● LIVEECB RATE 2.4%·EUR/USD 1.1622·EUR/GBP 0.8590·BRUSSELS 15°C — OVERCAST·BOND YIELDS ARE SURGING GLOBALLY BUT WHY AREN’T EQUITIES FALLING?·FROM GIANT TVS TO 'JAMES BOND GLASSES': TCL'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE·BARDELLA SIGNS PACT WITH FARAGE TO STOP SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS 'FOREVER'·SENIOR EU OFFICIALS RETIERATE NEED FOR NEW EUROPE-WIDE TAXES IN NEXT BUDGET·PASSPORT FOR A NEWBORN: BIRTH TOURISM AS PART OF RUSSIA'S NEW EMIGRATION·INSIDE THE QUIET LUXURY REVIVAL OF THE VENICE LIDO – HOME TO THE GLITTERING FILM FESTIVAL·WEEK 38 · N°261·● LIVEECB RATE 2.4%·EUR/USD 1.1622·EUR/GBP 0.8590·BRUSSELS 15°C — OVERCAST·BOND YIELDS ARE SURGING GLOBALLY BUT WHY AREN’T EQUITIES FALLING?·FROM GIANT TVS TO 'JAMES BOND GLASSES': TCL'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE·BARDELLA SIGNS PACT WITH FARAGE TO STOP SMALL BOAT CROSSINGS 'FOREVER'·SENIOR EU OFFICIALS RETIERATE NEED FOR NEW EUROPE-WIDE TAXES IN NEXT BUDGET·PASSPORT FOR A NEWBORN: BIRTH TOURISM AS PART OF RUSSIA'S NEW EMIGRATION·INSIDE THE QUIET LUXURY REVIVAL OF THE VENICE LIDO – HOME TO THE GLITTERING FILM FESTIVAL·WEEK 38 · N°261·
Independent European journalism — politics, power, technology and public life
Brussels · Europe
N°261 · Week 38

The Debate.eu

Friday, 18 September 2026
Read across Europe
JOURNALISTE · 23 articles

Dianne Apen-Sadler

Dianne Apen-Sadler is a journalist whose reporting on Culture appears on The Debate.

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23 articles
Riga vs Tallinn: Which Baltic capital to choose for your next coolcation
Culture

Riga vs Tallinn: Which Baltic capital to choose for your next coolcation

UNESCO-listed Old Towns and Hanseatic League history await in both Latvia and Estonia, but there are some subtle differences to help you pick.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler28 August 2026
LAX, JFK, DXB: Everything you need to know about airport codes
Culture

LAX, JFK, DXB: Everything you need to know about airport codes

Miley Cyrus famously hopped off the plane at LAX with just a dream and a cardigan, but have you ever wondered what airport codes are actually used for?

By Dianne Apen-Sadler24 August 2026
Sofia travel guide: How to spend 48 hours in Bulgaria’s capital
Culture

Sofia travel guide: How to spend 48 hours in Bulgaria’s capital

Once known as Serdica, Bulgaria’s capital was once among the most important cities in the Byzantine Empire.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler22 August 2026
Every suite and villa at this new wellness resort on the Red Sea comes with its own private pool
Culture

Every suite and villa at this new wellness resort on the Red Sea comes with its own private pool

The 110-key property has eight restaurants as well as a spa spanning some 2,100 square metres.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler19 August 2026
Exploring Andorra: The best things to do in the microstate aside from skiing and shopping
Culture

Exploring Andorra: The best things to do in the microstate aside from skiing and shopping

The highest capital city on the continent, Andorra la Vella boasts historic buildings, impressive sculptures and the largest thermal spa in southern Europe.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler16 August 2026
Feeling overwhelmed? These are the quietest countries in the world where you can truly switch off
Culture

Feeling overwhelmed? These are the quietest countries in the world where you can truly switch off

According to the Noise-Free Nations Index, Estonia is the quietest country on the continent – but it’s all the way down in 34th place.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler12 August 2026
Have trouble sleeping in hotels? This is why – and what you can do to combat it
Culture

Have trouble sleeping in hotels? This is why – and what you can do to combat it

The phenomenon is believed to have evolutionary routes, but there are ways to ensure you get a good night’s sleep even in an unfamiliar place.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler11 August 2026
Top tips and tricks for travelling internationally with young children
Culture

Top tips and tricks for travelling internationally with young children

From baby-proofing your hotel to keeping kids entertained on the flight, here’s what you parents need to consider before booking that trip.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler10 August 2026
These are the world’s greatest luxury hotels, according to Robb Report
Culture

These are the world’s greatest luxury hotels, according to Robb Report

In Europe, a former hunting lodge turned hotel in the Scottish Highlands ranked highest, coming out third overall.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler04 August 2026
Historic sporting events in Europe worth travelling for
Culture

Historic sporting events in Europe worth travelling for

From Siena’s legendary horse race to human pyramids in Spain, these storied competitions should be on your must-see list.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler02 August 2026
This picturesque beach in the US Virgin Islands was just named the best in the world
Culture

This picturesque beach in the US Virgin Islands was just named the best in the world

Researchers looked at the colour and clarity of the water, Google Maps reviews, and climate data to rank the best beaches in the world.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler28 July 2026
The hottest new hotels in Madrid you need to know about in 2026
Culture

The hottest new hotels in Madrid you need to know about in 2026

Whether you’re looking to shop until you drop or are headed to the F1 in September, here’s where you should be resting your head in Madrid this year.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler27 July 2026
2026 most powerful passports in the world ranking sees 29 European countries in the top 10
Culture

2026 most powerful passports in the world ranking sees 29 European countries in the top 10

Despite an impressive showing from Europe, Singapore claimed the top spot in the Henley Passport Index for a second year.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler24 July 2026
Love aviation and geography? Give these flight and city guessing games a go
Culture

Love aviation and geography? Give these flight and city guessing games a go

If you know your cities down to the metro line and skyscrapers, you might just nail these games from FlightQ.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler23 July 2026
Dubai for less: Emirate to offer €700 worth of discounts in new invite-a-friend scheme
Culture

Dubai for less: Emirate to offer €700 worth of discounts in new invite-a-friend scheme

Residents who nominate friends and family members to come to Dubai before 31 October can get offers such as 45% off hotel stays and free tickets to theme parks.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler22 July 2026
Social media is ruining travel’s element of surprise – here’s what you can do to combat it
Culture

Social media is ruining travel’s element of surprise – here’s what you can do to combat it

More than two-thirds of travellers have arrived at a destination for the first time only to find it feels familiar because of the amount of research they did before their trip.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler22 July 2026
Riyadh Air review: I flew to Madrid on the world’s newest airline – here’s what it was like
Culture

Riyadh Air review: I flew to Madrid on the world’s newest airline – here’s what it was like

Riyadh Air’s business class offering is seriously impressive, and the Hafawa Lounge at King Khalid International might just be the Middle East’s best airport lounge.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler21 July 2026
Tourist visa fees: What EU travellers can expect to pay around the world
Culture

Tourist visa fees: What EU travellers can expect to pay around the world

Bhutan, Ghana and Nigeria charge visitors the most for their tourist visas, with the Sustainable Tourism Fee for the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ set at $100 (€87.60) per person per night.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler14 July 2026
Two cities, one trip: All the airline stopover programmes you need to know about
Culture

Two cities, one trip: All the airline stopover programmes you need to know about

From free domestic flights on Malaysia Airlines to complimentary hotel stays with Etihad Airways, these carriers are giving you a good reason to extend your layover.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler12 July 2026
Travel like an F1 driver: Esteban Ocon reveals his favourite holiday spots ahead of the summer break
Culture

Travel like an F1 driver: Esteban Ocon reveals his favourite holiday spots ahead of the summer break

In an interview with The Debate, Haas F1 driver Esteban Ocon spoke about his favourite places in his homeland France and adopted home of Switzerland.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler11 July 2026
This Tuscan hotel with its own vineyard and golf club was just named the best in Europe
Culture

This Tuscan hotel with its own vineyard and golf club was just named the best in Europe

Originally founded in the 1100s, Castiglion del Bosco, a Rosewood Hotel has been crowned the best property on the continent by Travel + Leisure.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler09 July 2026
Unvisited Sweden: New map reveals the nature spots far, far away from the crowds
Culture

Unvisited Sweden: New map reveals the nature spots far, far away from the crowds

In a bid to ease pressure on popular destinations, a new project highlights 24 locations in Sweden where you’re incredibly unlikely to run into anybody else.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler09 July 2026
Plovdiv travel guide: How to spend 48 hours in Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city
Culture

Plovdiv travel guide: How to spend 48 hours in Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city

In this travel guide to Plovdiv, discover Roman sites, Bulgarian Revival houses and the best restaurants and bars.

By Dianne Apen-Sadler04 July 2026