UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee named a site in the Gaza Strip — Saint Hilarion Monastery, or Tell Umm Amer — to both its “World Heritage” and “World Heritage In Danger” lists in late July. The decision, made during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India, reflects the ancient monastery’s … Read more
From Monday, some passengers arriving in Singapore’s Changi Airport won’t need to show their passports to clear immigration. As part of a trial, Singapore residents arriving in Terminal 3 who use the lanes designated for the country’s new “token-less clearance” program can enter the country using eye and facial biometric processing, rather than passports, according … Read more
Years ago, the manager of a hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand told me about an unusual booking that he once received during the middle of the night. A traveler had flown his entire family via private jet from Brunei to the Thai island after learning upon landing in Brunei that it is a “dry country” … Read more
I’m often asked: “What is your favorite country to visit?” For an avid adventurer, it’s a confounding question. How to distill culture, vibes, food, scenery, and all the other factors that shape the international travel experience? Identifying the nations I have explored in depth over multiple visits — popular places like Turkey, Nepal, South Africa … Read more
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Air New Zealand scrapped its 2030 carbon emissions reduction targets on Tuesday, citing lags in producing new planes, a lack of alternative fuel and “challenging” regulatory and policy settings. The move by the national carrier — one of New Zealand’s biggest companies by revenue — was the highest-profile reversal yet of … Read more
Was it the Parisians who bluntly told travelers “do not come” to Paris during the Summer Games? Or did sky-high prices for hotel rooms, house rentals and event tickets turn travelers away? For a multitude of reasons, many people — including residents — avoided Paris in the build-up to the Olympic Games, despite prognostications … Read more
BARCELONA, Spain — Imagine planning a vacation and not being able to check Airbnb or another online booking site for an apartment in which to spend a few days walking, shopping and eating among the locals. Would a hotel do? That’s the future confronting visitors to central Barcelona in four years. To safeguard and expand … Read more
PARIS — On a typical summer day, tourists flock to the historic Marais district of Paris, wandering its charming medieval streets dotted with ultra-chic boutiques, gazing at stunning private mansions, strolling through the elegant 17th-century square Place des Vosges, and filling humming restaurants and bars. But this summer has hardly been typical, and those streets, … Read more
Paris boasts many luxurious five-star accommodations. At the Hotel Plaza Athénée, a single night during peak season can cost around $44,000, while a stay in the Imperial Suite at the Ritz Paris can command an astounding $70,000 per night. Hôtel de Crillon, an 18th-century palace which was converted into a luxury hotel in 1909, has … Read more
The iconic Raffles hotel brand announced the opening of Raffles Jaipur on July 8 — the second to open in the Indian subcontinent. The first, Raffles Udaipur, opened in 2021. Both hotels are in Rajasthan, a northwestern Indian state known for its stunning forts and historical palaces, like the Hawa Mahal. Jaipur, the capital city … Read more
