In the know

The latest news to inspire you to see the world

Priority Pass reveals its best airport lounges in the world

The world’s best airline lounges have been revealed and to lounge lovers, the top spot may not come as a surprise. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a Bloody Mary cocktail station, outdoor year-round roof terrace, private booths with beds and Dyson hair dryers in the private shower rooms, Vienna Lounge at Terminal 1 in Vienna Airport was voted not just the best in Europe, but the overall global winner in the inaugural Priority Pass Excellence Awards. Following Vienna was Cathay Pacific’s The Pier first-class lounge at Hong Kong International Airport, JAL’s JAL First Class Lounge at Haneda Airport, Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport and Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse at London Heathrow rounding out the top five. The awards consider over 1,500 lounges across a wide range of criteria, including quality of facilities, customer service, food and beverage selection, and overall satisfaction.

ITA Airways fuss-free check in/ drop off

Passengers flying from Rome's Fiumicino Airport with ITA Airways this summer can now check in and drop off their luggage at Rome’s Termini train station before their flight. Once bags are checked in at Termini, passengers can collect them at their final destination (except the US and Israel) and enjoy having free hands for shopping bags and coffee cups. The free service is available to ITA passengers every day as long as their flight is scheduled on the same day.

Train travel between Madrid and Casablanca soon to be a reality?

Imagine travelling by train from Spain to Morocco in under six hours. Thanks to a historic rail tunnel project currently being considered by both countries’ transportation ministries, the first-ever rail link between the two continents could become a reality in just a few years. The proposed train would connect Punta Paloma, Spain, to Malabata, Morocco, near Tangier with an underwater tunnel, according to The Spanish Society for Fixed Communication Studies across the Strait of Gibraltar. Although the train line would ideally be operational by 2030, there is no set deadline when the project may be greenlit.

Stays

Airbnb is taking dream stays to the next level with the launch of its newest category, Icons. Think epic stays and experiences around the world including replicas only seen on the big screen. Our favourite for the kids (and big kids), is a custombuilt replica of the home featured in the Disney and Pixar movie Up Every detail of the New Mexico home has been meticulously recreated (including over 8,000 balloons and a crane) and even floats—yes, really! One of the most coveted Icons is a stay in a room behind the Musée d’Orsay’s clock face built by the designer of the Games' torch and cauldron. The special experience is only available for one night only, July 26, the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

16 DAY ANTIQUITIES OF TURKEY WITH GULET PREMIUM SMALL GROUP TOUR

An unparalleled experience. Sail the Aegean Coast on a traditional gulet, explore Cappadocia’s fairytale landscapes, see Istanbul’s grand sights, Hadrian’s Gate, the battlefields of Gallipoli.

• Small group tour, no more than 14 guests

• 5-star hotels, 3 nights sailing the Turkish Riviera on a traditional Turkish gulet

• Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide

• Flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia

On land and sea in one of the world’s most incredible countries, including guided visits in Athens and Ephesus and sail the Aegean Sea

• Small, intimate group experienceno more than 24 guests in mainland Greece

• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

• 3 nights in 4-star premium accommodation

• 5-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises in an exterior cabin

• Travel in comfort with luxury coach transportation

Amazing trip...loved every minute of it. Our guides were amazing and went above and beyond to give us a great holiday. The accommodation was definitely 5-star.

Enjoy the culinary delights and sights of Istanbul and tick off your bucket list: the battlefields of Gallipoli, ancient Troy, the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, picture-perfect Santorini, and more

• Intimate small group experience in Turkey with up to 20 guests

• 7 nights in centrally located, 4-star accommodation

• 1 night stay in deluxe, 5-star accommodation

• 6-day cruise on the Aegean Sea with Celestyal Cruises

• Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 7 dinners