Sustainable travel in the North of Europe
Eco-Friendly Travel in Europe’s Underrated North
Travelers targeting a sustainable summer getaway need not look further than the sprawling Nordics, a spectacular region of Europe that includes countries such as Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and values nature and cultural heritage like few others. Whether cycling the scenic coastline, dining on locally sourced ingredients with locals or staying the night in the original Icehotel, eco-conscious visitors to this part of the world are certain to learn and experience so much while leaving a minimal environmental footprint. While the possibilities are endless when it comes to traveling responsibly in the Nordics, each country offers something unique and inspiring. Here’s a look at some of what awaits this summer and beyond.
Denmark
Whether cycling, eating or island hopping, Denmark offers plentiful opportunities for visitors to vacation sustainably. The Tour de France Grand Depart will take place in Denmark this summer, but travelers can always join a guided cycling tour of Copenhagen or the country’s scenic coastline. Fuel up with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients on a guided food walk or an oyster safari at the Wadden Sea. What’s more, Denmark is home to two of the most sustainable islands in the European Union in Bornholm and Samso. Visitors to the former can stay at Hotel Green Solution House nestled between the forest and the beach.
Faroe Islands
Located between Iceland and Scandinavia, the Faroe Islands is a Danish archipelago ideal for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in local culture. This is a destination that prides itself on hospitality, more specifically “heimablídni,” which translates to “home hospitality.” Visitors to the islands can look forward to dining in the homes of locals where they can sample traditional homemade Faroese food accompanied by interesting stories bringing them closer to their new surroundings.
Finland
Visitors to Finland can responsibly take in all that this country has to offer from high above via a sustainably-certified Helsinki Helicopter Tour before touring the destination in an eco-friendly fashion with Perille, a service that allows travelers to book flights, bus and train trips while comparing cost, distance and emissions. Travelers must also partake in Finland’s UNESCO-recognized sauna culture. Loyly in Helsinki is an ideal place to start as it’s the first building in Finland and the second in the Nordic countries to receive FSC project certification.
Greenland
Kayaking was invented in Greenland, and the island country offers a variety of tours and expeditions to suit all adventure and physical fitness levels. Plus, this timeless activity is best experienced during the summer, the season of the Midnight Sun, when kayakers can watch whales swimming along the shore and view flowing icebergs and fast-growing flowers and plants en route to an exhilarating hike through the backcountry.
Iceland
Iceland’s breathtaking Westfjords has been recognized by travel guide book Lonely Planet as the best region to visit in 2022 and for good reason. This awe-inspiring peninsula of just over 7,000 people boasts soaring cliffs and a splendid coastline making for gorgeous landscapes that can be experienced via scenic hiking paths and charming fishing villages. The Vestfjaroaleioin or Westfjords Way is one of the best ways to see and do the most in this region to ensure you don’t miss out.
Norway
Norway boasts UNESCO-recognized fjords that visitors can explore with Future of The Fjords, a fully electric, battery-powered experience that minimizes environmental impact. Travelers can also take in Norway’s majesty on a day tour aboard Brim Explorer, a hybrid electric cruise ship ideal for guilt-free travel. Havila Voyages’ epic coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes is another can’t-miss sustainable adventure through Norway’s unparalleled landscape.
Sweden
Travelers can experience the original Icehotel year-round in Sweden. The one-of-a-kind property was hand-sculpted more than three decades ago and rewards summer guests with stellar ice suites ideal for enjoying the midnight sun. Meanwhile, foodies will absolutely love Sweden’s Edible Country, the world’s largest gourmet restaurant. Between May and October, travelers can book a table and enjoy meals crafted by Michelin-starred chefs in some of the country’s most serene environments, including relaxing forests and even lakeside.
A Guide to New Orleans for families
While New Orleans has a reputation for its incredible nightlife and adult-specific offerings, it’s also a great destination for families with children of all ages.
From taking a swamp tour to connect with local Louisiana nature to picnicking at The Fly or Audubon Park and trying your first beignets with your children at Cafe du Monde, New Orleans is just as exciting for children and families!
Tours and Attractions
There are so many different kid-friendly tours to help experience the city. Families can take a leisurely tour through the historic French Quarter with a horse-drawn carriage ride, or enjoy a walking tour designed and led by teachers for children and their families with French QuarTour Kids.
For outdoor-loving families, kids who love animals or travelers wanting a day away from the city, a day trip to the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is a great choice! It’s one of the last marshlands of its kind and offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing, with plenty of alligators and about 340 different bird species.
Closer to the city, outdoor-loving families can enjoy renting bikes or paddle boats within New Orleans City Park, which is also home to 1,300 acres of fun space for activities, including the City Putt, Carousel Gardens, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Couturie Forest and Arboretum and more.
Museums
If the rain gets you and your family down for a day or two, head over to one of New Orleans’ kid-friendly museums. The Louisiana Children’s Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the National World War II Museum and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are great options for indoor explorations.
Outdoors, kids and families can enjoy visiting the Audubon Zoo, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden and City Park, which offers a massive playground right near Cafe du Monde, where families can eat beignets after a fun afternoon playing.
Music
Music is a big part of New Orleans, and it isn’t only found in adults-only bars or clubs. Kids and families can find brass bands at Preservation Hall, Spotted Cat and even in parks and squares across the city.
Jackson Square and Royal Street are great places to visit for listening to music, and during different seasons, free, family-friendly concerts are available in Lafayette Square and in Armstrong Park.
Festivals for Families
Depending on when you and your family visit New Orleans, you can take advantage of several different family-friendly festivals.
The French Quarter Festival celebrates the historic quarter with a smorgasbord of local food vendors and over 2,000 musicians. It’s a perfect way to experience the French Quarter in all the excitement and color without worrying about whether or not it’s a child-friendly experience. It’s free to attend and is typically held in April each year.
Other great options for festivals include the Fried Chicken Festival and Beignet Fest, both celebrating two very important foods to New Orleans and offering incredible opportunities to taste and experience New Orleans cuisine and lifestyle. The Fried Chicken Festival will be held this year on October 1-2. Beignet Fest will be held on September 24, with proceeds going to fund programs for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Ready to enjoy New Orleans’ history, food and fun with your family? Contact a travel advisor or check out New Orleans’ official tourism website for easy guides on everything from outdoor fun to accommodations and more!
The best rail passes you can buy to travel across Europe
Generations of travellers have used rail passes to travel across Europe.
As consumers call for more sustainable travel, rail is an increasingly attractive option. Between 2005 and 2018, sales of Interrail passes, which allow you to travel on almost all trains in Europe, tripled.
This is great news for the planet.
An Interrail Pass is a good option if you are looking to travel across different countries. It allows you to travel on almost all trains in Europe with access to 40 railway and ferry companies in 33 countries.
The rail pass is available to both European residents and non-Europeans who are legal residents. You can board most trains by showing staff your Interrail pass on your phone and prices start from €185 for two or more countries.
But what about if you are sticking to just one country?
What are the best national rail passes?
If you’re sticking to one country on your European adventure, it’s worth checking out national passes.
Interrail offers “one country passes.” Passengers on this ticket can book 3, 4, 6 or 8 days of travel around a nation of choice.
But national rail companies have their own passes, which can cut out the costly seat-reservation fees (up to €20) that train providers sometimes levy on Interrail pass holders.
Unfortunately, France doesn’t have a whole country pass alternative to the Interrail pass. But other major European destinations do, so read on for all the details.
National rail pass in Italy
Craving a glass of vino under the Mediterranean sun?
Italy’s national rail provider offers their own rail pass – the “Trenitalia pass” – for anyone resident outside Italy.
Unlike Interrail, it only covers Trenitalia high-speed, Intercity and sleeper trains. Regional trains are excluded, but costly seat-reservation fees are lifted.
Passengers buy a specific number of journeys (3, 4, 7 or 10 trips) in a set period of time. Prices start at €129.
Senior and youth versions are available and up to two children under 12 can be added to an adult pass for free.
National rail pass in Germany
Go from partying in Berlin to hiking in the Bavarian mountains with a German Rail Pass.
Non-German residents can purchase various consecutive or any-day passes, allowing unlimited travel on Deutsche Bahn trains for set periods within a month. Seat reservation fees are optional on most German trains.
Prices range from €182 to €470, and 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, and 15 day passes are available.
National rail pass in Spain
Non-Spanish residents can purchase the Renfe Spain pass. Travellers can buy either 4, 6, 8 or 10 individual one-way train journeys of any length in a one-month period. These journeys are valid on all of Renfe’s long-distance and medium-distance trains. The cost of the pass covers all booking fees.
Unlike the Interrail pass, it does not offer unlimited travel over the course of a day – if you change trains, that will count as two journeys. On the interrail pass, if you book a day of travel, you can take as many trains as you want.
Renfe pass prices range from €180 to €210.
Travel passes in Switzerland
Tourists in Switzerland can buy a Swiss Travel pass. This gives unlimited travel on the Swiss rail network over a continuous period of 3 days, 4 days, 8 days or 15 days.
A Swiss Flexi pass offers unlimited travel across the Swiss rail system for either 3, 4, 8 or 15 travel days with an overall period of a month.
Prices range from €232 to €439 for a second class ticket.
Dream jobs for people who love to travel
Many people occasionally travel for work. But for some, travel is at the heart of their jobs. CNBC Travel spoke with people from four industries about occupations where working from home — or an office for that matter — isn’t an option.
A year of travel
Name: Sebastian Modak
Job: Former New York Times “52 Places Traveler” and current editor-at-large for Lonely Planet
Modak was one of 13,000 people who applied for a role that sent one person to every destination on The New York Times’ “Places to Go” list in 2018 — the first year the newspaper hired for the position.
He didn’t get the job.
“A year later I figured, why not give it a shot again,” he said. “This time it worked out!”
As the “52 Places Traveler” for 2019, Modak traveled to a new destination every week — from Bulgaria to Qatar and Uzbekistan to Vietnam — in a year he described as both thrilling and grueling.
“I often say it was one of the greatest experiences of my life … but also the hardest,” he said. “I didn’t have a day off for a whole year, and the constant pressure of deadlines was hard to cope with.”
Modak said the job requires someone who can “do it all,” from writing articles and posting on social media to shooting photographs and videos, he said.
“It was a lot!” he said. “Besides storytelling skills, they were looking for someone with the stamina to get through the whole year.”
He mostly credits luck for getting the job, but he said he believes his upbringing and enthusiasm for travel helped. Modak’s father is from India, and his mother is Colombian, he said, so “as a cultural compromise, they essentially decided to move constantly.” As a result, he grew up in places like Hong Kong, Australia, India and Indonesia, he said.
Modak said the job — which has been heralded as the quintessential “dream job” — was exhausting, stressful and even scary at times, yet one of constant growth and adventure.
“I wouldn’t take it back for the world,” he said. “It blew my mind wide open, introduced me to people on six continents … and cemented my love for going to a place and seeking out a story.”
‘Humanitarian hero’
Name: Sandra Black
Job: Communications specialist for the United Nations
Black’s job doesn’t take her to typical travel spots, and her work trips are anything but overnighters.
Since 2008, she’s lived and worked in Senegal, East Timor, the Central African Republic, Iraq and, more recently, Mozambique, in roles that last from several months to years.
“Each [place] has its cultural highlights and warmth,” she said, while noting that living “where movement is restricted due to security concerns” is the most challenging part.
Since October 2021, Black has handled external communications for the Mozambique office of the United Nations Populations Fund, an agency of the U.N. that focuses on reproductive health and rights and which is entirely funded by donations, according to its website.
“I personally feel driven to support those in greatest need,” she said.
Black wrote about people who were displaced by Cyclone Idai in 2019 — one of the worst hurricanes on record to hit Africa — while working for the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration. She recalled meeting a woman named Sarah who climbed up a tree with her baby after her house collapsed from flooding. The woman said she was rescued seven days later.
Originally from New York, Black speaks French, Spanish, Portuguese and a basic level of Wolof, the national language of Senegal, and Tetum, a language spoken on East Timor. She said her language abilities are partly why she’s been urgently deployed to cover humanitarian crises.
“At night, I type until I can’t keep my eyes open any longer, and then start again at 6am the next day,” she said in an interview for the U.N.’s “humanitarian hero” campaign in 2014.
“The most meaningful part of humanitarian communications is to provide a platform for people affected by conflict and natural disasters to tell their stories,” she said. “Many sincerely want the world to know what happened to them and their communities.”
From chef to captain
Name: Tony Stewart
Job: Yacht captain at Fraser
Stewart said he expects to travel for nine months in 2022 at the helm of the 130-foot tri-deck “All Inn” motor yacht. He’s already moved from the Caribbean to Central America and Mexico. From the West Coast of the United States, he’ll go to British Columbia’s Inside Passage and on to southeast Alaska, then fly to Florida and finish the year in the Bahamas, he said.
That’s slightly longer than a “typical year,” he said, partly because of an increase in charter business this year, he said.
Stewart said he started out in the yachting industry as a chef in 1998, and “immediately fell in love with the lifestyle, work and travel.” After a year and a half of cooking, Stewart made a career switch.
“I decided I wanted to work towards getting my license and become a captain, at which point I took a job as [a] deckhand and started my journey,” he said.
The job requires strong problem-solving skills, organization and a high tolerance for stress, said Stewart. Captains do “a little bit of everything,” he said, from trip planning and accounting to “HR duties” for the crew and golf bookings for guests.
As to whether it’s a dream job — “it absolutely is,” said Stewart.
″We endure long days, and sometimes weeks without days off,” he said, but “I couldn’t imagine doing this … and not loving it.”
Italian villa expert
Name: Amy Ropner
Job: Head of villas at the U.K.-based luxury travel and villas company Red Savannah
Of the 300 villas that Red Savannah works with, about 120 are in Italy, said Ropner. She estimates she’s visited about 80% to 90% of them.
She travels from London to Italy to assess the company’s collection of “exceptionally high-end” villas and to evaluate new homes to add to the company’s roster, she said. During a recent trip, she traveled from Milan to Lake Como, down to Tuscany, then further south to the towns of Amalfi and Positano, she said. Her next trip is to Puglia, she said, “because it’s beautiful and rugged and really popular at the moment.”
Some 90% of the houses are privately owned, said Ropner. She meets owners and analyzes everything from the size of the pool decks to the beds (“there’s a difference between a British king and an American king”).
Most bookings involve children, so she checks that staircases and balconies are safe for all ages; if not, the company notes this on the website, she said.
“We need to [know] whether there’s cats on the estate, whether it’s down a dirt track … which obviously takes a little bit longer to get to … where the sun rises, where the sun sets,” she said.
Ropner often stays in the villas, which rent for $5,000 to $200,000 per week, she said. She also explores local areas, so she can advise on restaurants, boat rentals and new services such as e-bike trips and gelato-making classes, she said.
“I think people think it’s all glamorous [but] it’s a lot of work,” she said, noting that she once saw 50 villas in one trip.
“It is glamorous,” she said, “but it also can be tiring.”
Monica Buchanan Pitrelli www.cnbc.com
Lufthansa’s most expensive ticket is $24,000 for a San Francisco-Frankfurt first-class round trip
Travel demand is back with a vengeance and people are willing to pay for tickets if a statement made by Lufthansa’s (LHAB) (LHA) chief executive is anything to go by.
The airline’s most expensive ticket is currently $24,000 for a San Francisco-Frankfurt (SFO-FRA) round trip in first class, Carsten Spohr told an event at the Aviation Club of Washington DC.
But don’t try booking. “We’re sold out,” news agencies quoted Spohr as saying of the pricey tickets.
Various airline bosses have said they are seeing good demand for tickets in premium classes, not necessarily from those on business trips paid for by corporate credit cards, but by wealthy individuals seeking more space when they fly.
The Lufthansa CEO told reporters in the US capital that the German airline was currently experiencing good demand for summer 2022, especially on routes to North America. Spohr said Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) was currently flying to 25 destinations across the United States, more than before the pandemic.
Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) is expecting a record summer in terms of the number of people flying on vacation with the carrier’s airlines, it said on May 5 when it published first quarter results. Bookings had recently exceeded 2019 levels for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World’s most affordable destinations for Luxury Travel
After two years of settling for staycations, low-key road trips or giving up on their yearly vacations altogether because of pandemic-related restrictions, many folks are ready to make their next getaway extra memorable.
That might mean taking a long-haul bucket list type trip, taking more days off to enjoy time away or splurging on those luxury-level extras that make a travel experience feel really special.
These could include stays at five-star resorts, dining at lavish restaurants, going on luxury cruises or springing for high-end vacation packages.
And, while all of us may be craving these travel indulgences, most of us can’t afford to live like money is no object. So, service comparison site money.co.uk recently compiled data on the world’s most popular cities to discover which destinations are the most affordable for travelers looking to enjoy the finer things in life on a budget.
Factors taken into consideration in evaluating each city’s combined luxury travel offering in each city included the average cost of a five-star hotel stay, Michelin-starred meal, luxury car hire and a night at a spa hotel.
According to the company’s analysis, Bangkok took top spot as the most affordable luxury destination overall, with a budget score of 9.49 out of 10. Thailand’s capital city proved to be the cheapest when it came to hiring a luxury ride, and was among the most affordable in three other categories, as well.
Brussels, took second place as the next global destination that’s affordable across the board, particularly when examining the cost of a five-star hotel ($363 per night) and luxury car hire ($151). Belgium’s storied capital city is probably most widely known for its exceptional chocolate, beer and many cultural centers.
Situated in northern Italy’s Veneto region, between better-known Venice and Milan, Verona was revealed to be the world’s third-most inexpensive destination for a luxury vacation. One of the nation’s most popular destinations for romance because of its role in the Shakespearean canon as the setting for ‘Romeo & Juliet’, the ancient city situated on the Adige River is filled with historic architecture, local culture and gastronomy.
In terms of representing an overall bargain when it comes to luxury travel, the top ten was rounded out by Osaka in fourth position, Berlin in fifth, Frankfurt in sixth, Rio de Janeiro in seventh, Tokyo in eighth, Lisbon in ninth and Dublin in tenth place.
Other popular global cities were also counted among the world’s most affordable luxury travel destinations in their own individual respects. For instance, it turns out that Athens is the most affordable city for Michelin-star dining, with the average cost of a set-menu dinner being about $104.
Hong Kong was shown to be the most affordable in terms of five-star accommodation, at an average rate of $292 per night (as listed on Booking.com). Meanwhile, the most inexpensive choice if you’re seeking a spa break is Osaka where the cost of one night at a spa hotel averages about $178. Of course, Japan isn’t a viable vacation option just yet, as the Asian country is only now launching a test program for tourism reopening.
Qantas bets big on 19 hour ultra-long haul flights, but passengers prefer shorter flights
Flights are scheduled for take-off in late 2025 starting with Sydney to London and New York. As Australia’s biggest airline invests in ultra-long-haul flights, we ask experts what the future might hold for air travel and the airline industry.
Qantas’s big announcement earlier in May 2022 was that they would be starting 19 hour-plus ultra-long-haul flights direct from Sydney to London and New York by the year 2025.
It does make sense for the Australian airline to accomplish the goal to fly non-stop from London and New York at last, and has been successful with its London to Perth flights. In general, very long-haul flights have limited appeal with passengers, unwilling to be confined for more than seven or eight hours.
The airline said the plan had been in the works for a number of years before COVID put it on ice temporarily.
In 2019 Qantas ran three trial flights to gather data for the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority about whether cabin crew, pilots and passengers can cope with that length of time in the air without a break.
During these test flights pilots wore brainwave monitors and were subjected to urine tests before and after the flight to track melatonin levels. Passengers in the cabin wore devices that allowed scientists to monitor and study their health and wellbeing and to assess how their body clocks were impacted throughout the flight.
The handful of journalists who joined the test flights say every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to help reduce jet-lag from the 11 hour time zone leap. Measures included everything from instructions for an exercise regime down to the meal planning (for instance, chilli to boost metabolism).
The handful of journalists who joined the test flights say every aspect of the experience was meticulously planned to help reduce jet-lag from the 11 hour time zone leap.
Professor of sustainable tourism at Griffith University, Queensland, Susanne Becken says despite the multiple airlines in the race to have the world’s so-called “longest flight”, the future of air travel would be much shorter, more sustainable flights.
The world’s longest flight currently is the 18 hour 40-minute haul from Singapore to New York City operated by Singapore Airlines. Other competitors include Cathy Pacific, which operates a roughly 17-hour Hong Kong to New York route.
“We know that more people are sustainability minded and are considering their carbon emissions and other environmental factors when booking flights,” Becken told Cosmos Weekly.
“Long haul flights are the most difficult to reduce the carbon of with new technologies. We have seen Qantas’s announcement and that in some ways is quite an unsustainable trend.”
“Long haul flights are the most difficult to reduce the carbon of with new technologies. We have seen Qantas’s announcement and that in some ways is quite an unsustainable trend. But then there’s probably not really a trend in there.”
Maker of A350-1000, Airbus, is currently working on three concept aircraft with the aim of delivering the world’s first zero-emissions commercial flights by 2035. All three concepts in development are hybrid-hydrogen aircraft powered by hydrogen combustion; they use liquid hydrogen as fuel for combustion with oxygen in a modified gas turbine engine.
The plane maker says the hydrogen fuel cells will create electrical power that complements the gas turbine, resulting in a “highly efficient hybrid electric propulsion system”.
Airbus’s concept planes carry fewer passengers (between 100 and 200, depending on the aircraft) and have a much shorter flight distance (just over 3000 kilometres) than current commercial aircraft. But these designs and their capacity will increase over time as technology advances.
Airbus’s approach to ultra-long travel is careful and pragmatic, instead of designing a new version of an existing jet, they will modify their A350, just like they would do for a VIP version of the jet and limit their financial risk.
Boeing made the mistake to gamble on designing the long-range 747SP for PamAm in the mid-1970’s and only sold 45, and later developed the 777-200LR (“LR” for Long Range – 8,555 nautical miles (15,844 km), entered service in 2006 as one of the longest-range commercial airliners, but again was met with limited commercial success by selling 61.
Becken says that along with Airbus’s investments there are many start-up projects looking at commercial electric aeroplanes, and that more efficient biofuels for shorter flights will greatly reduce emissions into the future.
Small electric aeroplanes have been rumoured to be just on the horizon for many years, with one Slovenian company already selling a fully electric small plane that has received airworthy certification. Its flight time is only 90 minutes maximum.
Ian O’Hara, deputy dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology, says despite aviation being one of the hardest industries to decarbonise, there is significant progress being made in the field of biofuels. He says these fuels are the future of commercial aviation.
“We have seven certified pathways for aviation biofuels to be blended which have been certified for commercial use and we are starting to get some significant global production,” O’Hara says.
He says many of these certified fuels are limited to 10% to 20% blends with traditional fuels, but that in some cases the biofuel can be up to 50% of the blended.
“Global aviation emissions will continue rising with travel numbers around the world, and for countries like Australia who are highly reliant on tourism and travel for that connectedness, its important that we dramatically invest in biofuels and sustainable options,”
Ian O’Hara says the pathway from which most of the world’s production of biofuels currently emanates is the hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA). These are produced from used cooking oil, tallow and vegetable oils.
“However production is starting to be developed focussed on the larger amounts of feedstocks available from surplus agricultural biomass, such as sugarcane bagasse, and also from the organic fractions of municipal solid wastes,” he says.
Sugarcane bagasse is a key ingredient in alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK) Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis is catalytic process applied to biomass waste to convert it to synthetic liquid fuels.
Another promising biofuel, according to O’Hara, is the High Hydrogen Content Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (HHC-SPK), which uses oils produced by algae, however there’s limited production at the moment, and these fuels currently have low blend rates.
“Global aviation emissions will continue rising with travel numbers around the world, and for countries like Australia who are highly reliant on tourism and travel for that connectedness, its important that we dramatically invest in biofuels and sustainable options,” O’Hara says.
“We can reduce carbon emissions from flights by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil-based fuels [using these blended fuels],” he adds.
O’Hara says that work on blended fuels was vital for the future of aviation. He says air travel customers were demanding more sustainable options for flying, and that without them people would turn away from the industry.
“Airlines are really driving this investment in research and development, but at the moment biofuels remain more expensive than fossil-based fuels, though that will change as more significant output of biofuels comes online,” he says.
O’Hara says that as well as industry, governments had a significant role to play in encouraging confidence and investment in the development of biofuels for the aviation sector. In the US, for example, the government had announced major signals to industry that biofuels had a huge role to play from 2030 and beyond.
“Airlines make more money off business travellers than tourists, so it’s hard to tell if this part of travel will be bounce back,”
“It’s all a matter of sending signals to industry, and for industry to bring more of that capacity online in a major way to drive down costs, because the technology is there,” he says.
Becken says that the broader future of air travel was hard to predict, especially as it was yet to be seen whether business travel would bounce back from the COVID pandemic, or whether the increased investment in remote working technologies would hamper business travel into the future.
“Airlines make more money off business travellers than tourists, so it’s hard to tell if this part of travel will be bounce back,” she says. “If it doesn’t you could see a consolidation, less airlines around.”
“In five years from now air travel will look largely the same as it does today, though in 10, 15 or 20 years, that’s when you will really start to see these investments in sustainability kick in,” she adds.
At the end of the day science and the technological advancements in development will drive the future shape of air travel looks. Whether science can match the demands of increasingly environmentally conscientious travellers is yet to be seen. cosmosmagazine.com
Pizza worth traveling for in the U.S.
Any day is a great day to enjoy your favorite slice of pizza, but every year, the third Friday in May is dedicated to this delicious creation and those who can’t get enough. Friday, May 20 is National Pizza Party Day, and while your favorite local restaurants are likely offering deals and specials to celebrate, this annual tradition should also serve as inspiration to travel to uncover even more great pizza.
While there are sensational pies to be had from coast to coast, passionate pizza eaters in search of their next favorite slice should look no further than these five U.S. cities.
The Best Pizza in Phoenix
The Valley of the Sun is certainly known for its heat, and visitors will encounter plenty when they step into some of this city’s best pizzerias. The Parlor in Midtown, which has been voted the number one pizza in the state of Arizona, is an absolute must for mouthwatering wood-fired pies, but Phoenix offers a remarkably robust selection of worthwhile pizza joints that many swear by, including POMO, Spinato’s, Pizzeria Bianco and Federal Pizza.
A list of some of the best pizza places in the valley wouldn’t be complete without mentioning other standouts such as Freak Brothers, Forno 301 and Ziggys Magic Pizza Shop.
The Best New York City Pizza
The New York-style pizza is iconic, and pizzerias in cities all over the country advertise it for good reason because, quite frankly, NYC pizza is second to none. The five boroughs are home to only the most passionate, creative and perfection-seeking of dough-tossers, sauce-spreaders and cheese-sprinklers, so trying to rank the best spots is a fool’s errand.
Instead, visitors should keep an open mind and open eyes as they explore to see where the longest lines are. Places like John’s of Bleecker Street (coal-fired brick oven pizza dating back to 1929), Best Pizza in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood (the classic NYC slice wood-fired) and Greenwich Village institution Joe’s Pizza (a hit with tourists seeking an authentic New York street slice) are great jumping-off points, but no visit to the Big Apple should be limited to just one slice.
Detroit’s Greatest Pizza Spots
Pizza lovers around the world are familiar with Little Caesars and Domino’s, two massive chains headquartered in Detroit and nearby Ann Arbor, Michigan, respectively. But your next trip to Detroit shouldn’t include either unless you’ve got an endless appetite as the Motor City is pumping out far better pizza at places like Buddy’s Pizza, Loui’s Pizza and Tomatoes Apizza.
Established just after World War II in 1946, Buddy’s is considered the birthplace of the beloved Detroit-style pizza known for its ideal blend of crispy and chewy, and Loui’s is another master of this unique style while Tomatoes Apizza is churning out what it calls Neapolitan-via-New-Haven-style coal-fired brick oven pizza that’s been recognized by numerous well-respected publications as the best in Michigan and one of the best in the country.
Top Pizza Places in Chicago
It’s true that Chicago produces amazing deep-dish pizza, but that’s not all travelers can expect from this pizza-crazed Midwest city. Visitors can find any style they want, including tavern or bar-style pizza featuring ultra-thin crust and cut into tiny squares easy for sharing and enjoying while you tour the town.
If it is a delicious deep dish you’re after though, Pequod’s should be your first stop for crispy, cheesy and gooey wonderment. Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s are also excellent Chicago staples certain to satisfy deep-dish fanatics. For a thin-crust experience that’s sure to have your taste buds jumping, check out Vito & Nick’s on Chicago’s South Side or head to Paulie Gee’s for a heavenly wood-fired pizza.
New Haven’s Premier Pizzas
Even if New Haven can’t compete with big cities like New York and Chicago simply in terms of the volume of pizza available given that its population pales in comparison, Connecticut’s Elm City will overwhelm pizza lovers (in the best way possible) when it comes to quality.
Spots like Da Legna at Nolo and Modern Apizza are not to be missed as diners at the former can choose from wood-fired artisan pies featuring outside-the-box toppings like mashed potato and roasted corn off the cob. The latter, meanwhile, dates all the way back to 1934 and is serving up delectable thin-crust pizzas cooked in a magical oil-fueled brick oven.
Exceptional retirement spots in Ecuador
Situated in South America’s northwest, Ecuador is bounded by the world’s largest ocean on one side and the planet’s largest jungle on the other. At the same time, slicing straight through the tiny country is the earth’s longest mountain range. What this all means is that people who decide to retire in Ecuador can choose to relax on serene ocean beaches or settle in scenic Andean mountains, not to mention the Amazon rainforest or the country’s Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador’s low cost of living makes luxury retirement possible … even on middle-income budgets. What’s more, because Ecuador is one of the most affordable places to retire in the Americas, even middle-income retirees can enjoy comfortable and even luxurious lifestyles, availing themselves of quality housing, world-class healthcare, trendy eateries, and a vibrant cultural life just outside the door.
Still, as retired life in Ecuador can be challenging, we’ve begun collecting information on what you need to know about launching a new life overseas in this enthralling South American nation. What we present here are five top places to retire in Ecuador, since your lifestyle could vary dramatically depending on where you choose to live.
Cuenca: Understandably a magnet for foreign retirees
Unquestionably one of Ecuador’s most attractive colonial cities, Cuenca not only offers a step back in time but the laidback culture here is both endearing and addictive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the best examples of well-preserved colonial and indigenous heritage in the country – has cultural and architectural influences dating back over 3,000 years.
Any trip to Cuenca can easily be spent quietly wandering cobbled streets and historical buildings. Many of the old structures have since been turned into museums and cafés, so soak up the atmosphere of this ancient place while casually sipping a cappuccino! Cuenca is rivaled only by Quito in terms of its rich past, though without quite the same level of urbanization one might find in the capital.
Famous for its colorful festivals, distinctive food, and breathtaking scenery, many Ecuadorians and travelers alike consider Cuenca to represents the best in Ecuadorian city life. Being smaller than the capital city (Quito), Cuenca poses fewer typical big-city problems, though (with a metro population of more than a half-million) it’s large enough to possess the cultural and infrastructural conveniences appreciated by most foreign retirees. Along with its year-round spring-like weather, the city boasts plenty of supermarkets and malls, great restaurants, handsome condominium complexes, comfortable suburbs, and some of the best hospitals and medical care in the country. Cuenca’s stunning flower market exemplifies this welcoming city.
Making retirement here even easier, Cuenca is home to one of the world’s biggest and most established foreign retiree communities. Some 12,000 American, Canadian and European ex-pats call this Spanish-colonial, UNESCO World Heritage city home. As such a large body of other English-speaking ex-pats have made the transition to living in Ecuador, they can help you acclimate to retirement overseas.
Quito: A South American gem for urban-minded retirees
If you’re a city dweller who loves being at the center of the action, then you’ll relish your retirement in Quito. With a population of close to 2.6 million people, Quito is Ecuador’s second-largest city (after Guayaquil) and is also the capital of the country. This means that nearly any service or amenity you could want is readily available. Shopping malls, nightlife, and five-star restaurants make this the best choice in Ecuador for a cosmopolitan lifestyle. You’ll also have easy access to administrative offices like international embassies and immigration offices, and the international airport is just a 45-minute drive from the city center, making travel back home convenient and easy. Then too, if you also like a rich culture, historic churches, beautiful architecture, and magnificent Andean views, then Quito or its surrounding areas could be just the place for you.
The Ecuadorian capital is often called the “most beautiful big city in South America” due to 1) its location in the palm of a valley cupped between towering Andean peaks and 2) because of its immaculately preserved historic center. Complementing these qualities is the city’s remarkable park system, which provides for plenty of green spaces mingled within the urban center. At the same time, Quito possesses abundant transportation options — including efficient taxi and bus services, a light rail system, and a new underground metro — which all make getting around safe and easy. Achieving a rare combination, healthcare in Quito is both first-rate and inexpensive. Even at one of the best medical clinics in the city, you’ll never spend more than $50 for an office visit – and that’s with a top-notch, English-speaking specialist.
As for accommodations, Quito’s upscale neighborhoods are popular neighborhoods among ex-pat retirees, who avail themselves of fashionable condos and easy walking access to restaurants, markets, entertainment venues, as well as all the modern conveniences. For those seniors who like such big-city conveniences but prefer a quieter existence, great housing options abound in Quito’s more exclusive suburbs, which are full of golf courses, country clubs, gated communities, and high-end shopping centers. You’ll also find a wide range of international expats in these areas, which give these neighborhoods a multi-cultural vibe and attract more varied dining options. And don’t worry, high-speed internet is commonplace in Quito, and services like Skype and Zoom make it easy to stay in touch with those back home. English programming Cable TV is also common, even providing packages for watching the NFL or other U.S. sports leagues.
But you won’t have to stay pent up at home, you’ll begin making friends among members of the capital’s large expat community and the many Ecuadorian professionals in Quito who speak English. Then too, Quito (as well as Cuenca) is one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish – which will open you up to a whole new world of friends and perspectives.
Vilcabamba: The senior homesteader’s heaven
At a perfect altitude of about 5,000 feet, the village of Vilcabamba enjoys a climate that’s one of the best in Ecuador. Locals bask in temperatures in the 70s and 80s all year round, while the town receives only moderate rainfall. These rainwaters splash down from the breathtaking mountains on all sides of the village to form crystal-clear streams that provide the area with sparkling clean water.
Just 30 miles from Loja (pop. 180,000), Vilcabamba is a tiny rustic settlement (pop. 4,000) situated in this scenic valley, often called the “Valley of Longevity” for its supposedly long-lived population.
A bird’s-eye view of Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba is a great retirement option if you’re interested in homesteading and outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, and communing with nature. Its natural and healthy lifestyle attracts many folks here — both expats and Ecuadorian — seeking a more wholesome, back-to-basics life. These are people who enjoy getting keeping their green thumbs exercised by growing much of their own food, raising chickens and providing for many of their own needs.
Also keep this southern Ecuadorian village in mind if you’re a retiree interested in living primarily among Ecuadorians rather than other ex-pats. In Vilcabamba’s charming town square, bordered by quaint little shops and eclectic restaurants, you’ll often find others ready and willing for a bit of socializing. Notwithstanding, the small community of area ex-pats in the area are anything but boring — just be sure to keep an open mind as they tend to be quite free-thinking and varied, consisting of everyone from massage therapists and reiki experts to organic farmers and artists.
Though Vilcabamba is small and somewhat remote, none of this means sacrificing modern conveniences. Cable TV and cell phones are common, and high-speed internet allows TV and movie streaming, as well as keeping in close touch with friends and loved one’s back home.
Salinas: A ‘snowbird’ wonderland
Sometimes called Ecuador’s “Little Miami,” the ocean-front town of Salinas is the country’s most developed beach destination. Miles of modern condominium buildings lining the beachfront, trendy restaurants, laid-back coffee shops, welcoming bars, and relatively easy access to the international airport all make retirement in Salinas an attractive retirement option.
The main attraction here, though, is of course the beach, which is wide, sandy, and clean, while bordered by calm, blue, Pacific waters. From any condo balcony, you’ll see the sun is gleaming off a few dozen yachts, sailboats parked in the marina, and an entire beachfront bustling with activity, at least in the high season.
“Snowbird” retirees wishing to escape the snow and cold temperatures of northern winter will be happy to find that Salinas’s sunny season extends from mid-December through April, with its beach’s warmest waters occurring between January and March.
As you’d expect, the lifestyle in Salinas is active, with most of the activities centering around water sports: including game fishing, whale watching, and yachting. The “downside” is that Salinas can be quiet out of season – though many consider that period a welcome reprieve.
Cotacachi: A healthy retreat in the Andean highlands
Two of the most majestic cordilleras of the Andean mountains flank the sides of the small village of Cotacachi. In addition to this striking scenery, the small town of just 8,000 boasts good weather, clean air, healthy living, a rich indigenous culture, and a tranquil small-town lifestyle that’s perfectly fitting for many retirees.
Known as Ecuador’s “leather” town, artisan shops line Cotacachi’s main street, where you can buy any type of leather item, from shoes, boots, and jackets to coin purses, bags, and suitcases…even upholstered furniture.
In its quaint downtown, you’ll also come across small mom-and-pop shops, a couple of barbershops, a small health clinic, and the town-band pavilion. At the same time, ethnic restaurants and cozy cafés make welcoming spots to catch up with friends or just sit and watch life unfold in the Ecuadorian highlands.
This charming lifestyle has made Cotacachi one of Ecuador’s most active ex-pat communities over the past couple decades. Many foreigners have been attracted to locate here as it’s the sort of town that reminds many “boomers” of their childhoods and simpler times.
In addition, Cotacachi is great for improving your health. The year-round moderate climate means that nearly every fruit and vegetable can be grown nearby, and the small size of the town makes it perfect for walking. These healthy food choices and extra walking each day are sure to help you to shed and keep off those excess pounds.
For a small town, few things are lacking in Cotacachi. Spas, fitness centers, and basic medical needs can be found within a few blocks of each other. Retirees can also participate in art classes, hiking groups, dance lessons, live musical events, yoga, foreign films, and science courses. Plus, the city of Ibarra (pop. 150,000) is just a 30-minute drive, while metro-Quito and its international airport are only two hours away.
Estimates are that about 100 ex-pats live full-time in Cotacachi now, but the locals are friendly and welcoming too. Indeed, it’s tough to spend much time in Cotacachi without making friends. The townspeople are outgoing and relaxed, probably because there’s not much to worry about. Remember, there’s no traffic, no temperature swings, no pesky insects, and the costs so low that comfort-filled living is a snap.
By Alfonso Tandazo
France’s most beautiful villages are all in the Dordogne region
France’s Dordogne region has one of the longest histories in Europe, as well as some of the country’s most romantic landscapes.
Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation in the Dordogne as far back as 400,000 years ago. The region’s striking limestone hills are full of caves that hide some of the world’s most important ancient paintings.
But it was from the 12th to 16th centuries when villages began to appear on the forested banks of the Dordogne’s rivers. During this period, the region was known by its historical name, Perigord, which local people are still very attached to.
Churches were erected for saints and chateaus built for barons, who later fortified the villages for a succession of wars.
Today, the riverbanks, limestone topography and historical relics combine to make the Dordogne synonymous with achingly pretty villages. Many of them are the pride of France.
Here are seven villages you absolutely must visit on a trip to the Dordogne.
Visit Rocamadour’s medieval chapels
This tiered cliffside village sits above a river gorge and is crowned by a fairytale castle.
Rocamadour is so famously photogenic that it’s worth visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds that descend to wander its streets.
Despite its small size, during medieval times Rocamadour was one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites. Because of this, it remains extremely well preserved.
Stone gates and many steps lead up to a religious sanctuary complex with a handful of chapels, crypts and the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sauveur. Many pilgrims still come here to see the Chapelle Notre Dame’s Black Madonna statue, but today its car-free main street is also lined with restaurants.
Go for a river swim at Limeuil
Located on a beautiful forested hill, Limeuil lies between the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. This waterfront location helped it flourish for several centuries through river trade but also put it on the front line of Viking invasions and wars with England.
Today the attraction of this fortified village is driven by its aesthetics, with its terracotta-roofed houses leading down to a leafy river beach. The water is framed on either side by 19th century arched bridges, providing a picturesque backdrop for swimming and canoeing.
Hike up to La Roque-Gageac’s castle
It’s the sheer limestone cliff rising abruptly behind La Roque-Gageac that makes the village look so spectacular. Or perhaps it’s the huddle of perfect custard-coloured houses strung out along the riverbank like toys. Either way, this Dordogne village is a beauty.
The main attraction here is not the river but the Norman castle at the head of the village. You can reach it via a series of challenging cobblestone streets flanked by dangling restaurant terraces.
Step into a movie at Beynac
Widely considered one of France’s most alluring villages, it’s little wonder that Beynac was used as a filming location for parts of Chocolat (2000).
A trip here feels like stepping back in time. Beynac’s medieval streets are impeccably preserved and a great place to see traditional Perigord roofs made of local thackstone, a special stone slate.
There’s also a river port to explore, where visitors can jump aboard a traditional barge. And above the village, there’s the 12th-century Château de Beynac, which has featured in a handful of films including Revenge of the Musketeers and The Last Duel.
Between mid-June and mid-September, there’s a Monday food market that shows off the Dordorgne’s lauded local produce.
Go caving beneath Domme
Another of the Dordogne’s famous bastides (fortified medieval villages), Domme has one of the best views in the area thanks to its position 150 metres above the riverbanks.
It was a key strategic defence for the French during the Hundred Years’ War and in 1346 was even briefly ruled by the English. Today it’s still encircled by thick-set gates and ramparts.
And underneath the village there’s a secret: a 450-metre-long cave packed with stalactites and stalagmites, which can be toured.
Find reverence in Saint-Amand-de-Coly
The handsome centrepiece of this village near Sarlat is its fortified Romanesque church, which dates to the 12th century and rises above the village lanes.
Saint Amand, after whom the village is named, was a hermit that is said to have lived in a cave in the hillside here in the 6th century. Beside the village church, there are also the remains of an abbey.
Many relics of traditional life survive around the streets of Saint-Amand-de-Coly, including the bell tower, a communal bread oven and a tobacco barn that’s been converted into an emporium selling regional food.
Beyond the village, there are also trails leading into the countryside where you can explore the region’s natural beauty.
Visit Castelnaud-la-Chapelle’s war museum
This petite belle is positioned between the Dordogne and Ceou rivers. Walk past the wooden-shuttered stone houses and arched gateways, and you can take a picnic down to the river’s edge.
But the main attraction in this vine-draped village is the Chateau de Castelnaud, a remarkably well-preserved example of a Perigordian castle. Beside it, at the top of the village, pause for gorgeous views down the Ceou Valley.
There’s also a war museum up here, with replicas of arms from the days when the village would have been a strategic defense point.
The Top 10 International travel destinations for Memorial Day
The Most Popular Places Abroad To Kick Off Summer
AAA predicts that approximately 39.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend from May 26-30 and while the vast majority will travel domestically many will venture overseas as more and more countries relax COVID-19-related travel restrictions more than two years into the pandemic. From Canada to Europe and the Caribbean in between, the places travelers are seeking are diverse but a handful keeps popping up more than the rest. The latest AAA booking data released this month reveals the 10 international destinations that passport-carrying Americans are most interested in spending the unofficial start of summer.
10. Calgary, Canada
One of two Canadian cities to make the top 10 international destinations for Memorial Day Weekend 2022, Calgary is an ideal escape for a long weekend as visitors can secure nonstop flights from both the East and West Coasts and look forward to a wide range of attractions and activities such as the Instagram-worthy Peace Bridge, biking, river rafting, fly fishing and so much more.
9. Nassau, Bahamas
When it comes to the Caribbean, the popular cruise port of Nassau in the Bahamas is drawing lots of attention from travelers ahead of the summer despite still requiring COVID-19 testing. The sprawling Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar resorts are certain to be among the top hangouts for visitors to this Bahamian gem come Memorial Day Weekend.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of a whopping six European cities to crack AAA Travel’s top 10 this year and the capital of Catalonia truly has it all, from gorgeous beaches to charming parks and lively public squares where visitors can dine, shop and immerse themselves in the destination’s rich history and local culture.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
A dream destination for artists and those who appreciate it, Amsterdam is also garnering plenty of interest this Memorial Day. The Dutch capital’s intricate canal system and unparalleled character alone are reason enough to visit but world-class attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House, Van Gogh Museum and Royal Palace help to put it over the top.
6. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun continues to be among the easiest places to visit in the Caribbean amid the COVID-19 pandemic as travelers don’t have to worry about testing, vaccination or quarantine requirements. Additionally, convenient flight options from the U.S. and a plethora of affordable beachfront all-inclusive resorts make it a standout locale for Americans leaving the country for Memorial Day Weekend.
5. London, UK
The U.K. was among the world’s most visited countries prior to the pandemic and that’s unlikely to change based on the latest AAA booking data for Memorial Day travel. The destination dropped all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions in mid-March and flights to London have long since resumed, making this hub for history and culture an easy choice for many travelers.
4. Rome, Italy
Rome is yet another coveted European destination that’s arguably unrivaled in its historical and cultural significance. Iconic attractions and experiences like the Vatican, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps draw visitors from all over the globe and that trend is poised to continue on Memorial Day Weekend.
3. Paris, France
The City of Light is also a sought-after overseas destination this Memorial Day. While Paris has something for everyone, including history buffs, foodies, culture seekers, art enthusiasts and even sports fans—the French Open tennis championships run May 22 through June 5—it’s surprisingly not the most popular destination in Europe this year.
2. Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital city of Dublin is the top Memorial Day Weekend destination in Europe for 2022, according to AAA booking data. Ireland dropped all COVID-19-related entry restrictions at the start of spring, giving travelers added incentive to tour the epic cathedrals, castles and pubs of Dublin and perhaps pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, which was named the number one tourist attraction in all of Europe at the World Travel Awards in 2015.
1. Vancouver, Canada
While Europe’s appeal is undeniable, many travelers have their sights set on America’s neighbor to the north, specifically Vancouver on Canada’s West Coast. In addition to sharing a time zone with several U.S. states, Vancouver offers a variety of parks, gardens and inviting outdoor spaces perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. The city also boasts no shortage of traditional attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and Vancouver Art Gallery.
The Best Caribbean for beaches lovers
Caribbean Islands Ideal for Beach Vacation
The Caribbean is known for some of the best beaches in the world. Island lovers flock to the shores of these popular beaches to find fun, relaxation and seclusion in a tropical destination will warm, shallow waters that are calm and welcoming. These top Caribbean beaches are known to offer everything visitors need all in one place, from access to the sea to high-end resorts, fine dining, local culture and lively bars and entertainment.
Turks and Caicos
World-famous Grace Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine beaches. The pristine white sand and turquoise blue waters are protected by a barrier reef, drawing visitors to its calm waters. It is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park and located on the northeast coast of the island of Providenciales.
Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is a major draw for visitors coming to Grand Cayman. The expansive waterfront is open to the public and surrounded by several popular attractions. Restaurants, resorts and bars line the beach and a number of activities are available for travelers who want to explore the calm waters. Those that want to relax can stroll long expanse of the white-sand beach and enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Puerto Rico
Flamenco Beach is on the Puerto Rican Isla Culebra. The postcard-perfect beach is known for its white sand, shallow water, swimming areas and diving sites. At the beach, there are several amenities, including lifeguards, camping areas, showers, changing areas and kiosks selling authentic Puerto Rican food. Not to be missed is the iconic tank marooned on the beach.
Dominican Republic
Punta Cana’s famous Bávaro Beach is well-known for its sandy, palm-lined shores lined with high-end resorts, making it an ideal place for travelers to park themselves for some serious R&R. The calm waters make Bavaro an ideal swimming spot and visitors can engage in all kinds of watersports activities.
Aruba
Located in Oranjestad, Aruba, Eagle Beach is one of the widest beaches on the island. The beach has soft sand, calm waters and a relaxed vibe. Visitors will find water sports available and access resorts and restaurants nearby.
St. Lucia
Anse De Sables is an unspoiled stretch of beachfront in St. Lucia. The beach is known as one of the most popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing as it curves slightly into the wind, making Anse De Sables an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies.
St. John
Trunk Bay, St. John, is one of the most popular and most photographed beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It offers more than a quarter-mile of white sand shoreline and is located in Virgin Islands National Park. Visitors should bring their snorkel gear (or rent it at the beach) to enjoy a self-guided snorkeling trail as well.
St. Maarten
Maho Beach, located on on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island is famous for its proximity to St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. For visitors looking for a unique thrill, this is the place. The beach is also a 10-minute walk from Mullet Bay and offers an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling and more.
Anguilla
Anguilla’s Shoal Bay beach is consistently listed as one of the world’s top beaches, unique with its pink-hued white sand juxtaposed against turquoise waters. Visitors will enjoy two miles of sandy beach lined with restaurants, beach bars, hotels and more.
St. Thomas
Located on the north end of Saint Thomas, Magens Bay is a vibrant beach with an abundance of activities. Warm water and white sand welcome guests where they can discover native mangrove trees, exotic flowers, colorful birds and more. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming.
The best new luxury hotels in the Maldives
The Maldives is a nation-state of over 1000 coral islands in the Arabian Sea lying within the Indian Ocean. These beautiful islands comprise twenty-six atolls. They all range over double rows in azure waters, sustaining marine life diversity around the coral reefs.
Formerly a British protectorate, this now independent republic has become one of the most popular ‘go-to’ places on the planet. Many first-class hotels and accommodations have sprung up in recent years. This is mainly to provide for the growing interest in these ecologically important and gorgeous islands.
Below are 5 of the best new luxury hotels in the Maldives.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
The lavish villas that make up the Raffles Meradhoo are on a serene private island in the far south of the Maldives. Harking back to Raffles’ colonial heyday, Singapore, this hotel complex combines the highest luxury with an unforgettable experience of the Maldives’ marine life.
Welcomed by drums, guests can expect the impeccable service, deluxe accommodation, luscious dining, and lifestyle associated with the Raffles name.
Beach villas and residences and 16 large overwater villas feature colonial-style furnishings. There are also blinds, and overhead fans, verandas, and filmy drapes around 4-poster beds. Additionally, striped navy-blue cushions and a sky-blue/white color scape complement the fabulous ultramarine ocean on view from every villa.
Dining includes superb barbeque grills on the beach or Nikkei-style fine cuisine in the Yazu restaurant. Besides, international breakfasts have every kind of morning food a guest could desire accompanied by blissful fresh bread. You can also arrange a champagne and caviar breakfast picnic.
Watch the turtles, the myriad fish, and the glorious sunrises and sunsets. You can also walk in the peaceful lush tropical setting or on white icing-sugar sands. Drinks doubtless include fabulous sundowners in true colonial style.
A spa with relaxing Balinese massages, 2 swimming pools, and private pools in some overwater villas are additional benefits at this lovely retreat.
Joali Maldives Muravandhoo Island
Joali is a miracle of transformation from a deserted island in Raa Atoll. What’s more, it was shattered by the el nino conditions of 2016, into a fabulous resort. This resort offers a sensual and sublime stay on a paradise island from the airport pick-up to the hotel welcome through to the return transfer.
There are 73 vast traditionally thatched and beautifully appointed villas — all state-of-the-art luxury. Some rest on pure white sands, while others perch over marine blue waters. Furthermore, architects, designers, artists, and sculptors have combined their skills with engineering and construction professionals to produce an original resort of comfort and style.
Marine biologists helped instruct on protecting the teeming life of the ocean. Besides, every care has been taken to preserve flora and fauna of the atoll. Also, guests at Joali can enjoy gourmet dining from several restaurants offering creative menus of Japanese, Asian, Mediterranean, and International cuisines.
Besides, an ESPA Spa provides exclusive face and body treatments. There is also an open-air fitness and yoga studio, gym, pool, and water sports available. What’s more, a kid’s club provides for younger visitors and superb concierge services take care of everything else.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Guests are met at the airport by a courtesy yacht and applauded onto this 3-island resort by welcoming staff. From there on, outstanding reception, concierge, and housekeeping services allow guests to enjoy modern hi-tech ultra-luxurious facilities in a dreamlike tropical paradise.
119 vast villas sit on beaches of pure white sand or sit above sparkling aqua-blue waters where Maldive marine life rings the coral reefs. Rich in flora and fauna, gorgeous beaches, private lap pools, a luxury spa, and 11 first-class eateries, the island has everything needed for an idyllic stay.
Furthermore, excellent fitness and water sports facilities for children and adults have trainers on hand to assist. Additionally, the world-class spa has 2 infinity pools and superb wellness treatments in a serene haven of peace and tranquility.
The restaurants/bars provide for every taste and feature novel individual pods in a tree-top dining area and a cheese and wine bar below ground. Besides, the Kid’s Club takes care of the children with eco and marine-based activities. Overall, this is a sublime desert island resort among many wonderful choices.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau
This is another blissful 81 deluxe-villa resort in the heartland of the salvaged Raa Atoll. The InterContinental benefits from the neighboring Baa Atoll Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, protecting and encouraging diverse coral ecosystems. As such, this heavenly palm-strewn resort is a haven for nature lovers among the teeming marine life of the coral reefs.
Spotting Manta Rays may become a full-time activity here. If not, there is a top-notch water sports center overseen by marine biologists. There are also pools, 5 restaurants, and a great kid’s club. A fine spa facility also offers luxury face and body therapies in treatment rooms suspended over the ultramarine blue waters.
Dining includes a Mediterranean menu served in a quaint wooden lighthouse. There is also a stilted restaurant with the catch of the day on show. Additionally, you can enjoy many snacks and deli dishes here all day.
Above all, a traditional Maldive boat takes guests for romantic sunset trips and sundowners. However, InterContinental Club benefits apply here.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
70 lavish villas of the Mirandhoo resort sits on a biosphere reserve. They all have an astonishing array of marine life encircling the beautiful coral reefs. Additionally, 6 categories of spacious villa offer white-sugar sands or overwater locations with modern interiors, marbled bathrooms, and panoramic ocean views.
Plenty of modern amenities are in all the villas. Moreover, butler/hospitality services add that something extra to an already heavenly experience.
This lush tropical environment also features a spa with profound wellness therapies for the mind, body, and spirit. There is also Japanese seafood or international all-day dining menus. Besides, a tasty street food option fits the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful resort.
The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. To reach the islands, guests arriving at Velana International Airport are met by an unusual transfer service. Likewise, the villa resorts satisfy visitors and escort them by small plane, yacht, or motorboat directly to the island of choice. This luxury is just the start of a trip to paradise.
By Guido Graf
The Top 10 US travel destinations for Memorial Day
The Most Popular Places to Celebrate Memorial Day in 2022
More and more travelers are venturing out more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic as AAA Travel projects that more than 39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, which is defined as May 26-30. From sun-drenched seaside locales to major cities, holiday travelers have their sights set on a variety of places, from the mainland U.S. to Hawaii and even Alaska, but most clearly have one thing in mind and that’s having plenty of fun in the sun. AAA booking data recently revealed the most popular U.S. hotspots to ring in the summer of 2022 and the results may surprise you.
10. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii ended its Safe Travels program two months ago, making it easier for Americans to reach the islands and its top destinations like Honolulu. The Hawaiian capital offers visitors some of the best experiences in the Aloha State, from the glorious Waikiki Beach to the historically significant Pearl Harbor National Monument.
9. Boston, Massachusetts
As the weather warms up across the Northeast, many are planning a start-of-summer getaway to Boston to explore the city’s top sites, such as the 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail and iconic Fenway Park, home of the beloved Boston Red Sox, which will be in town for a five-game series Memorial Day Weekend.
8. Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is certainly one of the more surprising cities in the domestic top 10 this year but it’s hard to argue with its unique blend of city and nature offering great bars and restaurants and fascinating museums one minute and breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters like whale watching the next.
7. Denver, Colorado
Landlocked destinations are getting plenty of love this Memorial Day as well. Denver is a place many want to be and not just on vacation. An abundance of sunshine and elite attractions such as Elitch Gardens and Larimer Square as well as easy access to spectacular nature make it a no-brainer for a late-May getaway.
6. New York, New York
Big cities continue to rebound in terms of tourist interest more than two years into the pandemic and New York City is an excellent example. The Big Apple boasts iconic sites, attractions and experiences in bunches that Memorial Day Weekend visitors can visit and participate in amid warmer temperatures.
5. Anaheim, California
Visitors to Anaheim in Southern California can look forward to plenty of family-friendly fun in the sun this Memorial Day, from iconic Disneyland Resort to Major League Baseball action as the hometown Los Angeles Angels will be in town to play the Toronto Blue Jays over the holiday weekend.
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
The Entertainment Capital of the World is bouncing back in a big way post-pandemic, drawing huge crowds to the bustling Las Vegas Strip as marquee shows and performers return along with brand new sports teams and exciting attractions like FlyOver Las Vegas to further enhance Sin City’s unparalleled round-the-clock buzz.
3. Miami
Sunny South Florida is unsurprisingly high on many travelers’ lists this Memorial Day. Simply put, Miami has everything one need’s to enjoy a long weekend to kick off summer, including stellar beaches and calm waters, vibrant nightlife and museums and attractions to suit all ages and interests.
2. Seattle, Washington
The Pacific Northwest definitely isn’t flying under the radar right now as Seattle checks in at number two in AAA’s Memorial Day rankings. Famous landmarks and attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market are just a small sample of what the Emerald City has to offer. Visitors can even look forward to a day trip to North Cascades National Park, also known as the American Alps.
1. Orlando, Florida
The Theme Park Capital of the World is the number one domestic destination for Memorial Day Weekend 2022, based on AAA booking data. In addition to its warm weather, Orlando boasts a slew of world-class family-friendly attractions in the form of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld that are guaranteed to be jumping during the unofficial start of summer.
Save money on your holiday car rental with these top tips
Smooth and affordable car hire is one of the key components of adventures abroad.
But, as with air fares, it’s one of the parts of a holiday getting more expensive as fuel costs rise across Europe. Car-owners will be no stranger to the volatile price of petrol and diesel at forecourts, and it’s unlikely to ease anytime soon.
Renting a car can be a tricky business at the best of times, as there are often hidden costs, additional fees and lots of insurance extras involved. So if you’ve booked a holiday this year and are planning to hire a car as part of your trip, how can you keep costs low?
Read on for our handy guide to car rental in 2022.
Don’t leave it until the last minute
It’s a well-known fact that buying anything time-sensitive at the last minute is likely to result in higher costs. From train and plane tickets to accommodation, as urgency rises, so does the cost.
This is particularly pronounced in the current context, as a number of car rental providers sold off their fleets to stay afloat during the pandemic. “The manufacturing shortages coupled with an expected increase in travel means demand will inevitably outstrip supply,” explains Rory Sexton, managing director of independent car hire broker Zest. “We strongly recommend our customers to book early and secure their car rental.”
Some countries have higher rental demands too. There’s likely to be more people looking to hire a car in popular summer destinations like Italy and Portugal which will drive up prices.
Check the car before you drive off
One of the most important things you can do is check over the car before you leave the parking lot. While car hire firms will be quick to tell you that there is no damage to the vehicle, make sure you take note of any existing issues so they can’t be blamed on you once you return it.
Check the car carefully for dents, scratches and cracks – especially in common places such as wing mirrors and bumpers. Point these out to the dealership and write them down on the agreement before you and they sign.
Taking photos and videos of any pre-existing damage – which will be time stamped – is a good idea too.
Book a car with a local company
While it might be tempting to book a car with a big global brand, small rental firms are often cheaper. As with most things, it pays to shop around, but it also might not be sensible to book with a company you’ve never heard of.
Using a trustworthy car rental broker, such as Zest or Skyscanner, will give you peace of mind and help you compare small firms based on a wide variety of factors.
Steer clear of airport car hire companies
Though it might be easier to get your car from a car hire firm at the airport, the convenience will cost you. Cars are in demand at these transport hubs, so there’s a surge price involved in hiring one here. Smaller firms that aren’t based at the airport are likely to be significantly cheaper, so make sure you’ve planned ahead.
Buy third party insurance
Buying insurance directly from the car hire firm is usually always more expensive and less comprehensive. Instead, buy your insurance from a third-party provider.
In the UK, Which? has a good guide to car insurance firms. While many car hire firms will try and pressure you into buying their insurance if you know you’ve got good coverage in advance, their sales pitch will be easier to ignore.
Pack a map or download a navigation app
If you can live without satnav, your car hire costs will likely be cheaper as you’ll be able to get a model without all the added technological extras.
While maps might seem a bit old school by today’s standards, if you’re good at navigation and travelling in a pair, it’s worth considering. Reading a map will also help you to get to know the local area too and you might discover some less well known beauty spots.
Alternatively, if you don’t think your navigation skills are up to the task, consider downloading a satnav app on your phone instead. That way you’ll be able to choose a cheaper, satnav free car.
Find out how you’re paying for fuel
Petrol prices are high and likely to get higher as the year goes on, so saving on fuel is one of the easiest ways to reduce the cost of car hire.
There are generally two ways to pay for fuel in a hire car, you can either sign up for a full-to-empty policy or a full-to-full policy.
While the full-to-empty scheme might seem easier, you’ll be paying the car rental firm’s costs for that full tank. Though it means you won’t have to fill it up before you return the car, these prices are unlikely to be the cheapest on the market. Also, if you don’t use the whole tank, it’ll be money down the drain too.
This makes full-to-full the more cost-efficient option if you’re unlikely to use the full tank, you’ll only have to top it up a bit – plus you’ll be able to find the cheapest petrol station in the area.
Shop around for the best petrol prices
While it might seem that fuel prices are universally high, some petrol stations are still cheaper than others. As a rule, you should always avoid buying petrol from a motorway service station, where the price of filling your tank is almost always going to be more.
Get off the motorway and you’re likely to find cheaper prices. Supermarket forecourts are usually the best option, and if you’re on a staycation you’ll already know which ones have the cheapest deals. Also make sure to sign up for supermarket loyalty cards, as many of these offer points for petrol schemes.
If you’re travelling in the UK the Petrol Prices app will be able to direct you to the cheapest petrol station in your area. Many other countries have their own version too, including Germany’s Clever Tanken app and Gas Buddy in the US.
Drive efficiently to save fuel
It might take a bit of brain training, but driving efficiently can also help you cut down on the amount of petrol you use while travelling in your hire car. Driving faster uses more fuel, so accelerating slowly will lead to better fuel efficiency.
Driving in the highest gear possible within the speed limit is the most fuel-efficient way you can drive. Equally, maintaining momentum will keep fuel use low too. While this isn’t always possible given traffic jams and stop signs, bear in mind that slowing and accelerating will be bad for your mileage, so try and keep it to a minimum.
If you find yourself in a temperate country and don’t really need to use the AC, turn it off. Having the air con on all the time will also guzzle fuel, so always take off your jumper before reaching for the AC switch.
UK castles are perfect for a romantic fairytale wedding on a budget
They say planning a wedding is one of the most stressful experiences of your life, but what about planning one during a cost of living crisis?
The phrase ‘budget fairytale wedding’ isn’t one you often hear, but with global fuel and food price increases, it’s one that’s becoming necessary.
It is anticipated that 2022 will be a boom year for weddings as couples come out of the shadow of lockdowns and finally plan their nuptials. Searches for ‘castle weddings’ on Google in the UK have seen an increase of 23 per cent during April.
However, searches for ‘cheap weddings’ have also increased by 44 per cent, and ‘budget weddings’ went up by 53 per cent. Not surprising when searches for the ‘cost of living’ have seen a 133 per cent increase from January.
So as people everywhere start to tighten their belts, you have to wonder whether it’s possible to tighten your wedding bells too. To this end, jewellery brand Warren James has revealed the most cost-effective castles to hire for a dream wedding.
These fairytale locations in the UK can all cost under €3000 to rent. Warren James undertook a careful cost/beauty analysis based on their number of Instagram followers and hashtags.Castle costs were taken from Coco Wedding Venues, an online wedding venue directory, with the lowest available price taken.
Here are the castle wedding destinations which cost the least while looking the best.
5 – Blackfriars Priory, Gloucestershire
Price – from €1,500
Beauty Score – 2,263
This castle is found at the heart of Gloucester’s city centre, not far from the historic dock. It boasts a beautiful combination of ancient and modern design. This multi-award winning venue features a glass wall from which you can view the ruin of the 13th-century priory.
Home to the oldest and best-preserved mediaeval library in Europe, Blackfriars Priory offers packages priced between €1,500 and goes to €6,171 your post-pandemic special day.
4 – Auchen castle, Dumfries
Price – from €646
Beauty Score – 4,806
The Scottish Borders are a place of beauty and in the heart of Robert Burns’s country you can find the idyllic Auchen castle. Hidden away in the Moffatt Hills and surrounded by a stretch of 13 acres of private gardens and stunning moorland, Auchen is the perfect low-cost intimate wedding venue.
Low packages start at €646 and run up to €9,400
3 – Highcliffe Castle, Dorset
Price – from €1,034
Beauty Score – 11,053
It’s difficult to think of many venues where you could use one of the most important surviving buildings of the Romantic period and venerated medieval French masonry for €1034, but Highcliffe Castle pulls it off.
The castle was designed for eccentric and lavish parties of the 18th century, and you can bring some of that glamour to a budget big day at this picturesque castle.
2 – Rowton Castle, Shropshire
Prices – from €2,345
Beauty Score – 11,683
The rolling Shropshire countryside is where you’ll find this gem of a wedding venue. The classic rustic castle provides the quintessential English wedding experience with woodland walks, walled gardens and hidden pools.
Here, you can experience the joys of the British upper class living with your nearest and dearest for a fraction of the price at €2,345.
1 – Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham
Price – from €2,940
Beauty Score – 15,466
Named London’s Romantic Wedding Venue of the year back in 2016, Strawberry Hill House is ideal for any aspiring-newly weds wanting to experience the leafy area of Twickenham.
The gothic castle was once home to famed English writer Horace Walpole, and could play host to the wedding of your dreams for between €2,940 and €6,465.
Great ways to spend spring in Spain
With its rugged coastlines, soulful towns, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant local culture, Spain is every traveller’s paradise. Take a holiday in spring for almost guaranteed sunshine – and far fewer crowds. From Aitona’s breathtaking peach blossom trees in early March to the week-long Horse Fair in Jerez de la Frontera in May, the vibrant personality of Spain shines through.
Follow the scent of Idiazabal cheese through the Basque Country
The lesser-visited north of Spain boasts a verdant natural beauty that has something for everyone. Nestled next to the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is the capital of Basque Country and known as Donostia in the local language. Packed with restaurants selling pintxos (traditional Basque tapas), Michelin-Star dining, and its own distinctive culture, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in all of Spain, with an aristocratic history dating back a thousand years.
Just outside San Sebastian lies Idiazabal, a unique and enchanting region unlike any other in Spain. The Idiazabal Cheese Route is a delight for foodies and nature-lovers alike. Wander along the scenic hillside trails and meet with a shepherd who has spent his life in the mountains making cheese from raw sheep milk. Make sure you reward yourself with a tasting of the famous Idiazabal cheese, and if you’re still hungry for knowledge, learn about its history at the quaint Ecomuseo del Pastoreo, or Shepherds Museum.
After a day spent exploring the lush landscapes of the Basque countryside, retire to Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, a century-old palace that retains its imposing elegance to this day. The sea views offer unbeatable panoramas of La Concha Bay, and you can take it all in while sipping txakoli, a Basque cider, in the nautical-themed bar. A stone’s throw away, stroll through la Parte Vieja (Old Town) and sample pintxos while marvelling at the oldest church in the city, San Vicente.
Retreat to the hidden Mediterranean towns of Catalonia
Situated northeast of the Basque Country, the Costa Brava’s secluded coastline is buttressed by rustic fishing towns and hilltop villages with cobbled streets. With a fusion of influence from neighboring France, this rugged region has been enchanting visitors for centuries.
The hometown of Salvador Dali and his family, Cadaques is a must for fans of art history and surrealism. At the Portlligat House-Museum, where Dali lived and worked, explore the irregularly proportioned rooms and peculiar items such as giant eggs and stuffed swans. Each room gives you a view of the bay that inspired many of Dali’s works.
Take a walk through the Cap de Creus Natural Park, leading from Cadaques to the lighthouse, or hire a boat captain to discover the secret gems of Costa Brava’s beaches tucked in the coves of the park. The rocky coastline and turquoise waters make a dreamy backdrop to an unforgettable sunset in the park.
An 18th-century farmhouse in Girona welcomes you after a day of exploration at Mas de Torrent. At the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca, the Roca brothers have elevated food into a science, creating new twists on traditional staples while raising awareness about sustainability. Reservations open up 11 months in advance, and you’ll want a spot facing the serene inner garden.
Marvel at the peach tree blossoms in Aitona
Slightly southwards and inland lies Aitona, where each spring, the peach trees blossom into a sea of dazzling pink. Discover the breathtaking natural spectacle on a guided bicycle tour, and stop at the Hermitage of San Juan de Carratalà to admire panoramic views of the valley. The beautiful spectacle takes place in a town bordering the Catalonia and Aragon provinces, where agriculture is the main industry and locals take pride in their work.
Beginning a decade ago, the local city council of Aitona created a concept they named “Fruiturismo,” which brings you closer to the essence of peach cultivation while also preserving the local heritage, landscape, and culture of the Low Segre region. Soar over the valley in a hot air balloon or dine in a local restaurant where innovative and original recipes incorporating peaches will sweeten your palate and your day.
As you travel back towards the coast to Barcelona, the landscape of your destination in Catalonia dramatically transforms from rolling hills to the iconic architecture of Antoni Gaudi. In the heart of the city, the Almanac Hotel is characterized by a modern, progressive backdrop that complements Barcelona’s diverse cultural charms on your doorstep. A visit to Catalonia’s rural charm and urban gems will leave you tickled pink.
Capture sweeping views of the Tramuntana mountains in Soller
Set in the stunning Tramuntana Mountains on the peaceful island of Mallorca, the enchanting village of Soller is awash with fragrant citrus and olive groves. The Valley of Oranges, as it’s locally known, is the perfect backdrop to escape from the busy capital city of Palma. Have a glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice while people-watching in Plaça Constitució, which houses the church of Sant Bartomeu and a weekly market that draws people from all over the island. If you’re looking to get closer to the waterfront, hop aboard the tram, which runs from Soller to Port de Soller, for a sunset stroll along the horseshoe bay.
Lace up your boots for a hike to the magical village of Deia, where spring wildflowers bloom. The mild temperature is perfect for this three-hour walk with dramatic coastal views, weaving past pretty farms and stopping at Cala Deia to take a refreshing dip in the crystalline Mediterranean Sea.
Nestled into the hills surrounding Soller is Hotel Ca’s Xorc, which has been transformed from an olive mill to a chic Mallorquin Finca. Retreat to this oasis after a long day of hiking and lap up the magnificent views from your garden cottage. At the in-house restaurant, select from a menu filled with regional and seasonal delicacies, served beneath the bougainvillaea-draped pergola.
Whether it’s to hike through the mountains, slow down on a veranda on the hotel’s grounds, or people-watch in the plaza, a trip to Soller will awaken you to the wonders of spring in Spain.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of southern Spain at Jerez Horse Fair
Deep in the country’s south, Andalusia in many ways embodies the Spain of stereotypes: Flamenco dancing, the Spanish guitar, ostentatious festivals, and lots of wine and tapas. The Feria del Caballo, or Horse Fair, which takes place in Jerez de la Frontera, is a vibrant celebration of this spellbinding culture – with the region’s long-standing equestrian traditions at its heart. Spanning one week each May, the event sees riders outfitted in cropped jackets and ruffled dresses parading through the streets on majestic horses. Don yourself in typical flamenco attire to savor in the fair that the Jerezanos anticipate annually.
Once dressed to the nines, settle into a caseta decorated with colorful paper lanterns called farolillos and sip on a rebujito – sherry wine mixed with 7-Up. As night falls, the Gonzalez Hontoria Park transforms as lights twinkle overhead and the stomping flamencos commence.
Not to be missed is a visit to the González Byass bodega, which is soaked in five generations of history. Discover the complexity of sherry wine as you meander through the various cellars, and get inspired by the pride the producers take in making their wine.
An immersive trip to Jerez is made complete with a stay at the Casa Palacio Maria Luisa, an exquisitely restored palatial mansion embodying the elegance of a bygone era. Bask in your luxurious suite overlooking the city square and savor a divine meal at the Michelin-starred Lú Cocina y Alma. For a taste of quintessential Spain, Jerez is truly unbeatable.
By Anna Mascaro
Finnair launches new in-flight dining concept on board
Finland’s flag carrier Finnair has launched a new long-haul in-flight dining concept.
The new modern premium dining experience complements the Finnish carrier’s major investment that features a brand-new spacious Business Class, new Premium Economy and refreshed Economy cabins.
Long-haul Business Class customers on board Finnair’s flights can choose from up to six main dishes as well as smaller bistro-style dishes, while there will be an emphasis on casual dining in Premium Economy.
The new menus focus on offering pure, fresh flavours and draw upon the country’s famed Nordic heritage.
Eerika Enne, Finnair’s Head of Inflight Customer Experience, said: “To complement our new long-haul Business Class and Premium Economy cabins, we have completely rethought our service concept to offer a modern, contemporary and premium dining experience for our customers.
“Using the expertise of our Finnair Kitchen chefs, we have drawn upon our Nordic heritage to create menus which make the most of locally sourced produce, creating delicious dishes to enjoy in comfort at 39,000ft.”
The new concept menu also offers a swifter service option to make the most of customers’ rest and relaxation experience in the air.
The new menus include the carrier’s brand new “Northern Blush” signature cocktail and refreshed drinks selection, including Mikropolis’s Negroni cocktail, and featuring Finnish producers with whisky from Kyrö, gin from Helsinki Distillery and Valamo XO dessert wine.
Business Class customers can now enjoy a modern premium dining experience with smaller bistro-style dishes. Two cold dishes are followed by a hot dish and a side, both of which have three options also offering the chance to share dishes between travel companions.
The meals can be complemented with cheese, dessert and the new beverage selection, while a second, lighter meal such as breakfast or a light lunch is served before landing, depending on the time of the day.
In the new Premium Economy Class, the focus is on quality casual dining with a three-course main meal and two main dish options to choose from.
According to Finnair, the menu design was inspired by the recently launched littala Kuulas dining collection, created exclusively for Finnair by Harri Koskinen, one of Finland’s best-known contemporary designers.
Finnair has also significantly reduced single-use items and plastics on board by using more sustainable options.
Why you should visit the Philippines’s tropical archipelago with 7,641 islands
You won’t find many more naturally diverse countries than the Philippines. Made up of a whopping 7,641 islands, the southeast Asian archipelago sits near the equator in the Pacific Ocean.
Blessed with sublime sunshine and unique landscapes, around 2,000 of the islands are inhabited, with Luzon, the largest and northernmost island home to the Filipino capital of Manila.
New data from the KAYAK summer travel report shows that Manila is the most searched for destination for this summer.
The islands reopened to fully vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries on 10 February 2022. Visa-free travel is now possible if you are staying for less than 30 days – you can see the full list of visa-free countries here.
“The Philippines has been one of the most conservative countries in the world in terms of its COVID-19 protections,” said Gerard Panga, the Philippines tourism spokesperson to the UK.
“For over a year we have been preparing the destinations to make sure they are compliant with global standards in terms of health and safety protections.”
So where should you visit when you get there?
A remote island famous for filming
The country’s stringent measures have meant it has been able to host some unique events, despite the pandemic.
“Even during the height of COVID-19 infection cases, we had the Survivor TV group from Israel. More than 100 people, the cast and crew of Survivor TV went to this remote island in Caramoan,” says Panga.
Once described as a ‘hidden island’, the TV blockbuster is now so globally famous that the island is well known to travellers, though still difficult to reach.
Isolated from the main Caramoan Peninsula, you may need to take several buses and boats to reach it.
Despite the isolation of some of its islands, the Philippines has suffered from overtourism in the past too.
But special measures have meant that one of its most famous destinations, Boracay Island, has been able to transform itself for the better.
Boracay Island
Awarded the title of the ‘second most instagrammable place in the world’ by Big 7 Travel and labelled the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure in 2012, global popularity soon overwhelmed Boracay.
After gaining a reputation as a 24/7 party island, the authorities declared the closure of the 10.32km islet to holidaymakers to give the ecosystem (and the locals) a chance to recover.
“Now on the beach we don’t allow anymore smoking, drinking, loud parties or loud music, so it’s become a haven for relaxation, honeymooners, families, for communing with nature,” says Panga.
“We had to remove all the structures within the shoreline, so now it’s all wild, the water is clear.”
Moalboal on Cebu island
If you’d rather have an adventure than lounge on the beach all day, there are plenty of activities for the wild at heart in the Philippines.
If underwater sports are your thing, then how about swimming with millions of sardines?
The sardine run in the beachside town of Moalboal on Cebu island offers divers a truly unique experience.
Head to Panagsama beach at practically any time of year (though you’ll have a clearer view if you avoid the rainy season from June to October) and you’ll be able to swim with this incredible shoal of fish.
The sardines rise close to the water’s surface to feed on plankton, so even snorkelers can enjoy the silver flashes of the swaying sardines.
“The underwater treasures of the Philippines are really beyond compare, in fact we are Asia’s diving capital,” says Panga.
“According to the WTA (World Travel Awards) in the last three years, 2019 to 2021, we have been voted the world’s leading diving destination.”
The island of Mindanao
For something a little less fishy, hiking is a great way to explore the Philippines’ sprawling environment.
The country has 3,134 mountains to its name, with the highest being Mount Apo on the island of Mindanao.
You don’t need to climb the highest mountain to get your hiking fix though. Mount Pulag is a great place for seasoned and less experienced (but not beginner) hikers, as it offers a variety of trails to suit a range of abilities.
Popular with backpackers due to the stunning ‘cloud sea’ views from the top of the peak, it’s also a great place to watch the sunrise. Do come fully prepared though, as temperatures on the mountainside can drop to -5°C and depending on which trail you take, the hike can take between seven hours or a few days.
Air France unveils redesigned long-haul business class on its 777-300ERs
As part of what it describes as “pursuing its move upmarket”, Air France has unveiled its completely redesigned long-haul business seat, due to be progressively rolled out on 12 Boeing 777-300s from September 2022. Fontainebleau, the first aircraft which will be equipped with these new cabins, will fly to New York-JFK this autumn.
As passengers board the refitted 777-300ERs they will first notice the backlit winged seahorse adorning the stowage compartments, which the airline says embodies its “founding myth and rich history”. The enhancements in the 48-seat business class cabin are very real though, as the airline has worked with Safran Seats, Design Investment and SGK Brandimage to create an enhanced seat with enveloping curves and extra comfort.
This seat’s design is based on the ‘3 Fs’, meaning it transforms into a fully flat 2m-long, 70cm-wide bed (all Air France business seats will be fully flat by autumn 2023, compared with 90% today), with full direct access to the aisle for all guests, and full privacy. The latter is achieved with a new sliding door that gives passengers the option to create a totally private space, and a panel between the centre double seats that can be raised or lowered.
Comfort is enhanced through the addition of soft padding, with wool, brushed aluminium and full-grain French leather applied for a soft and natural feel, and an embroidered Air France logo in its trademark red reinforcing the brand.
The redesigned seat also features a 17.3in 4K HD anti-glare IFE display, complemented by power outlets, a noise-reducing headset, and a new Bluetooth connection that enables passengers to use their own headphones.
The 777s will also be fitted with Air France’s latest premium economy and economy seats, with each cabin elegantly decorated in the brand’s signature colours: navy blue, white for light and contrast, and hints of red.
The 48-seat premium economy cabin will be fitted with Air France’s latest recliner-type seat model, as launched on its Airbus A350, but with a wider seatback and redesigned seat cushions in a soft, navy blue herringbone fabric. Each seat offers a 38in pitch and 124° recline. Further comforts include a new noise-reducing audio headset integrated into the seat, and USB-A and -C ports.
In the economy cabin, each of the 273 seats has a 17in-wide seat pan, a 119° recline, 31in of legroom, and a USB-A port. The backrest is ergonomically designed, offering reinforced lateral support.
Both premium economy and economy class will be equipped with 13.3in-wide 4K HD screens with a Bluetooth connection, ideal for enjoying over 1,000 hours of on-demand entertainment.
A more responsible catering offer
All Air France long-haul customers on flights departing from Paris will also enjoy a responsible dining offer with nutritious French produce. In the business cabin, France’s leading Michelin-starred chefs will take turns to create a selection of vegetarian dishes as well as meat, poultry and fish dishes. In premium economy, customers will enjoy a dedicated meal. In the premium economy and economy cabins, the meals will be Nutri-Score A or B-certified.
By the end of 2022, on all flights departing from Paris, the company promises that, in all its cabins, the meat, dairy products and eggs will be of French origin and the fish from sustainable fisheries, and there will be a choice of a vegetarian dishes fully prepared in France. The company will also offer kids’ and babies’ menus made from organic ingredients.
In addition, in its fight against food waste, Air France is progressively introducing the option for business-class customers to pre-select their hot dish prior to departure. This service combines the guarantee of customer choice and more efficient food use.
The airline is also eliminating 90% of single-use plastic items onboard its aircraft by the beginning of 2023, instead using inflight items manufactured from bio-based materials such as bagasse and cellulose. Any items that can no longer be used onboard will be donated to charities.
Etihad Airways’ new sustainable experience in economy class
Etihad Airways has revealed a new range of sustainable soft furnishings and tableware for economy class, which will be launched in Q4 2022. The soft furnishings include a 35% larger pillow with a 200 thread-count cotton cover made locally in the UAE, and a soft blanket made from recycled plastic.
In its efforts to eliminate the use of single-use plastics (part of a commitment Etihad made in 2019, to remove 80% of single-use plastic from its operations by the end of 2022), the new economy dining experience will feature reusable tableware made from high-quality recycled plastic. The tray, serving plates and their lids are part of a closed-loop recycling system, so at the end of their lifecycle they are collected, washed, ground up, and reused to make replacement products.
Etihad is also introducing stainless-steel cutlery into the economy cabin, which as well as reducing single-use plastic items, represents an upgrade to the experience. Where possible, Etihad is also moving towards locally produced inflight items
Terry Daly, the airline’s executive director of guest experience, brand and marketing, stated, “Following extensive research and development through our eco-flights over the past few years, we’re proud to reveal the first in a series of enhancements to our inflight experience. Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t come at a compromise to the quality and thoughtfulness behind Etihad’s guest experience, and these innovative new products will further improve our offering. We look forward to rolling out this new experience across the fleet towards the latter part of the year.”
Emirates launches new hospitality strategy and wins ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ award
Emirates got four wins at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards on May 9, 2022. At the ceremony, which was attended by key travel industry attendees, the airline won awards in the following categories:
- Best Premium Economy Class
- Best Economy Class
- Best Frequent Flier Programme
- Best Airline Worldwide
The airline said in a press release that this is the ninth consecutive time that Emirates has been voted the ‘Best Airline Worldwide’.
In the press release, Emirates credits the airline’s commitment to its “Fly Better” promise through customer experience initiatives, products and services in the air and on the ground during a year of rebuilding and recovery from the pandemic.
The airline says that it continued to introduce offerings and enhancements even when “other airlines were cutting back” during the past year.
In line with the airline’s “Fly Better” commitment, Emirates also announced that it is launching a new hospitality-based strategy, taking the customer experiences delivered by teams both on the ground and in the air “to new heights”.
With support from one of the world’s top-rated hospitality management schools, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), Emirates said that it is creating its next generation hospitality programme based on bespoke principles that reflect the airline’s memorable customer service.
The first batch of Emirates facilitators have already earned their EHL Qualified Learning Facilitator Certification after completing an intensive two-week programme between Dubai and EHL’s main campus in Lausanne in early 2022. They will be part of the core team involved in deploying the airline’s hospitality learning experience initiatives starting from June 2022.
“Emirates already has a signature service that our customers value and makes us unique. What we’re doing through our new hospitality strategy, is providing our teams with even more bandwidth and skills to build stronger, more personalized, and relevant connections with our customers at every moment of their journey with us,” chief operating officer at Emirates, Adel ad Redha said in a statement.
“We’ll achieve that by investing in technologies, refining elements of our processes, and empowering our people to be our most effective and real brand ambassadors.” Emirates & aerotime.aero
Where airline passenger satisfaction stands ahead of summer travel
Air travelers are growing increasingly less satisfied with their experience, according to the J.D. Power 2022 North America Airline Satisfaction Study released on Wednesday.
After North American airlines achieved record highs amid the COVID-19 pandemic last year, overall passenger satisfaction across all three study segments, including first/business, premium economy and economy/basic economy came in at just 798 on the 1,000-point scale, which is down more than 20 points from 2021. What’s more, passenger satisfaction with cost, flight crews and aircraft all declined in this year’s study.
Despite the dropoff, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines were among the big winners this year. JetBlue ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the first/business segment with a score of 878, edging out Alaska Airlines (876) and third-ranked Delta Air Lines (862). JetBlue also ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the premium economy segment with a top score of 851. Delta (837) and Alaska (825) swapped spots in this segment, ranking second and third, respectively.
Meanwhile, Southwest ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the economy/basic economy segment with a score of 849. JetBlue (828) ranks second and Delta (813) rounds out the top three for 2022.
J.D. Power also found that premium passengers still want their free drinks and that cost continues to be a driving factor in satisfaction as climbing fuel prices and increased demand has resulted in a 20 percent increase in average airfares through March 2022. Food and beverage satisfaction scores declined 38 points in the premium economy segment and 12 points in the first/business segment. However, food and beverage satisfaction scores increased by seven points in the economy/basic economy segment.
Overall satisfaction with cost and fees declined in the premium economy segment by 66 points, fell 33 points in the economy/basic economy segment and dropped by 21 points in the first/business segment.
“Customer satisfaction with North American airlines climbed to unprecedented highs for all of the wrong reasons during the past two years,” Michael Taylor, travel intelligence lead at J.D. Power, said in a statement. “Fewer passengers meant more space on airplanes, less waiting in line and more attention from flight attendants. But that business model was simply not sustainable. Now, with volumes surging and some remnants of pandemic-era constraints still in place, passenger satisfaction is in decline—but that’s not really bad news. If airlines can find ways to manage these growing volumes while making some small adjustments to help passengers feel more valued, they should be able to manage this return to ‘normal.'”
The study is based on performance in eight factors, including aircraft; baggage; boarding; check-in; cost and fees; flight crew; in-flight services and reservation and is based on responses from 7,004 passengers who flew on a major North American airline within the past month as of March 2022.
Southwest is upgrading its jets with faster Wi-Fi and improved passenger amenities
Southwest Airlines said it will spend more than $2 billion on improved passenger amenities like bigger overhead bins, faster internet and power outlets “in every seat,” in an effort to woo travelers as bookings rebound.
The airline also plans to double the number of movies it offers travelers and to update its drink options on board to include bloody mary mix, ready-to-drink cocktails, hard seltzer and rose wine.
The changes come as airlines gear up for a recovery in both leisure and business travel after more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
United Airlines, for example, announced last year a host of cabin upgrades like new seatback screens and entertainment systems. It, too, is preparing cabins for larger overhead bins. Delta Air Lines is installing new seats for domestic first class and has said it aims to offer free internet in the future. And Hawaiian Airlines plans to offer complimentary Wi-Fi through SpaceX’s Starlink service as early as next year.
Southwest’s $2 billion investment will span five years and is part of an estimated capital expenditure of $3.5 billion per year on average through 2026, as announced in December. The changes are geared toward all customers, but Southwest has recently increased its efforts to sell to business travelers.
The airline in March announced a new, second-cheapest fare option for travelers willing to pay more for more flexibility. Last week, it told staff it will temporarily offer travelers free Wi-Fi on some flights as it tests new hardware that aims to bring higher speeds to more passengers, CNBC reported.
The carrier also said it recently entered into an agreement with satellite internet provider Viasat for in-flight connectivity as early as this fall, starting with new deliveries of 737 Max planes. Southwest offers internet for $8 a day and doesn’t currently have plans to make the access free beyond the hardware test.
Southwest, which has a fleet of more than 700 Boeing 737s, estimates it will have in-seat power, something it currently doesn’t offer, on about 250 planes by the end of 2023. The power outlets will be available starting early next year on Max planes and feature USB A and USB C power ports.
Leslie Josephs www.cnbc.com