Latest news with #travel
CBS News
3 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Metro Detroit native breaks world traveling record after visiting every country
On Friday afternoon, Michael Zervos received an incredibly warm welcome at the Detroit Metro Airport. Several of his closest friends and family members flooded the terminal, celebrating the completion of a record-setting journey that had been years in the making. Zervos visited 195 United Nations-recognized countries in just 499 days. "It felt long, terminable, difficult, frustrating, but at the same time, it was beautiful. It was mesmerizing. It was captivating, meeting people from all walks of life everywhere in the world," Zervos said. This vision is part of his brainchild called Project Kosmos. He says it's a way to see as much of the world as possible, while asking natives in each country one crucial question: "What's the happiest moment of your life?" "I've always been a thrill seeker and wanted to test my limits. I guess challenging yourself makes you better, but on the other side of things, I wanted to tell stories. I wanted to collect stories across the world about happiness and help other people," he said. The idea was born in his pursuit of happiness. He says he overcame years of depression and got inspired after the pandemic. When he decided to change his life for the better, he wanted to explore what it truly means to be happy. "The smallest thing, a breeze a cup of coffee sitting down with loved ones those can give you as much happiness as winning a contest, breaking world record, even though it really is all about perspective and when you look at things small things, you can have those experiences of happiness pretty much every day and you don't have to climb a mountain to do it," Zervos said. You can follow his journey on social media and his website.
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
CDC tells Americans to CANCEL their flights after finding world's most infectious disease is spreading on planes
The CDC is urging Americans to cancel their upcoming flights if they are not vaccinated against measles. The agency has upgraded its health travel warning after discovering the virus - one of the most infectious in the world - is spreading on US airplanes. A previous recommendation that said Americans should 'consider making alternative travel plans' if they could not get vaccinated before departing now says travelers should 'consider postponing their trip.' Estimates suggest around 10 percent of adults may lack immunity, either due to never receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or because their immunity has diminished over time — the equivalent of 25million adults. Measles infections have been detected at the country's biggest airports in recent months amid a resurgence of the virus linked to low vaccination rates. Now, after investigating dozens of patients who were contagious while flying, the CDC confirmed at least one case where the virus was spread during air travel. All US travelers are now being recommended to be fully vaccinated for measles before going on any international flights. And doctors are being advised to give additional measles vaccines to domestic travelers going to Texas, where over 700 people have been infected so far this year. The CDC's latest update, published Wednesday, reads: 'Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events.' Since the beginning of this year, the CDC has received 62 reports of travelers infected with measles while flying into the US or within the country, a CDC spokesperson told CBS News. An investigation of 50 of those passengers showed the agency measles spread during air travel in at least one of those situations. The CDC said this is usually based on confirmed infectious individuals sitting next to each other. The latest airport warning came Friday as three passengers flying into Denver International Airport on the same Turkish Airlines flight tested positive for measles. One of them was a vaccinated adult. As of 2025, precise data on the number of US adults unvaccinated against measles is limited. However, historical estimates suggest that approximately 10 percent of adults may lack immunity, either due to never receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or because their immunity has diminished over time. Given the US adult population of about 258 million, this could translate to roughly 25 million adults who are potentially unprotected against measles. Around 90 percent of confirmed cases are tied to outbreaks in the US rather than travel outside the country. Symptoms - which include a blotchy rash, fever, cough and runny nose - typically develop seven to 21 days after initial exposure. Measles spreads via airborne droplets released in coughs and sneezes, which can hang in the air for up to two hours after a patient passes. It is particularly dangerous to young children, with the CDC saying one in 20 unvaccinated children who are infected develop pneumonia while one in 1,000 suffer deadly brain swelling. A total of 1,088 Americans have been infected so far this year, and two unvaccinated young girls have died.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents seek cooler, cheaper Eid, summer destinations amid Schengen visa delays
UAE residents are increasingly opting for cooler, more affordable non-Schengen destinations amid visa difficulties and efforts to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots ahead of Eid Al Adha and the summer break. Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing growing interest in alternative summer destinations, especially those that are visa-friendly and offer a cooler climate. Top choices include Salalah in Oman and Saudi Arabia's Aseer region, along with scenic destinations across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe such as Bali, Japan, Zanzibar, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. In the UAE, residents are set to enjoy up to a four-day break during Eid Al Adha next week, from June 5 to 8. Typically, during the school summer break from June to August, UAE citizens and expats flock to cooler European destinations like the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy. However, this year, widespread visa delays are prompting a shift in travel plans. Appointments for the 29-country Schengen area remain unavailable until mid-August, and US visa slots are similarly backed up for the coming quarters. 'We've seen a noticeable increase in searches for non-Schengen, cooler destinations compared to the same period last year,' said Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego. 'Delays in Schengen and US visa processing, combined with a preference for short-notice travel and less paperwork, are driving this shift. Travellers are also becoming more aware of beautiful, lesser-known alternatives.' Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at confirmed the trend, particularly among last-minute travellers. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are easier to access and have pleasant weather, rather than traditional European hotspots,' she noted. Top visa-friendly summer escapes For GCC travellers, nearby cooler destinations such as Aseer and Abha in Saudi Arabia, particularly after Hajj, and Salalah in Oman during the Khareef season are becoming popular choices, thanks to their convenient e-visa options. Other popular options include Zanzibar, Bali, Japan, and Nepal, which also offer similarly straightforward entry procedures. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations including Georgia, Almaty (Kazakhstan), Armenia, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Turkish cities like Trabzon and Antalya are gaining popularity. These places offer a mix of mountain retreats, coastal escapes, and lush landscapes — ideal for beating the UAE's intense summer heat without breaking the bank. Affordable getaway options Rashida Zahid shared that all-inclusive packages for cooler destinations start at just Dh2,200 for a 4-night, 5-day trip, covering flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours. Mamoun Hmidan added that Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and its mountainous regions like Kazbegi are popular among UAE residents due to their cool temperatures, cultural richness, and visa-free entry. Average airfare is around $375 (Dh1,375). Armenia is another top choice, offering e-visa or visa-free access and average airfares of just $232 (Dh850), making it highly attractive for budget-conscious travellers. Azerbaijan's capital Baku is also gaining traction, combining a cosmopolitan vibe with cool Caspian breezes. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are affordable, easy to enter, and offer a break from the heat,' Hmidan noted. Discovering hidden gems UAE residents are increasingly opting for travel 'off the beaten path,' in line with the global post-pandemic trend of avoiding crowded tourist hubs and discovering hidden gems. 'Many travellers are adjusting their timelines due to visa appointment delays, booking more flexible and refundable trips, and selecting backup destinations with easier visa access,' said Hmidan. Rashida Zahid observed that travellers are becoming more proactive, planning trips four to six months in advance — especially for the busy summer season — due to limited visa appointment availability.
Geek Culture
5 hours ago
- Business
- Geek Culture
App of the Month: Splid (May 2025)
Good company makes for a good time, but it can also mean more work when it comes to calculating the bill. While some may find comfort in doing the math, others are often put off by the tedium of it all, especially with additional factors like multiple payees and uneven splits complicating matters. Taking the stress out of handling transactions is Splid, aptly conveyed through its tagline of 'Split bills, not friendships'. Designed to help users stay on top of their shared expenses and settle up in a fuss-free way, it touts a nifty slate of features, starting with a clean, straightforward interface that shows them who owes how much to whom after all the expenses are keyed in. There's no need for an Internet connection or account to reap the benefits, either. The app supports offline use and doesn't require sign-up to work, but going online will sync the group's spending. In more intricate cases where, say, not everyone orders the same serving or portion of food, the bill can be adjusted without being subjected to mental gymnastics. With over 150 currencies registered and the ability to automatically convert amounts into just one currency, Splid keeps up the convenience for travelling, allowing users to easily track their overseas spending and split costs while abroad. Those who want to download summaries as PDF or Excel files have to fork out a small sum of US$4.99, but otherwise, the app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store for free. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Android App of the Month iOS Splid
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Madrid 2025
The best hotels in Madrid beckon travelers with a dynamic blend of thoughtful amenities, historic architecture and locations ideal for exploring the city's many diverse neighborhoods. From tasty tapas to thrilling flamenco performances to world-class museums like the Prado and Reina Sofia, immersive cultural experiences can be found here at every turn. To choose Madrid's best accommodations, we tapped experts like Jamie Tice, a travel advisor at Fora, who knows the ins and outs of the city. Our top recommendation is the Rosewood Villa Magna, thanks to its spacious rooms and ideal Salamanca location. We also recommend the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel for families and the Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza for couples. Below, the best hotels in Madrid in 2025. Guest room at the Rosewood Villa Magna. Madrid's leafy Salamanca neighborhood comes highly recommended by Tice, and the Rosewood Villa Magna—perched on the swanky Paseo de la Castellana—is a great all-around choice. Its location places guests close to excellent boutique shopping, and its spacious rooms feature king-size beds, lacquer-trimmed furnishings, marble baths and dark wood chevron-patterned flooring. Common areas are equally cozy, with an open-plan setting and plush seating ideal for lounging, and the property's Sense spa offers a standout Turkish marble hammam that's not to be missed. For meals, guests can choose between Flor y Nata's traditional afternoon tea, grilled Spanish cuisine at Las Brasas de Castellana, Michelin-star chef Jesús Sánchez's signature Cantabrian cuisine at Amós, or light tapas and cocktails at Tarde.O—the latter three offering beautiful al fresco seating options. A treat for families: With the exception of Amós, all children under age 12 eat free. Doble Treatment Room at Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Opening its doors in 2020, the Four Seasons Madrid is an ideal marriage of high-end accommodations and authentic Spanish flavor. Located on the uber-central square of Puerta Del Sol, the hotel features 200 elegantly adorned rooms and 22 residences all housed in seven historic buildings that were merged together. Dining includes elevated Andalusian cuisine at Michelin-star chef Dani Garcia's namesake Dani, as well as creative cocktails and Mediterranean and Asian dishes at Isa Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Art lovers will have no shortage of things to see (the hotel has over 1,500 art pieces on display), and the property's expansive wellness area features a spa, fitness center, hair salon, glass-covered heated and cold water pools, eight plush treatment rooms, and—for extra opulence—a gold-dusted relaxation area. Main courtyard at CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha. The Palacio de Atocha, the one-time lavish home of a high-ranking navy official, is now a retro-modern 34-room boutique stay in Madrid's literary district, Las Letras. The building, constructed in 1852, retains glamorous vintage touches: a winding staircase, a granite garden fountain, wrought-iron courtyard detailing and the former carriage entrance, which mixes curiously well with the neon signage and contemporary artwork sprinkled around the premises. Guest rooms here offer a real taste of palatial living, with antique moldings, modish velvet furnishings, and black and white marble baths. At meal time, the property's restaurant, El Patio de Atocha, serves a creative fusion of international cuisines and regional ingredients in an airy, blue canopy space with views of the property's pool and garden. Penthouse with terrace at 7 Islas Hotel. Family-run since opening its doors in 2002, Madrid's industrial-hip 7 Islas Hotel is a creative stay in the city's urban art enclave of Malasaña. The hotel's curated artwork rotates every few months, and the on-site 7 Kitchen & Bar serves Mediterranean bites and craft cocktails. With nightly rates hovering around $150 during peak season, accommodations here offer great value: Guests can choose from cozy Easy rooms to penthouse suites with luxe terraces, all with a clean, minimalist aesthetic comprising natural wood floors, metal trunk storage, printed throw rugs and woven leather and metal headboards. All rooms feature minibars with artisan products, quality bedding, Malin+Goetz amenities, and full bar menu room service for an exceptional homestay at a competitive price. Suite at the Santo Mauro, A Luxury Collection Hotel Words like 'grand' and 'aristocratic' come to mind describing Santo Mauro, the 19th-century neoclassical Duke's residence-turned-luxury-hotel in Madrid's quiet Chamberí district. The property consists of three buildings surrounded by enchanting manicured gardens with dense trees and wrought-iron and marble patio sets with fringed parasols—an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic escape. High-ceilinged antique-filled banquets and sitting rooms, each more striking than the next, occupy the lounge area, while room names such as The Red Room match their themes. After drinks at La Coctelería bar, guests can choose between the refined La Biblioteca restaurant, a former library featuring walls lined with bookshelves; Gresca, an ornate see-and-be-seen hotspot; or the property's charming garden terrace. The Petit Palace Room at the Petit Palace Lealtad Palace. Elegant and understated, Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza's vividly-painted lounges, eye-catching wall art and prime location near many of Madrid's most family-friendly attractions make it a solid choice for travelers of all ages. With complimentary strollers, a stay here makes it easy to experience all that the city has to offer, like the Botanical Gardens, El Retiro Park and the Prado Museum. At check-in, young visitors will immediately feel at home with a selection of toys from a collaboration with UNICEF and a dedicated play area to give parents a breather. Depending on the size of your brood, family rooms with bunk beds, cribs, extra beds and multimedia devices are available to keep children entertained. At breakfast time, high chairs and special children's menus complete the hotel's kid-friendly initiative. Suite at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Situated in Madrid's tony Golden Triangle of Art, home to the famed Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums, and just a short jaunt to El Retiro Park, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz offers an impeccable location near the city's big sights. All 100 rooms and 53 suites ooze sophistication with leather headboards, white marble bathrooms, ultra-comfort beds, a maxi bar and a neutral color palette. The rooms here are particularly great for groups, as all Deluxe rooms and suites offer connecting rooms; the Grand Suite, in particular, has a king bed and four twin beds. The on-site dining, all conceptualized by Michelin-star chef Quique Dacosta, is not to be missed, especially the grand reception area that leads to the glass-domed Palm court, where breakfast and afternoon tea are served alongside a Champagne bar serving first-rate bubbly and caviar. The Madrid Edition. Design lovers are sure to appreciate The Madrid Edition's modern aesthetic, which welcomes guests with a magnificently sculpted spiral staircase that leads to the sleek spaces inside. The hotel's 200 rooms, including 23 suites, are all dressed in fashionable white and cream, with backlit headboards inspired by the 18th-century baroque portal out front and glam elements like faux-fur throws and head-to-toe drapery. The Lobby Bar, the nucleus of the hotel, is offset by a pool table made with a slab of white marble and a cobalt blue top, while a pink-kissed corridor leads to the first of two restaurants, Jerónimo, where Mexican-inspired cuisine is served in four distinct settings. Other notable design features include a double-long green bar, canary yellow banquettes, and specially designed light fixtures. Terraza at The Principal Madrid. Classic in look and essence and with just 76 rooms, The Principal Madrid welcomes guests in a space designed for both comfort and leisure. Built in 1917, the building is filled with artwork, furnishings and knick-knacks that pay tribute to the turn-of-the-century architecture that inspired it. The color scheme—a fusion of muted greens, golds, taupes and splashes of red—alongside Ramón Freixa's plush Ático restaurant and a private-use wellness suite add elegant touches of splendor. The star of the show, however, is the grand rooftop terrace, offering arresting panoramic views over the city's main thoroughfare and the Broadway of Madrid, Gran Via, and emblematic buildings like the Círculo de Bellas Artes and the Bank of Spain. Guests can opt for a traditional cocktail at the olive-tree-lined La Terraza or enjoy a bite at the bistro-inspired La Pérgola. Picos Pardos Sky Lounge by Martini at the Bless Hotel. Bless Hotel Madrid is located in the elegant Salamanca district, neighboring the city's most exclusive shops and restaurants. The property comes highly recommended by Tice, who touts its surrounding area as top-notch: 'Staying at Bless Hotel allowed me to enjoy afternoon tea while staying close to the shops and enjoying the walkability of the beautiful area,' she says. Bedrooms here are bright with hardwood floors, oversized beds, patterned rugs and a hint of whimsy from the nature print wallpaper, while public spaces continue the eclectic feel with a cozy spa, virtual training room and the speakeasy-style cocktail bar Fetén. The property's crown jewel is its stylish rooftop sky lounge, complete with an emerald-tiled swimming pool that is sure to refresh after a long day on the town. The wellness area is an intimate space highlighted by a rectangular circuit pool fitted with paneled woods and neutral patterned walls. Neoclassical on the outside and with a modern interior, Urso Hotel & Spa preserves its rich architectural history with elements like stained glass windows and a fully functional antique elevator. The 78 rooms here are bright and inviting, with hardwood floors, full-length curtains and comfy deluxe bedding—all in a serene area of the city that's not far from the sights. 'The hotel is just on the outskirts of the city's busy-ness but close enough to walk to old town charm,' says Tice, who often recommends Urso to clients. Wellness is the standout here—the property's tranquil facility comprises a tiny techno gym, a Turkish hammam with aromatic eucalyptus scents and four treatment rooms. Premium spa brands Natura Bissé and Comfort Zone are used for all services, and treatments are customized and can be purchased in packs of up to 15 for future use. The vibe is at once eccentric and sumptuous with its maze of sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and offbeat decór. Only You Boutique Hotel sits near the heart of Madrid's bustling Chueca district, lined with bars and clubs. Inside, the energy continues with an eccentric and sumptuous atmosphere: A maze of quirky sitting rooms packed with plush furnishings and whimsical décor (think: a faux rhino head and a suitcase wall) greets guests as they enter. Bedrooms in this former 19th-century mansion are a touch more subdued while still echoing the grandeur of common areas with framed vintage Madrid maps, velvet headboards, geometric rugs and giraffe-print robes. The unconventional feel continues with Asian-inspired massages at the Thai Room, a 24-hour gym and the white Patio of Platos, a courtyard stacked with chinoiserie-print plate wall displays that triple as a lounge, dining area and event space. The rooms have been remodeled to reflect the hotel's storied heritage. Inaugurated in 1912, the The Palace exudes history: Formerly known as the Westin Palace, it was the go-to hangout spot for Spanish creatives like Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel in the 1920s before becoming a field dressing hospital during the Spanish Civil War. Recently taken over by Marriott's Luxury Collection, the hotel still offers a storied atmosphere that can be found everywhere you look, from the 17th-century tapestries in common areas to the La Rotunda Restaurant's crystal chandelier and ornate stained glass Art Nouveau cupola. The 470 rooms, of which 50 are suites, have been meticulously remodeled to reflect the hotel's heritage and are bathed in ivory with period wallpaper art, bespoke furnishings, marble fireplaces and a pop of modern color. The splendid LobByto Bar is a design marvel featuring art deco-style leather, velvetback furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar. Another historic property, Madrid's Gran Hotel Inglés is the oldest hotel in Madrid and has hosted no shortage of legendary artists, including Henri Matisse and Virginia Woolf, since opening its doors in 1886. Continuing the artistic theme, the property's central location in Barrio de las Letras is steps away from tons of art galleries and bohemian haunts (Ernest Hemingway went on many famous bar crawls here) as well as the popular Paseo del Arte. The hotel's décor, particularly the LobByto Bar, is something to behold: Featuring Art Deco furnishings and a bronze-trimmed island bar with a hanging liquor cabinet, it feels like it dropped into the building right out of a time machine. The generous space multitasks as a discreet guest check-in area, themed live music host, afternoon tea service and a weekend brunch hot spot that artsy guests are sure to appreciate. Rooms have classic furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style reminiscent of the property's aristocratic backstory. A short distance from Calle Serrano, the city's most exclusive shopping street, and a 20-minute strut to Gran Via's fast fashion boutiques, the 44-room Hotel Único Madrid welcomes visitors looking for a quiet respite in a boutique setting. The property's refined elegance is showcased in the common area library and its classic winding staircase spotlighting a vividly red sculpture. Rooms are filled with traditional furnishings, ambient lighting and contrasting woods, reflecting a sophisticated style inspired by the property's aristocratic backstory. Treatments at the spa feature luxury skincare brand Natura Bissé in the indulgent face and body treatments, while the well-equipped gym can provide personal trainers to keep fitness schedules on track. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. My name is Astrid Taran and I'm the senior travel editor at Forbes Vetted, where I oversee hotel coverage. I have covered travel for almost a full decade as both a writer and editor. Along with extensively writing about hotels and airlines, I have also written multiple destination guides as well as long-form features on luxury travel, adventure travel, wellness travel and more.
