Europe's summer travel strikes: When, where and what disruption you can expect in August

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Kayleigh Donahue, a TikTok creator who moved to Dublin, Ireland, from the US and lived there for four years. It has been edited for length and clarity.

The key to seeing any celestial phenomenon is pretty obvious: You must be in the right place at the right time. While the exact location and time changes with every astronomical event, the right place is undeniably somewhere far away from any light pollution. These days, unless you make your way to a dark sky park, finding a spot on land that’s far away enough from civilization isn’t easy, so why not take to the seas? In the middle of the ocean, chances of street lights ruining your stargazing experience are very thin, that’s why cruise lines are ramping up their astronomy at sea offerings, including northern lights cruises, solar eclipse cruises, and more.

In November 2016, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck and ravaged the region around the town of Kaikoura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The earthquake and the ensuing landslides killed two people, and demolished homes, roads, and railway tracks. Indeed, parts of the Main North Line, one of the most scenic rail routes in the world, slid into the ocean, forcing the Coastal Pacific train to stop its operation. In 2018, the line was repaired and the magnificent train journey between Christchurch and Picton resumed. Today, the Coastal Pacific still runs along the Pacific Ocean, allowing travelers to see New Zealand’s beauty, the slow and comfortable way.

I consider myself a chocolate-chip cookie connoisseur, so when I realized I could visit the original Tate's Bake Shop that's advertised on every green package the brand sells, I knew I had to go.

In the face of record hotel rates that continue to grow, coupled with sustained high airline fares, some travelers feel they can no longer take a luxury European vacation. They are wrong.

Robocops, robo-cleaners, robo-waiters, and robo-dogs — Singapore seems to want it all.

Clear-blue sea, secluded coves, stunning medieval architecture, and delicious seafood — Mallorca has it all. 

If you’re still looking for last-minute Labor Day weekend getaway ideas, these three locales, all located within a five-hour drive of Washington, D.C., will do just the trick. They’re also full of family friendly attractions and plenty of points hotels so you can save on your stay by cashing in rewards through their loyalty programs.

How would you like to get a birds-eye view of the fall foliage on the way to the Green Mountains of Vermont? Or maybe sail the coast of Maine sporting a brand-new pair of boat shoes? Those are just a few ways to take advantage of the best time of year in New England. The leaves are starting to change, but there’s a respite between the summer vacationers and the leaf peepers. The ocean temperatures are still warm, and sunny days followed by cool evenings mean you can paddle, swim and hike during the day, then snuggle up with a bonfire at the end of the day. Here are three properties with special attractions to extend the season through the autumnal equinox.

Welcome to Cancun in August, where the allure of pristine beaches meets the captivating charm of Mexican culture. As summer progresses, the weather in Cancun in August becomes warm and tropical, creating the perfect conditions for sun-seekers. Take advantage of Cancun's harmonious blend of relaxation and excitement during this period.

Biden official’s visit to China opens door to increased bilateral travel.

Travel prices across Europe have started to decline, following months of continuous hikes in air fares and hotel rates. However, they’re expected to remain highly volatile for several years as the market undergoes a correction.