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 passengers and crew. Phew!
Middle East travel. If you’re traveling in or over the Middle East, check to make sure your flights are still viable. With the fighting this month, some airspace in the region has been shut down.
Overtourism demonstrations. Locals have been shooting water guns at tourists in demonstrations against overtourism in Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice, and other cities throughout Europe.
Europe airfare costs down. Since fewer Europeans are coming to the U.S., fares are down. So except for the demonstrations in European hotspots, it’s probably a good time to visit the continent (maybe while wearing Canada t-shirts if you’re afraid of anti-American sentiment).
Louvre worker strike. The Louvre in Paris was forced to shut its doors briefly this month when workers conducted a strike to complain about under-staffing and overcrowding.
What’s the dirtiest beach in the U.S.? According to the SurfRider Foundation, Park View Kayak Launch in Miami Beach, Florida is the most polluted and so filled with bacteria that it’s unsafe for swimming. Yuck!
Drive your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka. Now, you can rent a tuk-tuk and drive it yourself in Sri Lanka. What do you think? Would you do it?
Travel advisory for India. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory, asking women not to travel alone in India due to a rising threat of rape and violence.
Banff rock slide. A rock wall gave way earlier this month in Canada’s Banff near Lake Louise, killing two and injuring three others.
Don’t use Airport Wi-Fi! Experts are saying that using the wi-fi in airports is a dire security risk and that we shouldn’t do it anymore – period.
Where’s the #1 hotel in the world? According to TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, it’s in Lisbon: the luxury Santiago De Alfama Boutique Hotel, Have you ever stayed there?
Climate change could ruin cheese! Apparently, cows produce milk with less fat and protein when it’s hot. A study in France found that cheese could start to lose its wonderful taste as temperatures continue to heat up across the planet.
Scooter threat. Apparently, there have been more and more accidents from motorized scooters across the globe, so be on the alert!
A royal stay. You can now book a stay at The Folly at Sandringham, a private country estate in the U.K. that’s owned by the royal family. It’s a favorite getaway enjoyed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Of course, it’ll cost ya – in the neighborhood of 3,500 pounds for a four-night stay.
New Capitol One lounge at JFK. Opened June 29 in Terminal 4 with limited hours until July 17, the word is that it’s going to be quite impressive with great tarmac views, afternoon tea, and shower suites. If I get access anytime soon, I’ll report back.
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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