Ras Al Khaimah Awarded EarthCheck Silver Certification in a Sustainability First for the Middle East

New York is a city with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to historic hotels. Whether you want to stay in Manhattan or across the water in Brooklyn, choices include converted factories that once made textiles for NASA, bohemian dens that inspired beatnik novelists and counterculture musicians, and super-luxury boutique pads that have counted presidents and Hollywood stars as guests.

I've spent more than 100 hours on trains in the last two years, from 30-hour overnight rides to quick three-hour journeys. 

I grew up in the Midwest, but New York City has been my home for the past decade.

While there is a multitude of places to visit in the centre of London, there's another area that should be on every London visitor's list. Not only does Stratford in East London have a wealth of things to see, with many more cultural attractions being developed, but it is also a great value area to stay with modern hotels. It is home to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City shopping centre and restaurants serving up food from across the globe, from Thai to Mexican.

The U.S. State Department has issued updated information for Americans traveling in the Middle East amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, including information on charter flights out of Tel Aviv this week. The latest guidance comes just four days after officials issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens traveling abroad."Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the U.S. State Department said on October 19.Americans are encouraged to avoid travel to Gaza, Lebanon and Iraq and reconsider travel to Israel and the West Bank as of Monday. U.S. citizens who wish to depart Israel and the West Bank with U.S. government assistance need to complete a crisis intake form.Additionally, Monday's update includes details regarding upcoming charter flights out of Israel via Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport."Commercial availability remains limited out of Ben Gurion Airport. The U.S. government is facilitating charter flight transportation for U.S. citizens; we urge those wishing to leave to take advantage of these charters while they are available. There will be flight departures from Ben Gurion International Airport on Tuesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 26," the State Department confirmed."Please go to Ben Gurion International Airport, Terminal 3 if you wish to depart Israel. U.S. Embassy personnel will be present to direct you and provide specific flight information. Be prepared to wait," officials added.Regardless of where they're traveling abroad, U.S. citizens are being asked to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts that make it easier to be located in an emergency and follow the State Department on Facebook and Twitter for the most up-to-date information.

My paddle slips gently through calm ocean water as the kayak glides toward the mouth of Morro Bay Harbor. I approach a sandbar covered in resting cormorants, as sea otters float in nearby kelp, inky-eyed pups nestled on their mothers’ chests. On this windless morning, the marine layer paints the world in a gentle watercolor wash. In front of me, Morro Rock rises dramatically from the landscape.

dnata Travel Group brands across the GCC have won six accolades at the Middle East edition of the 2023 World Travel Awards. Representing the Travel division of dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, titles earned by the dnata Travel Group include Middle East’s Leading Airline GSA 2023 (dnata Representation Services), Bahrain’s Leading Travel Management Company 2023 (dnata Travel Management), and Saudi Arabia’s Leading Travel Agency 2023 (dnata Travel).

For the 12th consecutive year, Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi has been titled as the “Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination” by the World Travel Awards, dubbed the “Oscars of the Travel Industry”, reaffirming its position as the Middle East’s #BestBeach destination.

After weeks of research, there were some things I didn't expect during my recent trip to Europe.

During my first night at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris in June, I noticed something was amiss. The large chair in the corner had been slightly repositioned, the curtains were drawn, and the bed looked tidier than I left it earlier that day.

Editor note: This article is regularly updated as new information becomes available and is accurate as of 10:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 19. For the most up-to-date information, contact the U.S. Department of State or similar official websites.

There's something special about taking a train ride. Maybe it's the feeling of being leisurely transported to a distant city — or the scenic views you can only get from an expansive train window.