Sky-high costs and restricted access: Soaring travel expenses encountered
Let's dive into this week's travel news! Lace up your sneakers, pack your bags, and get ready for an exciting adventure. From the sandy shores of Okinawa to the bustling streets of Edinburgh, here's what's shaking up the world of travel.
💰 gotta pay to play (or visit)
Traveling has never been easier, but recent changes to passports, visas, and entry fees might sneak up on you.
Italy, the land of pizza and pasta, is tightening its citizenship requirements, putting a damper on the dreams of many who hoped to snag an Italian passport through ancestry. Spain's "golden visa" program, offering residency rights to foreign citizens, has come to an end, and now visitors from the EU and 48 other countries need to apply and pay fees before setting foot on British soil.
Edinburgh and Venice are slapping on new tourist taxes, while New York's Empire State Building is testing out surge pricing, and Kyoto's hotel taxes could skyrocket up to tenfold. But fear not, the European Union is still giving away free international rail passes to lucky young travelers. Apply before April 16 for a chance to explore the continent on a shoestring budget!
🕰️ John Wayne trivia: revisiting World War II battlesites
80 years ago, one of the deadliest battles of World War II took place on the Japanese island of Okinawa. Today, visitors can still experience a sense of history touch by exploring the battle sites and remnants left behind.
The southern Netherlands also offers a somber taste of World War II history, with the country's only American military cemetery honoring about 10,000 US soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Several European cemeteries have grave-adoption programs, with Dutch families taking on the role of caretakers for American soldiers' graves.
✈️ Take flight, but stir up thrill
A passenger on a flight from Bali to Melbourne attempted to open a plane door over the Indian Ocean, forcing the plane to turn around. Passengers on a flight from Georgia also found themselves in a scary situation when a burning odor and smoke filled the cabin. There was drama at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with a rash of recent incidents, including a deadly mid-air collision and a control tower fight.
Fear not, flying is still the safest way to travel, with millions of passengers enjoying smooth journeys every day. So buckle up, and take flight!
⏱️ Time-saving hacks for the airport
A new viral trend called "airport theory" sees travelers testing the limits of how late they can arrive at the airport. If the thought of cutting it close causes anxiety, take a look at CNN Underscored's roundup of products for passing time at the airport. Better safe than sorry!
📰 In case you missed it
- An American tourist was arrested for attempting to contact the "world's most isolated tribe" on a heavily guarded island in the Bay of Bengal.
- Barcelona is dealing with the aftermath of turning off the crowds of tourists, now wondering what's next for the city's economy.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning has been linked to several traveler deaths, so be cautious when planning your next trip.
- Food critic Chris Dwyer shared that the best meal he ever tasted only cost $2 from a tiny takeout store in New York City.
Till next time, happy and safe travels! Remember to sign up for CNN Travel's weekly newsletter, Unlocking the World, to stay in the loop about destinations, aviation news, and where to stay. Ciao! 🌏🛫🎉
- The escalating costs of passports, visas, and entry fees are creating challenges for travelers, as Italy tightens its citizenship requirements and Spain ends its "golden visa" program, while destinations like Edinburgh, Venice, and New York increase tourist taxes and fees.
- For history enthusiasts, documentary opportunities abound as World War II battle sites in Okinawa and the southern Netherlands offer a poignant look into the past, while several European cemeteries have programs for adopting and maintaining American soldiers' graves.
- While incidents such as a passenger attempting to open a plane door and smoke filling a cabin's cabin may raise concerns, flying remains the safest mode of transport, with millions of smooth journeys experienced daily.
