Travel Tales: March Mayhem and Inspiring Voyages
Most Impertinent Travelers of March till Now
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This week's roundup dives into a mix of travel chaos and heartwarming stories.
The global aviation sector is facing disruption following a fire near the UK's Heathrow Airport. Travelers have shared their experiences of being caught in the chaos last week. If your flight gets canceled or delayed, here's a guide on what to do.
March Madness: Unruly Incidents
March has been a whirlwind of unbecoming behavior among travelers and tourists.
An American tourist created an international uproar when she was caught on camera taking a baby wombat away from its mother in mid-March.
On March 7, a man was busted at a New Jersey airport with a live turtle hidden in his pants.
A viral video showed two diners urinating into their hotpot broth at a restaurant in China, leading to refunds for customers.
In Ireland, a campaign is underway to prevent tourists from touching the breasts of the famous Molly Malone statue in Dublin.
Airplanes have always been hotspots for unruly behavior, and March has been no exception. Recently, disruptive incidents on flights include biting, shoving, swallowing rosary beads, attempting to contact President Trump, and clogged toilets forcing planes to return.
Starting Over: Inspirational Travel Stories
Let's transition to some inspiring real-life travel stories.
A former luxury property broker from Los Angeles fell in love with Puglia in southern Italy and decided to stay there permanently.
A woman from Pittsburgh moved to the southern Italian region of Calabria and became the country's first female rabbi.
A university professor from California left the US for what he thought would be a six-month trip to Japan over three decades ago and is still there, loving every minute of it.
A family from Chicago left the US for Spain after a tragic family event. They found solace and healing in Valencia.
Getting Active: Adventure and Fitness
Li Dongju, a Chinese woman, embarked on her first international trip at age 56 and has since explored the world by bike. She's already biked solo through 12 countries across three continents.
In Bryce Canyon National Park, Trish Salazar and Aaron Toro met while hiking and instantly fell in love. Their story is featured in the Chance Encounters podcast.
Angola could be the surfing world's best-kept secret with perfect waves and minimal crowds. Already attracting more adventurous surfers, this paradise is starting to gain recognition.
Staying fit while traveling doesn't have to be a challenge. Our partners at CNN Underscored - a product review and recommendations guide owned by CNN - have a round-up of the best travel fitness products under $25, endorsed by personal trainers.
Canadians to the US: "No, Thanks!"
A Canadian couple who normally spend tens of thousands on annual U.S. trips have canceled nearly everything due to remarks made by President Donald Trump and the tariff war.
Canadian tourists make up 40% of the revenue for many businesses in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Many are choosing to skip their annual vacation this year, leaving businesses struggling.
In Case You Missed It
- Journey Across Continents with a Dog: A man left his corporate job to travel the world photographing dogs. With funds running low, he's close to hitting rock bottom.
- World's Happiest Countries for 2025: The happiest countries for the year 2025 have been revealed. People are kinder than we think.
- $800-an-hour Ugandan Tourism Experience: Despite the cost, this unique travel experience in Uganda is worth it. Find out why.
- Midge Invasion in an Italian Beach Town: Residents of an Italian beach town are calling for a state of emergency due to a midge infestation.
[1] FBI Arrests Passenger for Threatening Flight Attendant on United Airlines Flight
[2] Air rage incidents on the rise: Aviation security experts weigh in on how to combat disruptive passengers
[3] Ryanair bans disruptive passenger over fake diplomatic immunity claim
[4] Unruly airline passengers: Ways we could prevent the next midair meltdown
- In light of the aviation sector's disruptions due to the UK's Heathrow Airport fire, the newsletter Unleashing Adventures offers a guide on what to do when flights get canceled or delayed.
- Moreover, March has seen a surge of unruly incidents not just in airplanes but also among travelers and tourists, such as taking a baby wombat from its mother, hiding a live turtle at a New Jersey airport, and urinating into hotpot broth at a Chinese restaurant.
- Adopting a more positive note, inspirational travel stories reveal the adventures of Canadians who have decided to permanently move to Italy or Spain following personal tragedies or a desire for a new lifestyle, and Li Dongju, a Chinese woman who embarked on her first international trip at age 56 and has since biked solo through 12 countries.
