(CNN) – This week in travel news: What it takes to dominate one of the world’s toughest airport landings, Japan’s picky penguins and why U.S. travelers might want to consider a trip to Europe this year.
Destination inspiration
The euro is falling. For American tourists, this means that European vacations are more affordable in dollars than they have been in two decades. So while airfare and other travel costs are rising, the strong dollar could help offset those increases for fortunate European-bound Americans.
At the time of writing, the euro and dollar are almost equal. See the article : Welcome to Real Estate Friday!. The British pound is also weak: It is trading at $ 1.20.
If you are planning a trip to Europe, why not consider Occitania, a region of France that includes a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline covered by quiet coastal villages and one of the largest wine regions in the country. Or maybe Dublin, the lively, walkable capital of Ireland, where you can watch the sights and then go for a swim at a spa favorite of Harry Styles and Matt Damon.
Greece is another classic choice for American tourists. It certainly worked for Cleveland native Sura Crutch, who had an affair with an Athenian local in 1971 – and now half a century later, they are still together.
Our animal friends
Back in 2015, New Jersey man Tom Turcich rescued his dog Savannah from a shelter in Texas and walked her. Seven years and thousands of miles later, they are finally finished. On the same subject : Wellesley POPS Senior Profile: Nora Jarquin’s contribution to the Department of Performing Arts goes far beyond the stage. Here is the story of how one man and his best friend walked around the world.
In other animal news, at Hakone-in-Aquarium in Japan, animals including penguins and otters are not at all happy about eating cheaper fish as a cost-reduction measure. Have you ever seen a more dissatisfied water bird than this one?
Wildlife fans could also enjoy CNN’s new original documentary series “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World,” which premieres on Sunday, July 10th at 9 p.m. ET. Filmed over one busy year, it shows what it takes to survive and thrive in one of the wildest places on Earth.
Travel trends
Glamping – that mixture of “glamor” and “camping” – is the newest way of traveling among China’s youth. To see also : Fort Collins program reuses donated old pianos to inspire spontaneous music. Northwest China, where travelers can leave city life behind and be surrounded by farms, pastures, goats and jackets, is a popular destination.
When it comes to a trend in the world, the power of the social media influencer cannot be ignored whether you love them or hate them. As the travel world reopens, we have met brands and influencers to get their sight.
Hotel news
The Juvet Landscape Hotel in Norway consists of 10 cabins on a vast nature reserve, each of which has a unique view. The minimalist interiors only help to highlight the glory of the forest scenes outside.
Further east in Dubai, Anantara has opened its new resort on World Islands, an archipelago of 300 man-made islands. Only 15 minutes from the coast but completely isolated, it is accessible only by speedboat.
Nashville’s 112-year-old major hotel The Hermitage has recently undergone a major overhaul.
And in London, the legendary Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair is undergoing a major renovation, and its new interiors will be unveiled in September 2022.
The shortest commercial runway in the world
World’s shortest commercial runway
The airport landing on the tiny Caribbean island of Saba is so difficult that only an elite group of specially trained pilots are equipped to do so. Says veteran aviator captain Roger Hodge, “Once a guy was fully trained and we’re happy, we radio in operations that another Top Gun is born.”
In case you missed it
An Airbus A380 flew from Dubai to Australia with a hole in its side.
Passengers only saw the damage when they got off the plane.
A train enthusiast solved a real Orient Express mystery.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned on Thursday, after a tumultuous few years in British politics.
Anthony Bourdain visited London for “Unknown Parts” immediately after the seismic Brexit vote in 2016. This is how he found the mood then.
Quit bugging me
Imagine it. A warm evening breeze, margarita and a date with your loved one in a luxurious resort that you have saved all year round. And the one thing spoils your atmosphere: your sun-kissed limbs are covered in big, red, itchy insect bites.
To prevent that from happening during your upcoming vacation, our partners at CNN Underscored, a guide to reviews and recommendations of products owned by CNN, have tested and tested the best bugs on the market. Here are the sprays they recommend.
