Fresh chapters, fresh affection
In their 60s, they believed love had eluded them. However, a journey altered their perspectives entirely.
Life's book has countless chapters, and a new journey might be lurking just beyond the next page.
American Judy Curtis and Englishman John Nears, both widowed and retired, stumbled upon each other on a train voyage through Peru in 2004. Their surprising encounter led to an unexpected jolt of pleasure.
Professor Kenneth Harl had spent his entire life as a bachelor and had no intentions of changing that. At 60, he traveled to Turkey to research his forthcoming history book. Instead, his future paid him a visit in the form of local woman Sema Tegkul. A simple question triggered everything: “Do you believe in love at first sight?” she asked.
Dark tourism
Various tourist attractions worldwide captivate visitors who are eager to deepen their understanding of a site's complex, tragic, or remote history.
Chernobyl, Ukraine, had long attracted tourists to witness the remnants of the world's worst nuclear catastrophe. Now, visitors are drawn to the scars of more recent terrorism.
In Hamburg, Germany, a former Nazi hideout now serves as a Hard Rock hotel with a rooftop garden. The hotel boasts a fresh exhibition displaying the site's history on the first floor.
Kalaupapa in Hawaii is one of the most remote sites within the United States National Park Service. It's an enchanting retreat, yet it's also notorious as the world's most famous colony for individuals living with Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy.
Last but not least, this winter tour operators are reportedly planning to reopen North Korea to international tourism. Here's a peek into what it's like to attend a summer retreat in the country's secluded domain.
Get away from the city
Summertime is when cities in the Northern Hemisphere truly sizzle.
Urban areas emit more heat than greenery, causing temperatures to climb by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.
The perfect escape then, is Lord Howe Island, a secluded island that lies 370 miles off the eastern coast of Australia. Winter temperatures currently hover around a refreshing 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Its lush landscapes and pristine white beaches offer a sanctuary, but to preserve this natural beauty, only 400 tourists can visit at once.
If you can't secure a spot this year, our partners at CNN Underscored, a product review and recommendation guide, have curated the best anti-chafing products for beating the heat in the city.
Theme parks and excitement
Disney has revealed forthcoming theme park projects that will captivate visitors. Visitors will be able to soar like Iron Man, join a battle in Wakanda and delve into a chilling realm dedicated to Disney villains.
This news was followed by announcements that a controversial Disney World attraction was set to be replaced with a new ride featuring its first Black princess, Tiana. Watch here.
Meanwhile, Norway is offering a completely different kind of thrill with the debut of a 131-foot-long “floating” stairway that looms over a fjord. As the stairway's operations manager says, it's sure to make most people's legs shudder slightly.
The spotlight on Grand Rapids, Michigan
CNN Travel recently unveiled its top 10 must-visit towns for 2024. Our No. 8 pick: Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Nestled in the heart of Michigan's lush fruit-growing region, Grand Rapids is best known for its fermented produce, having held the Beer City USA title since 2012.
This city is a haven for craftsmen, designers, innovators and artists. Its rich history stretches back to its renowned 19th-century furniture designers to the impressive public art, meticulously-tended flowerbeds and cutting-edge modern design of today.
In case you missed it
A European airline has launched an “unlimited fly” ticket plan.
Although it holds the dubious distinction of being named the most delayed airline in the UK for three years running.
Certain iconic travel destinations outlaw homosexuality.
LGBTQ travelers are divided on whether they should visit.
Horrible season.
The downfall of Greece's Instagram-popular island.
Overtourism in Japan is causing an increase in birth rates.
In deer.
In light of the new ticket plan, travel enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on the developments of the "unlimited fly" offer from the European airline.
Despite its reputation as the most delayed airline in the UK, some LGBTQ travelers are still contemplating visiting certain iconic destinations that outlaw homosexuality, sparking a debate within the community.
Read also:
- Fear of escalation in the Middle East: US Secretary of State Blinken travels to the region again
- Government circles: US Secretary of State Blinken to travel to Middle East again
- Bridging days 2024: How you can double your vacation this year
- Germany has wanderlust: how tour operators and airlines are looking ahead to the next travel year
