An overnight adventure travelling from Sofia to Istanbul by train

Luxury hospitality juggernaut Aman is entering an unprecedented period of growth. After amassing 34 luxury hotels in 35 years, it now plans to open 11 hotels and resorts for its off-shoot brand Janu over the next four years, Skift has learned.

Nestled at the crossroads of history, culture, and modernity, Istanbul beckons travelers with a melody of sights, sounds, and flavors that stir the soul. This enchanting metropolis, straddling the Bosphorus Strait, is a treasure trove of historical marvels, opulent experiences, and culinary delights. As you step onto its vibrant streets, you'll find yourself transported through time, wandering amidst the echoes of empires and the whispers of centuries past. In this bewitching blend of East and West, embark on a journey that promises luxurious accommodations, cultural revelations, and gastronomic wonders that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and a longing to return.

No, you weren’t just imagining your social media timelines full of all your friends posting from Istanbul and Turkey this summer. It happened to be true.

The United Arab Emirates government on Sunday announced the lifting of all precautionary measures implemented in the country during Covid-19. With the lifting of restrictions, wearing of masks has now been made optional in all open and closed facilities, including places of worship and mosques. However, those categorized as “people of determination” would be required to wear mask while visiting health facilities and centers. The Al Hosn app would now only be required to furnish proof of vaccination and for test results inside and outside the country, when required. The green pass on the app would no longer be required to enter public facilities and sites. The requirement of a polymerase chain reaction test would also no longer be made mandatory for those attending or participating at sporting events. The authorities said they have decided to ease the restrictions after studying the epidemiological situation in the country and having monitored occupancy rates in hospitals and intensive care for Covid cases.

A mix of international tensions, economic turmoil, and political tension is causing many travelers to rethink the destinations they’re prioritizing on their “bucket lists” in 2023, according to an article on Wednesday in Toronto’s The Globe and Mail.

Every year we give you a glimpse into how our favorite stories evolved from idea to publication, offered by the reporters and editors themselves.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, January 31. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

Russian tourists may be flocking to Turkish resort hotspots like Antalya and Bodrum, but the country looks set to become a critical business travel hub for Russia as growing numbers of corporations relocate there following sanctions imposed by the West.

Standing under the iron ribcage of London’s St Pancras station, it’s impossible not to feel a thrill as Eurostar trains whisk passengers away from the city and under the sea. In just two-and-a-half hours, travellers can step out into the French capital, where one of the greatest railway journeys truly begins. 

Central Asian airlines are seizing opportunities from Russia’s closed airspace, with airline traffic into the region booming in the year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, executives and analysts said.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Friday, March 17. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, said on Tuesday that summer bookings to Turkey spiked as of this month after a brief drop following February’s devastating earthquakes.