Chasing Cherry Blossom Magic: Best Times in 2024

Chasing Cherry Blossom Magic: Best Times in 2024

Get ready to track the prime moments for cherry blossom sightings in 2024, alongside exclusive glimpses of post-pandemic North Korea and intriguing tales from a seasoned Vegas enthusiast.

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In travel news this week, keep an eye on the calendar for peak cherry blossom season, get a rare glimpse of post-pandemic North Korea, and read about the experiences of a frequent visitor to Las Vegas.

Flowers have the power to attract tourists with their beauty and charm. Whether it's the vibrant tulips in the Netherlands or the fragrant lavender fields in France, these natural wonders never fail to captivate visitors. Another popular attraction is the annual cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., and Japan.

As we head into March, the National Park Service's Bloom Watch predicts the peak time for the lovely cherry blossoms in D.C. to be from March 23-26. Various factors can impact the blooms, such as cool weather prolonging their beauty or a rainy day causing them to wilt prematurely.

Although the exact peak bloom date may vary, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is set to take place from March 20 to April 14. If the Tidal Basin gets too crowded, consider exploring the nearby Wharf district, where Bloomaroo will be happening on March 23.

Japanese forecasters have announced their cherry blossom predictions for this year. In Kochi, the peak is expected around March 27, while in Tokyo, it is predicted for around March 29. For those planning a trip to Sapporo, the peak is not expected until May 4. Get a taste of the beautiful sakura season with stunning photos from our archives.

Explore the exciting world of aviation.

Despite recent unsettling news about airlines, it's reassuring to know that commercial airplanes are still the safest mode of transportation. A recent report has confirmed that 2023 was the safest year ever for flying. Discover the positive trends, the best-performing regions, and the remaining safety concerns.

Dubai, known for its ambitious projects, is determined to become a major player in the aviation industry. The desert city has long had plans to build the world's largest and busiest airport, surpassing even Atlanta. However, this dream has yet to become a reality. Get an update on the current status of this megaproject.

Dreaming big is a common theme in Dubai, but some flag carriers, which are the most representative airlines of a country, operate with smaller fleets. For example, Air Albania only has three aircraft. There are other small flag carriers around the world as well.

No matter the size of the airline you fly with, comfort is always important. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, can provide helpful suggestions for the best travel pillows in 2024.

In transit

Call them metros. Call them subways. But definitely call them convenient for getting around some of the world’s biggest cities. From London to Tokyo, here are some of our favorites.

In northern India, a runaway freight train astonishingly traveled a whopping 72 kilometers (45 miles) before finally being stopped. Let's find out the clever method used to bring the massive train under control.

On another note, auto service group AAA is cautioning about an increase in gas prices in the United States as the spring break season nears. In fact, prices have gone up by 4 cents per gallon in the last week.

A peek inside the Hermit Kingdom


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North Korea welcomes tourists again. Who is visiting?

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A visit to communist North Korea was already rare before the pandemic. With tourism shut down, not many tourists were able to visit. However, recently, a group of tourists from Russia had the opportunity to explore key sites in the capital, Pyongyang, and even visited Masikryong, North Korea's only ski resort. Let's take a look at their experience.

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Editor's P/S:

This article provides a comprehensive overview of various travel-related topics, from upcoming events to industry updates. The extensive coverage of cherry blossom season forecasts and the exploration of aviation safety trends are particularly informative. The insights into the resumption of tourism in North Korea and the personal perspective on Las Vegas are also engaging.

The article effectively highlights the diversity of travel experiences, from the natural beauty of cherry blossoms to the convenience of urban transportation. It also touches upon important issues such as gas price increases and the environmental impact of tourism. Overall, the article offers a well-rounded and informative read for travelers and enthusiasts alike.