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Travel

The Independent Travel team are firm believers in the power of travel, whether that’s to explore new landscapes, delve into other cultures or simply to bring joy with a really great vacation. Our features, guides and reviews aim to inspire your travel, as well as provide you with all the key information to ensure your trip runs smoothly – from picking the best hotel to finding the cheapest flight and discovering the most authentic experiences.

When vacations go wrong: Inside three unforgettable travel disasters

The tales of nightmare vacations came courtesy of an annual contest to find the ‘world’s unluckiest travelers’

<p>The contest was won by a traveler who recounted a soggy, soul-destroying trip to Rome to see the Pope</p>

Major US airline to introduce premium economy cabin for first time

Premium economy seats will be retrofitted to Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul Airbus A330-200 aircraft

<p>Hawaiian Airlines’ premium economy is set to launch in 2028. Above is one of the carrier’s A330 planes</p>

The best and worst US airlines for drinking water safety

The study was carried out by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, which analyzed the results of 35,674 water tests taken over a period of three years

<p>Water for onboard coffee comes from tanks that may be infected with bacteria, despite airlines required to flush and disinfect them four times a year </p>

Best and worst airlines for long-haul flights revealed

The index has been compiled by an analysis of ratings from Skytrax, AirlineQuality, Tripadvisor, Trustpilot and consumer advocacy group Which?

<p>American Airlines is one of three US carriers in the ranking</p>

Seven remote luxury hotels in America

Some of the most extraordinary hotels in the U.S. are hidden far off the beaten track — these are some exciting ones to discover in 2026

<p>Reconnect with nature in style at remote stays such as Amangiri, Utah</p>

Six US airports that are so good you won’t mind experiencing a delay

With impressive architecture, food and drink outlets that rival city-center hotspots, and relaxation spaces fit for luxury hotels, these are the flight hubs worth lingering at

<p>Flight delays are almost welcome in some US airports, such as Portland International</p>

Eight lesser-known Mexican beach towns you need to visit

They used to be seen as detours – now these beach towns are the main destination for savvy travelers

<p>Mexico's beach towns are blessed with dazzling sands and blue-green, jewel-like waters</p>

12 free state parks that are just as beautiful as national parks

The unsung heroes of the U.S.’s natural landscapes offer up everything from miles of hiking trails to rare wildlife and fairytale-worthy castles — and you don’t have to stand in line to enjoy them

<p>Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee is just one of the state parks teeming with wildlife that you can visit without standing in line</p>

Alaska Airlines launches new transatlantic route direct to London

Next year marks the first time in Alaska Airlines’ history that it will operate transatlantic flights of any kind

<p>The new daily, year-round Dreamliner service to London launches on May 21, 2026</p>

The best Northern Lights photos of 2025 revealed

They feature in this year’s Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition, run by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas

<p>American photographers have been producing out-of-this-world photos of the Northern Lights</p>

Six of the warmest places in the US for a winter sun escape

From an island in Texas to a desert oasis, and a gem at the southernmost tip of the US

<p>Warm up your winter wanderlust with a look at some of America's toastiest vacation destinations for the colder months. The portfolio includes South Padre Island in Texas, which has 34 miles of incredible shoreline</p>

Ten European road trips you must do at least once in your life

In Europe, road-tripping drivers are brought face to face with jaw-dropping views that change at every turn

<p>Kylesku Bridge along the NC500 in northern Scotland. It's hard to pick a single ‘most iconic moment’ on a route so laced with breathtaking scenery</p>

Skip London for one of these 10 great British cities

While the capital is a travel hub for overseas visitors, it’s possible to have the trip of a lifetime in the UK without staying there a single night. Here’s where to spend your vacation instead

<p>The UK is packed with great cities</p>

Ten of the most exciting new US hotels openings in 2026

From New York City to New Orleans, next year’s standout openings entice with dazzling design, amazing amenities and seriously fine food

<p>The Knox Hotel in Dallas, Texas. America will see a host of new hotels in 2026, and some are going to be real head-turners</p>

My first impression of the World of Frozen coming to Disneyland Paris

US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill got a sneak peek of the new Disney Adventure World, including a walk around the life-size recreation of Arendelle

<p>World of Frozen is part of a multi-billion-euro extension in Disneyland Paris. The Independent's Ted Thornhill is pictured here trying out the Raiponce Tangled Spin ride</p>

First look at Disney Adventure World as launch date is announced

The highlight of the expansion is the brand-new World of Frozen, which features a life-size recreation of the kingdom of Arendelle

<p>The Independent stepped inside Disneyland Paris's new land for 2026</p>

Flyers urged by Sean Duffy to ‘bring back the Golden Age of Travel’

US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has launched a new 'civility campaign' titled 'The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You'

<p>The US Department of Transportation wants to 'restore courtesy and class to air travel' as seen in this image of a BOAC jet</p>

Why this underrated state deserves your attention

In North Dakota you’ll feel as though you have its incredible landscapes all to yourself

<p>North Dakota specializes in epic landscapes</p>

Forget the Rockies: Five East Coast ski resorts to try instead

The Rockies might be the headline act for skiers, but the slopes of Whiteface Mountain, Sugarloaf and Stowe all offer picturesque views, thrilling runs and intriguing history

<p>The East Coast of America is a sensational alternative to the Rockies</p>

Seven European lakes you must visit at least once

From the lake beloved by George Clooney to the place where Mary Shelley conceived Frankenstein, this list shows that heading inland on a European vacation pays dividends

<p>Europe has an impressive line-up of showstopping lakes</p>

George Lucas’s Los Angeles museum sets opening date — this is what's inside

First unveiled in 2014, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art looks set to become a must-visit bucket-list attraction

<p>The five-storey museum will house more than 10,000 pieces from George Lucas's personal collection</p>

Travel to this hidden paradise now easier thanks to online booking hub

Fewer than 4,500 tourists flew to the destination last year

<p>The spot is the only U.S. real estate south of the equator</p>

See Miami in a new light: Six neighborhoods that might surprise you

Beyond Miami’s party scene is a vibrant patchwork of neighborhoods, each with a story to tell

<p>Miami is filled with architectural glamor</p>

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