Stories

Slainte! This City in Scotland Celebrates 850th Anniversary

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Slainte! This City in Scotland Celebrates 850th Anniversary

Scotland’s so-called ‘Second City’ takes center stage in 2025 as it celebrates its 850th birthday. If you’ve only been to Edinburgh, it’s time to put Glasgow on the top of your Scottish travel list and discover its history and the thriving, vivid, cultural hub of modern Scotland on the River Clyde that’s even a UNESCO City of Music. Far bigger than Edinburgh, Glasgow’s size exploded during the Industrial Revolution, which led to its reputation being compared negatively to Edinburgh’s perennial medieval and almost fairytale charms. But Glasgow has thousand-year-old origins, too. Glasgow's name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘dear green hollow,’ reflecting its early pastoral setting along the River Clyde. The city traces its roots to the 6th century when its... more


Why Your Next Flight Could Come With A Train Ticket

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Why Your Next Flight Could Come With A Train Ticket

Planes, trains… and sustainability. Adoption of ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is speeding faster than a locomotive around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, and it could mean the next time you book a flight, your journey - and ticket - will include a leg on a train or even a bus. The key to ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is the ‘integrated’ part. It involves seamlessly switching between modes of transport in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective, typically with pre-arranged connections and schedules that minimize the time spent in transit. In fact, more and more intermodal travel even adds points to your airline loyalty program’s bottom line!What’s ‘Driving’ Integrated Intermodal Travel? Switching between modes in an organized, pre-arranged way is usually more:Sustainable,Time-effective, and evenCost-effectiveTrains have... more


Four Seasons Yachts Picks "Celebrity" Captain for Inaugural Ship

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Four Seasons Yachts Picks

Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut in January 2026, and when its first small-ship, ultra-luxury vessel takes to the seas, it will be helmed by a very familiar figure. One might even say, a “Celebrity.” Captain Kate McCue has moved from Celebrity Cruises to the new cruise line. Even cruise aficionados who have never sailed on Celebrity have likely heard about ‘Captain Kate.’ She made history in 2015 as the first American woman to captain a mega-ton cruise ship, and in her time at Celebrity, has become something of a social media superstar, posting about her life at sea (with her cat, who sadly passed away recently, gaining its own avid following.)  During Captain Kate’s decade with Celebrity Cruises, she... more


Scotland’s Cool-Weather ‘Coorie’ Culture

Story About Scotland
Scotland’s Cool-Weather ‘Coorie’ Culture

Denmark has ‘hygge,’ and Scotland has ‘coorie.’ Eons of winds off the North Sea and a bracing climate have given both countries enticing traditions for staying cozy and cheerful year-round. And if you travel to Scotland outside the sunny summer months, you can immerse yourself in Scottish nature and elements of Scottish culture you can only truly appreciate when there’s a chill in the air. Like the Danish ‘hygge’, the closest word in English to the Scottish Gaelic word ‘coorie’ may be ‘cozy.’ It refers to a way of life that promotes a sense of comfort, warmth, and contentment in intimate settings where you can escape the cold weather or even the world at large and focus on the people closest to... more


2 Cruise Lines Implement New Age Restrictions on Young Travelers

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2 Cruise Lines Implement New Age Restrictions on Young Travelers

Two of the world’s biggest cruise lines are cracking down on young travelers cruising on their own. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line quietly changed their minimum age policies in February 2025. They are still two of the most family- and kid-friendly cruise lines out there, with cruise guests of all ages welcomed. The change is for young adults traveling without an older grownup. Now, to sail unaccompanied on either cruise line, guests embarking from North American ports must be a minimum of 21 years old. That’s up from the previous minimum age of 18. From now on, a Royal Caribbean guest under the age of 21 will have to be accompanied by someone over 21 (parents or guardians may be in... more


Beyond the Nightclubs: World Heritage Reasons to Visit Spain’s Balearic Islands

Story About Spain
Beyond the Nightclubs: World Heritage Reasons to Visit Spain’s Balearic Islands

Before Ibiza earned its reputation as the world’s hot spot for beach club nightlife and its electronic dance music scene, the Balearic Islands stayed under the radar of all but the most in-the-know of European travelers. Now the secret’s out – but there’s so much more to these four Mediterranean islands off the coast of Spain than global celebrity DJs and beautiful people having a beautiful time. In fact, this enchanting archipelago, made up of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and yes, Ibiza! offers visitors sun-kissed beaches and stone formations, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, sunsets and lighthouses, hippy markets and living history.Even if you enjoy a dose of late-night electronic dance partying at a stylish beach club, you’ll want... more


Stay in 5 Real-Life Hotels in Thailand Where They Filmed ‘White Lotus’ Season 3

Story About Thailand
Stay in 5 Real-Life Hotels in Thailand Where They Filmed ‘White Lotus’ Season 3

From Hawaii to Sicily, and now to Thailand, the hit HBO dramatic series The White Lotus has captivated viewers and inspired travelers with its double appeal of intrigue in luxury hotels and their location in exotic destinations. Season 3 shines a spotlight on the Thai destinations of Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok as the exotic backdrops of the intrigues of this dark-comedy, hit TV mystery. Fiction can merge with travel reality for The White Lotus fans. You can stay for real in any of the multiple Thai hotels that stood in on the screen as The White Lotus Thailand on the country’s second-largest island of Koh Samui in Season 3. In the series, the fictional The White Lotus is portrayed as the world’s... more


Aruba, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic: New Resorts to Try on Your Next Caribbean Vacation

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Aruba, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic: New Resorts to Try on Your Next Caribbean Vacation

What’s better than a mid-winter getaway? The chance to test-drive a new resort before any of your friends, or try a new, tropical destination. Ask us about your best options for escaping to any of these three new resorts, in three favorite Caribbean locales - with three very different beach vacation styles! And the best part? All three belong to resort families with loyalty programs, so you can be racking up points while relaxing on the beach. Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive ResortStyle: Family or Adults-only Vacations in 2 Separate SectionsDestination: Dominican RepublicLoyalty Program: Marriott BonvoyThe first Marriott all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic - in fact, in the entire Caribbean - has opened. It follows an extensive renovation of the former... more


The Coldest Cruise in the World? Ponant Inaugurates Icebreaking Winter Voyage

Story About Québec
The Coldest Cruise in the World? Ponant Inaugurates Icebreaking Winter Voyage

It's the first time ever that a cruise ship has navigated the frozen St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada - in the WINTER! Carving new horizons for small-ship, luxury expedition cruising even more than Antarctic and Arctic cruises, which are held during the summer months. CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FOR AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Ponant's CEO Herve Gastinel, on board Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot on the occasion of the inaugural icebreaking passage. We dive into what makes Le Commandant Charcot perhaps the only luxury, small expedition ship capable of pushing the boundaries of this kind of expedition cruising, and why Quebec, of all the winter maritime destinations in the world, attempted this incredible new feat of cruising. Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot is... more


Tahiti and More: Gems of French Polynesia to Discover on Your Paul Gauguin Cruise

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Tahiti and More: Gems of French Polynesia to Discover on Your Paul Gauguin Cruise

There’s magic in the word ‘Tahiti.’ It conjures up visions of the ultimate tropical escape and sailing serenely through pristine, jewel-toned waters that kiss the undeveloped, palm-lined shores and reflect dramatic peaks. Part of one of the most remote and romanticized regions of the world, the mere mention of Tahiti evokes fantasies of cruising through an exotic paradise – isolated from a busy world. No wonder Tahiti is a bucket-list destination. But Tahiti is not alone. Here’s a primer on a region begging for exploration by luxurious, small ship like the Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship that is devoted exclusively to the South Pacific.  Paul Gauguin Cruises’ itineraries begin at week-long sojourns through the South Pacific, and you can also connect them back-to-back... more


Sandals Reveals Top Trends in All-inclusive Vacations – and Where You Can Find Them

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Sandals Reveals Top Trends in All-inclusive Vacations – and Where You Can Find Them

Travelers are looking for more than sun and sand from their all-inclusive vacations – and Sandals and Beaches Resorts has its finger on the pulse of your island holiday fantasies. Their parent company, Sandals Resorts International, has revealed the most in-demand practices and innovations that are transforming Caribbean vacations – and where they’re already being implemented in resorts you can book now.  Sandals Resorts has 17 luxury beachfront, adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. From butler service and exquisite cuisine to top-shelf spirits and groundbreaking suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, the company is known for innovations that continue to elevate your all-inclusive vacation. Sandals Resorts has pioneered... more


Dive Into Local Tradition at the Caribbean’s Only Channel Swim

Story About St Kitts and Nevis
Dive Into Local Tradition at the Caribbean’s Only Channel Swim

For nearly a quarter century, it’s been the premiere open water swimming event of the Caribbean. And again this March, swimmers from around the world challenge themselves on the Nevis to St. Kitts Cross Channel Swim – the only channel swim in the Caribbean. The 2.5-mile expanse of scenic water of the “Narrows” strait between the sister islands might not represent the longest or most difficult channel swim in the world, but it might be one of the prettiest. With Nevis’ famous, verdant volcanic peak behind them, intrepid swimmers start at Oualie Beach in Nevis and end at Spice Mill Restaurant in Cockleshell Bay, St. Kitts. Along the way, they may spot sea turtles or rays sharing the stunning, sparkling, jewel-toned waters... more


This Popular Ocean Cruise Line is Launching River Cruises!

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This Popular Ocean Cruise Line is Launching River Cruises!

If you love Celebrity Cruises on the seas and have always thought of taking a river cruise, mark 2027 on your calendar. That’s when Celebrity River Cruises is launching – and you can book your place on one of the first European river cruises by this ‘modern luxury’ cruise line this year! In an announcement that took cruise and travel fans completely by surprise, Celebrity Cruises has revealed it has ordered a whopping 10 river cruise ships right out of the gate. The cruise line tells us their river ships will have the same atmosphere, hospitality, award-winning food and beverage experiences, and elevated design and style as Celebrity’s beloved Edge-class ocean ships. It adds the upcoming fleet of river cruise ships will... more


Important Passport Advice For Travel this Year

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Important Passport Advice For Travel this Year

Don’t let this happen to you!  I know a family who recently missed their holiday – and lost nearly everything they’d spent on their vacation – all because of a completely avoidable travel document snafu. It happens more often than you think – but it shouldn’t happen to you. Here’s the sad story: For their first trip as a family, the parents got the kids their first passports but planned to travel on their own existing passports, which were still valid from their honeymoon a few years ago. They knew their destination didn’t need a visa, so they thought they were good to go. Wrong. The couple has a travel journalist friend (ahem!) who had been at their wedding and did some quick mental... more


‘Cultivate’ Your Green Thumb in the Gardens of Britain This Year

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‘Cultivate’ Your Green Thumb in the Gardens of Britain This Year

The coldest weeks of the year inspire dreams of lush blooms and garden idylls, which just happen to be the calling card of the essential English lifestyle. Plan a trip around one of Britain’s dazzling flower shows and visit iconic gardens at stately country homes. 2025’s Flourishing Flower Show CalendarGet your horticulture on at one of Britain’s flower shows, with their rich tapestry of blooms and garden artistry in 2025. From ‘cutting’ edge designs to rare plants to dramatic installations and serene oases, Britain’s garden shows celebrate gardening traditions and push horticultural boundaries. Discover the latest plant varieties, take part in gardening workshops, pick up tips and the latest nifty gardening tools, and enjoy family-friendly activities, often live music and local food... more


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