JetBlue Is Officially Flying to Europe—Here’s How That Will Change Your Summer Travels

a close up of a logo: The airline will fly to London starting in 2021.

The travel industry has been speculating about one thing for months: when JetBlue would finally launch flights from its East Coast hubs to Europe. Now, it’s official: the airline will start flying to London from Boston and New York City, as soon as 2021. Just as there was a lot of hype about Southwest’s new flight to Hawaii, this JetBlue news will have a large impact, thanks to their roomy economy legroom that sets a standard even on domestic flights. The Mint business class is a game-changer too—when it launched in 2014, it made other domestic airlines step up and improve their own service. And of course, the most important thing: the airline’s relatively low ticket prices (hello, fare drops). That’s right, this matters to more than just JetBlue fans who can now rack up transatlantic points—it could spruce up flying to Europe for all of us. Here’s what could change.

If you were waiting for a sign to book a flight to Europe, here it is

Fares for spring and summer travel to Europe are already at the lowest they’ve been in three years, averaging about $637 round-trip from the U.S., according to flight price tracker Hopper, and JetBlue’s announcement today is sure to drop prices to London lower, even before the airline’s first transatlantic flight takes off. We’ve seen it often, when an airline announces a new route and competitors drop their fares to keep their loyal customers on board and scoop up some new ones (the most recent example is, once again, Southwest in Hawaii). And it’s not just the U.K. to keep on your radar—JetBlue hinted at future flights to Madrid, Lisbon, Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris as well, so keep an eye on those prices. Our barometer for what’s considered a cheap flight to Europe is anything at or below $450 round-trip on a traditional, full service airline—so get booking.

Mint class means better business class—for everyone

The airline’s business class—with lie-flat seats, “suites” with privacy doors, meals from New York City’s Saxon + Parole, free Wi-Fi, and live television on top of the usual movies and in-flight entertainment, as well as expedited security lanes—is part of the reason JetBlue is one of the best airlines in the U.S. according to our readers. Since 2014, the addition of Mint class onto 80 daily flights from places like Fort Lauderdale/Miami to San Francisco, Boston to St. Maarten, and New York to Seattle introduced lie-flat seats on routes that were entirely underserved, allowing JetBlue to carve a niche for itself among luxury business and leisure travelers looking for a more comfortable flight. And according to the airline, you can expect Mint to get even better: “JetBlue is developing a reimagined, transatlantic version of its premium Mint product which will feature more lie-flat seats than currently offered on the airline’s existing A321 aircraft,” the airline said in a release.

Mint offers more than just good service: JetBlue’s business class introduction has dropped prices for domestic business class “across all carriers” as Skift reported last year. Since current non-stop business class fares between New York City and London cost anywhere from $4,000 to $11,000 round-trip, according to Google Flights, we’d be thrilled by a drop.

It’ll give JetBlue fans more options

Here’s the real perk for TrueBlue loyalty members, beyond just getting to fly to Europe on their favorite airline: points. Right now, JetBlue isn’t a part of any airline alliance and instead has individual partners, like Aer Lingus, and Icelandair to name the two that fly to Europe. With the new routes, travelers have a few more accrual and, importantly, redemption options to choose using their True Blue points. Don’t forget that JetBlue’s Plus credit card is the best bet for airline-specific rewards, since you get 10 percent of your spent points back and $100 off JetBlue vacation packages—so loyalists should be very excited that they can now fly to London (and maybe beyond) on their favorite airline.

Florence Travel Tips From A Luxury Hotel Concierge

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Home to such masterpieces as Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Florence is a city of wonders. But tackling all of the city’s gems on a single trip can be daunting.

Luckily, a lifetime in this historic metropolis has equipped Hotel Brunelleschi chief concierge Sergio Iannotta with a wealth of knowledge about this Renaissance city. Forbes Travel Guide sat down with the local guide to get his tips on what to do, see and taste in Florence right now.

If we only have one day to spend in Florence, what should we do?

Most people who come to Florence for the very first time are attracted by the very high-level masterpieces here and the beautiful sceneries of the surrounding hills of rich vineyards and olive groves.

Most of them spend their first day in Florence exploring and shopping, or visiting the Uffizi [Gallery], Accademia and [Piazza del] Duomo that are “must see” [attractions] in town. In case of nice weather, they can decide for an excursion to Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti.

As many [visitors] come back, they enjoy the special atmosphere of Florence just strolling or looking around, exploring the tiny streets with medieval towers, the elegant Renaissance buildings with huge 500-year-old wooden doors, paths with views, and at night, they can enjoy operas or small concerts in scenic churches.

Which museums should we visit?

A new museum recently opened in town is the Roberto Casamonti collection. It is a private collection now open to the public, located in one of the most peculiar buildings of the Renaissance: Palazzo Bartolini Salimbeni built [by] Baccio d’Agnolo in the early 16th century. The part of the collection now on [display] includes paintings from de Chirico, Picasso and Warhol.

Hopefully, soon we’ll get Uffizi completely reorganized [editor’s note: the famed museum is undergoing renovations]. In the meantime, it is possible to admire the recently unveiled rooms devoted to Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

I would [also] suggest visiting the Marino Marini museum mainly to see a Renaissance masterpiece: the tiny scale copy of Christ’s Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem realized by Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century that is a true example of passion and dedication.

Santa Elisabetta

HOTEL BRUNELLESCHI

Where’s the best place to grab a drink after a day of museum hopping?

We often suggest hotel rooftop bars or the classic musts: in the daytime, Rivoire with its beautiful view over Palazzo Vecchio and in the nighttime, Paszkowski, which has live music every evening.

What about dinner?

We are very lucky having in our house chef Rocco de Santis. He is giving satisfactory experiences in the intimate setting of our Santa Elisabetta restaurant.

In the touristy Signoria Square with the opening of the Gucci Garden, [Ristorante] Frescobaldi and Fëdor Bistro, now we [have] a high-level cuisine corner.

Located in a medieval building hidden in a tiny street, I like to suggest Locale. Beautifully decorated, it has a lively bar and a contemporary cuisine.

A casual trattoria specializing in original Chianina steak and truffles called Dall’Oste is also getting enthusiastic feedback.—Sarah Chanin

7 Spots To Experience The Joy Of Missing Out

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Gorgeous photos and shareable moments are the hallmark of any modern vacation, but when is the last time you actually took a trip just for yourself?

Instead of trying to keep up with wanderlust-inducing Instagram feeds, opt for a more laid-back approach to your next getaway. Treat yourself to a digital detox at these Forbes Travel Guide-approved stays that excel in JOMO (the joy of missing out), the antithesis to FOMO (fear of missing out).

Four Seasons Hotel Amman

You won’t find Wi-Fi in the heart of Wadi Rum, the rose-hued desert four hours south of this spectacular stay in Jordan’s capital.

Head for the dunes for an overnight excursion to Bedouin Lifestyle Camp — a tented complex run by the region’s traditionally nomadic inhabitants — where you can hike through the otherworldly rock formations that surround the sands.

After sundown, gather around the fire for a family-style meal of roasted lamb. Be sure to gaze up at the stars — the celestial bodies shine bright without Amman’s light pollution.

The Westin Palace, Madrid

THE WESTIN PALACE, MADRID

Westin Hotels and Resorts

Across the map, Westin properties put self-care first with a host of health-focused offerings to keep you on top of your game during your travels — without the constant stimulation of digital devices.

At hotels like Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Westin Chosun Seoul, look out for rest-enhancing amenities, such as bedside Sleep Well Lavender Balm or the superfood-packed Sleep Well Menu for late-night room service.

More active pursuits can be found at stays like The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, where you can trade in your phone for the day in exchange for bike rentals, kayak tours or spa time, or Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Westin Palace, Madrid where you can follow the property’s running map for a 2.5-mile route around some of the city’s most popular sights.

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

BELMOND MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Belmond Hotel Cipriani

In the spirit of dolce far niente (“the sweet art of doing nothing”), this Five-Star Venetian gem recently debuted an early morning experience you need to see to believe.

Scala Del Bovolo Sunrise begins with a shuttle ride to St. Mark’s Square, where you’ll stroll through the deserted city streets before climbing the spiral staircase of the 15th-century Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo.

After conquering the 80-step ascent, you’ll be rewarded with sunrise views over Venice and a continental breakfast. Trust us when we say you’ll want to leave your phone behind — pictures won’t do these vistas justice.

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

AUBERGE RESORTS

Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection

A cliffside locale and VIP-approved amenities (past guests have included Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Aniston) are just a few of the reasons to unplug and soak in all that this Five-Star stunner has to offer.

Ditch your device for a bit of romance with the Cabo San Lucas property’s Sueños Spa Experience. Enjoy a steamy spin in the Five-Star spa’s grotto, where you and your partner will find a sauna-like cave and warm pools to luxuriate in.

An alfresco couple’s massage illuminated by starlight followed by post-indulgence finger foods and bubbles complete the enviable experience. You will want to keep the details of this romantic rendezvous all to yourselves.

Six Senses Spa

THE ALPINA GSTAAD

The Alpina Gstaad

Find your center among the scenic Swiss Alps with the Tibetan Healing Retreat offer from this Five-Star gem.

Available June 9 through September 22, the rejuvenating four-night escape begins with a personal consultation, pulse reading and questionnaire that will determine the course of your customized experience.

High stress levels? The spa’s Tibetan medicine amchi-naturopath practitioner might recommend a 60-minute singing bowl session. Need a pick-me-up? You’ll likely enjoy a 75-minute Ku Nye Massage.

No matter your treatments, you’ll be sure to enjoy gratis daily breakfast made especially memorable with a side of those breathtaking mountain views.

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort

KO’A KEA HOTEL & RESORT

Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort

Perched in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended retreat is a JOMO paradise. If the Poipu Beach property’s saltwater pool, white sands and fire-pit-dotted grounds aren’t enough to convince you to unplug, its Kauai Wanderlust offer might just do the trick.

Customize your perfect day with your choice of indulgent Hawaiian dinner for two, an oceanside couple’s massage or an adventurous afternoon (surf lessons and a private luau), before retiring on your room’s cozy lanai — a scenic spot to watch the sun set.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Need a break from L.A.’s constant buzz? Head about an hour south to this rustic-chic Orange County retreat to recharge your batteries.

You’ll want to leave the devices at home at this tranquil spot. Tucked between two canyons on 87 verdant acres, the SoCal resort may as well be a world away from the bustle of Hollywood.

Home to Laguna Beach’s only golf course, the sprawling property begs for you to do absolutely nothing, whether by the gorgeous central pool, at nature-inspired Sycamore Spa or around the fire pit roasting s’mores after nightfall.—Sarah Chanin

Small Is The Big New Thing In Cruising

If your perception is cruise vacations are limited to big ships with laser tag, bumper cars, ice skating rinks and Broadway shows, you’re missing the fastest growing segment of the industry. Luxury yacht and expedition vessels offer those of you with wanderlust easy access to remote places that are hard to reach by road or air. Your obstacle course today might be navigating your kayak around icebergs or for evening entertainment, watch and listen to dolphins frolicking right in front of you – from a window under the surface of the ocean.

During Seatrade Cruise Global this week in Miami, of the nine scheduled press conferences, six were either about small luxury yachts or expedition cruising. In an industry that expects to welcome over 28 million ocean cruise passengers next year, there are over 40 new niche vessels set to launch by 2022.

Ponant announced that it had taken delivery of its third new explorer ship since last June, Le Bougainville with just 92 staterooms and Blue Eye, an underwater observatory that enables viewing sea life as it swims right by your ship. In two months she will be joined by Le Dumont D’Urville, its ninth ship. Owned by France’s Pinault family (they also own Gucci, Brioni, Saint Laurent, and other luxury fashion brands), its fleet will grow to a dozen ships, the last in the current plan, the world’s first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas due in May 2021.

Ponant will launch the world’s first electric hybrid polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas, Le Commandant Charcot, in May 2021

PONANT

Seabourn, a unit of Carnival Corporation & Plc, used the event to reveal interiors of its first of three expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture, coming in June 2021. Legendary designer Adam Tihany previewed the Expedition Lounge, Discovery Center and Landing Zone. The areas are each linked together to provide both an easy flow on and off the vessel.

Design legend Adam Tihany is personally designing the interiors for Seabourn’s first expedition vessel, the Seabourn Venture.

SEABOURN

The Expedition Lounge allows guests to have a warm drink before they head into Arctic waters or gather for a cocktail and share photos after another epic venture. The Discovery Center will have enough seating to accommodate every guest and will be where the ship’s 26-person expedition team of wilderness experts, scientists, historians, and naturalists will lecture and lead discussions.

The Expedition Lounge is connected to Discovery Center (above) to provide a better flow for guests as the depart and arrive back for the day’s adventure.

SEABOURN

Tihany told the media he personally is leading and involved in all elements of the design, including the custom furniture. He said he was particularly proud of detailed, luxury touches and materials in Landing Zone, the ship’s version of a mudroom where guests will change into or out of exploration equipment.

Tihany said attention to detail, including using high-quality materials in the ship’s mud room, reflect Seabourn’s philosophy that adventure travel can be luxurious.

SEABOURN

The next day, Silversea gave the press its first glimpse of the Silver Origin, which adds a high luxury offering to the Galapagos starting in the summer of 2020. Roberto Martinoli said it’s the company’s first vessel to utilize new owner Royal Caribbean’s cutting edge virtual reality design studio. He said the high-tech approach enabled his team to better understand how to best utilize the ship’s space.

Silver Origin will provide a new luxury option to visit the Galapagos Islands.

SILVERSEA

Like Seabourn, Silversea is trying to enhance the experience of experiential travel with floor to ceiling high-definition, interactive digital walls enabling its experts to provide more dynamic briefings. Basecamp will be an elegant lounge in which guests can socialize before and after excursions.

Guests on Silversea Origin will find lounge areas designed so they can socialize and discuss tales of that day’s adventures.

SILVERSEA

Earlier this year, Silversea announced for the first time in its history it will have two world cruises in the same year, including the first-ever luxury expedition world voyage. Sailing aboard Silver Cloud, guests will spend 165 days starting from Ushuaia on the tip of South America west, ending in Tromso, Norway. While there will be stops in world capitals such as Singapore and London, its 107 ports in 30 countries will include calls in Antarctica, tiny Pacific atolls, remotes islands of the Indonesia archipelago and a myriad of off-the-beaten-track Greek isles.

Silver Cloud will offer the industry’s first luxury world expedition cruises visiting 107 ports in 165 days next year.

SILVERSEA

Douglas Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, whose Azora will make her inaugural voyage in February 2020 told journalists his only problem is not having enough ships. He said the company is already discussing what’s next after its first three.

For the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Club, as it gets ready to launch its first vessel, its CEO says his only problem is demand is outstripping supply.

RITZ-CARLTON YACHT CLUB

Victory Cruise Lines, which was acquired by the same holding company that owns American Queen Steamboat Company in January, announced it will expand itineraries beyond the Great Lakes along the eastern seaboard, including New England and the South as well as seven-day journeys from Cancun exploring the Mayan peninsula. Its president and CEO John Waggoner said in 2021 its new Ocean Victory, hosting 200 passengers with 20 zodiacs, will offer its first cruises to Alaska.

Windstar Cruises is adding more capacity by stretching three of its ship as part of a $250 million renovation program.

WINDSTAR

Meanwhile, Windstar Cruises showed off details of a $250 million renovation across its three small ships, which includes adding 50 suites on each via stretching the hull, a process that entails splitting the ships and then adding a new section in the middle.

Alchemy’s New Short-Travel 29er – Sea Otter 2019

Alchemy

Alchemy has added another member to the Arktos family, with the 29ST being, you guessed it, a short-travel version of their Arktos 29 platform. The Colorado brand says that the 120mm-travel 29ST is designed to be ”Shorter, quicker and more playful than its elder,” and that it’s intended to run a 140mm-travel fork.

You can still get a US-made frame from Alchemy (the Arktos Custom and their road frames are manufactured in-house) but it’s not going to be the 29ST as it’s born in Asia. That’s also why a frame and Fox Float DPX2 shock will sell for $2,999 USD when they’re available in three weeks time, which is much less than what it’d cost if they were made in Colorado.

Interestingly, they are planning to eventually offer a custom paint program where the Asian-made frames will be done up to the customer’s desires at Alchemy’s HQ. One past custom job saw them paint to match a well-heeled owner’s Singer-fied Porsche 911; as you can imagine, this won’t be an inexpensive option.

Arktos 29ST Details

• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Rear wheel travel: 120mm
• Fork travel: 140mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Tire clearance: 2.5”
• 157mm hub spacing
• Frame MSRP: $2,999 USD
• Bike MSRP: starting at $4,899 USD
• More info: www.alchemybicycles.com

By changing the links and running a shorter-stroke shock, the 29ST gets 120mm of travel versus the standard bike’s 140mm.

If you’re thinking that the Arktos 29ST looks a helluva lot like the Arktos 29, it’s because they share the same front and rear triangles. Think of the ST as a variant of the standard Arktos 29 rather than a completely new bike. What is new, though, are the 29ST’s aluminum links and its shorter-stroke shock that delete 20mm of suspension travel compared to its older brother.

Alchemy calls it Sine Suspension, and just like on the other Arktos models, the 29ST is said to have a suspension curve that’s regressive up to the sag point to combat the inherent seal friction of air shocks and to help with traction. From there, it’s progressive until you get to the last 15-percent of the stroke where it turns regressive again to play nice with said air shocks. As you might guess, this makes the bike a no-go for you coil lovers.

Remember how the 29ST has 20mm less rear-wheel travel than the standard version? The normal 29 gets a 160mm-travel fork, but Alchemy puts a 140mm on the front of the 29ST, and the result is geometry that’s pretty dang similar.

They’re both nearly hidden, but Sine Suspension is a dual-link design.

The 29ST sits closer to the ground (41mm of drop VS 34mm) and is also a touch steeper (66.1 head angle VS 65.5), but the reach and seat tube lengths are essentially identical across the board. At 5′ 10”-ish, I’d be on a large with a 454mm front and a long-for-2019 483mm seat tube. The extra-large sees another 31mm up front.

The ARK Ti is a burly hardtail with a $3,499 USD price tag. For the frame.

It’s funny how the riders who drool over titanium hardtails the most usually also have a carbon bike or three in their garage.

And now for something completely different. Alchemy has been doing titanium for ages, but the ARK Ti is an all-new model that’s meant to be a rough-and-tumble hardtail, and run either 29” or 27.5-plus wheels. The US-made frame goes for $3,499 USD and completes start at $7,199 USD.

The bike’s geometry is designed around a 120mm or 130mm-travel fork, with the former delivering a 68-degree head angle and 74.5-degree seat angle. It has all the things you’d expect to see on a fancy carbon frame, including 148mm hub spacing, internal dropper routing, and the fact that you’ll never get a front derailleur to work on it. The bottom bracket is threaded, too.

Weight? It probably weighs some. Angles? I bet it has those, too… I can’t say that I’d spend a ton of time riding it (or any?), but that doesn’t change the fact that I want one.

Denver travel mess: 750 flight cancellations and counting

Airlines canceled more than 750 flights into and out of Denver Wednesday ahead of aspring blizzard, and the travel pain is expected to spread to other cities as the potentially historic storm moves into the upper Midwest.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, which have major operations at Denver International Airport, each canceled about 200 flights to and from Denver, according to flight tracker FlightAware. That’s about half of their scheduled Wednesday flights. Regional airline SkyWest, a feeder carrier for United, canceled 158 flights, about half of its scheduled flights. Frontier, which is based in Denver, has canceled 39 Denver flights.

The Denver cancellations are already spilling into Thursday, with 175 flights to and from the airport canceled as of 6:45 p.m. EDT, according to FlightAware. That number is expected to grow as the storm develops.

You don’t have to be flying to or from Denver to be affected. Southwest and United connect a lot of passengers through Denver, so travelers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Airlines have been allowing travelers to change their flights to avoid the storm, dubbed Winter Storm Wesley.

Policies vary by airline, but in general the waivers allowed affected travelers to change their flights without penalty.

Passengers whose flights are canceled are eligible for a refund even if they bought a nonrefundable ticket.

Airline travel waivers for spring blizzard

Southwest Airlines: Covers Denver flights scheduled for April 10 and 11 and Minneapolis flights April 10-12. Milwaukee flights on April 10 also included.

United Airlines: Covers Colorado flights and flights in Minneapolis and cities in the Great Plains from April 10-11.

American Airlines: Covers Colorado and Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Frontier Airlines: Covers Colorado, Minneapolis, Wisconsin and other Upper Midwest flights from April 10-11.

Delta Air Lines: Covers flights to and from Colorado and Upper Midwest cities from April 10-11.

12 Places Around the World That Are Weirdly Popular on TripAdvisor

a group of people in a field: Carhenge, a replica of England's Stonehenge located near the city of Alliance, Nebraska

We’re talking about places that make you look at their high ratings and think, “Really? There?”

For example, one of the highest rated tourist attractions in Cornwall, England is a tunnel leading to a supermarket. Another highly rated attraction, this time in California, is an alley were people have stuck used gum over the years. Or, there’s the Prada store that’s literally in the middle of nowhere. Even better, there’s a room full of dirt in New York City that people apparently really enjoy.

These places may not have obvious appeal to the casual TripAdvisor user. But for those who’ve gone to these places, it’s easy to see why they’re so special. Just take a look at the reviews and you’ll see that there are people in the world who go gaga for the seemingly everyday, mundane, or just plain odd attractions that you may not even have bothered to stop for.

They may not be world renowned restaurants, important, historical landmarks, or prestigious museums filled with fine art, but these places might be good to put on your travel bucket list. Especially if you’d like to go off the beaten path once in a while.

Don’t take our word for it, check out the reviews.

a view of the side of a road: Getty Images ©

Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world — Dunedin, New Zealand: 4 stars

Move over, San Francisco. You’ve got nothing on Baldwin Street. This road actually still holds the Guinness World Record title for the steepest street in the world. So, if you’re a world record enthusiast, it’s easy to see why this place has four stars on TripAdvisor. One reviewer who rated it five stars, said, “It is what it says. It’s steep!”

Bude Tunnel — Cornwall, England: 5 stars

With over 480 five-star reviews, this tunnel is the highest rated attraction in Cornwall. It’s not a special tunnel at first glance; It just connects a supermarket parking lot to a main road. But occasionally (especially at Christmas) it is decorated in colorful lights. Reviewers have called it the “8th wonder of the world” and an “amazing, magical experience.” Plus, it’s free to experience.

The Gnome Reserve and Flower Garden — West Putford, England: 4.5 stars

Nature lovers can easily enjoy this beautiful garden that’s perfect for walking around on a nice, spring day. But what makes it special (maybe even a little strange) is that it’s also a gnome “sanctuary,” where dozens of little gnomes populate the grounds. It’s quirky, to say the least. “I defy anyone to come here and not to smile. It is a little oasis of happiness and innocent joy,” said one reviewer. It also has a TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence.”

Carhenge — Alliance, Nebraska: 4.5 stars

Anyone who has driven through Nebraska knows there isn’t too much to see. But, there is Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge, only made with cars. While it seems like a typical roadside attraction, it’s actually a pretty impressive sight to behold. Carhenge is actually created with old, vintage automobiles, and looks like a fascinating piece of art in the middle of the Plains. “Carhenge is a wonderful take on Stonehenge. Sure, it is a tongue-in-cheek take, but it is kind of impressive,” said one reviewer.

Bubblegum Alley — San Luis Obispo, California: 3.5 stars

This one is just what it sounds like: an alley filled with gum. But it’s not exactly a candy store. Bubblegum Alley (rated 3.5 stars, so it’s very good but not for everyone) is famous in San Luis Obispo for being a place where people have been sticking their used gum for years. But the result is actually pretty fascinating (and colorful). “Yes it’s an alley with gum. That’s it. Would be interesting to know history. That being said I found it colorful, interesting and strange. Of course I took some gum and stuck it on the wall,” one reviewer said.

Hole N’ The Rock — Moab, Utah: 4 stars

Hole N’ The Rock looks like it might be a natural wonder (aside from the big, painted sign) when you’re driving past, but it’s actually a unique home that was carved into the rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country. Now, it’s a nice little gift shop, petting zoo, and trading post where you can take tours all year. One positive reviewer called it “ultimate hokiness,” which we’re going to assume is a good thing.

The Thing — Benson, Arizona: 3.5 stars

What is The Thing? Well, you’ll probably have to stop there for yourself. This decades-old attraction has apparently been renewed and improved over the years, according to reviews, so it’s been getting some higher reviews recently. Even if you don’t figure out what The Thing is, you can still shop in the massive gift shop for something unique. One very recent reviewer called it a “mandatory” stop for them on their trip.

Prada Marfa — Valentine, Texas: 4 stars

You probably didn’t expect to see high end fashion in the middle of the Texas desert. Well, you’re not alone there. Plenty of other TripAdvisor users were surprised by this highly-rated Prada “store” about an hour from Marfa, Texas. You sadly can’t buy any shoes or handbags there, though — it’s just an art installation. Those who visit can leave a memento like a lock on a fence nearby. “It’s simply a storefront in the middle of nowhere but that’s what makes it so unique. I love random things and this fits the bill,” one reviewer said.

a row of houses in a garden: Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo © Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo Chris LaBasco / Alamy Stock Photo

16 Avenue Tiled Steps — San Francisco, California: 4.5 stars

Who thought a staircase could be such an attraction? It helps when it’s covered in a beautiful mosaic. Even though this attraction in San Francisco is just a set of steps in a residential neighborhood, they are completely Instagram-worthy. One reviewer said, “Maybe this is too far away from the wharf for your typical tourist, but these fun, arty steps open up to one of the best views in SF.”

Fremont Troll — Seattle, Washington: 4 stars

You’ve probably heard the tale of the troll under the bridge. Well, Seattle actually has one. This 18-foot tall stone carving looks like a troll under the Aurora Avenue Bridge, and it’s a pretty popular tourist site. The sculpture is considered a good spot for “selfies” according to one reviewer. Another reviewer said, “Leave it to Seattle to place a sculpture of a massive troll that looks like it’s emerging from the ground with a real VW bug in one of its hands.” Not bad for a sculpted piece of rock.

The New York Earth Room — New York City, New York: 4 Stars

Out of the dozens upon dozens of well-reviewed attractions in New York City, here is one that is a solid four stars: a room full of dirt. But it’s an important room full of dirt, because it’s a quiet and peaceful place in the city (one of few), and it is actually an indoor art installation by Walter De Maria, created in 1977. Reviewers have noted the smell of the soil in particular. And despite it having four stars, the reviews are diverse and remarkably complicated. “I thought I wouldn’t enjoy this, but honestly…it was amazing,” said one reviewer. “I think if I lived in NYC in this concrete jungle, the smell, the quiet and the energy of this installation would appeal. For me however, I live in a beautiful, wild, nature-filled place, so to me it was just a room full of dirt,” said another.

World’s Largest Chest of Drawers — High Point, North Carolina: 3.5 stars

With furniture like this, you’ll probably never have to worry about storage again. American roadside attractions seem to have a fascination with overly large things (big balls of twine, giant bricks, large dog statues, etc.), and one of these attractions has got to be one of the most ordinary of them all: a chest of drawers. While one reviewer was disappointed by the “what you see is what you get” aspect of this attraction, another described it as “furniture galore!”

These are the world’s best cities according to TripAdvisor

Slide 1 of 3: The popular travel site chooses top destinations each year using an algorithm based on millions of reviews over a 12-month period. These ratings are written by millions of people from all around the globe and they're mostly reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

The City’s popularity skyrocketed after the royal wedding

The popular travel site chooses top destinations each year using an algorithm based on millions of reviews over a 12-month period. These ratings are written by millions of people from all around the globe and they’re mostly reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Slide 2 of 3: For the first time ever New York wasn't included in world's top 10 cities. Traveler's long-time favorite destination was ranked this year as the 13th best-rated destination by TripAdvisor. This comes as a suprise because New York has always been rated as one of the top choices for tourists in recent years. Destinations like Prague, Barcelona and Istanbul have been ranked higher than the famous Big Apple.

New York City didn’t make it to the top 10

For the first time ever New York wasn’t included in world’s top 10 cities. Traveler’s long-time favorite destination was ranked this year as the 13th best-rated destination by TripAdvisor. This comes as a suprise because New York has always been rated as one of the top choices for tourists in recent years. Destinations like Prague, Barcelona and Istanbul have been ranked higher than the famous Big Apple.

Slide 3 of 3: If you need some inspiration for planning your next vacation, here's the full list of top 25 best-ranked destinations in the world, according to the 2019 TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Award: 1. London, United Kingdom2. Paris, France3. Rome, Italy4. Crete, Greece5. Bali, Indonesia6. Phuket, Thailand7. Barcelona, Spain8. Istanbul, Turkey9. Marrakech, Morocco10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates11. Prague, Czech Republic12. Siem Reap, Cambodia13. New York City, New York14. Jamaica15. Hanoi, Vietnam16. Tokyo, Japan17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico18. Lisbon, Portugal19. Kathmandu, Nepal20. Jaipur, India21. Hurghada, Egypt22. Hong Kong, China23. Cusco, Peru24. Sydney, Australia25. Tel Aviv, Israel

What are the other top destinations?

If you need some inspiration for planning your next vacation, here’s the full list of top 25 best-ranked destinations in the world, according to the 2019 TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice Award:
1. London, United Kingdom
2. Paris, France
3. Rome, Italy
4. Crete, Greece
5. Bali, Indonesia
6. Phuket, Thailand
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Istanbul, Turkey
9. Marrakech, Morocco
10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
11. Prague, Czech Republic
12. Siem Reap, Cambodia
13. New York City, New York
14. Jamaica
15. Hanoi, Vietnam
16. Tokyo, Japan
17. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
18. Lisbon, Portugal
19. Kathmandu, Nepal
20. Jaipur, India
21. Hurghada, Egypt
22. Hong Kong, China
23. Cusco, Peru
24. Sydney, Australia
25. Tel Aviv, Israel

Carnival’s Mardi Gras will Feature Premium Suite Options, Family Feud Live

Carnival Mardi Gras Corner Balcony Suite Rendering

Mainstream cruise operator Carnival Cruise Lines will feature an expanded selection of premium accommodation options aboard 5,200-passenger Mardi Gras, scheduled to debut in August 2020.

The new ship will offer more than 180 suites in 11 individual styles, including a new premium category, Carnival Excel suites, which will offer passengers exclusive amenities and access to Loft 19, a “resort-style, open-air enclave,” said company officials.

Mardi Gras’ premium suite level will feature two Carnival Excel Presidential suites on deck 17, with large living, dining and sleeping areas and balconies, plus sunbed and lounging areas, and private outdoor hot tubs and showers. The suites also include access to the spa’s thermal suite and Havana pool area.

Twelve Carnival Excel Aft suites will offer separate living rooms and bedrooms, large wrap-around balconies, and private outdoor hot tubs and areas for al fresco dining and relaxing.

Another dozen Carnival Excel Corner suites, on the ship’s port and starboard sides, will feature separate sleeping and lounging areas, a wet bar and wrap-around balconies with lounging and dining areas.

“As we continue to announce details on Mardi Gras, guests will see that this ship is going to have more choices to stay and more choices to play,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“All of our accommodations have been designed to exceed our guests’ expectations, and the suite offerings will kick that up a notch or two for those who want an extra special Choose Fun vacation.”

Guests in all Mardi Gras suites will receive amenities packages including priority boarding and debarkation, priority main dining room seating, bathrobes and bottled water upon arrival.

Guests in the 32 Carnival Excel suites will receive standard suite amenities plus unlimited access to Loft 19, a dedicated concierge phone line, guaranteed specialty dining times, complimentary soda package, room service and laundry, sparkling wine and fresh fruit basket upon arrival and upgraded bathroom amenities.

Loft 19 will be located on Mardi Gras’ highest deck and offer guests a secluded retreat featuring full bar service, a private pool surrounded by sun loungers and spacious cabanas which guests can reserve.

Cabanas will be stocked with beverages, robes and chilled towels, fresh fruit, lunch delivery and concierge service. Carnival Excel suite guests will receive priority when reserving Loft 19 cabanas.

Mardi Gras will also feature Family Feud Live as an onboard entertainment program through a partnership with the distributor of the long-running television game show. The onboard show will feature the TV show’s format and signature set, with two five-person teams battle it out to name the most popular answers to survey questions.

The first episode aired in 1976 and featured actor Richard Dawson as host. The syndicated version features entertainer Steve Harvey and host and has more than eight million viewers. In 2015 Family Feud surpassed “Wheel of Fortune” as America’s most-watched syndicated TV game show, according to Variety.

Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe on August 31, 2020. The ship will then reposition to New York for a series of voyages before continuing to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.

Business traveller: What you need to know about roaming charges

Few expenses sneak up on you as deviously as international cellphone charges. But telecom rates don’t have to be exorbitant if you do a little homework before you travel.

Start by talking to your own provider to see what’s covered. As companies update their phone plans, features get added and changed, resulting in benefits to current customers that they might know nothing about.

If you have an iPad with an Apple SIM, you can browse cellular data plans from select carriers in almost 100 countries and regions worldwide. You might be able to buy a SIM card for a specific country before making your trip.

Here are options while travelling.

U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Germany, China and Japan

For business trips of five days or fewer, using your cell service provider’s roaming plan might be most convenient. For longer trips, it’s cheaper to buy a local SIM card. If you go to European Union countries, you can get a local SIM card in one country and roam freely in other EU member countries. In all cases where users buy a SIM card, their phone must be unlocked.

Roaming with your Canadian service provider starts at about $5 a day depending on the provider. With Rogers (TSX:RCI.B) Roam Like Home, for example, most subscribers on a consumer plan can use their normal Canadian rate plan for $5 per day in the U.S. and $10 per day in more than 100 other international destinations.

Roaming charges will max out after a certain time period in each month, after which there are no charges. With Rogers and Fido, after 10 days of payment, subscribers can roam freely for the rest of their monthly billing cycle. Telus (TSX:T) caps its charges at $100 per month in the U.S. and $150 per month internationally; Bell (TSX:BCE) applies daily charges up to 20 days.

U.S.

All four major U.S. carriers – AT&T (NYSE:T), T-Mobile (Nasdaq:TMUS), Sprint (NYSE:S) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ) – offer monthly plans with unlimited data starting at between $30 and $40. As with almost every data plan offered in the U.S., pricing increases depending on how much high-speed data the consumer wants. The most intriguing offering comes courtesy of T-Mobile, which offers a three-week tourist plan. Priced at $30, it includes 1,000 talk minutes, two gigabytes (GB) of LTE data and Wi-Fi hot-spot functionality.

There are also a variety of low-cost mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that call the U.S. home. FreedomPop, for instance, offers a US$19.99 per month, unlimited talk, text and 1 GB data plan. With Roam Mobility, travellers can buy the SIM card for $9.95 and pay $4.95 a day for talk, text and data.

Internationally

AlwaysOnline Wireless sells data SIM cards for US$14.99 with a variety of plans by the hour, day or megabyte in more than 90 countries. In the U.K. and France, for example, travellers can get 3 GB of data over 30 days for US$60, while in Italy and Germany it’s US$90 and in Japan and China it’s US$120 for the same plan.

SIM stickers – which customers affix to their existing SIM card – are another option. KnowRoaming sells a SIM sticker option and an unlocked SIM. The sticker costs US$30, while the unlocked SIM is priced at US$10. Once consumers have a KnowRoaming SIM or SIM sticker, they can either buy an unlimited data pack, valid in more than 80 countries, for US$8 per day, or stick to pay-per-use rates.

U.K., France, Italy, Germany

Major European carriers include EE, O2, Vodafone and Orange. U.K. carrier Three offers its Three Essential Plan, which comes with 4 GB of data as well as unlimited calling and texting for 10 British pounds ($18) per month. As in the U.S., inexpensive MVNOs are also an option, including the U.K.’s Giffgaff, which offers plans starting at 10 British pounds.

China

The three major telecom players in China – China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom – offer special prepaid plans for visitors. China Unicom, for instance, offers prepaid SIMs with 1 GB of data for US$25.

Japan

MVNO service providers are the way to go in Japan. Many offer cheap data SIMs, but only one, Mobal, offers the ability to make and receive calls. Mobal’s SIM card costs $35.25 and there are 15-day, 7 GB plans for $47 and 30-day, 7 GB plans for $70.50.