In travel news this week, the United States will no longer require Covid-19 testing for inbound travelers. Japan now allows international tour groups.
The world's most luxurious cities have been revealed, as well as the country with the cleanest beaches in Europe.
The floodgates are wide open
CNN reported Friday that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is poised to remove the requirement for travelers to test positive for Covid-19 prior to entering the United States. This was one of the most anticipated travel developments of this year.
Since January 2021, the measure has been in effect. This move will encourage tourists around the globe to plan summer vacations in the USA and encourage more Americans to travel abroad, knowing that they are less likely to be stranded overseas due to a positive test. This season, air travel has not been smooth.
Japan opened its borders to international tours groups on June 10, but individual travelers are still not permitted to enter.
This week, the CDC issued an "Alert – Level 2" travel advisory regarding monkeypox. The rare disease is a cousin to smallpox. It has been making news after cases were reported in dozens upon dozens of countries. Although the risk to the public is low, the CDC recommends that people "practice enhanced precautions."
The confessions of an 1980s flight attendant
Ann Hood was only 21 years old when she was hired as a flight attendant by the legendary airline TWA in 1980. She writes in her new book, "Fly Girl," about her adventures during the golden age for air travel.
She says, "It gave my confidence, it gave you poise, and the ability for me to think on your feet." I believe that a few years as a flight attendant can make a big difference in your life.
Most expensive cities
The annual ECA International index has named Hong Kong, Asia's financial hub, as the most expensive city for the third consecutive year.
Asia was also the most expensive continent with four additional cities -- Tokyo Shanghai Guangzhou, Guangzhou, and Seoul -- landing in top 10.
A very popular European tourist spot was dropped out of the top 30, however. Continue reading.
Korean cuisine:
An unlikely celebrity chef has emerged from South Korea as a female Buddhist monk. Her temple cooking has been featured in The New York Times and she's the subject for a Netflix episode of "Chef's Table."
Jeong Kwan was awarded the Asia's 50 Best Icon Awards in 2022. Here is her story.
If you like Korean food, then try a Korean drink. Makgeolli, a South Korean traditional rice wine, is now considered mass-produced and ready to drink. A new generation revives older brewing methods and makes makgeolli premium, hip and trendy.
Hitting headlines
A man from Arizona is suing American Airlines. He claims that the airline misidentified him as a suspect in burglary and sent him to jail for 17 days. Officials in Atlanta claim that a passenger was allowed to pass security with a bag that could have contained a gun.
Wizz Air's CEO was criticized for telling his staff to rest more for fatigue. Ryanair, an Irish low-cost carrier, was also criticised for asking South Africans to prove their nationality by taking a Afrikaans test -- only 12% of the country speaks it.
US tourists were fined after damaging Rome's Spanish Steps by using scooters. This was just weeks after a Saudi man was arrested for driving a rented Maserati down this famous landmark.
Rare tortoise born
Servion Zoo, Switzerland has received a rare albino Galapagos giant tortoise. It is the first time that the tortoise has been seen in captivity.
If you haven't seen it, here it is
These are the cleanest spots for bathing in Europe.
The winner is a mountainous country without a coastline.
Mid-proposal, a Disney employee stole a ring from the hand of a groom.
Even Gollum doesn't have a ring-hungry personality.
Anthony Bourdain first met local chefs and food lovers in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank ten years ago.
Enjoy his journey via the podcast "Parts Unknown".
Myth-busting
A bargain is the best way to put a spring into your step. CNN Underscored is a product review and recommendation guide that CNN owns. They have some great tips for when and where to book flights.
(Top image: On April 19, airline passengers walk through San Francisco International Airport. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
