Travelore News: Germany Issues Formal Travel Advisory For US

Germany has issued a travel advisory to its citizens travelling to the United States, citing risks linked to immigration enforcement and public-order situations.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said on Tuesday that German citizens should be aware of demonstrations and clashes with American migration and security authorities.

The advisory is not a political statement about the U.S. but aims to give impartial information for German citizens travelling to the country at a time of increased tensions during President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation drive.

Protests have been held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and other cities against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers enforcing Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Federal agents deployed to the city under the Trump administration's "Operation Metro Surge" shot and killed U.S. citizen Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.on Saturday and fellow American Renée Good on Jnauary 7.

The statement said, according to a translation, that in Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with the migration and security authorities and warns people to be vigilant and stay away from crowds where violence might occur.

The advisory asks people to check out local media, stay away from crowds of people in which violence could possibly occur and note existing ID requirement in several states. "Keep calm and follow the instructions of the authorities and local security forces," added the statement.

Last March, Germany updated its travel advisory for the U.S. to emphasize that a visa or waiver allowing entry does not guarantee citizens to enter the U.S. after several of its citizens were detained at the border.

What People Are Saying

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office on its website: “In Minneapolis and other cities, demonstrations sometimes lead to violent clashes with the migration and security authorities.”

Journalist Olga Nesterova posted on X: “The update follows recent incident in which reporters from RAI, Italy’s state broadcaster, reported being threatened by ICE while working.”

By Brendan Cole

New Lufthansa Group Collaboration With Starlink: High-speed Internet On All Fleets Across All Airlines

The Lufthansa Group continues investing in its premium customer experience and will equip all of the Group's approximately 850 aircraft with high-speed broadband internet access from 2026 onwards. This will occur within the existing fleet, as well as on all new aircraft. Lufthansa Group’s partner for this comprehensive upgrade is Starlink, a leading provider that offers the fastest in-flight internet connection in the industry today. The system is based on satellite technology and enables internet access in the air.

In the near future, higher bandwidth and speed will enable streaming, cloud-based working, and other high-speed applications during flights. The new internet service will be free-of-charge for all status customers and Travel ID users - across all travel classes. This makes Lufthansa Group the largest airline group in Europe to upgrade its fleet with state-of-the-art broadband internet – no other airline will equip more aircraft with Starlink technology.

The cooperation is part of the Lufthansa Group's extensive investments in new aircraft and premium product and service innovations along the entire travel chain.

"In our anniversary year, in which we are celebrating Lufthansa's 100th birthday, we have decided to introduce a new high-speed internet solution from Starlink for all our airlines. The Lufthansa Group is taking the next step and setting an essential milestone for the premium travel experience of our customers. Connectivity on board plays an important role today, and with Starlink, we are not only investing in the best product on the market, but also in the satisfaction of our passengers," said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group.

The gradual introduction of Starlink on board of Lufthansa Group aircraft will begin as early as the second half of 2026. By 2029, the entire fleet will be equipped with the new connectivity offering. Further details will be announced in the course of the year.

Travelore News: Saudi Arabia Shelves Mukaab 'The Cube' Project, World's Largest Skyscraper

Saudi Arabia has suspended planned construction of a colossal cube-shaped skyscraper at the center of a downtown development in Riyadh while it reassesses the project's financing and feasibility, four people familiar with the matter said.

The Mukaab, at the center of Riyadh's New Murabba development, is the latest fantastical gigaproject linked to Saudi's Vision 2030 to be curtailed or delayed as the kingdom's $925 billion sovereign wealth fund scales back ambitions to manage costs and prioritize spending.

The kingdom is pivoting from heavy expenditure on futuristic projects that have dominated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, such as NEOM's The Line, to initiatives seen as more pressing and potentially profitable.

Projects in focus now include infrastructure for World Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup, the sprawling $60 billion Diriyah mixed-use cultural zone and the Qiddiya tourism megaproject, five people familiar with the matter said.

The repositioning also reflects mounting fiscal pressures as oil prices remain well below levels needed to fund the ambitious transformation agenda.

WORK BEYOND SOIL EXCAVATION, PILINGS SUSPENDED

The Mukaab was planned as a 400-metre by 400-metre metal cube containing a dome with an AI-powered display, the largest on the planet, that visitors could observe from a more than 300-metre-tall ziggurat - or terraced structure - inside it.

"When you enter Mukaab, you enter another world," CEO Michael Dyke told attendees at a Riyadh conference in December, acknowledging difficulties realizing the project. "Trying to solve for something that doesn't exist today, that's quite challenging," he said.

Its future is now unclear, with work beyond soil excavation and pilings suspended, three of the people said. Development of the surrounding real estate is set to continue, five people familiar with the plans said. The sources include people familiar with the project's development and people privy to internal deliberations at the PIF.

Officials from PIF, the Saudi government and the New Murabba project did not respond to requests for comment.

PIF SHIFTING FOCUS TO LOGISTICS, AI, MINING

Reuters reported in October that the PIF was shifting strategy to focus on logistics, mining, AI and other sectors promising better near-term returns, as pressure mounted following an $8 billion writedown on gigaproject investments at the end of 2024.

The kingdom is currently conducting a comprehensive review of several Vision 2030 mega projects.

Saudi Economy Minister Faisal al-Ibrahim told Reuters last week: "We're very transparent. We're not going to shy away from saying we had to shift this project, delay it, re-scope it," without mentioning a specific project.

Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia said it would indefinitely postpone hosting the 2029 Asian Winter Games set to take place at Trojena, another NEOM megaproject that has faced delays.

But the Mukaab is the first project in the Saudi capital reported to be reassessed for feasibility.

The structure was billed as large enough to fit 20 Empire State Buildings, and feature around 2 million square meters of interior floor space, making it the world's largest single-built structure.

NEW MURABBA WOULD COST $50 BILLION, SAYS KNIGHT FRANK

Real estate consultancy Knight Frank estimated the New Murabba district would cost about $50 billion - roughly equivalent to Jordan's GDP - with projects commissioned so far valued at around $100 million. Initial plans for the New Murabba district called for completion by 2030. It is now slated to be completed by 2040.

The development was intended to house 104,000 residential units and add 180 billion riyals to the kingdom's GDP, creating 334,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2030, the government had estimated previously. The Mukaab's design drew some social media criticism when it was unveiled for its resemblance to the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the center of Masjid al-Haram in Mecca that serves as Islam's holiest site, towards which Muslims pray.

Reporting by Timour Azhari in Riyadh, and Hadeel Al Sayegh and Federico Maccioni in Dubai; Editing by Bernadette Baum

New Bakery Map Is A Sweet Way To Explore Philadelphia

From the brand new Bread Room in Washington Square to the nearly 140-year-old Bredenbeck's in Chestnut Hill, the new Bakery map is literally all over the map, showcasing 30 spots all over the city.

Ellen Yin, founder of High Street Hospitality Group and co-chair of Sisterly Love Collective came up with the idea.

Visit Philly quickly came on board and the hope is that locals, along with tourists visiting our city in this monumental year, will grab a copy and follow their nose.

CI Macarons & Cafe |https://www.instagram.com/icimacarons 11 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106

Tartes Pastry Shop |https://www.instagram.com/tartes_oldcity 212 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106

Ba Le Bakery | https://www.instagram.com/balebakeryphilly 606 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19147

Jezabel's | https://www.instagram.com/jezabels 206-208 S 45th St, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104

https://www.visitphilly.com/philly-bakeries/
By Wendy Daughenbaugh

The Biggest International Museum Openings In 2026

From George Lucas's new museum in LA to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a host of institutions are preparing to open their doors this year.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens in September 2026 Image: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, US

Founded by husband and wife, the legendary Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas and businesswoman Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening in Exhibition Park, LA, September 2026.

Set on an 11-acre campus, the museum will be dedicated to narrative storytelling and will feature works from Norman Rockwell, Beatrix Potter, Frida Kahlo and Windsor McCay. The museum will also include the Lucas Archives, which include models, props and costumes from George Lucas’ filming career.

Design Doha

Qatar Museums’ Design Doha biennial is set to open in April 2026. Led by artistic director Glenn Adamson, the second edition of Qatar Museums’ Design Doha will focus on ethical and sustainable practices and its headline exhibition, Arab Design Now, will celebrate local and regional talent.

Kanal, Belgium

Due to open in November 2026, Kanal will not only be Brussel’s first museum of modern and contemporary art and architecture but will also be Europe’s largest modern and contemporary art development. Located at a former Citroen car factory in the centre of Brussels, the space, designed by Atelier Kanal, will include facilities from live music and performance venues to a bookshop and library.

Memphis Art Museum, US

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is changing location and becoming the Memphis Art Museum in December 2026. Already the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, the new site, located in downtown Memphis, will expand gallery space by 50%. The new site has an emphasis on accessibility, with lots of free public spaces to be available.

Guggenheim Museum, Abu Dhabi

First announced in 2006 and originally planned to open in 2012, Abu Dhabi’s long-awaited Guggenheim Museum is expected to welcome the public this year. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum will feature a global collection of post-1960s works, with a focus on indigenous art and underrepresented artists.

LACMA David Geffen Galleries, US

LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries, located on Wilshire Boulevard, LA, will open April 2026. The building, designed by Prizker-winning architect Peter Zumthor, has been part of a two-decade transformation.

The gallery is set to include art from all eras and cultures on a single exhibition level, signalling its commitment to inclusivity, as well as outdoor sculptures. The building’s architecture will allow for natural lighting and panoramic views of the city. The gallery is named in recognition of David Geffen’s $150 million gift.

Design Museum Gent, Belgium

The Design Museum Gent in Belgium will reopen in October 2026 after a renovation and a new wing. The renovation promises improved facilities including space for lectures, design courses and workshops, as well as garden areas.

Muzej Lah, Slovenia

Situated in the beautiful Julian Alps in Bled, Slovenia, Muzej Lah hopes to become a cultural hub for local community and international visitors. The museum will feature contemporary art from the Fundacija Lah art collection, made accessible to the public for the first time. The collection features artists from Joseph Beuys and Emilia Kabakov, to William Kentridge and Anselm Kiefer, and the architecture hopes to complement both the alpines and Bled Castle.

https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/author/grace-bannistercity-ac-uk/

Airport Lounge Access Is Tightening In 2026 For Capital One And Chase Cardholders

For years, airport lounge access was considered a straightforward benefit of premium travel credit cards. In 2026, that perk comes with more strings attached. New guest limits and fees are rolling out, making access less automatic for many travelers.

Here’s what’s changing, when it takes effect, and whether you need to adjust your strategy.

What’s Changing for Lounge Access in Early 2026?

The biggest lounge access changes in 2026 focus on one thing: guest privileges. Both Chase and Capital One are tightening who you can bring with you, how much it costs, and whether authorized users still get access at all.

This move is largely driven by overcrowding, which has become one of the biggest complaints among eligible lounge visitors. While limiting guests and adding spending thresholds is intended to protect the lounge experience, there’s little evidence so far that these measures actually reduce congestion — especially as more travelers than ever have some form of lounge access through credit cards, airline status, or partnerships.

Airline-run lounges such as Delta Sky Club and United Club have already implemented lounge access restrictions for guests based on their annual spending. Now, credit card–backed lounge programs are following a similar path.

Ritz-Carlton Card: Unlimited Guests End January 15, 2026

For holders of The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card (only available by changing to it from another Chase-issued Marriott credit card), one of the most generous Priority Pass benefits is being scaled back.

Starting January 15, 2026, unlimited guests for no additional cost will no longer be included. Instead, cardholders will be allowed to bring up to 2 guests per visit, with additional guests charged the standard Priority Pass fee.

The good news is that this change doesn’t completely eliminate flexibility.

Though tricky to get, the Ritz-Carlton card still offers Priority Pass access with up to 2 guests at no extra charge. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque

You can still add authorized users to the Ritz-Carlton card for no additional cost, and each authorized user receives their own Priority Pass membership. That means, as a workaround, each authorized user can still bring 2 guests of their own, making this card one of the few remaining ways for families or frequent group travelers to maintain broad lounge access without paying per-visit fees.

Capital One Lounges Add Guest Fees Starting on February 1, 2026

Capital One is also pulling back lounge access, and the changes affect both guests and authorized users of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Beginning February 1, 2026, guests at Capital One Lounges will incur a fee of $45 per adult and $25 for children ages 2 through 17. Guest access to Priority Pass lounges will also come with a per-person charge.

Authorized users are impacted as well. Going forward, authorized users will no longer receive lounge access unless the primary cardholder pays an annual fee of $125 per authorized user. This replaces the current setup, where authorized users receive full lounge access at no additional cost.

Capital One is scaling back lounge access for guests and authorized users. Image Credit: Katie Corrigan Seemann

Cardholders who want to preserve guest access at no extra charge will need to spend their way back into it. This requires spending $75,000 or more on the card in a calendar year, which unlocks complimentary guests at Capital One Lounges, along with limited guest access at Capital One Landings.

There is one notable exception. Holders of the Capital One Venture X Business Card will continue to receive Priority Pass access with 2 complimentary guests, without needing to meet a spending threshold. However, these cardholders will still have the same guest restrictions at Capital One Lounges and the option to either pay $125 for additional users or spend $75,000 on their card to unlock Capital One Lounge access.

Airport lounge access is getting more restrictive in 2026, with new guest limits, fees, and spending requirements rolling out across major credit cards. Capital One is adding guest fees and changing authorized user access, while the Ritz-Carlton card is ending unlimited guests but still offers flexibility through authorized users.

For travelers, the takeaway is straightforward. Lounge access now depends more on how you travel — plus who you travel with. Understanding your card’s rules ahead of time can help you avoid surprise fees and decide whether adding authorized users, adjusting spending, or rethinking your card setup makes sense before your next trip.

Juan Ruiz

Qatar Airways Adds Starlink To 787s, Rolls It Out On A350

Qatar AirwayS has become the first airline globally to equip the Boeing 787-8 with Starlink, while also completing the world’s first Airbus A350 Starlink installation program, further cementing its position as the industry leader in high-speed in-flight connectivity.

The Doha-based carrier now operates nearly 120 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, spanning Airbus A350s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The rollout means more than 58% of the airline’s widebody fleet now offers ultra-high-speed connectivity at speeds of up to 500 Mbps, enabling gate-to-gate internet access on long- and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents, subject to local regulations.

First-of-Its-Kind Installations

Following its Boeing 777 linkage program, QR completed the entire A350 Starlink installation within eight months, finishing in December 2025. The airline has now extended the technology to its 787 fleet, with three Boeing 787-8s already flying with Starlink, making QR the first carrier worldwide to secure Starlink certification on the 787-8.

Within 14 months, QR launched and completed Starlink installations on the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, before expanding the program to the 787, marking what the airline describes as the fastest widebody connectivity rollout in aviation history.

Since the airline launched its Starlink service in October 2024, it says more than 11 million of its passengers have used the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi onboard. In a global context, Starlink connected approximately 21 million airline passengers in 2025, with Qatar Airways accounting for nearly half of that total, underscoring the scale of its deployment relative to the wider industry.

Passengers on Starlink-equipped aircraft can stream, video call, and work in real time, with performance that the airline says can exceed many home broadband connections. The service is now available on flights to most of QR’s destinations in the Americas and Australia, as well as on key routes across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Beyond the passenger experience, Starlink is also reshaping Qatar Airways’ internal operations. Real-time connectivity enables instant flight and roster updates to crew devices, improves coordination between cabin crew and ground teams during medical or service-related events, and enables engineering teams to monitor in-flight entertainment systems in real time, allowing issues to be addressed before aircraft land.

These capabilities are designed to improve decision-making, reduce delays, and enhance turnaround efficiency, extending the impact of in-flight connectivity well beyond customer-facing services.