Airbus just released its newest aircraft into the skies, but by the looks of it, it could belong in the sea. Airbus’ Beluga XL, which will be used to ferry airplane parts to the company’s final assembly factories in Toulouse; Hamburg, Germany and Tianjin, China, had its first operational flight on Jan. 9, according to the company. The plane — it’s official name is the A330-700L — is the first of six such aircraft....
Here at Travel + Leisure, we’re always looking out for the best travel accessories, including gear that will improve your hiking and camping trips. From durable tents to comfortable sleeping bags, there are plenty of accessories out there designed to make your trip more comfortable. And for your next outdoor adventure, we found a portable camping fan that keeps you cool all day and night, and also acts as a convenient campsite nightlight....
Amtrak took cleaning trains and stations to the next level this week as the train line teamed up with cleaning brand Lysol in their latest effort to stem the spread of coronavirus. As part of the new partnership, announced on Wednesday, Amtrak will use Lysol’s EPA-approved disinfectant solutions, including products certified in July to be proven effective against COVID-19. Microbiologists from RB, the makers of Lysol, will also consult on disinfection protocols....
There’s nothing quite like sticking your toes in soft, pink sand as you look out at the crystal clear water of the Caribbean. And now, Barbados is considering letting visitors do it for a whole year, making it the ultimate work from home destination. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley last week said the country is considering the idea of a 12-month “Barbados Welcome Stamp” that would allow tourists to spend extended time in paradise, working remotely....
Wellness travel has reached a fever pitch, with new detox resorts and fitness-focused getaways launching what feels like every day. Even run-of-the-mill hotels are getting on board, offering amenities and services that promise to rejuvenate travelers’ weary bodies and minds. And sure, there’s an element of novelty to these offerings — but the enduring popularity of the world’s best destination spas prove that wellness has serious staying power. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more....
The Back Bay neighborhood rivals Beacon Hill as the most beautiful and well-to-do place to live in Boston. Among the iconic rows of Victorian brownstones are some of the city’s most exalted restaurants—praised for their classic, five-star service, or equally impressive creativity and flair. With so many options, and each as good as the next, what makes a restaurant truly one of the best around? Here, I award the most points to originality....
Google Maps just launched three new updates that will make Apple users very happy. Last week, Google released an update to Google Maps on iOS that will make your commute much, much easier. The three new features include enhanced location sharing, getting important information more efficiently, and giving your eyes a break when you truly need it. Courtesy of Google The first feature allows users to share their live location directly in the iMessage app....
Royal Caribbean wants to help vacationers book their cruise and hotel together by launching a hotel booking engine for pre-and post-cruise getaways. The cruise line partnered with Priceline to launch the new Royal Caribbean Hotels, which will allow customers to book a hotel based on their preferences like the hotel rating, amenities offered, and specific location. Hotels are available in every Royal Caribbean port, including throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and beyond....
12 Items to Buy Before They Sell Out for Spring and Summer The Intex Explorer K2 Kayak is an inflatable, two-person vessel that makes that makes hitting the water easier and more accessible than ever, given its ease of set up and storage, as well as its affordable price (it retails for just over $100 right now). The kayak itself is made from heavy duty puncture-resistant vinyl with an inflatable I-beam floor floor rigidity, i....
Sweden is taking the idea of locally sourced ingredients to a whole new level, essentially turning itself into the world’s largest open-air bar. Swedish officials have set up 16 socially distanced tables in locations across the country where visitors can forage the surrounding area for ingredients, using those locally sourced finds to mix up truly one-of-a-kind cocktails under the expert guidance of some of the world’s top bartenders. Niklas Nyman/Courtesy of Visit Sweden...
There are few more exciting places in the world to drink Champagne than Air’s Champagne Parlor in New York City. I’ve been writing about wine for nearly a decade, and I mean it when I say that everything about this place is special — the energy, the wines, and most of all, the people who make the experience what it is, focusing on the joy of drinking bubbles without the stuffiness that so often comes with the territory....
For anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, 2020 has been a bit of a disappointment so far. In fact, there hasn’t been anything resembling a meteor shower since early January’s intense annual meteor shower. That drought ends this week with the start of the Lyrid meteor shower, one of the oldest observed meteor showers of all and, unlike in 2019, there’s no bright moonlight to lessen the impact....
Visitors to Rome this spring will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime visit to an important Catholic relic. The Vatican announced it will display its holy stairs — believed to have been walked up by Jesus before his judgment by Pontius Pilate — for the first time in 300 years. The Scala Sancta, as the stairway is called in Latin, is believed to have been stained with drops of Jesus’s blood as he was crucified....
If you’ve always dreamed of downsizing, but the closest you’ve ever gotten is going Marie Kondo on your closet, these #vanlife photos may be the push you need to lose the baggage. The concept of someone living in their car likely conjures up images of people who have hard times, but more and more people are choosing to live small and simple with little more than the essentials in an effort to prioritize travel and experiences over a traditional roof and possessions....
The Best Heated Vests for Hiking, Camping, and Other Cold-weather Adventures The gloves have touchscreen-friendly pads on the thumb and index finger, so you can access your smartphone without exposing your hands to the cold. They’re available in two colors (all black or black and white) and four sizes: small through XL, so you’ll be sure to find a comfortable fit. Interested shoppers will want to act fast, though, since the Lightning Deal ends tonight....
For everyone who ever fancied riding a unicycle from New York City to Miami, or from Los Angeles to San Francisco — at 30,000 feet in the air — we have found the perfect seat. Worried about legroom onboard? No more! Stretch your legs all you want. You’ll have no pressure on your knees from the seat in front of you when you’re nearly standing up. Courtesy of Avio Interiors...
Finally, the coveted and ever-so-trendy dad bod has become attainable to all. The DadBag, a fanny pack that gives you the illusion of having a distinctive beer belly, lets you have your six pack and drink it, too. If you’re into that. Courtesy of DadBag The round and hairy looking bag sits around your waist so you can carry a little extra weight (temporarily) by holding all your essentials, like your keys, your wallet, or even a beer or two....
In May, Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection, announced the addition of some children’s programming that is so cool it will leave adult travelers a bit jealous. The new summer children’s program, known as Mini-Explorers, “encourages young guests to learn new skills, make friends, and take part in a wide range of creative activities that will immerse them in the local Anguillian culture.” Courtesy of Malliouhana, Auberge Resorts Collection With the program, kids and parents can choose from two curated journeys — one full day and one half-day iteration....
Bermuda, that rum-and-rugby-loving overseas territory of the United Kingdom, is beautiful to behold and pricey, to boot. If you can find an inclusive eats package, it’s worth investigating, as it can save you a ton of cash in the long haul. Only one hotel we found claims the “all-in” inclusive approach, with drinks tacked on along with everything else, but a few other solid options boast package deals, too. Here are some of the best....
Lots of people escape the doldrums of everyday life by going on an island vacation, but soaking up vitamin D and sipping on a fruity cocktail on the beach isn’t the only way to de-stress. Here are some of the most noteworthy spiritual retreats across the globe. Galgorm Resort and Spa in Northern Ireland Galgorm Resort & Spa puts luxury first. The 163-acre estate has 122 bedrooms, many with a view of the River Maine....
