July 26, 2025

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Carnival Expands Celebration Key as Cannes Caps Ship Visits and Norwegian Boosts Solo Travel

Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to expand Phase 2 of its private Celebration Key port on Grand Bahama Island, leveraging the remaining 154 acres for new amenities and extending its pier to berth four ships daily by 2025.

Cannes will impose drastic regulations from next year, banning vessels with over 1,000 passengers from its harbor and limiting daily disembarkations to 6,000.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line is enhancing solo travel with dedicated Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony staterooms, plus exclusive Studio Lounges and flexible dining options.

Redeem 60,000 AmEx Points for Air France Transatlantic Business Class

Score a Lie-Flat Seat Across the Atlantic for Just 60,000 Miles

With summer transatlantic business-class fares routinely running $5,000 one-way, redeeming points can unlock massive savings. CNN Underscored editor Kyle Olsen transferred 60,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to Flying Blue—Air France/KLM’s dynamic-pricing loyalty program—to book a lie-flat seat from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Washington Dulles (IAD). Taxes and fees totaled roughly $500, a fraction of the cash fare.

Key steps to replicate

Search Air France’s award availability at the 60,000-mile level before transferring points.

Transfer instantly from AmEx, Capital One or other partners—often with transfer bonuses.

Book to secure lounge access, two checked bags and a multicourse meal at 35,000 ft.

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Hidden European Summer Escapes: Portugal’s Surf Town and Austrian Alpine Retreat

Europe’s Best-Kept Summer Secrets

This summer, adventure seekers are trading crowded Mediterranean beaches for two off-the-radar European escapes. In Portugal, the fishing town of Peniche sits just 90 minutes from Lisbon and delivers over 10 world-class surf breaks, from the 12-foot barrels of Supertubos to gentle sands at Prainha. Nearby surf camps like Salty Pelican and Alex Surf Hostel offer lessons and retreats year-round.

High in Austria’s Glemm Valley, Hinterglemm sheds its winter ski crowds for a serene alpine playground. With nine gondolas, 400 km of hiking trails, and an outdoor infinity pool overlooking lush peaks, the family-run Alpin Juwel provides half-board rooms from $164 per night and a free Joker Card for gondolas and local transport.

Why go now: Peniche’s spring and fall shoulder seasons blend diverse waves, fewer crowds and reduced rates, while Hinterglemm’s high-altitude breeze and guided sunrise hikes offer cool, crowd-free days.

Navigating Extreme Heat: How to Holiday Safely in the Mediterranean

As record-breaking heatwaves sweep across Greece, Italy, Spain and France this summer, travelers face elevated risks of heat exhaustion and even death. From groaning air-conditioning units to warm tap water and lack of blackout curtains, many vacationers are discovering that typical hotel comforts can fail under 40 °C temperatures.

To stay safe under the Mediterranean sun, experts recommend:

• Selecting accommodations with natural cooling—stone or brick structures, shaded hilltop lodgings and shutters for cross-ventilation
• Embracing the local siesta: limit activities during peak afternoon heat and recharge with a pausa pranzo
• Shifting sightseeing to early mornings or indoor venues like air-conditioned museums and wine-cellar tastings

Hydration and heatstroke awareness are critical: drink water regularly, recognise dizziness or confusion as warning signs, and carry portable fans or cooling fabrics wherever you go.

Nomadic Family Unlocks Asia Travel Savings Through Local Markets and Apps

A Dutch family of four—including two cats—has embraced a full-time nomadic lifestyle across Asia since January 2019, moving every two years and calling cities such as Beijing, Erbil and now Seoul home.

In South Korea, where the cost-of-living index ranks 56.5, Chris Oberman warns that basic groceries like apples can run up to $25 for four in supermarkets. To stretch their budget, the family relies on:

Fly Lie-Flat Across the Atlantic for Just 60K AmEx Points on Air France