New Universal theme park's bizarre rule

Universal's long-awaited Epic Universe theme park is finally set to open this May in Orlando-but one unusual rule is already raising eyebrows.

* This article was originally published here

Piva is now a world destination: The first Nature Park in Montenegro celebrates 10 years of existence - Vijesti.me

Piva is now a world destination: The first Nature Park in Montenegro celebrates 10 years of existence  Vijesti.me

* This article was originally published here

The airlines with the worst in-flight meals, snacks and drinks revealed - but can YOU guess what the best one is?

If you're a fan of buying a snack on your flight, there are a few airlines you might want to avoid.

* This article was originally published here

Airport named 'best in the world' featuring butterfly garden, rooftop pool and rain vortex wins prestigious award - but UK fails to make the list

The world's best airport has been crowned in a new ranking, with the UK failing to get a spot in the top 20.

* This article was originally published here

The UK's best seaside towns to move to in 2025 revealed

Fresh air, picturesque views and improved well-being - it's no surprise why so many Brits are turning to the tranquil allure of the UK's coastal towns - but which is considered the best for relocation?

* This article was originally published here

Global Destination Awards - Trend Hunter

Global Destination Awards  Trend Hunter

* This article was originally published here

We live in some of Britain's picture postcard beauty spots - but coachloads of selfie-loving tourists are dividing our idyllic villages

Overcrowding, congestion and influencers coming for an Instagram selfie are just some of the biggest problems sparking a rift between furious locals and tourists across the UK's honeypots.

* This article was originally published here

Iconic 'leaning tower of Pisa' appears in very unexpected location

A village just 40 minutes from Chicago has a copy of an iconic copycat landmark that looks like you could be in Italy.

* This article was originally published here

United Airlines Goes Big at SFO: More Flights, More Cities, and a Major Terminal Upgrade

If you’ve flown through SFO recently, you’ve seen it—United Airlines is everywhere. And that’s no accident. This summer, United will fly nearly 300 daily departures from San Francisco. That’s its biggest SFO schedule since 2019—and more than any other airline in the Bay Area.

United isn’t just maintaining its presence. It’s growing aggressively to lock in its position as the Bay Area’s biggest airline. In just four years, United added 11 international and nine domestic destinations from SFO. That includes returning routes to New Orleans, Detroit, and St. Louis. It also includes new flights to San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama launching next month.

If you’re flying from SFO, odds are you’re flying United. Alaska has slowed down since merging with Virgin America and Hawaiian airlines. Meanwhile, United continues to scale up.

“We’re winning more and more Bay Area customers because of our investments in the product, the experience and the places we fly,” said CEO Scott Kirby.

He spoke at an April 3 event that showcased United’s latest aircraft—like a new 787-9, an A321neo, and the Archer Midnight eVTOL.

“Our growth in SFO is a direct result of United’s ambitious network strategy,” Kirby said. “It’s what sets us apart.”

Terminal 3 Transformation

United’s expansion doesn’t stop at new routes. The $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization Project is well underway. The upgrade includes new gates, a redesigned lobby, faster security checkpoints, and 200,000 more square feet for food and retail. It also supports larger aircraft and gives United the space it needs to keep growing. The modernization project should be completed by 2029.

To match the growth, United added 1,600 new airport team members in 2024 and plans to hire 1,200 more in 2025.

Leading the West Coast to the World

United is solidifying SFO as the West Coast’s global gateway. Just this year, United launched new flights to Belize and Monterrey, Mexico. Next month, Costa Rica and Panama join the map.

That brings United to nine Latin American destinations from SFO—more than any other airline. Summer service to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos is ramping up too. Expect more options for sun-seekers headed south, because we all know on the west coast that escaping the gray is needed in the long wet winters!

In Europe, United stands alone. It’s the only U.S. carrier flying to Europe from SFO, offering up to 11 daily flights. Barcelona returns this summer with an extended season. Routes to Rome and triple-daily service to London Heathrow remain strong.

Dominating the Asia-Pacific and Beyond

SFO has anchored United’s trans-Pacific network for over 40 years. Today, it connects to 17 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region.

United flies 4.5 times more seats to the Pacific from SFO than any other U.S. hub. Making sense due to it’s position on the pacific. Offering awesome nonstop connections to China, Southeast Asia, Japan and more.

This winter, United will launch one-stop routes to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City via Hong Kong. Also in December: new service to Adelaide, Australia and a second daily flight to Manila.

No other U.S. airline flies to both destinations. More dots, more routes, more options! I applaud United’s ability to think outside the box and lead with new destinations

California Connections and Hawaiian Coverage

United runs the largest hub in California, flying more domestic routes from the Bay Area than anyone else.

It serves all five of SFO’s most popular domestic destinations.

And when it comes to Hawaii? United flies three times more often than the next competitor. It’s the only airline with daily year-round service to all four major islands!

Bottom Line

United isn’t just adding routes—it’s building a fortress in San Francisco. Whether you’re flying to Adelaide or St. Louis, expect a United jet to be waiting.

Read the rest of this article at United Airlines Goes Big at SFO: More Flights, More Cities, and a Major Terminal Upgrade.

* This article was originally published here

The VERY surprising thing that impresses the French about life in Britain

A French woman living in the UK has revealed two 'efficient' elements of living in Britain that have left her pleasantly surprised.

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Tourists are warned of hurricane force winds in Canary Islands as huge Atlantic storm approaches

The Canary Islands has declared a red weather alert for the holiday hotspots of Tenerife and La Palma as a massive storm approaches the region. 

* This article was originally published here

Vietnam – a destination for world leaders amid global trade tensions: Argentina newspaper - Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

Vietnam – a destination for world leaders amid global trade tensions: Argentina newspaper  Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus)

* This article was originally published here

I've lived in Portugal for 23 years: Here are the best places to go for a glorious holiday... and where you DEFINITELY need to avoid

Once thought of as Europe's best kept secret, Portugal is now one of the most popular destinations for travellers. Here are the best places to visit across all of its main regions... and where to skip.

* This article was originally published here

I've worked at Cadbury World since it opened - one surprise celebrity visit drew so many crowds you couldn't move

As the Bourneville site prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, MailOnline Travel is taking a trip down memory lane to look back at some of the attraction's most unforgettable moments.

* This article was originally published here

Tuljabhavani temple to become world-class religious & cultural destination, says Maharashtra chief minist - The Times of India

Tuljabhavani temple to become world-class religious & cultural destination, says Maharashtra chief minist  The Times of India

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Italian authorities are paying people 100,000 euros to move to a beautiful mountain region - but there's a catch

Italians are being given the chance to relocate to the picturesque and peaceful Trentino region in the north of the country - and they could be paid a huge sum to do so.

* This article was originally published here

White Lotus Blooms Again: Koh Samui Becomes a Global Destination - Pursuitist

White Lotus Blooms Again: Koh Samui Becomes a Global Destination  Pursuitist

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Malaga turns white after freak winter storm with roads turning to rivers as Spain's wild weather continues

Striking images and footage emerging from the holiday hotspot have shown streets submerged in floodwater and heavy hail crashing down from the grey skies.

* This article was originally published here

World's most favorite travel destination enters cherry blossom season - VnExpress International

World's most favorite travel destination enters cherry blossom season  VnExpress International

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Tourism New Zealand Launches Playable NZ Destination In Minecraft World Via Mana Whenua Groups, Warner Bros & Mojang Studios - B&T

Tourism New Zealand Launches Playable NZ Destination In Minecraft World Via Mana Whenua Groups, Warner Bros & Mojang Studios  B&T

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We live in the so-called 'best town in Britain,' but there is a downside: Locals reveal what life is REALLY like in lauded market town

The chocolate box charm of Saffron Walden, in Essex, has failed to win over some people in the town who have bemoaned the poor broadband connection and mobile phone reception.

* This article was originally published here

I paid £2,100 for a flight to China - but I made one tiny mistake and they are now trying to charge me £9,000 for a new ticket

Despairing business owner Alex Coombes, 39, from Worthing, West Sussex, says his flight booking to China 'turned into a nightmare' after he made one small error that could cost him thousands.

* This article was originally published here

Britain's 'best places to live' in 2025 are revealed - does YOURS make the list?

A new study lists the best places in the UK to live - have a look at our interactive graphic and see if your hometown makes the list.

* This article was originally published here

I will never fly Ryanair again after they charged me £60 due to a ridiculous hidden rule

Kay, a 32-year-old from London , says she was 'made to feel targeted' by the airline. The passenger was flying from Dublin to London Stansted when the incident occurred.

* This article was originally published here

New Zealand partners with Minecraft for world-first destination gaming content - TravelMole

New Zealand partners with Minecraft for world-first destination gaming content  TravelMole

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CEBU ITINERARY: 15 Best CEBU TOURIST SPOTS and Things to Do (Travel Guide Blog for First-timers)

Looking for top things to do in Cebu for your Cebu itinerary? Read on this comprehensive Cebu Travel Guide Blog and find out the top tourist spots and activities in Cebu with sample itinerary, list of recommended hotels & resorts, Cebu tour packages and practical travel tips to help you plan your trip. Cebu one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines. Dubbed as the "Queen

* This article was originally published here

World's most favorite destination to charge $27 entry fees for Mount Fuji hikers - VnExpress International

World's most favorite destination to charge $27 entry fees for Mount Fuji hikers  VnExpress International

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The Hard Choices of a Frequent Flyer: Lufthansa First Class vs. British Airways Business Class

For many, choosing between two airlines comes down to price, schedule, or frequent flyer miles award. But for those of us who fly frequently, especially in premium cabins, the decision-making process can be far more nuanced.  Especially when I am sitting on enough points at my disposal. Case in point: the internal struggle between experiencing Lufthansa’s legendary First Class and the famed Frankfurt First Class Terminal versus flying on my preferred day in British Airways’ Business Class, with the added perk of world-class lounges at London Heathrow’s Terminal 3.

Decisions, Decisions. Poor more LOL.

The Case for Lufthansa First Class

Lufthansa’s First Class experience is top notch, particularly for those who appreciate seamless, luxurious air travel. From the moment you arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA), the journey becomes a meticulously curated experience, including porch transfers! Yet as I would be leaving from an outstation. Flying First class from Sao Paulo would be nice, but the ground game would just be mediocre. Yet I know once I get to FRA for my layover everything would improve and the journey aboard the 747-8i would be top notch.

The First Class Terminal at FRA

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Lufthansa First is the Frankfurt First Class Terminal (FCT). More than just a lounge, this standalone terminal offers a private security checkpoint, fine dining, relaxation areas, personal assistants, and the thrill of being driven across the tarmac to your awaiting aircraft in a Porsche or Mercedes. Few experiences match the exclusivity and efficiency of FCT, making it one of the best pre-flight indulgences in the world. Or in this case, the best layover experience. I could time my flights to have up to a 6 hours, allowing me all the time needed to relax in the lounge. I could even take a bath or nap! As the lounge has great suites for both.

Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt

Plus I could get another fun duck for my collection…Yeah more shit I don’t need, but collect for some reason!

The Onboard Experience

Lufthansa’s First Class product is consistently praised for its elegant simplicity and exceptional service. I would be spoiled with Caviar and 2005 Noble Brut champagne. Flying first class, the food and wine is a big upgrade over any other class of service. Lufthansa’s First Class seat is seat is larger, but not really private. It’s regardless an upgrade, despite being a dated product.

With a spacious, open suite design, top-tier bedding, and an extensive wine and champagne selection, it’s a haven of comfort. The personal attention from the crew and the understated German efficiency make it an unbeatable experience for those who appreciate refined luxury. Plus GRU – FRA is full 11 hour flight. Meaning I could truly enjoy the product and still rest. Something I rarely get to do when flying from Chicago or DC with Lufthansa.

Decisions, Decisions.

The Case for British Airways Business Class

While Lufthansa’s First Class is undoubtedly a premium experience, there’s something to be said for flying on my preferred day, even if it means “downgrading” to British Airways Business Class. And, in this case, the lounge options at London Heathrow Terminal 3 (T3) are strong enough to make up for it. Which makes me think that flying British Airways wouldn’t be all that bad. The real downside is that plane.

British Airways flies 10 weekly flights between London and Sao Paulo. 7 flights a week are on the new A350 with the new Club world seats. 3 flights a week are on an outdated 787-8 with the previous generation business class seat. A product that I refer to as the Economy class seat that lays flat. I HATE the seat. Yet, when traveling on points, it’s hard to complain, and the A350 flight never became available.

Furthermore, I utilized Alaska Airlines miles to book this flight. This means I will email elite qualifying miles even though I am flying on award points. This is handy to help regain status towards 2026.

Lounge Hopping at LHR T3

One of the best-kept open secrets among frequent flyers is that T3 at Heathrow houses some of the best Oneworld lounges in the world. While BA’s own lounges are solid enough, the real stars are the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge and the Qantas Lounge:

• Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge: A haven of tranquility with à la carte dining, fine champagne, and a much calmer atmosphere than BA’s busy lounges. The lounge hosts awesome tarmac views and the dan dan noodles and dim sum lunch is great.
• Qantas Lounge: An energetic, stylish space featuring a gin bar, an excellent buffet, and a made-to-order hot food station. Perfect for those who prefer a livelier pre-flight experience. The lounge has the food and options out before their flight to Perth in the morning, or during the evening hours before the Singapore Kangaroo route departs. I would be able to visit during this time.

There are also the American Airlines First Class lounge and the British Airways First class lounge at LHR T3. I would likely swing by them so Diego could see them. Yet the majority of our time would be in the better of these four options. Yet these lounges are NOT better than the First Class terminal. So it’s not enough to skew my decisions.

The British Airways Business Class Experience

While British Airways Business Class (Club World) doesn’t hold a candle to Lufthansa First Class, the newer Club Suite is a significant improvement with a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, and a closing door for privacy. Yet, again unless there is a last minute plane swap, I would not be on a plane with the new seat. British Airways may not be as indulgent as Lufthansa First, but it does the job efficiently, especially when combined with great lounges and a schedule that better fits my itinerary.

The Dilemma: Experience vs. Convenience

So, which option wins? It’s a tough call. 100K  miles for Luthansa First or 70K miles for British Airways Business?

• If I’m prioritizing the ultimate luxury experience, Lufthansa First Class (and the Frankfurt First Class Terminal) is a no-brainer.
• If I’m focusing on maximizing my time and schedule while still enjoying premium perks, British Airways Business Class through LHR T3 becomes highly appealing.
• If I focus on status, British Airways wins again

In the end, it often comes down to the purpose of the trip, how much I value the extra comfort of First Class for that particular flight, and whether the allure of Porsche transfers and FCT outweighs the appeal of some of the best lounges at Heathrow and status. I know what most of you are thinking. FLY LUTHANSA STUPID!

For now, I’ll keep debating though. After all, these are the kinds of “problems” that make frequent flyer life so rewarding.

Read the rest of this article at The Hard Choices of a Frequent Flyer: Lufthansa First Class vs. British Airways Business Class.

* This article was originally published here