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☆ He told his mother there was ‘no way’ he’d meet someone in Australia. Then he fell in love at first sight
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-11 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +27 min

“Then, later on, when we left, she was like, ‘Oh, so you like him,’” recalls Wati. “But a week later, we decided to get together on a Saturday, and we spent most of the day together,” recalls Mike. “He’d mail them to me in these little padded envelopes,” recalls Wati. “Eventually, I was able to figure out how to get some credit for doing a paper at Melbourne University in January 1989,” recalls Mike. “She would stay for about a month or a little bit more,” recalls Wati.

Persons: Mike Grossman, Mike “, Mike, ”, There’s, “, —, he’d, I’d, ” Mike, bode, Melbourne’s Monash, Wati, Yanti, Michael, nudging, ’ ”, Wati Grossman, ” Wati, Paul, Gauguin, Andrew Lloyd Webber, I’m, They’d, “ Wati, Khan ’ —, we’re, He’d, who’d, Wati’s, Boston, they’d, Wati —, Kevin Costner’s, we’d, it’s, Wati Grossman —, Levis Strauss, Alex, Talia, Mike’s, Grossman, We’ve, he’s, they’re, we’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Harvard Law School, Melbourne’s, National Gallery of Victoria, Star Trek, “, Australian Broadcasting Commission, Facebook, “ Technology, Sony, Radio, Melbourne University, Wati, Washington DC, New, Melbourne Botanic Gardens, Harvard Memorial Church, Harvard Memorial, Fashion Institute of Technology, Levis Strauss and Company Locations: Australia, Melbourne, Boston, California, San Francisco, American, Indonesian Australian, Indonesia, “, Wati, Radio Australia, Christmastime, New York City, Washington, New York, Botanic, United States, Hotel, Sydney, Sydney “, Silicon Valley, In California

☆ Xiaohongshu: How ‘China’s Instagram’ is transforming the travel industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Hong Kong CNN —Tucked away in a residential neighborhood in the west of Hong Kong, the Kennedy Town Playground’s basketball courts aren’t particularly noteworthy. It’s because the courts, perched on the side of a hilly slope, offer great views of the Hong Kong skyline. Many of them are followers of Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), China’s answer to Instagram, which has also become their travel bible. The 26-year-old relied solely on Xiaohongshu to navigate Hong Kong with his wife during their recent trip to the city. A woman takes pictures at an iconic Xiaohongshu spot in Hong Kong.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, sipping lattes, Xiaohongshu, Hong Kong's, Noemi Cassanelli, CNN Kennedy, Jiao Le, Cassanelli, ” Jiao Le, Jay Chou, ”, Tokyo's, Zhizhao Wu, Giovanni Mereghetti, Mao Zedong, Charlwin Mao, Miranda Qu, it’s, Qian Gua, “, Xia Jiale, Joel Placeres, “ Will, Placeres, Jiao, Hung Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong's Kennedy, CNN, CNN Reading, Getty, Kennedy, CNN Travel, Lobos, “ Lobos, Hong Locations: Hong Kong, China, Seoul, Beijing, Asia, Copenhagen, Tivoli, Norrebro, Central, New York, Japan, Kamakura, Tokyo, Denmark, Xiaohongshu, Kennedy Town, Communist China, Shanghai, Luoyang, Europe, London, Paris, Hong, Noemi

☆ She explores the world ‘until it’s ugly.’ The internet is obsessed
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

She doesn’t talk much – other than to declare what she sees “not ugly” or “ugly.” Her eyes widen and her forehead furrows depending on what she sees. Her Google Earth videos were born out of her desire to explore the globe, within the constraints of her lifestyle as a Londoner in her early 20s. Exploring the globeGupta posted her first “exploring every country until it’s ugly” video this past summer, on her TikTok and Instagram. (She goes by @natooooooosh on both platforms)Pretty quickly, Gupta’s videos were inundated with likes, views and comments. Natasha GuptaThe idea of exploring the world via Google Earth or Google Street View in the name of art and/or internet content – isn’t new.

Persons: Natasha Gupta, Gupta, ”, It’s, Gupta’s, “, ” Gupta, –, Jay Fujiwara, – Gupta, “ I’m, she’s, you’re, She’s, Natasha Gupta Gupta, “ It’s, London . Gupta, ’ Organizations: CNN, Google Locations: France, Philippines, Japan, England, London, Australia, Italy, New York, Ohio, Bulgaria, Poland, Milan

☆ She’s obsessed with baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng. So she flew across the world to see her
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-06 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —When baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng appeared on Molly Swindall’s social media feed for the first time, it was love at first sight. Soon, the baby hippo was an internet sensation, a status cemented last week when Moo Deng became the subject of a skit on Saturday Night Live. Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty ImagesOnce Swindall committed to flying to Thailand to see Moo Deng, she knew she had to go ASAP. Others were confused, assuming Moo Deng was a music artist or a long-distance partner. It’s been very, very fun to be able to connect with all these different people over it.”Since her Moo Deng adventure, Swindall’s follower count has ballooned, with one Moo Deng TikTok garnering over 5 million views.

Persons: Deng, Molly, Swindall, She’s, Moo Deng, Moo, “, ”, I’m, Lillian Suwanrumpha, Swindell, ’ Swindall, Molly Swindall Swindall, Taylor Swift, Taylor, “ They’re, Swift, Moo Deng ” –, ” Swindall, Moo Dang, it’d, Swindall’s, she’s, it’s, It’s, Moo Deng TikTok, that’s, Molly Swindall, “ I’m, There’s Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Getty, Swindall, Washington Post, Melbourne Locations: Khao, Thailand, New, AFP, New York, London, Amsterdam, Bangkok, TikTok, Melbourne, Australia

☆ America’s best foods and the world’s greatest pizza
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-05 | 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: how Japan led the world’s high-speed rail revolution, the couple who rode motorcycles round the world with three rescue dogs – plus we put the spotlight on America’s world-class cuisine. America’s greatest dishesFrom Louisiana gumbo to Hawaiian poke to the humble PB&J, the United States is home to many fantastic dishes. Here are CNN Travel’s picks of 20 of the best of them – see if your favorites made it to the table. The Italy-based 50 Top Pizza Awards revealed its 2024 list recently, and the winning restaurant wasn’t in Naples or Rome.

Persons: CNN Travel’s, Jane Satow, that’s, ”, who’ll, Trevi, –, it’s, Hurricane Helene Organizations: CNN, wasn’t, Manhattan’s, Greyhound, Trevi, Tourism Locations: Japan, Louisiana gumbo, United States, Italy, Naples, Rome, Virginia, French, Provence, Europe, Chicago, Australian, Trevi, Alaska

☆ A TV celebrity’s 15-year-old son went traveling in Europe without an adult. Cue the outrage
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Blane Bachelor | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +16 min

“My little boy has returned from 3 weeks inter-railing,” Allsopp wrote on X, referring to a popular European train pass called Interrail. There are additional requirements for French residents, and passengers under 16 are not allowed to travel unaccompanied by an adult on direct trains to or from the Netherlands. However, as the employee also noted, different member hostels may have their own rules about age requirements. The Netherlands-based Stayokay hostels, for example, require a minimum age of 16 years for travelers unaccompanied by an adult at their 21 locations. chekyfoto/iStock Editorial/Getty ImagesProponents of allowing eager young travelers to explore the world at ages that might raise a few eyebrows say the benefits can outweigh the risks.

Persons: CNN —, Kirstie Allsopp, ” Allsopp, Oscar, Allsopp, Lenore Shenazy, ’, Joe Maher, couldn’t, ” Carolyn Pearson, ” Pearson, Pearson, “, there’s, ” Mark Smith, ” Smith, Hilton, Cole Robinson, –, Robinson, ” Robinson, ”, Peter Austin, Jenny Rankin, Rankin, ” Rankin, Jonathan Alder, Jonathan’s, ” Alder, Alder, Carolyn Pearson, Michelle Couch, Friedman, Couch, “ I’ve, they’ve, it’s, ” Couch Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, ”, Union, Eurostar, European Union, EU, Amtrak, Hostelling International, Resorts, South America, Filmit, “, –, Consumer Locations: Europe, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid, US, Netherlands, Hyatt, Manchester, Eixample, South, California, Japan, – Japan

☆ He spent 7 years walking around the world. But his biggest challenge was being back home
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Constant companionAdventurer Tom Turcich spent seven years walking around the world with his dog Savannah. When asked if he believes he would have managed to complete the journey without Savannah, Turcich says he’s not sure. I can’t imagine doing it without her, in hindsight.”Turcich has written a memoir, The World Walk, about his experiences during the incredible trip. “The World Walk was never about any record or anything like that,” he says. “I think walking around the world, if you really want to do it, it’s an incredible way to live a life.

Persons: Savannah, Tom Turcich, couldn’t, Turcich, ” Turcich, Anne Marie, Shannon, “, ”, Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks, Bonnie Snyder, he’d, Bonnie, Cleo, Snyder, she’d, I’m, Steven Newman, Karl Bushby, he’s, “ Bonnie’s, you’re, ‘, It’s, “ It’s, I’ve, haven’t, it’s Organizations: CNN, Turcich, Guinness World Records, Guinness Locations: New Jersey, Haddon Township, Savannah, Chile, Panama, Kazakhstan, Seattle, Austin , Texas, Turkey, Georgia, Tbilisi, Istanbul, Sicily, Malta, Kentucky

☆ Travel news: US airport made a ‘confusing’ name change – here’s how it’s going
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-28 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The name gameIn May, California’s “Metropolitan Oakland International” changed its name to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport” – despite the fact that San Francisco International Airport is just 30 miles (48 kilometers) away. Some travelers have shown up at the wrong airport, according to San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. Maureen O'Hare/CNNMixing up similar-sounding airport names is just one of the things that can go wrong for travelers. Meanwhile, belonging to a frequent flyer program can give you access to airport lounges or help you score an upgrade. Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo left Arizona for Mexico in 2006.

Persons: Helene, California’s, There’s, David Chiu, “, Mary Richardson, Maureen O'Hare, Patricia Mahan, Dan Matarazzo, Patricia, Dan Fresh, ”, Mahan, “ Kritsa, ” Patricia, Dan, Sofia, Dan New, They've, Tommy Cahill, iStock, ” Mahan, Alexander Spatari, Caesar, Giorgio Franchetti, grouses Organizations: CNN, California’s “ Metropolitan Oakland International, “ San Francisco Bay, International, San Francisco International, San, Oakland, Department of Transportation, CNN Travel, Getty, Cathay Locations: Mexico, San Francisco Bay, California’s “, “ San Francisco, Port, Oakland, San Francisco City, San Francisco, Bucharest, Budapest, Tucson , Arizona, Greece, Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Arizona, North America, Europe, Rome, Cathay Pacific

☆ ‘World’s coolest’ neighborhood for 2024 named by Time Out
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

That’s the premise behind global listing guide Time Out’s latest roundup of the “world’s coolest” neighborhoods. “Our bookshop is 19 years old and we have seen the neighborhood change a lot and that’s so great,” owner Nadia Champesme told CNN Travel. “This is the neighborhood where everything happens,” Dijon told CNN Travel, adding the cultural diversity of Notre-Dame Du Mont helps make it special. Interestingly, Principe Real, in Lisbon appears on Time Out’s list at number 8, six years after appearing in the list in 2018. “There’s no rule against a neighborhood appearing multiple times,” Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, told CNN Travel.

Persons: there’s, Axelle Poittevin, Thomas Benayoun, Dame Du Mont, Nadia Champesme, Notre, Mont, ” Marie Dijon, ” Dijon, Stokes, Alex Egge, Stokes Croft, Paul’s, St Paul’s, ” Egge, “, ” Grace Beard, Dame du, Kerns Organizations: CNN, Notre, Dame, CNN Travel, Bristol, Principe Real Locations: Marseille, France, Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco, Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia, Kerns, Portland , Oregon, Paul’s, Bristol, England, Principe, Lisbon, Seoul, South Korea, Portland, USA, Chippendale, Sydney, Australia, Portugal, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Windsor, Melbourne

☆ He bought a cruise ship on Craigslist and spent over $1 million restoring it. Then his dream sank
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Tamara Hardingham-Gill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

CNN —Buying a historic cruise ship he found on Craigslist back in 2008 was undoubtedly a life-altering decision for Chris Willson. Ship of dreamsWillson and Li moved on board the ship and focused their energies on painstakingly restoring it. Christopher WillsonHis ultimate goal was to transform the neglected ship into a museum, but things didn’t quite go to plan. “We absolutely loved our time with that ship,” Willson tells CNN Travel. It subsequently remained at Alameda for several years, before being purchased by a businessman, who went on to list the ship on Craigslist.

Persons: Chris Willson, Jin Li, Willson, Li, Christopher Willson, ” Willson, I’m, ”, Wappen von Hamburg, “, Aurora ’, Helen’s Marina, ” Herman, “ I’d, Christopher Willson “, Aurora, he’d, Kristina Werner, Connie Cochran, ” Cochran, Cochran, he’s, Christopher Wilson Willson, I’ve, “ There’s, Mary, that’s, haven’t, “ I’ve, hasn’t, It’s, Chris, … Wappen von, … Wappen von Hamburg doesn’t Organizations: CNN, Craigslist, CNN Travel, Blohm, California Delta, Herman, Aurora, Unified Command, US Coast Guard, California Department of Fish, Wildlife, Coast Guard, San, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s, Delta, Global, Wildlife’s, Spill Prevention, City, ” CNN, Love, YouTube, … Wappen von Hamburg Locations: Utah, Germany, Voss, California, Rio Vista, San Francisco’s, Little Potato, Stockton, California’s Central Valley, Chaleur, San Joaquin County, City, Russia, Vancouver, Alameda , California, Alameda, Craigslist, United States, Philadelphia’s Delaware, Long, Aurora

☆ The world’s best hotels for 2024 revealed
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In eighth place, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives was also winner of the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award 2024. 46 respectively and Raffles London at The OWO (No. 16 and was named Best Hotel in North America. The Calile, a stylish and airy urban resort in the lively James Street area of Brisbane, Australia, was named Best Hotel in Oceania, ranking at No. Passalacqua, which was the winner of the first-ever Best Hotel prize in 2023, dropped to second this year.

Persons: John Blanco, Capella, Josephine, Blanco, “ Covid, Thais, Soneva, Cheval Blanc, Lana, Chablé, James, Royal Mansour, Aman, Hôtel de Crillon, Borgo, Rosewood São, São, Mount Nelson, Carlyle, Eden, Suján, Brando Organizations: London CNN, Capella, Capella Bangkok didn’t, CNN Travel, Rosewood, Rosewood Hong, Capella Bangkok, Raffles, Singapore Sling, Le Bristol, Raffles London, Aussie, Tasman, Royal, American, Atlantis, Bulgari, Hyatt Kyoto, Madrid, Capella Singapore, Surf, Bel, Le Bristol Paris, Singita, Park, Kokomo Locations: Capella Bangkok, London, Charoenkrung, Thailand’s, Bangkok, London’s Guildhall, Thailand, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Harbor, Rosewood Hong Kong Asian, Thai, Chao, Siam, Hong Kong, Raffles Singapore, Maldives, Tokyo, Lake Como, Paris, of, Connaught, North America, Brisbane, Australia, Oceania, Hobart, Marrakech, La, Istanbul, Bosphorus, Italy, Aman Tokyo, Soneva Fushi, Dubai, Wanokaka, Indonesia, Claridge’s, Chao Phraya, Chocholá, Mexico, Du, Antibes, France, Florence, Amalfi, Bali, Bulgari Tokyo, São Paulo, Brazil, Kyoto, Japan, Cape Town , South Africa, Puerto Vallarta , Mexico, New York, Mamounia, Morocco, Miami, Los Angeles, Barths, York, Sri Lanka, Auchterarder, Scotland, Umbria, Suján Jawai, Rajasthan, India, South Africa, Oman, French Polynesia, Tulum, Tasman, Fiji

☆ The North American airports that travelers find the most – and least – satisfying
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

And many North American air travelers are still enjoying their time at airports, according to the overall satisfaction scores in the 2024 North America Airport Satisfaction Study from J.D. In the large airport category, with 10 to 32.9 million passengers per year, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, is this year’s top scorer, followed by Tampa International Airport and Kansas City International Airport. Indianapolis International Airport ranks highest among medium airports with 4.5 to 9.9 million passengers per year, followed by Jacksonville International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport. “The Airtrain isn’t complete and that makes accessing the terminals difficult.”Philadelphia International Airport ranks lowest in the large airport category. Matt Slocum/APIn the large airport category, Philadelphia International Airport ranks lowest.

☆ A pilot reveals the tricks to one of the world’s most difficult landings
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The orange-robed icon looks on as the pilot speedily executes a dramatic last-minute turn to land the A319 on the slender runway. That’s just another normal working day at Bhutan’s Paro International Airport (PBH), widely considered one of the most technically difficult plane landings in the world. Paro is a category C airport, which means that pilots must have special training to fly there. As the national flag carrier, Druk Air has taken much of the responsibility for pilot training on itself. He believes there are 50 licensed pilots in Bhutan, but that number could easily double in the next few years.

Persons: Bhutan CNN —, That’s, Lilit Marcus, ”, Chimi Dorji, Dorji, It’s, ” Dorji, isn’t, it’s, “ Organizations: Bhutan CNN, Paro International, CNN, Druk, Royal Bhutan Airlines, CNN Travel, Air, KLM, Qantas, Delta Air Lines, Druk Air Locations: Thimpu, Bhutan, Paro, China, India, New Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, Hanoi, Bengal, ”, North America, Europe

☆ Scenic fall drives in the US: 6 byways for your autumn foliage fix
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-15 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Ozark Run Scenic Byway, MissouriMissouri travel experts say Elephant Rocks State Park is a special stop during any scenic drive on the Ozark Run Scenic Byway. Lake Champlain Byway, VermontLoad up the bicycles for your Lake Champlain Byway drive in Vermont. KRose/Courtesy Local Motion/Lake Champlain Byway CouncilLittle Vermont is a big deal in New England and beyond when it comes to scenic fall drives. It “provides beautiful views of America’s sixth-largest lake, Lake Champlain, as well as of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondack Mountains,” said Dan Albrecht, chair of Lake Champlain Byway Council, in an email. Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway, CaliforniaTourists flocking to view aspens, cottonwoods and maple trees along Bishop Creek Canyon near Bishop, California, which is along the Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway.

Persons: Aaron Fuhrman, It’s, ”, Katie Blake, “ We’ve, it’ll, ” Blake, • Mark, America’s, Dan Albrecht, Albrecht, •, Peter Norbeck, Johnson, Peter, James Schwabel, Katlyn Svendsen, ” Svendsen, …, Crazy, Alex Byers, Eric Knopsnyder, Frank Lloyd Wright’s, Fallingwater, George Rose, Caroline Beteta, ” Beteta, Mount Whitney, Cindy Robinson, Mabry, Ed Mabry, bibliophiles Organizations: CNN, Missouri, Missouri Department of Conservation, Village Mercantile, • Mark Twain National Forest, Champlain Byway, New England, Leahy Center, Isle State, Mount Rushmore, Travel, Lakota, Laurel, GO, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation, Resources, GO Laurel Highlands, UNESCO, Pennsylvania, CNN Travel, Scenic, California Tourists, Eastern, Sierra, Visit, Historic Park, AAA, Music, Mount Mitchell Locations: United States, Ozark, Missouri Missouri, Rocks, •, Caledonia, • Mark Twain, Terre, Knob, Champlain Byway, Vermont, Burlington, Lake Champlain, New York, Champlain, Little, New England, Green, New, Middlebury, Vergennes, England, Isle, Button, South Dakota, Travel South Dakota, • Custer, Sylvan, Laurel, Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle , Pennsylvania, GO Laurel Highlands, Laurel Highlands, Ligonier, California, Bishop, Bishop , California, Visit California, Topaz, Little Lake, Death, you’re, “, North America, • Bodie, Eastern, Pine, North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Asheville

☆ Sümela, Turkey: The ancient monastery hanging from a cliff
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policyCNN —If its ancient walls could talk, Sümela Monastery in eastern Turkey would have quite a few stories to tell. “The Virgin Mary is a holy person for the Muslim people also. “The sultans considered Sümela a sacred place and helped the monastery by giving the monks donations and more land,” he adds. Sümela was popular with Christian and Muslim pilgrims, and an active Greek Orthodox monastery, until the early 20th century. Many of the Greeks living in the Pontic Alps and nearby Black Sea coast chose to relocate to Greece, including the monks of Sümela Monastery.

Persons: “ We’ve, Levent Alniak, Senol Aktaş, Virgin Mary, Sümela, Jesus, Mary, St, Ignatius, Öznur, who’s, Sümela’s, Barnabas, Sophronios, Luke the, ” Alniak, Soumela Organizations: CNN, Ottomans, Turkish, Rock Church, Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, van, Turkish Airlines, Ramada Plaza, Radisson Locations: Sümela, Turkey, Roman, Trabzon province, “, Sofia, Istanbul, Ottoman, Black, Greece, Sümela Monastery, Altindere, Nea Sumela, Constantinople, Altındere, Trabzon, Coşandere

☆ Travel news: Hotels reveal their wildest room service orders
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In travel news this week: odd room service requests, the cruise passengers stranded for months at their departure port, plus how a rogue bag of Cheetos caused havoc in a New Mexico cave. Unusual guest requestsFar be it from us to say folks are getting a little entitled, but a new report from Hotels.com has revealed the oddest room service requests made to its hotel partners around the world. There’s the separate requests that were fielded for burnt toast, fresh goat milk and 2 kilos of bananas. And finally there’s the demand for a high-five from a team member to ensure their room service request was read. The nine-month itinerary of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise was considerably less ambitious, but at least it successfully completed its journey this week.

Persons: Hotels.com, it’s, there’s, –, CNN Anne Marie Hagerty Organizations: CNN, Service, Atlanta, Delta Airbus Locations: New Mexico, York, Carlsbad, Hawaii, Oahu, Georgia, England, Argentina, British, Italy, “

☆ Her teenage summer crush unexpectedly came back into her life. ‘I felt like I was reconnecting with my best friend’
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

He remembers the way she walked down the beach, recalls noticing her immediately, wanting to talk to her. “We’d download songs and listen to the album at the same time,” recalls Vlad. “The emotion was really, really intense. Iga OlszakWhile Vlad and Iga were together in Germany, they talked about the potential of Iga visiting Vlad in the US. “He created that space for me where it felt really good and I finally felt okay to say the truth,” she says.

Persons: Iga Olszak, Vlad Dimovski, Iga, Vlad, “, Skotina, ”, ” Vlad, ” Iga, …, wasn’t, –, that’s, ’ ”, Vlad’s, She’d, he’d, Iga –, weren’t, they’d, Olszak, I’d, who’d, ”, “ I’d, Will, ’ ” Vlad, Luca, Klara, They're, – he’d, “ I’m, we’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, “, Facebook Locations: Skotina, Greece, Poland, North Macedonia, Mount Olympus, Iga, Germany, Chicago, Republic of Macedonia, Europe, Bielefeld, “, Florida, Macedonia, pouting

☆ The world’s best pizza for 2024 isn’t in Naples – or even in Italy. Here’s where it is …
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Forrest Brown | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Una Pizza Napoletana, opened by pizza maestro Anthony Mangieri in March 2022, not only beat out US competitors but also global ones. That includes pizzerias in Naples, Italy, the holy land for pizza aficionados and foodies in general. Why Una Pizza Napoletana? Una Pizza Napoletana is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Una Pizza Napoletana (New York, USA)2.

Persons: Anthony Mangieri, “, ” Mangieri, Don Antonio, Diego Vigtaliano, Mark Weinberg, Una, Anthony, Margherita, Cosacca, Mangieri, ”, Diego Vitagliano, Francesco Martucci, Sartoria Panatieri, Seu Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Una, Napoli Locations: Italy, Side, pizzerias, Naples, New, York, United States, New York, South Korea, Bolivia, India, Lower, Manhattan, New Jersey, New Jersey , New York, Connecticut, Amalfi, Una, Houston, USA, Caserta, Tokyo, Japan, Milan, London, England, San Francisco , USA, San Bonifacio, Barcelona, Spain, Rome

San Salvador, El Salvador CNN —For decades, life choices were bleak for many in El Salvador: Leave or die. El Salvador, once synonymous with violence and waves of emigration, saw a dramatic drop in crime. We are not stupid.”Villatoro’s words echo the brutal reality El Salvador has faced for years. Unlike in places like Cuba or China, where residents can seem nervous to criticize repressive regimes, in El Salvador the optimism appears real. Evelio Contreras/CNNTeresa Lilian Gutierrez is caught in the middle, and her experience shows the many complexities of life in El Salvador today.

Persons: Nayib Bukele, Victor Bolaños, Blanca, “, ” Victor, ” Blanca, Evelio Contreras, Bukele, Victor, Diego Morales, ”, El, ” Diego, Salvadorans, Diego, Jairo, “ We’ve, … it’s, ” Jairo, ‘, El Salvador, —, Cecot, Gustavo Villatoro, they’ll, Bukele’s, Donald Trump, ” Trump, ” Villatoro, Juan Carlos Cornejo, Juan Carlos, Socorro Jurídico, Juan Carlos ’, Critics, CNN Teresa Lilian Gutierrez, San Salvador . “, “ He’s, …, they’re, René Merino, Merino, Blanca Bolaños Organizations: San Salvador , El, San Salvador , El Salvador CNN —, New, New York City, CNN, El, Central, Rights Watch, Northern, Customs, Border Protection, World Bank, Houston, La Libertad, Barrio, El Salvador Presidency Central, ”, Republican National Convention, Salvadoran, Officials Locations: San Salvador ,, San Salvador , El Salvador, El Salvador, New York, Denver, San Salvador, Central American, Central America, Honduras, Guatemala, El, Houston, Florida, Austin, Hawaii, Tamanique, Salvadoran, United States of America, Santa Ana, “, Socorro, Cuba, China, La Campanera, San Salvador ., Mariona, America, Bukele

☆ A hotel is offering ‘self-love pods’ for solo play. Here’s why that’s a thing
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

In Europe, the trend is even stronger, with around 46% of Danish households inhabited by men and women flying solo. To mark Sexual Health Awareness Month this September, New York’s Walker Hotel Tribeca has introduced a “Self-Love Pod” offer, aimed at the recently single. When it comes to romantic partners, there’s no cheaper date than your own five digits, but rates for Walker Tribeca’s Self-Love Pods start at $350 – and that’s before you even buy yourself dinner. That’s quite a lot to shoot for, but it’s definitely one of the most fun ways to reduce cancer risk. If getting the peace and quiet to be oneself means booking a “Self-Love Pod” in Tribeca, then have at it, ladies.

Persons: “, onanism, Cacit Welness, Maude, Walker, Walker Tribeca’s, ”, Virginia Woolf Organizations: CNN, Walker Tribeca, British Medical, University College London Locations: Europe, New, Manhattan, Flatiron, midlife, Tribeca

☆ Carnival cruise ship collides with iceberg
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The words “Titanic moment” are possibly the last thing you want to hear on a boat – but that was the phrase used by one passenger on board the Carnival Spirit cruise ship last week, after the vessel unexpectedly struck an iceberg. Videos of the incident circulated on social media in the aftermath, as multiple passengers filmed the moment the ship collided with the iceberg. The Carnival Spirit finished its seven-day Alaska cruise on Tuesday without interruption, returning to Seattle, Washington. Alaska’s waters are also known as some of the most challenging for cruise ships to navigate. “Today’s cruise ships are specifically built to sail a number of different waters,” Gray Faust told CNN Travel.

Persons: Cassandra Goskie, ”, Singhal, there’s, John Herring, “, Chris Gray Faust, ” Gray Faust Organizations: CNN, Cruise, Carnival, CNN Travel, Spirit, Sun Locations: Tracy Arm, , Alaska, Juneau, Alaska, Seattle , Washington

☆ The viral nine-month cruise is ending. Here’s what it was really like on board
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +21 min

Preparing for the endJoe and Audrey Martucci say they are grateful for the nine-month cruise experience, but at times they found the schedule tiring. A trip of a lifetimeGen Z traveler Little Rat Brain says Antarctica, pictured here, was her world cruise highlight. Little Rat Brain, passenger on board the nine-month cruiseThe TikTok-famous passengers are now considering how to pivot their online presences. “I don’t think anything’s ever going to have the virality of the nine-month cruise,” Fletcher says. “I’m not really sure if it will ever occur again,” agrees Little Rat Brain.

Persons: Royal, –, Angie Linderman, Linderman, Ale Kenney, Shannon Marie Lake, Anthony McWilliams –, Joe, Audrey Martucci, Joe Martucci, Bobbi Waterman, Tam, Julian Mendoza, Daniele Salvatore Arbisi, “, they’re, ”, Beth Anne Fletcher, ’ Fletcher wasn’t, you’re, ” Fletcher, Joe Martucci didn’t, TikTok, ” Oosthuizen, … ” LRB, itineraries, LRB, there’s, someone’s, Anthony McWilliams, Amike, Oosthuizen, Drake, ’ ”, McWilliams, y’all, Anthony Antoine McWilliams Fletcher, Fletcher, “ Beth Anne’s, Audrey, Shannon Lake, ” McWilliams, “ We’re, it’s, “ Truman, Brandee, aunties, It’s, ’, can’t, “ I’m, influencer Marc Sebastian, Sebastian, they’ve, ” LRB, ” Linderman, haven’t, There’s, Princess Cruises –, she’s, “ Everything’s Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Royal, NASA, Seas, New York City, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Vie Locations: Royal Caribbean, Miami, Shannon, American, British, South Africa, Halifax, Canada, Southampton, “, California, China, New York, LA, Antarctica, India, Portofino, Italy, Iguazu, ”, Caribbean, Belfast , Northern Ireland

☆ Visiting China in 2024: A guide to visas, mobile payments and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Maggie Hiufu Wong | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +20 min

We’ve put together a guide to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding China travel. China travel FAQsDo you need a visa to go to China? However, travelers visiting under these visa-free transit programs have more restrictions in terms of places they can visit. Exploring the country via China’s vast high-speed railway network is not an option for those entering under the two transit visa schemes. Beijing, China's capital city, accepts international travelers visiting under the 144-hour visa-free transit program.

Persons: it’s, ”, Denny Tian, Gabriela Correia, Correia, Tian, Greg Baker, Correira, ” Gabriela Correia, David Tucker, We’ve, John Seaton Callahan, China ’, Kevin Frayer, –, ” Correira, you’ve, Didi, Uber, Yan Cong, China’s Organizations: CNN, Immigration Administration, China, Google, Getty, “, Service, Shanghai Hongqiao, Hong Kong, Hong, Hong Kong Immigration, Travelers, Facebook, ”, Publishing, United, US, Baidu, Apple, China Railway, Bloomberg Locations: China, Beijing, Portugal, Shanghai, AFP, “, Hunan, Singapore, Thailand, Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, New York, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong, Macau, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Asia, Tibet, Tibet Autonomous Region, Hainan, China's, Hawaii, ”, Canada

☆ ‘Perfect waves and no crowds:’ Angola could be the surfing world’s best-kept secret
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Claudia Elorza | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Their business is dedicated to promoting Angola as a surf destination while supporting local communities and sustainable development in the surf tourism industry. But it’s the prevailing winds, which bring long waves and easy surf, that make it a surfing paradise. It’s known locally as “Praia do Surfistas,” or Surfers’ Beach. The Angola Waves team provides them with cooked meals to keep energy levels up for huge ocean sessions. “I will miss surfing these perfect waves with no crowds!”

Persons: Bizuka Barros, Golan, Barros, Henrique Almeida, ”, Paulo Agusto, “, Gillas Cros, Paulo Rodrigues, It’s, Tchyina Matos, Matos, Cabo Ledo, ” Agusto, Ledo, Sergio Torres, Cecilia Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Praia, Radical Association, Angola, NASA Locations: Hawaii, Portugal, California, Australia, Angola, Portuguese, Israel, Luanda, Cabo Ledo, wilder, Catanas, Tomuba

☆ Why people are taking photos of their airport trays now
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-08 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

However, the trend is ruffling more than a few feathers, due to the airport security line being one of the top places in the world where it’s imperative to avoid dilly-dallying. Let’s also not forget that with all those shoes passing through security trays, you may as well be laying your items straight out on the floor. In 2018, a European study found that airport trays are the least hygienic part of the airport, carrying more germs than toilets. So while hand sanitizer doesn’t typically feature in these airport tray photos and videos, it should probably play a key part in the aftercare. “As long as the staged glamor photos are not causing delays or issues with other passengers in the checkpoint, there are no issues.

Persons: ”, “, Louis Vuitton, yall, Let’s, Faber, Piper Taich, Gen Organizations: CNN, New York Post, TSA, Metro, Adidas Gazelles, Chelsea, Amazon, US Transport Security Administration Locations: bookshelves, “, JFK, New York, Chicago

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