It’s the End of a 50-Year Era at Southwest—The Airline’s Most Beloved Perk Is Being Discontinued

As far as we're concerned, we'd love to see the end of resort fees. They're the daily surcharge (its other aliases might be destination fee, amenity fee, etc.) that many hotels add to your stay to cover some of the property's amenities, from the gym and the bottles of water in your room to domestic calls and use of a business center. This amount can range from $20 to $70 per night depending on where you're staying — and some properties charge even more. In the past, we've provided tips on how to get out of having to pay resort fees (thankfully, there are hotels out there that avoid them altogether), but for the most part, if a hotel states this fee, guests must pay.But they're not all frustrating money grabs — and all hotel resort fees are not created equal. (In 2025, how can Wi-Fi or a gym not be part of a room rate already?) Some resort fees cover unexpected perks and amenities that you may actually want to take advantage of during your trip. These benefits, if you choose to utilize them, could even make the fee worth the price. Now, depending on your interests and the purpose of your trip, your mileage may vary on what makes a resort-fee perk good value. But a museum as well as fitness-class passes plus free drinks and snacks at the lobby bar could be worth it to someone, right?

When New York–based interior designer Athena Calderone realized her 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary would coincide last year, she knew the double milestone called for a party. So she and her husband, Victor, a DJ and music producer, planned a two-pronged, nine-day trip to Italy. They began with an intimate vow renewal in Umbria and then let the festivities roll in Rome with 50 of their closest friends. “That city holds this rich historic legacy, and I feel like our love does too,” Calderone says. Here she shares the locals-only spots that drove the itinerary and the “opulent and over-the-top” hotel where guests danced till dawn.

I stepped off a train in Vienna three decades ago and have been finding my way back to it ever since. Some cities seem to encapsulate a feeling, a mood; Vienna has inspired countless artists, not least Billy Joel, who in the 1970s named a song after the city. “Slow down, you're doing fine,” goes the refrain. “You can afford to lose a day or two….” Vienna makes it easy to do those things. In the beloved indie romance Before Sunrise, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy meet on a train, then alight in Vienna, where they shoot the breeze and meander the streets until dawn. Rarely crowded, the city offers space to think, the potential for chance encounters. And while some European cities clear out in summer, leaving the door open for visitors to shut behind them, Vienna is always itself.

The notion that long-distance train travel is a thing of the past—especially in the U.S.—is being challenged by Amtrak. With growing interest from travelers, the U.S. national rail company is shifting its focus and investing heavily in improving its long-distance service. This includes enhancing iconic routes like the California Zephyr, which stretches from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Crescent, which links New York City and New Orleans.

Lufthansa CEO Jens Ritter is emphatic about the state of the transatlantic travel market: Business is good and continues to grow.

Get ready for more affordable travel options to New Orleans starting this summer.

Herschend, the privately-owned force behind Dollywood, has acquired more than 20 regional U.S. attractions, the company shared in a press release with Travel + Leisure.

Which U.S. airline has the most customer-friendly bag policies? For years, it's been an easy question to answer: Southwest Airlines, with two free bags for every traveler on every fare.

From Egyptian jewellery to 15th century armour to medieval illuminated manuscripts, old masters and exceptional contemporary design - Tefaf, Europe's principal fine arts fair, really has something for everyone.

It's not just the bag fees. Southwest Airlines' shake-up goes far beyond its stunning reversal of its longtime "bags fly free" ethos.

The European Commission unveiled this week one of its most significant health proposals, the Critical Medicines Act, which aims to enhance the security of supply and availability of essential medicines across the EU.

Ah, the time-honored tradition of spring break. The week-long break from school, schedules, and studies can be the perfect time for families to take a quick getaway—but spring break trips can get very pricey, very quickly. Thankfully, there are some affordable options.