Destinations
7 Best Places in Japan That 'Shogun' Fans Need to Visit for RealShogun hit its stride right out of the gate when its first two episodes were released in late February, becoming Disney’s No. 1 scripted series premiere globally. With its finale scheduled for April 23, the 10-episode FX/Hulu series based on the bestselling 1975 …
Sling Yourself Into Singapore’s 8 Best Places
Singapore's allure goes beyond its iconic hotels, manicured gardens and world-class airport. A maturing local identity peeks through if you know where to look. At first glance, the city isn't really known for range when it comes to travel, especially with its headliners …
7 Reasons Why This Southeast Asian Country Is One Of The Most Popular Destinations In The World
Odds are if you love to travel, Thailand is high on your list of exotic places to visit. This cultural hotspot has rightfully earned its place on our bucket lists, and any traveler who has spent time here will speak of it with fondness and stars still in their eyes …
How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Montreal — Luxury Hotels, Beautiful Parks, and Canada's Best Restaurant Included
Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais, are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of …
These Are 7 Summeresque Alternatives to the Hamptons
As summer approaches, the allure of escaping the city’s heat and chaos becomes necessary. For decades, the Hamptons have been synonymous with luxury and relaxation, but with their popularity soaring, finding peace and tranquility in the crowds and high …
Tours and Activities
The 10 Best Bookstores in SeattleWhile there is plenty to do in Seattle, it is essentially the Big Apple’s opposite in that it is the city that definitely sleeps. Nightlife is limited, especially when compared to other major U.S cities. This can be a disappointment to some visitors, so if that’s an important …
One of Hawaii's Most Controversial Attractions Is Being Demolished
Hawaii's Ha'ikū Stairs, known more famously as the "Stairway to Heaven," has been slated for demolition for years. Now, it's finally being removed. Preparatory work to remove the Ha'ikū Stairs started last week, according to the City and County of Honolulu, with …
Sober Travelers Find Something to Savor in Wine Country
Mocktail trails, olive oil tours and elevated dining experiences are among the many ways the renowned wine-producing areas of Sonoma, Mendoza and Tuscany are appealing to sober or sober-curious travelers …
Heads Up: Wednesday Is Your Last Chance to Get Tickets for the Olympics
After years of planning and anticipation, we're just 100 days away from the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will occur from July 26 to Aug. 11. Multiple rounds of ticket draws and purchase opportunities have already occurred, but the final ticket release will be this …
10 Unmissable LGBTQ+ Events in Latin America
A thriving hotspot for LGBTQ+ travel, Latin America’s social calendar is crammed with thrilling queer events. Whether you’re planning a trip around Pride Month celebrations or looking for some cultural enrichment with special-interest festivals, there’s hardly …
Cruise
Just Back From Celestyal DiscoveryThe mood was upbeat in the queue to check in for the maiden voyage of Celestyal's latest ship — Celestyal Discovery. The vessel's resident DJ pumped out tunes while an impromptu dance routine by staff was greeted by whoops from the waiting line; a party of …
After an Iconic River Cruise Line Shuts Down, Here's What You Should Know About Protecting Your Cruise Booking
American Queen Voyages, which brought the iconic American Queen paddle wheeler back to life on the Mississippi River in 2012, has ceased operations. “Despite great efforts by our team, crew, and partners, AQV has been unable to fully rebound from the …
Search Halted for Crew Member Who Jumped from Cruise Ship
The US Coast Guard suspended the search for the Holland America Line crew member who deliberately went overboard from the cruise ship on Friday evening while sailing the Florida Straits. The Rotterdam had just completed a six-night Western Caribbean …
I Bought a Cruise Ship Drink Package. Here's What I Discovered
I have a confession: For the hundreds of cruises I’ve taken, I’ve never purchased an inclusive drink package. Usually, the rationale for refusing is that I don’t drink that much. The thought of having to imbibe up to 15 beverages per day seems an unattainable goal …
St. Thomas Cruise Port: Piers, Overview and What to Do
Out of the roughly 50 unique islands that make up the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is one of the three largest. Since it is also one of the US Virgin Islands, it is a popular destination for American tourists and cruisers. Aside from the island having all the charm and …
Transportation
Airlines Suspend Flights and Reroute Planes Amid Heightened Tensions in the Middle EastFollowing Iran's missile and drone attacks on Israel late Saturday night, several airlines are canceling flights to and from Tel Aviv, as well as rerouting planes scheduled to fly over the Middle East. Over the weekend, much of the airspace over and surrounding the …
Atlanta, Dubai and Dallas Were the Busiest Airports in 2023
Airports Council International World released the list of 2023’s busiest airports on Monday. The top spots this year show how international travel has continued to rebound since the pandemic dip. “Global air travel in 2023 was chiefly fuelled by the …
When You're Entitled To Money From Your Airline
Passengers can get a refund for canceled flights, thanks to DOT regulations, even if airlines don't advertise this option. Refunds for delays are not standardized; each airline has its own policy for issuing refunds for delayed flights. Airlines may offer points or future …
Some American Airlines Flyers Won’t Earn Miles for Flights Starting Next Month
Several trade groups representing travel advisors in the Americas are pushing back on American Airlines plans to restrict the earning of AAdvantage Miles on some travel agency bookings. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), World Travel Agents …
World’s Busiest Airports Show Surge in International Travel. Here Are the Rankings
Airports in Tokyo and London jumped in the rankings as international travel returned last year. Domestic U.S. airports had become more popular during the pandemic amid international travel restrictions. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport once again …
Lodging
Want to Travel Like a Local? Sleep in a Mongolian Yurt or an Amish FarmhouseAt Three Camel Lodge, travelers sleep in yurts in the middle of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Views just outside of the round, tent-like dwellings feel zapped in from the age of Chinggis Khan: herders driving goats across the steppe, a lone woman trotting by on …
Overwater Bungalows Started as a Bottom-Tier Accommodation. Today, They’re a Status Symbol in the Luxury Travel World.
Overwater bungalows originated nearly 60 years ago in Tahiti. The first rooms cost $240 a night. Today, experts say they're a staple in the luxury travel market. The accommodations have since expanded in region, size, and amenities …
The 100 Best New Hotels of the Year
Our annual guide to the most game-changing hotel openings (and reopenings) has taken Travel + Leisure editors and contributors to 39 countries on six continents. We started with a list of more than 200 soon-to-open hotels, and T+L editors and reporters …
10 Most Affordable And Highly-Rated Hotels In New York City For A Memorable Stay
Enjoy a luxurious stay in New York City without breaking the bank at these top-rated and affordable hotels with modern amenities. From the historic Jane Hotel to the elegant DoubleTree By Hilton, NYC offers a range of budget-friendly options for travelers. Get …
Shadow Lake Lodge: Canada’s Remote Bike-in Mountain Stay
Set in one of Banff National Park's most stunning locations, these historical cabins are only accessible to those who hike, ski, snowshoe or bike in. I battled another incline, sucking in sharp alpine air and huffing out what little breath I could spare from my …
Other and Odd
This New Luxury Private Airline Includes Champagne and a Chef, but It’s Just for DogsA new airline is launching in May, and it’s targeting a very specific customer: dogs. BARK, Inc., creator of the popular subscription-based Bark Box, has partnered with a jet charter company to launch BARK Air, the world’s first airline centered around dogs. The …
The Carretera Granma: One of the Most Spectacular Drives in Cuba
Few travellers venture to Cuba's south-eastern corner, but a little-known road offers a fascinating – and stunning – glimpse of the nation's revolutionary past. "We're going the back way to Santiago," I told the man at the car hire office in Bayamo, Cuba. The …
Alila Ventana Big Sur to Remain Closed Through May 26 — Here’s What We Know
One of California's best resorts and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed through at least May 26. This is due to the closure of Highway 1 for construction following a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, that …
How I Booked a Vacation in Bora Bora (Almost) for Free by Using Points and Miles
Flying in business class to a faraway bucket-list destination like Bora Bora and staying in an overwater bungalow can take years of planning and saving. But it doesn’t have to. With credit card points and miles, you’ll often find some of the best deals and …
Travellers Remain Confused About Single-Entry Schengen Visa Rules, Searches for Its Validity Jump by 5000%
Searches for the validity of single-entry visas have increased by 5,000 per cent. Holders of a single-entry visa can enter multiple Schengen countries as long as they do not exit the Schengen Area. The single-entry visa becomes invalid immediately after the …
Press Releases of Interest
Booking Is Open for Collette’s All-New ‘Historical Greenbrier Holiday’ TourPawtucket, 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 …
Collette’s ‘Hello Spring’ Presale Live Through April 7: Travelers Can Save up to 20% *
Pawtucket, RI (April 1, 2024) – Collette’s “Hello Spring” presale is now live through April 7. Advisors are able to help clients save up to 20% if they book seats during the window. The sale will open to the public on April …
Collette Launches ‘Collette Connection’ Service for Advisors
Pawtucket, RI (March 28, 2024) – Collette announces the launch of its new “Collette Connection” service. With the print-on-demand service, travel advisors will be able to send their clients Collette’s Explorations brochure …
Elite Voyages Joins the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA)
NEW YORK (March 26, 2024) – Terry Dale, president and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) announced today that Elite Voyages has joined USTOA as its newest Active …
Point-to-Point
Are You Shopping for Another Host Agency?As discussed in the last Point-to-Point column, travel advisor independent contractors (ICs) are renters rather than owners that can become affiliated with as many host agencies as they wish. While few ICs will want to do business with more than two or three host agencies, there is a strong business case for not limiting yourself to one. Also as discussed in the earlier article, you may want to do this to take advantage of a second host agency’s strengths; or it may be to avoid what you see as glaring…
Supplier Profile
Blue-Roads Touring and Europe 2024Blue-Roads Touring got its current name from a man who went on a journey of discovery across America. William Least Heat-Moon began this road trip in 1978, a road trip that would take him 13,000 miles along “blue roads” around the United States. Meaning, William traveled mostly on secondary roads, with the sights and sounds of local folk in his chronicled collection titled Blue Highways. Fitting for Blue-Roads Touring to gravitate to this name, as they take the traveler beyond
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.
Anita’s Tips and Tools
Travel Agent Diaries
SOS! Are You Providing 24/7 Service to VIP Clients?A conversation with one of our Society of International Railway Travelers (IRT) clients one recent Sunday morning went like this: Text to my phone early morning: “My passport is lost! We are in London. Help!!”