Best things to do in Africa beyond safaris: Cruises, wine tours, hikes

Best things to do in Africa beyond safaris: Cruises, wine tours, hikes

Africa is blessed with some of the rarest and most beautiful animals in the world — a fact that entices tourists to book safaris year-round. But safaris only scratch the surface of what the continent has to offer.   From wine tours to vibrant coastal cities, other experiences await those who are willing to go … Read more

All-inclusive resorts add services to attract more luxury travelers

All-inclusive resorts add services to attract more luxury travelers

All-inclusive hotels are making a big play for luxury travelers. In the wake of the pandemic, demand for all-inclusive resorts skyrocketed, according to a report by JLL Research Hotels & Hospitality. Travelers — suddenly and en masse — wanted vacations that were stress-free and easy to plan, ideally with a wellness component, according to the … Read more

Travel companies use ChatGPT for complaints, negative online reviews

Travel companies use ChatGPT for complaints, negative online reviews

Responding to angry customers is one of the hardest parts of her job, Natasha said. Finding the right words, conveying the appropriate level of contrition — especially when the hotel isn’t at fault (read: rain complaints) — is a tedious and time-consuming process, said the director of a five-star resort, who asked that CNBC not … Read more

Unclaimed Baggage sells items in lost luggage at steep discounts

Unclaimed Baggage sells items in lost luggage at steep discounts

Live snakes, a mounted ram head, a Halloween card signed by Richard Nixon. Those are some of the most fascinating items found in lost luggage in 2023, according to a new report by Unclaimed Baggage, a store that buys lost items from airlines, sight unseen. The company also found a 13-foot vaulting pole, gruesome props … Read more

Maharajas’ Express to Palace on Wheels

Maharajas’ Express to Palace on Wheels

Luxury trains in India date back to its colonial era, when opulent carriages transported dignitaries, officials and royalty. More trains were built in the 19th century for the country’s maharajas and other ruling elites and their families. Following India’s independence in 1947, privy purses — or governmental payments to these rulers — ended. Without the … Read more

The top travel tips for introverts, as recommended by introverts

The top travel tips for introverts, as recommended by introverts

The thought of round-the-clock “togetherness” — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming to the estimated 57% of people who lean toward introversion. Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to re-energize by time spent alone. But even as its popularity increases, most trips are taken with … Read more

What to know about traveling in Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

What to know about traveling in Japan? 7 tips from frequent travelers

Japan has long captivated travelers. But many of its most famous qualities — from the cuisine to the country’s nationwide culture of civility — can initially be befuddling for outsiders too. To help travelers bridge the cultural gap, CNBC Travel asked frequent visitors for their single best piece of advice when visiting Japan. 1. Speak … Read more

Virgin Voyages launches month-long trip

Virgin Voyages launches month-long trip

Virgin Voyages is targeting a new type of traveler: remote workers. In March, the Miami-based cruise line owned by Sir Richard Branson introduced a month-long cruise called the “Scarlet Summer Season Pass.” It’s essentially four week-long cruises packaged together to appeal to remote workers who want to spend a month at sea in southern Europe. … Read more

Why is luxury travel so expensive? High prices aren’t curbing demand

Why is luxury travel so expensive? High prices aren’t curbing demand

The travel industry is largely back on track. But high prices in the luxury sector, which rose in the wake of the Covid pandemic, aren’t returning to normal. In fact, they’re growing higher by the month. Luxury hotel rates reached “peak levels” this year, with average daily rates up 70% compared to 2019, according to … Read more

What a one-night journey costs

What a one-night journey costs

Reservations for Italy’s new “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” train open Tuesday. Luxury train enthusiasts may want to lock in the current rate now — before it climbs any higher. Starting rates for a one-night journey on the luxury train increased from 2,000 euros ($2,168) per person in December 2022 to 2,500 euros per person … Read more