Innovative Wildlife Crossing Project Underway in Los Angeles
Discover the latest in travel news including top airports, a European capital's hotel ban, removal of a Hawaiian attraction, and the exciting development of a real-life wildlife crossing above a California freeway.
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This week's travel news covers a range of interesting topics. Find out about the world's top and most bustling airports, a European capital that is saying no to new hotels, a Hawaiian attraction being taken down due to negative tourist behavior, and a real-life animal crossing being constructed above a California freeway.
Animals on the move
A snake caused a delay on a bullet train in Japan by slithering around a passenger carriage. The train, scheduled to depart from Tokyo to Osaka, had to be taken out of service, affecting over 600 passengers.
Snakes will be happily welcomed on the upcoming "world's largest wildlife crossing" being built over the busy 101 Freeway in Los Angeles. This overpass, named the Wallis Annenberg, will stretch across 10 lanes and offer a safe route for various animals like mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, toads, and even ants. The goal is for it to become a leading example of urban wildlife conservation globally.
Alyssa Kopp and her mother, Mary Gomes Kopp, are known for rescuing stray animals on the Mediterranean island of Crete. Their hearts were shattered when their beloved partially sighted cat Rodri went missing during a flight with Aegean Airlines in Europe on March 8. Despite over a month passing, they are still left in the dark about her whereabouts.
The annual ranking of the world's busiest airports was released on Monday, with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport holding the top spot for most of the past two decades.
Dubai made headlines by reaching the No. 2 spot for the first time. However, the airport's joy was short-lived as severe storms hit the UAE on Tuesday, causing chaos with flooded runways and congestion.
Qatar also experienced heavy rains, but Doha's Hamad International Airport managed to escape major disruptions. This week, it was recognized as the best airport in the world for 2024 in a Skytrax poll of travelers worldwide, maintaining its well-deserved reputation.
Amsterdam is feeling the impact of overtourism, leading to a ban on new hotels in the city. Authorities are trying to deter party-seekers drawn to Amsterdam for activities like sex and drugs.
Locals in the Canary Islands recently initiated a hunger strike to express their concerns about the growing tourism industry. They believe that the influx of tourists is causing prices to rise and making it difficult for them to afford living on the islands. Over the past decade, the number of tourists visiting the islands has increased by almost five million annually.
In Italy, the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence has been a popular tourist attraction for many years. However, it made headlines last year when a tourist from California drove a rental car across the pedestrian-only bridge. Now, the bridge is undergoing a two-year restoration project to bring it back to its original beauty. This is the first time the medieval bridge has received such extensive restoration work.
Why we can’t have nice things
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Video captures moment unruly visitors damage ancient rock formations
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CNN
Recently, a disturbing video surfaced showing two individuals vandalizing ancient rock formations at Lake Mead, the country's initial and largest national recreation area. These slabs, created from 140-million-year-old sand dunes, have been irreparably damaged.
In Hawaii, the beautiful Haiku Stairs mountain trail is being taken down due to the misbehavior of tourists. The decision was made because YouTubers, TikTokers, and thrill-seekers were trespassing illegally.
US National Park Week begins on April 20, starting with a free entry day on Saturday for all NPS sites. If you plan to visit any of these national treasures soon, remember to be respectful and follow the rules.
In case you missed it
This World War II dictator’s bunker just opened to the public.
The rooms are nearly 20 feet underground and clad in four feet of reinforced concrete.
She set out to find a husband in a year.
Then she matched on a dating app with a man on the other side of the world.
A cruise line is offering a luxury suite for an incredible $1.7 million.
It’s for a 140-day world voyage setting out in 2027.
Fashion that doesn’t fly.
Why revealing outfits are getting people into trouble on airplanes.
Editor's P/S:
This week's travel news highlights the delicate balance between tourism and sustainability. While airports like Atlanta and Dubai continue to thrive, cities like Amsterdam and the Canary Islands grapple with the impact of overtourism. The construction of the "world's largest wildlife crossing" in Los Angeles offers a beacon of hope for urban wildlife conservation, but incidents like the vandalism of ancient rock formations at Lake Mead and the closure of the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii underscore the need for responsible tourism.
The plight of Rodri, the missing cat, and the ongoing restoration of Florence's Ponte Vecchio bridge serve as poignant reminders of the importance of respecting historical and natural heritage. As we celebrate US National Park Week, it's crucial to remember that these treasured sites are not only for our enjoyment but also for future generations. By following the rules, being mindful of our impact, and advocating for sustainability, we can ensure that both travelers and destinations alike can flourish.
