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.
Delta plane collision. Two Delta planes collided at low speed at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport on October 2nd. A flight attendant was slightly injured, part of a wing was torn off, and the cockpit was damaged.
New longest flight in the world. Singapore Airlines’ flight between Singapore and NYC’s JFK is no longer the longest flight in the world. Now, Xiamen Airlines has a 19-hour, 20-minute flight from JFK to Fuzhou (FOU) in southern China.
International News
Mount Everest snowstorm. Hundreds of hikers were stranded on the lower slopes of Mount Everest earlier this month after a surprise severe snowstorm. As of now, China says all have been rescued.
Earthquakes in the Philippines. Two powerful earthquakes have killed people this month in the Philippines. If you’re planning to travel there, check the areas you plan to visit to make sure it’s still a good idea.
Rising overtourism. Amsterdam is the latest city to have protests against overtourism.
New tax in Kyoto, Japan for travelers. Speaking of overtourism, Kyoto will implement a new hotel tax in March 2026. It will range from 200 yen for budget hotels to 10,000 yen in luxury hotels.
Madagascar political unrest. I was supposed to visit Madagascar early this month after my visit to Kenya, but I had to cancel due to political unrest there. The president of the country believes the protesters and military are attempting a coup. I hope the ultimate outcome is good for the people.
Travelers and artificial intelligence. BBC has reported that artificial intelligence used to create travel itineraries is sometimes sending travelers to dangerous locations or sites that don’t exist. Please be careful when using AI for your itinerary. Check everything!
Gellert Hotel. The Gellert Hotel in Budapest has closed its famous thermal baths for renovations until 2028.
Frida Kahlo museum. There’s a new museum in Mexico City, Museo Casa Kahlo, focused on the early life of artist Frida Kahlo. Her home, the famous Casa Azul, focuses more on her later life while she was with Diego Rivera.
Grand Canyon North Rim. After the wildfire this summer that destroyed Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim has reopened in part. Highway 67, Cape Royal Road, and Fire Point are now open, while North Kaibab Trail, Widforss, Transept, Bridle Path, Ken Patrick Trail (south of Cape Royal Road), and Uncle Jim Loop remain closed.
New Egypt discovery. A sunken port near the ruins of the Taposiris Magna Temple west of Alexandria was recently discovered. Archaeologists believe it was a maritime hub during the time of Cleopatra.
Travel to India. If you’re planning a trip to India, you will now have to complete an online form 72 hours before you arrive.
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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