Since its origin in the Loire Valley about a thousand years ago, Chenin Blanc has been recognized as a leading white grape of that region. Today, however, South Africa is the largest producer of this versatile variety, planting roughly 20 percent of the world’s Chenin Blanc—about twice the acreage found in the Loire. Introduced to … Read more

Marriott International is expanding into the home rental market with a collection that already includes more than 2,000 properties across over 100 destinations worldwide. The company has launched Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a platform offering premium and luxury homes for travelers. At rollout, the portfolio covers key locations in the United States, Europe, … Read more

Bucharest is a city best discovered outdoors. Traditionally said to have been founded by a shepherd, the city’s parks rank among its top attractions and several of the most notable green spaces sit close to the center. Herăstrău Park combines a boating lake, public sculptures and a quiet Japanese garden with Bucharest’s most engaging open-air … Read more

Travelers seeking rental cars over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays faced sharply higher prices, according to a recent survey from CheapCarRental.net. The study found that rates at many airport locations jumped dramatically between Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, in some cases doubling or tripling compared with typical winter prices. In the New York area, … Read more

Do you have a sweet tooth? Melbourne, Victoria, is a top destination for dessert lovers, and Foodi’s Cupcake & Dessert Walking Tour offers a delicious way to explore the city. Over nearly three hours, participants stroll between the best dessert shops and sweet spots, sampling a variety of treats. Along the route, guides share the … Read more

The city’s signature Lockwood Restaurant and Bar, located in the historic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, has reopened with a refreshed concept and updated menus. Under the direction of Chef Mathew Wiltzius, the kitchen now focuses on farmhouse-style American cuisine that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including produce and honey from the hotel’s rooftop garden … Read more

Hilton Worldwide has revealed plans to launch a dual-branded hotel complex in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. The 610-room development, slated to open in 2020, will be situated on the shores of West Lake close to Hanoi’s business district. The Hilton Hanoi West Lake will feature 240 rooms and suites plus 50 serviced residences. The DoubleTree by … Read more

Hilton Worldwide has announced a strategic development agreement with Primestar Hospitality that will result in the opening of ten new hotels across Germany and Austria. These additions will expand Hilton’s footprint in the region and join more than 35 properties already operating or planned under Hilton brands in the two countries. According to Patrick Fitzgibbon, … Read more

Air Canada will replace its current loyalty program, Aeroplan, in 2020 with the aim of offering additional earning and redemption options, more personalized service and an improved digital experience for customers. The carrier sold the Aeroplan business a decade ago to Aimia, which has continued to operate the Aeroplan program for Air Canada passengers. With … Read more

American Airlines has halted all flights to Venezuela as of last month. The carrier was the last major U.S. airline serving the country, operating daily routes from Miami (MIA) to Caracas (CCS) and Maracaibo (MAR). The suspension follows safety concerns raised by the pilots’ union, which advised members to refuse assignments on daily flights to … Read more