2024: What’s New in France?

Airbnb has a fake listings and verification problem — and the company knows it.

While the big boys are continuing to expand their portfolios—with some spectacular announcements for 2024—the coming year is also shaping up to be a good one for people who prefer a bit of whimsy, a dollop of homegrown style and the one-of-a-kind feeling of an independent hotel (or at least one that’s part of a small regional group). From Aspen to Athens, Bhutan to Botswana, here are 15 new hotels that share a close attention to detail, a distinctive character and a genuine interest in sustainability.

What are the world’s most expensive cities to live? Singapore and Zurich, Switzerland have tied to secure the top spot, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living survey.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss looks forward to a good winter. Bookings are strong and leisure travelers, especially those paying top dollar for the seats in the pointy end of the plane, are eager to travel to the airline’s many warm-weather destinations.

Train travel has seen a surge in popularity with the growing emphasis on slow travel and making a holiday more sustainable. The latest government data on train travel shows that there was a 155% increase in passenger rail journeys last year. Furthermore, research shows that 64% of UK travellers are searching for green travel options, including choosing more environmentally friendly transport options and sustainable accommodation. VisitScotland’s new campaign encourages people to enjoy train travel by promoting a route that connects all of Scotland’s historic cities by train.

New Orleans is one of the cities in America’s South with the strongest sense of place. Known for its vibrant culture and distinctive blend of influences, the so-called Crescent City has an allure that captivates visitors from around the world. Whether your Lower Mississippi cruise begins or ends in New Orleans, it’s a city worthy of taking some time to discover. 

According to online travel agency Trip.com, China is broadening its unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six nations—France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia—in an effort to bolster the recovery of the East Asian giant’s tourism sector industry. For now, the program is being implemented on a trial basis, with plans to keep it in effect from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024.

French citizens can now apply for a four-year US visa under a new reciprocal deal.

Hotel Anna & Bel is located at 1401 E. Susquehanna Avenue in Philadelphia, PA.

London’s thriving food scene is fueled by a constant influx of innovative chefs and restaurateurs and its diverse multicultural influences. Here are ten of the newest dining experiences that contribute to London’s well-deserved reputation as a global culinary destination.

From lobster mac and cheese to beef bourguignon, first-class Amtrak passengers traveling on the Acela along the Northeast Corridor will be treated to new menu offerings.

In early November, the Global Wellness Institute unveiled the global wellness industry is now worth a staggering $5.6 trillion. With the holidays and the new year fast approaching — detoxing, pampering and rejuvenation will surely top travelers to-do list. Below, from the Southwest to the Midwest and back out East, rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit with this welcome lineup of the best new (and renovated) wellness and hotel spas retreats in the US.