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☆ These tourist hot spots are introducing entry fees and price hikes for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Maureen Ohare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

See more, pay moreMore and more tourist hot spots are introducing visitor caps and entry fees to prevent overcrowding - and, whaddya know, it gives their coffers a little boost, too. There’s a new $13 charge for climbing Japan’s famous (and congested) Mount Fuji, which follows Japan’s 70% price hike for tourist rail passes. The Louvre art museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa, has raised ticket prices by almost a third, ahead of the Paris Olympics this summer. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida has already introduced higher park ticket prices for next year. Some of the lowest single-day, single-park ticket prices have gone up by $10 for 2025.

Persons: whaddya, Mona Lisa, It’s, Walt, Romeo, Juliet, ”, they’d Organizations: CNN, Fuji, Paris, Walt Disney World, Eiffel, United Airlines, Airbus Locations: Paris, London, Thailand, China, Seville, Spain, Louvre, Europe, Asia, Florida, Italian, Trafalgar, Bangkok, Mumbai, Houston, Australian, Lazio, Italy, Arizona, Basilicata, United States

☆ Why this snowy Japanese island is a food lover’s paradise
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Milly Chan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Hokkaido, Japan CNN —Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, is unlike anywhere else in the country. Chef Tomoyuki Takao in the kitchen of his eponymous Hokkaido restaurant. “I realized that the indigenous Ainu people were the most knowledgeable about the forest,” Takao says. It was the first Japanese wine ever served in the iconic restaurant Noma in Copenhagen, and is a firm favorite on Takao’s wine list. The ocean’s winter bountyVideo Ad Feedback Discover why these clams taste best in winter 06:25 - Source: CNNSeafood is an integral part of Hokkaido’s food culture.

Persons: Tomoyuki Takao, CNN “, “, ” Takao, Takao, ”, Sonoko Fukae, “ I’ve, Yu Uchida, Uchida, ” Uchida, Japow isn’t, Soga, Yoichi, Soga’s, ” Takahiko, Akio Kashiwamura, ” Kashiwamura, Kashiwamura, doesn’t, Akemi Yokoyama, Kazuki Akazawa, Akazawa, it’s Organizations: CNN, Japan CNN, Michelin, European, Ebetsu, ”, CNN Seafood Locations: Hokkaido, Japan, Sapporo, French, Honshu, Shikisai, Copenhagen, Takao, Burgundy, France, Okhotsk, ”, Notsuke, Tomakomai

☆ Mount Fuji introducing visitor cap and entry fee to prevent overcrowding
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Japan, is putting new regulations in place for climbers amid concerns about overcrowding. “By strongly promoting comprehensive safety measures for climbing Mount Fuji, we will ensure that Mount Fuji, a treasure of the world, is passed on to future generations,” said Koutaro Nagasaki, governor of Yamanashi Prefecture. “In order to revive traditional mountain climbing from the foot of Mount Fuji, we will gain a detailed understanding of the Fuji-ko and Oshi culture that supported Mount Fuji worship. This 2023 photo shows a crowd of visitors beginning their Mount Fuji ascents. Mathiad Cena/AFP/Getty ImagesAccording to prefectural data, five million people hiked Mount Fuji in 2019, a rise of three million from 2012.

Persons: ”, Koutaro Nagasaki, Mathiad Cena, “ Overtourism, Masatake Izumi, Tomoyo Takahashi, Takahashi, Hanako Montgomery Organizations: CNN, Mount, UNESCO, Fuji, Mount Fuji, Heritage Fuji Division, CNN Travel Locations: Japan, Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kasai, Kyoto, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima

☆ A Singapore hotel will pay you if it rains during your vacation
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

InterContinental Singapore has introduced the 'Rain Resist Bliss' package. Suite guests will be reimbursed if heavy rain disrupts their vacation plans. AdvertisementA five-star hotel in Singapore is offering a unique solution to guests whose vacations are ruined by heavy rain. InterContinental Singapore has announced a new room package, "Rain Resist Bliss," which will reimburse one night's stay if rainfall disrupts planned activities. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: InterContinental, Service, CNN Travel, Business Locations: InterContinental Singapore, Singapore

☆ Hot on the trail of cherry blossoms — peak times for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. CNN —In travel news this week: Circling the calendar for peak cherry blossoms, a very rare peek at post-pandemic North Korea and the insightful confessions of a Vegas habitué. While peak bloom can still be up in the air, the dates for the National Cherry Blossom Festival are solidly locked down: March 20-April 14. Meanwhile, Japanese forecasters are out with their own cherry blossom, or sakura, predictions. 02:06 - Source: CNNIn the best of times, a visit to communist North Korea was a rarity.

Persons: Brandon Griggs, He’s, Willy Wonka Organizations: CNN, Washington , D.C, Bloom Watch, National Cherry Blossom, –, Air Albania, AAA Locations: Korea, Netherlands, France, Washington ,, Japan, Wharf, Kochi, Tokyo, wintry Sapporo, Dubai, Atlanta, Air, London, India, United States, North Korea, Russia, Pyongyang, Masikryong, North, Las Vegas, Sin

☆ She missed her flight to extend her Italy vacation romance. Here’s what happened next
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

Bianca was in the harbor of Riomaggiore, the southernmost of the five picturesque fishing villages that make up the Italian Cinque Terre region. “Then, three days before I was leaving to go home, my friend said, ‘Let’s go to the Cinque Terre. After three days with Alessandro, Bianca didn’t want to leave, but she figured she had no choice. She fed me, of course.”Alessandro also took Bianca on the back of his scooter for hilltop rides around the Cinque Terre. The couple would take their daughter along too, and spend time with their Italian family.

Persons: Bianca Gignac, Bianca, ” Bianca, It’s, she’d, Florence –, “, ”, ‘ Let’s, ’, Alessandro Morelli, ” Alessandro, –, Alessandro, I’d, Bianca –, Artie, “ I’m, skeptically, let’s, She’d, Bianca Gignac Bianca, Bianca didn’t, “ Bianca, don’t, Paola, ‘ I’m, they’d, “ I’ve, I’m, ’ ” Bianca, Riomaggiore –, Alessandro’s, Italy Bianca, ” “ Patience, Bianca’s, ’ ”, Stefano Butturini Bianca, – we’re, ‘ Don’t, we’ve, “ She’s, Italy –, “ It’s, we’re Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Italian Cultural Institute of Vancouver, Terre, La Spezia, Getty Locations: Riomaggiore, Italian, Terre, Canadian, Italy, Europe, Florence, La, Cinque Terre, Rome, Canada, Terre wasn’t, La Spezia, Vancouver, Bianca’s, Costa Rica, Bianca

☆ He booked a one-way ticket to Thailand the day after finishing high school. Now he’s a top Bangkok chef
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Philipp Meier | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“I’m both a night and morning person,” says the Swedish-born executive head chef of Nordic-Asian fusion restaurant Villa Frantzen, one of only two Nordic restaurants in Thailand’s capital. Courtesy Villa Frantzén Restaurant & Bar“The broad spectrum you gain from exploring cuisines from all over the world is what lends every chef a unique skill set and better fundament for creation. Courtesy Villa Frantzén Restaurant & BarA dish of grilled duck and endive. Courtesy Villa Frantzén Restaurant & Bar“And I can go a long time with few hours of sleep a night. Villa Frantzén – Restaurant & Bar, 7 Soi Yen Akat 3, Chong Nonsi, Bangkok; +66 (0)87 344 8222.

Persons: “, ”, Corneliussen, ” Corneliussen, didn’t, Villa, Copenhagen –, Björn Frantzen, he’s, It’s, Chong Nonsi Organizations: Bangkok CNN, Villa, Nordic, Muay, CNN, Villa Frantzen, Michelin, Frantzen Locations: Bangkok, Swedish, Thailand’s, “, Thailand, Thai, Muay Thai, Sweden, Europe, Bangkok's Sathorn, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Asia, Thai Kingdom, Bangkok’s Sathorn, Bangkok’s

☆ He’s visited every corner of the Earth. Now he wants to try a very different challenge
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Richard Collett | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Standing on the South Pole at the start of the year with the wind whipping across the Antarctic, travel blogger Johnny Ward felt a surge of relief. Years before, in 2017, he’d become the first Irish person to visit every country in the world. Life goalIrish explorer Johnny Ward has climbed the seven summits, reached the North and South poles, and visited every country in the world. And originally I thought the freest you can be is to visit every country,” he said. Costly challengeWard cycling in south east Asia while completing the epic challenge of visiting every country in the world.

Persons: Johnny Ward, he’d, Ward, Johnny Ward “, ” Ward, ”, “, who’ve, Mount, didn’t, wasn’t, “ I’m, He’s, Mariana Trench Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, UN, Antarctic, ” Locations: Thailand, Palestinian, Taiwan, Kosovo, Oman, Socotra, Yemen, Cairo, Cape Town, South Korea, Australia, Denali, Asia, Galway, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Florida, New York, Mauritania, Africa

☆ The least-visited national parks in the United States in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The state of Alaska — which covers 665,384 square miles (426 million acres) — is home to five of the 15 least-visited national parks for 2023. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Alaska - 78,305 recreation visitsAmerica’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias encompasses 13.2 million acres — or about the size of Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park and Switzerland combined, the Park Service says. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida - 84,285 recreation visitsThis island park in Florida is among 20 National Park Service sites that broke visitation records in 2023. Channel Islands National Park, California - 328,746 recreation visitsStretching over five islands and the surrounding ocean, Channel Islands National Park offer opportunities to hike, snorkel, kayak, birdwatch and more. While Pinnacles may rank among the 15 least-visited national parks, it gets very busy on weekends, holidays and throughout the spring, according to a notice on the park’s website.

Persons: Alaska’s Gates, “, ” Peter Christian, fa’asamoa, Gates, ”, Katmai, Brooks Camp, Elias, Lumir, Nabesna, McCarthy Organizations: CNN, &, CNN Travel, of, Park Service, National Parks, & Preserve, South Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines, Lake Clark, National Park Service, Getty, Isle Royale, NPS, Wolves, Elias, Park & Preserve, Yosemite National, Voyageurs National, Voyageurs National Park, ” Voyageurs, Voyageurs, Service, Channel Locations: Alaska’s, Fairbanks, Alaska, of American Samoa, South, Samoa, Smoky, Wild Rivers, American Samoa, Honolulu, , Alaska, Isle, Lake Superior, Isle Royale, Park , Michigan, Brooks, , Washington, Wrangell, St, Elias, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Switzerland, , Florida, Florida, Key, Fort Jefferson, , Nevada, Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park , Minnesota, Canada, Guadalupe, Park , Texas, Texas, Salt, , South Carolina, South Carolina, Congaree, There’s, Santa Cruz, , California, Southern California

☆ A former resident of The World cruise ship spent 6 years onboard, says it's not unlike 'The White Lotus'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewA former resident of The World, an exclusive private residential ship with a strict invite-only policy, said living on board was not unlike HBO's "The White Lotus." In fact, Antonucci told CNN Travel that it was not dissimilar to the popular HBO series, which has won 15 Primetime Emmy Awards. AdvertisementDescribing the ship as a "country club meets sorority house," Antonucci told CNN Travel that there was "drinking and carousing" and infidelity on board. Though Antonucci told CNN Travel that people begged him not to write about them, guests later asked him why they weren't featured. At first, he told CNN Travel, he was shocked by how expensive everything was, but by the second day he asked how he could sign up.

Persons: —, Peter Antonucci, Antonucci, I'm, sinning, you've Organizations: Service, CNN Travel, Business, HBO, CNN

☆ They left the US for a new life abroad. Things didn’t all go to plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. CNN —In travel news this week: trending flight routes around the world, the latest on Qantas’ record-breaking Project Sunrise, plus the Americans leaving the States behind for new lives overseas. She’s one of a number of influencers who’s struck a chord with people who love the fairytale fantasy of starting over with a new, better life. However, for the brave souls who take the plunge, things don’t always run smoothly or according to plan. But right now Death Valley National Park – the driest place in the country – is offering visitors a rare kayaking opportunity in a temporary lake in Badwater Basin.

Persons: “, ”, Kacie Rose Burns, who’s, skywatchers, you’re, Olivia, Noah, ” Expedia, there’s, There’s, Malcolm Park Organizations: CNN, Qantas, Expedia Group, Chicago, ”, Alaska Airlines, Ski Locations: America, United States, Italy, Chicago, Bahamas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Badwater Basin, North America, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Asia, Perth, Bali, Tampa, Toronto, Nevada, Australia, Sydney, New York, London, Montchavin, France

☆ ‘Scandals and secrets’: On board the world’s most exclusive private residential ship
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

Welcome to The World, an exclusive private residential ship home to 165 superluxe apartments. Antonucci’s children were in their early 20s during his stint as a World resident, but they came and visited their parents on board from time to time. Unlike on an ordinary cruise ship, residents are able to make renovations and decorate according to personal tastes. Peter AntonucciFor many residents, the social life on board The World is also a big part of the appeal. The World’s owners also chose not to respond to Antonucci’s account of life on board.

Persons: CNN —, – you’ve, “ I’m, Peter Antonucci, you’ve, Antonucci, he’d, ”, he's, Peter Antonucci Antonucci, “, Antonucci didn’t, they’d, Antonucci can’t, ” Antonucci, –, aren’t, “ They’re, I’ve, ’ Antonucci, There’s, carousing ”, wasn’t, I’d, ‘, Antonucci “, he’s Organizations: CNN, HBO, CNN Travel, “, Street, Wimbledon, ” Locations: Antonucci, Belize, Panama, New York, Europe, Maldives, Seychelles, Australia, New Zealand, London, Rio de Janeiro, Florida, Solomon Islands, South Africa

☆ He thought the guy he met on vacation was just a fling. He turned out to be the love of his life
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +21 min

Guillermo was looking forward to meeting Larry, expecting “some casual fun.”Then, when Guillermo and Larry met, there was “chemistry” right away. “Palm Springs had seats, so I booked my standby flight, got to Palm Springs, checked into this resort. Then, a few days after meeting Larry, Guillermo got an unexpected phone call from his mother in Costa Rica. Guillermo’s love of flying meant that, for him, the four-hour journey across the country was part of the fun. The last piece of the puzzleGuillermo and Larry love to travel together, here they are in Florence, Italy.

Persons: Guillermo Barrantes, Larry Mock, ” Guillermo, Guillermo, wasn’t, “, –, ”, Larry, Guillermo swiped, who’d, Larry’s workdays, he’d, – Guillermo, ‘, ’ ” Guillermo, Guillermo’s, compartmentalize, Guillermo Barrantes “, confiding, ’ ”, Larry . Long, Guillermo “, ” Larry, “ Love, Guillermo didn’t, peppering, Larry – who’d, they’d, Adele, hadn’t, Guillermo wasn’t, don’t, didn’t, Larry’s, Here's Guillermo, Heather Thompson, ” “, Rihanna, Larry –, sipped, they’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, American Airlines, “, Palm, Logan Airport, Dallas, San, Dallas Arboretum Locations: Palm Springs, California, Boston , Massachusetts, Texas, Palm, Dallas , Texas, Springs, Costa Rica, Boston, Dallas, Boston’s, Logan, Guillermo’s city, Delta, San Francisco, Hawaii, Florence, Italy

☆ They built a waterfront home in the Bahamas. Then it was destroyed by a hurricane
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-18 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Handshake agreementThe Slezyckis love watching the sunrise from their waterfront home in the Bahamas. ”But we do it once a year.”Storm damageSadly their home was destroyed when Hurricane Dorian hit in 2019. Nobody was [left] unscathed.”Unfortunately, the Slezyckis weren’t able to return to Great Guana Cay for a while as the nearest airports had also been damaged by the storm. “No crowds, no traffic, no road rage, little to no crime.”Although the hurricane devastated Great Guana Cay, the island has since recovered, and “in some ways is better than ever,” says Norvell. We’re really spread out over here.”In 2020, she launched a TikTok account, SouthPauseIslandGirl, on the suggestion of her niece, and eventually began posting about Great Guana Cay.

Persons: CNN — They’d, Mark Slezycki, “, ” Norvell, they’d, ‘, ”, Mark, Norvell, ’ ”, you’re, Mark “, Hurricane Dorian, Norvell Slezycki, Dorian, “ We’ve, they’ve, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady, “ It’s, It’s, We’re, she’s, it’s, “ There’s, “ You’ve, you’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, ”, Fort, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Ocean, Ocean Club, US State Department Locations: Bahamas, Norvell, New York City, Nassau, Florida, Guana, Abaco, Lighthouse Point , Florida, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Treasure Cay, “, ”, Marsh Harbour, Great, New Providence, Freeport

☆ Want to try this beef snack? Join the 43-year waitlist
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Taste of JapanIn Takasago City, Japan, a brand of frozen Kobe beef croquettes is so popular that the waiting list is longer than most mortgages. Bakery chain Kimuraya is advancing that further by using AI to produce “romance bread” targeted at the nation’s love-averse youth. The Japanese island of Kyushu is where sugar was first introduced to the country by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The island retains a sweet tooth to this day and is home to Japan’s most beloved sweet treats. Try to squeeze in as many as you can on a trip to the region.

Persons: Linda Ford, they’ve Organizations: CNN, JFK, JFK Airport, Air, Manhattan, Apple, City, Henley, of Locations: Japan, Takasago City, Kobe, Kyushu, Portuguese, Turkey’s, Georgia, Rize, Tokyo, Odawara, New, Air France, Paris, France, City of, Europe, Asia, of Malta, Superior, Costa Rica

☆ The American who bought a home in Italy and found ‘big surprises’ inside
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-16 | by ( Silvia Marchetti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Buyers from all over the world are snapping up charming old houses in isolated villages in Italy. Chicago-based saxophonist Joshua Shapiro, 48, embarked on the quest for la dolce vita as the first step toward a change of life. Many empty homes featured on the local website where owners meet buyers are sold or rented with furniture, but what eventually ends up being left inside is usually negotiated between parties. Courtesy Joshua ShapiroThere was also a bizarre encounter when he first went to take a peek inside the house he had just bought. Accompanied by Castellano, the deputy mayor, Shapiro says he was surprised to find it had tenants inside – a group of elderly nuns.

Persons: we’ll, Stanley Tucci, Joshua Shapiro, “, ” Shapiro, ”, Shapiro, MC Newman Shapiro, Latronico, he’d, –, – it’s, Vincenzo Castellano, – Shapiro, Castellano, Latronico’s Organizations: CNN, intel Locations: Italy, . Chicago, United States, Latronico, Basilicata, Europe, Florence, Rome, Bari, –, American, Chicago

☆ She arrived at JFK airport in 1971 and two men were waiting for her. Here’s how she ended up married to one of them
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +18 min

Linda arrived in New York City “in precisely the clothes I described.” At the airport, she glanced around, searching the throngs of people. Linda PorterThe dark-haired, mustachioed man “was George,” Linda soon realized. An introduction to New York CityLinda arrived in New York City excited to embark on a new chapter. Courtesy G. Porter and Dr. L. M. PorterLike Linda, George Porter was also a New York City transplant. Newly married, Linda – who took George’s name, becoming Linda Porter – returned to the US, once again landing in JFK airport.

Persons: John F, Linda Ford, Linda wasn’t, ” Linda, Linda, she’d, – she’d, “, ”, George, John Rooney, George Porter, –, who’d, they’d, Linda Dean, I’d, Linda Porter, Jean, Claude, Frenchman, ” Jean, “ George, New York City Linda, Porter, ” “, ” George, Linda –, he’d, “ Linda, George “, he'd, It’s, Penny, Patty, – “, Linda’s, George’s, Here's George, Porter “, we’d, Linda Porter –, Linda weren’t, ’, Max Burnell, CNN George, I’m, “ Jean Organizations: CNN, Kennedy International Airport, City University of New, CNN Travel, Kennedy International, JFK, Air, Air France, New, Riverside Park, Yorker, Atlantic Locations: JFK, City University of New York, United States, England, Paris, York City, “ New York, New York City, Air France, Southern, New York, Manhattan, Arkansas, George, Europe, –, Linda’s, midtown, NYC, Staten, of, Central Park, West Coast, “ But New York, Sevenoaks, Kent, Riverside, New Jersey, Switzerland

☆ ‘The Love Boat’: How a TV show transformed the cruise industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

‘Greatest product placement’"The Love Boat" centered around the adventures of the crew and passenger on board a luxury cruise ship. “‘The Love Boat’ really created the cruise industry,” Michael L. Grace, who worked as a scriptwriter on the program during the 1980s, told CNN Travel in 2022. During the 1980s, almost 40 new cruise ships were constructed, including Tropicale, from Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Princess, Princess Cruises’ first purpose-built cruise ship. Princess Cruises“The Love Boat” may also have played a part in the heavy entertainment focus we see on modern-day cruise ships. Outlandish musical performances were often featured on “The Love Boat,” and they proved to be a big hit with viewers.

Persons: we’re, Aaron Spelling, Princess Cruise, Jeraldine Saunders, “, Merrill Stubing, Gavin MacLeod, ” Michael L, Grace, Princess, Caribbean's, ”, Carolyn Spencer Brown, Captain Stubing, Adam Bricker, Bernie Kopell, Julie McCoy, Lauren Tewes, Isaac Washington, Ted Lange, Vicki, Jill Whelan, ” Grace, Everett, Peter Knego, Spencer Brown, Dittrich, Keen, Cruises ’, Princess “, Cruises, Della Reese, Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Ann Miller, Judi Patterson, Andy, Oriana, Patterson, Greer Garson, Howard Duff, Jill Whelan –, Princess Cruises – Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, Ezra Freeman, he’s, ” MacLeod, Joe Raedle, Caribbean’s, Isaac, Ted Lange's, Bret Hartman, Knego, ” Spencer Brown, ” Whelan, Cruise Organizations: CNN, Paramount Plus, Princess Cruises, Princess, Everett, CNN Travel, Cruise Media, Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Entertainment, CBS, Knego, “, Disney Cruise, world’s, Princess Cruises Pacific Locations: Mexico, Royal Caribbean, India, New York, Canada, New England

☆ For some Spring Festival revelers in China, traditional attire adds an element of time travel to celebrations
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

For instance, Yu Garden in Shanghai, which hosts a 40-day Spring Festival lantern fair, has become a popular destination for Hanfu fans. The nearby commercial shopping district of Wujiaochang even hosted a Lunar New Year Hanfu parade to attract revelers to the area this year. It too has seen an increase in young tourists wearing traditional attire during visits, according to one local. Embracing traditionA woman wearing Hanfu strolls around the Spring Festival Flower Market in Guangzhou, China, on February 9, 2024. Others say the term “Hanfu” is too narrow, given the fluid sharing of influences among diverse ethnic groups in China.

Persons: they’ve, Taobao, Shanghai's Yu, Yu, influencers, ”, Cai Pa, ” Cai, it’s, Li, John Ricky, Hanfu, she’s Organizations: CNN, CNN — Tourists, Visual China, Getty, CNN Travel Locations: Suzhou, China, Shanghai, Hanfu, Seoul, Yu Garden, Wujiaochang, China’s, Hainan, Haikou, Qilou, Guangzhou, Anhui, gan

☆ Where to see April’s total solar eclipse
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —The total solar eclipse passing over a swath of North America is less than two months away. The August 2017 total solar eclipse is seen from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument near Mitchell, Oregon. There’s a lunchtime Solar Eclipse Watch Party in downtown Dallas on eclipse Monday with live music and food trucks. Indianapolis, IndianaIndianapolis is located along the center line of the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse. The city’s last total solar eclipse was nearly 100 years ago on January 25, 1925, according to a Rochester eclipse website.

Persons: it’s, Airbnb, “, John, Adrees Latif, Dave Clark, that’s, Clark, Michael Zeiler, GreatAmericanEclipse.com, Jay Anderson, ”, ” Anderson, Cerra, David Esquivel, Esquivel, El, Natalia Silyanov, There’s, Christopher Roth, Anderson, Adam Stiles, Catharines, Geoff Robins, haven’t Organizations: CNN, Reuters, CNN Travel, Planetarium Torreón, Astronomical Society of Mazatlán, Llano Visitor Center, Chamber of Commerce, Enchanted, Natural Area, Natural, ., Dallas , Texas Dallas, Eclipse Watch Party, Dallas, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Arboretum, Botanical, Sixth, Eclipse, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, NASA, Indy, Euclid, Great Lakes Science Center, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Circle, Cleveland Museum of, Wade, Wade Oval, Destination Cleveland, Rochester Museum & Science Center, Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Parks, . Parks, Getty Locations: North America, Mexico, Canada, Texas , Oklahoma , Arkansas , Missouri , Illinois , Kentucky , Indiana , Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York , Vermont , New Hampshire, Maine, Texas, Mitchell , Oregon, Torreón, Mexican, Coahuila, That’s, las, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, El Faro, Llano , Texas, Llano, Enchanted Rock, Dallas , Texas, Dallas, Fort Worth, Dealy, Russellville , Arkansas, Russellville, Indianapolis , Indiana Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Cleveland , Ohio Cleveland, Lake Erie, Edgewater, Euclid Beach, There’s, Cleveland, Independence, North Olmsted, Beachwood, Westlake, Destination Cleveland . Rochester , New York Rochester, Rochester, Ontario, Niagara, Niagara Falls, The City, St, ., AFP

☆ Xi’an, China: Ancient city hosts spectacular lantern show
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But this month, all eyes are on another one of its historic sites – the Xi’an City Wall, said to be one of the world’s most impressive remaining traditional defense systems and one of the only complete ancient city walls left in China. China officially marks the Lantern Festival as the 15th day of the first lunar month (February 24 in 2024). A year-round attractionThe top of Xi'an's City Wall is a popular place for locals and tourists to get some exercise. chuyu/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesWhen not glowing with lanterns, Xi’an’s City Wall provides locals and tourists a relaxing space for cycling, or a breezy stroll, while offering panoramic views. A year earlier, in 2014, then-US First Lady Michelle Obama jumped rope and danced on the Xi’an City Wall.

Persons: netizen, Yuan, Xiao, it’s, Mark Zuckerberg, Michelle Obama Organizations: CNN, Army, Visitors, Lantern Festival ., Festival, Wall, Facebook Locations: China, Xi’an, Weibo, Lantern Festival . China

☆ She arranged a date with a guy she met on a plane. When he didn’t show, she unexpectedly met her future husband
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

“I loved London,” Cristina tells CNN Travel today. Matt’s family was staying at Claridge’s, the historic, swanky five star hotel in Mayfair. Matt’s parents knew he was going on a spontaneous date. “And then they would never forward the mail.”Cristina’s idea of writing to Matt’s parents’ address was a good one. After years of working and living in Italy, Matt’s fluent in Italian.

Persons: she’d, Cristina Farina, Cristina, ”, “ Let’s, they’d, “, ” Cristina, Trafalgar Square’s, William Shakespeare’s “ Romeo, Juliet, London Here's Cristina, Matt, Matt Reinecke, Cristina gestured, he’d, Cristina couldn’t, Here's Matt, Cristina he’d, ‘, ’ ”, welling, you’ll, wouldn’t, Weeks, Claridge’s, Matt hadn’t, Read, Matt’s, Matt wasn’t, Florence Matt, Matt reckons they’d, ” Matt, Cristina’s, Davide, Francesca, Cristina Farina Matt, they’re, ” Here's Matt, Ludovica Barone, They’ve, – Organizations: CNN, Florence, Heathrow Airport, CNN Travel, Bond, Cristina’s Locations: London, Trafalgar, California, Claridge’s, Mayfair, Hyde, Italy, Europe, ”, Florence, Greece, San Francisco, Francisco, San Francisco’s, Prato , Tuscany, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Milan, Turin, Tuscany, American, “, Italian

☆ Italy's Amalfi Coast will get a new airport
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

That rule is about to get a little less hard and fast as the Amalfi Coast gets its “own” airport. Technically it’s a reopening rather than a new airport built from scratch. ‘An important moment for the region’The Amalfi Coast is stunningly beautiful -- and it is one of the most overtouristed parts of Italy. GI_ELLE/iStock Editorial/Getty ImagesAnd while the Amalfi Coast has struggled with overtourism with authorities introducing major restrictions on cars to ease congestion, locals seem pleased. Fausto Salsano, owner of Vietri Centro B&B in Vietri sul Mare, the first village on the famous coastline, told CNN: “I’m thrilled that we will have an Amalfi Coast airport.

Persons: CNN —, Volotea, “, ” GESAC, Frank Bienewald, Carlos Muñoz, GESAC’s Roberto Barbieri, Fausto Salsano, “ I’m, it’ll, ” Organizations: CNN, Amalfi Coast, Volotea, Aircraft, Nantes, Cagliari, Catania, GESAC, Vietri Centro Locations: Italy, Amalfi, Salerno Costa, Salerno, Airlines, Spanish, France, Sardinia, Verona, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam Schiphol, Kuwait City, Naples, Vietri sul Mare, Amalfi Coast

☆ Finnair starts weighing flying passengers at the gate
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —We all know what it’s like to have our baggage weighed at an airport check-in. But now, some brave airline passengers are consenting to being weighed themselves before boarding the plane. In a trial by European carrier Finnair at its Helsinki Airport hub, volunteer passengers are being weighed at the departure gate in order to allow the airline to refine weight estimates for planes before takeoff. Korean Air conducted its own weighing program in 2023, while Air New Zealand also did a weight survey last year. Finnair is collecting data for both winter and summer seasons, since passengers tend to wear heavier clothing and coats during the cold Finnish winters.

Persons: “ crouch, ”, you’ve, who’s, Päivyt, Finnair’s, Tallqvist, Alessandro Rampazzo, Finnair, Munnukka Organizations: CNN, Helsinki Airport, Getty, Civil Aviation Authority, European Aviation Safety Authority, Korean Air, Air New, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Locations: Helsinki, AFP, Air New Zealand, Finnish, Munnukka

☆ The Bucket List Family: How to travel the world with three kids
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“I never had the thought in my brain that ‘I want to travel around the world,’” Gee, from Denver, Colorado, tells CNN Travel. They soon began planning an extended trip to Southeast Asia and decided to launch an Instagram page, The Bucket List Family, to collate their adventures. “The little bit of traveling turned into three years full-time,” adds Gee, who has just released a travel guidebook, The Bucket List Family Travel, in partnership with National Geographic. The family went on to visit dozens of countries across the world, including Germany, Morocco, Japan, Brazil, Guatemala and Dominica. Family favoritesThe family of five have traveled to more than 90 countries.

Persons: Jessica Gee, Walt, ”, Garrett, Dorothy, Manilla, “, ” Gee, Gee, Jessica, Garrett Gee, who’ve, Callihan, Calihan, Geographic Gee, you’re, Gee’s, – that’s, it’s, They’ve, don’t Organizations: CNN, Walt Disney, CNN Travel, National Geographic, Gee, Central, East, Rwanda, Geographic, Disney Locations: Europe, Florida, Denver , Colorado, Vladivostok, Russia, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Singapore , New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Germany, Morocco, Japan, Brazil, Guatemala, Dominica, Belize, Central American, Alaska, East African, Rwanda, Hawaii, Africa, Antarctica, China, Borneo

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