Exploring Turkey's Ancient Underground Marvels dating back 12,000 years

Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter to get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. This week in travel news: nude weddings in Italy, why North Americans are unhappy with air travel, and the incredible subterranean wonders hidden beneath Turkey.

Have you heard about the iron pillar in New Delhi that has been standing for over 1,600 years without rusting? Scientists finally discovered the reason behind this mystery in the 21st century.

Time in India is measured a little differently, with its own unique half-hour time zone. It is nine hours and 30 minutes ahead of New York and three hours and 30 minutes behind Tokyo. This difference dates back to the 19th century during the rise of steamships and trains.

Turkey is known for its historical wonders, many of which are hidden underground. Some of these wonders date back as far as 12,000 years. From ancient cisterns to mosques, Turkey's subterranean marvels are waiting to be explored.

Mishaps, mayhem and misbehavior

Travel season is heating up and so, too, are the opportunities for things to go wrong.

In the same week, a report revealed that North American airline passengers are not satisfied with air travel. However, flight attendants received praise for intervening in a fistfight on a flight from Taipei to San Francisco.

Meanwhile, in Istanbul, a Boeing cargo plane successfully landed without its front wheels. Additionally, serious flooding in Brazil led to chaos, with an airport runway being submerged.

Tourists causing overcrowding have been an issue in various places. Chinese climbers found themselves stranded on a cliff for over an hour due to underestimating the number of visitors. In Hawaii, people keep flocking to a popular spot despite it being taken down to address overtourism. Additionally, a Japanese store had to say sorry for drawing in too many customers. The large crowds gathering outside to capture the perfect Instagram photo of Mount Fuji became so overwhelming that the town had to block the view with a barrier.

Love and marriage

Two co-workers connected in Berlin for a wild weekend. It ended up leading to not one, not two, but three weddings.

A couple who eloped to Mexico last year faced a dilemma when their only set of wedding rings went missing during the ceremony. However, their day was saved by two strangers who stepped in to help.

In the Caribbean, an American woman found love with a chef she met on a beach and decided to start a new life on the French Riviera. She shared with CNN, "I've made some major life choices while on vacation."

And lastly, an Italian town is organizing unique beach weddings where couples can exchange vows in the nude. It's definitely a creative way to cut costs on a wedding dress.

The world's longest baguette

Joanne Brent, adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, stands near the baguette during her inspection during the Suresnes Baguette Show in Suresnes near Paris on May 5.

Joanne Brent, adjudicator of the Guinness World Records, stands near the baguette during her inspection during the Suresnes Baguette Show in Suresnes near Paris on May 5.

Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

A crew of French bakers made a baguette stretching nearly 140 meters (459 feet), setting a new world record in Paris. The previous record-holder was Italy.

There are more records expected to be broken in Paris this year, especially with the upcoming Summer Olympics. If you're looking to travel like an Olympian, Shaun White, a three-time gold medalist, recently shared his travel must-haves with CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide affiliated with CNN.

In case you didn't see it,

This architectural wonder was once a neglected building off the Connecticut turnpike. 

Now it’s one of America’s greenest hotels.

These Brazilian airplanes loved by passengers are conquering short-haul flying. 

And now they’re eyeing Boeing’s crown.

A tiny corner of Spain sits in the middle of North Africa. 

In Greek and Roman legend, it marked the end of the known world.

They were fined for making moonshine.

So they declared themselves a republic.

Editor's P/S:

The article presents a diverse range of travel-related news, from historical wonders to unusual events. It highlights the incredible subterranean marvels hidden beneath Turkey, dating back thousands of years. The iron pillar in New Delhi, standing for over 1,600 years without rusting, is a testament to ancient scientific knowledge.

While mishaps and misbehavior can mar travel experiences, the article also showcases heartwarming stories of kindness and love. The couple who lost their wedding rings in Mexico found help from strangers, and an American woman found love on the beach, leading to a new life on the French Riviera. Additionally, the article features the world's longest baguette, created by French bakers in Paris, setting a new Guinness World Record.