership card – “Die Karte” – is strictly limited to 911 copies in an exclusive cooperation with Porsche. This isn’t just about a discount; it’s about a “money-can’t-buy” social passport. Membership grants entry to a closed WhatsApp community and private VIP events like secret dinners, gallery openings and curated wellness sessions. It transforms the city from a collection of shops into a high-caliber network where status is defined by access to experiences that never appear on a public billboard. In a world of digital noise, this vetted exclusivity provides a sense of belonging that the traditional “fancy” showrooms never could.

Where community meets

This “New Urban Cool” is anchored in neighborhoods like Carlstadt, Unterbilk and Flingern, where the vibe is minimalist, artisanal and deeply communal.

Coffe am Carlsplatz: The unofficial morning headquarters for the city’s creative class. It’s minimalist, focused on specialty beans and serves as a prime spot for networking before the galleries open.

Covent Garden (Unterbilk): Located on Bilker Allee, this coffeehouse bridges the gap between a cozy morning retreat and a vibrant community hub.

Cafe Hüftgold (Flingern): A local cult favorite on Ackerstraße. With its vintage-chic “living room” atmosphere, it represents the heart of Flingern’s community spirit – a place where residents and visitors blend over artisanal cakes and specialty teas.

Rösterei Vier (Wallstraße): More than just a cafe, this is an innovative “HQ” featuring a roastery, coworking space and live DJ sets. It reflects the shift toward multifunctional spaces where work and social life seamlessly overlap.

‘Night flea’ phenomenon

Nothing represents the breakdown of “boring Germany” better than the NachtYard. Once a month, the RheinRiff at Areal Böhler transforms its 9,000 m² industrial space into a creative night market. This isn’t your grandmother’s flea market. It’s an urban festival where vintage treasure hunting meets street food, live tattooing and DJ sets. Promoted heavily through real-time digital channels, it attracts a crowd that values the “hunt” for unique design pieces over the convenience of a luxury department store. The next major date is already set for April 11, 2026, promising another night of creativity and encounter where the boundaries between art, commerce and party are completely blurred.

Rise of ‘curated city’

Düsseldorf’s transformation is fueled by a new digital infrastructure. It’s no longer enough to just be a city; you have to be curated. Through platforms like Mr. Düsseldorf and Instagram-driven trend-spotting, the city’s complex offerings have been made digestible. Whether it’s an “Off Stage” session (intimate concerts without filters or stages) or a “Thursday Riding Club” ride along the Rhine followed by a glass of Riesling at Concept Riesling, the focus has moved from display to immersion. Düsseldorf is proving that it can keep its “fancy” heritage while growing into a gritty, rhythmic and deeply connected urban future. The city has found a way to stay elite without being exclusionary, proving that the most valuable luxury in 2026 is a sense of genuine community.

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The trouble started with a beautiful photo.

Social media was soon awash with the lovely view of Japan’s snow-capped Mount Fuji looming over a red pagoda and the short-lived cherry blossoms that herald the approach of spring.

Tourists wanting a similar shot soon packed this peaceful town at the foot of the mountain. The complaints were not far behind: chronic traffic jams, piles of litter, ill-mannered foreigners knocking on doors of private homes to borrow toilets, tourists relieving themselves in front yards.

It got so bad officials in Fujiyoshida announced in February that they were canceling this year’s annual cherry blossom festival, which started as a way to promote tourism a decade ago.

What locals are calling “tourism pollution” has illuminated a broader problem for Japan: As the country’s economic malaise deepens, officials are eager for the economic boost of increased tourism, even as local communities find themselves entirely unprepared for what a small army of foreign visitors means for their communities.

“This area is primarily an ordinary residential neighborhood, where balancing (tourism) with the safety of people’s living environment has become difficult,” Masatoshi Hada, manager of the Fujiyoshida Economics and Environment Department, told The Associated Press (AP). “We decided not to promote a festival that would invite more visitors.”

Even without the festival, foreign tourists packed the area on a sunny day in early April when cherry blossoms reached their prime. The narrow streets up to the popular Arakurayama Sengen Park were filled as the visitors lined up for a chance film the world-famous panoramic views.

In recent years, foreign tourists have exceeded 10.000 per day in the area, something that has “threatened residents’ daily lives,” the city said in a statement in February.

Overtourism has also been seen in other popular destinations in Japan, like Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, locals complain of tourists with large suitcases clogging city buses.

“Tourism pollution” comes as Japan confronts a rapidly growing population of foreign workers brought in as the country’s population dwindles and ages. The combination has led to xenophobia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ’s nationalistic government has proposed tougher rules on foreigners.

Even as it promises to address overtourism concerns, the government wants to boost the current level of 40 million inbound tourists to 60 million visitors by 2030.

Beginning April 1, at the start of the region’s cherry blossom season, Fujiyoshida increased its security guards and restricted entry of tour buses and vehicles into the scenic neighborhood, requiring visitors to reach the park on foot.

On a recent day, security guard Hiroaki Nagayama gestured to passersby so they would stay out of busy areas. He asked tourists to throw cigarette butts in designated places and tried to help the lost.

“I’m struggling. I cannot communicate with them in Japanese. Some people buy food at stalls and leave litter behind,” Nagayama says. “I think what’s happening here is a typical example of overtourism.”

Sitting on a bench outside his house just a couple of blocks away, Hitoshi Mori, 93, says having many visitors is “good but annoying.”

“It’s too crowded outside so I can only get groceries once a week and stock up on food,” he says.

Tourists, meanwhile, seem delighted by the spectacular view, despite many signs popping up that order them to behave better. There are also hours-long lines to get to cherished scenic spots.

“It’s pretty (well) organized. When they let you come in, you have like five minutes to take as many pictures as you can, and it was amazing,” said Lisa Goerdert from Paris.

Vicky Tran, who came from Melbourne, Australia, with her family and friends, said they could not go all the way up to see the pagoda with Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms, because it was too crowded. Still, she said she enjoyed the view and the neighborhood.

The overtourism has opened divisions between residents who want quiet and those who have started businesses using their yards to operate toll parking or setting up new shops or food stalls.

In a nearby shopping arcade that once had many closed mom-and-pop shops, business has picked up after another viral social media shot showed Mount Fuji looming over the street.

Throngs of tourists stand in the street to take photos of Mount Fuji, often blocking traffic, with frustrated vehicles honking.

The sudden flood of visitors is a huge change “for people like us who are used to a quiet suburban lifestyle,” says Masami Nakamura, who runs a decades-old school uniform shop with her husband. “I only hope the tourists respect our rules and manners.”

The crowds are a big change even for those who are seeing increased business.

“I once almost hit a tourist who jumped into the street without looking,” said Kyoko Funakubo, a 60-year-old employee at a local hotel and a part-time vendor selling Fuji-themed souvenirs. “This place used to be almost abandoned, with many shuttered shops. But now, with many stores reopened or new shops that have opened, I feel good seeing this area come alive again.”

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