New Zealand, Japan, and Samoa are gearing up to welcome back international visitors

Back in 2011, the Russian company Orbital Technologies unveiled plans for a space hotel, situated 250 miles (approximately 400 kilometers) above Earth. It lacked a bar or showers, but guests could freshen up using wet wipes.

Aviation updates

On May 10, a passenger with no flying experience successfully landed a plane at a Florida airport after the pilot became incapacitated. An air traffic controller provided step-by-step guidance.

This news followed an incident where a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to New York had to turn back after it was revealed that the first officer, although fully qualified, hadn’t completed Virgin’s final flight test.

Earlier this month, a United Airlines passenger was arrested after opening an emergency exit and walking on the plane’s wing. Meanwhile, in Bangkok, a man was detained for allegedly going on an armed rampage at the country’s largest airport.

A new survey has revealed that customer satisfaction among U.S. air passengers is on the decline, with concerns spanning from ticket prices to flight crew performance.

Unforgettable stays

According to Tripadvisor’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards, the world’s most beloved hotel for 2022 is a Costa Rican resort boasting over 50 bungalows, villas, and a private beach. Other top 10 destinations include spots in Brazil, Greece, Turkey, and Switzerland.

For an ultra-exclusive experience, a select few will have the chance to book a night at Paris’ iconic Moulin Rouge this June, staying in a secret room inside the windmill itself. Available through Airbnb for just one euro, booking requests will open on May 17.

If you prefer a simpler, more nature-focused style of accommodation, take inspiration from these travelers who turned their own vehicles into cozy campervans.

Food & Drink

France is currently facing a foie gras shortage, but this crisis isn't driven by animal rights activism. Instead, it’s due to an outbreak of bird flu.

Just across the border in Italy, we’re exploring Nutella’s sophisticated ancestor, gianduiotto—a smooth blend of cocoa and the premium hazelnuts native to the Langhe region of Piedmont.

In the southern region of Umbria, around Lake Trasimeno, the local cuisine is a world away from the usual pizza and pasta. Here, you'll find a variety of fish dishes featuring perch, pike, and eel.

And finally, a comforting, hearty classic loved by people worldwide: we’ve compiled a list of 23 of the world’s finest sandwiches.

Travel Updates

New Zealand has revealed plans to fully reopen its borders to international travelers by July 31, two months earlier than originally expected. Japan will also ease its stringent border controls in June, though the exact dates and details are still to be confirmed.

Samoa, the Polynesian island nation, will open its borders to international travel in August, with more information expected soon. Earlier this week, Fiji lowered its risk level from Level 3 (“High”) to Level 2 (“Moderate”) on the US CDC’s Covid-19 travel advisory. Only one destination—a popular Caribbean spot—has been upgraded to Level 3.

In Europe, the Covid-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol has been updated: as of May 16, it’s no longer mandatory to wear face masks on flights under all circumstances.

Train Journeys

In case you missed it...

From China’s breathtaking 'Railway to Heaven' to the epic Outback journey on The Ghan, these are some of the world’s most awe-inspiring train journeys.

We have the technology to eliminate the airport liquid ban.

So, why does it still exist?

Here’s how to survive an alligator encounter.

Avoid provocation and stay calm.

From the trendy, lively Lima to ancient, pre-Columbian Peru.

When Anthony Bourdain explored Peru for 'Parts Unknown,' now available as a podcast.

Top travel pillows

There’s nothing quite like embarking on a new journey with your trusty companion—your favorite travel pillow. Our partners at Dinogo Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide owned by Dinogo, have curated their list of the best travel pillows for 2022.