Culture tips

Many tourists who visit Puerto Rico today are unfamiliar with the devastation inflicted upon the country in September, 2017 by Hurricane Maria, the 10th most intense storm in Atlantic history and one that made a direct hit upon the island. In addition to damaging buildings, the storm devastated electrical grids and cellphone towers as heavy winds also uprooted trees and caused flooding that wiped out roads and farm crops. Full recovery has been a lengthy process and in some respects is ongoing but has been aided by the resilience of the Puerto Rican people.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun will step down by the end of the year, Boeing said Monday. In addition, Stan Deal, chief of the company's commercial airplane division, will retire immediately, while board chair Larry Kellner will not run for reelection.

For decades, cheap flights, nightclubs and booze made Prague one of Europe’s stag party capitals. City officials have spoken out about tourists’ drunken behaviour, but Prague remains popular among men dressed as Smurfs drinking 50 koruna (£1.70) pints of pilsner.

Every year, Time Out ranks the best cities in the world. For 2024, it’s ranking the world’s 30 coolest streets—and five U.S. cities made the cut. But these are not expected spots (sorry, Fifth Avenue). Instead these are places with true character and charm, where you can eat, drink, dance, shop and stroll.

With its wild coastline, ancient history and cultural contributions that have left a mark around the world, England is one of the world’s most alluring destinations.

It is no secret that Mexico City's culinary fare is among the best in the world.

As an American territory, Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most convenient Caribbean getaways for U.S. citizens. With its close proximity and no passport requirement, it's easily accessible from many large cities — including more than 30 U.S. airports with nonstop flights.

As 2024 heats up, "The Sicilian Inheritance" is the book on everyone's summer must-read list, buzzing with anticipation. It's a delicious mix of mystery and adventure, served up with a side of Sicilian food and wine, all set against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery and wrapped around a cast of characters that draw you in. But what really makes this book stand out is the heart and soul poured into it by its author, Jo Piazza.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Akso Heart, who attended Visit Finland's happiness masterclass. The course was meant to teach foreigners how to be happy like the Finns and was paid for by the country. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Many hotels in Hawaii are intensely focused on bringing more traditional Hawaiian culture to their properties. But one Waikiki hotel is focusing on a different kind of culture - one that represents the present, not the past.

Combining shoulder-season prices with decent weather in many parts of the world, May offers a lot to travelers. So whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, cultural happenings, an intrepid journey or a destination that won’t break the bank, there’ll be something in this month’s round-up sure to rouse your wanderlust. 

Norway’s Oseberg and Gokstad Viking ships are among the world’s greatest archaeological finds from the Viking Age. Following careful excavation and restoration, the ships are preserved in Oslo for future generations to enjoy.

Finland is consistently ranked as the world's happiest country, thanks to factors including a great work-life balance and internationally renowned healthcare.

Blessed with a balmy Mediterranean climate, white sands and sparkling waters, Sardinia is one of southern Europe’s most alluring beach destinations.

The world is a big place, and there are oodles of countries to explore and wild experiences to relish. Many folks have saved up vacation days and squirreled away funds for a journey of a lifetime. The questions are: Where should you go and how should you start the planning process? The advantages of small group travel abound. You’ll meet new people from different places around the globe, logistics and safety protocols will be expertly considered, and a professional tour guide will lead the way so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride.

If someone opened a seafood restaurant, they might be tempted to call it Ocean. But in the hands of chef Hans Neuner, Portugal’s Michelin two-star Ocean is something far more ambitious than that.

Highgate, a leader in hotel management, recently unveiled the new Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, an enchanting destination set in the heart of Honolulu. The hotel promises to redefine the hospitality landscape on the island of Oahu thanks to its seamless mix of accessibility and indulgence.

In a world where walking and biking tours have long been the norm for city explorations, a fresh and exhilarating alternative has burst onto the scene, particularly in Rome, a city steeped in millennia of history. This novel approach isn't just another variant of the theme of urban discovery; it's a transformative experience that marries the vibrancy of physical activity with the depth of cultural immersion. ArcheoRunning, the pioneering company behind this concept, has redefined the traditional sightseeing tour by introducing running as the vehicle for an intimate encounter with Rome's architectural splendors.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Angela, an academic and content creator in her early 40s who travels solo in Europe. Angela requested that her last name not be shared for privacy. This essay has been edited for length and clarity.

Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis has opened as one of the city’s top luxury hotels ahead of the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum’s official launch and following the post-pandemic opening of Cairo’s culturally significant Civilization museum.

This year, 2024, the Kingdom of Bhutan, marks a significant milestone as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of opening its borders to international tourists. Since welcoming its first foreign visitors in 1974, Bhutan has focused on sustainable tourism, prioritizing cultural preservation and environmental conservation. This is done through Bhutan's policy of high-value, low-impact tourism. The government regulates tourism through a daily tariff, which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a contribution to Bhutan's development fund. This approach not only helps preserve Bhutan's fragile ecosystem but also ensures that tourism benefits local communities directly.