SLO Traveling Through California’s Central Coast

Welcome to Santa Barbara, where the sun, sea, and mountains create a coastal paradise like no other. The Chumash people initially inhabited the town for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. Today, Santa Barbara still reflects its Spanish colonial heritage with Mediterranean-style buildings and red-tile roofs, which perfectly complement the natural backdrop of the San Ynez Mountains. 

Google said Wednesday that it is releasing new features that share options for traveling in ways that are more environmentally friendly.

The first overwater bungalow had a thatched roof, a window peering into the ocean, and a ladder leading into the water.

Amy Snook knows more about wine than your average traveler. Originally from California, she now lives in the Douro Valley of Portugal, her partner works in the wine industry, and she has visited 47 countries, many of which have celebrated viticulture. But seven years ago, on a trip to Mendoza, a winemaking region in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountains, she opted to abstain from drinking alcohol, a decision she would repeat in future travels.

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

California recently branded itself as the “Ultimate Playground.” That was a pivot away from “Dream Big,” the branding it used for over a decade. 

One of California's best resorts and a World of Hyatt favorite, Alila Ventana Big Sur will remain closed through at least May 26. This is due to the closure of Highway 1 for construction following a series of events, including storms and multiple landslides, that seriously damaged the road over the last few weeks and months.

Civitatis, the leading platform in online distribution of guided tours, activities, and excursions in Spanish language across 160 countries worldwide, this week the company has reached one million reservations from Mexican users, with 94% of those travelling abroad outside Mexico. During its participation in the 48th edition of the Tianguis Turístico in Acapulco taking place in Mexico, Civitatis took the opportunity to announce its exponential growth in the country and the desire of Mexican travellers to explore countries outside the country. In terms of countries that Mexicans are visiting, Spain holds the first position, followed by Italy, France, and the United Kingdom and the USA. This ranking indicates the trend of Mexicans travelling towards Europe and the USA, which is ahead of other LATAM destinations such as Colombia or Peru. Meanwhile, the top favourite outbound cities for Mexicans are Paris, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, and London, with most reservations concentrated in those cities. Breaking down further the one million reservations from Mexicans, 28 percent made a reservation as a couple, while 17.8 percent were solo travellers.

Throughout April, we're honoring the ancient Arab tradition of hakawatis, or storytellers, highlighting the writers, performers, and poets who are driving the conversation around what it means to be Arab American today—and celebrating the rich culture and histories of the diaspora.

Airlines want permission to operate fewer flights to New York without penalty through most of 2025; they're citing a continued shortage of air traffic controllers that carriers don't expect will sufficiently improve within the next 18 months.

Travel brands are busy preparing for the upcoming summer season, and travel demand is xpected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. What are the major trends for this summer?

Corporations have largely maneuvered out of the workplace upheavals inflicted by the global pandemic. One issue continues to vex managers: How to handle business travel for newly remote employees.