Flights cancelled in Middle East. After the U.S. attacked Iran this morning, many flights across the Middle East have been cancelled, and airspace has been shut down. If you're planning any trips to the area, check with your airline before going to the airport. Unrest...
Editor's Note: We'll certainly continue to write about wine and spirits, but some of the information below might be interesting to you. I have cut down on alcohol intake, even though I've never been a heavy drinker. On my trip to Africa last fall, I didn't drink any...
Experts say stronger jet streams and winter weather are making flights feel bumpier. “Strong jet streams, winter storms, and sudden changes in air pressure can make flights feel more unstable, even though they remain extremely safe,” says Jessie Chambers, Travel...
Bed bug registry. Orkin has a registry where people report on hotels and other accommodations that have had bed bugs. It's a good idea to check it before booking your next stay: Bed Bug Registry. Winter storms in Spain and Portugal. Southern Spain and Portugal...
According to a January 2026 report on seaside winter getaways, Dubai is the best coastal destination to visit during this cold season. The study by the digital entertainment platform JB examined 30 waterfront cities across the world based on climate, affordability,...
Last-minute winter travel often gets a bad reputation. Many travelers assume that booking late means overpaying, settling for inconvenient flights, or staying in less-than-comfortable accommodations. In reality, winter can be one of the best seasons for spontaneous...
Did you just book a last-minute winter getaway to escape the cold? When travel plans come together quickly, it can be easy to overlook your home’s needs amidst all the packing, booking flights and accommodations, and planning activities. Taking a few intentional steps...
Global Entry revoked. Multiple reputable news outlets are reporting that as U.S. ICE agents use facial recognition technology to identify protesters, their Global Entry memberships are being revoked. Spain train crashes. On January 18th, 40 people died when two trains...
These days, most U.S. airlines and many international airlines will allow you to take your pet in the plane's cabin with you depending on their age and size. The following international airlines will allow this: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, Vueling...
Bottled water caution. Did you know this? I didn't. Apparently, bottles of water in some countries are resealed after they're filled with contaminated tap water. From now on, I will be much more careful to make sure the caps look fully sealed. I recommend you do the...
Editor's Note: Even luxury travelers don't mind saving a few bucks, right? Traveling in 2026 doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, savvy travelers can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on airfare by taking advantage of error fares. These are...
Get some insights into what motivates you to travel and the type of travel best suited to your personality number. The way we travel can be impacted by who we are: In other words, your personality type. Whether a Perfectionist, Expressionist, Analyst, Adventurist,...
First of all, Happy New Year! Wishing you wonderful travels in 2026. New tourist fees in Rome. The fees continue to pile on, but I think they make sense. To improve congestion around the Trevi Fountain, Rome will charge a 2 Euro fee during daytime hours if you want to...
It is with profound sadness that we must announce the passing of our beloved founder, Manos Angelakis, on December 3, 2025. We will all miss him immeasurably, and we will continue to honor his work by republishing his articles in this magazine that he created with his...
In September 2025, I left New York City for a dream trip to Kenya and Madagascar. Before leaving, I alerted the U.S. State Department of where I would be, which meant I would receive emails about issues in either of those countries. Well, shortly after arriving in...
Fee without Real ID. The TSA in the U.S. will start charging air passengers $45 as of February 1, 2026 if they don't have a Real ID. So if you don't have yours, get on that! Travelers into the U.S. will need to disclose their social media history? Five years of it, to...
Booking.com cautions. A woman booked a stay in Montreal for the Grand Prix before the website updated its rates to reflect "event pricing." Due to Booking.com's terms of services, the hotel had the right to demand she pay the event price anyway, which meant an...
California's own museum heist. The Louvre isn't the only museum to lose some valuable artifacts recently. The Oakland Museum of California's storage facility had more than 1,000 items go missing in mid-October. UK train stabbing. On November 2nd, multiple people were...
As millions of us book Airbnbs and private rentals this summer, private investigator John Eastham at Private Investigations UK is warning travelers to watch out for security risks you won’t see in the listing. From disguised surveillance to dodgy...
More cheese, NYC? Pick & Cheese from London is coming to NYC next year to the new food hall within the old Lord & Taylor store on Fifth Avenue. It will be called Shaver Hall, and while the cheese venue won't yet be there, the hall itself will open this...
Airline News Iceland's PLAY Airlines. The low-cost carrier in Iceland ceased operations at the end of last month and cancelled all upcoming flights. Akuyeri in northern Iceland. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Delta plane collision. Two Delta planes collided at low speed at...
Fewer tourist rentals in Spain. Spain has removed more than 50,000 tourist rental apartments from the market and is converting them into long-term rentals for residents. Can't blame them when tourist rentals cause permanent housing shortages. Air taxis. The FAA in the...
Funicular crash in Portugal. On September 3rd, 16 people were killed when the Gloria funicular in Lisbon crashed. What a horrible tragedy. Airport Wi-Fi alert. Scammers are creating bogus Wi-Fi networks to trick travelers into signing on and giving away their data....
Travel Advice Beware phone scams! It turns out that even on Google, you might do a search and get a bogus phone number for an airline or other business. So to avoid being scammed, go to official websites to get phone numbers! Watch upgrade prices! Word is that...
Grand Canyon fires. The fires continue to rage in the Grand Canyon and have grown into what's called a "mega-fire" and the largest fire in the U.S. this year. New Amtrak high-speed trains. The NextGen Acela high-speed trains will launch August 28th between Washington,...
U.S. TRAVEL NEWS One-Stop Security. The U.S. is unveiling a new program starting with American Airlines for passengers from London Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth, which will allow them to clear customs at the arrival gate and go straight to their connecting flight...
Fires in Grand Canyon. There are two wildfires that have caused some of Grand Canyon National Park to close temporarily. Sadly, the one at the North Rim has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge. Hiker dies in Grand Canyon. Meanwhile, a 67-year-old man from Texas...
United flight emergency landing. On June 21st, a United flight from San Francisco to Rome issued a distress signal after 8 hours in the air when it suddenly descended by more than 20,000 feet. The flight managed to divert to Iceland and land with no injuries among the...
Yes, if you're on an expensive trip, you should always purchase travel insurance. But I've just learned that there's a new membership called Delay Defense that offers more than just monetary compensation. Now, I haven't tried this yet, so I can't personally attest to...
Air India plane crash. The big news this week is the horrible crash in Ahmedabad, India of a flight destined for London. All passengers and crew were killed except for one man, who was thrown from the plane and survived with slight injuries. I can't imagine the kind...
I have been flying for both business and pleasure for many years now. The following is my assessment of recent domestic and international flights, as well as the state of flying in general. First: the food. Meals are still included on long haul flights, and the least...
Bruges, Belgium news: Tourists are stealing up to 70 cobblestones from Bruges' old town every month, so the mayor is asking people to stop and be more respectful. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of reading about bad tourist...
Newark Airport. The big news this month is all about Newark Liberty International Airport, which has been deemed unsafe for flights because of the lack of air traffic controllers. This has caused numerous delays, and United Airlines has cut 35 daily flights from...
The world's busiest airport? According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, it's Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which also won that "honor" last year. More potential tourist taxes. This time, it's Norway. A bill is being considered...
May is the month when flowering trees are in bloom, the air is permeated with fragrance, and the sounds of coughing and sneezing can be heard throughout the land. This Mother’s Day, we are more than ever before suffering from the effects of climate change and are...
New route for the Orient Express. Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient Express has added a new route originating in Paris and traveling through the French countryside and then through Tuscany. Sounds divine. If you do this, please let me know! Another luxury train...
Greenwashing is rampant in the travel industry. It's when a hotel, resort, or outfitter gives a false impression that they're making an effort to be more ecological than they actually are. The terms "eco-friendly" and "green," for example, mean nothing specific....
Countries issue unprecedented travel advisories about visiting the U.S. In light of what's happening in the U.S. right now, such as refusing to allow people into the country who believe they have taken care of the appropriate paperwork, several countries are advising...
We have noticed significant travel restrictions, driven by the need to balance economic benefits with the safeguarding of local communities and environments. These adjustments mark a departure from older travel models, ushering in an era where responsible tourism is...
The EU postpones the ETIAS. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System to be required for travel in Schengen countries in Europe has been postponed until the last quarter of 2026. So if you're going to Europe this year (and most of next year), you no...
Experiencing anxiety or fear of flying, known as aviophobia, is a common challenge for many adults, especially following recent air travel accidents that can heighten concerns about flight safety. It's important to recognize that while these...
Delta plane upside down. You've probably heard by now that earlier this month, a Delta flight turned over right after landing in Toronto, possibly due to strong winds. This left passengers hanging in their seats "like bats." Luckily, no one was injured, and Delta has...
More cruise ship bans. The city of Nice, France is banning cruise ships that carry more than 900 passengers. Overtourism is becoming a major problem, especially in popular European destinations. Venice increases tourist fees. Venice is on the forefront of the...
Our hearts go out to all those affected, including the figure skating community, by the horrible American Airlines crash with the military helicopter in Washington, D.C. Hotels and immigration. With the new administration in the White House, hotels could end up...
As a travel writer and frequent flyer on many different airlines around the world, I am seldom impressed with onboard flight innovations that usually are designed to appeal to an elite, select few. But Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier for Türkiye (Turkey), just...
River cruises are among the most popular forms of vacation, offering virtually every amenity available on larger cruise ships but at an affordable price. They also feature enticing, unique itineraries often unavailable with their bigger rivals. My favorite river...
FTC in the U.S. passes law about "junk fees." This new law prohibits bait-and-switch pricing that hides fees at hotels and in live-event ticketing. It's about time, right? But bear in mind that this doesn't prohibit fees, just the hiding of them. Free city tours...
New UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Australia will have to apply online for an ETA to enter the UK starting January 8, 2025. It can take up to 72 hours to process, so you need to apply in advance with your passport...
There are a number of travel hazards that you may not be aware of, so follow these guidelines to be safe during your holiday vacation: Social media hazard. If you have holiday travel plans, DO NOT announce them on social media or blogs, where other people, not just...
Bullet hits Southwest plane. A Southwest Airlines plane was struck by a bullet on November 15th at Dallas Love Field airport. The plane returned to the gate and was taken out of service, and there were no injuries. Spirit Airlines bankruptcy. Spirit has filed for...
Hotel rooms inspired by Wicked. New York Hilton Midtown hotel is collaborating with Universal Pictures to create a one-of-a-kind suite inspired by the Broadway show and upcoming movie, Wicked. Canned air? In Lake Como, they're selling cans of the local air for people...
Notre Dame reopening in Paris. After the devastating fire in 2019, the famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris will reopen December 8, 2024! Notre Dame in Paris. Photo by Melanie Votaw. Las Vegas Sphere news. You might have heard about The Sphere in Las Vegas. Well,...
Italy and Switzerland to redraw borders. Melting glaciers in the Alps are the reason for this change near Zermatt, Switzerland and involves a 330-foot-long segment. Delta Partnership with Incheon Airport in South Korea. Currently, Delta Airlines' Asian hub is Tokyo's...
Donate to help those affected by Hurricane Helene. Our hearts go out to all of those who experienced loss of life or property damage from Hurricane Helene. This link will take you to the American Red Cross North Carolina, where the flooding damage was especially...
Unfortunately, bedbugs are a reality these days, and it can be very difficult to get rid of them. But don't panic! I even got them in my apartment (presumably from a package that was delivered, as I hadn't traveled recently), and spraying did kill them because we...
AIRLINE NEWS American Airlines news: Did you know that flight attendants aren't paid for their time during boarding? I was shocked to learn this. But American Airlines flight attendants just signed a new contract that will get them paid for this time. Delta Airlines...
New international air routes: There are new routes internationally from the U.S.: Newark to Marrakech on United; Dallas to Brisbane on American; Portland, Oregon to Amsterdam on KLM; Minneapolis to St. Maarten on Delta; Providence to San Juan on JetBlue; Dallas to...
I just discovered a new service called Bounce that has a luggage storage network around the world. They work with local businesses that are willing to hold your bags for a set period of time. The business hours vary, but you can check that information on the website...
Dispute with a travel-related company? Whenever you have a problem with a travel-related company that you're struggling to resolve, check out the contact information for executives in Christopher Elliott's handy list. Don't waste more time - go right to the top!...
AIRLINE AND FLIGHT NEWS United Airlines news: United is adding live radar maps to its phone app to help passengers track weather delays. Sounds good to me! Emotional support llamas? That's right! PDX airport in Portland has 'em. Take a look:...
TRAVEL NEWS JetBlue news. Starting September 6, 2024, JetBlue will allow a free carry-on bag to those flying via Blue Basic fare. Good! It's ridiculous to have to pay more for a carry-on. Lufthansa Airlines news. Starting in 2025, the airline will charge an extra fee...
Don't rely on AI to create your itinerary! A recent study found that AI itineraries are ridden with errors. They'll recommend visiting places when they aren't open or places that are permanently closed. Some of them even recommend places that never existed. Plus, they...
I have struggled with motion sickness my whole life, and sometimes, I can be miserable on a boat, even while others think the water is nice and smooth. So over the years, I have found that a triple threat strategy works well for me: Meclizine. Sorry, Dramamine, but...
Hello, all you current and to-be dads, and welcome to our very first LuxuryWeb Magazine Father’s Day Gift Guide. We have a few suggestions that you might want to pass along to spouses and children who want to celebrate your special day with that extra-special gift....
I have been plagued with severe ear pain and popping on airplanes for many years, so I've found a few tricks that work well for me. Hopefully, they'll work for you, too. I'm sure you already know about chewing gum or sucking on candy. It's the swallowing action that...
Americans arrested: Five Americans have been arrested recently in Turks and Caicos in separate incidents because they've left firearm ammunition in their luggage, purportedly by accident. The sentence for such an offense can be as much as 12 years. One of the American...
Mona Lisa News: The Louvre in Paris is considering moving the Mona Lisa to a larger room in the basement to make it easier for the crowds to get a good look. Train between Spain and Morocco? Fingers crossed this happens! They might build a tunnel under the Strait of...
“It is a new social and cultural reality in Spain” according to the Spanish Culture Ministry. This Friday, Spain scrapped their “Annual Bullfighting Award,” prompting a backlash from national conservatives against the abolition of the centuries-old tradition that is...
Automatic airline refunds!: The Department of Transportation in the U.S. is instituting new rules that require airlines to give automatic refunds if a domestic flight is delayed by three hours or more or an international flight is delayed by six hours or more. The...
May is the month when flowering trees are in bloom. The air is permeated with fragrance, and the sounds of coughing and sneezing can be heard throughout the land. This Mother’s Day, we are more than ever before suffering from the effects of climate change and are...
Balmoral Castle News! According to The Royal Butler, King Charles has decided to allow the public to visit the interior of Balmoral Castle for the first time. It's located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland and will cost more than $100 to visit both the castle and the...
Southwest Airlines is planning to start its first red-eye flights within the next couple of years. Istanbul Airport has been named the best airport in the world for the fourth time in a row. United Airlines now allows you to combine your MileagePlus miles together...
After the fire in 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will reopen on December 8, 2024. Galapagos Islands entry fees are increasing as of August 1, 2024. They haven't increased these fees since 1998, so I think they're entitled to double them. They will go from $100...
Don't use Google to look for airline phone numbers! It turns out scammers are putting bogus numbers on Google and posing as airlines. When you need a number, ALWAYS go to the official website of the airline! What's the "911"? Whenever you travel to a new country, be...
Air travel safety record is good! This may come as a surprise, but the International Air Transport Association report on plane safety in 2023 says the number of accidents last year was the lowest in a decade - one accident for every 1.26 million flights. Strap in, and...
TSA PreCheck News. Up to now, kids age 12 and younger could go through the TSA PreCheck line with their parents. Now, kids up to age 18 can go through the line with their parents. This is great news for families! TSA PreCheck Scams. There are bogus websites claiming...
Before traveling to Japan, I highly recommend that you do considerable research. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time trying to figure things out. I did a lot of research, but there were still moments when I found myself confused. I can’t imagine the amount of time I...
Tourist levy in Bali. On February 14, 2024, Bali, Indonesia started imposing a tourist levy on all foreign visitors. It's 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah, but that's only about $10 USD. They recommend that you pay for it before you...
Those Boeing 737 MAX 7 planes again. Boeing actually asked the FAA to allow them to deliver the 737s again despite problems on test flights. It took criticism for them to withdraw the request. I don't know about you, but this doesn't instill a lot of confidence in...
CAUTIONARY TALES! Are you ready to get back on a Boeing 737 Max 9? Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are going to resume service soon on the Boeing aircraft that recently lost a door. If this makes you nervous, check what kind of aircraft your next flight will be...
Romania and Bulgaria are joining the Schengen Area at the end of March 2024. This means we can travel between these and other Schengen countries without passport checks. The Maldives are experiencing an increase in tourism, so if you’re looking for a...
Is it too much to ask for our airplane doors to stay ON while in flight? I assume you heard about the Alaska Airlines accident in which a Boeing Model 737-9 MAX aircraft lost a passenger door. The Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. is now investigating, and...
I confess to having bought a cute sock puppet from Pets.com. That’s all I ever bought from them - perhaps one of the reasons why the company eventually went bankrupt. Pets.com raised $82.5 million in a February 2000 IPO and filed for bankruptcy nine months later. The...
Check out the latest travel news from around the world: Venice, Italy is set to limit tour groups to 25 people as of June 1st. That's about half the number of passengers on an average tour bus. The city will also ban loudspeakers. China Tourism - According to the...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have mobile apps that can help you stay safe when traveling, especially when in developing countries. TravWell is a fully customizable to do and packing list, along with emergency service phone...
Travelling around the world in search of the perfect meal, I realized that etiquette regarding food is considerably different from one culture to another. For instance, most of us were raised with the idea that finishing your plate is respectful. But, in places like...
This is my story of my TWO DAYS OF CONDOR, i.e. Condor Airlines - not to be confused with the well known 1975 movie, Three Days of the Condor.Coming and going from Europe in 2021, as well as in 2022, during the height of the Pandemic, actually makes this review the...