The latest trend in bathing emphasizes the benefits of cold water. Cold plunges and icy soaks have been popularized by figures like Wim Hof, known as “The Ice Man,” and are rooted in long-standing traditions in places such as Fjord Norway, where people of all ages practice ice bathing. Research and first-hand accounts suggest that … Read more

There’s constant discussion about the best ways to save money on plane tickets, but advice keeps changing. So when is the ideal — and the worst — time to book a flight to get the lowest fare? A Wall Street Journal analysis recently found that Fridays tend to be the most expensive day to buy … Read more

South African Airways has increased capacity on the route between Johannesburg (JNB) and the popular leisure destination of Victoria Falls (VFA). The airline recently introduced the Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft on this route, adding roughly 60 percent more seat capacity each day in each direction. The A330-200 carries 222 passengers in a two-class layout: 36 … Read more

On the Ground: Despite long, disorderly lines and a delayed departure from Sicily, my flight arrived in Milan on schedule, giving me time to visit the premium-class lounge before my connection to New York. The lounge, however, was packed—“standing room only”—and the bar area was overwhelmed with passengers ordering cappuccinos and other drinks. I stayed … Read more

Seoul’s rapid march into modernity began in the 1960s. Emerging from the devastation of the Korean War and pushing aside long-standing traditions, the city reshaped its downtown with highways and high-rise developments. Urban planners paid little attention to historic fabric or natural features; entire neighborhoods were cleared and streams were routed into concrete channels. One … Read more

Delhi is not a single city but many — layered in history, administration, culture, economy and society. The present metropolis is widely regarded as the eighth urban settlement to occupy this strategic stretch of northern plains. For centuries the region served as a crossroads for traders and armies, and each earlier city has left visible … Read more

Montenapo, the elegant new Italian restaurant located inside Renzo Piano’s New York Times Building, occupies a lofty space framed by towering glass walls that open onto a birch-tree atrium. Sleek and modern yet warmly inviting, the design blends cool steel and warm wood tones with accents of blue and cream. The restaurant also emphasizes Old … Read more

This year, Global Traveler marks the 11th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards, our readers’ authoritative ranking of the best in airlines, hotels, credit cards, travel brands and loyalty programs. Our respondents are frequent premium travelers—averaging more than 30 round-trip international and domestic flights per year in first and business class and stays in 4- … Read more

About half a mile long, Liulichang Culture Street in Beijing’s Xuanwu District is famous for its traditional teahouses, calligraphy, Chinese paintings, art galleries, curios and classic bookshops. Although the buildings share a unified look of gray tiles and brickwork, brighter elements of Chinese decor appear throughout: carved dragons, vibrant reds, yellows and greens, and guardian … Read more

Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at Hyatt Times Square New York on a busy Friday afternoon around 3 p.m. The lobby was lively and the reception area appeared chaotic at first, but the check-in moved along efficiently. Staff were friendly and helpful, which made the brief wait more pleasant. Guest Quarters: The hotel spans 54 stories with … Read more