Big Changes at the World's Most Popular Museum!

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More people visit the Louvre in Paris than any other museum in the world. The French President has announced a sweeping renovation plan for the iconic institution, to the tune of about 800 million euros over the next decade. It’s hard to believe that the last time the Louvre had a makeover was over 30 years ago! That’s when I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid was added to the courtyard to serve as the museum’s main entrance. Remember when that contemporary glass pyramid in the courtyard of the 16th-century royal palace in the heart of historic Paris was controversial? Now, next to the Eiffel Tower, it’s the most iconic view of Paris. But when that pyramid entrance was opened in 1989, it was designed for... more

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When is the Jamaican Rum You're Drinking Not Jamaican?

Story About Jamaica

It’s only champagne if it’s from Champagne. Ham from Parma is equally exclusive. And now, some rum producers in Jamaica are causing quite a ‘stir’– working to tighten rules that identify varieties of the Caribbean’s most famous spirit by ‘appellation’ or geographic origin. Champagne, Parma ham, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and many other foods, wine and spirits work to get these designations to protect the authenticity, heritage and production methods of a uniquely-produced regional food or drink. The appellation or GI (Geographical Indication) label verifies to buyers that the product has guaranteed qualities, characteristics and even reputation inherent to that specified region, even if made by different producers within the destination. For travelers, tasting and buying products with an appellation ensures you’ve got... more

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RIU Resort-Supported Eco Project Reports Triumph for Turtles

Story About Cabo Verde

Over 150,000 hatchlings of endangered loggerhead sea turtles were released during the latest nesting season from hatcheries in the Atlantic archipelago of Cape Verde, including one in front of RIU’s hotels. What’s more, local eco organizations also reported successes in helping mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the critical turtle population. The country of Cape Verde (also called Cabo Verde) is made up of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 500 miles west of the coast of Africa. A maritime hub in seafaring days, the country is now a growing holiday destination. Culturally, it’s a melting pot of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultural influences. The islands of Cape Verde enjoy year-round sunshine, consistently pleasantly warm weather,... more

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Cruise to the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026!

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On August 12, 2026, we are in for a rare and remarkable celestial event – a total solar eclipse - and a cruise may be the best place for you to experience it. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe this millennium!  When you combine an extraordinary natural spectacle that may be best viewed at sea, with the popularity of European holidays, in the warm summer months… that’s a recipe for a must-book vacation of a lifetime. Highlights of the August 12, 2026, Total Solar Eclipse This eclipse presents a rare opportunity for observers in Europe and beyond to experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon of totality. Path of Totality: The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Arctic Ocean, crossing... more

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VIDEO: See it here first: MSC World America Inaugural Cruise Ship Tour

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MSC World America has launched! The secret to the success of this new mega-ship is right there in the name - the first MSC Cruises ship designed specifically for the cruising tastes of North Americans. That means you! But MSC Cruises is not turning its back on its European roots. Instead, the cruise line says it’s delivering the best of both the Old World and the New World on the 6700-guest MSC World America.It’s not just a new ship for North American families. Just days before the inauguration of MSC World America, MSC also cut the ribbon for a brand new, state-of-the-art cruise terminal, as magnificent and proud as the other mega-ship cruise lines next door in Port Miami. Alongside exquisite, global-travel-themed,... more

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Norwegian Aqua has Arrived!

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship has arrived in North America ahead of its christening – and its Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, is already going viral. The latest attraction at sea features a high-speed powered launch that propels adventurous guests through one of two different courses across three decks. With dual slides, guests can have two unique experiences on this first-of-its-kind attraction. WATCH THE AQUA SLIDECOASTER VIDEO HERE! The new Norwegian Aqua is 10 percent bigger in size and capacity than her sister ships Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Aqua offers activities bow-to-stern for everyone. For the guests who prefer to kick back and relax, the adults-only Vibe Beach Club provides even more space with outdoor loungers and cabanas... more

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Why Your Next Flight Could Come With A Train Ticket

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Planes, trains… and sustainability. Adoption of ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is speeding faster than a locomotive around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, and it could mean the next time you book a flight, your journey - and ticket - will include a leg on a train or even a bus. The key to ‘integrated intermodal travel’ is the ‘integrated’ part. It involves seamlessly switching between modes of transport in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective, typically with pre-arranged connections and schedules that minimize the time spent in transit. In fact, more and more intermodal travel even adds points to your airline loyalty program’s bottom line!What’s ‘Driving’ Integrated Intermodal Travel? Switching between modes in an organized, pre-arranged way is usually more:Sustainable,Time-effective, and evenCost-effectiveTrains have... more

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Slainte! This City in Scotland Celebrates 850th Anniversary

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Scotland’s so-called ‘Second City’ takes center stage in 2025 as it celebrates its 850th birthday. If you’ve only been to Edinburgh, it’s time to put Glasgow on the top of your Scottish travel list and discover its history and the thriving, vivid, cultural hub of modern Scotland on the River Clyde that’s even a UNESCO City of Music. Far bigger than Edinburgh, Glasgow’s size exploded during the Industrial Revolution, which led to its reputation being compared negatively to Edinburgh’s perennial medieval and almost fairytale charms. But Glasgow has thousand-year-old origins, too. Glasgow's name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘dear green hollow,’ reflecting its early pastoral setting along the River Clyde. The city traces its roots to the 6th century when its... more

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Four Seasons Yachts Picks "Celebrity" Captain for Inaugural Ship

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Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut in January 2026, and when its first small-ship, ultra-luxury vessel takes to the seas, it will be helmed by a very familiar figure. One might even say, a “Celebrity.” Captain Kate McCue has moved from Celebrity Cruises to the new cruise line. Even cruise aficionados who have never sailed on Celebrity have likely heard about ‘Captain Kate.’ She made history in 2015 as the first American woman to captain a mega-ton cruise ship, and in her time at Celebrity, has become something of a social media superstar, posting about her life at sea (with her cat, who sadly passed away recently, gaining its own avid following.)  During Captain Kate’s decade with Celebrity Cruises, she... more

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Beyond the Nightclubs: World Heritage Reasons to Visit Spain’s Balearic Islands

Story About Spain

Before Ibiza earned its reputation as the world’s hot spot for beach club nightlife and its electronic dance music scene, the Balearic Islands stayed under the radar of all but the most in-the-know of European travelers. Now the secret’s out – but there’s so much more to these four Mediterranean islands off the coast of Spain than global celebrity DJs and beautiful people having a beautiful time. In fact, this enchanting archipelago, made up of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and yes, Ibiza! offers visitors sun-kissed beaches and stone formations, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, sunsets and lighthouses, hippy markets and living history.Even if you enjoy a dose of late-night electronic dance partying at a stylish beach club, you’ll want... more

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2 Cruise Lines Implement New Age Restrictions on Young Travelers

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Two of the world’s biggest cruise lines are cracking down on young travelers cruising on their own. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line quietly changed their minimum age policies in February 2025. They are still two of the most family- and kid-friendly cruise lines out there, with cruise guests of all ages welcomed. The change is for young adults traveling without an older grownup. Now, to sail unaccompanied on either cruise line, guests embarking from North American ports must be a minimum of 21 years old. That’s up from the previous minimum age of 18. From now on, a Royal Caribbean guest under the age of 21 will have to be accompanied by someone over 21 (parents or guardians may be in... more

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Stay in 5 Real-Life Hotels in Thailand Where They Filmed ‘White Lotus’ Season 3

Story About Thailand

From Hawaii to Sicily, and now to Thailand, the hit HBO dramatic series The White Lotus has captivated viewers and inspired travelers with its double appeal of intrigue in luxury hotels and their location in exotic destinations. Season 3 shines a spotlight on the Thai destinations of Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok as the exotic backdrops of the intrigues of this dark-comedy, hit TV mystery. Fiction can merge with travel reality for The White Lotus fans. You can stay for real in any of the multiple Thai hotels that stood in on the screen as The White Lotus Thailand on the country’s second-largest island of Koh Samui in Season 3. In the series, the fictional The White Lotus is portrayed as the world’s... more

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Scotland’s Cool-Weather ‘Coorie’ Culture

Story About Scotland

Denmark has ‘hygge,’ and Scotland has ‘coorie.’ Eons of winds off the North Sea and a bracing climate have given both countries enticing traditions for staying cozy and cheerful year-round. And if you travel to Scotland outside the sunny summer months, you can immerse yourself in Scottish nature and elements of Scottish culture you can only truly appreciate when there’s a chill in the air. Like the Danish ‘hygge’, the closest word in English to the Scottish Gaelic word ‘coorie’ may be ‘cozy.’ It refers to a way of life that promotes a sense of comfort, warmth, and contentment in intimate settings where you can escape the cold weather or even the world at large and focus on the people closest to... more

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Aruba, Antigua, and the Dominican Republic: New Resorts to Try on Your Next Caribbean Vacation

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What’s better than a mid-winter getaway? The chance to test-drive a new resort before any of your friends, or try a new, tropical destination. Ask us about your best options for escaping to any of these three new resorts, in three favorite Caribbean locales - with three very different beach vacation styles! And the best part? All three belong to resort families with loyalty programs, so you can be racking up points while relaxing on the beach. Marriott Miches Beach, An All-Inclusive ResortStyle: Family or Adults-only Vacations in 2 Separate SectionsDestination: Dominican RepublicLoyalty Program: Marriott BonvoyThe first Marriott all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic - in fact, in the entire Caribbean - has opened. It follows an extensive renovation of the former... more

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Tahiti and More: Gems of French Polynesia to Discover on Your Paul Gauguin Cruise

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There’s magic in the word ‘Tahiti.’ It conjures up visions of the ultimate tropical escape and sailing serenely through pristine, jewel-toned waters that kiss the undeveloped, palm-lined shores and reflect dramatic peaks. Part of one of the most remote and romanticized regions of the world, the mere mention of Tahiti evokes fantasies of cruising through an exotic paradise – isolated from a busy world. No wonder Tahiti is a bucket-list destination. But Tahiti is not alone. Here’s a primer on a region begging for exploration by luxurious, small ship like the Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship that is devoted exclusively to the South Pacific.  Paul Gauguin Cruises’ itineraries begin at week-long sojourns through the South Pacific, and you can also connect them back-to-back... more

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