Travelers may have finally had enough. With revenge travel over and pandemic savings depleted, travelers say they’re planning fewer trips this summer, or skipping their vacations altogether. “After two straight years of strong gains, the number of Americans planning to take leisure trips is taking a dip,” states a summer travel report from Deloitte Insights. … Read more
For many, Singapore — the city that inspired “Crazy Rich Asians” — is synonymous with luxury, with everything from top-tier accommodations to high-end shopping and restaurants. For the ultimate stay, Marina Bay Sands has an exclusive, invitation-only Chairman Suite, while Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island is a tranquil escape, known for hosting high-level international meetings. … Read more
North Korea will resume international tourism this winter, ending a COVID-era ban on travelers, according to operators that organize trips to the country. Travel companies KTG and Koryo Tours, which organize trips to North Korea, said on Wednesday that their partners in the country had informed them about government plans to allow travel to some … Read more
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
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
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
In 2023, Rowena Hennigan came to a difficult but necessary conclusion — she needed an extended break from work. Hennigan was dealing with disrupted sleep, anxiety, brain fog — all normal symptoms of menopause – but it was wreaking havoc on her work and her mental health. She said she tried exercise, a new diet, … 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
During the six years that I was lucky enough to live in the center of Paris, I learned a lot about the ups and downs that come with being a Parisienne. I would move back in a heartbeat. But I also feel for international visitors who arrive with a romantic vision of beautiful perfection, only … 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
