As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, countless Americans will embark on air travel, seeking innovative strategies to simplify their journeys. One such tip that frequently surfaces on social media platforms like TikTok is the art of carrying a full bottle of water through US airport security. The solution is straightforward: freeze the water beforehand. Surprisingly, this method is not only allowed but also endorsed by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A TSA spokesperson clarified via email, "Frozen liquid items are permitted through the checkpoint as long as they are completely frozen at the time of screening." They further explained, "If the frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or contain any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquid rule." This rule stipulates that passengers can carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers not exceeding 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters, all of which must fit into a single quart-sized bag.

Embarking on a journey in the premium cabin of an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, is typically an experience marked by its quiet ambiance and expansive comfort. British Airways is poised to elevate this luxury experience even further with the unveiling of a new first-class airplane seat design, scheduled to debut on its A380 fleet in 2026. This innovative design signifies a positive shift for the world's largest passenger aircraft, which had faced the prospect of being permanently retired by several carriers just a few years ago due to evolving aviation market dynamics.

In the verdant hills of Negros Occidental, amidst the Philippines' emerald highlands, there stands an edifice that is as whimsical as it is colossal. This is no ordinary structure; it is the world's largest chicken-shaped building, a testament to the imagination and the indomitable spirit of its creator, Ricardo Cano Gwapo Tan. A septuagenarian with a heart as vast as the sky and a playful twinkle in his eye, Tan has crafted a legacy that is as grand as it is peculiar, a six-story, 35-meter high homage to the humble chicken.

For aficionados of coffee who are also intrigued by the enigmatic lifestyle within the world's most isolated nation, a unique opportunity awaits: a Starbucks location that offers a panoramic view of North Korea. The American coffeehouse chain has opened a new branch in South Korea, situated atop an observation deck near the demarcation line with North Korea, providing visitors with the chance to enjoy their beverages while gazing across the Imjingang River at the elusive neighboring country. This exclusive 30-seat café is nestled within the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo city, a mere 20 miles to the north of Seoul, the bustling capital. It is in close proximity to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), recognized as one of the most heavily fortified borders globally.

Once upon a time, the only glimpse of the royal family's Christmas festivities was through the television screen during the monarch's annual address. However, the landscape has evolved, and many royal residences are embracing the holiday spirit by inviting the public to partake in a variety of seasonal events. This initiative is part of King Charles' effort to increase accessibility and revenue generation for these historical estates. This year, unprecedented public tours were granted to new sections of Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle. This winter, exclusive guided tours are being offered at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, attracting luxury-seekers from around the globe. However, the cost of bidding this paradise farewell has just surged. As of December 1st, the exit fees for passengers departing the Maldives by air are set to quadruple. The departure tax is tiered according to the class of service on their outbound flight. For economy class travelers, the fee will rise to $50, up from the previous $30; business class passengers will now pay $120, a leap from $60; first class will incur a $240 charge, up from $90; and private jet fliers will face a hefty $480 per person, more than trebling the previous $120. Importantly, this tax applies uniformly to all non-Maldivian visitors, irrespective of age or nationality, and is not dependent on the flight's duration, meaning the cost remains the same whether one is embarking on a short flight to Delhi or a lengthy journey to London.

For many, the mere mention of Greenland conjures images of biting cold, endless snow, and a sense of isolation. While the frigid temperatures and pristine snowscapes are likely to remain constants, the perception of remoteness is about to be transformed. As of November 28, the inauguration of a new international airport in the capital city of Nuuk marks a significant shift, making Greenland more accessible than ever before.

Amidst the deafening roar of enthusiastic spectators, the pulsating rhythm of chants, and the thunderous beats of taiko drums, throngs of participants heave colossal wooden structures through the bustling streets of Osaka. This frenetic scene is part of the region's "danjiri matsuri," or float festivals, a series of events that unfold over several weeks in October. These festivals are renowned for their exhilarating yet perilous nature, earning a reputation as some of the most hazardous celebrations on Japan's festival calendar.

Ah, the festive market—a beacon of joy and warmth in the heart of winter, a place where the Christmas spirit dances in the crisp air and the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the senses. As the holiday season unfurls its twinkling lights and evergreen boughs, we turn our gaze to the globe's most enchanting Christmas markets, each a treasure trove of tradition and delight.

In the vibrant tapestry of global travel, this week's news unfolds with a flourish of excitement and discovery. Disney has unveiled its latest cruise liner, a floating palace of enchantment that promises to transport its guests to the heart of their dreams. As the holiday season draws near, the air is filled with festive cheer and a plethora of holiday ideas that cater to every traveler's whims and fancies. But beyond the glitz and glamour of new attractions, we delve into the essence of what makes a city truly great, as captured in the 2025 World’s Best Cities report.

Misplacing luggage is a significant headache for modern travelers, with the frequency of misplaced bags increasing since the onset of the pandemic. Many passengers have taken proactive measures by incorporating tracking devices into their checked luggage to monitor their whereabouts. However, there's a significant obstacle: airlines often show reluctance to engage with this information. In 2023, mountain biker Barry Sherry's bicycle went missing while being transported by American Airlines and British Airways to the Swiss Alps. Despite presenting airport staff in Zurich with the precise location of his bike, they were powerless to intervene. Fortunately, for future travelers like Sherry, a more streamlined recovery process may be on the horizon. Apple AirTag users might soon be able to grant third-party access to their tracking data, enabling real-time bag searches by airports and airlines. Reports from beta testers of Apple's latest iOS operating system suggest the introduction of a new third-party sharing feature, which is expected to be widely implemented in the future. Apple has not yet provided confirmation or commented on this development.

In an effort to safeguard the ancient ruins of Pompeii, located in southern Italy, local authorities have announced a new visitor cap of 20,000 individuals per day. This initiative, set to commence from November 15th, will include the issuance of personalized tickets that will bear the name of each visitor, as detailed in a recent announcement from the Pompeii archaeological park. During the peak summer season, extending from April 1st to October 31st, guests will also be allocated specific time slots for their visit. This new approach comes on the heels of a summer season that saw a record 4 million visitors to the site near Naples, with the highest number of guests reaching over 36,000 on a single day.

Lisbon, a city celebrated for its charming cobblestone streets, vibrantly painted buildings, and the delectable Pasteis de Nata, has emerged as a favored destination for travelers. However, with a record number of monthly overnight stays in Portugal being reported in August, there is a growing discontent among some Lisbon dwellers due to the adverse effects of surging tourism on their daily lives. This dissatisfaction culminated in September with protests concerning the housing market, followed by a petition signed by thousands of Lisbon's inhabitants calling for stricter regulations on vacation rentals in the city.

Over the past few years, numerous urban centers have undergone significant transformations, but Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, stands out as a prime example of successful reinvention. With a population of 2.2 million and still growing, Almaty has shed its Soviet-era image and emerged as Central Asia's urban jewel. The city has not only developed one of the world's most visually stunning metro systems but has also become a flourishing hub for banking and finance.

The Trevi Fountain, a baroque masterpiece in the heart of Rome, has reopened its gates to the public, albeit with a new set of rules to preserve its historical grandeur. As selfie-takers eagerly line up on the newly installed metal walkway, workers embark on the meticulous task of cleaning the 18th-century icon. This temporary pathway, a blend of scaffolding and vinyl, accommodates 130 visitors at a time, offering an intimate view of Oceanus and his majestic, horse-drawn chariot.

Amidst the bustling city of Geelong, nestled south of Melbourne in Australia, a peculiar phenomenon has captured the attention of thousands. They gather in anticipation, braving the distinct and pungent odor that permeates the air. This is no ordinary plant; it is the infamous "corpse flower," scientifically known as Amorphophallus Titanum, or more colloquially, the Titan Arum. This botanical marvel is renowned for its foul-smelling emissions, which it uses to lure pollinators such as beetles and flies when it blooms. However, its blooming is an unpredictable event, occurring perhaps only once a decade, with each bloom lasting a fleeting 24 to 48 hours, making it a rare and sought-after spectacle that draws immense crowds.

Come summer 2025, the United Kingdom, cradle of the railway system, will witness the launch of its inaugural luxury overnight train service, the Britannic Explorer, operated by Belmond Trains UK. This opulent train will embark from London in July 2025, offering passengers three distinct routes that traverse the scenic landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

Passengers seeking the most opulent travel experiences on the world's longest nonstop commercial routes will soon have enhanced luxurious options at their disposal. Singapore Airlines (SIA), recognized as the world's second-best airline by Skytrax in 2024, has recently announced an extensive multi-year investment of 1.1 billion Singapore dollars (approximately $821 million) to revamp its long-haul cabin products across its fleet of 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

For nearly a thousand years, the Castle of Antognolla has stood majestically against the backdrop of an unending horizon of verdant, forested hills. This historic landmark, once home to a Benedictine monastery, has witnessed bloody battles, safeguarded the remains of a patron saint, and served as the seat of esteemed noble families. Now, this monumental structure is undergoing a transformation to herald a new, peaceful chapter, as developers in Umbria, Italy's often-overlooked "green heart," envision it becoming Europe's premier luxury resort.

Florence, the iconic Italian city renowned for its Renaissance masterpieces, is implementing measures to combat the overwhelming tide of tourism that has strained its resources. In response to the surge in visitors, which has led to local residents being priced out of their homes, the city has introduced a 10-point plan to manage the situation. Mayor Sarah Funaro has spearheaded this initiative, which includes a prohibition on key boxes used by short-term rental property owners and a ban on tour guides using loudspeakers.