He never leaves home without it. Zac Jones checked into a budget hotel in the popular British beach resort of Blackpool that cost him around $16 a night, including full breakfast — but fled the premises after going over his room with an ultraviolet light. The 27-year-old is a fan of affordable travel, but also values … Read more
She felt like they benefited from pretty privilege. A senior UK passenger claims she was discriminated against by Ryanair after having to pay a $100 bag-checking fee while younger, “attractive” passengers boarded without penalty. “I’m absolutely disgusted with Ryanair! I’ve just been held up for 20 minutes because they said my cabin bag was too … Read more
The most exciting place to visit in Africa right now is an off-the-beaten-path nation better known for making tragic headlines than attracting tourists: Welcome to a splashy new Sierra Leone. Now, Ebola-free and more than two decades after the end of a devastating civil war, Sweet Salone (the local nickname) is once again ready to … Read more
Dear Greta Gerwig: If you’re looking to cast Barbie in a “Safari” sequel anytime soon, might I suggest South Africa’s own Heather Wollon. Oh, sorry, she’s currently busy fearlessly changing a flat tire on her Toyota Landcruiser bush mobile not 10 yards away from two ear-perked, post-coital lions fresh off a roaring 17-second romp now … Read more
Next year marks the 150th anniversary of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel — a major milestone for the iconic Beaux-Arts landmark, first opened in 1909 as the New Palace Hotel. Occupying the site of the original Palace Hotel — destroyed by the legendary 7.9 earthquake that struck the city in April 1906 — the hotel now … Read more
In a city that’s almost 2,000 years old, you might expect to see buildings reused, recycled and reinvented, and buzzy new hotels are top among them. The Ned, in the financial district of Bank, used to be (you guessed) a bank; the former staid offices now boast 10 restaurants including flamboyant foyer dining and entertainment … Read more
JetBlue is looking to cut costs, and to do so they’re taking away one perk for economy flyers. The airline has dished out new menus for transatlantic flights with a shocking update: there will no longer be hot meals for passengers in economy. There will no longer be hot meals for passengers in economy on … Read more
Lewis and Clark, eat your heart out. Walking across an entire country might sound like a feat relegated to intrepid explorers of old. However, Hudson and Emily Crider managed to traverse the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu on foot in under a minute — because it’s freaking tiny. “Walking across this country took me less … Read more
It was a case of flight or fright. Sometimes the skies aren’t all too friendly to crewmembers. A Ryanair flight attendant revealed some of the odd and downright disturbing things passengers have said to her at 30,000 feet, from threatening to urinate on the plane to asking if she had OnlyFans. She listed these uncomfortable … Read more
Forget all the kitschy travel mementos — the keychain keepsakes, snow globe souvenirs, commemorative tees or other tourist tchotchkes. Jetsetters are opting for a more permanent token from their trips: they’re getting inked, as “tattourism” is on the rise. Data from Hostel World found that more than 40% of adult vacationers under the age of 35 … Read more
Are these people on quack? Forget swingers taking over the cruise lines. The real secret of the seas, according to cruisers, are the treasure troves of rubber ducks passengers hidden onboard the vacation ships for others to find — and the idea isn’t floating well with some, with one line even clamping down on the weird … Read more
Talk about living the suite life. Plans for a mind-bogglingly luxe vessel with the amenities and spacious feel of a luxury resort on dry land — to be built by one of the world’s leading superyacht creators — have been announced. The Inspire, a 454-foot gigayacht, will be the newest creation of Sinot Yacht Architecture and Design … Read more
It rocks! A new 360-degree skyline attraction at Rockefeller Center is guaranteed to bring you a step — or a few hundred — above the rest. Top of the Rock unveiled its brand-new Skylift ride — a stunning ascending circular platform that propels up to 13 riders 900 feet in the air. The attraction, which … Read more
Toronto. Montreal. Vancouver and Quebec City — when it comes to Canada, its best-known cities have been thoroughly discovered. But there is a far more rural, small-town and distinctive side to our neighbor to the north — its farther-flung Maritime provinces. French-inflected New Brunswick, colorful Nova Scotia and stark, otherworldly Newfoundland are entire worlds unto … Read more
Ever wanted to catch a glimpse of the elusive Arctic answer to a rainbow, the northern lights? Good, because there’s never been a better time than this winter. Thanks to a quirk of solar physics, the aurora borealis is primed for a peak parade as the sun’s activity is at max (the feistier it flares … Read more
From the Maritimes to British Columbia, there are nearly 650 First Nation communities in Canada — each with their own distinct indigenous history and traditions. And many are eager to share their unique ways of life with travelers from across the globe. Whether visiting a traditional indigenous heritage site or indulging in an indigenous-based restaurant … Read more
Everyone is shipping this couple. Passengers on a luxury cruise have been stranded in Belfast as their ship underwent urgent and unexpected repairs. With the Villa Vie Odyssey docked in Northern Ireland, the cruisegoers have had plenty of time to fall in love with the capital city — and each other. The Villa Vie Odyssey … Read more
A Delta Airlines passenger endured an excruciatingly awkward customer service call after discovering that the rep was none other than his ex-girlfriend. The mortified flyer detailed the uncomfortable exchange in a viral Reddit post. “I’ve heard of running into an ex, but I ain’t never heard of talking to one via customer service,” the unnamed … Read more
They’re movin’ on up. A flight attendant’s pro tips to help passengers increase their odds of getting selected for free in-light upgrades went viral on social media where millions of viewers frequently tune in for her travel secrets. “Don’t tell anyone, but there are a lot of ways you can get free upgrades to first … Read more
Fog-geddaboutit! San Francisco has been accused of “bullying” after slapping nearby Oakland with a trademark lawsuit — sharply warning the crossbay rival to “stay away” from its brand. The brouhaha by the Bay began after the burg Gertrude Stein once described as having “no there there” rebranded its airport (OAK) — formerly known as “Metropolitan Oakland … Read more