Destinations
36 Hours in MinneapolisMinneapolis, with more than a dozen lakes and a sprawling urban park system, appeals not only to outdoorsy types but also to travelers seeking a robust cultural scene, top-notch restaurants and fun bars and breweries. In recent years, residents have struggled …
Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Paris This Summer
More than 15 million visitors are expected to travel to Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will take place from July 26 to August 11. But as the world's attention turns to the City of Light, even non-Olympic related trips to France may feel the ripple effects …
The 6 Best Road Trips to Explore Germany
Birthplace of the autobahn, Germany is a wonderful country for driving tours. It’s big and varied enough to allow longer, more ambitious trips, yet has plenty of small, distinctive regions begging for in-depth exploration. Throw in a superb road network (including over 13,000km of …
A Full Throttle Weekend Guide to Miami
Pietro Fittipaldi is racing royalty and the first Fittipaldi heir to be born and raised in Miami. Here are his picks for enjoying his hometown, during F1 season and beyond. Primarily known for its glorious weather, luscious beaches and vibrant nightlife, Miami has also established …
In Jordan, a Community Disrupted Awaits Travel’s Return
Trying my best not to make a mess, I devoured the chocolate-drizzled, walnut-topped qatayef and instantly felt better about the wet, wintery day. In Jordan and throughout the Middle East, these palm-sized semolina pancakes are typically only popular during the holy month of …
Tours and Activities
These Are The Top 5 Destinations For Unforgettable Train Journeys in EuropeWhile there’s no shortage of stunning places around the world that have embraced and perfected the concept of rail travel, there’s just a special type of charm to a European train ride. Be it the movies we’ve seen or just the fact that it’s hard to come across another continent …
The Ultimate Guide to Magic Kingdom, According to Disney Experts
When the Magic Kingdom opened its gates on Oct. 1, 1971, it became an iconic place to not only see favorite Disney characters but to experience innovative attractions and visit lands carefully crafted to transport guests to another time or place. No trip to Walt Disney World …
Exploring Alaska’s Epic National Parks
With vast wilderness making up most of the state, Alaska’s parks and outdoor spaces take center stage for most visitors. Alaska is home to about 60% of the total national park land in the US, covering 56 million acres. Of the eight Alaska national parks, only a few …
Six Flags Updates Mobile App with Planning Tools, Digital Wallet, and More
Six Flags' mobile app is getting a makeover. From pre-planning tools to the in-park experience, the “groundbreaking enhancements” strive to “improve guest experience and streamline park operations,” Six Flags Entertainment Corporation shared with Travel …
The 50 Best Bars in North America Were Just Announced
Since 2022, when World's 50 Best first began ranking North America’s 50 Best Bars, New York City and Mexico City have vied for the top spot. Always the bridesmaid, CDMX's Handshake Speakeasy has earned second place for the last two years in a row (first …
Cruise
You Asked: Do I Need a Passport for My Cruise?There’s a difference between what you need and what is a good idea to have. Let’s begin with the first: On most cruise lines and for most itineraries, a voyage that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and stays in the Western Hemisphere will not require any …
Big Nude Boat Cruise Set for February 2025
The "Big Nude Boat" cruise, which allows passengers to bare all – yes, even at the buffet – is set to sail from Florida next year. The "11-day adventure" to the Caribbean is set for the first two weeks of February on the Norwegian Pearl, according to the Bare …
Holland America Line Guarantees Glacier Views on All Alaska Cruises
Holland America Line has been showcasing Alaska’s glaciers since 1947. The cruise line ensures guests will see a glacier during their Alaska cruise with the Glacier Guarantee, providing a 15% Future Cruise Credit if a glacier visit is missed. “Our guests, and especially first-time …
Cunard Queen Anne News: Cunard's New Ship Arrives to Southampton
Cunard’s fourth ship, Queen Anne, arrived in her homeport of Southampton yesterday, accompanied by a water cannon salute. The 3,000-passenger ship is staying in the city for two nights before embarking on her maiden voyage Friday to Lisbon. Queen Anne is the first new …
HX ESG Report Reveals Cruise Line Reduced Emissions by 18 per Cent in 2023
Expeditions cruise line HX has published its latest Environmental, Social and Governance report, revealing the progress of its sustainability initiatives. According to the report, HX reduced Scope 1 emissions per available guests night by 18 per cent between 2022 and 2023, despite …
Transportation
Passenger Caught With Bag of Snakes Hidden Down Trousers at Miami AirportA passenger travelling from Miami International Airport in Florida was stopped by security after he was found with a bag of snakes hidden down his trousers. Alarms alerted security guards to an “anomaly” on the man’s person and he was taken for a pat-down …
Southwest Will Now Have Discounted Flights Every Wednesday — What to Know
Wednesday may now be the cheapest day to book flights on Southwest. This week the airline introduced a new promotion, “Wanna Go Wednesdays”, which provides weekly discounted fares between popular markets. For example, sample fares from the program’s …
Should You Allow Children to Run Free in the Airport?
Have you noticed all the kids at the airport lately? Not so long ago, you could only find them at the terminal playground areas or the gates, where their parents kept a watchful eye on them. But no longer. "It's a free-for-all," said Lisamarie Monaco, an insurance …
A Snake on a Bullet Train in Japan Caused a 17-Minute Delay for Over 600 Passengers
A small serpent caused a substantial delay on one of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, shaking up the country’s typically timely rail service routine. More than 600 passengers experienced the unusual interruption when the 16-inch snake was discovered on a train traveling from …
What Happens When an Airline You’ve Booked Goes out of Business?
Earlier this week, Australian low-budget airline Bonza entered voluntary administration, meaning they appointed an external administrator in case of financial distress. The airline canceled all flights, stranding passengers across Australia. It’s not the first airline to go belly up with no …
Lodging
15 Best Family Resorts in the U.S., According to Parents and Travel ExpertsAs a mom and travel writer, family travel is something that I’m super passionate about. People often say, “It’s not a vacation once you have kids," — but I disavow that statement. Yes, there will be challenging moments. That’s a given. But exploring new places or …
Airbnb Adds Once-In-A-Lifetime Stays Category and Easier Group Booking Tools
Airbnb's latest update is here, and it will have guests staying in awe-inspiring Airbnbs and making it easier than ever to plan a trip with friends. Over the years, Airbnb has been known to create some of the wildest once-in-a-lifetime guest experiences, from spending the night …
Go Glamping At These 7 National Parks
Glamping combines luxury with nature, offering a glamorous way to experience the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Glamping options range from cabins to treehouses, allowing travelers to enjoy national parks with resort-like amenities. Glamp in iconic US national parks like …
Romer House Waikiki Is Cute, Affordable and Near All the Action
A slew of exciting new hotels have been popping up in Honolulu — and starting June 1, there will be a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of one the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Here's a first look at Romer House Waikiki. An adults-only hotel, this Romer …
7 of Europe’s Most Amazing Tree House Stays for Families
Get back to nature with these incredible treehouses in Europe, perfect for a family adventure in the woodland. When was the last time you climbed a creaky ladder and found peace amongst the treetops? If the answer is decades ago, then now could be the …
Other and Odd
How Exactly Will the EU’s New Entry-Exit System Work? All Your Questions AnsweredThe EU's post-Brexit Entry-Exit System (EES) was originally supposed to launch in 2022, then was rescheduled for May 2023 before being pushed back even further to the end of last year. Despite continuous setbacks, it’s finally set to launch this autumn. But a …
Dollar Scholar Asks: What Are the Best Money Tips for Traveling Abroad?
All that pasta must have messed with my brain. When I traveled to Italy last summer, I froze every single time a cashier asked whether I wanted to pay in local currency or U.S. dollars. It was hard enough for me to wrap my head around prices being listed in …
Adaptive Adventures Are Making National Parks More Inclusive
New resources available at Great Smoky Mountains National Park help visitors with disabilities explore hiking trails, go mountain biking, paddle kayaks and camp overnight in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. After launching a program of free, adaptive activities …
How to Use AI to Plan Your Next Vacation and What You Should Know First
Where should I go on vacation this summer? The question is simple enough, but the possibilities are endless. “Feeling adventurous or more like chilling by the beach with a drink in hand?” Layla replies to narrow the list. Chilling by the beach sounds nice. “Alright, for that laid-back …
This Banned Drink Is Making a Comeback
We’d just wrapped up an epic, authentic lunch in Bogota’s famed La Perseverancia Market. I was ready to start walking off my arepas, ajiaco, and aguardiente shots when a young man selling bottles from a small cart caught my eye. “Maria, what’s that over …
Press Releases of Interest
Michael Brown Joins Travel Answers as National Account Sales ManagerBellevue, WA, April 1, 2024 - Luxury global travel wholesaler Travel Answers, comprising the brands of Down Under Answers, Africa Answers, Asia Answers, Travel2 and Islands in the Sun, has announced a …
Travelers Can Save up to $400 on Select Collette’s ‘Netherlands, Belgium & France’ Explorations Tour Departures
Pawtucket, RI (April 24, 2024) – Travelers can save up to $400 on select departures on Collette’s “Netherlands, Belgium & France” Explorations tour. North America’s longest-running tour operator’s …
Avanti Celebrates National Travel Advisor Month With Gift Card for Each Land Booking Of $5,000 or More Made in May
Portland, OR, April 23, 2024 – In honor of National Travel Advisor Month 2024, independent travel specialist Avanti Destinations is offering a $25 gift card for each FIT* land booking of $5,000 or more …
Booking Is Open for Collette’s All-New ‘Historical Greenbrier Holiday’ Tour
Pawtucket, RI (April 10, 2024) – Collette reminds travelers that booking is now open for its brand new “Historical Greenbrier Holiday” tour. Two departures for the eight-day experience are available …
American Cruise Lines Announces American Patriot & American Pioneer New Ships in the Project Blue Fleet
Guilford, CT—April 8, 2024— American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce two more new small ships coming in 2025, American Patriot and American Pioneer. These 125-passenger sister ships represent …
Agent Perspectives
FyndTravel at One Year, Lisa Watson Showcases a Streamlined Travel Event CalendarMy first interview with Lisa Watson went great. She was easy-going and her dedication of work to the creation of FyndTravel was obvious. However, a dead computer on my end took all text and recordings with it to the scrapyard. Chaos happens, I suppose. We tried again and, as expected, I found the conversation just as enjoyable and informative. Lisa started our conversation by pulling up a screen share
Mike's Morning Missives
And That’s a Wrap2019 is just about yesterday’s news. I don’t want to use a beat up worn-torn saying but I will: “Where has the time gone?” I also refuse to suggest that you have a Happy New Year. I’d rather remind you that time waits for nobody, and whether your New Year will be happy or not is entirely up to you. As I look down the barrel of another year I see an empty slate. Yesterday’s news is exactly that… yesterday’s news. Not a single evening news program goes by without…
Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Woulda-Coulda-ShouldaDon’t allow yourself to fall victim to this behavior: I would’ve done it if I had more money. I could’ve tried if I had more time. I should’ve called them but … This happens more often than not, when you get an idea and fail to act on it. This simply does not have to happen. Once you have an idea for a notion to do something, do it. Don’t think it to death. And don’t procrastinate until you forget what it is you were going to try.
Soundings
The Travel Institute’s New Survey Signals Need for Additional Agent Recruitment & RetentionThe Changing Face of Travel Agents 2023, the report released by The Travel Institute, offers valuable insights into the current state of the travel industry. Based on the findings, the gig economy continues to thrive, and more agents are interested in part-time work that provides greater flexibility and independence.
Deck Plans
Our Favorite Active Cruises: Which One Suits Your Adventure?It’s no secret that we love to keep moving when we travel. From bicycling-themed cruises to excursions that get our heart rate going, we think the best way to see the world is by getting our bodies moving. It turns out that many of you value active experiences when you travel as well. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our three favorite river cruise lines for active travelers: AmaWaterways, Avalon and Emerald. Let’s find out which one is right for you
Anita’s Tips and Tools
The Incessant Traveler
Cloud Tours: Greece in DepthIt’s hard to imagine any place more fundamental to being a well-traveled person than Greece, the source of Western Civilization. It’s even closer to the root than Italy. The culture of Rome was essentially appropriated from Greece. The Romans were practical. Why re-invent the wheel when the Greeks had covered so much? Greece is Western Civ 101. It provides a solid basis for exploring the rest of Western Civilization. But aside from all that history and culture, the Greek Islands, in the sparkling blue Aegean Sea, are among the most…