Travel news: US dollars will go further in Europe right now
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(CNN) — This week in travel news: What it takes to master one of the world’s toughest landings, Japan’s tough penguins and why American travelers might consider a trip to Europe this year.
Inspired Destinations
The euro is in free fall. For American tourists, that means holidays in Europe are more affordable in dollar terms than they have been in two decades. So, as airfares and other travel costs rise, the strong dollar could help offset those increases for lucky Americans heading to Europe.
At the time of writing, the euro and the dollar are near parity. The British pound is also weak: it trades at $1.20.
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, why not consider Occitanie, a region of France that includes a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline dotted with laid-back seaside villages and one of the largest wine regions in the country. Or maybe Dublin, Ireland’s bustling, car-free capital, where you can take in the sights and then go for a swim in the sea at a bathing spot loved by Harry Styles and Matt Damon.
Greece is another classic choice for American tourists. It certainly worked for Cleveland native Sura Crutch, who had a fling with an Athens local in 1971 — and now, half a century later, they’re still together.
Our animal friends
In 2015, a New Jersey man, Tom Turcich, rescued his dog Savannah from a shelter in Texas and took her for a walk. Seven years and thousands of kilometers later, they are finally over. This is the story of a man and his best friend who traveled the world.
In other animal news, at Japan’s Hakone-en Aquarium, animals including penguins and otters are not at all happy to be fed cheaper fish as a cutback measure. costs. Have you ever seen a more disgruntled waterfowl than this?
Wildlife fans might also enjoy CNN’s new original documentary series « Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World, » which premieres Sunday, July 10 at 9 p.m. ET. Filmed over an action-packed year, it shows what it takes to survive and thrive in one of the wildest places on earth.
Travel Trends
Glamping – that portmanteau of « glamour » and « camping » – is the latest travel fad among young Chinese. Northwest China, where travelers can escape city life and be surrounded by farms, pastures, goats and yaks, is a popular destination.
When it comes to setting trends around the world, the power of the social media influencer cannot be ignored whether you love them or hate them. As the world of travel reopens, we caught up with brands and influencers to get their perspective.
Hotel News
Norway’s Juvet Landscape Hotel is made up of 10 cabins in a vast nature reserve, each with a unique view. The minimalist interiors only emphasize the glory of the forest scenes outside.
Further east in Dubai, Anantara has opened its new resort on World Islands, an archipelago of 300 man-made islands. Only 15 minutes from the shore but completely isolated, it is only accessible by speedboat.
Nashville’s historic 112-year-old hotel, The Hermitage, just got a makeover.
And in London, the legendary Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair is undergoing a major refurbishment, with its new interiors to be unveiled in September 2022.
The shortest commercial track in the world
Landing at the airport on the small Caribbean island of Saba is so difficult that only an elite group of specially trained pilots are equipped to handle it. According to Captain Roger Hodge, a veteran aviator, « Once a guy has been fully trained and we are satisfied, we radio in that another Top Gun has been born. »
In case you missed it
An Airbus A380 flew from Dubai to Australia with a hole in its side.
A train enthusiast has solved a real-life Orient Express mystery.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned Thursdayafter a tumultuous few years in British politics.
Stop annoying me
Capture it. A gentle evening breeze, a margarita, and a date with your sweetheart at a luxurious resort you’ve been saving up for all year. And the only thing that ruins your vibe: your sun-kissed limbs are covered in big, itchy red bug bites.
To prevent that from happening on your next vacation, our partners at CNN Underscored, a CNN-owned product review and recommendation guide, have tried and tested the best insect repellents on the market. Here are the sprays they recommend.
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