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In journey this week's news: the best and busiest airports in the world, the European capital banning the creation of hotels, the Hawaiian attraction removed due to bad tourist behavior, and the passage of real animals in the process of construction on a California highway.
Almost nothing stops Japan's bullet trains – but this snake did it when he went on a rampage in a passenger car (OK, he just slipped a little). The train, which was due to depart from Tokyo to Osaka, was taken out of service, delaying more than 600 passengers.
Snakes will however be welcome on “the largest wildlife crossing in the world” under construction on the major 101 freeway in Los Angeles. The Wallis Annenberg Viaduct will span 10 lanes and provide safe passage for mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, toads and even ants. It is hoped that it will serve as a global model for urban wildlife conservation.
Alyssa Kopp and her mother, Mary Gomes Kopp, rescue stray animals on the Mediterranean island of Crete. They were left heartbroken after their beloved cat Rodri, who is visually impaired, has disappeared on an Aegean Airlines flight in Europe on March 8. More than a month later, they still don't know where she is.
The best and busiest airports in the world
In the world busiest airports were revealed in an annual ranking released Monday, with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International taking the top spot, as it has since most of the last two decades.
The big upset was Dubai taking second place for the first time. But the airport barely had time to celebrate its achievement before record storms swept across the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, causing flooded tracks, traffic jams and disarray in the center of the Middle East.
Heavy rain also hit neighboring Qatar, but Doha's Hamad International Airport fared easier, meaning it didn't take the shine off its big victory this week, being named the the best airport in the world for 2024according to a Skytrax survey of travelers around the world.
Amsterdam has taken the drastic measure of ban new hotels in a bid to curb the rising tide of overtourism in the much-visited Dutch capital. He actively works to discourage partygoers who flock to the city for sex and drugs.
Last week, residents of the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa, called for a hunger-strike to protest against excessive tourism which, according to them, costs them dearly. Over the past decade, the number of tourists has increased by almost five million per year.
In Italy, Florence's famous Ponte Vecchio bridge has been popular with tourists over the years, including when a Californian drives a rental car on the pedestrian structure last year. However, it is now ready to return to its former glory with a two year makeoverthe first such restoration of the medieval passage.
Video captures moment unruly visitors damage ancient rock formations
A shocking video captured two visitors destroying ancient rock formations at Lake Mead, America's first and largest national recreation area. The damage caused to the slabs, formed from 140 million year old sand dunes, is irreversible.
And in Hawaii, the scenic Haiku Stairs mountain trail will be removed following poor tourist behavior. “Widespread illegal intrusions” by YouTubers, TikTokers and thrill seekers led to this decision.
WE National Parks Week begins April 20, with one day of free admission on Saturday at all NPS locations. If you visit one of these national treasures in the next few days, be kind.
The bunker of this World War II dictator has just opened to the public.
The rooms are almost 20 feet underground and covered with four feet of reinforced concrete.
She decided to find a husband in a year.
Then she connected on a dating app with a man from the other side of the world.
A cruise line is offering a luxury suite for an incredible $1.7 million.
It's for 140 days world Tour departure in 2027.
Fashion that doesn't fly.
For what revealing outfits cause trouble for people on planes.
