Oceania Cruises‘ Marina has recently completed a refurbishment and is back in service with some exciting changes. From a new wellness-focused dining venue to a poolside ice cream parlor, guests can expect a fresh experience on board. One of the highlights of the refurbished Marina is the addition of Aquamar Kitchen, a wellness-focused dining venue
In a bid to cater to the needs of small- to medium-sized businesses, Marriott International has introduced Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy, a revolutionary travel management platform aimed at simplifying the travel booking process. This innovative online booking tool not only streamlines travel management for corporate travelers but also provides access to discounted Marriott Bonvoy
MSC Cruises is setting a new standard in luxury travel by introducing exclusive shore excursions for its top-paying guests. Unlike other passengers, MSC Yacht Club guests now have the opportunity to participate in small-group tours that are not available to the general public. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall cruise experience and cater
The recently released complaint data by the U.S. Department of Transportation paints a concerning picture of the state of air travel, with a significant increase in submissions from 2022 to 2023. The data revealed that there were nearly 96,900 submissions in 2023, a substantial jump from the 86,000 complaints received in 2022. This notable increase
The European Commission has recently given its approval for Lufthansa Group to acquire a 41% stake in Italian flag carrier ITA Airways, with provisions to acquire the remaining shares in the future. This decision came after concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on flight prices and service quality. However, following concessions made by Lufthansa
Delta Airlines is currently considering the possibility of unbundling its forward cabin offerings, as hinted by Delta president Glen Hauenstein during the airline’s second-quarter earnings call. This potential change could mean a significant shift in the services and products offered to passengers in business class, first class, and premium economy cabins. Unbundling forward cabin offerings
New York City Restaurant Week is a highly anticipated event for foodies across the city. With discounted pre-fixe meals at some of the top restaurants, it’s a great opportunity to taste some of the hottest spots on your list. One of the restaurants participating in this year’s event is Nami Nori Williamsburg, an acclaimed Japanese
The U.S. Federal Reserve is contemplating cutting interest rates later this year, a move that could have consequences for Americans traveling abroad. When U.S. interest rates rise in comparison to other nations, it generally strengthens the U.S. dollar. This means Americans can purchase more goods and services overseas with their money. Conversely, when interest rates
Regional carrier Mesa Airlines recently announced that they have furloughed a dozen pilots and paused training for 41 incoming pilots. This is a clear indication that the pilot shortage that has affected regional carriers is finally easing, thanks to hiring pauses and reductions at mainline carriers. These mainline carriers often poach pilots from regional airlines,
Alaska Airlines is set to introduce Vail to its winter seasonal route network. The airline will operate flights three times weekly from Seattle and San Diego to the popular Colorado skiing destination. These flights will be available between Dec. 20 and March 16 and will be serviced by an Embraer E175 regional jet, offering both
The Piña Colada, a beloved and iconic cocktail, was created in Puerto Rico around July 10th, 1954, which is now recognized as National Piña Colada Day. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this delightful drink that has become a staple in the world of cocktails. The origins of the Piña Colada are linked to
Giuseppe Gallo, a bartender in London, embarked on a journey to explore beyond the traditional Aperol and Campari. Inspired by a family recipe, he launched Italicus in 2016, focusing on bringing back forgotten aperitivos. This innovative approach led to the success of his modern aperitivo empire, with annual revenues reaching $15 million in just eight
The streets of Barcelona have been a hotbed of tension as mass tourism troubles hit a fever pitch on Saturday. Protesters took to the small neighborhood of Barceloneta to express their anger over the city’s long-standing problems with overtourism. The scene was chaotic as protesters blocked hotel entrances and sidewalk cafes using police-style tape, while
Disney recently revealed its plan to introduce cruises from Japan in 2029, marking a significant expansion of its operations. The newbuild sister ship to the Disney Wish will be the centerpiece of this venture, operated by the Oriental Land Co., the entity behind Tokyo Disney Resort. The upcoming ship will be a product of collaboration
Delta has recently announced an exclusive partnership with the Saudi carrier Riyadh Air, aiming to enhance their presence in the Middle Eastern market. The agreement includes plans for interline and codeshare partnerships, loyalty programs, and joint-venture opportunities for flights between the United States and Saudi Arabia. This strategic move signifies Delta’s ambition to expand its
Dreaming of warm sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and endless sunshine? Look no further than Pleasant Holidays‘ newest digital sales brochure for the Caribbean. With over 300 hotels and resorts spread across 24 stunning islands, this brochure has everything you need to plan the perfect tropical getaway. To celebrate the launch of their digital brochure,
In the world of hospitality travel, there is a growing trend of travel advisors forming fam pods to attend familiarization trips together. These fam pods consist of advisors who share a common goal of experiencing and learning about various destinations and properties in a more focused and productive manner. On a recent episode of The
Pop star Meghan Trainor has been selected to be the godmother of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Utopia of the Seas. The ship is set to debut this month with a three-day cruise and concert hosted by Trainor herself. The event will take place before the ship’s July 19 debut in Florida’s Port Canaveral. Trainor
Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas has recently expanded its culinary offerings with the introduction of FieldTrip, a fast-casual eatery curated by the acclaimed James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, JJ Johnson. Known for his innovative approach to cuisine, Johnson’s restaurant specializes in a diverse array of rice bowls inspired by various culinary traditions, including Asian
The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is set to return to the city in October, presenting its 17th Annual edition from October 17 to October 20, 2024. This year, the festival will be presented in partnership with a new sponsor, Invesco QQQ. The Brooklyn-based ETF will be bringing some exciting changes
Despite a record-breaking summer in terms of air travel demand, U.S. airlines are facing challenges when it comes to converting this demand into profitability. While some carriers have anticipated record demand and subsequent revenue, the increased labor and other costs have been cutting into the airlines’ bottom lines. This poses a significant obstacle for the
Athens, the historic city with a rich past, offers a diverse array of dining experiences for locals and tourists alike. One such restaurant that captures the essence of upscale dining in Athens is Cookoovaya, located in the historic Pangrati neighborhood. This restaurant prides itself on culinary excellence and is known for its ‚wise cuisine‘. Chef-Owner
Southwest Airlines recently made the decision to appoint Rakesh Gangwal, a co-founder of India’s largest carrier IndiGo, to its board of directors. This move comes in response to pressure from activist investor group Elliott Management, which holds an 11% stake in Southwest. Elliott had criticized Southwest for lacking board members with airline experience outside of
Virgin Group, a renowned hospitality brand, has recently combined its two hospitality businesses under a new parent brand called Virgin Hotels Collection. This consolidated portfolio includes the Virgin Hotels brand and the company’s ultraluxe Virgin Limited Edition properties. James Bermingham, the CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, revealed that they have been expanding their Virgin Limited
Celebrity Cruises made a strategic decision to sell its two small Galapagos vessels to Lindblad Expeditions, marking a significant change in its footprint in the region. This move, set to be finalized in January, will leave Celebrity with only one ship, the 100-passenger Celebrity Flora, in the Galapagos. While the loss of the two small
Vietnam has been recognized as the most affordable country for expats to live in for the fourth consecutive year by InterNations. This ranking is based on personal finances and factors such as cost of living, satisfaction with financial situation, and disposable household income. While Vietnam may have come in 40th for quality of life and
As the short-term rental industry continues to grow, hosts are faced with the challenge of ensuring that their properties are safe and secure for guests. One of the key aspects of this is vetting guests before accepting their booking requests. While some hosts may rely on platforms like Airbnb for verification, others take the extra
Step into the historic commercial district of Athens and you will find ATENO Cook & Deli, a culinary haven celebrating the finest Greek produce. Situated in a 19th Century building on Aiolou Street, this all-day restaurant-cum-deli is not just a dining destination, but a tribute to the revival of commerce and social life in the
When visiting a new city, it is crucial to immerse yourself in the local culture. In Barcelona, one of the best ways to do this is by participating in workshops that allow you to explore the city’s creativity, history, and culture. One unique workshop that stands out is Bonenfant Atelier, a family-run boutique in the
When it comes to the typical party atmosphere of Punta Cana during spring break, the Secrets Tides Punta Cana resort offers a refreshing change of pace. During a visit to this Dominican Republic gem in late March, I was pleasantly surprised by the tranquility and relaxation that awaited me. Upon arriving at the Secrets Tides
The myth surrounding Lycabettus Hill in Athens is intriguing, with legend suggesting that the goddess Athena inadvertently created this magnificent landmark due to startling news. Situated in the Kolonaki neighbourhood, the hill boasts Orizontes Lycabettus, a restaurant renowned for its breathtaking views of the region. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during
Managing a tourist destination as popular as the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is already a challenging task, but add in the constant threat of a volcanic eruption, and the difficulty increases significantly. Despite this, the Blue Lagoon has not only adapted to the volcanic threat but is actively pursuing plans to enhance its offerings. The
The International Wine and Spirits Competition recently announced its top scores for 2024, showcasing the best of the best in the world of spirits. While American whiskey took center stage earlier this year, it is now time to shine a light on the standout vodka of the competition. Out of a vast array of entries,
The quest to determine the top whisky in the world has been ongoing for centuries, with various competitions and awards ceremonies trying to identify the ultimate victor. This desire to crown a winner has led to the proliferation of awards across the globe. While this fosters healthy competition, it has also created a sense of
In today’s digital age, social media has transformed the way we approach vacation planning. More and more people are choosing their destinations based on what they see on their social media feeds. According to a survey conducted by Forbes Advisor, a staggering 82% of Gen Zers and 57% of millennials visit certain destinations because they
Surfing has always been associated with a laid-back lifestyle and a sense of adventure. The surf culture in Mexico is particularly legendary, with its stunning coastal landscapes and perfect waves attracting surfers from around the world. For many, the idea of being a surfer carries a certain mystique and appeal that is hard to resist.
When people think of Athens, they often picture iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. However, there are unique ways to explore the city that go beyond these popular sites. One such experience is an Olympic-inspired workout tour with a certified sports trainer. This tour allows participants to delve into the history of the
American Rosés have come into their own in recent years, no longer overshadowed by traditional versions from Provence. These wines now showcase a variety of grapes and winemaking methods, drawing from diverse climates and terroirs across the country. As a result, American Rosés have become a category unto themselves, embodying the independent spirit of American
Holyrood Distillery is not your typical whiskey distillery. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the first new whiskey distillery in the city in over a century is taking a fresh and innovative approach to whiskey making. While most distilleries focus solely on the distillation process, Holyrood is bridging the gap between brewing and whiskey making.
This summer, travelers are finding themselves benefiting from lower airfares compared to previous years, despite airlines experiencing a surge in the number of passengers they are transporting. The increased capacity in the market, coupled with price sensitivity among customers, has contributed to this unique situation. The trade group Airlines for America (A4A) forecasts that U.S.