News

Walt Disney World is home to two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. For the first time since 2019, both water parks will be open simultaneously.

Disney World is making waves for guests looking to beat the heat this summer. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, will be open daily from May 21 through September 7, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

This marks the first time since 2019 that both parks have been operating at the same time. With thrilling attractions and relaxing waters, this escape is the perfect way to dive headfirst into summer fun. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is modelled after a former tropical paradise that was destroyed by a typhoon, with a standout lineup of water attractions. A fan favourite is North America’s largest wave pool. Guests can enjoy the swimming area as the park’s iconic Mount Mayday erupts every half hour with a 50-foot-tall geyser.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach offers 66 acres of thrills and is uniquely themed to a wintery wonderland right in central Florida. Attractions include a one-acre wave pool, a lazy river, and Summit Plummet, one of the world's tallest and fastest free-fall body slides. Recent updates include a dedicated area for little ones themed to Frozen. New for 2025, guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel can enjoy complimentary water park access on the day of their arrival and choose between the two iconic parks. This park is offered at all hotels, from value Resorts like Disney’s All-Star Resorts to deluxe accommodations like Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Other deals for summer visits include up to 30 per cent off Disney Resort stays, the return of the free dining plan, and discounted theme park admission. Ahead of May 21, Blizzard Beach will need a little melt-away time as it prepares and will be closed between May 1 and May 20.

#bookmybooking #waltdisney #entertainment #waterparks #tourismupdate #news

An expert explains how to avoid the dreaded flight face.

There is a dizzying amount of planning and preening before jetting off on your next getaway, but have you given thought to flight face? You know the dreaded look, dry, dull and puffy, the post-flight aftermath of a long trip or a red-eye route. Flight face can be especially frustrating if you are headed to a destination wedding or for a special occasion where you want to radiate your best dewy and hydrated self right off the plane.

NYC-based esthetician Danielle Gamble of Danielle Gamble Skin said to Travel+Leisure that flight face occurs due to the low humidity and recycled air in the cabin, which is harsh on our skin. "The longer the flight, the more your complexion is zapped of hydration, which leads to breakouts, dullness and uncomfortable tightness," she noted. Gamble recommends scheduling a facial as close to your departure as possible, ideally the day before. "It's a surefire way to ensure you land with the glow and clear skin of your dreams."

When pursuing the facial services menu the day before your flight, she advised to "communicate with your esthetician about your hydration needs and get specific about focusing on penetrating moisture after extractions." Given the desert aridness of air travel, it's vital to seek out an esthetician who uses advanced modalities like Sonophoresis and iontophoresis. "These methods are proven to deliver hydration and active ingredients deep into the skin," Gamble said.

To combat post-flight puffiness and to ensure you look as snatched as possible, Gamble said to add a lymphatic massage to your facial. "Lymphatic facial massage is essential for looking your best," she said. "It boosts circulation, stimulates blood flow, and helps move excess fluid from the face to reduce puffiness. This is why so many celebrities swear by lymphatic facial massage before hitting the red carpet."

Once you are on board, lock in your glow with a nourishing leave-on mask. "When you are settled in your seat and with clean hands, apply a generous layer of a moisturising mask. Your rosin will absorb what it needs. For longer flights, keep applying. My top picks are the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Masta nd the MBR Hyaluron Mask."

To maintain your post-vacation glow, Gamble recommends booking a facial upon returning home, especially if you've visited an extreme climate, such as the beach or a ski resort. The truth of the matter is that every day is a good day to get a facial, and your pores will thank you, too.

#bookmybooking #gamble #flightface #consequences #airtravel #travelnews 

Scientists are nearly sure a new ocean is forming.

 Key Points

• Tectonic plates shifting in Africa could one day cause a new ocean to form.
• The plates in northeast Africa are moving at a rate of .3 inches per year.
• Once the continental drift reaches a certain point, it could create a sixth ocean in the region, but that could take millions of years to form.

The Earth might be getting a new ocean, though you will have to wait a long time to see it. Due to tectonic plate movement, part of eastern Africa is slowly splitting apart, which could lead to the creation of a sixth ocean in one million to 20 million years. Currently, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea are slowly moving away from the rest of the continent, potentially breaking off and allowing water from the Indian Ocean to rush in to fill the gap. This would lead to a separate land mass, new coastlines, and a change in climate patterns and geography for northeast Africa.

This area is part of the East African Rift System, home to an active continental rift zone where one plate is slowly pulling away from another one. According to research, parts of the rift are separating at a rate of 0.3 inches per year due to the movement of magma deep below the surface. Scientists were alerted to its relatively rapid movement due to a large fissure that appeared in Ethiopia in 2005. This isn't, of course, certain, but scientific experts believe it's likely since similar geological activities created the Saudi Arabian peninsula.

"In the future, as extension continues along the rift, the rift valley will sink lower and lower, eventually allowing ocean waters to flood into he basin. If rifting continues, new basaltic oceanic crust may form along the centre of the rift, producing a new narrow ocean basin with its mid-ocean ridge between the Nubian and Somalian plates," the London Geographical Society says.

The movement of tectonic plates can be responsible for volcanoes, geysers, and valleys when the plates move apart and extensive mountain ranges when they move together, as well as earthquakes. The new ocean to be identified was the Southern Ocean around Antarctica in 2021.


#bookmybooking #southafrica #beautifuldestination #newocean 

The unanimous pick has a tempting Mediterranean coastline.

Any day now, the grills will be fired up, the school bells will stop ringing, and the long sun-soaked days of summer will be here. But if you're still deciding where to go this summer for a little getaway, fret not, as we asked seven travel experts for their advice. And they all shared the same Aristocratic gem: Croatia.

Croatia isn't exactly a scary vacation destination. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, the tiny nation has seen a dramatic rise in tourism, with nearly 20 million people arriving in 2023, representing an almost 10 per cent increase from the previous year. Still, it's luring travellers in thanks to its perfect blend of Mediterranean coastline, historic cities, and still underrated islands.

"We have seen an 800 per cent increase in demand for stays in Croatia so far this year," Edward Framptoon, the general manager at Top Villas, shared with Travel+Leisure. While the Split Riviera, Dubrovnik and Hvar remain top picks, Framptoon noted that more surprising destinations like Korcula, often referred to as a mini Dubrovnik, are now firmly in the spotlight.

"Korcula provides equally breathtaking architecture, scenery, amazing beaches, and cultural experiences, but with fewer crowds, it's no surprise that it's gaining recognition."

Darijo Saric, CEO of VIP Holiday Booker, agreed, noting that "Korcula is our top pick for summer 2025." The island is most certainly ideal for a warm weather break, as it receives more than 2,700 hours of sun a year and offers the perfect mix of hiking in the pine forests, Venetian architecture, and sandy shoreline.

"It's also supposedly the birthplace of explorer Marco Polo," Saric added, noting the island's thriving wine scene, particularly Posip, is also a draw. "A couple of years ago, Beyonce and Jay Z were spotted visiting Korcula and enjoyed lobster on the small islet of Vrnik."

However, Korcula isn't the only destination in Croatia that is getting some much-deserved praise. "You can't go wrong with visiting the likes of Hvar, Vis, Brac and Krk," Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer, said. However, according to Parker, Travellers should forgo a car and opt to see the nation by sea instead. "Allow a travel advisor to make the arrangements and connect the dots. They can get you a catamaran or motor yacht to travel in style."  

And that's precisely what many travellers are opting for. Mirtic noted that people are also seeking to visit less touristed parts of Croatia for their visit, citing Korcula as a top trend. "It's becoming a must-visit for many of our guests."

Michelle Slater and Linda Burch, both group tour managers at Fox World Travel, also noted that their clients are increasingly drawn to the Dalmatian Coast, especially the medieval towns of Split and Dubrovnik, for their beauty, affordability, and boundless adventure potential. The region they shared "delivers both luxury and authentic local experiences, whether it's sailing along the coast, wine tasting in Istria or exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites."

And of course, there is Hvar, Gordana Tomicic, the president of the management board at Suncani Hvar Hotels, shared that demand for the island has surged, particularly among US, Canadian, Australian and UK travellers. "July and August remain our peak months with guests drawn to the island's vibrant atmosphere, perfect summer weather and lively beach bars and events," Tomicic said. "This year we have seen a rise in premium bookings with personalised experiences such as custom excursions, private boat transfers and unique Hvar offerings like vineyard tours, exclusive beach access and sunset cruises being among the most booked."

Joe Cronin, President of International Citizens Insurance, summed it up nicely, noting that "Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is one of the favourites, particularly the towns of Split and Dubrovnik, where stunning architecture and clear blue water abound." Now, all that's left to do is book your trip there too.

#bookmybooking #croatia #bestdestination #beautifuldestination #europeansummer #summerdestination

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