Iran and Israel continued trading missiles and air strikes on Saturday, with both sides reporting deaths. Iran reported that an Israeli attack on a housing complex left 60 people dead, including 20 children. Tel Aviv said Iranian missiles killed three people and injured dozens.

Reuters reported that sirens sent residents into shelters as a barrage of Iranian missiles streaked across its skies, while interceptors were launched to meet them. The British news agency said an Israeli official reported Iran had fired about 200 ballistic missiles in four rounds.

The news outlet also said there are increasing fears that “outside powers” will be dragged into the conflict, which all news outlets and governments have stopped short of calling a war, in an attempt to prevent it from escalating into an all-out regional conflict.

Calling on an Iranian uprising

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranian citizens to rise against their Islamic clerical rulers, while Iran called on its people to unite in defence of the country, Al Jazeera said.

Official Israeli reports revealed that Iranian fire continued to strike residential districts in Israel, prompting Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, to say Iran’s leadership had crossed a red line. “If (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn,” he added.

Iran’s missile barrages came in response to intense Israeli strikes on Friday that killed several top Iranian generals and most of the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Guards’ air arm.

Among those killed in the Israeli aggression are the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the chief of staff of the armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri. Prominent Iranian nuclear scientists are also among the dead, Al Jazeera said in a separate report.

Despite nuclear negotiations

The Israeli strikes took place despite negotiations between Iran and Israel’s principal ally, the United States, over the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Israel has long said represents an existential threat to its nation.

“If we don’t attack, then it’s 100 per cent that we will die,” Netanyahu said in a video speech he posted X. “So even if it’s not perfect, we have to do it, because we have to change the direction of Iran’s military build-up, both its ballistic weapons and nuclear weapons.”

The prime minister assured his intelligence officers had identified that Tehran had embarked on a nuclear programme, including the monthly production of 300 ballistic missiles.

Israeli attacks will continue as long as needed

“We will not allow Iran to advance toward a nuclear [bomb]. We will not allow the development of missiles intended to harm us,”  Netanyahu said, when announcing that the current “operation would continue for as many days as necessary to remove this threat.”

Tehran also warned Israel’s allies that their regional military bases would come under fire too if they continued to help shoot down Iranian missiles, Iranian state television reported. The US has assisted Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles.

Iran’s ally, the Yemeni Houthi group, fired missiles at Israel on Friday night. However, at least one of them went rogue, injuring five Palestinians, including three children, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

So, what’s the hottest European destination for Americans right now? Here’s a hint: it isn’t Paris, and you won’t find them queueing outside the Colosseum for a selfie with a gladiator.

Nope, 2025 is the year American travellers decided to zig where they used to zag. Maybe it’s the TikTok travel influencers, maybe it’s too many hours on Netflix, or maybe—after all those years of “If it’s Tuesday, this must be Belgium”—people are craving something a bit less obvious.

Greece travel boom: Why it’s no longer just for honeymooners

Let’s start with the wild card: Greece. Once upon a time, Americans would stick a pin in Mykonos or Santorini, spend three days melting under the blue-domed churches, then fly home with a suitcase full of olive oil. Not anymore.

This year, Greece is topping the “must go” list for US travellers—searches have jumped a ridiculous 350 per cent. If you’re picturing sunburnt tourists piling onto cruise boats, think again. What’s really happening? Americans are sniffing out the quieter spots—Crete’s sleepy fishing towns, the untouristy side of Paros, wild corners of the Peloponnese. Some say it’s the endless blue, others the “it’s five o’clock somewhere” spirit, but mostly, people want somewhere to just…breathe.

Ask a returning traveller and they’ll tell you: “We spent a week in a stone cottage with three tavernas and two goats for neighbours. I barely wore shoes. I think I might be Greek now.”

Croatia, Portugal and Beyond: The new old world

But it’s not just Greece on the rise. Croatia is up 83 per cent in searches. There’s something about the Croatian coastline—jagged, wild, dotted with medieval towns and beaches that actually live up to the hype. It’s like Americans have finally heard the secret Europeans have been whispering about for years: skip the crowds, grab a ferry, and try the local wine.

Portugal’s up 25 per cent too, and it’s not only about Lisbon’s pastel tiles. The Algarve, Porto, even inland towns are popping up on more American itineraries. There’s a real hunger for somewhere smaller, friendlier, maybe just a touch off the tourist grid.

France and Italy, those eternal classics, are still high on the booking charts (France takes the crown for actual stays, with 32 per cent of bookings). But the big shift is what people do when they get there. Forget bucket lists—Normandy and Dordogne are suddenly booming. Why? Because after years of “Paris in two days”, Americans are ready for long lunches, market days, and rambling through fields that aren’t full of other tourists.

Slow travel trend: Why escaping the rush is the ultimate luxury

It’s funny: just a few years ago, the trend was to rack up as many countries as possible—“I did eight countries in ten days!” was practically a badge of honour. Now? It’s all about the “slow holiday”.

Ask Oliver Bell of Oliver’s Travels, and he’ll say it’s about privacy, authenticity, and living like a local. Americans want space to cook, a garden to read in, and maybe a grumpy village baker who doesn’t speak English. It’s the little things: morning coffee overlooking olive groves, a neighbour dropping off eggs, finding the best picnic spot by accident.

Tuscany, Provence, Puglia, the Loire—all those postcard-perfect regions—are seeing longer stays and bigger groups. And if you’re wondering why Normandy’s up 600 per cent in search popularity, or Dordogne’s up 250%, it’s not just the cheese. Americans are discovering the joy of renting a cottage, buying too much bread, and pretending—just for a week—they’re French.

American holiday bookings: Where are they actually jetting off to?

Dreaming is one thing; putting your money down is another. France is still top for bookings, but Italy, Spain, and yes—the UK!—are close behind. (Maybe those Cornish pasties and Cotswolds walks are more appealing than we thought.)

The real takeaway? Whether they end up in a Greek village, a Croatian harbour, or a French farmhouse, American travellers are done chasing landmarks. They’re after moments: a market stall discovery, a swim at dusk, the world’s slowest lunch.

Travel Trends 2025: American wanderlust is getting more sophisticated

So, next time you spot a lost-looking American in a sleepy Dordogne village, don’t be surprised. Odds are, they’re not lost—they’re exactly where they meant to be. Maybe they’ll stay longer than planned. Maybe, like so many before them, they’ll start dreaming of moving here for good.

One thing’s for sure: the new American invasion is more about finding joy in the everyday, whether it’s a villa garden in France or a sun-bleached stoop in Greece. Maybe they’re on to something.

Where’s your dream slow holiday? The map’s wide open—just follow your nose, and don’t forget the wine.

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most of us probably don’t give road signs a second thought until one suddenly confuses us, or worse, until a surprise fine drops through the letterbox.

But if you’re driving anywhere in Spain, it’s time to look up from the wheel: the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is about to freshen up the country’s roads with a raft of new signs, updated rules, and even a few farewells to those confusing, out-of-date markers we’ve all learned to ignore.

If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a sign and wondering, “Hang on, what does that mean?”, you’re not alone. Spain’s getting ready for a 21st-century shake-up that could make things clearer for everyone behind the wheel—locals, expats, tourists and even that scooter rider weaving through city traffic.

So, why the big change? And what does it mean for the way you drive (and avoid fines) in Spain this summer? Let’s break it down in plain English.

Why is Spain changing its road signs?

If you’ve been on Spanish roads in recent years, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a lot more going on than just cars. Electric scooters zip past, cyclists are everywhere, and let’s not forget the increasing number of foreign-registered vehicles and hire cars with drivers who may not know the local quirks.

The DGT’s reasoning is simple: the world of transport has changed, but the signs haven’t kept up. It’s not just about updating a few pictures or making things look prettier—this is a push for road safety, clarity, and a little bit of common sense. The new rules are designed to help everyone—whether you’re nipping to the shop on a scooter or driving your family to the coast forl the summer.

In a nutshell:

• New signs for new transport (hello, e-scooters and electric bikes)
• Clearer information to avoid confusion
• Fewer outdated or duplicate signs
• Improved visibility, especially at night or in bad weather

And let’s be honest, with so many of us glued to our phones or distracted by satnavs, clearer signs can only be a good thing.

New Spanish road signs: What’s actually changing in 2025?

Here’s where it gets interesting and where you might want to pay a bit of attention before your next road trip.

Brand new signs for a modern world

Spain’s roads will soon play host to a whole batch of new road signs, some of which have never been seen before. There are special signs for personal mobility vehicles (think scooters, Segways, e-bikes and all those modern contraptions). If you’re more used to traditional driving, you might be surprised to see dedicated instructions for these gadgets. The aim is to protect both their riders and everyone else sharing the road.

Classic signs get a facelift

Remember those faded or slightly ambiguous signs you’d see and think, “Is that really still a thing?” Many are getting a design refresh—think sharper icons, bigger text, and more modern, internationally understood symbols. The DGT wants to avoid that age-old problem of two drivers arguing over what a particular sign means (or pretending not to know when they get caught).

No more sign clutter

Ever feel like you’re bombarded with a wall of signs as you approach a roundabout or a tricky junction? That’s being tackled too. The DGT is streamlining information—so instead of two or three signs telling you almost the same thing, you’ll get one, clear instruction. Less to process, less chance of missing something crucial, and a much tidier look for Spain’s towns and countryside.

Spanish road signs update: Which old signs are disappearing?

Some signs have simply outlived their usefulness—whether because the law has changed or because the situations they referred to just don’t exist any more. The DGT is binning these relics so drivers aren’t distracted by irrelevant warnings or directions.

Night driving can be nerve-wracking enough without worrying about spotting the right turn or knowing if you’re allowed to park. The new signs are specifically designed to stand out in poor weather, low light and even those harsh Spanish summer days when the sun makes everything a little harder to read.

When will the new signs start appearing?

If you’re now worried you’ll drive out tomorrow and be greeted by a country full of mystery icons, relax. The official rollout date for Spain’s new traffic signs is 1 July 2025—that’s when the changes come into force. But don’t expect every sign on every street to change overnight. Town halls and councils have been given a bit of breathing space, so the update will happen gradually over the next year or so.

That means, for a while, you’ll see a mix of the old and the new side by side. It’s all about keeping roads safe without blowing council budgets or causing chaos for local drivers.

And for those studying for their Spanish driving test, the DGT has confirmed the new signs won’t appear in theory exams straight away. There’ll be a transition period to let schools and students get up to speed before they’re tested on the fresh designs.

How to stay informed and safe with Spain’s new road signs

Here’s the takeaway: Ignoring or misunderstanding a road sign in Spain can still land you a fine. That won’t change. What’s new is that you’ll have far less excuse for getting it wrong, as the rules and signs are now designed to be clearer than ever.

Tips to stay ahead:

• If you drive regularly in Spain, check out the DGT website for the latest info, or ask at your local town hall.
• Don’t be shy about asking what a new sign means—locals and police are likely getting used to them too!
• Planning a summer road trip? Brush up on changes before setting off, especially if you’re exploring a new region or city.

For those who rent cars, use ride-shares, or just visit on holiday, it’s worth a quick Google before you drive—or keep an eye out for new signs and drive a bit more cautiously until you’re confident you know what’s what.

Spanish road signs 2025: Why the changes are good news for drivers

Yes, there’ll be a period of adjustment, and yes, you might see some odd new shapes and colours as you cruise around Spain in the coming months. But ultimately, the DGT’s update is about making roads safer and easier to use for everyone—from the daily commuter to the summer tourist, and every scooter-riding teenager in between.

So next time you’re behind the wheel, keep your eyes open and your mind a bit more curious—you might just spot a sign you’ve never seen before.

And if in doubt? Slow down, double-check, and remember: a little knowledge (and a lot of common sense) will always get you further on the road.

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