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After experiencing what the UN World Tourism Organization called “the worst year in tourism history,” the global tourism industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024. International tourist arrivals have fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant turning point for one of the world’s most important economic sectors.

The Numbers Tell the Story

According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals climbed to 1,465 million last year, matching the pre-pandemic (i.e. 2019) …

Few passengers careening between tube stations know there is an underground city beneath London.

In the 19th century, digging deep-level underwater tunnels was hazardous. Numerous attempts to cross the Thames underground had failed, with many lives lost. Today, the East London Line uses Brunel’s Thames Tunnel, being the first successful under-Thames crossing.

When steam traction was exchanged for electricity, deeper tunnels could be dug using compressed air and a large circular drilling shield, which was …

Not all Caribbean treasures wait to be discovered in chests hidden in long-forgotten sites – a visit to the Dominican Republic can also provide a  fascinating glimpse into the world of semi-precious stones to be found around this island nation.  In fact, the island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with neighboring Haiti, is renowned among gemologists for its semi-precious stones of both amber and larimar that have been uncovered here. Nowadays, the traveler …

There are many nicknames for the city of San Francisco, including “The City.” There is “415” – the area code, “San Fran” – (don’t use this one), “Fog City” – self-explanatory, “Golden Gate City” – for the bridge, and even “Baghdad by the Bay” – with reference to the cosmopolitan nature of the population, much like that of pre-war Baghdad. Lately, The City …

Founded in 1533 by the Spanish, Cartagena is situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Colombia and was Spain’s gateway to its new empire. Trading in gold, silver, tobacco, and, regrettably, enslaved people, the city boomed. These days, Cartagena draws tourists from all over the world, many of them arriving on cruise ships to explore the cobbled streets and colonial buildings of the colorful old city.

The historic streets of Cartagena’s old city are full …

I lolled back in my pool side lounge chair, opened my eyes, glanced out at the navy blue strip of ocean I could view through the railing slipping silently past as we cruised to our next gorgeous Caribbean port, and lazily mulled over whether to apply more sunscreen, move into the shade, or possibly just go visit the soft serve ice cream dispenser.

Then I checked out what my girlfriends were doing. One was deeply …

Lake Tahoe is a destination perfect for a getaway, provided you appreciate skiing or hiking or nature, golf, shopping, gambling, fishing, boating, or dozens of other outdoor activities.  Straddling the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe often exceeds the expectations of first-time visitors. Its natural beauty, crystal clear waters, towering Jeffrey pine trees, and mountains are stunning during any season.

But there is more. Lake Tahoe surprises with its casinos and city life. It …

Airport security checkpoints have long been a source of stress for traveling families. Between managing carry-on bags and keeping track of children, the screening process can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. Recognizing these unique challenges, the Transportation Security Administration has launched a new initiative designed to make air travel more family-friendly. The “Families on the Fly” campaign is the latest TSA initiative designed to enhance hospitality for families during the airport security screening experience, …

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited destinations. It is deemed one of the largest capital cities on the globe, with a population of over 11 million people. As the capital city of Thailand, the appeal is easy to see with its spectacular temples, exotic sites and a variety of specialty markets. It is in these markets that visitors can experience the local culture through interaction with vendors and fellow shoppers. Most are open …

I used to take an exorbitant amount of clothing when I traveled. Used to car trips where we had plenty of room and no weight restrictions, I crammed everything in just in case I might change my mind about what to wear. So when I began to travel more often by air, I had some serious adjustments to make in packing attitude. Some people manage to walk on a plane with one small carry-on or …

Don’t laugh.

Often, when I travel, one of the first places I seek out is the local cemetery, and not just during Halloween season. Why? Because there, believe it or not, you can learn a lot about the place you’re visiting — about its people, about its history, about its lifestyle, and about its colorful characters and legends. You can be moved to tears, of course. But you may also find yourself laughing out loud, …

For years, I celebrated Christmas with friends and family in an unlikely setting — on the rivers of Europe. It’s a tradition that I have very much enjoyed and one that I hope to continue.

I love the cozy feeling of being on a vessel that transports me, and a hundred or so others, along the main arteries of Europe during this festive time of year . I enjoy bundling up to stroll historic city …

Often referred to as the Rose-Red City, Petra stands among the deserts and mountains of Jordan as a legacy frozen in time. Carved from a wall of sandstone within the Great Rift Valley, the first sight of the 130-foot facade and its intricate designs and columns conjure up an ancient home for those long gone. A place of majesty and mystery, Petra holds a place in the coveted New 7 Wonders of the World.

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Scattered across the waters of the South Pacific, Vanuatu stands as one of the world’s most captivating yet underexplored destinations. This Y-shaped archipelago of 83 islands offers visitors an authentic Melanesian experience wrapped in pristine natural beauty, active volcanoes, and some of the most culturally diverse communities on Earth.

Vanuatu lies approximately 1,080 miles east of northern Australia and 310 miles northeast of New Caledonia in the South Pacific Ocean. The nation stretches across roughly …