Tag: Travel

Carcassonne: A Medieval Marvel Reborn

If your daydreams consist of sipping wine at a castle in the French countryside, you need to add Carcassonne to your bucket list. This enchanting walled citadel in southwestern France has recently unveiled a spectacular €5.6 million restoration that promises to transport visitors back in time. As a UNESCO World Heritage site with 2,000 years of history, Carcassonne now offers a complete 1.3km walkable circuit along its upper ramparts, providing an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of the medieval city.

The ambitious 31-month restoration project, led by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, has breathed new life into this ancient fortress. As you traverse the ramparts, prepare to be awestruck by panoramic views of the multiturreted castle, soaring cathedral, and Roman-tiled roofs set against the backdrop of the Aude river valley and the Black Mountains. Visitors can now also explore the restored walls and nine refurbished towers with installed oak flooring throughout. The result is a seamless blend of historical authenticity and modern accessibility.

Carcassonne’s appeal extends beyond its architecture to a wide variety of cultural experiences. The city has connections to the 13th-century Cathars. It has also achieved modern literary fame through Kate Mosse’s Languedoc novels. Known as a wine tourism destination, the area boasts a number of vineyards for tourists to get lost in and try new wine varieties. Hiking trails in the nearby Ariège Pyrenees provide stunning views perfect for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts.

For those seeking to explore more of France’s medieval heritage, consider visiting other well-preserved walled towns like Provins, Aigues-Mortes, or Saint-Malo. While Carcassonne remains the most famous and extensive example, each of these sites offers its own unique glimpse into France’s fascinating past.

Travel’s Lure: Whether You Can Afford It Or Not

There has been a lot written over the last few years about how the COVID years changed the work habits of the young and have had a lasting impression on people in many of their habits and thoughts. One new example that is emerging is the desire for many (in America) to focus on vacationing, even at the expense of incurring debt.

According to a 2023 study from the website WalletHub, 25% of Americans interviewed said that it was worth going into debit to enjoy a great vacation. Professor of public policy at USC Elizabeth Currid-Halkett explains that, “We wouldn’t have been able to predict it, the way the pandemic affected different generations in different ways, but the idea that our friends matter, living life matters, how important living a good life is – that has led to a change in how people spend their money. When you’re young, you don’t have money to shift into another area, but you can say, ‘I’ll think about this later and live my best life right now.”

Certainly, a number of factors play into these decisions. With the social media boom and the visual of so many people traveling, many people feel both left out and that travel is accessible and easy for all. There is also the idea that people may be “doomspending” and Alex King of the personal finance website Generation Money puts it.

3 Top-Rated Streets Around the World

The website TimeOut has recently done a feature on the 30 most interesting streets around the world to visit for food, entertainment and culture. Here is a sneak peek into three of those locations; the full list can be enjoyed and, perhaps, your next trip can be planned with one of these ideas in mind! Here are ideas from Australia, Japan and Los Angeles.

High Street in Melbourne’s inner north emerges as a hot spot, boasting diverse local businesses like Casa Nata for Portuguese tarts, Northside Wines for local vino, and Francesca’s Bar for late-night fun. Its vintage stores, cool cafés, and indie cinema add to the allure, catering to all tastes. Nearby tram access and a vibrant music scene further elevate its appeal.

In Tokyo, Sangenjaya’s Chazawa-dori offers a blend of urban excitement and residential charm. Closed to traffic on Sundays, it invites exploration of friendly restaurants, cozy cafés, and charming bakeries. Sancha Monica serves sushi with wine, Guuutara Coffee offers extravagant cream soda floats, and Carrot Tower provides a free aerial view of Tokyo.

LA’s Arts District on 3rd Street transforms industrial spaces into a walkable haven, featuring Michelin-starred sushi at 715 and pinball stardom at EightyTwo. Camphor draws people in with French bistro dishes, Death & Co crafts top-notch cocktails, and Hauser & Wirth’s former flour mill complex offers a unique gallery experience.

These are just three of the many unique offerings around the world. Happy traveling!

Best Travel Locations for 2024


As international tourism rebounds about the lulls of COVID-19 and travelers seek new, less crowded destinations, CNN Travel has curated a list of 24 places to consider for your 2024 travel plans. These destinations offer a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty, and sustainability. Here is the top 7 that they outline. See the whole list and get ready for a great travel year ahead!

  1. Sumba, Indonesia: Escape the crowds of Bali and explore the Indonesian island of Sumba, known for its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals, and world-class surf breaks. Luxury eco-resorts like Nihi Sumba and The Sanubari make it an enticing destination.
  2. Turkey’s Black Sea Coast: Discover the lesser-known Black Sea region in Turkey, with historic towns, beaches, and adrenaline-pumping activities. In the summer, it provides a refreshing escape, while winter transforms the Kaçkar Mountains into a heli-skiing paradise.
  3. Tartu, Estonia: Named a European Capital of Culture for 2024, Tartu is Estonia’s intellectual hub. Home to the oldest university, Estonian National Museum, and Science Centre AHHAA, it combines high-minded pursuits with charming Old Town architecture.
  4. Tainan, Taiwan: Celebrating its 400th anniversary, Tainan has become a hotspot, surpassing Taipei in hotel occupancy. Known for its street food, natural landscapes, and vibrant temples, Tainan was listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.
  5. Northwest Michigan: Beyond the summer tourist influx, Northwest Michigan offers year-round attractions. Traverse City, on Grand Traverse Bay, serves as a great base for exploring wineries, picking fruits in season, and enjoying the picturesque M-22 highway.
  6. Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans: Launching in 2024, this 4,000-kilometer cycle route links all eight Western Balkan countries. Cyclists can traverse Albania and Croatia’s coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains, and more, experiencing the region’s diverse landscapes.
  7. Culebra, Puerto Rico: The list concludes with Culebra, Puerto Rico, inviting travelers to explore its pristine beaches and vibrant culture. As a relatively undiscovered gem, it offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Consider these destinations for a unique and fulfilling travel experience in 2024, away from the crowds and amidst the wonders of diverse landscapes and cultures.

New Option: Skip Those Airplane Meals

Here’s an interesting idea that a number of airlines are proposing. You can now opt to skip receiving your meal while on your next flight. Airlines such as Delta and Japan Airline are using an option to allow passengers to opt out before they even fly. Why would people choose to do so?

At the moment, the idea is serving as a test case for what airlines can do to reduce fuel, costs and waste on board flights. Of course, critics argue that the airlines are trying to make themselves look green – but that they are actually just trying to cut corners.

Of course, passengers who have chosen this option far before their flights are often worried about what will happen if they change their mind. They won’t be able to get a full meal, but there are always snacks on flights that passengers can find. And they can try to remember to bring their own goodies with them as well.

One other added benefit of forgoing the food is the chance to set your body onto the correct time zone. Eating at unusual times during a flight can definitely make it difficult for your body to adjust to the time change.

It will be interesting to see if this is something that takes off – or just a passing phase.

Beyond Borders: A Cross-Country Hotel Experience

Now that the skies have reopened and being are enjoying travel, it may be the perfect time to check out Hotel Arbez Franco-Suisse – which is also referred to as L’Arbézie. This hotel has the cool distinction of straddling an international border between France and Switzerland.

And that means that, when you check in, you don’t exactly know which country you’ll be sleeping in that night. Because of a trade agreement (explained in this article), about half of the hotel is in France while the other half sits in Switzerland. The international border actually runs right through the restaurant and a few of the guest rooms.

This sounds like it could just be a fun and silly place to be – but the implications of having a hotel in two countries are real. Switzerland and France have different electricity standards, and the rooms all include both types of sockets; there are certain unpasteurized cheeses allowed in Switzerland which can’t be brought over to France and this happens with some French specialties as well.