The Hungarian gateway continues efforts to culminate an extensive network which now encompasses 122 cities and 130 airports, served by 39 airline partners.
14.03.2024 - 18:47 / cntraveler.com / Art Nouveau
Budapest’s plentiful thermal springs gush mineral-laden waters that are both a geological wonder and an invitation to partake in a restorative, distinctly Hungarian ritual. The City of Baths, also known for its rambunctious ruin bars, has for centuries beckoned travelers with a salve for their ailments. But beyond purported curative powers, these historic bath houses also mesmerize with a transportive Old-World ambiance—balmy pools backdropped by splendid architecture create soothing interludes in Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance-Revival settings.
Before the grand baths of Budapest were erected, it was the Eravisci tribe that stumbled upon the area’s coveted bubbling springs in the fourth century BC. Later, Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, awestruck by how rapidly the waters healed his wounded soldiers, introduced today’s bathing culture to what is now the Óbuda district. The Ottomans, who invaded in the 16th century, enthusiastically took to the waters, too, creating such hammam-reminiscent beauties as the Rudas and Veli Bej baths that are still clamored for today. Then the Hapsburgs made the comforting practice their own, wooing locals with the striking, labyrinthine Széchenyi and Gellért complexes that continue to draw travelers from all over the world.
Budapest's famed yellow Széchenyi baths are a hotspot for visitors and locals year round
While winter is a magical time to visit the baths and float alfresco amid rising steam, summer is even more enthralling thanks to cooler pools with invigorating blasts of icy water that draw locals and visitors alike for a welcome reprieve from stifling summers. Breezy mornings are ideal for privacy before the heat mounts and the baths heave with people; redolent of a carefree summer camp. The baths are equal parts sanctuary and playground in summer—a duality found only in Budapest.
Early mornings are when Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, the co-founder of the Hungarian skincare line Omorovicza (a brand used at many of the city’s spas), relishes settling in at Rudas Thermal Bath. Its centerpiece octagonal pool lined with pillars sits adjacent to the Buda side of the city’s iconic Elizabeth Bridge, underneath a dramatic dome dating back to 1572. “I love going literally when it opens, before anyone’s there, and having it to myself,” she says. Her attraction to the city’s baths began over 20 years ago when she was posted in Budapest as a US diplomat, around the time she met her Hungarian husband, Stephen. On a blind date, he took her to Rác Bath, an Ottoman-era relic that his family had restored, and she was instantly smitten with the atmosphere, at once tranquil and lively.
“It very much [is] and always has been a part of Budapest culture,” she explains of
The Hungarian gateway continues efforts to culminate an extensive network which now encompasses 122 cities and 130 airports, served by 39 airline partners.
The countdown is on for Paris’ Summer Olympics, when the City of Light will transform into a living arena for the third time in history. Paris already ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world — with nearly 36 million visitors in 2023 — but when the biggest international sporting event goes from July 26 to August 11, it’s anticipated to bring 16 million additional travelers.
With its pastel pink walls and thick red carpets, the design of The Grand Budapest Hotel is immediately recognizable to just about anyone, regardless of whether you’ve seen the film or not (it didn't receive an Academy Award for Best Production Design for no reason.) While you unfortunately can’t stay at the real Grand Budapest Hotel (there isn't one), you can check in to some existing properties that look right out of a Wes Anderson production. These colorful, luxe hotels all stand in the same design spirit as the iconic Grand Budapest.
Looking for inspiration for your next big summer vacation? Or, perhaps you're in search of some suggestions for an exciting city break? Whether you're looking for far-flung travel suggestions in Europe or Asia or something closer to home on U.S. soil, we have you covered.
As the world prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris between July 26 and August 11, Air France is expanding service to the United States and North America to support the increased demand.
Wellness tourism has seen a 36% annual growth since 2020 and is expected to increase another 13.3% through to 2027, according to research by leading global research and wellness industry nonprofit the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). Lausanne, located on the shores of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, has long been leading the trend. It is home to the International Olympic Committee and over 25 sporting federations, so visitors can benefit from myriad sporting activities. When paired with its many opportunities for relaxation and recalibration, it’s the ideal destination for tourists looking for a holistic approach to wellness while on their travels.
Nothing says summer quite like a cold adult beverage on a breezy rooftop—and the capital of Nova Scotia does rooftop drinking and dining extremely well. It helps that Downtown Halifax is nestled along the Halifax Harbour; the city gets a decent sea breeze come summertime that is best experienced on an open-air patio that overlooks the city and sea.
As the snow melts, the flowers bloom, and the cows return to their lush-green pastures, the Austrian Tirol gets ready for a vibrant summer season.
The newest mid-tier credit card on the market launched in select Wells Fargo branches March 9. Now, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card is available online and nationwide at Wells Fargo branches with a valuable sign-up bonus.
If you are planning a trip to Japan this summer, you’re not alone. New research has revealed the most popular destinations for the coming peak travel season – and there are a few surprises.
Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.
While a Dubai holiday might conjure images of sleek skyscrapers, high-end shopping in swanky malls and gold-leaf-topped dishes, your trip to the United Arab Emirates could also be an opportunity to prioritize your wellness with specialized treatments.