Top International Airports Preferred by Travelers

In travel news this week: passenger–pleasing airports, cool streets around the world, France’s frog-leg crisis and Ireland’s best food and drink.

World’s best airports

Airports Council International has collected almost 600,000 surveys from travelers at over 400 airports worldwide, unveiling the passengers' top choices.

Nine airports stood out in all five categories at the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards this year, excelling in cleanliness, staff commitment, transport accessibility, and overall satisfaction. These airports are the happy hubs:

Here are some international airports that passengers have rated highly: • Greenville-Spartanburg International in South Carolina • Gerald R. Ford International in Michigan • Rome Fiumicino in Italy • Casablanca Mohammed V International in Morocco • Izmir Adnan Menderes in Turkey • Guayaquil International in Ecuador • Salalah International in Oman • Sultan Hasanuddin International in Indonesia • Yogyakarta International Airport in Indonesia

And for comparison, here are the North American airports that passengers have not been too fond of.

A popular street in a trendy, coastal city has been dubbed the "coolest" street globally by Time Out in their yearly list of awesome streets. In this year's top 10, the majority of the streets were located in the Asia-Pacific region, with four cities making the cut.

Some argue that Japan's most international city is not Tokyo. Instead, a port city located southwest of the modern capital served as the country's historical gateway to the world, and that rich legacy continues to thrive today.

Meanwhile, in Spain, the picturesque tourist destination of Valencia has been designated as the Green Capital of Europe, sparking joyous celebrations. With its flat roads and sunny climate, Valencia is a haven for cyclists, boasting nearly 200 kilometers (124 miles) of bike paths that connect to scenic "green routes" leading out of the city.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

As many Americans get ready to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day this Sunday, it’s well known that there are strong connections between Ireland and the United States. However, not everyone is aware that there is a US border located on Irish land. Let's explore the reasons behind this interesting fact.

If you want to keep the St. Patrick's Day celebrations going into Monday, you'll be happy to know that the festival used to last three days, ending on March 18th - also known as Sheelah's Day. Let's take a closer look at the history of the "female Saint Patrick."

Before you pile more cabbage onto your plate, take a look at our list of 26 Irish foods that you must try while in Ireland. There's a wide variety of dishes to explore beyond just stout and potatoes.

If you're a fan of strong drinks, our friends at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide from CNN, have got you covered. They've put together a list of six Irish whiskeys for you to enjoy this weekend, and any time of the year.

Loose morels

If you head into the woods today, be careful if you decide to pick mushrooms. Morels are a sought-after springtime treat, but a recent report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that they have been connected to several cases of poisoning and should be eaten with care.

After facing a crisis of "extinction," Camembert cheese now faces another challenge for French cuisine. Environmental activists are raising concerns that the French love for frog legs is putting certain frog species at risk of disappearing.

South Korea is also making efforts to safeguard our animal friends. They are cracking down on animal cafes that have sparked controversy, where people go to take selfies with animals like raccoons, foxes, and meerkats.

Additionally, did you know that you can actually get paid to relocate to South Korea?

Tulsa Remote program in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a unique opportunity for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Launched in 2018, the program offers $10,000 for individuals to move to the city for a year. The John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park is a notable landmark in this south-central US city.

Tulsa, Oklahoma: Oklahoma's trailblazing Tulsa Remote program launched in 2018, offering remote workers and entrepreneurs $10,000 to move to the south-central US city for a year. John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park is pictured.

Tyler Layne/Visit Tulsa

West Virginia: New River Gorge, the country's newest national park, is also the newest community to join the Ascend West Virginia worker relocation incentive program.

West Virginia's newest national park, the New River Gorge, has recently become a part of the Ascend West Virginia worker relocation incentive program. This program aims to attract individuals to move to the area and join the community.

In Evansville, Indiana, eligible candidates have the opportunity to receive a $7,200 incentive package. This includes $5,000 in cash, museum passes, and a one-year membership to the oldest urban old-growth forest in the United States.

DenisTangneyJr/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Topeka, Kansas: Choose Topeka doesn’t just focus on remote workers. Transitioning veterans, people who have recently left military service, and former Topeka residents can all be eligible for $5,000 in direct incentives.

Topeka, Kansas: Choose Topeka offers incentives not only to remote workers, but also to transitioning veterans, individuals who have recently finished their military service, and former residents of Topeka. These individuals may be eligible to receive $5,000 in direct incentives.

MattGush/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Kentucky: You can relocate to Mayfield and Graves County for just $8,800. This package includes $5,000 in cash and other perks, like a free monthly delivery of eggs.

Roberto Galan/iStock Editorial/Getty Images

The Shoals, Alabama: In northwestern Alabama, a program called Remote Shoals offers qualified workers up to $10,000. Cold Water Falls in Tuscumbia is pictured.

The Shoals, Alabama: In northwestern Alabama, a program called Remote Shoals offers qualified workers up to $10,000. Cold Water Falls in Tuscumbia is pictured.

Ron Buskirk/Alamy Stock Photo

Rochester, New York: The Greater ROC Remote program offers $10,000 in grants and incentives (plus another $9,000 for home-buying grants).

Rochester, New York: The Greater ROC Remote program offers $10,000 in grants and incentives (plus another $9,000 for home-buying grants).

Denis Tangney Jr/iStock Unreleased/Getty Images

Alaska: Instead of offering cash to potential residents out of state, Alaska provides those already within its borders with a yearly sum from its Permanent Fund Dividend. The southeastern city of Sitka is pictured.

Alaska provides its residents with a yearly sum from its Permanent Fund Dividend instead of offering cash to potential residents from out of state. The southeastern city of Sitka is shown in the image by Walter Bibikow/Photodisc/Getty Images.

Michigan offers approximately 350 scholarships and internships through The Michigander Scholars Program. This program aims to attract talented individuals to support the state's growing electric vehicle, mobility, and semiconductor industries. The city of Ann Arbor, known for its universities, is featured in the program.

Paul Brady/Alamy Stock Photo

These US cities will pay you to move there

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Some cities and towns in the US are enticing potential residents with relocation packages worth up to $15,000. These packages include cash incentives, outdoor activity passes, and even free egg deliveries. If you haven't heard about this trend yet, now you know!

After risky spine surgery, the surgeon told her not to plan any travel. 

Here’s what happened when she didn’t listen.

South Koreans lined up for days to say goodbye to a baby panda. 

You would too, when she looks this cute.

Australian billionaire hopes Titanic II will encourage period dress…

And world peace.

“It’s not us. It’s you.”

Miami Beach tries to split up with spring breakers.

Editor's P/S:

As an avid traveler, the article's insights into passenger-pleasing airports worldwide have piqued my interest. The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards highlight airports that excel in various aspects of traveler experience, providing valuable information for planning future trips. The recognition of Greenville-Spartanburg International in South Carolina and Rome Fiumicino in Italy, among others, stands out as exemplary examples of airports committed to enhancing passenger satisfaction.

Additionally, the article's exploration of global culinary experiences and cultural celebrations, such as Ireland's St. Patrick's Day and Valencia's designation as the Green Capital of Europe, has ignited my wanderlust. The emphasis on local cuisine and unique traditions offers a glimpse into the rich diversity of global cultures. Whether savoring traditional Irish fare or embracing the eco-friendly initiatives in Valencia, these insights inspire a deeper appreciation for the world's vibrant tapestry of experiences.