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 behavior. I wish people could follow the Golden Rule while in someone else’s territory.
Canary Islands anti-tourist demonstrations: Speaking of tourist issues, the UK’s Daily Mail recently reported that tourists were afraid to leave their accommodations in Tenerife because of anti-tourist demonstrations, even though armed police officers were patrolling.
Newark Airport again: Because of the air traffic controller shortages at Newark Airport, the FAA has decided to reduce the number the flights there. This is a problem for travelers, but it better ensures safety.
Hawaii’s “green fee”: Starting in January 2026, Hawaii will be the first to charge a green fee to travelers. It will raise the accommodations tax rate to 11%.
Dodgy alcohol: Five young people died of methanol poisoning in Laos last year when they drank free shots offered at their hostel. I had no idea this was happening, so obviously, it’s best to avoid drinking “bootleg alcohol.”
Swiss village buried by glacier collapse: Sadly, the village of Blatten in Switzerland’s Alps was just flattened by a collapsed glacier. Luckily, geologists were able to predict it and evacuate everyone (although one person is reported missing), but the residents lost their entire village. Our hearts go out to them.
Spain vs. Airbnb: Spain is cracking down on Airbnb listings that don’t meet its regulations, so it has ordered the company to remove more than 65,000 of these listings. Airbnb is fighting back, though, so it will be interesting to see the ultimate outcome.
Airline News
Solo travelers pay more for flights: The news is that Delta has changed some of their routes to cost more if you’re flying alone, but apparently, this is also true of American and United. As someone who often travels by myself, I am NOT happy.
Lufthansa flight without pilot for 10 minutes: A Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Seville earlier this year was without a pilot for 10 minutes when the captain left for the lavatory, and the copilot fainted in the meantime. Nothing happened because the plane continued on auto. But it’s still a bit scary.
Frontier Airlines news: According to Colorado Public Interest Research Group, Frontier has received the most customer complaints of any airline – for the third year in a row. Have you flown Frontier lately?
Watch what you ask a flight attendant: A first-class passenger on a Delta flight from Maui to Fort Lauderdale recently asked if the flight attendants don’t block the galley while the pilot is using the bathroom. He said he was just curious, but they watched him like a hawk for the rest of the flight and called the cabin manager, who told the man they weren’t allowed to discuss cabin security with passengers.
Turkish Airlines to fine passengers: Flyers who stand up early and get in the way of aisles on the plane during the deplaning process will now be fined as much as $70.
United Airlines check-in: Passengers without checked bags can no longer check in for their United flight just 30 minutes before departure. The new minimum is 45 minutes.
Hawaiian Airlines crackdown: They have a new no-show policy, so if you miss your flight, you might lose your layover and return, too – no refund or credit given even if you’re elite. The airline suggests changing flights online or calling customer service rather than just not showing up.
Southwest Airlines news: The Biden administration’s Department of Transportation had filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines for constant delays, but the Trump administration’s DOT has just dropped it. In other words, Southwest will be able to continue without adjusting its routes that are almost always delayed. Pfffft…
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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