Tell us about a scenic winter train journey in Europe – you could win a holiday voucher

Good morning, folks! Remember the story yesterday on the UK’s housing crisis?

Visiting downtown Chicago during the holidays has always been a cherished family tradition for many. The iconic ice skating rinks, the bustling Christkindlmarket, and the timeless charm of the Windy City create a magical atmosphere. However, this year, a wave of innovation is sweeping through Chicago's holiday festivities, introducing novel experiences that promise to redefine the city's festive spirit. As we dive into the heart of the "experience economy," these immersive activities are taking over former retail spaces on some of the city's most iconic streets. Here are several new and exciting experiences that are set to make this holiday season and beyond truly memorable.

Passengers planning winter getaways to USA, Europe and Asia on Qatar Airways in December 2023 and January 2024 can immediately benefit from greater choice and seamless connectivity to exciting destinations across the globe.

The European Commission reveals the 2024 European Capital and Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, recognising their outstanding achievements in accessibility, sustainability, digitalisation, and cultural heritage & creativity as exceptional tourism destinations.

Adventure means different things to different people. For some, it means overcoming a challenge such as climbing a mountain or a long-distance bike ride. For others, it’s about pushing themselves out of their comfort zone – travelling solo, perhaps, or heading out into the unknown on a road or rail trip with no fixed destination or itinerary. However you define it, we’d love to hear about your adventures – the trips that challenged you and took you somewhere new.

It’s now cheaper and more convenient to hit the slopes this ski season at a popular Colorado resort.  Amtrak announced the return of the Amtrak Winter Park Express, which provides seasonal service between Denver's Union Station (DEN) and the based of Winter Park Resort in Winter Park, Colorado. «This 'ski train' is another example of Amtrak's commitment to enhancing the travel experience for riders across the country, bringing travelers to exciting destinations safety, affordably, and sustainably,» Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak's CMO, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. Ski enthusiasts looking to utilize the special route will have a choice of 40 round trips this ski season. The train will operate every weekend (on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) from Jan. 12, 2024 through March 31, 2024. There will be special routes on holidays such as service on Jan. 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and Feb. 19, 2024 (Presidents’ Day). The train will also operate on two Thursdays: March 14, 2024, and March 21, 2024. (Travelers should visit amtrak.com for the most current schedule and updates.) A one-way trip, which takes approximately two hours, departs Denver at 7:00 am and leaves Winter Park Resort at 4:30 pm local time. This means skiers can maximize their time on the slopes. Families can save money as children aged two to 12 are eligible for 50 percent off tickets. There are additional discounts for senior citizens and members of the military.  Passengers also have the opportunity to carry on their skis, and the trains have special storage areas on board. 

Dreaming of moving to Europe? This could be the perfect time as more and more countries launch digital nomad visas and workplaces continue to offer remote contacts.

Fiona Khuong-Huu, 16, is a pre-college student at The Julliard School and a guest artist and violinist who is part of the New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts. The series is geared for children ages six and older and is a fantastic, fun way to introduce a younger generation to the world of classical music.

The European cities with the largest pipelines at the close of the quarter are led by London with 79 projects/14,078 rooms and Istanbul, up 20% by projects YOY with a record 48 projects, accounting for 7,936 rooms. Next is Lisbon, with 37 projects/4,070 rooms, then Dublin with 34 projects and a record 6,492 rooms, and Dusseldorf with 30 projects/5,465 rooms.

The European Young Chef Award 2023 programme will conclude on 23 November with a visit to the Hauts-de-France region to discover the local gastronomy and producers, including Fromagerie des Freres Bernard in Wierre Effroy, and Brasserie des 2 Caps at the Ferme de Belle Dalle in Tardinghen.

This year marks the first time that the companies have operated scheduled services and trips to Christmas Market destinations from Bristol and London Stansted Airports. 

Soon temperatures that can dip as low as -40 (where the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales meet) will have Winnipeggers shivering. But this city in the heart of Canada stays warm with a surprising number of soothing options to thaw out, whether you’re a resident or just visiting.