Sky creatures and tours through war-torn cities

A travel company is encouraging tourists to explore Ukraine’s devastated cities, despite warnings from international authorities. Meanwhile, North Korea continues to demolish sites at the Mount Kumgang resort area, which once symbolized peace between the North and South. Additionally, Emirates CEO Tim Clark tells Dinogo he’s urging Airbus to design a new superjumbo to replace the A380.

Here’s the latest in travel news this week:

Does size really matter?

Dubai-based Emirates holds the title as the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A380, the largest passenger aircraft ever built.

This week’s travel updates: A severe drought has uncovered ancient ruins in the UK and Spain. Easter Island and St. Helena, the island where Napoleon was exiled, have reopened to tourists. Meanwhile, Italy faces more tourist mischief, with visitors surfing in Venice’s Grand Canal and zipping through Pompeii on scooters.

One of the most massive planes in development right now is the Boeing 777-9X, which Dinogo previewed at last month’s Farnborough International Airshow. While not as large as the A380, it’s still a colossal aircraft at 251 feet (about 77 meters) long. Originally slated to enter service in 2020, the 777-9X is now expected to debut in 2025.

So, does bigger really mean better? The US Federal Aviation Administration is collecting public feedback on the size of airplane seats. But before you complain about cramped spaces or your neighbor hogging the armrest, note that the focus is on safety issues, not comfort.

Tourism in Ukraine

The Russian invasion has caused widespread destruction in Ukraine, but it’s also having a significant effect on tourism across neighboring Eastern European nations. We spoke with local businesses in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, and Romania about the challenges they’re facing.

Inside Ukraine, one tour company has introduced guided day trips to the country’s war-torn cities, despite international warnings against travel to the conflict zone. The online platform offers tours through bombed-out streets, destroyed buildings, and charred military equipment, as well as visits to damaged cathedrals.

As the war approaches its sixth month, Russia continues to face isolation, with many nations and airlines maintaining flight bans and sanctions. However, one airline has decided to resume flights to Russia, citing what it claims is increased passenger demand.

Living on the water

A new Italian superyacht design boasts luxury features such as an onboard cinema, helipad, and three swimming pools – though for us, the real standout is the ‘waterfall’ feature.

A Swedish company believes its electric hydrofoil boats could offer a solution to the ‘moto ondoso’ problem in Venice – the wave damage caused by motorboats cruising through the city. Here’s how it works.

Disney has added a new cruise ship to its fleet. The Disney Wish, marking the first new ship in a decade, can carry up to 4,000 passengers and set sail on its maiden voyage last month.

Head West

The latest episode of the 'Parts Unknown' podcast revisits Anthony Bourdain’s 2017 trip to Seattle, the ‘boom or bust’ city of the Pacific Northwest.

Further down the West Coast, the almost mystical beauty of San Francisco’s Ocean Beach offers a serene escape in today’s secular world.

Arizona’s Grand Canyon became the backdrop when Carrie and Kris Sorensen first met as teenagers on vacation. Seven years later, they reunited and fell in love.

In Colorado, the Grand Valley, a lesser-known region, is poised to become the West’s next must-see destination. Nestled on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, this area boasts a thriving wine and fruit scene, river activities, and a unique blend of alpine mountains and desert landscapes perfect for hiking, biking, and scenic road trips.

Europe’s best-kept secrets

While cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome are rightly top travel spots, Europe’s smaller towns provide a different kind of charm. From quiet fishing villages to majestic hilltop fortresses, we’ve rounded up 15 of the most picturesque places.

In case you missed it...

North Korea has been demolishing landmarks at the Mount Kumgang resort area.

Once a symbol of reconciliation between North and South Korea, a floating hotel stood at the resort.

When flight attendants were treated like celebrities and Champagne flowed freely in the onboard cocktail lounge.

What the 'golden age' of air travel was truly like.

Strong, aromatic, and undeniably tasty.

How Vietnamese fish sauce became the heart and soul of the country’s cuisine.

Airport lounges

Plaque doesn’t take a break, so keeping up with your dental care is just as crucial when traveling as it is at home. Our partners at Dinogo Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide by Dinogo, have compiled their top picks for the best electric toothbrushes of 2022, perfect for your travel toiletries kit.