VIKING RIVER CRUISES has become widely recognized, in large part because of its sponsorship of the popular PBS series Downton Abbey. The television ads portray a premium river-cruise company offering refined, immersive journeys along Europe’s great waterways — the Danube, the Rhine and the Seine — and the portrayal is accurate. Travelers can expect carefully … Read more

Qantas announced last year that its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner would begin flying between Melbourne (MEL) and Los Angeles (LAX) by December. The airline has now revealed the new premium-economy seats that will be installed on these aircraft. Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the new premium-economy seats feature an innovative reclining mechanism that shifts … Read more

Dubrovnik, the picturesque Croatian seaside city and UNESCO World Heritage site, comes alive in September with the 4th Dubrovnik International Wine & Jazz Festival. This year’s program highlights international music legend José Feliciano as the festival’s main headliner. From September 25–28, concerts are staged in atmospheric Old Town locations, including the Rector’s Palace and the … Read more

Etihad Airways has introduced a new airport lounge concept called “The House” at Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD) airports. The House debuts in Australia following the concept’s recent launch at London Heathrow (LHR), developed in collaboration with lounge operator No1 Lounges. The Melbourne and Sydney facilities were updated and rebranded last month to reflect the … Read more

Craving authentic Catalan flavors in Hong Kong? Visit Catalunya Hong Kong, a standout dining destination led by Group Executive Chef Alain Devahive Tools. Catalunya brings the warmth and variety of Catalonia’s cuisine to the city, combining traditional recipes with contemporary techniques suited to Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene. Located on the ground floor of Guardian … Read more

As part of its expansion strategy in the United States, MSC Cruises welcomed MSC Divina, one of the company’s most modern ships, back to Miami. The ship will now operate year-round from Miami, offering regular Caribbean itineraries. MSC Divina spent the summer sailing in the Mediterranean after completing an earlier Caribbean season that ran from … Read more

The award-winning Novotel brand is expanding to China’s southernmost province with a new hotel in Haikou, Hainan. Operated by AccorHotels, the new Novotel property opens in the capital’s growing northeast district, bringing dependable midscale accommodation to a rapidly developing area. The hotel’s location offers convenient transportation links: about 40 minutes from the nearest airport, roughly … Read more

When the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles shifts into a vibrant nightlife playground. Neon lights illuminate bars and restaurants as the city’s social scene comes alive, offering plenty of opportunities to relax after a day of meetings or to spot a celebrity or two. Avoid the hassle of L.A. traffic and spend … Read more

Sofitel Berlin © Maud Delaflotte Perched on the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard in Germany’s capital, the Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm is an excellent choice for an urban escape. The hotel occupies a striking Art Deco building designed by Jan Kleihues; its soaring limestone façade and elegant detailing have made the structure a recognized architectural landmark. The … Read more

Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels International has opened its first Connecticut location: The Capitol Hotel in downtown Hartford. Recently renovated, the hotel serves both business and leisure travelers and offers views of the Connecticut State Capitol building. Its central location places guests within easy reach of Hartford’s top attractions and the major corporate headquarters … Read more