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

Southern California city council gives a key approval for Disneyland expansion plan

SANTA ANA, Calif. — Visitors to Disney’s California parks could one day walk through the snow-covered hamlet of Arendelle from “Frozen” or the bustling, critter-filled metropolis of “Zootopia” under a park expansion plan approved by the Anaheim City Council. Disney would spend at least $1.9 billion over the next decade to transform its 490-acre (488-hectare) … Read more

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

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 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

Venice day-trippers will face steep fines if they fail to pay an access fee under a pilot program

MILAN — Day-trippers to the fabled canal city of Venice who fail to pay 5 euros ($5.43) to enter the lagoon city’s historic center during a time-limited pilot program launching later this month will face fines starting at 10 times the entrance fee, officials said Thursday. Venice announced last year it would launch the long-discussed … Read more

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

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

What are the best restaurants in Asia? Here the top 50 for 2024

Tokyo’s Sézanne is the newly crowned winner of “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024” list. The two Michelin-starred neo-classical French restaurant, located on the 7th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, climbed from No. 2 on the 2023 list to secure the top spot. Japan had nine restaurants make this year’s list, as … Read more

Too much Atlantic in Atlantic City: Beach erosion has casinos desperately seeking sand by summer

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The ocean and beaches have always been a part of Atlantic City’s identity: from salt water taffy to Miss America bathing beauties to the name of the place itself, the city has been marketed as a place to have fun by the sea. But there is a little too much Atlantic … Read more