So here’s the part no one tells you when they land in Milan with a sweet tooth. Italy will happily drink Starbucks, but Italy will not drink the U.S. versions of certain Starbucks drinks. Not because Italy hates fun. Because EU and Italian rules cut out additives, colors, sizes, and claims that U.S. seasonal drinks …

If there’s one drink that captures the essence of Italian summer, it’s the Aperol Spritz. With its bright orange hue, refreshing bittersweet flavor, and iconic wine glass presentation, Aperol Spritz has become a staple across Italian piazzas, beach clubs, and rooftop bars. This cocktail is not just a drink—it’s a ritual that embodies la dolce …

Few dishes capture the heart and soul of Colombian cuisine quite like sancocho. This beloved, slow-simmered soup is more than just comfort food—it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touch. Made with hearty chunks of meat, root vegetables, corn on the cob, and plantains, sancocho is a one-pot …

And what it reveals about the quiet bureaucratic traps that punish good intentions — not criminal behavior Many Americans land in Europe assuming that if they aren’t carrying drugs, weapons, or bricks of undeclared cash, there’s nothing to worry about at customs. You walk through the green door, wave your passport, and go about your …

Few culinary experiences are as iconic and deeply rooted in national identity as Asado is in Argentina. More than just a barbecue, Asado is a time-honored ritual—a social gathering centered around the art of grilling meat over an open flame. With its smoky aromas, sizzling cuts of beef, and slow-paced cooking method, Asado is as …

Everyone felt it in pieces. A border kiosk that suddenly takes your fingerprints. A consulate asking for three more documents than last year. A landlord refusing to register a lease unless your tax number arrives first. By 2026 the pieces lock together and the casual routes close. What used to be “show up, figure it …

And why praise about appearance hits differently in a culture where intimacy and personal boundaries are carefully navigated Imagine you’re at a dinner party in Valencia, surrounded by new acquaintances, vibrant conversation, and plates of steaming paella. As you mingle, you decide to compliment your Spanish host. “Wow, you look great,” you say enthusiastically, meaning …

Why the Confusion?Many travelers assume Iberian cuisine means Spanish tapas and paellas, overshadowing Portugal’s massive culinary contributions. In the global spotlight, Spain’s marketing or gastronomic fame often steals the show. Meanwhile, Portugal’s traditional recipes are cousins to Spanish dishes—or Spanish versions are better known—leaving Lisbon or Porto quietly overshadowed. Below are 7 iconic Portuguese dishes …

So here is the part that surprised my American relatives on their first week in Europe. Most people drink from the tap because the law treats tap water like a food product that must be safe in your kitchen, not just at the plant. That single shift pulls in strict contaminant limits, materials rules for …

Let’s skip the postcard. If you land in Barcelona with a MacBook and a Delaware LLC, the city is not rolling out a welcome mat. The resentment is bigger than a few cranky signs in Gràcia. It is housing policy, court rulings, fines, rent caps, and a very public decision to unwind the short-term rental …

Italy is home to countless regional dishes that spark endless culinary debates, and focaccia vs. schiacciata is one that bread lovers can’t seem to settle. At first glance, these two iconic flatbreads might look similar—golden crust, fluffy inside, often topped with olive oil and herbs—but once you bite into them, the differences are clear. From …

Callos a la Madrileña is one of Spain’s most iconic — and polarising — traditional dishes. This hearty tripe stew, beloved in Madrid for centuries, combines beef tripe, chorizo, blood sausage, and smoky paprika in a rich, slow-cooked sauce that warms you to the bone. For locals, Callos is the ultimate comfort food and a …