News

Plus, common scams that travellers should look out for.

Key Points

A new study shows that travel is one of the most susceptible sectors to fraud. Famous tourist destinations are among the prime targets for scammers, thanks to large crowds and the high rate of purchases.

Travellers should pack a healthy dose of scepticism and avoid any too good to be valid offers to help prevent fraudulent schemes.

A common fear among travellers when they visit a new destination is whether they might fall victim to scams such as pickpocketing or being ripped off by a tour company that seemed legit. Those fears are not entirely unwarranted, as a new study shows that the travel industry is a massive target for scammers. The Mastercard Economic Institute examined aggregated and anonymized transaction data from mastercard and found that the travel industry ranks among the sectors most susceptible to fraud attacks.” mastercards data shows that fraud reports jump by 18 per cent at popular destinations during peak summer travel and by more than 28 per cent at cold-weather destinations during the winter travel season. “Popular tourist destinations, particularly those that attract large crowds, are prime targets for fraudsters due to the high concentration of visitors and the increased volume of transactions,” the report says.

Among the destinations where tourists report higher levels of travel-related fraud are Cancun, Mexico, Hanoi, Vietnam, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Bangkok, according to the report. As for the destinations that tend to have the lowest rates of travel fraud, they include San Francisco, Dublin, Seoul, Budapest, and Edinburgh, which tend to be among the cities with the lowest rates of travel fraud. “This is a relative comparison, not a ranking of cities with the highest or lowest fraud rates,” the report states.

The danger can also begin well before the traveller leaves home, with fraud associated with early-stage trip planning increasing 12 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. During the trip booking process, travelelrs “commonly encounter manipulated destination photos, fake confirmation links and false offers with fraudsters preying on the desire for discounted travel amid inflation and economic pressures,” the report says.

The most common types of travel scams are fake travel agencies and sightseeing tours, with fraud in this sector more than four times higher than the global average, the report shows. These types of scams are even more common in specific destinations, such as Hong Kong, where fraudulent travel agencies and tour operators make up 70 per cent of the city’s travel-related scams. These fraudsters are also common in Barcelona and Delhi, India, where they account for 64 per cent of the travel scams in both cities, as well as Singapore (49 per cent) and Cancun (48 per cent).

Red flags travellers should watch out for include tour operators that offer enticingly low prices or require prepayment. “Once paid, the tour may either never occur or be drastically different from what was promised,” according to the report.

Taxi and car rental scams also occur frequently, especially in Jakarta, Indonesia, where these schemes comprise 66 per cent of the city’s travel fraud, as well as in Bangkok and London. Fraudulent accommodation bookings are common, especially in Jakarta, Indonesia, where these schemes comprise 66 per cent of the city’s travel fraud, as well as in Bangkok and London.

Fraudulent accommodation bookings are common in some destinations, including Phuket, Thailand, where they account for 39 per cent of travel scams and Antalya, Turkey, where they make up 35 per cent of fraud aimed at tourists.

To help avoid these frustrating and disappointing situations, travellers should plan to bring along a healthy dose of scepticism on their next trip and think twice before paying for any offer that sounds too good to be true.

#bookmybooking #beware #travelscam #bookingscam #mastercard #travelfraud

Looking for a futuristic pizza on your next trip to Europe?

Grab your napkins, maybe some crushed red pepper, and a little extra Parmesan because it's time to celebrate the 50 best pizza places in Europe, excluding Italy. Yes, you read that correctly. The 50 Top Pizzas list of the best pizzerias in Europe doesn’t include a single mention of Italy. But before you spiral into a mozzarella-filled rage, know that this is on purpose as the European nation and capital of all things pizza has its dedicated list simply because Italian pizzerias would beat everyone else out of the water, so really think of this list as the "50 best pizza places in Europe outside of Italy list," instead. Now that we have got that out of the way, it's time to celebrate the other spots making a splash with their delicious pies. According to the experts behind the rankings, this year's top pizza spot on the continent is Napoli on the Road, located in the United Kingdom.

"Led by the talented Michele Pascarell, who was awarded in 2023 as the best pizza maker in Europe, this project has revolutionised the concept of modern pizzeria. In Chiswick and Richmond, every detail is designed to offer an ever-evolving gastronomic experience. The menu changes every three months following seasonality and the excellence of selected ingredients."

It also noted that the shop's dough is a highlight as it offers bold yet balanced combinations. Joining Nepali on the Road at the top of the list is Baldoria in Madrid, which has won accolades for its efficient and friendly staff and inventive pies, such as the Bufala Fest, which comes topped with roasted San Marzano tomato sauce, confit cherry tomatoes, Parmesan chips, and basil pesto. Third place is a tie between Via Toledo in Vienna, Austria and Sartoria Panatiieri in Barcelona. Via Toledo took a top spot thanks to its excellent fresh ingredients from Italy." The rankings added that in some pizzas you will also find a bit of the flavours of Puglia the region of origin of Francesco and Chiara the founders which brings a nice element of creativity." as for Sartoria Panatieri it wonhigh praise thanks to not just its pies but alos its fantastic selection of appetizers wide selection of craft beers and delicious desserts. "The artisanal desserts are almost like grandmother's treats and a must-try, such as the blueberry and mascarpone tart," the rankings stated.

50 Top Pizza explained that the top 20 pizza places in Europe are automatically included in the 100 Best Pizzerias in the World list, joining others from the Asia Pacific, the US, Latin America, and, of course, Italy. The final awards ceremony takes place on September 8 and will surely be the most delicious event imaginable.

#bookmybooking #foddiedestinations #bestpizza #europe #italypizza

You can book the full 60 days or just one of the legs of the larger journey, too. 

 Key Takeaway

Luxury tour company Butterfield & Robinson is launching a new "Around the World in 60 Days" journey, which combines six distinct journeys across four continents. The 60-day tour visits Mexico, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Morocco, Turkey, and France. Travelelrs can also book just one leg of the larger journey too.

If you've been dreaming of experiencing the world in a way that combines luxury, culture, and conscious travel, get ready. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, luxury tour company Butterfield & Robinson has announced a collection of "Around the World in 60 Days" trips that span six destinations across four continents over 60 days.

The entire trip will feature exclusive experiences, an expert guide, and exciting surprises, all set against a backdrop of luxury and sustainability. Butterfield and Robinson have curated the collection to reflect its commitment to ethical travel, slow travel, and local impact, with each itinerary for each leg highlighting the environment and social initiatives nurtured by the company through its Slow Fund.

The tour begins on March 21, 2026, in Oaxaca, Mexico, and then continues to Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Morocco, and Turkey before concluding in Burgundy, France. Travelelrs can select to participate in as many parts of the tour as they prefer, whether they would like to join one trip or all six.

In Oaxaca, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Zapotec culture, explore the Tlaclula Market, savour local mezcals, and discover the Oaxacan landscapes. On the combined Cambodia and Vietnam leg of the trip, travellers will cycle along canals and floating markets and share a home-cooked meal with a renowned chef.

The third leg transports participants to Rajasthan, India, where they will have the opportunity to spot leopards with expert trackers at a luxury camp that focuses on conservation. They will also stay in a private 300-year-old palace and explore local art and communities throughout the wondrous city. Following India, the 60-day trip continues to Morocco to explore the wild desert and the Atlas Mountains with a trusted guide.

Next comes Turkey, where travellers will go from the bazaars of Istanbul to the cave cities and balloon tours of Cappadocia to a private luxury yacht along the blissful Mediterranean coast. The final leg of the tour wraps up the experience in Burgundy, France, the European home of Butterflied and Robinson, offering wine tastings in local vineyards, scenic rides through the countryside, and stays at luxury châteaux. The total cost of the 60-day trip, including all six legs of the journey, is just over $85,000 per person, excluding airfare. To book a visit to Butterfield and Robinson's page on the journey at butterfield.com.

#bookmybooking #BandR #butterfieldandrobinson #travelupdate #europetour #worldtour 

Key Point- There are also severe restrictions for seven additional nations. The current administration has announced a travel ban on citizens entering the US from 12 countries, along with severe restrictions on those travelling from seven additional nations, which will take effect on June 9. Here is what you need to know.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced a travel ban on citizens entering the US from 12 countries, along with severe restrictions on those travelling from seven additional nations. According to the announcement by the White House, nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are banned from entering the United States, effective 12:01 A.M. on June 9.

Those from Burundi, Cuba, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela will also face heightened restrictions. "In Exclusive Order 14161 of January 20, 2025, I stated that it is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes," Trump shared in the announcement. "I also stated that the United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those aliens approved for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans or our national interests."

For Americans, the US State Department maintains a "Do Not Travel" list of travel advisories. Of the travel ban nations, several countries have a Level 4 travel rating: Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and Yemen. That said, the travel advisory is a suggestion, and the US government does not ban Americans from entering the countries mentioned earlier.

According to the Associated Press, many of the countries on the new ban list were also included in Trump's travel ban during his first term. The AP also reported that Trump shared an additional message on social media tying the travel ban to a terrorist attack in Colorado on Sunday, in which a man threw a gasoline bomb into a gathering of pro-Israel demonstrators. However, the suspect in that incident is Egyptian, which does not appear on this new list of banned countries.

Several aid groups have already condemned the ban, with Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, telling the AP, "The policy is not about national security; it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States."

Shawn Van Diver the president and board chairman of #AfghanEvac a non profit assisting in the resettlement of Afghans in the United States shared in a statement with multiple outlets that while the Trump administration has made an exception for special immigrant visas for Afghans who the US government employed, that still leaves tens of thousands of Afghans with pending cases especially family members, will now be blocked rom reaching safety regardless of their loyalty to the United States or prior vetting." He added, "To include Afghanistan, a nation whose people stood alongside American service members for 20 years, is a moral disgrace. It spots in the face of our allies, our veterans, and every value we claim to uphold."

Some nations also appear unfazed about the ban or restrictions. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, shared on local television that travelling to or being in the US" is a considerable risk for anybody, not just for Venezuelans. They persecute our countrymen, our people, for no reason." Cabello added, "If you are that foolish, then go to the United States."

#bookmybooking #usanews #travelban #trumpupdate #travelnews #Visaupdate

Getting to Los Angeles International Airport got easier.

In Los Angeles, people often say that the actual test of someone's love is their willingness to pick you up from Los Angeles International Airport. Enduring the traffic of LAX for a friend or loved one requires a certain selflessness and bravery. But now that the LAX/Metro Transit Centre is open, getting to and from he airport could be a little easier.

The new LAX/Metro Transit Centre is situated just outside the airport, near Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, adjacent to the LAX Rental Car Centre. The new transit centre is directly connected ot the Metro's C and K metro lines. The C line links L—a West Side who eats, running from EL Segundo to Downey. The K Line runs north to south, going from the Jefferson Park neighbourhood to Redondo Beach. The LAX/Metro Transit Centre doesn't just provide travellers easy access to the airport, though. It also closes a key gap in the Metro's rail network by serving as a hub for the C and K lines.

In addition to the two metro lines, travellers will be able to hop on 14 different bus lines at the new station, including Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus, the Culver City Bus, Torrance Transit, and Garden's GTrans System. However, the LAX/Metro Transit Centre isn't yet directly connected to the airport. The Automated People Mover is slated to open in 2026, and once it does, travellers will be able to take the APM train from the transit centre to LAX seamlessly. For now, shuttles will run every 10 minutes between the centre and the airport, picking up and dropping off guests at the lower level of each terminal.

To ride the Los Angeles public transportation system, you need a Tap card. You can purchase tickets and passes at any metro station or add the card to your Apple or Google Wallet for easy use. If you are driving into LAX from out of town, you could park your car at one of the LA Metro System's many Park and Ride facilities and then hop on a Metro line to get to your flight.

Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. With Los Angeles set to host several significant events in the coming years, it is likely to become even busier. The new LAX/Metro Transit Centre debuted just in time for events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and, of course, the 2028 Olympics. The new Metro Centre will alleviate some of the pressure on LAX-IT, the airport's ride-share hailing and taxi lot.

#bookmybooking #usanews #laairport #airporttraffic #metrotransit #travelnews #travelupdate 

Kathmandu- A British mountain guide has scaled Mount Everest Sunday for the 19th time, breaking his record for the most ascents of the world’s highest mountain by a non-Sherpa guide. 

Kenton Cool, 51, from southwest England, scaled the 8,849-meter peak on Sunday, May 18, along with several other climbers, and he was doing well and on his way down from the summit, said Iswari Paudel of Himalayan Guides Nepal, which equipped his expedition. Cool first climbed Mount Everest in 2004 and has been doing it almost every year since then. He was able to climb Everest in 2014 because the season was cancelled after 16 Sherpa guides were killed in an avalanche, and again in 2015 when an earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 19 people. The 2020 climbing season was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hundreds of climbers and their guides are on the mountain during the popular spring climbing season, hoping to scale the world’s highest peak. Many of them have already succeeded, while more are expected to make their attempt before the climbing season closes at the end of this month, when weather conditions deteriorate with the coming of the rainy monsoon season, making climbing difficult. Only Nepali Sherpa guides have scaled the peak more times than Cool. The highlight of Mount Everest climbs is 30 times by Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita, who is also currently on the mountain and is expected to make the climb in the next few days.

#kathmandu #sherpa #everestnews #everestupdate #worldrecord #mountaineerrecord

When Joel Anyaegbu's application for a Schengen visa to travel to Barcelona was denied late last year, he was surprised but immediately reapplied.

He submitted additional documents beyond the required amount, including bank statements and proof of property ownership in Nigeria. He was rejected again. "The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable," read a checklist returned with his passport from the Spanish consulate in Lagos. The 32-year-old gaming consultant said he felt humiliated. "I had to cancel meetings with partners at the conference I was attending,". "I emailed the embassy to understand why I was denied, but it has not been answered to date."

Anyaegbu's was among the 50,376 short-stay Schengen visa applications rejected in Nigeria last year, nearly half of all submissions, according to newly released data from the European Commission.  Applicants worldwide pay a non-refundable visa fee of 90 euros. Hence, Nigerians alone lost over 4.5 million euros seeking permission to travel to the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area.

In total, African countries lost 60 million euros in rejected Schengen visa fees in 2024, according to an analysis from the LAGO Collective. The London-based research and arts organisation has been monitoring data on European short-term visas since 2022. It states that Africa is the continent most affected by the cost of visa rejections.

"The poorest countries in the world pay the richest countries in the world money, but do not get visas," said its founder, Marta Foresti. "As in 2023, the poorer the country of application, the higher rates as high as 40-50 % for countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria." She says this proves "inbuilt discrimination and bias" in the process. A European Commission spokesperson said that member states consider visa applications on a case-by-case basis. "Exceptional decision makers assess each file on its merits, in particular regarding the purpose.

In total, African countries lost 60 million euros in rejected Schengen visa fees in 2024, according to an analysis from the LAGO Collective.

The London-based research and arts organisation has been monitoring data on European short-term visas since 2022 and states that Africa is not the continent most affected by the cost of visa rejections.

"The poorest countries in the world pay the richest countries in the world money for not getting visas," its founder, Marta Foresti, said. "As in 2023, the poorer the country of application, the higher the rejection rates. African countries are disproportionately affected, with rejection rates as high as 40-50% for countries like Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria." She says this proves "inbuilt discrimination and bias" in the process.

A European Commission spokesperson said that member states consider visa applications on a case-by-case basis. "Experienced decision-makers assess each file in its own merits, in particular regarding the purpose of stay, sufficient means of subsistence, and the applicant's will to return to their country of residence after a visit to the EU," the spokesperson said via email.

'Insufficient reasoning'

Africans have long complained about inconsistent and sometimes baffling decisions regarding who is approved or denied when applying for European visas. Cameroonian Jean Mboule was born in France, but when he applied for a visa in 2022 alongside his wife using similar documents, his application was rejected, but hers was not.

"At the time, she was unemployed but with a South African passport. She had no income but received a visa in the back of my financial statement,". "But the embassy said they refused my application because my documents were fake, and they weren't sure I could come back to South Africa, where I am a permanent resident, if I went to France."

The 39-year-old regional executive took legal action in French courts and won, forcing the French embassy in Johannesburg to grant him a visa and pay a fine of €1,200. He told an administrative tribunal in the French city of Nantes that the embassy's decision to deny him a visa was flawed due to the lack of sufficient reasoning.

Mboule pointed out that he had provided sufficient guarantees that he would return at the end of his term to his wife and daughter in South Africa, where he had won a building. After he got the visa, he chose to go to Mauritius instead, as he didn't want to spend his money in France.

The reasons for refusals vary and include, for example, the submission of false or forged supporting documents, such as bank statements or civil status documents, and weak socio-economic ties to the residence, if they feel that the refusal was unjustified.

"The reasons for refusals vary and include, for example, the submission of false or forged supporting documents such as bank statements or civil status documents, and weak socio-economic ties of the country of residence and hence an increased risk of irregular migration," it said.

While Schengen visa rejections get the most attention due to the large number of countries, African applicants ot the UK complain of similar access challenges. UK visa fees rose from €100 to €115 in July 2024 and then to €127 in April of this year. There was a 13.5% increase in the cost of rejected visas to €50.7 million in 2024, according to the LAGO Collective's estimate. Nigerians alone paid an extra €2 million trying to travel to their former colonial master, as per its calculations.

#visarejections #visaapprovals #scheneganvisa #visaeligibility #visanews #visaupdate 

A Lufthansa flight with 205 people on board went without a pilot for 10 minutes last year after the copilot fainted while has was alone in the cockpit, according to a new report from Spain’s accident investigation authority. The captain had briefly left the cockpit to use the lavatory when the copilot fainted during a flight from Frankfurt to Seville, Spain, on February 17, 2024, said a report from the agency called CIAIAC.

A total of 199 passengers and six crew members were aboard the Airbus A321 at the time, the report said. The aircraft continued to fly stably due to the autopilot being active; however, the copilot inadvertently operated the controls, according to the report. It added that sounds consistent with the copilot’s “sudden and severe incapacitation” were recorded on the voice recorder during this time.  

An air traffic controller attempted to contact the copilot up to three times but received no response. The report stated that the captain returned from the bathroom and tried to open the cockpit door with a standard opening code, which would chime the cockpit. The captain made five attempts at this, and a cockpit crew member also placed an intercom call to the flight deck. With no response, the captain used an emergency code to gain access and took control of the aircraft.

Lufthansa told CNN that it was aware of the investigation report and had cooperated with Spanish authorities. It said its onboard flight safety department had also conducted an investigation. It said it was unable to comment further on the report. The copilot received first aid from the crew and a doctor who was travelling as a passenger, the report said. The copilot regained consciousness and later said he remembered being treated by the crew and doctor.

The captain decided to divert the flight to Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas airport, where he landed approximately 20 minutes later. Once in Madrid, the copilot was transferred to the hospital, where he remained for a few hours. An investigation determined that the copilot’s incapacitation was the symptoms of a pre-existing neurological condition that he did not know he had not been picked up during his aeronautical medical examination, the report said. The copilot’s medical certificate has since been suspended, it added. The Spanish authorities described the incident as an extraordinary circumstance and stated that the captains were trained for situations in which another pilot becomes incapacitated. Although rare in flight, incapacitations, including the sudden death of pilots, do occur, the CIAIAC said, citing various reports.

The authority stated that it identified 287 in-flight pilot incapacitations in a database of transportation occurrence reports managed by the European Commission over the 2019-2024 period. In a 2004 report, the US Federal Aviation Administration identified 39 instances of in-flight incapacitation among American airline pilots over a six-year period, from 1993 to 1998.

#spain #lufthansa #aviation #accident #spanishauthorities #travelnews #lufthansaupdate

With its enviable climate, cuisine, and architecture, Spain attracted 98 million visitors in 2024, making it the world's second-most-visited country after France. But that popularity comes with an unenviable side effect.

A surge in homes being listed on platforms like Airbnb means Spain's main urban centres, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, are now in the grip of a housing rental crisis that has become Spaniards' primary concern in recent months, according to the Spanish Centre for Sociological Research. Now that anxiety has triggered an official backlash.

Earlier this month, Spain's Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda demanded the removal of nearly 66,000 property rental listings on Airbnb, stating that they contravene tourist accommodation regulations. While Airbnb is appealing the move, it can't come soon enough for some in Spain who say the lack of affordable living accommodation has blighted their lives.

"Not being able to afford the purchase or even just the rent of a decent apartment for oneself is devastating for the dignity of working people," Madrid resident Enrico Congiu said. The 40-year-old works as a family doctor and shares an apartment with two other people of the same age, close to the capital's downtown area.

 Cities turned into theme parks.

Barcelona-based Raquel Perez is another young professional who says she feels trapped by a housing shortage she says can only be alleviated by restrictions on holiday lets. "Currently, it is almost impossible to rent an apartment in Barcelona". "And we, in Barcelona, find ourselves having to share an apartment at the age of 40 or having to move to neighbouring cities."

She added: "I am in favour of eliminating the licenses for tourist apartments and converting them into long-term contracts. I would bring this measure forward to 2026." The price per square meter of house rentals has risen by 85% nationwide in Spain over the last decade, according to data from the real estate website idealista, with tourism and seasonal rentals viewed as key drivers of inflation.

There are 400,000 tourist use housing units in Spain, as per the latest data from the Spanish Statistical Office. The Bank of Spain estimates the country's housing deficit to be between 400,000 and 450,000 dwellings, figures that appear to have spurred the government into action against the rentals it deems are in breach of regulations.

"Behind each of the 65,000 property listings, there used to be homes for families, workers, students who today are expelled form their neighbourhoods and see how their cities are tuend into theme parks for the excessive profit of a few investment funds and big companies," Pablo Bustinduy Spain's Minister for social rights consumer affairs and 2030 agenda said on Sunday.

Most of the targeted listings violated existing rules by not providing a license number, providing an incorrect one, or failing to indicate the legal nature of the owner, as per the ministry.

 Indiscriminate methodology

A request that Madrid's High Court has backed has ordered the rental platform Airbnb to immediately withdraw 5,800 property rentals listed in regions such as Andalucia, Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and the Basque Country, identified by the ministry.

Asked about the move, Airbnb said that it will continue to appeal the Allahabad exceptions affecting this case. It also accused the ministry of "using an indiscriminate methodology" to single out rental properties that Airbnb says do not need a license.

Airbnb pointed out that it is already working with the governments of the Canary Islands, Murcia and Ibiza to pursue illegal listings. The national government isn't the only Spanish authority tackling the issue. The Barcelona City Council announced in June 2024 that it will not renew housing licenses for tourist apartments after 2028. That means that more than 10,000 tourist apartments will have to be made available for locals to rent or purchase.

The move has upset some property owners, with the Association of Tourist Apartments of Barcelona demanding more than $4.4 million in compensation for approximately 7,200 apartments affected by this measure. And not everyone is convinced it will tip the balance in favour of those struggling to find long-term accommodation.

"More affordable housing and better regulation would be needed, "Xavier Sole, a Barcelona resident, told CNN.

Probably for the Best

Some tourists, meanwhile, say they agree with a clampdown on Airbnb-style rentals even if they find them a preferable option. Lara Sorbili, who recently visited Madrid from Buenos Aires, agreed with any efforts ot help reduce rental prices for locals, but still chooses Airbnb where possible. "I find it to be more convenient as I can have a kitchen, refrigerator, or it's much more comfortable," Sorbili said. "It also reduces the cost for a family trip if I travel with my children."

Deborah Murphy, who flew from Ireland to spend time in the Spanish capital, added that new measures were "probably for the best."

"There are so many hotels already available that you take housing away from people who could live there instead of tourists who come for a few days and add nothing to the economy."

#airbnb #spain #rentalcrisis #overtourism #stayoptions #barcelona 

Are you struggling to find a four-bedroom suite in London's most upscale and centrally located neighbourhood with panoramic 180-degree views over half the district? The five-star Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel opened in St. James's Place one year ago and has just the ticket. Its newly launched penthouse on the 11th floor of Mayfair's first new-build hotel in a decade luxuriates over 5,000 square feet of lofty, prime real estate.

If the hand-painted wallpaper, marvel bathtub, array of post-Impressionist art, and serenely chic design by Studio Indigo don't entice, the two-level view-blessed wraparound terrace might. The Cost? Ah, well, there is the rub. The starting rate is £ 40,000 a night, which could get you nearly 15 months at the budget Travelodge hotel near Marylebone. The new offering is at the very top tier of London's accommodation options for super-rich jetsetters with expansive wallets, with the seven-bed Royal Suite at the Lanesborough and the six-room Manor House Wing at the Rosewood being among the ritziest of the glitziest.

The crown, however, goes to the £ 60,000-a-night penthouse at Claridge's, which opened on the rooftop of the 169-year-old Mayfair hotel in November 2023. The 11,840-square-foot suite has four bedrooms, a private garden, a swimming pool, 360-degree views over the London skyline, a Steinway piano, and the world's most extensive private collection of works by artist Damien Hirst. Frankly, with all that on offer, I do not know how the global 1% find time on their trip to pick up Tower Bridge fridge magnets or make it down to M&M's World in Leicester Square.

Spectacular Landscapes

To coincide with the CNN Original series "My Happy Place," CNN anchors and reporters have been taking us to visit their favourite destinations. Bill Weir's happy place is Utah's Buckskin Gulch home to one of the longest slot canyons in the world. The beautiful, undulating canyons have been sculpted by water and time and offer a peacefulness rarely found elsewhere, but watch out for the rattlesnakes and scorpions.

Lake Salda is surrounded by white sand in southwest Turkey because of its vivid turquoise waters. There is a little more to this body of water than meets the eye, however, Scientists say it's the only place on Earth that is analogous to the Jezero Crater on Mars. How did this happen? To answer that, we need to go right ot th bottom of the ocean and through to the interior of the Earth. There are 24 more of the world's most unusual landscapes to explore in our roundup of must-see phenomena, from colourful sinkholes to waterfalls of molten lava to towering snow monsters.

You will want a good camera to record your travels best. Our parents at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have the guide to the best travel cameras for 2025.

Healing and connection

Nearly 10 years after his father died, travel writer Will McGouf wanted to honour his memory by scattering his ashes in the pristine wilderness of Antarctica. He made the journey to the White Continent with his father's remains in a bag in his pocket, but the wish for ecremoney did not go ahead as planned. The Mount Kinabalu earthquake of 2015 claimed 18 lives, including Singaporean students and teachers who had travelled to Borneo on a school expedition. A decade later, survivors returned to the mountain to climb again. One told CNN, "We honoured what our friends never got the chance to finish."

Aircraft mechanic Max Corner has built a substantial social media following with his fun, quirky, and informative "Aeroplane Facts with Max" videos. However, his life as an online star only began in 2022, after the unexpected death of his wife turned his world upside down.

"During that time, I had difficulty wanting to keep going daily. It gave me something to look forward to, a creative outlet I needed," he tells CNN.

#luxuryhotels #luxurysuites #hospitality #penthouses #uktourism #travelnews