Christmas in July Question: Which Christmas Market River Cruise to Choose?
It’s never too early to start counting down the days until Christmas – or plan a holiday getaway. Christmas in July reminders are a great opportunity to think about how you want to celebrate or travel to get into the spirit of the season. And for me, Christmas market river cruises may be the very best way.First, you get the benefits of river cruising: unpacking once and sailing into the hearts of these European villages, towns and cities, and having...
3 Sandals Resorts Get $200 Million Glow Up in ‘Great Jamaica Comeback’
A trio of storied resorts on the island of Sandals’ birthplace is being reborn as part of a comeback for Jamaica. A new name, new dream-inspiring accommodations, new dining venues and new menus and experiences celebrate Jamaican culture, cuisine and natural beauty across the three properties.Sandals Royal Caribbean is being renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay. Plus, the first Sandals ever, as well as Sandals South Coast, are all part of the $200 million re-imagination project that brings beloved resorts – and...
Aman At Sea’s Inaugural Season: Mediterranean and Caribbean
Aman’s first ultra-luxury lifestyle yacht will chase the sun in her inaugural, 2027 season, beginning in the Mediterranean after her mid-year launch, followed by a Caribbean winter season. The Amangati will sail a series of 5-8 night itineraries in both regions. The hotel and resort brand that’s introducing its legendary philosophy to ultra-luxury, small-ship cruising has opened reservations on both inaugural seasons for you to experience storied and exclusive harbors in this brand-new travel experience. Amangati means “peaceful motion” in Sanskrit, and...
When Volcanoes Wake Up: Travel to the World’s Great ‘Fire Mountains’
Mount Etna's July, 2026 eruption sent lava and ash plumes into the Sicilian sky, creating spectacular images—and temporary travel disruptions. Volcanic ash interrupted flights at local Catania Airport. Luckily, hotels, restaurants, archaeological sites, beaches, and coastal towns across eastern Sicily continued operating normally for those whose outbound flights were delayed. But the eruption reminds us that even historic and cultural Europe has a geological wild side. Etna is just the tallest and most active - but not the only! - volcano...
New European Hotels in Landmark Historic Sites to Inspire your Next Trip
London. Venice. Lisbon. Each powerhouse travel destination already has its share of iconic hotels. But new properties opening in 2026 give visitors the unique ability to live inside the history and culture of these storied cities, not just peer at them from the outside. LONDON Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch One of London's most recognizable landmarks is now one of its most exclusive places to stay, offering access to ordinary people for the first time ever. Commissioned as a memorial to Queen Victoria...
Discovering the Japan You Didn’t Expect Beyond the Main Island
For many travelers, the increasingly popular destination of Japan begins and ends on the island of Honshu – literally, it’s ‘Main Island.’ I can’t blame them – so much of the energy and contrasts of Japan are to be found there: the neon energy of Tokyo, the ancient cultural treasures of Kyoto, the food scene of Osaka, and iconic attractions as different as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland! All connected by those famous, high-speed bullet trains. But if you stay...
Good News if You’re Flying to Europe: New Passenger Protections
It only took 13 years! And resistance from the air industry. But finally, European lawmakers have passed updated regulations adding even more starch to what are already the stiffest air passenger protection rules in the world. They apply to all passengers departing from an EU airport, and to passengers arriving in the EU from outside the zone if their flight is operated by an EU-based airline. Doesn't Seem Too Much to Ask… Key protections and updates agreed upon in June 2026 include:No Charge...
Scenic Expanding River Cruising to India, Sri Lanka
In October 2027, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is launching the Scenic Aura on the Hooghly River, debuting a collection of itineraries in India and Sri Lanka. Scenic Aura River Cruising During its inaugural season from October 2027 to March 2028, Scenic Aura will welcome no more than 44 guests per sailing for a truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river experience through the cultural heartland of West Bengal. The newly released itineraries feature a unique collection of Scenic included excursions and exclusive Scenic Enrich...
Gaudí at 100: Barcelona's Most Famous Architect "Raising the Roof" of the City
One hundred years after his death, Antoni Gaudí remains impossible to separate from Barcelona. The Catalan architect died on June 10, 1926, one of the most defining architects of any era, tragically struck down by a tram. A century later, his extraordinary buildings are not only the city's most recognizable landmarks, but they have also become symbols of Barcelona itself. For most travelers, a first visit to the Catalan regional capital is as much about discovering Gaudí as it is about...
The Natural Thrills of Costa Rica
If you want the focus of your vacation to be an authentic immersion into raw nature, put Costa Rica on your list of outdoor adventure destinations. This Central American country is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. In a territory roughly the size of the state of Vermont, it contains nearly 6% of the world’s known species! Even more amazing is that over 25% of Costa Rica – from its cloud forests and rainforests to volcanoes, mangroves, and coastlines...