Travelore News: US Seeks To Block JetBlue's Spirit Airlines Deal At Trial

A U.S. Department of Justice lawyer on Tuesday urged a federal judge to block JetBlue Airways' (JBLU.O) planned $3.8 billion acquisition of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines (SAVE.N) at the start of closely-watched antitrust trial.

case in federal court in Boston is part of a broad effort by President Joe Biden's administration to preserve competition among the lowest cost airlines, ensuring air travel remains affordable for many more US consumers.

Justice Department attorney Arianna Markel in her opening statement told U.S. District Judge William Young that the deal would lead to fewer flights and seats and higher prices.

She said a JetBlue internal analysis projected its fares would increase 30% once Spirit, which competes with JetBlue on around 100 routes nationally, is not a competitor. Passengers would suffer roughly $1 billion in net harm annually, she said.

"JetBlue is counting on the fact that eliminating Spirit and the competition Spirit provides will allow JetBlue to raise fares," Markel said. "That is real harm to real people."

JetBlue attorney Ryan Shores countered that the case was a "misguided" challenge to a merger between the U.S.'s sixth and seventh largest airlines, which combined control less than 8% of the domestic market dominated by four larger airlines.

Those four U.S. carriers - United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines - dominate 80% of the domestic market following a series of previous airline mergers that the federal government blessed, Shores said.

Yet Shores said the government had wrongly tried to bar JetBlue from growing into a larger challenge to those four airlines and disrupt a market that has become "bad for competition and bad for consumers.
"
"The government in this case has lost the forest for the trees," Shores said.

The trial began on the same day JetBlue posted lower-than-expected third-quarter results, citing air traffic control and weather delays during the summer travel season, and projected a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss.

Its shares were down 16.7% to a near 12-year low in morning trading.

JetBlue has called the deal pro-consumer and has sought to ease U.S. regulators' antitrust concerns by agreeing to sell off Spirit's gates and slots at certain airports in New York City, Boston, Newark and Fort Lauderdale.

But the Justice Department has said those divestitures are not enough, and in a lawsuit filed in March argued the combined airline would harm consumers by increasing fares and reducing choice on routes nationwide.

The department is suing alongside Democratic attorneys general from six states and the District of Columbia. They call Spirit a "disruptive and innovative airline" whose low-cost, no-frills model has forced price cuts industry-wide.

The department's case is part of a broader push by the Biden administration to aggressively step up antitrust enforcement, an initiative that has had mixed results in court.

JetBlue was already the focus of one of its earlier cases, with a different Boston judge, Leo Sorokin, in May siding with the government in finding that JetBlue's U.S. Northeast partnership with American Airlines violated antitrust law.

JetBlue subsequently decided to terminate the alliance. American Airlines is appealing Sorokin's decision.

Reuters. Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Nick Zieminski and Marguerita Choy

Vilnius: Europe's Green Capital 2025 Shines In Fall Colours, Offers Unique City-Forest Feeling

Vilnius, Lithuania, was recently awarded the prestigious title of Europe's Green Capital for 2025 by the European Commission. It’s a city that boasts numerous trees, parks, and green spaces that are especially eye-catching in the fall.

In fact, the autumn season transforms Vilnius into a painter's palette, offering a captivating blend of colors. Historical buildings and green spaces are embellished with the fiery shades of autumn leaves, creating a picturesque scenery for cozy walks around the city.

Here, we present the selection of locations to experience Vilnius in autumn colors.

Bernardine Garden — a historical garden where pagan rituals once took place. Located at the base of Gediminas Tower and by the Vilnelė River, this urban park that took shape in the 15th century used to be a sacred oak tree forest in pagan times. The last country in Europe to adopt Christianity, Lithuania is still close to its pagan roots, and the park features the city’s oldest oak tree, which is 450 years old. The Bernardine monks, who took over in XV century, created a landscaped garden, where they grew flowers, medicinal plants, and vegetables. The monks also built St. Anne’s Church — a Gothic architectural jewel.

Located in the historical city center, today Bernardine Garden is a perfect place to admire the fall foliage from different vantage points.

Paupys — the Venice of Vilnius 200 years ago. A hidden gem, nestled on the right bank of the Vilnelė River, and adjacent to the Old Town, Paupys is renowned for its beautifully restored formally-industrial architecture. Up until the Soviet occupation, Paupys was primarily an industrial center, featuring mills and factories. The industrialization was cut short by the occupation, and recently Paupys has been revived as one of the most attractive new Vilnius districts, a residential and business area featuring innovative modern architecture buildings, Paupys Market, restaurants, and bars, located alongside the Vilnelė banks and surrounded by nature.

Cathedral and the Grand Duke's Palace Square — royal history in a modern context. Vilnius Cathedral, stands as Lithuania's primary Catholic church, built in 1251 during King Mindaugas' baptism. According to historical facts, a pagan temple once stood in its place. The adjacent Palace of the Grand Dukes, after being demolished in the 19th century by the Tsarist regime, was meticulously reconstructed in 2013, and now provides visitors with a unique historical experience. The Palace exhibition welcomes guests to explore the chronological progression of the castle's interior, its architectural narrative, and the daily life of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. The Cathedral and Palace Square are a vibrant testament to Vilnius' history, particularly inviting during the autumn season when some of the big city events take place, such as Kaziukas (St. Casimir) Fair.

Neris Riverbank — peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. In the heart of Vilnius city, Neris Riverbank creates a perfect fusion of nature's beauty and urban charm, offering an opportunity to explore a significant part of the city center, whether one prefers walking, scooting, skating, or biking.

Taking the route along the Neris River, covering a distance of 7,082 steps, offers a fresh viewpoint to appreciate the Vilnius Old Town. Riverbank invites to explore an expansive exhibition of urban art, relax at a riverside coffee shop, or exchange greetings with people on kayaks and boats gliding past. Exploring beneath the Riverbank bridge offers an encounter with modern sculptures beneath each structure.

Three Crosses Hill — the old town's ultimate panoramic view. The crosses stand on the top of a crooked hill, approximately 64-65 meters high from the base and 75-76 meters above sea level — atop the scenic city of Vilnius. This memorial offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town, which can be reached by just under an hour's hike. Original Three Crosses monument, built in 1916 and demolished by the Soviets in 1950, was rebuilt in 1988, immediately after gaining the independence.

The memorial of Three Crosses is now serving as both a historical monument and a symbol of resilience, and autumn is a great time to embark on the scenic hike to the famous Hill. The trail, bordered by trees, offers a pleasant urban forest experience in Vilnius and invites visitors to enjoy the changing foliage and the crisp, cool atmosphere, complete with the views of the Neris River, Cathedral Square, and the Old Town streets from atop.

Southwest Airlines Extends Flight Schedule With New International Options And Most-Ever Departures

Southwest Airlines Co. extended its flight schedule through Aug. 4, 2024, bringing new international service and expansive growth throughout its network. Flights are available for booking at Southwest.com.

Orlando: An International Six Pack

To expand its central Florida route map to more Customers, Southwest Airlines® is adding several nonstop routes to international destinations. Beginning June 4, 2024, Southwest® will launch daily service (subject to requisite governmental approvals) between Orlando, Fla., and:

Cancun, Mexico

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Nassau, Bahamas

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

San José, Costa Rica

These new routes complement existing service from Orlando to Aruba and Montego Bay, Jamaica. With this service, Cancun is accessible from 17 U.S. markets Southwest serves beginning in June 2024.

From the San Fernando Valley to the Nation

Already the largest carrier serving Burbank, Calif., Southwest is further growing its presence effective June 4, 2024, with daily nonstop service between Burbank and:

Boise, Idaho

Kansas City, Mo.

New Orleans

San Antonio

St. Louis

Springing to the East Coast from Colorado Springs

Effective June 4, 2024, Southwest will offer Customers daily nonstop service between Colorado Springs, Colo., and Baltimore/Washington. With this new route, Southwest opens additional network access to the Northeast and Colorado Springs.

Seasonal Service from Dallas and Nashville

Summer travelers can embark on journeys to cooler climates with seasonal, Saturday-only service between:

Dallas (Love Field) and Buffalo/Niagara, N.Y.

Dallas (Love Field) and Fresno, Calif.

Dallas (Love Field) and Providence, R.I.

Dallas (Love Field) and Spokane, Wash.

As Southwest prepares to open its Nashville Flight Crew base in 2024, the carrier is launching seasonal, Saturday-only service from Music City to Bozeman, Mont., and seasonal, Saturday and Sunday service to Grand Rapids, Mich.

Philadelphia Is The Best U.S. City To Visit In 2024, According To Lonely Planet Travel Guide

For better or worse, Philadelphians, get ready for more tourists at your favorite restaurants, historic sites, and tailgates because the City of Brotherly Love was just named one of the Top 10 must-visit cities worldwide.

Lonely Planet, an industry-leading travel guidebook publisher, listed Philadelphia in fifth place for the best global cities to travel to next year, making it the top-ranked U.S. city on the travel guide’s list. The annual Best in Travel guide is an annual look at countries, regions, and cities across the globe that are must-visit places based on relevancy, uniqueness, and the “wow” factor that makes them unmissable, said Lonely Planet’s executive editor, Nitya Chambers.

“Philadelphia is the perfect blend of old school and modern metropolis, a city marked by rich history but with an ever-evolving cultural core,” Chambers said. “We were excited by the balance of old and new — museums, history, food, and iconic cultural references — that make it the kind of place that feels instantly familiar but embedded with unique and personal moments of discovery.”

The travel guide relies on the expertise of on-the-ground local contributors who discover, evaluate, and craft suggestions for Lonely Planet, who then nominate must-visit cities reviewed by a panel of travel experts. Out of hundreds of nominations, Philly made it high on the list.

Reading Terminal Market. Photo by Allen Barkus

Time-honored classics such as Reading Terminal Market and the Philadelphia Museum of Art help bolster Philly’s international appeal, but mainstays such as FDR Park’s Southeast Asian Market show how local communities can bring exciting new experiences to the city. Philly’s tourism industry isn’t meager, either. It’s a multibillion-dollar endeavor with more than 40 million visitors walking through the city’s streets every year, said Alethia Calbeck, chief communications officer at Visit Philadelphia. “Those visitors spent over $7 billion in our region in 2022,” she said. The tourism and hospitality business across the five-county Philly region currently employs nearly 200,000 people, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We’re thrilled and we feel like it’s well-deserved. Philadelphia is a wonderful city. It’s an East Coast gateway into the U.S. for international travelers,” said Robin Bloom, director of content at Philadelphia’s global tourism agency, the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We have a thriving arts and culture scene, the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. Not to mention the walkability and accessibility on the East Coast. Also, the city’s inclusivity and diversity are a really big selling feature internationally. It’s also one of the most affordable top-tier cities in the country.”

Besides the ever-growing culinary scene in Philadelphia, which continues to get nods from the New York Times, James Beard awards, and the Michelin Guide (which called us the “Frenchest American city”), Philly will soon host a plethora of events that bring widespread appeal, such as the FIFA World Cup and MLB All-Star Game coming to the city in 2026.

“It’s a really big deal because [Lonely Planet] recognizes 10 cities every year, and this year there were only two U.S. cities,” Calbeck said. “We stand on a list with incredible international cities like Paris, Nairobi, and Prague — it’s a big feather in our cap because it just helps people understand the quality and the cachet of our destination.”

Source: https://www.inquirer.com/author/savage_henry/

JetBlue To Expand Transatlantic Offerings With Seasonal Service To Dublin And Edinburgh

JetBlue Airways said Wednesday it has started selling flights scheduled for next spring and summer between the United States and both Dublin and Edinburgh.

The airline said it will run daily flights from New York and Boston to Dublin from March 13 through Sept. 30, and from New York to Edinburgh from May 22 through Sept. 30.

JetBlue plans to use single-aisle Airbus A321neo planes configured with 160 seats for both routes.

JetBlue hopes to take advantage of strong demand for international travel, which has grown more quickly than domestic travel this year.

The New York-based airline currently flies to London, Paris and Amsterdam, far fewer transatlantic destinations than offered by its bigger U.S. rivals.

Source: AP

Lufthansa Brings Its A380 Back To Los Angeles International Airport

Great news for Lufthansa customers in the Los Angeles area! The popular Airbus A380 will return to Los Angeles International Airport on October 26. With air travel surging in demand, the added capacity that the A380 brings to the LA region will provide the much-needed increased volume that the market requires.

Flight LH453 will depart Los Angeles at 6:30pm and arrive into Munich at 1:40pm, the following day. Flight LH452 will depart Munich at 12pm and arrive back in Los Angeles at 4:15pm. All times are local. The already daily operating flights, now have increased capacity due to the placement of the A380.

Due to the sharp rise in demand for travel and the delayed delivery of ordered aircraft, Lufthansa decided in 2022 to reactivate the Airbus A380, which is particularly popular with passengers and crews. By the end of 2025, a total of eight A380s will once again be deployed for service to and from Munich.

The A380 aircraft

The Airbus A380 is one of the world’s most fuel-efficient aircraft, burning about 12 percent less fuel than other wide-body jets, and is approximataely 30 percent quieter than the current generation of wide-body aircraft. With 509 seats, the airline’s A380 has around 80 percent more capacity than its Airbus A340-600, which currently flies on the Boston – Munich and JFK routes. In total, Lufthansa’s A380 offers four classes of travel: 8 seats in First Class, 78 seats in Business Class, 52 seats in Premium Eco and 371 seats in Economy Class.

Located on the upper deck, the First Class cabin is one the quietest cabins in commercial aviation and boasts an air humidification system – the first of its kind to be installed on a commercial aircraft – that improves air humidity to help fight off jet lag. Two large, luxurious bathrooms with separate changing and lavatory areas offer enhanced personal space and storage. The cabin’s eight generously proportioned, ergonomic seats measure 6’9" feet in length and 2’7" feet in width and provide the ultimate in comfort and innovation for an exceptional travel experience.

Also located on the upper deck is the Business Class cabin with 78 seats featuring improved functionality, including more storage and a power supply that works with all worldwide connections.

The main deck is home to Lufthansa’s Premium Economy class, where 52 seats are situated in the forward most compartment of the A380’s main deck. In addition to more private space with up to 50 percent more legroom, Premium Economy allows guests to travel with two pieces of luggage weighing 51 lbs. each. On board, every passenger is greeted with a welcome drink and in-flight meals are presented on menu cards and served on fine chinaware. Premium Economy passengers will also find an amenity kit at their seats which includes practical travel accessories, an electrical plug, and a bottle of water.

The Economy Class is found on both levels of the aircraft. Each of its 371 seats features an in-seat video screen, an optimized ergonomic design, and a slimmer seat back that adds two inches of personal space per passenger.

Frontier Airlines Overhauls Frequent Flyer Program To Reward Travelers Based On Spending

Even for budget carriers, earning elite status is now all about how much you spend.

Frontier Airlines on Tuesday joined larger airlines in announcing an overhaul of its frequent flyer program to reward travelers depending on how much they pay to fly.

Frontier and other discount airlines offer low, no-frills fares and fees for everything else from seat assignments to carry-on baggage. Those add-ons will count toward elite frequent flyer status on the Denver-based airline starting next year.

The carrier’s current program gives travelers one frequent flyer mile for each physical mile they fly on Frontier.

The new model based on spending is similar to other large airlines’ recent program changes like those at Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Last week, Delta walked back some of its new elite status thresholds and limits on airport lounge access after customers complained about the changes.

Frontier said customers will be able to earn earn silver elite status, a new tier, after racking up 10,000 miles, which the carrier said is equal to spending $1,000. The tiers go up to “diamond” level at 100,000 miles, though there are accelerators to earn more miles at each level.

Perks include fee-free flight changes, seat assignments, in-cabin pets and, at the highest level, a second free checked bag.

Ancillary revenue is especially important to budget carriers. Frontier said in the second quarter it’s ancillary revenue rose 6% year over year to $80 per passenger, while revenue from airfare fell 15% to nearly $48 per passenger.

Frontier is scheduled to report third-quarter results before the market opens on Thursday.

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/leslie-josephs/

The American Museum Of Natural History Will Remove All Human Remains From Display, Vowing Policy Change

The American Museum of Natural History in New York City will remove human remains from its displays and has vowed to make policy changes after recent reports raised concerns about legality and ethics of their acquisition.

Erin Thompson, a professor of art crime at John Jay College of the City University of New York, had investigated the museum’s collection of the remains for a report published by Hyperallergic on October 15.

The removal was announced in a news release before Thompson’s report was published. The bones will be taken out of the museum’s displays over the course of the next eight weeks and the policies will be updated to recognize the importance of returning human remains.

Sean Decatur, the museum’s recently appointed president, said the museum holds the remains of about 12,000 individuals in its collection and there are currently 12 cases displaying them. He called the removal the “right course of action.”

“The museum no longer collects human remains. Non-invasive research on the collection is permitted only after community consultation and consent, and the moratorium on destructive analysis is continuing,” the news release reads. “We commit to the removal of human remains from public display, while continuing to display casts where appropriate to further the museum’s education mission.”

Decatur said discussions about the museum’s collection began before he was appointed in April and he has called the changes just “initial steps” in addressing the problematic remains. The human remains in the collection range from instruments and beads made from human bone to skeletons and mummies.

Thompson said she spent months investigating the museum after receiving an anonymous tip from a staff member and that she was surprised by the lack of publicly available information about the remains.

“They won’t tell you any information about just who these individuals are,” Thompson told NPR. “Where did they come from? How did they get these remains?”

About 26 percent of the remains belong to Native Americans from within the United States with about 1,200 of them housed there by the federal government, Decatur said. Another 2,200 skeletons are managed by the museum’s cultural resources office in accordance with the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which requires the return of such remains to Native American communities.

To date, the museum has returned about 1,000 such remains and another 200 internationally.

Thompson added that museums like the AMNH had collected and used human remains for scientific research rooted in eugenics and racism: “They were looking for physical proof of the superiority of white people and they didn’t find it, but that meant they just kept looking.”

Decatur agreed with Thompson, stating that the museum must acknowledge that “no individual consented to have their remains included in a museum collection” with the small exception of those who bequeathed their bodies to medical schools for continued study.

“Human remains collections were made possible by extreme imbalances of power,” he said. “Moreover, many researchers in the 19th and 20th centuries then used such collections to advance deeply flawed scientific agendas rooted in white supremacy—namely the identification of physical differences that could reinforce models of racial hierarchy.”

Decatur specifically addressed a recent report in The New York TimesThe New York Times, highlighting that some of the remains may have belonged to enslaved African Americans.

“These remains were removed from a burial ground in the Inwood neighborhood of Manhattan during a city road construction project in 1903–04 and accepted into the collection,” Decatur affirmed.

“Enslavement was a violent, dehumanizing act; removing these remains from their rightful burial place ensured that the denial of basic human dignity would continue even in death. Identifying a restorative, respectful action in consultation with local communities must be part of our commitment.”

Decatur told museum staffers that the remains will further be discussed at an all-staff meeting, which was scheduled for today. It was not immediately clear how the meeting went.

Thompson has since shared a database she created to help people discover whether the remains of their ancestors are in the museum’s collection. She said she has found information for about 10,500 of the remains.

Source: https://news.artnet.com/about/adam-schrader-34468

Travelore News: Xiamen Airlines Successfully Launches A Maiden Flight From Beijing To Doha, The First China-Qatar Direct Flight By A Chinese Carrier

On October 20, a Boeing-787 of Xiamen Airlines departed from Beijing Daxing International Airport for Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar. It declared Xiamen Airlines' successful maiden flight of regular flights between Beijing and Doha. Xiamen Airlines has become the first and only Chinese carrier to offer direct flights from China to Qatar. Xiamen Airlines has also become the very first and the only Chinese carrier to fly between China and Qatar. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar, and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. The opening of this air route will build a broader Air Silk Road to promote economic and trade cooperation and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The Xiamen Airlines on Beijing Daxing- Doha route will operate daily. The flight MF845 departs from Daxing, Beijing at 18:30 and arrives in Doha at 22:45 local time, MF846 in return leaves Doha at 02:00 local time and arrives in Daxing, Beijing at 15:20.

"Welcome to take the our flight and embark on a journey of east-west civilization in the air." During the flight, amidst the fragrance of Fujian specialty tea, the flight attendants, dressed in Arabian clothing, dance with colorful accessories. The portable crystal lamps, like floral tubes, sprinkle light blazing with different colors on every happy smiling face.

In addition to the exquisitely prepared onboard activities, the unique cuisine of the new route also delights the taste buds of travelers. Global travelers are indulged in great pleasure by the international delicacies such as the rich-aroma and unique-flavored three-color steamed bass with radish, the refreshing and crispy water bamboo shoots mixed with rattan pepper oil, and the Southeast Asian-styled sambal shrimp paired with coconut milk rice.
As the capital and the largest city in Qatar and an international metropolis, Doha is an important international aviation hub in the Middle East region, has become the intersection of multiple intercontinental airline networks in the world, connecting numerous countries and regions in Africa and Europe.

This year, Xiamen Airlines and Qatar Airways were accredited with the 2023 APEX World Class Award. When Xiamen Airlines was preparing for the Beijing Daxing-Doha flight route, the two airlines had a close comprehensive strategic partnership. Relying on the high-quality resources of the two sides, Xiamen Airlines will create a service network covering over 160 destinations worldwide, including Dammam, Lagos, and Algiers, delivering extensive transit products to passengers. The two sides will also conduct wide cooperation in network intermodal transportation, intermodal check-in, and direct baggage handling to provide global passengers with convenient experience just with one ticket including one-time security check, passenger check-in, and baggage check-in.

A regular flight from Xiamen to Doha will be opened to service on October 31. This service will operate twice a week, building a bridge between China's Fujian Province and the world

Travelore Tips: TSA Precheck And TSA Global Entry Are A Must-Have, But There’s A Third Critical Program You Should Join ASAP

The STEP program may actually save your life

Traveling should be an adventure — and if your safety is in question when traveling abroad, those adventures might have to come to an abrupt halt. While most international travelers are familiar with programs like TSA Precheck and TSA Global Entry, there’s a third United States government program that helps Americans traveling out of the country called the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you’re abroad and the unthinkable happens — injury, illness, a lost passport, or even a global emergency — it’s one step you’ll be glad you took.

What is STEP?

Enrolling in STEP isn’t just about being informed; it’s about staying connected in times of need. And it’s free. When you sign up, you receive real-time updates, country-specific travel advisories, and information about U.S. embassy events. It’s a personalized safety net that also keeps you in the loop about the area where you’re traveling to, whether there’s a safety concern or just an embassy-hosted town hall meeting.

In case of an emergency, STEP has the ability to facilitate communication between you and the nearest U.S. embassy quickly, ensuring that assistance is just a step away. Additionally, it serves as a link so that your family and friends back home can reach you in an emergency situation.

This type of connection is especially essential if your travel destination is in an area of political instability or if violence breaks out nearby — STEP ensures you receive real-time updates from the nearest U.S. consulate. It’s also a lifeline if you’re traveling off the grid or are in a particularly remote area, and can also help you stay safe and well-informed during large-scale events.

Is STEP just like TSA Precheck?

No, it’s not. While TSA Precheck streamlines airport security procedures for domestic flights, STEP, by the U.S. Department of State, focuses on providing real-time safety updates and assistance to U.S. citizens traveling abroad. It creates a crucial communication link between American travelers and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate during emergencies.

I know what you’re thinking: What about TSA Global Entry? It’s great, but it’s different. TSA Global Entry expedites international arrivals by facilitating a faster customs process. So, like TSA Precheck, it also focuses mainly on airport efficiency.

STEP is an additional resource that provides an extra layer of security for all travelers, regardless of their destination.

How to register for STEP

Getting started with STEP is easy. Setting up an account takes about five minutes, and registering a trip takes about one minute.

Here’s how it works:

Create your account: On the STEP website, create an account and input your personal details along with emergency contacts.

Register your trip: Log in and register each specific trip or residence abroad.

That’s it. This minimal investment of time will pay off when you find yourself in need of urgent assistance while traveling abroad.

Consider STEP as a kind of travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances. If all goes smoothly, you might not even realize it’s there. But if you find yourself in a tight spot, the notifications from STEP can literally save your life. The goal is simple: ensure you’re safe and accounted for, no matter where your adventures take you.

TSA Precheck and Global Entry may expedite your airport experience, but STEP ensures your safety and peace of mind throughout your entire journey. So, before you embark on your next adventure, take that extra step.

Source: https://www.themanual.com/

Come Live Día De Los Muertos, Day Of The Dead In Mexico City

Mexico City sets the scene for one of the most important holidays in Mexico — Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This ancestral tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, with roots originating in the cultures of Mesoamerica. Over time, these traditions were blended with Catholic beliefs to give rise to the holiday we know today, celebrated across Mexico.

The central pillar of the celebration is remembering the lives of those no longer living. Loved ones and family members take to cemeteries and each other's homes with offerings of flowers, water, photographs of the deceased, their favorite food and drink, and other items that help to remember those who passed.

The celebration is so integral to Mexican culture that UNESCO has established it as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and nowhere in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead as vibrantly and passionately as Mexico City. This year’s celebration promises to be just as magical, poignant, and beautiful as ever.

The month-long celebration kicked off on October 6 with the Festival de la Llorona en el Embarcadero de Cuemanco, which took place on the canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas. The evening show takes place aboard the colorful trajineras and includes a performance on the legend of La Llorona (The Crying Woman).

On October 18, the Festival de las Flores de Cempasúchil takes over Paseo de la Reforma with thousands of brilliantly colored marigolds illuminating the path of the dead. It is estimated that five million marigold flowers will be produced this season.

October 21 marks one of the most highly anticipated events of Day of the Dead in Mexico City: the Desfile de Alebrijes Monumentales, a parade of giant puppets that measure up to eight feet tall. Alebrijes are gorgeous works of art that blur the lines between reality and surrealism. They have become one of the most time-honored traditions of Mexico City's Day of the Dead.

The parade is a precursor to the next magnificent event. The following day, October 22, begins the Mega Procesion de Catrinas. This spectacle is a massive parade that begins at the Angel of Independence in Reforma and ends at the Zocalo, in the heart of the Centro Historico. Hundreds of gorgeous Catrinas take to the streets, with hauntingly beautiful painted faces, elaborate costumes, flowers, and music. La Catrina is the primary figure of Day of the Dead, a representation of an Aztec figure, The Goddess of Death, who was later popularized by engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada.

Engines rev on October 26 at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, one of the most important events in professional car racing.

All of this is, of course, a build-up to the actual Day of the Dead. Celebrated between October 31 and November 5, this is when the offerings are made to the dearly departed. In Mexico City, the Zocalo hosts an Ofrenda Monumental, or massive offering that fills the entire plaza with altars, flowers, incense, photographs, and much more. Thousands of people take to the streets dressed as zombies for another festive, colorful, decked-out parade.

All are invited to participate in the events spread out over the month of October. Celebrations are held in every city across the country. But there is no better place in Mexico to experience Dia de Los Muertos than in the beautiful, vibrant, exciting capital city.
Getting There

Mexico City is one of the easiest destinations to access, thanks to thousands of non-stop flights from around the world, as well as from around Mexico. Benito Juarez International Airport is one of the main hubs of Latin America, with direct U.S. flights from Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Antonio, Orlando, Las Vegas, Newark, Denver, Austin, Detroit, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Oakland, and Sacramento.

Be Bewitched In Drogheda This Halloween With Lú Festival Of Light, 27-31 October & 2-4 November

Be bewitched in Drogheda this Halloween with Lú Festival of Light. The dazzling light display will illuminate the historic buildings of Drogheda Town featuring a magical mix of lights, colour and sound to illustrate the myths and legends from Ireland’s mythological past.

An amazing display of urban animation, Lú Festival of Light, Drogheda is free to attend and will run over two long weekends, 27th – 31st of October and 2nd – 4th of November. Lú Festival of Light is an initiative of Louth County Council in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS. The project is supported by Fáilte Ireland and is part funded under the Fáilte Ireland Urban Animation Scheme.

Journey through time along the trail and discover the stories of Boann, the Salmon of Knowledge, Amergin, the Gods of Newgrange and many more. The illuminations focus on these magical stories that are rooted in the beautiful Boyne Valley region. Over eight days stunning illuminations will light up Drogheda’s Old Abbey, St Peters Church, St Dominic’s Bridge, the former Methodist Church garden and St Laurence’s Gate using the latest digital technology, projection, sound and animation to weave a compelling tale of our mythological past.

Spectacular projections will adorn intricate stonework around Drogheda while illustrating the legendary tales of heroic warriors, mythical creatures, and ethereal landscapes that have woven themselves into the fabric of Drogheda's history.

Colin Hindle, Festival Officer at Fáilte Ireland said: “Lú Festival of Light is an exciting addition to the visitor offering in Drogheda and adds another unique experience for visitors to enjoy in Ireland’s Ancient East. This is the second year of the festival which uses spectacular light animations, part funded under Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Scheme, to tell the many myths and legends associated with the region, tying into the ancient theme of the area. I would like to congratulate Louth County Council and Love Drogheda on their continued development of this festival, which truly shines a light on the many visitor attractions Drogheda has to offer.”

Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Louth County Council added: “Louth County Council are delighted to host Lú Festival of Light for a second year. The Lú Festival of Light is an unique addition to Drogheda’s Arts and Cultural calendar of events and follows on from several excellent creative attractions in the area including the recently installed Destination Town wayfinding signs and the DRAWDA urban art trail. This year’s festival will feature elements of our mythological and historical past which is deeply rooted in the history of the Boyne Valley.”

Cllr Eileen Tully, Mayor of Drogheda said: “I am absolutely thrilled to announce the second year of the Lú Festival of Light. As the evenings draw in, this amazing urban animation project will proudly light up Drogheda again in celebration of Louth’s role in our renowned mythological heritage. In doing so, it will attract visitors to the town bringing a boost in business to local shops, restaurants, and hotels in the area. Lú Festival of Light has it all, five amazing light shows together with on street entertainment and we look forward to welcoming visitors, young and old, to our town.”

Trevor Connolly, Love Drogheda BIDs, said: “Love Drogheda BIDs are delighted to be part of bringing this innovative event to Drogheda. Our streets and waterways will be alive with colour, light and a sprinkling of magic and we invite everyone to come into Drogheda to celebrate! The illustrations dive into The Boyne Valley’s extensive mythological past, bringing to life these fascinating stories for the next generations.”

Audiences will be able to explore the mythological past with audio narration to accompany the spectacular visuals. The scripts were written by Irish company Visual Spectrum together with Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland. The animation and live score have been designed and created by Visual Spectrum using cutting edge technology to digitally map the buildings and create an audio-visual spectacular to wow the senses. The experience will bring a touch of Halloween magic to the streets of Drogheda.

Drogheda, gateway to the Boyne Valley was one of the first settlements in Ireland’s Ancient East and is home to many of Ireland’s ancient tales. The Boyne River flows through the heart of the town and this year’s festival will also feature a show on one of the bridges.

The festival will host an array of on- street performances including stilt walkers, face painters and fire breathers, together with cafes, bars and restaurants in the area staying open late. There will also be a family fun area with a Viking Encampment at the Old Abbey carpark. www.lufestivaloflight.com

United Airlines Rolls Out New Boarding System With Economy Window Seats Set To Go First

United Airlines says that it will start boarding passengers in economy class with window seats first starting next week, a move that will speed up boarding times for flights.

The airline said in an internal memo that it will implement the plan on Oct. 26. The plan, known as WILMA, for window, middle and aisle, was tested at four domestic locations and one hub. United said that it’s shown to save up to two minutes of boarding time.

The change will begin with passengers in Group 4. Those with window seats will board first, followed by those with middle seats and then those with aisle seats. United said that multiple customers on the same economy reservation, such as families, will be allowed to board their flight together.

The plan will be implemented on domestic flights and some international flights.

Individuals in first class and business class will see no change in their boarding process. There's also no change for the pre-boarding group that includes travelers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, active-duty military and families traveling with children that are 2 years old or younger.

On Tuesday United reported that it it earned $1.14 billion in the vacation-heavy third quarter, but the airline forecast weaker profit the rest of the year due to surging jet fuel prices and the suspension of flights to Tel Aviv during the Israel-Hamas war.

Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/author/michelle-chapman

Travelore News: Air France To Stop Most Domestic Flights From Orly Airport By 2026

(Reuters) - Air France said it would stop operating most domestic flights from Paris-Orly airport by the summer of 2026 and operate domestic and international flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to cope with falling demand for domestic flights.

"The rise of video conferencing, the drop in domestic business travel and the growing shift toward rail are leading to a structural fall in demand on Air France's domestic point-to-point network," the airline said in a statement.

Between 2019 and 2023, traffic on domestic routes out of Paris-Orly fell by 40%, and by 60% for day return trips, it said.

Air France said the impact on jobs in the regional airports of Toulouse, Marseille and Nice would be limited, and would be managed through voluntary transfers and departures.

Regarding employees based in Paris-Orly, it said staffing needs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle would be such by 2026 to guarantee everyone an equivalent position at the Roissy site.

Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; editing by Christina Fincher

Travelore Tips: Why Sitting At The Bar Is The Ultimate Restaurant Hack

What's the best seat at any restaurant? The answer will depend on why you are going out. Are you looking for a quick bite, impressing a date, or simply going out for entertainment value? You might want to see and be seen, or have a private conversation in a side booth, but for all other occasions, we think without a doubt the greatest seat is always at the bar. A seat at the bar requires no reservation, and the bartender is your guide for all good things that happen in a restaurant.

A bar seat is of course, great for a quick, less expensive bite. You can walk right up, and usually, the bartender can enter your order right away. Many bars serve a special menu, so you can try that hot new restaurant on a lower budget or splurge on the main menu. Chefs focus on interesting flavors designed for drinks on bar menus, so don't overlook them. The bar is a more casual environment where you are free to order one course or many, dash out or linger, whatever your current mood.

Bars are great for gathering

A bar seat serves as both a solitary place to eat quickly and a communal gathering place for if you don't want to eat or drink alone. You'll always have at least the bartender to chat with, and if you're fortunate you might strike up interesting conversation with the others at the bar. They're likely to be kindred spirits, enjoying the prompt service and atmosphere along with you. If you're lucky, the bar might overlook the kitchen so you can watch the action, too.

The bartender knows everything happening at the restaurant, making them a great source for learning what's really great on the menu, and what drinks pair well. Making friends with the bartender might provide more, too, like a taste of unusual spirits, a free drink, or tips for making a cocktail at home. Sitting at the bar is great people-watching, so even if you don't wind up making new friends, the experience is anything but boring. The next time you are out to eat, let the host know you'd like a seat at the bar and you'll thank us for the recommendation!

Source: https://www.tastingtable.com/1402527/sitting-bar-ultimate-restaurant-hack/

Cleveland Museum Of Natural History Unveils New Visitor Hall

The Cleveland Museum of Cleveland Museum of Natural History celebrates the next step in its current transformation and expansion as eight of our most iconic attractions return to exhibit. They will now be featured in their Visitor Hall.

The 14,650-square-foot Visitor Hall features specimens placed along a timeline reflecting milestones in the history of the Universe. The timeline is funded by Museum Board Member Doug McCreery and his wife, Dr. Laurie McCreery.

According to Museum President & CEO Sonia Winner, "The Museum has always been a valuable resource to our city, our region, and the world. We are excited to celebrate the return of our Museum's most beloved specimens in a community space that is free to all visitors. This is an exciting milestone in our transformation that has been in the making for 20 years. We now have a little more than a year until we unveil the Museum's new wings and the completely reimagined exhibits that will put our guests at the center of the experience.

Special Days Mark the Debut of the Visitor Hall

Saturday, October 14 is reserved for a Museum member preview.

On Sunday, October 15, the Visitor Hall opens to the public for the first time. Every Sunday, residents of Cleveland and East Cleveland are invited to visit the Museum free of charge during the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Days.

Returning Icons Showcased in a New Way

Our iconic sauropod, Haplocanthosaurus delfsi, known as "Happy," is a holotype specimen for the species H. delfsi. Happy was discovered by a Museum team in 1954 in Colorado and is the most complete adult specimen of its kind.

Lucy, the world-famous, 3.2-million-year-old partial fossil skeleton of the species Australopithecus afarensis, was discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 by Dr. Donald Johanson, a former curator at the Museum.

Dunk, or Dunkleosteus terrelli, is a giant armored fish that was one of the fiercest creatures alive three hundred and fifty-eight million years ago. Balto, the lead dog of a 1925 team of sled dogs that traveled 674 miles to deliver lifesaving medicine to a remote area of Alaska. Balto's new showcase is sponsored by The Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation.

The Museum's iconic Moon Rock, on long-term loan from NASA.

A model of a Bald Eagle—an important reminder that the Museum pioneered a successful bald eagle breeding program in the 1970s.

A dramatic window of Butterflies represents the Museum's important Invertebrate Zoology collection—housing approximately 1 million specimens.

The Jeptha Homer Wade II Collection of Gems & Jewels. The display is representative of the Museum's Mineralogy assets, including materials from the Earth (rocks and minerals) and beyond (meteorites).

The redesigned exhibits, developed by G&A (Gallagher & Associates) in tandem with the Museum's curatorial, collections, and educational teams, will take a new approach to natural history, avoiding traditional compartmentalization by time period, geography, and types of living things to form integrated storylines of planetary and biological processes and make these powerful forces tangible and relevant to contemporary life.

The Museum has trusted the realization if its transformation to the careful efforts of Panzica Construction and the integrated design work of DLR Group. DLR Group's visionary work includes several phases of renovation and an addition that will enhance exhibit, educational, and gathering spaces. New, renovated, and reorganized exhibit spaces will expand programming and reimagine the presentation of the Museum's world-renowned collections. Inspired by the Museum's commitment to sustainability and its relationship with surrounding bodies of water, the design creates a single and continuous form that ties together current and previous additions.

"DLR Group is honored to be partnering with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on this multiphase transformation," said DLR Group Principal and Global Architecture Leader Joshua Haney, AIA. "The Visitor Hall acts as a welcoming and inclusive haven for museum visitors to step in and discover captivating exhibits and interactive opportunities that broaden their understanding of the natural world both within and beyond the city of Cleveland."

This multi-phased transformation project builds upon the firm's decades-long relationship with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History dating to 1955. The reimagine of the Museum includes upgrades to collections and exhibit areas, research spaces, offices, and classrooms, reorganization of all public galleries, and consolidation of all collection storage.

The following programs will premiere on Sunday, October 15:

Flight of the Butterflies follows monarch butterflies on their migration—presented in 3D.

Titanosaur 3D focuses on the largest animal to ever walk the Earth<.br />
Eclipse Fever, a new show in the world-class Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium, will explore a total solar eclipse.

Nesting: Images by Judith McMillan explores birds' nests as architecture. McMillan is an American artist and a Museum board member.

Community Spaces in the Museum

The Visitor Hall is a community space to visit free of charge

Origins Café, the Museum's café managed by Levy

The Leonard Krieger Fund Café Terrace, featuring indoor and outdoor seating

The new Museum Store

Steggie, the Stegosaurus sculpture in front of the Museum.

During this phase in their transformation, general admission will give guests access to:

The Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC, encouraging learning for children, Live Astronomy presentations in the world-class Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium, 3-D movies in the Museum's Murch Auditorium, The Thelma and Kent H. Smith Environmental Courtyard, The Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank, and Corning Gallery's rotating exhibits.

Struggling Malaysian Budget Carrier MyAirline Abruptly Suspends Service, Leaving Travelers Stranded

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian budget carrier MYAirline abruptly suspended operations Thursday, citing financial pressures less than 11 months after it took to the skies. The cancellation of the airline’s 40 flights stranded thousands of passengers.

MYAirline made the announcement on social media, catching the government and many travelers by surprise. The company apologized for its “extremely painful decision” but said “significant financial pressures” forced it to suspend operations pending an ownership restructuring and recapitalization.

“We have worked tirelessly to explore various partnership and capital-raising options to prevent this suspension. Unfortunately, the constraints of time have left us with no alternative but to take this decision,” the airline’s board of directors said in a statement.

The move came just days after the airline said it was in the advanced stages of finalizing a strategic partnership. Local media reported that the suspension signaled those talks might have collapsed.

Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke slammed the hasty shutdown, saying it was unacceptable and gave the country a bad name. He said the airline had sold 125,000 tickets worth some 20 million ringgit ($4.2 million) for flights scheduled until March 2024.

“We were caught by surprise and totally shocked,” Loke said during a news conference. “They didn’t inform us. They just stopped operating with no airline staff at the airport. How can you just disappear like that? This is highly irresponsible.”

The government will ensure that ticket-holders are refunded, the minister said.

Loke said the airline has a fleet of eight planes and had intended to expand to 12 by the end of the year. He said it should have sought government help instead of ceasing operation without warning.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission will decide whether to revoke MYAirline’s air license, which expires next month, he said.

The airline, which operated flights to eight domestic destinations and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is owned by businessman Allan Goh Hwan Hua. Just two days ago, CEO Rayner Teo, who has a 2% stake in the carrier, stepped down, citing health reasons.

The Malaysian Aviation Commission instructed MYAirline to immediately halt sales and bookings of flights, and said refunds must be paid. It said it was investigating the airline over complaints that employees’ salaries had gone unpaid, among other issues.

MYAirline made the announcement on social media before dawn on Monday, after passengers on early flights had already checked in at the terminal. Angry travelers took to social media to criticize the carrier for the sudden announcement that left them stranded.Malaysia Airports, which manages the country’s airports, said some 5,000 passengers were affected Thursday as 39 flights to local destinations and one to Thailand’s Don Mueang Airport were canceled. It said it was working to help those affected and the situation was under control.

Malaysia Airlines and low-cost carrier AirAsia and Batik Air announced discounts and special fares to help MYAirline passengers affected by the suspension

Malaysia Airports, which manages the country’s airports, said some 5,000 passengers were affected Thursday as 39 flights to local destinations and one to Thailand’s Don Mueang Airport were canceled. It said it was working to help those affected and the situation was under control.
Malaysia Airlines and low-cost carrier AirAsia and Batik Air announced discounts and special fares to help MYAirline passengers affected by the suspension

If You Were Thinking About Moving To Portugal, It Just Got A Whole Lot More Expensive

Portugal has long ranked high on the list for Americans looking to move abroad because of its affordability.

With its golden visa, favorable tax incentives for foreigners, and low housing costs, it became a major destination for global movers during the pandemic. But come 2024, it will be significantly more expensive to live there if you're coming from another country.

"We already have clients that are looking to reconsider their plans" to move, Alex Ingrim, a private wealth manager at Chase Buchanan, told Insider.

António Costa, the prime minister of Portugal, announced that the country is scrapping its non-habitual resident tax regime (NHR), a popular tool used by foreigners to cut down on expenses. Now those moving to Portugal in 2024 and beyond will have to pay the same amount of income tax as everyone else, Le Monde reported.

NHR was introduced in 2009, after the Global Financial Crisis, to attract foreign talent and wealth to the country. Currently foreigners who are accepted into the program had income taxed at a flat rate of 20%, while retirees had pension taxes at 10%, according to Portugal.com.

"It made Portugal a really attractive jurisdiction to work or to retire," Ingrim said. Foreigners "were also tax exempt on capital gains on property transactions abroad or rental income that was generated abroad, so it had all of these different advantages to it."

Now, "I think it's caused a lot of people to reconsider why they were moving to Portugal if it's not going to be as easy as they first thought," Ingrim said.

Close to 10,000 Americans were living in Portugal in 2022, according to data from the Portuguese government, as reported by The New York Times — an increase of 239% since 2017. As foreign wealth moved into the country, the cost of living skyrocketed. Now, trying to walk back the success of the programs the country put in place to stoke the economy, it's changing one of the biggest points of attraction: the savings.

Those advantages will be wiped away for new foreign residents in 2024. For Portuguese residents, taxes range from 14.5% to 48% depending on what you earn — the highest band is for earners bringing in 75,010 euros (or $79,647) a year or more, according to investment migration firm Global Citizen Solutions.

"You can see that there's a huge difference between having a 10% flat tax on a social security account or potentially paying something like 35%, 45%, 48% on your income in retirement," Ingrim said.

Americans already living in Portugal, like Dan Bagby and his wife, Michelle, who moved to Lisbon from Texas in 2021, won't be immediately affected.

Once accepted, NHR's perks last for 10 years. Bagby is working on Portuguese citizenship and told Insider that once his status changes, his taxes still won't until 2031.

"In the short term, it really doesn't change anything for me," Bagby told Insider. "We've got about seven more years left. I'm not really worried about it right now."

The sudden arrival of Americans and other foreigners pushed the country's real-estate market to new highs. House prices increased 157% from 2020 to 2021, according to Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency. And rents rose 112% from 2015 to 2021, the Associated Press reported.

In February the country announced an end to its popular "golden visa" program, which allowed investors to obtain residency permits in exchange for purchasing residential real estate worth at least 500,000 euros.

Ending NHR is anticipated to help correct the housing market by making foreign buyers pay their fair share in taxes. But with the cost of living going up and reaching levels of parity with other countries, foreigners may not move to Portugal at all.

"It's causing people to take a step back and go, 'Okay, Portugal was the easy answer and now there's no other easy answer out there. France, Italy or Spain might be back on the table,'" Ingrim said.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/author/jordan-pandy

‘Nayarit Brings It All’ Campaign Seeks To Position The Mexican State In The Elite Outdoor Sports World

NUEVO NAYARIT, Nayarit, Mexico — In an effort to continue positioning Nayarit in the field of sports tourism, the state’s tourism officials have teamed up with Mexico’s national Ministry of Tourism to launch “Nayarit Viene con Todo”— translated as “Nayarit Brings it All” — as a series of competitive and exhibition events highlighting the diversity, beauty and infrastructure of the state, while attracting national and international tourism to the benefit of Nayarit’s residents.

“Sports tourism has to potential to bring spectator sporting events to our state, but it also allows us to develop educational opportunities for our visitors to learn and practice fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, kite boarding and other adventure sports,” said Nayarit’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado. “We also seek to rescue the heritage of the municipalities through craft workshops that promote the legacy of our handcrafts, as well as our gastronomy.

“In this way, those who come to Nayarit will find a complete experience and will bring benefits to the communities with defined projects,” the minister added. “For us, diversification means bringing the opportunity for economic and social development to local communities, and it means showing the natural beauties of Nayarit.”

Last month, Riviera Nayarit hosted the fifteenth edition of the Aeroméxico Golf Tournament with Lorena Ochoa, a fundraiser for the education of low-income children. Golf lovers traveled from all over Mexico, the U.S., Canada, Europe and South America to attend.

Upcoming adventure sports events include the Islas Marías Half-Marathon; the Riviera Nayarit 21K runners’ event, with 5K, 10K and half-marathon races; the Nayarit From The Sky extreme skydiving competition; the Fly Nayarit paragliding event; and the Surf Nayarit surfing event. All will showcase the diversity of Nayarit as a world sports tourism force to be reckoned with, and an expected 1 million people will travel to the state for these events.

Nayarit — the perfect setting for adventure sports!

· Islas Marias Half-Marathon – Nov. 18

For the first time, a sporting event will be held in this extraordinary destination with a unique 21K athletic race that will take participants on an interesting tour through the history and nature of the María Madre Islands. The tour will allow participants to visit the former Mexican “Alcatraz” and follow the competition back to the island. www.mediomaratonislasmarias.com

· Nayarit From the Sky – Nov. 18-20

In its second edition, this incredible exhibition of precision acrobatic sky diving will be presented, featuring the best athletes in the world. Three destinations will be visited during one weekend in the Riviera Nayarit: the majestic Islas Marías, the historical port of San Blas and the mythical island of Mexcaltitán.

Instagramand Facebook: @Nayaritdesdeelcielo

· Fly Nayarit – Nov. 17-20

A unique project in which sites and takeoffs for free flight that have been developed in the state will be announced, including the El Ceboruco volcano and the historic port of San Blás, with national and international paragliding and hang-gliding pilots. www.parapentenayarit.com

· Riviera Nayarit 21K – Dec. 9

An athletic event that will have three distances to choose from — 5K, 10K and 21K — on a route within the hotel zone of southern Riviera Nayarit on Banderas Bay. The races offer the opportunity to tour this high-level destination, home of the best beaches and infrastructure worldwide.

· Surf Nayarit – July 2024

An international competitive surfing event on the Riviera Nayarit´s spectacular beaches and very sought-after surf breaks that will attract the best international athletes in this popular sport. It will be broadcast on different platforms, including Disney+, the ESPN channel and Caliente TV.

Travelore News: Star Alliance Opens New Lounge At Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport

Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, today inaugurated its second lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. Starting October 13, it will welcome First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status customers on member airline flights departing from gates 10 to 38 in Terminal 1. Eligible United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members may also access the lounge.

The new lounge is conveniently located airside after immigration and security controls in the newest part of the terminal. The sprawling but intimate space can accomodate over 300 guests across approximately 1,300 square meters. It has been designed by the leading architecture firm, Gensler, which also designed the award-winning Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge in 2013.

Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias said: “Star Alliance stands for elevating the experience of its member airline passengers, and airport lounges play a vital role. We’re very proud to present our new Paris lounge, which is not only a delight to experience but also thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the modern frequent traveller.”

With great runway views, the lounge offers ample natural light with a glass façade running across its length, giving a sense of further largeness to the space. It continues the design tradition of uniting the evolving desires of today’s travellers with an ambience inspired by the local touch of the destination.

The space is enriched by local brands and artists for the quintessential French charm. Reminiscent of the timeless Parisian aesthetics with wall mouldings and archways, decorated with captivating black and white photographs of the Eiffel Tower, and furnished with meticulously selected pieces by French artists, the lounge promises a visual delight like no other.

Standout features include a stunningly designed Welcome Bar offering a range of beverages, an immersive Wine Bar featuring master wine maker Gerard Bertrand and their wines from the South of France, and a Tea Salon offering an assortment from around the world. For business travellers who prefer a quieter space, there are private work cabins and secluded nooks throughout the lounge.

“Our new Paris lounge expands the count of Star Alliance branded lounges to seven worldwide and takes the airport lounge experience to new heights,” said Christian Draeger, Star Alliance’s Vice President for Customer Experience. “Whether it is the design, décor or the F&B experience, we have carefully curated the lounge for a multi-sensorial experience for guests departing from the dazzling city of Paris.”

The new Star Alliance Paris Lounge offers something for every visitor. Guests can unwind in an abundantly lit Winter Garden or a spacious outdoor courtyard, or freshen up in the well-appointed shower suites.

There are two Star Alliance lounges operating in Terminal 1 now. The first lounge, refurbished in 2019 and located prior to security on level 10, will now serve passengers departing on intra-Schengen flights from gates 50 to 78, as well as guests from various lounge access programs departing from all gates.

At present, 20 Star Alliance member carriers operate from Paris – CDG, offering 464 weekly departures to 34 destinations in 22 countries.

Largest Hindu Temple Outside Asia Opens In New Jersey, Built By 12,500 Volunteers

By Sakshi Venkatraman

The largest Hindu temple in the U.S. opens its doors Sunday in New Jersey. Built in the small township of Robbinsville, the 183-acre BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, named for its founding Hindu spiritual organization, rivals major Hindu temples on the subcontinent.

“I wake up every morning and scratch my eyes thinking, ‘Am I still in central New Jersey?’” said Yogi Trivedi, a temple volunteer and a scholar of religion at Columbia University. “It’s like being transported to another world, specifically to India.”

The temple will be officially inaugurated on Oct. 8, and on the 18th, it will be accessible to the general public. For Indian Americans and Hindu Americans, this represents a massive milestone, Trivedi said.

“This is the American Dream,” he said. “The sacred geography of India and beyond is here in this one place and you can experience, witness and admire it all here in New Jersey. I anticipate, as a scholar of religion, that this will become a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindus from across the world.”

Construction controversy

Built by 12,500 volunteers from all over the world, the Akshardham has been in the works since 2011. But it made headlines a decade later, when a group of immigrant laborers sued global organization Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, known as BAPS, which has temples around the world. The lawsuit alleged “shocking” conditions, including forced labor, grueling work hours, inhospitable living conditions and caste discrimination.

“For these long and difficult hours of work, the workers were paid an astonishing $450 per month, and even less when Defendants took illegal deductions,” the initial complaint said. “Their hourly pay rate came to approximately $1.20 per hour.”

But a spokesperson for BAPS said there’s a distinction between employment and religious volunteer service, known as seva.

“The artisans who helped to build our mandir came to the U.S. as volunteers, not as employees,” spokesperson Ronak Patel said in a statement. “...We took care of the artisans’ needs in the U.S., including travel, lodging, food, medical care, and internet and prepaid phone cards so they could stay in touch with their families in India. BAPS India also supported the artisans’ families in India so they did not suffer financial hardship as a result of the artisans’ seva in the U.S.

Many of the manual laborers involved in the temple’s construction came to New Jersey from India on religious visas and were Dalits, meaning they fell into historically marginalized groups in South Asia’s caste system. The lawsuit alleges temple leadership enforced that caste hierarchy at work.

But the lawsuit has now been put on hold, with 12 of the original 21 plaintiffs moving to dismiss their claims, and BAPS Akshardham spokespeople assure that the temple will be a place for people of all creeds and castes to gather in community.

Along the temple walls are carvings of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln, said Trivedi.

“When you come to the mandir, you will see people of all genders ... all castes and social backgrounds living, eating, praying, loving and serving together,” he said.

Activists say the allegations still raise questions about the line between religious service and work exploitation, which Dalit communities are especially vulnerable to.

As a caste-privileged Hindu, civil rights activist Sunita Viswanath says this fact weighs heavily for her.

“A place of worship, a temple, is such an important space, especially for an immigrant community who’s making home in a new country,” said Viswanath, a co-founder of the civil rights group Hindus for Human Rights. I would want anybody who goes to the temple to really ask themselves, really do some soul searching, about going to a temple where there are such serious allegations of labor and human rights violations.”

Toeing the line between modern Jersey and ancient India

Placing 2 million cubic feet of stone in Robbinsville Township was no small feat, Trivedi said, and the temple itself is a cultural mixture, with materials sourced from all over the world and nods to American history throughout.

There were some concerns from local residents, including about the height of the temple, but BAPS worked with community members and officials to make accommodations, Trivedi said.

“What came of it was this new hybrid community,” he said.

To withstand cold New Jersey winters, the outside of the temple was built with non-traditional Bulgarian limestone, Trivedi said. The inside features stone sourced from all over the world, including Greece, Italy and India, and a traditional Indian stepwell contains waters from 300 bodies in India and all 50 U.S. states. Women also occupied key roles in running the project, he said, which is something rarely seen in temple construction.

“Now people who visit here from the American community will realize that the brown family two houses away from them is not all that different,” he said.

Trivedi says he sees the design as reminiscent of the community that will form in the temple — a mix of cultures with something for all people.

“That kind of inclusivity is not just talked about, it’s actually seen on the walls,” he said.