Looks like Europe’s first Universal theme park — currently dubbed Universal UK — is in the works. Given its location, it also appears that someone has finally swiped right on London Luton Airport. On that note, if you want to save a bit on visiting, stop by its arrivals hall before continuing on. Set to […]
Tourism
Airport Supermarkets (updated 7 April 2025)
As much as I personally love finding new foods to eat, I feel that much better when I can share some of the findings with family and friends. Though, it would be fair to say I don’t always remember to get to a city supermarket for some last-minute local food souvenir shopping. Enter: airport supermarkets. […]
Flight Review: Iran Aseman Airlines, Tehran Mehrabad to Shiraz
I have a treat for many of you– a domestic Iran flight. Buckle up for a seat on Iran Aseman Airlines, from Tehran Mehrabad (THR) to Shiraz (SYZ). FYI, aseman means “sky,” or “highest heaven” in Farsi; the privately-held company was founded in 1980, and is based at THR. Earlier this month, I traveled with Key2Persia […]
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Ever since my first trip to Tohoku two years ago, I’ve been yearning to visit more of that northern Japanese region. What better better way to do so than with the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass? Meanwhile, for a quick refresher on what constitutes the Tohoku region, here’s a map, with each prefecture’s most important […]
Two New U.S. Routes for Aeromexico
Stand by, SkyTeam members, and Mexico fans alike: two new U.S. routes for Aeromexico are coming your way. Let’s start with Mexico’s capital, Mexico City. From 5 June, Delta’s partner south of the border will be inaugurating flights from the city’s main airport (MEX) to Philadelphia (PHL). Capable of seating 160-166 passengers depending upon the […]
Japanese Theme Trains
Whereas I might take issue with Japanese rail bureaucracy, Japan is still one of a handful of countries where I consider it a pleasure to travel by train. Whether it’s the 15-car trains running every two minutes during Tokyo’s rush hour, the tracks running right along the sea, or the peculiarly named stations, one could […]
Hokkaido Introducing Lodging Tax
Starting next year, expect a Hokkaido lodging tax to be added to your bill. he government of Japan’s northernmost prefecture, and second-largest Japanese island, is planning for the Hokkaido lodging tax to be implemented from April 2026. But don’t fret; it is only expected to go up to ¥500 per night. As of today, 20 […]
Will On-Board Immigration Ever Return?
Over the more than two decades of solo travel, I’ve never encountered an immigration system quite so whimsical as that in Indonesia. I’m only going to speak in terms of entering a county as a tourist, although years back I did work in Jakarta for a spell. How would on-board immigration have worked then? As […]
