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In this week’s travel news, we have highlights on airport openings and upgrades in Asia, the selection of the greatest cheese of 2024, and some tips on handling encounters with spiders and bears.
Bears and Bugs
This week, a spider caused a car accident in California’s Death Valley National Park. A Swiss tourist spotted a tarantula, hit the brakes, and resulted in a motorcycle crashing into their car. Although tarantulas are slow-moving and nonaggressive, it’s important for visitors not to put other road users at risk by swerving or braking. It is worth noting that tarantula bites are similar to bee stings and are not deadly to humans.
In North Carolina, a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway had to be closed due to multiple reports of visitors attempting to feed and hold a young bear. During autumn, bears are increasingly hungry as they fatten up for hibernation. It is crucial to never get in the way of a hungry bear or attempt to cuddle with them.
Shiny New Airports and Planes
Singapore Changi’s Terminal 2, known as one of the world’s most glamorous airports, has fully reopened after a three-and-a-half-year upgrade. The terminal now offers increased capacity, spaciousness, and features an immersive garden and digital waterfall display.
Asia welcomes the opening of a new $1.1 billion airport in Siem Reap, providing easier access to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temple complex. Japan Airlines has also unveiled the high-tech interiors of its 13 new A350-1000 aircraft, including double beds, closet space, and built-in headrest speakers.
In Italy, an American family decided to live in an ancestral cave home carved into the sea cliffs on the island of Ponza. Their experience is documented to share what it’s like living in such a unique setting. Additionally, a Californian couple facing health issues and life setbacks made a bold move to Andalusia, Spain, to add excitement to their lives.
Meanwhile, in France’s Lot Valley, a rundown property was transformed into a dream home by Robin Johnson and Jim Thaman. Their journey represents a fresh start together with endless possibilities.
Cheese and More
The annual World Cheese Awards in Trondheim, Norway, named a dense and creamy Norwegian blue cheese with fruity overtones the finest in the world. These awards recognize exceptional versions of classic cheeses as well as innovative twists.
In the dairy industry, there is a growing market for Asian cheeses. An Australian couple established Laos’ first dairy and buffalo farm in the UNESCO-listed heritage town of Luang Prabang. Their unexpected venture was born out of a midlife crisis. On the Channel Island of Guernsey, the Seaweed Food Company creatively transforms plentiful local seaweed into delicious cheese and butter, resulting in a unique and enhanced flavor.
Flying and Weather Updates
The jet stream over the Atlantic was particularly strong this week, enabling flights from the United States to Europe to reach speeds equivalent to that of sound. This greatly reduced flight times. Furthermore, the strong jet stream helped strengthen Storm Ciarán, which impacted Europe during the week.
For those dealing with wet weather this November, CNN Underscored, our partner and product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, has compiled a list of the 17 best rain pants, as suggested by experts.
Extra News
Discover how the British-made Airlander 10 airship, often referred to as the “flying bum” due to its unique shape, could potentially revolutionize climate-conscious air travel as the world’s largest aircraft. Additionally, a secret room decorated by Michelangelo, hidden beneath a mausoleum in Florence, Italy, is set to open to the public. Finally, find out about a pilot who grew up in an island hut with limited amenities and is now living her dream.
Lastly, locals are eager to find a solution to the issue of a monster that is causing damage to Lake Tahoe.
