State Department Sees 'Off the Charts' Demand for U.S. Visas

In May 2022, I rode the Rocky Mountaineer — one of the world's most luxurious trains. The Canadian train company operates four routes, and I was on its US route heading to Moab, Utah, from Denver.

I am not the likeliest serial traveler to Central America. I don’t speak Spanish, or surf, or have any kind of Latin dance skills. But in recent years, I’ve been drawn to the region repeatedly, making visits to Nicaragua, Guatemala, and, this past June, to El Salvador. After the country made this year’s “52 Places to Go” list from the New York Times, I felt the familiar, early tug of intrigue that so often sends me into trip-planning mode.

Leaving the shores of Sicily, season three of HBO’s White Lotus is being filmed in Thailand. If you’re dreaming of a stylish beach vacation White Lotus style (minus the murder, scams, and sleeping around), you’re in luck because Unforgettable Travel, a premier luxury travel company, has just launched a White Lotus Thailand tour from Bangkok to the stunning island of Koh Samui.

To encourage travelers to Japan to get off the beaten path, delve deeper into the country’s cultural heritage, and venture beyond the popular tourist destinations, Japan Airlines is offering complimentary domestic flights all across the archipelago.

There are plenty of amazing leaf-peeping opportunities in the US. A romantic road trip to see the covered bridges of New England is one, taking an air balloon ride to see the foliage from above is another. But the most relaxed and nostalgic way to experience fall in all its glory is by train. There are multiple vintage railroads in the United States that will transport you back in time while you admire the fall colors, but few do it as well as the East Broad Top railroad.

The city of Madrid is filled with enough sights and activities to keep visitors entertained for weeks. While first-timers might be tempted to stick to popular areas like the central Sol-Gran Vía and regal Austrias districts, there are historic landmarks, picturesque plazas, and outstanding culinary offerings throughout the vibrant Spanish capital. You’d need a lifetime to fully explore Madrid’s 131 neighborhoods, each with its own personality showcasing a distinct part of everyday Madrileño life. But you can get a head start by venturing to these underrated neighborhoods that hold tons of appeal for travelers — beginning with the fact that they’re less touristy.

Few films drive home travel’s ability to help us understand one another as poignantly as Will & Harper. When Will Ferrell’s longtime friend and Saturday Night Live collaborator Harper Steele comes out as a trans woman, the two set off on a road trip from New York to Los Angeles to better understand her transition and, in turn, their friendship. “I love this country so much,” Harper says. “I just don’t know if it loves me back right now.” Over 17 days, a three-vehicle crew followed the pair and, with mounts on Harper’s Jeep and car-to-car shooting, captured 240 hours of footage. Here, director Josh Greenbaum reflects on the places that moved him and on navigating the country in a new light.

Cathay Pacific will launch a new route from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the airline said on Tuesday.

20 CEOs. 35 sessions in all. The Skift Global Forum ran from September 17 – 19 with loads of insights into the future of travel. We heard from the biggest hotel operators, OTAs, tourism boards and other leaders of the industry. 

Looking to celebrate Halloween in a truly spooky fashion? Why not try and brave a night at one of the most haunted hotels in the world?

My husband and I went on a 10-day luxury African safari trip for our big summer vacation.

Just as September or «National Passport Month is underway, the U.S. State Department has released additional dates for its ongoing passport fairs, making applying for a first time passport even easier.  The agency published an updated schedule for September and October, which will take place in many states including California, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. For example, the Seattle Passport Agency will be open on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9am-2pm, where the office is regularly closed on weekends. Applicants should be advised that appointments are required, and can be booked on the office’s website.  Other events include the Boston Passport Agency on Sept. 26, Atlanta Passport Agency on September 28, the University of Texas at Dallas on September 28, the Broward County Clerk in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on Oct. 12, and more.