The Instagram stories of Americans fleeing to Europe never show the returns - 40% are back in America within two years, broke, defeated, and pretending their "European adventure" was always meant to be temporary. They arrived with dreams of café life and affordable healthcare, then discovered European salaries, apartment hunting, and the reality that "everyone speaks English" is marketing fiction. My American expat group in Barcelona started with 47 members in 2022; 19 remain, and 3 more have flights booked home for January.
In international route news, United is set to launch the first nonstop service between the U.S. and Adelaide, Australia, on Dec. 11 when it introduces three weekly 787-9 seasonal flights from San Francisco International. That becomes United's third nonstop route from SFO to Australia, after Sydney and Brisbane. Adelaide, located on the southern coast, is the nation's fifth-largest city and capital of the state of South Australia.
Starting at $78 million, the Gulfstream G700 sits firmly in the realm of the top 0.01%. Delivery of the G700 began in mid-2024, so only a handful are in operation today, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after new jets. It's like a flying penthouse larger than some New York City apartments. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos own their G700s outright, a stark display of what unlimited money can buy.
If you're the type of traveler who struggles with only packing a carry-on suitcase, only to give up and lug a checked bag to the airport, you're most likely doing one of two things wrong. Overpacking typically stems from a lack of preparedness; you left your packing until the very last minute and didn't strategically consider each piece's function. There's also the possibility that you're not taking advantage of your allotted luggage allowance-namely, the personal item.
Even in the rain, London's rich history can be explored indoors. Many iconic landmarks offer indoor areas that are perfect for wandering without exposure to the elements. The Tower of London, for example, provides a fascinating journey through centuries of history with exhibits, armoury displays, and the Crown Jewels. Similarly, Westminster Abbey allows visitors to admire stunning architecture and historical artefacts in a sheltered environment. These sites combine education and sightseeing, making them ideal for a wet day.
Airlines use careful crew management to keep flight attendants alert throughout the journey, staffing these flights with extra crew members who rotate through scheduled rest breaks in hidden compartments, ensuring some attendants are always available in the cabin while others recharge. This rotation system allows the crew to maintain the high level of attentiveness needed for passenger service and emergency response on ultra-long flights.
When it comes to travel accessories, everyone has their favorites, but one often-overlooked essential that deserves a spot in every carry-on is this tech organizer. No one wants to deal with tangled cords or missing adapters mid-vacation, and this best-selling Amazon case keeps everything from chargers to memory cards neatly in place. One flight attendant called it the "perfect system" to keep their chargers in one secure place.
The cave, which was found by Hekla Tang, the snowmobile operations manager for tour company Arctic Adventures, was likely formed by meltwater and shifting ice and features a spacious chamber made of high-clarity ice streaked with layers of volcanic ash from past volcanic eruptions. Once it was discovered, the company told Travel + Leisure it worked to build out the entrance and add lighting.
Locals head to temples for late-night bell ringing ceremonies or leave town altogether to visit relatives, making for a mellow season. That doesn't mean the city grows dull. (If you've done your research, you'll know that Tokyo can be anything but.) The city hums with activity, just with a quieter charm. Neighborhoods can feel more local, and it becomes a rare chance to slip into seasonal traditions and see a different side of the city that so many people have come to love.
Translating to "green mountain" in Spanish, Monteverde is a haven for ecotourism on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. Home to thousands of plants and more than 400 bird species, like the elusive quetzal and scarlet macaw, the region inspires immersion in its varied topography and wildlife. The biggest attraction, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, draws thousands of annual travelers to its mist-tinged mountains.
"Would you like a glass of bubbly?" the captain asked while helping me settle into a floating blush pink Fiat 500, named Sorbetto. The four-seat 15-foot replica of the legendary Italian car is one of just 500 produced in the world (a small plaque under the steering wheel confirms Sorbetto is number 33). It now whisks Beach Club guests across the lake as part of the renovated hotel's recent enhancements. So, for 30 minutes, I soaked up the Florida sun, sipped my chilled sparkling wine, and waved at curious onlookers pointing at our small but mighty floating Fiat 500.
It feels nearly impossible to pick where to visit in Mexico. There are more amazing beaches, mountains, deserts, and vineyards (yes, vineyards) spread across the country than one can count, each with its own set of historical ruins, cultural cuisines, and spectacular vacation home rentals to explore. Once you've decided where in this gorgeous country to settle down, picking an Airbnb from the many great options can feel like a Herculean task.
The safest island in the Caribbean was Saint Barthélemy, according to a study from travel platform Going. The company said the island is known for its "exceptional security" and for having the lowest crime rates. Popular among luxury travelers, the small island is renowned for its high-end resorts, exceptional nightlife, and top-notch shopping. The U.S. State Department also classifies the French West Indies, of which St. Barts is included, under its lowest Level 1 travel warning, telling Americans to "exercise normal precautions" when going there.
A day trip to a country estate, think grand house, landscaped gardens, woodland paths, maybe a small café and a gift shop, can feel like a mini-holiday without the hassle of packing a suitcase. Whether you're going solo for some peace and quiet, planning a romantic stroll, or bringing friends or family, a little preparation can turn a "nice" outing into a truly memorable one. Below are practical, easy-to-use tips to help you plan a smooth, fun, and satisfying day out, using an estate visit as the perfect example.
After landing, I found my "hotel" in a corner of a busy walkway. There were eight capsules stacked two high, somewhat like bunk beds. Expecting limited service, I was surprised to find an employee present to check me in. They quickly showed me how to set codes for my capsule door and luggage locker, then gestured for me to climb inside.
Part of the Cayuga Collection of sustainable luxury hotels in Central America, Jicaro Island Lodge is a luxe, private island hideaway surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Nicaragua. Among volcano-studded landscapes coated in forests, the island's nine casitas just as easily welcome adrenaline seekers eyeing water sports and hiking trails as they do those looking to spend long, lazy days floating in the infinity pool or balancing in a hammock, book in hand.
Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is back and happening now through January 7, 2026! And one of the best parts of this magical time of year is the seasonal treats, of course. So, let's indulge a little and have ourselves a festive feast - let's go!
If you look at a map of Texas, the very left point is El Paso. From there, let your eyes wander southeast. You see that dip in the Texas border along the Rio Grande? That dip is called the Big Bend. And within this area, you'll find one of the largest, most remote national parks in the continental U.S. Big Bend National Park is bigger than Rhode Island and the only national park that contains an entire mountain range, the Chisos Mountains.
Twenty-five years since the platform's launch, we speak to Irish hoteliers about the impact of reviews, from high praise to claims of mosquitoes in Kilkenny...
The ancient Japanese sport is hardly a trend, but it does have increasing international interest. When the Grand Sumo Tournament arrived in London this October, the city reacted as if a global pop star had touched down. For five days, the Royal Albert Hall transformed into a dohyō (sumo ring), alive with roaring crowds. It was a collision of worlds: ancient Japanese ritual unfolding in a Victorian concert hall usually reserved for symphony orchestras.
On Saturday, November 22, the third-ever Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix dominated the streets of the city in a nail-biting display of motorsport's finest talent. One of the three final races of the 75th season, the three-day event was packed with musical entertainment, race prep, and activities around the city, and as a major fan of the sport I was fortunate enough to be on the ground for it all.
Most famous as the hometown of Shakespeare's tragic couple Romeo and Juliet, Verona isn't typically one of the first cities in Italy that tourists visit, but it's definitely worth a trip. Located in the northern Italian region of Veneto, Verona is less than 90 minutes from Venice or Milan via high-speed train. It's also within striking distance of Lake Garda, making it a great stop on a trip through northern Italy.
Everything you need to know to be prepared for solo female travel in Austria - including safety tips and travel advice. Austria was one of the first countries I visited solo, years ago at the start of my career as a travel blogger. I was dead nervous before that trip, but it took almost no time at all for me to fall in love with this beautiful country, with its fairytale cities, too-good-to-be-true mountain landscapes, and amazing food!
If you've ever dreamed of relocating abroad, these 12 countries will pay you to move there whether you're a remote worker, entrepreneur, or looking for a fresh start. These countries are offering not just financial incentives but also the opportunity to experience a new way of life whether it's working remotely from a scenic island, building a startup, or raising a family in a peaceful village.
For some travelers, their seat assignment is out of their control, so Figgins suggests stowing your carry-on bag in the bin in the aisle across from your seat when you can for improved visibility. And, you should always stay alert and aware when flying. Of course, because that can be easier said than done (especially on long-haul flights when you're hoping to catch a little shut-eye), adding some safety essentials to your packing list might ward off would-be thieves.
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