Unveiling the World's Ultimate Global Hub, Offering Unmatched Flight Connections
Discover the world's ultimate airport for global flight connections, unveiling top travel news, the finest hotels of 2023, and new UNESCO World Heritage additions Get inspired, master flying tips, and follow an incredible journey of a mom and her 15 kids conquering the Appalachian Trail! Don't miss out!
Sign up for CNN Travel's weekly newsletter, Unlocking the World, to stay informed about the latest developments in aviation, food and drink, accommodations, and other travel news.
In this week's travel news, we will cover the top airports for international connections and passenger satisfaction, the hotels that have been recognized as the best in the world for 2023, and the new cultural landmarks that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Airports flying high
Some airports stand out for different reasons. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, for example, had the highest passenger volume last year, serving nearly 94 million travelers. In North America, airports in Detroit and Minneapolis were found to have the highest passenger satisfaction in a recent study conducted by J.D. Power. On the other hand, Changi Airport in Singapore is known for its innovative approach and is getting ready to introduce automated immigration clearance, allowing passengers to transit without needing a passport.
Three international airports stand out for their extensive range of connecting flights around the globe. London Heathrow takes the number one spot according to a recent report by aviation data firm OAG, closely followed by New York's JFK and Amsterdam's Schiphol. Top-tier cities require top-tier airports, and the top five list is completed by two major Asian hubs: Kuala Lumpur International and Tokyo Haneda.
Destination inspiration
When planning vacation itineraries, you really cant go wrong by checking out local UNESCO World Heritage sites: Its the unofficial stamp of a quality day out.
Fresh inspiration for future travels can be found in the recent additions to the UNESCO list. Notable examples include prehistoric earthworks in Ohio and Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia. However, there were also some controversial decisions, such as the inclusion of the ancient Jericho ruins in the West Bank and the exclusion of Venice from UNESCO's heritage in danger list.
To complement a top-notch vacation, it is important to choose a top-notch hotel, regardless of your destination. Recently, a ranking of the world's 50 best hotels was released, and the ultimate honor was awarded to a luxurious 24-key property in Lake Como, which only opened last year.
Flying tips and tricks
It's no secret that air travel can be incredibly frustrating, sometimes even bringing us to tears. But have you ever wondered why many people find themselves feeling emotional when they're in an airplane cabin at a staggering altitude of 35,000 feet? Well, the reasons behind this phenomenon are a combination of psychological and physical factors. Allow me to shed some light on the matter.
Of course, lack of sleep doesn't aid us either. Getting some rest while flying long distances can be challenging, but there are various strategies to improve our sleep quality besides the usual advice like using a neck pillow and refraining from alcohol consumption. One unexpected suggestion is to keep your feet elevated.
Making tracks
Luxury rail enthusiasts now have two exciting new trips to add to their bucket list. Starting in February 2024, The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, will offer two spectacular round-trip journeys departing from Singapore and showcasing the stunning landscapes of Malaysia, its neighboring country to the north.
Mom and 15 kids hike Appalachian Trail
Italy is set to introduce an exciting new program of tourist-oriented trains, featuring vintage locomotives and operating along popular vacation routes. Adding to the allure is the highly anticipated Orient Express Dolce Vita train, a long-distance, super-luxurious option that will bring a touch of 1960s-style glamour to a staggering 16,000 kilometers of railway line stretching from the north to the south of Italy.
Video Ad Feedback
After divorce, single mom takes her 15 kids on 7-month hike of a lifetime
03:51
- Source:
CNN
Single mother Nikki Bettis embarked on an unconventional form of therapy post-divorce: She embarked on a seven-month journey along the renowned Appalachian Trail with her 15 children, aged between 4 and 25.
Given the substantial number of individuals to nourish, strategic nutrition planning becomes imperative. In light of this, our affiliates at CNN Underscored, a trusted platform for product analysis and recommendations under CNN's ownership, have extensively researched and compiled expert-approved hiking snacks for the ultimate outdoor experience.
In case you missed it
A rescued alligator with the top half of its jaw missing has a new home at Floridas Gatorland.
But a bear wasnt so welcome at Disney World: It sparked closure of parts of Magic Kingdom.
A state-owned railway in China told women not to put on makeup on trains.
Heres how they responded.
A Rome-bound United Airlines flight descended 28,000 feet in eight minutes.
The scary incident was because of a "pressurization issue."
