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In this week’s travel roundup, we explore why Europeans and Americans hold their forks differently, a Spanish island where there are more cats than people, and a harrowing rescue mission atop the highest peak in the Alps.
Italy’s Palmarola island is close enough to take a day trip from Rome, but far enough away that the hustle and bustle of the capital makes it seem like another planet. This is a paradise with no roads, no phone reception, and few tourists. Here’s how to visit:
Tabarca Island, about 800 miles southwest of Palmarola, is Spain’s smallest inhabited island and is home to more cats than humans. Part of the Balearic Islands, it is full of Mediterranean charm, but unlike its neighbors Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, it is less well known.
In Asia, the “Spice Islands” region of eastern Indonesia (now known as the Maluku Islands) was virtually off-grid to international travelers until just 20 years ago. Luxury expeditions to the region now attract travelers craving new and unusual adventures at sea, all complemented by modern, upscale amenities.
Concorde made supersonic travel a reality 50 years ago
Fifty years ago this week, the Concorde made its first commercial flight, making supersonic travel a reality. The pilots who flew the legendary airliner say it was unlike any other plane. In this epic oral history, they reveal the secrets of flying the world’s fastest commercial airliner.
In less stellar aviation news, a former flight attendant has pleaded not guilty to charges that she defrauded three U.S. airlines into giving her hundreds of free tickets by posing as a pilot.
Industry insiders are baffled by the way he is said to have carried out his plan. Why didn’t airlines figure it out sooner?
In low-cost airline news, tech billionaire Elon Musk is feuding with Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary after the outspoken CEO of Europe’s largest airline said the airline would not deploy satellite Wi-Fi technology from Musk’s company SpaceX.
The situation escalated this week when Musk used highly selective language to insult O’Leary. Ryanair responded with a “big idiot seat sale” exclusively for Mr. Musk.
Finally, Southwest Airlines will eliminate free seating on all seats on January 27th, marking the end of an era for the Dallas-based carrier. If you’re traveling to the Southwest this weekend, make sure you grab a seat.
Great Escapes is a new CNN travel series about trips that don’t go as planned and what happens next. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be bringing you the first three articles in the series. Also available in audio format.
It begins with a daring rescue mission atop Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Madalyn Christea was descending from the summit in the wind and howling snow when she noticed a hiker in front of her fall. The hiker was tied to his son with a rope, putting both of them in danger.
“He disappeared from my presence,” Cristea told CNN. “I had a hunch that he was going to die.” He took action without thinking. Here are the results:
Next week, we’ll find out what happens to a woman who ends up sharing a motel room with two nuns when her Greyhound bus breaks down and she’s stranded.
How to make Din Tai Fung’s signature xiao long bao
The perfect Xiao Long Bao weighs 21 grams, has 18 precise pleats, and is stuffed with finely chopped delicious pork. CNN’s Will Ripley traveled to Taiwan to learn how to make Din Tai Fung’s iconic version of the puffy little treats.
A high-stakes meeting. An outstanding movie. cosmic phenomenon.
What do you remember about that week?
The cargo spill covered the beach with fries and onions.
Fish and chips are a British seaside staple, but this one is different.
Europeans and Americans hold their forks differently.
Here’s why it’s important:
Japan’s coolest tourist attraction isn’t a temple.
It’s a corner store.
