Pre-flight Perks for Preferred Passengers Priority check-in and in-cabin pampering remain standard, and the complimentary luxuries of premium lounges — from Qatar’s hot tub and sauna in Doha (DOH) to Iberia’s fine dining in Madrid (MAD) — are expected. To encourage travelers to purchase upgrades rather than redeem miles for free flights, airlines keep adding … Read more

THE CONFETTI on the streets was the only remnant of the night before, New Year’s Eve. Otherwise, Bratislava felt quieter than its reputation as an affordable nightlife hub would suggest. Our river cruise docked early on New Year’s Day, so both locals and visitors were still stirring — though this city rarely stays quiet for … Read more

PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Smithsonian Journeys have expanded their 2027 program with several new and returning voyages, including a special solar eclipse itinerary. These cruises combine expert-led enrichment with thoughtfully chosen destinations across Europe, North America and Antarctica. One of the standout departures is A Solar Eclipse at Sea: Voyage Along the Iberian Peninsula, sailing roundtrip … Read more

When planning a trip, many travelers forget to arrange transportation from the airport to their accommodation. The simplest solution—joining a taxi queue and paying a steep fare—often requires the least planning but can be costly. Before your next journey, consider the findings of a new study that compares average taxi fares in 80 international cities … Read more

One can only imagine what Kuala Lumpur’s earliest residents would think if they could visit the city today. Once a rough tin-mining settlement of wooden houses and palm-thatched roofs at the meeting of two muddy rivers, Kuala Lumpur — commonly known as KL — has transformed into a vibrant, modern metropolis of soaring skyscrapers, busy … Read more

There is something theatrical about Doha’s Corniche. Curving for almost five miles around Doha Bay, this paved promenade gives pedestrians excellent views of the Arabian Gulf. On the landward side, a growing skyline of skyscrapers rises steadily, and at night the city becomes a constellation of colored lights reflected on the water. Doha’s rapid transformation … Read more

Despite the image of Sir Lionel Jeffries swinging above the sea and crooning “The Posh, Posh Traveling Life” in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the word “posh” barely begins to describe the experience aboard the Queen Mary 2. This legendary ocean liner blends the timeless elegance of White Star Service and refined gourmet … Read more

Alaska Airlines has opened a new lounge at New York’s JFK Airport, marking the carrier’s first lounge on the East Coast. The space brings a relaxed West Coast atmosphere to Terminal 7. Designed to feel like a cozy living room, the lounge features comfortable seating and a casual layout. Staffed by baristas trained by Starbucks, … Read more

Saint-Émilion is a small, hilly medieval town where nearly every shop along its steep, narrow streets sells wine. Located about 25 miles east of Bordeaux, it is the oldest winemaking area in the Bordeaux region and a place where Merlot reigns. While many people associate Bordeaux reds with Cabernet Sauvignon, Saint-Émilion’s soils favor Merlot, producing … Read more

American interest in traveling to Cuba is waning, according to a report from Allianz Global Assistance. The study tracked the share of U.S. travelers who are likely to plan a trip to the island nation. The year 2019 marked Havana’s 500th anniversary, and the city expected roughly 5.1 million international visitors for the milestone. Yet … Read more