Travelore News: Frontier Revives Merger Talks With Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines and rival Frontier Group are discussing a merger again, more than two years after the two ultra-low-cost carriers failed to close a deal.

On Wednesday, the companies revealed their discussions in a security filing. Spirit, which filed for bankruptcy protection last year, said it has rejected an "inadequate and unactionable" acquisition offer from Frontier, but would consider a revised proposal that addresses its concerns.

Frontier had offered Spirit stakeholders $400 million in debt and a 19% stake in Frontier earlier this month, valuing the transaction at about $2.16 billion.

Spirit said the offer is inferior to the one the two companies had discussed last year before its bankruptcy filing. It also sought an assurance that the deal would close and Frontier would not walk away.

"Should you wish to make a revised proposal that is in fact capable of closing, and addresses the material deficiencies... we would be happy to consider it and again work to activate our stakeholders to do so as well," Spirit wrote.

The Florida-based airline had signed a cash-and-stock deal with Frontier in 2022 to form a new no-frills airline, but JetBlue Airways jumped into the fray with an all-cash offer, sparking a bidding war for Spirit.

JetBlue eventually prevailed in the takeover battle but the deal was scrapped last year, after a U.S. judge blocked it on anti-competition concerns.

Spirit filed for bankruptcy in November after grappling with prolonged periods of financial losses, unsuccessful merger efforts and substantial debt. On Wednesday, the airline said it expects to complete its restructuring process in the first quarter.

Ultra-low-cost carriers, which excelled at keeping expenses down and offering no-frills travel, have struggled since the pandemic due to a run-up in operating costs as well as a surge in demand for premium travel. They are now being forced to revamp their business models to attract more affluent travelers with more comfortable and bigger seats on their planes.

Some analysts have advocated a merger between Spirit and Frontier, saying it would allow them to compete more effectively with bigger rivals.

Frontier said a merger would be better for long-term viability, making the combination the fifth largest airline in the United States and producing at least $600 million in operational savings. It argued that the deal would offer greater value to Spirit's stakeholders than the company's current restructuring plan.

It also expects an "expedited" review of the deal from regulators.

"As a combined airline, we would be positioned to offer more options and deeper savings, as well as an enhanced travel experience with more reliable service," said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago and Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur, Kirsten Donovan

The new $7.4 Billion Underwater Tunnel Connecting Germany And Denmark Will Halve Rail Time

An impressive tunnel across the Baltic Sea is poised to connect Germany and Denmark. It will significantly reduce travel times between the two countries and rank among Europe's largest.

The Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link is a $7 billion undertaking involving an extraordinary underwater structure. It is expected to be completed by 2029.

The project comprises nearly 100 tunnel segments, each measuring 217 meters long and weighing 73,500 tons. It is truly a marvel of engineering.

Construction crews are digging a massive trench on the ocean floor while the individual tunnel sections are assembled on land.

Tunnel portals that link the motorway and railway on land with the submerged tunnel are also under construction on both ends of the Fehmarnbelt.

Maritime construction began in June 2020, with builders using approximately two million tons of Norwegian granite to form an entirely new stretch of coastline.

Work on the German side of the tunnel commenced in 2021, marking the culmination of at least 15 years of planning.

The project is funded by a $5 billion loan from the Danish government, which will be recouped through toll charges. The European Commission is contributing an additional $1 billion.

Initially, the project was estimated to cost over $4 billion, including a $1 billion EU grant and $117 million for associated railway facilities.

The colossal structure will facilitate the rail transport of goods, including steel, from as far north as Norway's tip to central and southern Europe.

Additionally, it promises to reduce train travel time between Copenhagen and Hamburg from 4.5 hours to 2.5 hours.

Denise Juchem, spokesperson for Femern A/S, the Danish company spearheading the project, told Euronews Travel: "For commuters, it means a faster and more reliable connection between Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing travel time and making daily commutes much more convenient."

While motorists stand to benefit significantly from the tunnel, the project's promise of even quicker train travel times is expected to sway commuters towards rail over the road.

https://www.the-express.com/journalist/123705/Nelson-Espinal

Travelore News: Delta To Resume Tel Aviv Service From New York-JFK On April 1

Delta will restart daily nonstop service to Tel Aviv (TLV) from New York-JFK on April 1, utilizing its Airbus A330-900neo to provide customers with nearly 2,000 weekly seats.

Delta will restart daily nonstop service to Tel Aviv (TLV) from New York-JFK on April 1, utilizing its Airbus A330-900neo to provide customers with nearly 2,000 weekly seats.

Delta’s decision to resume service follows a comprehensive security review, conducted in close coordination with government and private-sector partners. The airline continues to prioritize the safety of its customers and crews and has implemented additional precautions for operations to and from Tel Aviv.

Additionally, Delta has bolstered its presence in Israel through a codeshare agreement with EL AL Israel Airlines. This partnership enables Delta customers to book EL AL’s nonstop flights to Tel Aviv from major U.S. cities such as New York-JFK, Newark, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

With the reinstatement of Delta’s New York-JFK service, customers now have greater flexibility and travel options between North America and Israel, supported by Delta’s award-winning service and modern fleet.

French Mayor Calls For Cruise Ship Ban With Capacity Of Over 900 Passengers On French Riviera

Protestors from the group Stop Croisieres blocking MSC's mega cruise ship in 2023 (Stop Croisiers)

The mayor of Nice, France, a popular tourist destination along the French Mayor Calls for Cruise Ship Ban on French Riviera, joined the growing number of destinations calling for restrictions on cruise ships. He cited the now familiar complaints of overtourism and pollution while proposing a ban starting this summer to stop large cruise ships from anchoring in the picturesque bay between Nice and Villefranche long known as a destination for the rich and famous.

“Tourism yes, overtourism no,” Mayor Christian Estrosi said during his annual New Year’s address outlining the political goals for the coming year. Estrosi is also president of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis but would require the support of other local mayors to enact his bans which focused on large cruise ships as well as house sharing through the popular site Airbnb.

“The cruises that pollute and dump their ‘low-cost clientele’ who consume nothing, but leave their waste behind have no place with us,” Estrosi declared. Already known for his criticism of the cruise industry, the mayor simply said “Nice no longer wants ‘low-cost cruises,” to stop in its port.

Speaking on a local radio program, the mayor reiterated his position saying efforts were underway to “cancel all cruises that can still be canceled ahead of drafting a banning order.” He called for a ban effective July 1 but clarified his position was specifically to stop cruise ships with a capacity of over 900 passengers or over 190 meters (690 feet) in length.

The proposed ban targets the contemporary segment of the industry with large ships carrying 4,000 or more passengers while seeking to maintain the business of the small, ultra-luxury cruise ships which are more in keeping with the image Nice seeks to project. Estrosi contends the size restriction would eliminate about 70 percent of the cruise ship passengers scheduled to land in Nice.

Estrosi declared “I don’t want these floating hotels putting down their anchors in Nice.” A spokesperson for the trade group Cruise Lines International Association however responded with surprise noting “No large cruise ships are scheduled to call at the Port of Nice in 2025.”

While a popular destination, Nice and Villefranche without docking facilities have already seen a decline in the number of cruise ship calls as the ships must tender passengers ashore. Estimates are the port had about 650,000 cruise passengers and approximately 100 cruise ship visits down from 200 or more a decade ago. French media reports indicate there are a total of 125 cruise ship calls scheduled for Nice in 2025.

Estrosi is not calling for cruise ships to stop visiting the French Mayor Calls for Cruise Ship Ban on French Riviera, but just his little part of the coast. He suggested the ships could proceed to Cannes, which already has more than two times the number of annual cruise ship calls. The large commercial port at Marseille would also be a possibility but it is about a two-hour driving distance to the west from Cannes, Nice, and Villefranche.

Local officials were quick to point out that even if Estrosi could build support for his ban, he lacks the authority to change many cruise ship visits. Local authority only extends 300 meters from the shore (less than 1,000 feet) and many of the large cruise ships anchor further out putting them in waters controlled by the federal authorities.

It is not the first attempt to limit cruise ships along France’s Mediterranean coast. The group Stop Croisières, which calls itself environmentalists, has been staging protests. The group used Greenpeace tactics taking to small boats to block the arrival of cruise ships.

Advocates point to the impact on Venice, Italy after the city was forced into banning large cruise ships while other destinations such as Key West, Florida also moved to block large ships. Bar Harbor, Maine continues to be locked in a debate and legal actions after imposing a ban on most cruise ships while other destinations such as Juneau, Alaska reached a voluntary agreement with the cruise industry. European cities ranging from Amsterdam to Barcelona have also proposed moving cruise ship docks out of the center of the city.

https://maritime-executive.com/

Four Seasons Private Residences Announced in Tamarindo, Mexico

Leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company Four Seasons together with Mexico-based Paralelo 19 Desarrollos announce Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, México as the latest addition to their award-winning development in Jalisco, Mexico.

The new collection of 25 luxury villas and estates build on the success of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México, which opened in November 2022 and continues its promise of developing just three percent of the 3,000 acre (1,200 hectares) reserve along a coveted pocket of Mexico’s Pacific coastline. Surrounded by lush jungle and undiscovered beaches, Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, México will offer a remarkable homeowner experience with one of the world’s leaders in branded residential, luxury hospitality and personalized service. "Introducing Four Seasons Private Residences in Tamarindo presents another excellent opportunity for homeowners to enjoy our globally renowned service and care on a permanent basis, this time against the exceptional backdrop of Mexico’s Pacific coastline,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “We are thankful for our partnership with Paralelo 19, whose family has been stewards of this land for generations. Our shared commitment to preserving this extraordinary destination will allow us to provide residents with a luxury living experience that inherently celebrates its connection to Mexico’s natural environment and rich heritage.” “When we decided to develop only three percent of this exceptional natural reserve in Tamarindo, choosing a luxury hospitality partner that aligned with our long-term commitments to people and the planet was of paramount importance,” says Pedro Verea Hernandez, Chief Executive Officer, Paralelo 19. “Four Seasons luxury hospitality leadership naturally extends into branded residential, and we are thrilled to have their expertise on this visionary project, allowing residents to create their own version of paradise in this special part of Mexico.”

Three Stunning Settings for a Bespoke Private Escape

Each Four Seasons Private Residence in Tamarindo is designed by a partnership between three of Mexico’s greatest contemporary architects, Victor Legorreta, Mauricio Rocha and Mario Schjetnan - who together formed LegoRocha specifically for this project. Along with Uribe Krayer and Estudio Esterlina leading interior design, and Mario Schjetnan as landscape architect, these teams have collectively infused each space with elements of pre-Hispanic culture and contemporary Mexican aesthetics. This has been achieved through partnerships with local artisans alongside sustainably sourced materials to create an architectural look and feel that is authentically Mexican, seamlessly blending into the peninsula’s unique topography. Each home boasts expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces designed for comfort and style, beautiful views, and access to the many amenities of Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México.

Bolstering the stunning design are three intimate enclaves for residents to choose from, each showcasing their own distinct features, with unique vistas overlooking Tamarindo Beach and the sparkling ocean waters. Las Alturas Clifftop Estates will present just twelve 5,800 square-foot (539 square metre) villas perched high along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean with private terraces and pools overlooking the turquoise waters of Tenacatita Bay below. Las Arenas Beachfront Estates will provide six and seven-bedroom homes ranging from 6,800 to 7,200 square feet (631-669 square metres) with their own ocean-facing pools, media rooms, and staff quarters for an effortless luxury beachfront experience, while the Las Arenas Beachfront Estates Homesites will showcase six custom homesites along Tamarindo Beach. Each homesite enjoys at least 120 linear feet (37 metres) of swimmable beachfront and allows for those with an architectural vision of their own to build customized residences that will be fully serviced by Four Seasons.

A Holistic Four Seasons Lifestyle Experience

With Four Seasons signature service and amenities, homeowners of Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo can expect unrivalled resort living and a worry-free ownership experience mere steps from the surf and sand of the destination’s many beaches.

Ideally situated along a serene, swimmable cove, the location of the Private Residences will set the stage for an array of activities to be enjoyed on land and at sea. From paddle boarding and snorkelling to exploring the vast and protected surrounding jungle terrain, adventure seekers can traverse the rolling hills of their new environment with a dedicated team of on-site biologists and conservationists who are wholly committed to respecting the region's rich biodiversity and wildlife. Additionally, residents can enjoy the David Fleming-designed 18-hole championship El Tamarindo Golf Course and Club with winding fairways through the tropical jungle and along the rocky coastline - juxtaposed against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The adjacent Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, México acts as an extension of resident’s home, offering complete access to its full-service spa, wellness centre, fitness and recreation facilities, restaurants, bars, and more.

The culinary delights of Mexico will be on full display with immersive workshops led by the resident chef and culinary director in addition to four restaurants and bars to enjoy. Offerings include Coyul, a collaboration with famed Mexican Michelin-starred Chef Elena Reygadas (voted Top Female Chef of 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants) for all-day dining; Sal, steps from the ocean with a menu of fresh seafood and artisanal cocktails; Nacho, a casual poolside taqueria featuring homestyle Mexican favourites; and Majahua Beach for refreshing coconuts or a delicious meal in a hammock, at a table or on the sand. Each restaurant uses select ingredients sourced from the Resort’s on-site sustainable farm, Rancho Lola.

With each new residential addition, new and existing owners of Four Seasons Private Residences will have the opportunity to discover the thoughtful integration of its legendary service paired with first-class design, hotel-inspired amenities, and a dedicated team led by the Director of Residences. Whether owners are at home or abroad, Four Seasons is on hand to secure and maintain residences, providing added peace of mind for owners and their most valuable assets.

A Coveted Destination

Located between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo, Mexico is in close proximity to many major US and international airports. There are direct flights to Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO) from Mexico City, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Calgary, and Atlanta. ZLO is also well equipped to welcome private jets, which can be met directly on the runway by Four Seasons representatives to ensure a smooth transfer to Tamarindo. An array of direct flights is also available through Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), with a secondary private air shuttle service to transport owners to Costalegre available, showcasing breathtaking aerial views of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve during the 25-minute journey.

Four Seasons Private Residences Tamarindo is currently in active sales, with Private Residences starting at USD 8.95 million with select inventory available now. For more information, visit http://tamarindomexico.com/.

About Four Seasons Private Residences

As leaders in branded residences since 1985, Four Seasons currently operates 55 branded Private Residence properties around the world, with three-quarters of future Four Seasons projects including a residential component. All Four Seasons residential offerings combine Four Seasons legendary people and service with exclusive hotel amenities such as spa services, in-residence dining services, housekeeping, concierge services and many more, creating a seamless experience for residence owners.

Spain Sets A New Record With 94 Million International Tourists Last Year

A record 94 million international travelers visited Spain in 2024 in the best year for tourism in the country since records started, the tourism minister said.

Tourists sit on a public bench at Plaza Mayor in downtown Madrid, Spain, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

It was Spain’s second record-breaking year since 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed international leisure travel, as tourism has rebounded globally. The surge in arrivals comes at a time when a housing crisis in Spain has put tourist accommodation in the spotlight.

Spain ranks as the second most popular destination globally, after France, on the U.N. World Tourism Barometer.

The number of foreign visitors in 2024 improved by 10% on the mark set in 2023, when 83.5 million people visited the country, Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said.

The income from foreign visitors reached 126 billion euros ($129.8 billion) in the past 12 months, up 16% from the 108.7 billion euros ($117 billion) spent in 2023, the minister said. Tourism accounts for 12.3% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Spain is one of the most popular sun and beach destinations, but 32% more travelers said they visited the country last year for cultural reasons and culinary travel increased by 28%, compared to 2019, according to the Tourism Ministry.

Travel outside of the summer months and a rise in popularity of inland destinations — beyond Barcelona, the Mediterranean and Canary islands — have been keys to the new mark, the ministry said.Besides its traditional European market, the Spanish tourism sector has recorded an increase in visitors from the United States, Latin America and Asia.

Many countries have set new tourism records following the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, international arrivals have reached 98% of 2019 levels in January-September 2024, according to the U.N. barometer.

AP

Al Capone Called It His Sweetheart. The Pistol That Saved His Life Is Coming To The Mob Museum In Los Vegas

It was on a school playground where she learned her last name carries weight, when another girl pointed a finger at her and ordered the other kids to follow her.

“Let’s go,” the girl said. “That’s a Capone.”

Diane Capone Pette is the granddaughter of Al Capone, one of the most infamous mobsters in American history who was nicknamed “Scarface” for a slash he got in a fight. His legacy in the public eye is marked by violence, prison time and crime. His reign starting in the 1920s over the Chicago Outfit has inspired dozens of shows and movies, including the 1983 film “Scarface” starring Al Pacino.

At home, Pette said Capone led a very different life.

“He was not one-dimensional. He was a man of many facets,” Pette told The Associated Press. “He seemed to have the capacity to be quite ruthless and aggressive,” and on the other hand, she said, “this was also a man who was incredibly loving and loyal to family and friends.”

A rare glimpse into that part of Capone’s life will be on display for the public in a new exhibit, “The First Public Enemy,” opening Wednesday at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. For the first time, the public can get an up-close look at Capone’s favorite personal weapon and a short home movie shot by the mob boss himself in 1929.

After Capone’s death in 1947 of natural causes, his belongings stayed in the family for decades. First with his wife and son, and then after their deaths, with his four granddaughters. Two including Pette are still alive.

Pette, 81, and her sisters auctioned some of their grandfather’s belongings a few years ago, afraid they might lose them to the wildfires common in California where they now live, or that the items would be lost or forgotten after their own deaths.

One of their most treasured hand-me-downs was Capone’s favorite weapon, a Colt 1911 .45-caliber pistol that was popular during World War I.

“He called her — we refer to it as a her — his sweetheart,” Pette said.

In family lore, the pistol has taken on its own identity as a faithful companion to Capone, credited with saving the mobster more than once.

“She saved him, and so she was very special to him and so very special to us,” Pette said.

Geoff Shumacher, historian and vice president of exhibits and programs at the museum, said the artifacts from the Capone family collection are one of a kind. Most of the items already sold by the family at auction went to personal collectors, he said, adding, “this a slice of life that you can get nowhere else except at the museum.”

In 1929, a few years before Capone was convicted of federal tax evasion and sent to prison for seven years, he filmed a short home movie at his Miami waterfront mansion.

Capone is behind the camera and never appears in the black-and-white silent film, but it showcases a day with friends by the pool and on a boat. Two of those friends are fellow mobsters Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello.

The Mob Museum has the only physical copy of the 12-minute and 20-second home movie, which was captured on 16mm film. A shorter version of the film will play at the museum.

In it, Luciano is on the high dive above the pool with a towel around his neck while Costello sits poolside, watching people take turns jumping into the water. Later, they get on a boat, and Capone’s footage captures Luciano and Costello sitting together, smiling.

After Capone was released from prison in 1939, he retired from mob life and spent his final years in the Miami mansion.

Pette was 3 when her grandfather died, but some of her earliest memories are with her “Papa.” Their January birthdays were days apart, and she can remember sitting on his lap while blowing out the candles together on their cake.

Her last and most vivid memory of him was just before his death. Capone was sick and in bed, and Pette’s father — Capone’s only son — placed her on the bed to say goodbye.

Pette kissed the mobster’s cheek. Capone said, “I love you, baby girl.”

“And that was the last thing he said to me,” Pette said.

https://apnews.com/author/rio-yamat

Free Messaging On All Lufthansa Long-Haul Flights Coming Summer 2025

Communicate with your loved ones online, free-of-charge, on a flight to the USA, Brazil or Japan? Yes, please! Beginning this summer, Lufthansa will offer unlimited free messaging on its intercontinental flights. Passengers will be able to send and receive any number of messages during the flight, including photos, on their own smartphone or tablet via the familiar apps, regardless of their travel class.

“The introduction of free messaging on long-haul flights is another important step in continuously improving our customers' overall travel experience,” said Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer Lufthansa Group. ” We will continue to focus our efforts on services that are highly relevant to our customers.”

“What is already a great success on short and medium-haul flights will also be very popular with our guests on long-haul flights,” said Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer at Lufthansa Airlines. “Being reachable even during a long flight has long been a basic need and a decisive factor when choosing an airline. Free messages, as well as in-flight internet, for example, offer a portfolio of digital services that is very attractive to our customers.”

The Lufthansa Group airlines, SWISS and Austrian Airlines, will also offer free messaging on selected long-haul flights. The service has been available on short and medium-haul flights with Lufthansa, and on numerous Austrian Airlines aircraft, since 2024 and has been a great success.

The Euro And Dollar Are Nearly Equal—Meaning Americans Can Get More Bang For Their Buck While Traveling

As the U.S. dollar continues to rally against foreign currencies, Americans’ vacation budgets are getting a welcome boost.

In late September 2024, a €250/night hotel in Paris—the price of many four-star hotels in the French capital—would have cost you nearly $280. As of this writing, that price is down to $256.

For the past 12 months, the U.S. dollar has struggled to hold its own against the euro. The average exchange rate has been barely $1 to €0.92. But now the dollar and euro are nearly equal: since January 7, 2025, the rate has been $1 to €0.97–98. Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily but, considering that in late September 2024, $1 would get you only €0.89, this is welcome news for U.S. travelers heading to Europe.

The eurozone consists of 20 countries in the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. On January 1, Bulgaria and Romania joined the Schengen Area, and both are expected to join the eurozone, with Bulgaria’s adoption of the euro planned for 2026.

The dollar is also gaining ground against other currencies. The British pound has been reigning supreme for nearly two decades, but the exchange rate on January 14 was $1 to £0.82, the highest since a spike between August 2022 and February 2023.

In terms of purchasing power: a Heathrow Express ticket, booked online less than 45 days in advance, costs £25. On October 29, 2024, this was the equivalent of $32.55; as of this writing, that same ticket costs approximately $30.50. While $2 might be negligible, the savings add up when it comes to hotels. A room at the Ned, a hotel/member’s club in the City (London’s financial district), for example, is £340 per night for a weekend in early March 2025 ($414 as of today’s rate). A year ago, that hotel would’ve cost $436.50 per night.

For U.S. tourists, travel in Europe over the past two decades has come with an exchange rate “tax” on every purchase. From a souvlaki in Athens to a ticket to Pompeii, the amount in dollars on your credit card statement was often 20, 30— or, in the U.K.—even 40 percent higher than the price you saw in euros (or pounds). That can be a rather brutal comedown after a vacation.

Whether or not the dollar will continue its upward trajectory is difficult to predict. Currency forecasting is challenging given all the complex—and often rather volatile—economic and political factors. A January 3 post by J.P. Morgan Asset Management says that “robust [economic] growth, which has contributed to inflation remaining above 2%, may lead the Fed to halt rate cuts sooner than expected. This makes a dollar weakening unlikely in the short term.”

What this means for travelers is that now is the time for a European vacation, especially when many summer destinations are far cheaper and less crowded in winter.

https://www.afar.com/authors/sophie-friedman

St Regis Is Opening Its New Resort This Week On Palm Beach In Aruba

If you know Aruba, you know Palm Beach. It was the original home of tourism on the island, and, in many ways, it remains the “town square” of the island’s tourism district, from its most iconic hotels (including the lovely Boardwalk, one of our favorite stays on the island) to a number of its most popular restaurants. It’s also a spectacular stretch of sand in its own right, with shimmering white sand and deliciously calm turquoise water.

But this week, the Palm Beach area is getting another major draw: the first-ever St. Regis resort in the Dutch Caribbean, with rooms bookable as early as Jan. 23.

It’s a major new level of resort for the island. Indeed, the new property is instantly the most luxurious resort on the island, a spot that had been until now occupied by the nearby Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.

The beach resort has 252 rooms, 52 of which are what the resort calls “direct beachfront” rooms.

That’s along with some signatures of the brand, including a St. Regis Bar and a St. Regis spa, along with a popular amenity in Aruba: a casino, too. The resort also has multiple infinity pools and a large, sweeping lobby with a lobby bar that quickly reminds of the Ritz (and, in a cool touch, signature high tea on offer).

You can book a room as soon as Thursday for rates starting at $1,637 per night; that prices goes down to about $1,236 for much of February.

It’s one of a growing number of St. Regis-branded resorts in the wider Caribbean, including the new St. Regis at Kanai in the Mexican Caribbean and another imminent debut, the St Regis in Cap Cana.

It’s also the second big opening in Aruba in just about a month, following Iberostar’s Joia on Eagle Beach (rooms at $668).

You can find some good options on Google Flights, including $256 roundtrip on Spirit out of Fort Lauderdale; $698 on JetBlue from Boston to Aruba; and just $478 on JetBlue from JFK to Aruba, all in the first week of February. If you’re heading to the island, make sure you fill out its online immigration form required for all travelers (one that now includes the $20-per-passenger “sustainability fee.”

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Prada Offers Savage, Instinctive Menswear During Milan Fashion Week

Miuccia Prada and her co-creative director Raf Simons described the latest Prada menswear collaboration unveiled during Milan Fashion Week on Sunday as raw and cinematic.

While the Milan Fall-Winter 2025-2026 runway was full of faux fur collars, Prada went the usual step beyond and created primitive detailing in shearling that looked almost torn from the beast and set askew on outerwear lapels, or patchworked into garments.

“Maybe, it reads as savage, primitive cavemen. I think that our aim was to make it feel warm and human and instinctive, but also kind of beautifully domestic in a way,” Simons said backstage.

Collection hallmarks
Cinematic references were broad and not specific to any film, director or even character type, Simons said. Western touches included scuffed cowboy boots and knitwear mimicking a wrangler’s shirt - without creating characters or caricatures.

Feminine touches flourished. Men were invited to wear jewelry, such as bracelets with mini basketballs or baseballs. Chains with amulets hung from fine knits. Fake fur-lined hoods came in florals.

The silhouette mixed skinny trousers, often in bright rock-and-roll satin, with more ample volumes like pajama tops or slightly ratty sweaters. Suits required no shirts, as the designers advocated instinctive dressing.

One look seemed to distill the collection to its boyish essence: Straight leg jeans with a knit top featuring striped detailing, worn with floral-stamped cowboy boots.

Fashion as meaning

The designers said the collection was meant to offer hope in difficult times, proffering humanity as a form of resistance to whatever may be oppressing.

“It’s a bit of an answer to what of course is happening. We have to resist with our instinct, with our humanity, with our passion, with our romance,’’ Prada said backstage. Good work, she said, is also a form of resistance.

The message contained in the collection “has to be optimistic by definition and in principle,’’ Prada said.

The Setting

The ever-transforming showroom inside the Prada Foundation’s Deposito contemporary art space was sheathed in Art Noveau carpet, and the runway was set on raised metal scaffolding. Simons said it represented contrasts, decoration and a work-in-progress.

Trend watch

Suits require no shirts. Two puffers are better than one. Raw shearling collars let loose primitive instincts. Subtle jewelry and florals for men. Cowboy boots.

Star power

Prada’s front row hailed from across the globe and disciplines, including British actor and musician William Gao, arriving with British musician Olivia Hardy, U.S. actor Keith Powers, South Korean actress Kim Tae-ri, Chinese table tennis player Ma Long and British actor Louis Patridge. A crowd of fans waited just beyond a barricade to cheer them all.

By COLLEEN BARRY

JetBlue Strengthening its East Coast Network With New Routes And Destinations For Summer Travel

JetBlue is making summer travel even more exciting for 2025 with the addition of new cities and new routes to its network, offering customers more options to reach their favorite destinations. It’s all part of the airline’s JetForward strategy, which includes building the best East Coast leisure network. Whether it’s a relaxing coastal escape, an urban adventure, or a nature-filled getaway, JetBlue has something for everyone.

Among this summer’s additions, now available for booking, are JetBlue’s first-ever flights to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and San Pedro Sula, Honduras, with other new U.S. cities topping off the list. Customers can look forward to more convenient travel options and JetBlue’s award-winning service as they plan their next summer getaway or trip to visit family and friends.

New Cities and Exciting Boston Additions

JetBlue is strengthening its position as Boston’s leading leisure carrier, today unveiling five new routes to picturesque summer escapes—four of which are brand-new additions to the JetBlue network. These routes complement the airline's previously announced new European destinations, Madrid and Edinburgh. With these additions, JetBlue will offer an industry-leading 77 nonstop destinations from Boston, more than any other airline.

"We continue to focus on growing our leisure network in Boston by introducing more incredible new summer seasonal markets,” said Daniel Shurz, JetBlue’s head of revenue, network, and enterprise planning. “We know customers across New England love taking advantage of JetBlue’s great service and competitive fares for their summer vacations, and we think each of these will be extremely popular for our loyal customers in the region.”

From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS):

Destination: Launch Date Frequency

Wilmington, NC (ILM) April 30, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Norfolk, VA (ORF) April 30, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Islip, New York (ISP) April 30, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Madrid, Spain (MAD)*+ May 22, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Edinburgh, Scotland (EDI)+ May 22, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Traverse City, MI (TVC) June 5, 2025 3x weekly, summer seasonal

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (YHZ) June 26, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Growing JetBlue’s New England Presence

In addition to its growth in Boston, JetBlue is adding new New England routes from Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut, to New York’s JFK, providing onward connectivity to JetBlue’s extensive JFK network. Service from Providence to Tampa and Hartford to Fort Myers will also expand from winter seasonal to year-round service. Elsewhere in the region, JetBlue recently made Portland, Maine, a year-round destination, and next week, it will start service in Manchester, New Hampshire, with multiple routes to Florida.

Fresh Routes to the New York Area and Beyond

As New York’s Hometown Airline®, JetBlue is announcing new and returning routes across the New York metropolitan area.

JetBlue will resume daily service from JFK to Washington, D.C., starting March 30, followed by the launch of daily flights from JFK to Detroit, Hartford, Pittsburgh, and Providence on April 30. On the same day, the airline will also resume service between JFK and Burbank on a seasonal basis. These flights not only provide travelers with convenient access to the New York metro area but also connects them to a world of leisure destinations, especially in the Caribbean, through JetBlue’s expansive JFK focus city network and offers operational benefits as the airline plans a more reliable and efficient JFK schedule.

From Newark, JetBlue is relaunching service to popular destinations Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Los Angeles, complementing JetBlue’s year-round service to these destinations from New York’s JFK. Service between Newark and Los Angeles will feature the airline’s Mint® premium experience with fully lie-flat private suites and restaurant quality dining.

“With these new destinations and routes, JetBlue is introducing even more travelers to our industry-leading service, strengthening our position in New York and as the East Coast's leisure airline,” said Shurz. “We’re excited to build on our momentum, offering customers across the Northeast and beyond even more travel opportunities.”

New York Metro Routes:

Blue City: New York Area Airport: Launch Date: Frequency:

Washington D.C. (DCA) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) March 30, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Boston, MA (BOS) Long Island MacArthur (ISP) April 30, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Tampa, FL (TPA) LaGuardia (LGA) April 30, 2025 2x daily, year-round

Hartford, CT (BDL) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) April 30, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Burbank, CA (BUR) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) April 30, 2025 1x daily, summer seasonal

Detroit, MI (DTW) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) April 30, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) April 30, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Providence, RI (PVD) John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) April 30, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Newark Liberty Intl. (EWR) April 30, 2025 3x daily, summer seasonal

San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)* John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) June 12, 2025 1x daily, year-round

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)* Newark Liberty Intl. (EWR) June 12, 2025 1-2x daily, summer seasonal

Latin America and Caribbean Growth

JetBlue is enhancing its connections across Latin America and the Caribbean, regions where its low fares and award-winning customer service have made it a leading airline. The airline is excited to introduce its first flights to Honduras and the return of service between Santo Domingo and Newark. Additionally, starting April 30, 2025*, JetBlue will expand its presence in Guatemala City with a new daily flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This route will complement the airline’s existing service between Guatemala City and New York’s JFK, providing customers with even more travel options.

More About JetBlue’s New Destinations

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Halifax is a jewel of Canada’s east coast, seamlessly blending its maritime legacy with a dynamic, contemporary atmosphere. The city’s picturesque waterfront buzzes with activity, while iconic sites like the Halifax Citadel reveal its past. Food lovers will relish the world-class seafood, and nature enthusiasts can explore the serene Public Gardens. Halifax’s unique mix of culture, history, and coastal scenery promises an unforgettable experience.

Traverse City, Michigan

Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is a treasure trove of natural wonders and local delights. Known for its cherry orchards and renowned wineries, it also offers endless opportunities for adventure, from exploring sandy beaches to beautiful biking trails. Vibrant festivals and farm-to-table cuisine celebrate what the region has to offer, making Traverse City a vibrant escape for both nature enthusiasts and food connoisseurs.

Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a city of contrasts, where a proud maritime tradition meets modern waterfront living. Explore the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s serene beauty, uncover art treasures at the Chrysler Museum, or experience the buzz of the Waterside District. This gateway to Chesapeake Bay boasts lively festivals, captivating naval history, and a warm, welcoming spirit, ensuring visitors are charmed at every turn.

Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington combines a historic downtown with the relaxed vibes of the Atlantic coast. The scenic Riverwalk offers stunning views and charming boutiques, while the USS North Carolina Battleship brings history to life. Just minutes away, Wrightsville Beach invites visitors to unwind by the sea. With its eclectic festivals and blend of culture and coastal leisure, Wilmington has something for everyone to enjoy.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula serves as a gateway to Honduras’s rich culture. Known as the country’s industrial hub, it’s also a city of connection, welcoming visitors eager to reunite with friends and family. Explore the bustling Mercado Guamilito for local crafts and flavors or venture out to discover nearby attractions like the beaches of Tela or the ancient ruins of Copán. With many customers eager to visit loved ones in the region, JetBlue is happy to make these reunions possible.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

How China's Lunar New Year Travel Rush Is World's Biggest Annual Migration

Hundreds of millions of Chinese criss-cross the country during the Lunar New Year holidays each year to reunite with families back in their hometowns or for sight-seeing during an extended festive period, making it the world’s largest annual human migration. The Lunar New Year travel rush, known as Chunyun in Chinese, is often seen as a barometer for China’s economic health and a pressure test for its vast transportation system.

Mechanics checking a bullet train at a maintenance center in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush ahead of the Lunar New Year of Snake in Nanjing on Monday. (AFP)

This year’s Lunar New Year travel rush kicked off on Tuesday and will last for 40 days, concluding on Feb.22.

The official Spring Festival holidays, as the new year celebrations are known in China, will run from Jan.28 to Feb.4.

Officials are expecting a record 9 billion domestic trips during the 40-day period, an increase from the around 8.4 billion trips logged last year. Road trips, expected to reach 7.2 billion journeys this year, are projected to account for about 80 percent of all trips, followed by train and air travel.

Rail travel is set to hit a record 510 million trips, a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase, while air travel is expected to exceed 90 million trips.

Top air travel destinations include cities such as Chongqing, Chengdu, Beijing, Harbin and Xian, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Internationally, flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok and Singapore are also seeing strong demand, according to the civil aviation regulator.

On the first day of Chunyun, total domestic travel is expected to reach 172.39 million trips, including 159.52 million by road, 10.3 million by rail, 2.04 million by air and 530,000 by waterways, the Transport Ministry said on Tuesday.

This year’s travel rush comes as China extended the official Spring Festival break by one day to eight days. The country also expanded its visa-free entry policy to 38 countries, including nearby Japan and South Korea, and doubled the stay period to 30 days. For eligible foreign transit travelers, the permitted stay was extended to 10 days. It was up to six days previously.

British Airways Just Became The Latest Airline To Make (Disappointing) Changes To Its Loyalty Program

The new program, rebranded the British Airways Club, will prioritize spending over miles flown. Here’s how it will work.

Starting in April, British Airways fliers will be rewarded more for what they spend versus how far they fly.Courtesy of Nick Fewings/Unsplash

British Airways is the latest carrier to make sweeping changes to its loyalty program, following a similar move from United Airlines this fall. Travelers who have earned elite status with the airline in the past—or are considering crediting flights in the future—may be in for a rude awakening with the new spend-based system.

As part of the new program, which has been rebranded “the British Airways Club,” travelers will now earn points based on the cost of a flight, earning 1 Tier Point for every £1 (US$1.24) spent. It’s all part of a major shift for most airlines globally to award the highest spenders, regardless of how many miles they fly. Changes are set to go into effect on April 1, according to the carrier.

Currently, British Airways fliers earn Tier Points depending on the route and the fare class booked, with long-haul flights in premium cabins earning the most points. Tier Points are awarded in different ways, based on whether the flight is operated by British Airways or a oneworld Alliance partner, such as American Airlines or Cathay Pacific. To reach Bronze status, 300 Tier Points are necessary; for Silver, it’s 600 Tier Points; and for Gold, it’s 1,500 Tier Points.

However, beginning this spring, the revamped British Airways Club will be strictly revenue driven, with qualifying spending as the primary means for travelers to achieve elite status. Starting in April, Bronze status will require 3,500 Tier Points, Silver status will require 7,500 Tier Points, and Gold status will require 20,000 Tier Points.

For comparison: Currently, a traveler flying British Airways business class between New York and London would earn 140 Tier Points one way, about halfway toward Bronze status. Under the new criteria starting in April, Tier Points would be calculated based entirely on the cost of the ticket. Remember, it’s 1 Tier Point for every £1 spent.

Besides purchasing tickets, travelers can earn points for nonflying expenditures, like seat selection and excess baggage. Members can also accumulate an extra 1,000 points per year by purchasing a contribution to sustainable aviation fuel. Finally, fliers can get up to 2,500 Tier Points annually on cobranded credit card purchases. Unfortunately, U.S. cardholders with the British Airways Visa Signature Card will not be eligible come April.

For its part, British Airways said in a statement sent to Afar that with its new program it has “introduced more ways than ever before to earn Tier Points, including packages with British Airways Holidays, spend on co-brand credit card, and when paying for extras such as seat selection and additional baggage.”

In addition to changing how status is earned, British Airways will provide new milestone benefits between status levels. For instance, members will receive rewards when they hit various Tier Point thresholds, including 2,500, 4,000, and 5,000 bonus Avios miles. (Avios—the loyalty currency for British Airways and its partner airlines—can be used to redeem British Airways or partner flights.) The airlines said they would reveal more details about these milestone benefits in the coming months.

Overall, it’s a net negative for most travelers, says Julian Kheel, the founder of Points Path, a company that helps people use their travel rewards. “The airline is spinning these changes as being driven by customer input.” Instead, Kheel says, “Travelers looking to earn elite status that can be utilized on British Airways flights should look to Alaska Mileage Plan.” Alaska is one of the few remaining programs that primarily rewards travelers based on the distance flown, not the amount spent. “The airline is a member of the same oneworld Alliance as British Airways, and starting in 2025, award flights redeemed with Alaska miles will count toward earning elite status.”

The loyalty program changes come as British Airways is looking to court and reward higher spenders in other ways. They include a new first-class cabin with 36.5-inch-wide seats that convert into 79-inch-long lie-flat beds, a separate ottoman, a 32-inch 4K TV screen, and a 60-inch curved wall for privacy. The new premium seats are expected to hit the skies in mid-2026.

https://www.afar.com/authors/chris-dong

Ryanair Calls For Alcoholic Drink Limit At EU Airports Amid Legal Action Against Unruly Passenger

Ryanair is calling on European authorities to limit the sale of alcoholic beverages at airports across the continent, as the Irish airline continues legal action against a passenger who it says caused a costly flight diversion last year.

The budget airline is seeking more than 15,000 euros ($15,324) in damages over the April 2024 incident. Ryanair alleges that this passenger’s “inexcusable behaviour” on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in Spain’s Canary Islands was so disruptive that it forced the aircraft to divert to Porto, Portugal for safety — where crew members and over 160 other passengers were later delayed overnight.

After announcing its civil suit against the passenger last week, Ryanair on Monday shared further information detailing the costs it incurred for excess fuel, lodging, legal fees and more as a result of this diversion. And the airline also suggested a drink limit for airports across the European Union.

“It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports,” Ryanair wrote in a statement. “We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty-free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”

Ryanair noted that it and other airlines already limit alcohol sales in-flight — but said that passengers can still consume excess alcohol at airports before boarding, particularly during flight delays, without similar restrictions.

Aviation agencies have long expressed concern with disruptive, in-flight incidents — particularly those that result in violence against others on board, verbal abuse, harassment or other health hazards like smoking.

Although still rare, reports of unruly passengers seen on planes have recently been on the rise. When reached for comment Monday, a spokesperson for European Union Aviation Safety Agency noted that, while the agency could not provide specifics, “both the number and severity of incidents” have increased in Europe since 2020.

Worldwide, the International Air Transport Association found that there was one disruptive incident for every 480 flights in 2023 — the latest figures from the trade organization, which used data from more 24,500 reports and 50 operators worldwide. That’s up from one every 568 in 2022.

How many of those incidents involved alcohol was not immediately known. But, among efforts aimed at preventing in-flight disruptive behavior overall, the IATA and other aviation groups have previously underlined the importance of serving alcohol responsibly, not allowing travelers who are too intoxicated to board and participating in additional safety initiatives, like “One Too Many” in the U.K.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration reported that it received 2,102 reports of unruly passenger incidents last year, resulting in $7.5 million in fines levied. That incident count is up 1% from 2023, but still far below a 2021 peak of 5,973.

https://apnews.com/author/wyatte-grantham-philips

Warm Clothing, Hot Pot And Even Ice Cream Bars Feature At China’s Ice Capital

Faced with temperatures dipping to -30 Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit), visitors to China’s wintertime resort city of Harbin often make a beeline for stalls selling padded clothing to augment their wardrobes.

Oddly perhaps for some, frozen ice cream bars are also considered a key part of the visit.

Each winter, the industrial city in China’s northeast turns into a magnet for those from China’s balmier regions wanting to experience the extreme cold and take in the sculptures built from ice blocks carved from the Songhua River, which freezes from late October to late March.

“I searched for tips on the internet and am now wearing knitted wool pants and the thickest sweater possible,” said Jin Yiting, who was visiting with her parents from the financial hub of Shanghai, where a light jacket is usually sufficient winter garb.

Jin Yanlong runs a stall selling winter hats, gloves and boots in the park. He said that most of his customers are tourists from southern China who underestimate the frigid weather in Harbin.

“Some of the tourists wear ‘too thin.’ They come here immediately from the airport. They would find us to buy warm trousers padded with cotton,” Jin said.

Despite the freezing weather, some curious tourists are brave enough to taste the cold itself. Zhuang Chang and his friend enjoyed their Madie’er ice cream bars while strolling on a commercial street whose architecture reflects the Russian influence on the city. The brand was established in 1900s by a Russian company and has steadily grown in popularity among tourists.

“It’s cold, but my heart is warm,” Zhuang said. He also compared the humid cold months of his hometown in Zhejiang province, where “people would be frozen to the core when being hit by wind.”

“But here only my hands and face feel cold,” Zhuang said.

For those seeking a warmer alternative, there are hot drinks and steaming hot pot, a kind of stew mixing meat, vegetables, tofu and other favorites.

Restaurant owner Chi Xuewen claims to own the world’s largest hot pot, where 18 individual pots featuring a variety of flavors circle the giant bowl.

“Eating anything in a hot pot makes people warm,” Chi said.

Li Long’s restaurant uses wood both to cook the food and warm the air in the ice block structure.

“The pot also radiates heat,” Li said. “Once the pot cover is lifted, customers see the hot food. In one word, it just feels hot.”

Prolonged cold has left local residents with few options for fresh vegetables, so frozen food has become an alternative. Frozen tofu left outside overnight becomes porous and is particularly good at soaking up soup and flavor, local resident Liu Xiaohui said.

By ANDY WONG

Travelore Tips: Tourists Planning To Use Japan's Train System Need To Follow A Crucial Luggage Rule

For travelers, Japan is a country on a whole other level. With its attention to detail, deep culture, impressive innovations, and delicious cuisine, it is a country that inspires deep admiration. Getting around Japan can be a joy, and there is no better way to do so than by picking up a Japan Rail Pass and jumping on the country's wide-reaching railway network. The train system in Japan is epic. Known for its speed, efficiency, and convenience, with many lines connecting cities, it makes traveling within Japan a breeze. The network features a variety of options, from Shinkansen bullet trains to local lines that offer transportation with incredible views of the countryside.

As with visiting any new country, understanding Japan's systems, rules, and regulations can be challenging, not to mention the all-important task of avoiding making unspoken etiquette mistakes. In Japan, navigating the transportation system involves more than just buying a ticket, figuring out which line to take, or when the train departs. One important rule that first-time visitors to Japan should be aware of is that trains come with a strict luggage rule regarding oversized luggage. Excess luggage can restrict mobility on over-crowded or popular routes, and traveling with oversized luggage requires reservations to be made in advance on certain trains. 

Understanding luggage in Japan's transportation system

Not all trains in Japan are equipped for oversized luggage. While there are overhead shelves for luggage, these are often quite small and cannot fit larger suitcases. Seats usually have some leg room that could fit medium-sized luggage, but larger suitcases will not fit and would not be allowed in this area. In fact, there is often a specific compartment for such luggage, and spots need to be reserved in advance.

This doesn't apply to all trains in Japan. For example, trains going to and from the country's airports will accommodate any large luggage. However, on other trains, a penalty of 1,000 yen will be levied if the large compartments are not pre-reserved. What classifies as oversized luggage in Japan? That's a very good question, with the answer being any suitcase over 160 cm in total dimension weighing a maximum of 65 pounds (30kg).

Tips for traveling with luggage in Japan

Planning ahead is key to meeting your luggage requirements and avoiding any penalties that may occur. One great move is to reserve seats close to the luggage compartments needed for extra space, allowing you to keep an eye on your belongings. However, there are alternatives that could make traveling a lot easier in Japan. For starters, there are delivery services known as takuhaibin (takkyubin), a luggage forwarding service that handles the task of delivering luggage to the final destination without travelers having to carry it on trains.

Other alternatives include lockers and storage options found in central stations or other tourist facilities where luggage can be left for a fee per day. This allows travelers returning to the same destination or enjoying a day trip to travel luggage-free for a period. However, this option isn't entirely reliable, as it does come with a fee, and the lockers aren't always free for your bag. The best option to prevent the hassle of worrying about luggage is to travel light whenever possible and to make the necessary reservations when you can't avoid carrying larger luggage. It is also a good idea to read up on the color-coded seating system found on trains in Japan.

https://www.explore.com/author/nadakabil/

United Airlines Is Launching New Flights to Dominica Famous for Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Luxury Hotels

It’s an island with nine different active volcanoes. It also has more than a dozen waterfalls. And a boiling lake. And geothermal diving. And several of the Caribbean’s top luxury hotels, from the treehouse villas with plunge pools at Secret Bay to the classic InterContinental.

Sunset in Roseau, Dominica.

But what Dominica has never been is easy to get to. That changed in 2021, when American Airlines kicked off its new push to connect Miami with harder-to-reach airports, flying nonstop on a small Embraer jet. It’s been operating with regularity since then, providing a major boost for travelers looking to enjoy the charms of one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world.

But next month, it’s about to get even easier to reach the island. In a significant lift from the all-important Northeastern market, United Airlines will be debuting new nonstop flights connecting Newark and Dominica.

The new four-and-a-half-hour flight will be operating once every week on Saturdays, with flights officially taking off on Feb. 15.

The move comes after the island’s Douglas Charles airport completed a big expansion of its runway, along with an expansion of its terminal.

Unlike the AA flights from Miami, United will be running this service on full-sized, Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

You can book roundtrip flights for about $1,073.81 in February, according to Google Flights. That fare is going to be lower as the season gets later, however.

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Exploring Portugal's Jewish History And Heritage

Set in the hilly northeast of Alentejo region of Portugal, Castelo de Vide is a historic town rich in monuments, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s Jewish heritage. Among its many historical treasures, the large Jewish quarter (Judiaria) and medieval synagogue stand as a rare testament to a once thriving Jewish community that played a central role in the town’s development for centuries. This community not only contributed to the town's social and economic life but also left behind a rich legacy that visitors can still explore today.

Nestled in the stunning landscape of the Serra de São Mamede, the picturesque town of Castelo de Vide is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Dominated by its iconic castle, the town’s whitewashed houses and narrow, winding streets invite visitors to step back in time and explore its many layers of heritage.

A TOWN OF WALLS AND MONUMENTS

Castelo de Vide boasts a remarkable collection of historical monuments, including 24 churches that reflect the town’s spiritual and architectural richness. Among them is the Capela do Salvador do Mundo, one of the oldest chapels in the region, dating back to the late 13th century. Its interior is adorned with exquisite blue-and-white azulejos, showcasing Portugal’s distinctive ceramic art. Another notable church is the Capela de São Roque, originally built in the 15th century and later rebuilt in the 18th century, blending Gothic and Baroque elements. And, true to its name, the town has a large castle, and mostly in track town walls.

A FLOURISHING JEWISH COMMUNITY

During the Middle Ages, Castelo de Vide was home to a significant Jewish population that grew even larger after 1492, when the Edict of Expulsion forced Spanish Jews to seek refuge in neighboring Portugal. The Jewish community was an integral part of the town's economy and culture, engaging in commerce, crafts, and skilled trades that supported the burgeoning wool industry—a cornerstone of Castelo de Vide's economy. Jewish artisans were known for their expertise in weaving, dyeing, and producing high-quality woolen goods. Their skills not only supplied local markets but also contributed to the export trade, making Castelo de Vide a hub of activity in the region. Many Jews also worked as merchants, facilitating trade between Castelo de Vide and neighboring towns. Others served as doctors, bringing medical knowledge and care to the community, and enhancing the town’s reputation as a place of learning and innovation.

THE JUDIARIA: A WINDOW INTO JEWISH HERITAGE

Jews have a long and significant history in Portugal, dating back to Roman times. By the Middle Ages, Jewish communities were thriving across the country. Portuguese kings, including D Dinis and D. João II, often protected Jewish populations for their valuable contributions to the economy and society.

However, this era of prosperity took a dark turn in 1497, when King D. Manuel I, under pressure to align with Spain, issued the Edict of Expulsion. This decree forced Jews to convert to Christianity or leave the country. Many chose conversion, becoming "New Christians," but they often faced suspicion and persecution, particularly during the Portuguese Inquisition, which began in 1536. Secretly practicing Jews, known as "crypto-Jews," risked severe punishment if discovered.

Despite this history of hardship, the resilience of Portuguese Jews is evident. Today, Jewish heritage sites, including synagogues and Jewish quarters in towns like Castelo de Vide stand as a testament to their enduring legacy.

On the northern slope of Castelo de Vide, between the castle and the town fountain, lies the Judiaria (Jewish Quarter), one of the most significant examples of Jewish history in Portugal. Its narrow, steep streets—Rua da Judiaria, Rua da Fonte, and Ruinha da Judiaria—were once a vibrant hub of activity. This area dates back to the reign of King Dinis in the 13th century and remains one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in the country. Here, Jewish residents lived, worked, and practiced their faith, contributing to the town's economic vitality and cultural richness.

Visitors to the Judiaria today can see clues to this thriving past, such as doorposts with marks where mezuzahs—small parchment scrolls inscribed with sacred texts—once symbolized the residents' faith. The names of these streets still evoke the memory of the Jewish community that once called this area home.

Efforts to restore and revitalize the area have highlighted its historical importance, ensuring that its unique charm and cultural significance endure. Visitors can explore the medieval synagogue and other historical structures that tell the story of a once-thriving Jewish community, making Castelo de Vide a must-visit destination for those interested in Jewish history.

THE MEDIEVAL SYNAGOGUE: BEIT HA-MIDRASH SEFARDIM

At the heart of Castelo de Vide’s Jewish quarter is the medieval synagogue, known as Beit Ha-Midrash Sefardim, located at Rua da Judiaria and Rua da Fonte. This simple yet profoundly meaningful structure served as the center of religious and communal life for centuries.

The former synagogue reflects Sephardic traditions and features a tabernacle with holes for lamps filled with sacred oil, a support for the Holy Scriptures adorned with seven spheres symbolizing the six days of creation and the day of rest, and Gothic-style doors with intricate designs.

The medieval synagogue was restored in 1972 to reflect its original design, and recently completely renovated into a museum of Jewish life 500 years ago.

THE DARK CHAPTER OF THE INQUISITION

The prosperity of Castelo de Vide’s Jewish community came to a tragic end with the establishment of the Portuguese Inquisition in the 16th century. Many Jews were forced to convert to Christianity, becoming "New Christians,” while others faced persecution, imprisonment, and death.

The new Casa da Inquisição museum, set in the historic Casa do Morgado, offers a window into this dark period. Using augmented reality, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of the Inquisition, following the stages of inquisitorial processes and learning about the fate of individuals like Guiomar Mendes, a New Christian from Castelo de Vide who was arrested by the Lisbon Inquisition in 1662.The house itself belonged to a Jewish family which continue to secretly practice Judaism - with a hidden worship area and a false chapel to fool the neighbors.

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE AND CONTRIBUTION

Castelo de Vide’s Jewish community left an indelible mark on the town’s identity. Through their roles as artisans, merchants, doctors, and religious leaders, they contributed to the town’s growth and prosperity. Walking through the former Judiaria, exploring the synagogue, and visiting the Casa da Inquisição offers a powerful journey into the struggles and strength of the once thriving community.

By Jayme Simoes

China Expects Increase In New Year Travel Numbers, Despite Economic Doldrums

China expects an increase in the number of people joining the coming Lunar New Year travel rush, with authorities estimating a record 9 billion domestic trips will be made during the 40-day period of festivities, despite the stuttering economy.

State media reported the forecast for the travel season that starts on Jan. 14 when people traditionally travel to and from their home towns. Last year, authorities also expected 9 billion domestic trips, but actual numbers fell short with around 8.4 billion total trips logged.

Self-driving road trips are expected to make up about 80% of trips this year, followed by train and air travel, Li Chunlin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

This year's Spring Festival comes at a time when China's economy is in the doldrums, struggling to recover from three years of pandemic control and hamstrung by a prolonged property market crisis. Exports are a bright spot in growth but face possible new U.S. tariffs when Donald Trump takes office this month.

The government has rolled out a flurry of stimulus measures in recent months, including interest rate cuts and an expansion in the scope of a consumer goods trade-in scheme, but has so far failed to stage a sustained recovery.

Annual official tallies of trips made during the New Year travel rush have jumped since the Ministry of Transport revised the metric before the 2023 Lunar New Year to include self-driving road trips on major national expressways.

The metric was changed again before the 2024 celebrations to include road trips made on more highways.

A total of 2.98 billion trips were recorded in the 2019 Spring Festival travel rush, the year before the pandemic restrictions hampered travel.

A record 510 million train trips are expected during the coming 40-day period, up 5.5% year-on-year, Zhu Wenzhong, an official from China's national railway operator, said at the same briefing.,br />
Some 90 million plane trips are expected during this year's celebrations, also a record high, the NDRC's Li said.

Reporting by Yukun Zhang and Liz Lee Editing by Frances Kerry

Delta Air Lines Is Adding Another New Caribbean Route, With Nonstop Flights To Punta Cana

The beaches. The all-inclusive resorts. The beach bars. The Brugal. Punta Cana is the crown jewel of the Caribbean’s most-visited country, and it’s getting another new route from Delta Air Lines next summer.

Beginning May 10, Delta will be kicking off a new nonstop flight between Detroit and Punta Cana

The new route will run seasonally, with service every Saturday on a Boeing 737-900 aircraft.

It’s part of a growing Caribbean network out of Detroit, including the just-relaunched service between Detroit and Nassau in The Bahamas.

You can book the nonstop flight between Delta and Punta Cana for about $724 roundtrip, according to Google Flights.

The Long-Awaited Calder Gardens To Open On Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway In Summer 2025

Featuring a building conceived by Pritzker Prize-winning design practice Herzog & de Meuron and gardens by internationally acclaimed Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf, Calder Gardens is dedicated to the art and ideas of Alexander Calder, a native Philadelphian who is considered one of the most innovative and influential artists of the 20th century.

Featuring galleries illuminated by natural light, in a structure ensconced in a flowing landscape of native and flowering species, Calder Gardens will present a rotating selection of masterworks from the Calder Foundation, New York, including mobiles, stabiles, monumental sculptures, and paintings. “The esthetic value of these objects cannot be arrived at by reasoning,” Calder wrote in 1933. “Familiarization is necessary.” Installed both indoors and outdoors, Calder’s art will be in constant dialogue with nature and the changing atmospheres of the seasons. Calder Gardens will provide the public with a singular place for contemplation and reflection, as well as abundant opportunities for learning and community building through a schedule of inclusive public programs and special events.

“Our intention for Calder Gardens is not only to create the ideal environment for the public to encounter my grandfather’s work but also to elevate personal contemplation and reflection,” said Alexander S. C. Rower, President of the Calder Foundation. “Calder’s role as a pioneer of experiential art is essential to his legacy. For viewers who open themselves up to the possibilities of his mobiles and stabiles, the unexpected takes root. His objects continuously unfold in real time.”

Calder was born in Philadelphia in 1898, and his connections to the city are grounded in the rich artistic lineage of his family. A trio of iconic installations by three generations of Calders can be found along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway: at the southeast end, atop City Hall, stands the monumental statue William Penn (c. 1886–94) by the artist’s grandfather Alexander Milne Calder; at the midpoint sits Swann Memorial Fountain (1924) by his father Alexander Stirling Calder; and at the northwest end is Calder’s own 1964 mobile The Ghost, which hangs majestically in the main hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Thus Calder Gardens brings into the 21st century the legacy of a Philadelphia family whose work has defined and enriched the city for over a century.

About the Design

Crafted specifically for the presentation of Calder’s work, the landscape and architecture of Calder Gardens will unfold as a choreographed progression that moves visitors from the quotidian city context to a more contemplative realm beyond the traditional museum experience, allowing them to engage with art as a personal, real-time encounter—as the artist intended.

“This was actually an open-ended process rather than a finished concept based on a fixed program. A kind of conceptual path which made us carve out the ground rather than build forms and volumes above—we were looking for space to present Calder’s work in a new and unprecedented way,” said Jacques Herzog, founding partner along with Pierre de Meuron of Herzog & de Meuron. “That space in the making eventually grew into a whole sequence of different galleries and also rather unexpected spaces, niches and gardens; such as the apse and the quasi-galleries or open plan gallery, the sunken or vestige gardens. And not only galleries in the classical sense, but every corner and angle, every stair and corridor should be offering itself up as a place to put art.”

Discreetly nestled into the landscape, Herzog & de Meuron’s almost 18,000 sq ft structure will be sheathed in softly reflective metal cladding that blurs the boundaries between architecture and the natural world—the material and the immaterial.

Departing the busy Parkway, visitors will approach the building along a path that winds through a meadow-like landscape punctuated by trees, arriving at the main entrance on the building’s north façade. Beyond the threshold, a sequence of spaces will reveal themselves below ground level as distinct volumes that will house a constantly changing display of Calder’s most acclaimed works. Large windows will wash the interiors with natural light and frame both the shifting geometries of Calder’s work and views of different gardens conceived as outdoor galleries. A Sunken Garden and Vestige Garden, visible from within the building through expansive glazing that likewise permits visitors outdoors to see into the building’s exhibition spaces. Quiet but theatrical, Herzog & de Meuron’s design has been conceived to amplify the impact of the artworks—to encourage engagement with their kinetic properties by affording visitors many different vantage points—and catalyze discovery and reflection.

The seamless relationship between the built elements designed by Herzog & de Meuron and the gardens envisioned by Piet Oudolf is central to the philosophy of Calder Gardens. The site will be distinguished by its naturalistic four-season garden, intending to create an entirely different experience than all other cultivated, manicured gardens on the Parkway.

“I see my gardens as living sculptures where change is constant,” Oudolf said. “The site is like a canvas to work on, and each plant has a personality that must work with the others. The composition of the garden is variable and will evolve through the seasons. For Calder Gardens, the horticultural design must also serve the works of art. My hope is that people will take the time to stand still and think here, to fully experience these elements together and have an 4 emotional reaction that stays with them long after their visit. It’s not about what you see, but what you sense.”