Latest news with #travelcompany
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-private-jet-interior-chapman-freeborn-SURPRSEPJTRIP0525-5b7abea8d8064ef981a811049590929b.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
19-05-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Company Lets You Book a Private Jet Trip to Europe Without Knowing the Exact Destination
How adventurous do you think you are, really? Because one travel company would like you to take that wild spirit to its limits. Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and aviation support company, is offering travelers the chance to do something zany: go on a trip without knowing the destination first. The company has launched its new Blind Booking program, "designed for American travelers headed to Europe," only where they go in Europe is anyone's guess until it's time for wheels up. "Inspired by the same wanderlust-driven mindset fueling the popularity of exploring and immersing in new cultures and destinations, Blind Booking gives travelers the chance to fly by private jet to a holiday retreat they won't learn about until right before takeoff," the company shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure . To get in on the fun, all travelers need to do is choose their departure airport in Europe and select a theme, which the company said could be anything from "a romantic escape, cultural city break, beach holiday, or outdoor adventure." Travelers can then submit a request for a one-way flight for up to six passengers. (So hopefully your crew is just as adventurous as you.) Those interested should hear back from a passenger flight broker who will go over a few details regarding the dates, departure airport, and number of passengers, and reveal the selected blind booking category to ensure everyone is aligned. Then, they will reveal the city, and you can be on your way. Don't worry. There is one more out: if you do not like the destination offered, you can withdraw your request free of charge. "For blind booking customers, the appeal lies in the spontaneity and exclusivity," the company added. "Chapman Freeborn offers an elevated travel experience without the complicated logistical overplanning, ideal for adventurers who want to let go and be surprised, but still expect luxury at every step." The Gulfstream IV private plane during take off. Alex Peake/Chapman Freeborn And if you really love this idea, you can try it out with Chapman, then try and give it a go with Scandinavian Airlines, which started offering a mystery flight called 'Destination Unknown' in 2024. As T+L previously reported, the airline sold tickets for its mystery flight exclusively to members of its frequent flier loyalty program who had the chance to redeem 30,000 miles for a seat. Though its ticket window is now closed, you can sign up to receive an alert about future trips at As for the Chapman trip, those begin at about $3,400, which feels like a great rate for a private plane adventure to … anywhere.
Condé Nast Traveler
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Things to Do in Japan All Year-Round
We've teamed up with legendary travel company Abercrombie & Kent to offer Curated Escapes, a collection of specialized trips custom-designed for our readers. Take off on a nine-day, small-group trip to Japan showcasing the skyscrapers and Shinto shrines of Tokyo, the Samurai districts of the coastal city of Kanazawa, and the Zen temples and textile traditions of Kyoto. Book now. Locals and regular visitors know that Japan—a remarkably varied country—doesn't reveal itself all at once. The nation is like an unfolding narrative: full of layers, contradictions, and hidden wonders. You've likely heard of the cherry blossoms, all the best things to do in Tokyo, and the bullet train, but the real magic is often found in the everyday. It's in the affordable convenience store snacks, the soothing hum of a rural onsen, or the pure joy of losing yourself in an arcade under neon lights. Whether it's your first trip or your fifth, these are the best things to do in Japan to experience the country's full spectrum, from the iconic to the subtle. Between the crane games brimming with adorable plushes and the rows upon rows lined with the latest and greatest gaming technology, there's no chance you'll grow bored inside a Japanese arcade. Getty Images 1. Visit an arcade (and get lost in neon nostalgia) Step into a world of neon lights, familiar eight-bit soundtracks, and the gentle buzz of competition. Battle your friends in Mario Kart, then hunt down the perfect purikura (photo booth)—Japan's arcades offer a riot of fun and an unforgettable sensory overload. Bonus points if you find yourself stuck in a UFO catcher (crane machine game) for longer than you care to admit.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Passenger bus skids off a cliff in Sri Lanka, killing 8 people and injuring more than 30 others
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A passenger bus skidded off a cliff in Sri Lanka's tea-growing hill country on Sunday, killing eight people and injuring more than 30 others. The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday near the town of Kotmale, about 140 kilometers (86 miles) east of Colombo, the capital, in a mountainous area of central Sri Lanka, police said. The driver was injured and among those admitted to the hospital for treatment, police added. The bus was operated by a state-run travel company, police said. Deadly bus accidents are common in Sri Lanka, especially in the mountainous regions, often due to reckless driving and poorly maintained and narrow roads.
Associated Press
11-05-2025
- Associated Press
Passenger bus skids off a cliff in Sri Lanka, killing 8 people and injuring more than 30 others
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — A passenger bus skidded off a cliff in Sri Lanka's tea-growing hill country on Sunday, killing eight people and injuring more than 30 others. The accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday near the town of Kotmale, about 140 kilometers (86 miles) east of Colombo, the capital, in a mountainous area of central Sri Lanka, police said. The driver was injured and among those admitted to the hospital for treatment, police added. The bus was operated by a state-run travel company, police said. Deadly bus accidents are common in Sri Lanka, especially in the mountainous regions, often due to reckless driving and poorly maintained and narrow roads.
