Renowned British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who gained widespread recognition after his performance at the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has reported that he was compelled to forgo a concert engagement in Canada. This unfortunate event transpired after the country's leading airline refused to honor his pre-reserved seating arrangement for his cello. Kanneh-Mason is currently in the midst of a winter tour across North America, accompanied by his sister, the accomplished pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. The duo was slated to grace the stage in Toronto on a Wednesday evening.

China has recently announced a significant extension to the visa-free transit period for visitors, aiming to attract a greater number of international tourists. The Chinese State Administration of Immigration has declared that the visa-free layover duration will be extended to 240 hours, or 10 days, across the entire country. This marks a substantial increase from the previous policy, which offered two options: 72 hours (3 days) or 144 hours (6 days), depending on the travelers' destination. This transit program has been a popular choice for foreigners who wish to explore China but find the visa application process to be too complex or daunting. It allows travelers with confirmed onward flight bookings to a third country or region to obtain a visa upon arrival at a Chinese airport and enjoy a short visit before continuing their journey. Over 50 countries, including the United States, qualify for this program.

Siargao, renowned as the "surf capital of the Philippines," earned its global acclaim in 1980 when surf photographer Tony Arruza and surfer Steve Jones embarked on a journey to find the "perfect wave" and stumbled upon this island paradise. Their discovery sparked a surge of interest among surfing enthusiasts, leading them to the coastal town of General Luna, the gateway to Siargao's many attractions. In subsequent years, American surfer and international fugitive Mike Boyum is believed to have uncovered the island's now-iconic Cloud 9 reef break, while surfing photographer John Callahan captured legendary surfers like Kevin Davidson, Evan Slater, and Taylor Knox conquering the mighty waves. Today, Siargao's allure—a fusion of natural splendor, community spirit, and adventure—continues to draw visitors to the southeastern Philippines, with a dramatic increase in tourism from approximately 13,600 international arrivals in 2012 to nearly 54,000 in 2023. Domestic tourism has also skyrocketed, leaping from nearly 124,000 visitors in 2018 to over 476,000 in 2023, an astonishing rise for an island with a population of around 150,000. Upcoming developments include a cruise terminal, airport expansions, and larger resort projects. "It's wonderful to see Siargao gain recognition, but preserving the island's natural beauty and close-knit community is essential," says Wemar Bonono, a professional surfer and co-founder of several local businesses and a charity. "We've witnessed the consequences in other island destinations. As long as we prioritize sustainability, eco-friendly initiatives, and responsible tourism, Siargao can flourish without losing its charm." Bonono is part of a growing movement of residents dedicated to safeguarding Siargao's essence while inviting like-minded travelers to experience its beauty through sustainable stays, voluntourism, and immersive cultural experiences. Here are some of the dedicated individuals working to preserve the island's magic.

Before the first muezzin's call to prayer echoes through the neighborhoods of Srinagar, the city's bakers, known as kandurs, have already ignited their tandoor ovens. Nestled in the snow-clad Himalayas and situated at the northernmost point of India, this contested land between India and Pakistan is a haven of pristine glaciers, azure lakes, pine-clad mountains, and roaring, tempestuous rivers.

Japan Airlines has introduced a novel service designed to ease the strain on Tokyo's congested public transportation network by offering to deliver passengers' luggage directly to their accommodations for a nominal fee. This innovative program not only enhances customer satisfaction but also addresses the pressing issue of overcrowding in the city's transit system. At Tokyo's Haneda Airport, travelers can opt to pay a charge of 4,500 yen (equivalent to approximately $30) per bag, which ensures that their belongings are transported from the arrivals hall to their hotels, bypassing the need to navigate Tokyo's bustling trains, buses, and subways with their luggage in tow. The airline commits to delivering the luggage on the same day, with the exception of unforeseen weather or traffic disruptions.

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has recently implemented a groundbreaking regulation that demands airlines adhere to enhanced protocols for passengers with disabilities. This new regulation is designed to ensure that assistance provided to individuals with disabilities, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs, is both secure and respectful. It includes a requirement for airlines to conduct annual training sessions, which must include practical exercises for staff and contractors who are involved in physically assisting passengers and managing wheelchairs. These training sessions are mandatory and must be completed by June 17, 2026. In a statement, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized, "All passengers are entitled to safe and dignified travel experiences, and we are taking extraordinary measures to ensure that airlines are held accountable for any failure to provide equitable treatment to passengers with disabilities."

Since the summer solstice in June, the days have been gradually shortening and the nights lengthening in the Northern Hemisphere. However, this trend is about to change. On Saturday, December 21st, we will welcome the winter solstice, the day with the least daylight of the year and the official start of winter for the majority of the world's population. The phenomenon of solstices, along with the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, has captivated curious minds for millennia. It is a day where scientific principles blend with ancient customs across the globe. The winter solstice signifies the shortest day and the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, with the sun positioned at its southernmost point directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, where only about 10% of the global population resides, the December solstice ushers in the longest day of the year and the onset of summer in countries such as Australia, Botswana, and Chile. The solstice typically occurs on December 21st, but it can vary by a day due to the discrepancy between the solar year and our calendar year. For precise observation, the exact time of the 2024 winter solstice will be 9:21 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on Saturday, as reported by Earthsky.org and the Royal Museums Greenwich.

China is set to claim another record in the aviation industry with the construction of the world's largest airport situated on an artificial island. The Dalian Jinzhou Bay International Airport, currently under development off the northeastern coast of China, is poised to become a monumental achievement in aviation infrastructure. According to an official statement from the airport, the airport will span across a 20-square-kilometer island, equipped with four runways and an expansive passenger terminal covering 900,000 square meters. The ambitious project aims to accommodate 80 million passengers annually, facilitating 540,000 flights per year, with the initial phase scheduled for completion by 2035.

Istanbul, a metropolis steeped in history and spanning two continents, is a city of many names: once known as Byzantium, later as Constantinople, and now proudly bearing the name Istanbul. This ancient city stretches across the Bosphorus Strait, its European arm reaching out towards its Asian counterpart, separated only by a mere 700 meters at the strait's narrowest. The waters here, linking the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, have been home to a small rocky island, Kız Kulesi, or Maiden's Tower, which has been inhabited for nearly as long as the city itself. This island has played a pivotal role as a sentinel between two worlds, serving various functions over its 2,500-year history, including a customs post, a fortress, a lighthouse, a hospital, and more recently, a "republic of poetry" for literary enthusiasts. For much of its existence, it has remained an enigmatic presence in the Bosphorus, visible but inaccessible to the city's inhabitants. Now, after a significant two-year restoration, the Maiden's Tower reopened to the public in March 2024, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the city's rich history from its vantage point.

Traveling the globe has never been more accessible than it is in the present day. An extensive network of flights now connects a vast array of destinations, fostering unprecedented cultural exchanges. However, not all attractions that were once available continue to be part of the modern traveler's itinerary. In 2024, several landmarks and establishments vanished, casualties of natural disasters, economic struggles, or shifting tastes. Here is a curated list of destinations that are off-limits in 2025, and likely forever.

While many destinations can adorn themselves with festive lights and proclaim a holiday celebration, true Christmas enthusiasts seek something more profound. They are drawn to places where the charm of Christmas markets is palpable, the radiance of lights is omnipresent, the allure of holiday feasts is irresistible, and traditions like Advent are deeply ingrained. From the shores of England to the islands of the Philippines, here are 15 global locales that are renowned for their festive spirit, offering an immersive Christmas vacation experience.

The St. Pauli Bunker, a monolithic sentinel standing at 58 meters above the ground in Hamburg, Germany, has been a dominant feature of the city's skyline for over eight decades. This colossal structure, slightly taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is not merely a massive edifice but also a symbol of Germany's somber past, constructed with conscripted labor during Adolf Hitler's Nazi era. However, this concrete giant has undergone an unexpected metamorphosis, reemerging as a vibrant hub of activity.

Wilfried Gebhardt vividly recalls his inaugural submersion at Apo Reef, a dive that occurred more than three decades ago. The former German geographer had recently relocated to Sablayan, a town situated on Mindoro island, to the southwest of Manila, to provide aid to those affected by the catastrophic 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo. During his stay, whispers of a mystical underwater realm nearby piqued his interest. "The visibility was a staggering 60 meters—it was utterly breathtaking," Gebhardt, now 68, reminisces about his maiden dive. "I encountered hammerhead sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and sea turtles gracefully gliding past a coral wall."

On a chilly December afternoon, with the ground covered in ice, throngs of tourists flocked to Santa Claus Village, a winter-themed amusement park situated tantalizingly close to the Arctic Circle. Amidst the snow, visitors reveled in activities such as sleigh rides pulled by reindeer, enjoyed cocktails in an ice bar, and even had the chance to encounter Saint Nicholas himself in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, which proudly dubs itself the "official hometown of Santa Claus." The Santa Claus Village theme park, which draws over 600,000 visitors each year, sees a surge in popularity especially during the festive season. "It's like a dream come true," exclaimed Polish tourist Elzbieta Nazaruk, her excitement palpable. "I'm truly thrilled to be here."

The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, set to become the world's longest immersed tunnel, is currently under construction beneath the Baltic Sea, reaching depths of up to 40 meters. This monumental infrastructure project will connect Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing travel times between the two nations, with an anticipated completion date set for 2029. The initial segment of the tunnel was ceremoniously inaugurated on June 17 by King Frederik X of Denmark, marking a significant milestone four years after the commencement of construction in 2020, which followed over a decade of meticulous planning.

Upon hearing the term "Kallax," individuals worldwide, especially outside Sweden, are likely to think of a specific IKEA storage solution. However, similar to many products from the Swedish furniture behemoth, this shelving unit's name is derived from a geographical location in Scandinavia—a village close to Luleå in Swedish Lapland.

Half a century ago, members of Jim Jones' Peoples Temple in San Francisco embarked on establishing a rural settlement in Guyana, South America. The Jonestown venture concluded four years later with one of the most sorrowful and peculiar mass deaths in American history. On November 18, 1978, over 900 individuals perished, including U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan. As Guyana contemplates a proposal from a state-supported tour agency to open the now-neglected site to tourists, it sparks a compelling discussion on the allure, ethics, and sensitivities of "dark tourism"—the act of visiting places linked to tragedy. Why do sites of past atrocities, natural disasters, notorious deaths, and imprisonments attract visitors? What does our fascination with these epicenters of disaster and malevolence reveal about us? What responsibilities do governments have in granting or withholding access? Who has the authority to determine how history is presented to visitors? And what are the effects of such events and subsequent visits on local residents? There are no straightforward answers, yet it's crucial to delve into these questions.

Marseille, a bustling Mediterranean harbor city with a rich history and a reputation for its vibrant, diverse culture, has recently gained significant attention. Once overshadowed by other French destinations, this coastal metropolis is now in the global spotlight. The fashion world took notice when Chanel chose Marseille's Radiant City Art Centre for a major summer fashion show. Additionally, one of its districts was acclaimed as the trendiest in the world, catapulting the city to the top of weekend getaway lists. A visit to Marseille reveals its appeal, with its blend of historical and modern architecture, from Byzantine-era structures to the post-war modernist design of a residence by famed architect Le Corbusier, now a hotel and museum.

Embrace the exhilarating experience of skiing across international boundaries—enjoying breakfast in one nation and effortlessly gliding into another for lunch. The European ski realms that span across countries redefine the concept of cross-country skiing. The thrill of skiing into unexplored territories, transitioning between languages, culinary delights, and even currencies, is hard to resist. Thanks to the Schengen Area in Europe, which saw 29 countries eliminate border controls in 1995, skiing from one nation to another has become a seamless adventure. The Portes du Soleil ski domain offers the unique opportunity to ski from France into Switzerland, linking 12 resorts. The Espace San Bernardo, comprising La Rosière in France and La Thuile in Italy, transforms two modest resorts into a vast playground. In the Southern Alps of France, Montgenèvre stands as the French presence in the predominantly Italian Via Lattea, while the Swiss and Italians share the iconic Matterhorn across their borders. In Austria, the lively Ischgl is connected to the tranquil Samnaun in Switzerland. Remember to catch the last lift back to your starting point to avoid costly taxi rides or hotel stays, and for safety, carry your passport.

It appears that the skies have become increasingly crowded and flights more frequent over the past year, a sentiment particularly resonant for residents of Hong Kong and Taipei. The travel intelligence firm OAG has unveiled its latest annual ranking of the world's most trafficked flight paths, with the 105-minute journey between these two cities securing the top spot on the international routes list, offering nearly 7 million seats in 2024. The route, which saw 6,781,577 passengers, has regained its pre-pandemic status as the busiest, having also led the charts in 2019. It was ranked third in the previous year's list. In contrast, the top route of the previous year, Singapore-Kuala Lumpur, had a comparatively modest 4.9 million seats available.