As a bed and breakfast owner in Taiwan’s Hualien County, Chen Rei-jia recalls the terrifying experience of surviving the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3. The earthquake, the largest tremblor to rock the island in 25 years, left residents like Chen in shock. With buildings collapsing, landslides occurring, and dust and smoke
Travel
Americans are notorious for not taking enough vacation time despite the benefits it can offer in terms of mental health and productivity. According to a Pew Research Center report from 2023, 62% of workers consider having paid time off extremely important, yet 46% do not fully utilize the time off available to them. Time management
Chateau de Villette is not just a French manor house; it is a captivating journey back in time. Constructed in the late 17th century with the expertise of Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Andre Le Notre, known for their work on the iconic Palace of Versailles, this chateau boasts seven opulent suites in the main building, each
In the aviation industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recently raised its profit forecast, anticipating revenue of $996 billion in 2024. This record high represents a 9.7% increase from the previous year, demonstrating a positive trajectory for the sector. According to the organization, net profits are expected to reach $30.5 billion, surpassing the
Carol Tan, Rakcent Wong, and their son, Atlas, have defied the societal norm that having children means giving up on travel. Despite being told that they wouldn’t be able to travel anymore after having a child, this Singaporean family took a bold step to challenge these stereotypes. They decided to take a sabbatical from work
The prestigious title of “Airline of the Year” for 2024 has been awarded to Qatar Airways by AirlineRatings.com. This accolade marks a comeback for the Doha-based airline, as it had slipped to second place in the previous year, behind Air New Zealand. The ranking is determined by a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including safety
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun and other top company leaders are set to meet with the Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday to showcase a quality improvement plan that highlights enhanced staff training and production practices at its factories. The FAA requested this plan in response to a critical incident involving a near-catastrophic blowout of an airplane
The upcoming summer season is expected to see a significant shift in the world of travel, as Gen Z travelers are stepping up to take the lead. Recent surveys have shown that Gen Zs are not only increasing their vacation plans, but they are also outspending older generations when it comes to leisure travel. Unlike
American Airlines has announced significant changes to its operations in response to a decrease in revenue and profit forecasts. CEO Robert Isom revealed that the airline will be reducing its capacity growth in the second half of the year, with only a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year’s 8% growth in the first half
American Airlines recently announced a significant cut in its sales outlook for the upcoming quarters. The company revealed that it expects unit revenues to decline by as much as 6% in the second quarter compared to the previous year. This projection is a substantial decrease from the initial forecast, indicating a challenging period ahead for
The landscape of travel in China is rapidly evolving, with a noticeable shift towards domestic tourism over international destinations. Recent surveys have shown that high-income households in mainland China are increasingly opting to explore their own country rather than travel abroad. The main reasons cited for this shift include the abundant domestic travel options available
Africa is a continent filled with adventure and stunning landscapes that go beyond the typical safari experience. One way to delve deeper into the heart of Africa is through hiking. While Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the continent’s highest peak, there are other lesser-known mountains worth exploring. For example, Mount Nyangani in Zimbabwe offers a
As the world begins to slowly recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers like Lora Bowler are reevaluating their vacation spending habits. Bowler, a New York resident, found herself spending more on travel in 2023 than she had anticipated. In an effort to cut back on expenses without compromising on luxury, Bowler turned
After a recent incident involving severe turbulence that forced a Singapore Airlines flight to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, the airline has decided to implement new safety measures. One major change includes altering the in-flight seatbelt rules, meaning that hot drink and meal services will no longer be provided when the seatbelt sign is
Bhutan, a country known for its unique governing philosophy of “Gross National Happiness,” is facing significant challenges as it grapples with an economic crisis that has been described by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay as pushing the nation to the brink of collapse. While the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) has been at the core
JetBlue Airways has recently announced its intentions to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation for a code-sharing agreement with British Airways. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the networks of both airlines by providing seamless connectivity between 75 destinations in the United States and 17 cities in Europe. The proposed code-sharing agreement between
Japan’s recent introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa has opened up the opportunity for foreigners from 49 countries to live in the country for up to six months. However, before venturing into this new territory, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with Japan’s unique culture and customs. A helpful resource for navigating life in Japan
Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, recently hinted at the possibility of reconsidering the country’s controversial $100 daily tourism fees. Despite the current incentive of the reduced fee, Tobgay suggested that the fees could potentially increase in the future. This decision comes as Bhutan’s tourism industry strives to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.