North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say

North Korea to reopen for international visitors, tour operators say

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

Monaco hosts E1, a new racing competition using all-electric boats

Monaco hosts E1, a new racing competition using all-electric boats

Monaco’s connection to car racing and boating is stamped all over it, from the hairpin turns of its Formula One circuit to the five-deck superyachts docked at Port Hercule. But its desires to be known as a sustainability destination are less apparent. Monaco’s “Green is the New Glam” campaign, launched in 2018, highlighted many of … Read more

UNESCO names Gaza site to both its World Heritage and In Danger lists

UNESCO names Gaza site to both its World Heritage and In Danger lists

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

Travel to Paris dropped because of the Summer Olympic Games

Travel to Paris dropped because of the Summer Olympic Games

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

How the ultra-wealthy travel in Paris

How the ultra-wealthy travel in Paris

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

Tips on traveling to Paris during the Summer Olympics

Tips on traveling to Paris during the Summer Olympics

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

What are the best hotels in Jaipur? The city has a new Raffles hotel

What are the best hotels in Jaipur? The city has a new Raffles hotel

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

Here are 15 of the world’s most punctual airports

Here are 15 of the world’s most punctual airports

Indoor waterfalls, rooftop pools, yoga studios. Airports have many bells and whistles these days. But most travelers would gladly trade them for flights that consistently arrive on time. The passenger rights company AirHelp ranked 239 airports in 69 countries, with an emphasis on the on-time performance of flights operating from May 2023 to April 2024. … Read more

Six Marriott hotels are providing free helicopter transfers into NYC

Six Marriott hotels are providing free helicopter transfers into NYC

With New York’s congestion pricing plan indefinitely delayed, traffic into Manhattan this summer is set to be gridlocked as usual. But travelers staying in some of the city’s top luxury hotels can avoid the highways altogether. Announced Tuesday, Marriott International Luxury Group is providing free helicopter transfers from John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark … Read more

Chateau de Villette is French manor home that costs $270,000 a week

Chateau de Villette is French manor home that costs 0,000 a week

Chateau de Villette is more than a French manor house — it’s a walk through history. Built in the late 17th century with the help of Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Andre Le Notre,  both of whom were instrumental in building the world-renowned Palace of Versailles, the chateau features seven suites in the main house, each extravagantly … Read more