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 experience. A new luxury train adventure in 2026 will take you around the world in 100 days through 14 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. But it’ll cost you! There are only 12 spots for $141,000. It includes luxury hotel accommodations and two luxury cruises.
Going to Cancun? I’m hearing from other passengers that it’s sometimes taking 90 minutes to get your baggage in baggage claim, so prepare accordingly.
Crater Lake access news. If you want to visit Oregon’s Crater Lake, do it soon. The only legal way to access the lake – the Cleetwood Cove Trail – will close in 2026 for construction with an estimated reopening not until 2029.
The world’s most powerful passport. According to the Nomad Passport Index 2025, Ireland now has the most powerful passport in the world. it was chosen based on: “ease of travel, tax policies, global perception, ability to obtain dual citizenship and personal freedoms.” (Incidentally, the U.S. is #45 on the list.)
Iceland volcanic eruption. The Blue Lagoon spa and nearby town were temporarily evacuated at the beginning of the month due to a volcanic eruption.
Chattanooga, Tennessee news. The city has been named the first National Park City in the U.S. and one of only three in the world. Pretty impressive!
Universal’s Epic Universe. Universal is opening a new theme park on May 22nd at the Universal Orlando Resort. It will include Celestial Park with a dual-track coaster, a Constellation Carousel that spins 360 degrees six feet in the air, a dark ride called The Frankenstein Experiment, Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon, and Super Nintendo World, among other attractions. Tickets start at $134-$139.
Yosemite is back. After the layoffs in the National Park System, Yosemite National Park has reinstated its timed entry reservation system for the summer (as of April 17). The entry windows will be a couple of hours shorter than before, which means people should reserve as far in advance as possible. Camping reservations are already on sale.
Montana suing Yellowstone National Park. The governor of Montana has filed a lawsuit against Yellowstone because of the National Park Service’s new bison management plan. According to Defenders of Wildlife, Montana is “using outdated science to argue for cutting the bison herd nearly in half, shipping thousands of bison to slaughter and setting back efforts to transfer bison to Native American Tribes.”
Brazil visa requirements. Last year, Brazil delayed its requirement for U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens to have a visa to enter, but it’s now required. It costs $80.90 to get a visa that allows you to stay 90 days, so make sure you do it ahead of time if you’re planning to visit Brazil.
Roman Colosseum ticketing agencies in trouble. About six tour operators in Rome have been fined a total of 20 million Euros by the Italian government for hoarding tickets so that visitors couldn’t gain entry to the Colosseum at basic prices.
JetBlue and Icelandair partnership. JetBlue TrueBlue members can now use points to book flights with Icelandair.
What do airlines owe you for delays and cancellations? At least for the moment, you can visit FlightRights.gov and scroll down to Flight Delays & Cancellations to find out what an airline might owe you. Use it while it’s still there, as the current administration might eventually remove it.
Fiji Airlines joins OneWorld Alliance, and American Airlines AAdvantage is its chosen loyalty program. This means you can earn AAdvantage miles when on a Fiji Airlines flight, and some people with status on American can get priority boarding and lounge access with Fiji.
Virgin Atlantic lounge at LAX. The new luxe Clubhouse Lounge is in the Tom Bradley International Terminal. It has red carpet entry and a cinema. I really want to see this!
Paris reduces air pollution. For the past 20 years, Paris has added more green spaces and bike lanes while also getting rid of 50,000 parking spaces. The result is a significant reduction in air pollution within the city. Well done!
New flight between Madrid and Orlando. Starting October 26, 2025, Iberia Airlines will have a non-stop flight from Madrid (MAD) to Orlando (MCO) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
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