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Domestic Travel Up, Inbound International Visitors Down in Latest Study

a plane flying in the sky: A plane flies above Los Angeles International Airport, LAX

While travel to and within the United States grew two percent year-over-year in March, international inbound travel fell a whopping 5.4 percent.

According to the U.S. Travel Association’s latest Travel Trends Index (TTI), the two percent overall growth marked the industry’s 111th straight month of overall expansion, but it was the international inbound travel drop of 0.2 percent in February that had insiders alarmed.

The U.S. Travel Association attributed part of the decline to the timing of Easter, with the later date resulting in lower levels of inbound travel in March 2019 compared to the previous year. Numbers are expected to improve but remain soft in the second half of 2019.

“The outlook for international inbound travel remains lackluster, suggesting that a further loss of global market share is in the cards for the U.S. in 2019,” U.S. Travel senior vice president David Huether said in a statement. “Acting on certain legislative initiatives, such as the long-term reauthorization of Brand USA and the enhancement and expansion of the Visa Waiver Program to include more qualified countries, can help reverse this trend.”

While the international inbound travel forecast wasn’t bright, domestic leisure travel in the U.S. registered 3.2 percent growth in March, while the business segment increased by a more moderate two percent.

In addition, the TTI revealed that continued moderation in consumer spending, vacation intentions and business investment are expected to cause both segments of domestic travel to cool in the coming months.

Panicked passengers on an Aer Lingus plane opened emergency exits and climbed onto the wings when they wrongly thought the pilot told them to evacuate

a large passenger jet sitting on top of an airport tarmac

Passengers on an Aer Lingus plane opened emergency exits, climbed out on to the wing of their plane, and escaped by emergency slides because they thought that their pilot was telling them to evacuate.

  • The incident, which occurred in November 2017, came after the plane’s pilot told passengers to “Disembark the aircraft immediately.”
  • The command was misinterpreted by numerous passengers, with 32 passengers climbing out onto the wing.
  • The aircraft was flying from the Irish city of Cork to London, but was turned around after burning was smelt in the cabin.
  • One passenger said that the plane was “chaotic” and that the event was frightening.
  • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Panicked passengers on an Aer Lingus flight opened emergency exits, activated the escape slides and climbed onto their plane’s wings after their pilot told them to “disembark” after their plane was diverted.

The incident, which occurred in November 2017, came after the plane’s pilot told passengers to “Disembark the aircraft immediately,” and leave their baggage behind when their flight made an unscheduled return to Ireland’s Cork airport.

It had been flying from Cork to London Heathrow when crew decided to turn around when they smelled burning in the cabin, according to a report about the incident released by Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit on Tuesday.

The report said that the pilot intended passengers to leave through the plane’s doors as normal, but dozens of passengers panicked. Some opened plane’s over-wing emergency exits, climbing out onto the wings and leaving the plane using the escape slides.

The report said that passengers “interpreted the Commander’s instruction as a full evacuation.”

a fighter jet sitting on top of a runway© Air Accident Investigation Unit IrelandAround 32 passengers climbed onto the plane’s wings, with half of these using emergency slides and the other half re-entering the plane to leave via the normal steps.

When cabin crew noticed that passengers were using the emergency exits, they announced: “Ladies and gentleman, please remain calm and please exit the aircraft through the back doors and the forward doors.”

One passenger told investigators that the pilot was “excellent” but said it was “chaotic” when everyone tried to leave the plane. They said that passengers decided to open the exits after they were unable to move behind a passenger with limited mobility, who was being helped by cabin crew.

They said that the event was frightening, and that adults and children on board were upset.

a large airplane flying high up in the air: It's short and medium range flights are conducted using its fleet of 37 Airbus A320 and A321 narrow-body jets.© Aer Lingus It’s short and medium range flights are conducted using its fleet of 37 Airbus A320 and A321 narrow-body jets.The report claimed that passengers may have been “alarmed” when they saw a fire crew arrive, and that “passengers wouldn’t necessarily know the difference between a ‘disembark’ and an ‘evacuate’ instruction.”

It also said that pilots’ instructions may have seemed louder than normal to passengers because the pilots were wearing oxygen masks.

An investigation found that an on-board fan was the source of the fumes, and the manufacturer is producing a new design for the fan, the report said.

No safety recommendations were made, but Aer Lingus said that it intended to make the understanding of the difference between a “rapid disembarkation” and a “full evacuation” clearer.

Beijing Is One Step Closer to Opening the Biggest Airport in the World

Beijing Daxing International Airport — which is set to become the world’s biggest airport when it opens later this year — announced that it will begin test flights next week.

These test flights won’t be like normally scheduled commercial flights. Aircraft from Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines will land at the airport on the morning of May 13. After receiving ground clearance, they will take off again. The whole process is expected to take less than one hour.

According to the newspaper Beijing Youth Daily, the airport’s four runways and taxis passed inspection last week. The newspaper says work is progressing on schedule for the airport’s opening later this year.

Both China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines will use the airport as their new base when it opens.

The terminal, designed by Zaha Hadid, will be 700,000 square meters, and include separate passenger areas for domestic and international travel. It is expected to become the world’s largest airport in terms of surface area.

All work on the airport is expected to be completed by June 30. The airport is expected to open to the public on Sept. 30. By 2021, 45 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport annually. By 2025, that number is expected to grow to 72 million.

China has one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world. Of the 20 fastest-growing airports in the world, 11 are located in China alone.

19 Things to See and Do in and Around Hilton Head

Slide 1 of 20: Hilton Head Island in the South Carolina Lowcountry is consistently rated one of America’s top islands. And after visiting this idyllic fourteen-mile-long island, it’s hard not to agree. No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something for everyone on this stretch of paradise.

Slide 2 of 20: One of the most famous sites is the Harbour Town Marina and Lighthouse. Outfitted in red and white stripes, the lighthouse sits at the edge of Sea Pines Resort. Visitors are welcome to walk up to the top for a small fee. Shops and restaurants line the marina, as well as play places and an outdoor concert venue. It’s easy to spend an afternoon or evening just meandering through the Harbour Town area underneath the Spanish moss covered trees.

Slide 3 of 20: One of the unique things about Hilton Head is that the island is broken up into eleven different gated areas or resorts. In order to venture back into one, you need to be staying at that resort or be on the guest list of someone staying there, with the exception of Sea Pines. Sea Pines welcomes everyone for a per vehicle fee unless you are a resident or guest staying at the resort, in which case the fee is normally waived.

Because of the sheer expanse of Sea Pines and the multiple areas of interest in the community, it’s best to just hop on one of the free trolleys to navigate your way around.
Slide 4 of 20: Want a little bit of education about the area during your visit? Be sure to check out the Coastal Discovery Museum. Not only will you be able to learn about the history of the island and the wildlife, but Honey Horn is a wonderful place to have a picnic and take in the lush scenery.
Slide 5 of 20: One of my personal favorite activities is kayaking along Broad Creek. Situated in the middle of the island, the saltwater creek is famous for its dolphin visitors. Spend a few hours relaxing through the marsh areas. Just be sure to not drift too far because you'll have to paddle yourself back to the meeting point.
Slide 6 of 20: After a full morning of kayaking, one of the most relaxing places is the outdoor space at Fishcamp on Broad Creek. With plenty of seating, an outdoor bar and even lounge areas, it’s the perfect place to relax and play games like giant Jenga and corn hole with your friends.
Slide 7 of 20: Hilton Head is littered with beautiful beaches. You can travel all the way from the public beaches near Coligny Plaza to the far edge of the Palmetto Dunes Resort on foot or bicycle. The sheer size of the beaches provides a welcoming environment for whatever your interests may be—like bicycling, playing games or just laying out to tan—without feeling like you have to be right next to your neighbor. In wintertime, dogs are even allowed on the beach.

Slide 8 of 20: Hilton Head Island has more than 250 restaurants in its 69 square mile area. This extreme number of restaurants is sure to cater to any type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, but it might also leave you a little bit overwhelmed. If that’s the case, then be sure to check out It’s Greek to Me near Coligny Plaza. It’s some of the best Greek food I’ve ever had and even inspired my husband and I going to Greece for our honeymoon.
Slide 9 of 20: Pinckney Island is located between the mainland and Hilton Head Island, and the whole island is a National Wildlife Preserve. Spend the day relaxing in the tranquil serenity of the natural beauty surrounding you.

A Giant Mirrored Balloon Will Float Across Massachusetts This Summer

a close up of clouds in the sky

Backyard barbecues across Massachusetts are in for a surprise this summer as a reflective hot air balloon floats over the state.

Come July, a giant mirrored balloon will travel from Martha’s Vineyard to the Berkshires as part of a public art installation called New Horizon. Commissioned by the Trustees, the oldest land trust the world, the mylar-coated aircraft is scheduled to fly to seven different Trustees-owned properties over the course of 16 days.

Doug Aitken, the artist behind the lustrous, floating sculpture, called its journey a “21st-century road trip,” during a recent press preview. He explained the nomadic exhibition is meant to reflect the landscape of Massachusetts.

The balloon will debut at Long Point Wildlife Refuge in Martha’s Vineyard on July 12, where visitors will glimpse the island’s shores reflected on its glossy envelope. From there, it flies to the Farm Institute in Edgartown, the Holmes Reservation in Plymouth, the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum outside of Boston, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, and Naumkeag in Stockbridge. Its journey ends at Field Farm in Williamstown on July 28.

 

With each touchdown the balloon makes, the Trustees will host musical performances and conversations all rooted in the idea of the future. Artists scheduled to perform include Mac DeMarco, Kelsey Lu, and Jónsi.

“I love the idea of a culture ambush, something you don’t expect,” Aitken told Travel + Leisure. “That idea of breaking reality as you know it.”

In this way, explains Pedro Alonzo, the guest curator for the Trustees’ contemporary arts initiative, Art & the Landscape, the shimmering sculpture — carried by the wind — acts as a beacon for igniting conversations about urbanization, climate, art, and technology.

The balloon will be tethered to the ground during its stops. Visitors will be able to buy tickets to board the balloon, as well as attend events like sunrise viewings, dinners, garden parties, and more.

Beyond New Horizon’s site-specific celebrations, part of the exhibition’s magic is the otherworldliness of watching it float overhead on a summer’s day. Alonzo says he thinks seeing the work will be a life-changing experience for many. He points to a small test flight Aitken did last summer, which garnered plenty of attention.

“When it landed, a car full of teenagers pulled up and said, ‘We saw the balloon! Oh my gosh! What’s going on?’ Alonzo said. “A farmer and his daughter came out of their tractor. The little girl was screaming ‘The balloon, the balloon!’”

Because of its scale, caliber, and ambition, Alonzo describes the exhibition as “un-New England.”

“This is not the kind of thing that happens regularly — and it’s not the kind of thing that happens in Massachusetts,” Alonzo said. “There are many wonderful, beautiful things to come out of the state, but they tend to be more academic, more research-driven, more sober and business-minded. This kind of art is very rare, and I see it as a real opportunity for people to experience something unique.”

Why Rouen makes the perfect city break

Slide 1 of 6: The capital of Normandy was once one of medieval France's richest cities along with Paris and Orleans. Today, Rouen is one of France's many Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire, a label that seeks to promote French culture and heritage. Victor Hugo nicknamed it the city with a hundred bell towers, and even after sustaining damage during World War II, Rouen has managed to preserve its cultural, historical and architectural heritage.

Slide 2 of 6: When you first arrive, the first thing on your itinerary is just walking Rouen's medieval streets. Retrace the steps of French figures of history like Joan of Arc. Start your visit at the Place du Vieux Marche where she was accused of witchcraft on May 30, 1431 and burned at the stake. Then, lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets between the half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century.
Slide 3 of 6: Discover the city's historic monuments like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Parliament of Normandy, the Church of Saint-Maclou, the Tour des Archives, and the famous Joan of Arc Tower, the last remaining piece of Rouen Castle. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rouen is also worth a visit, bringing together the works of impressionist artists inspired by the city such as Monet and Pissarro, and paintings from masters such as Caravaggio and Delacroix.

Slide 4 of 6: The heart of the city is entirely pedestrian. On Rue Saint Romain in the antiques district, you'll discover another era. By browsing the many small pedestrian streets, you will have the pleasure of finding shops from major labels and brands, but also those of local craftsmen and creators.

Slide 5 of 6: Did you know that Rouen is the city with the most bars per capita in France? It would be a shame not to take advantage, so take the time to enjoy the city with a drink on the terrace of one of its many drinking establishments.Finally, if you want to enjoy the most beautiful panorama in the city, don't hesitate to climb to the top of Sainte Catherine Hill east of Rouen either on foot or by car. Immortalized by Claude Monet in his painting "la Vue Générale de Rouen", the view is splendid, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Slide 6 of 6: If you're still searching for a specific reason to visit Rouen, the Rouen Armada, a festive, international event that gathers the most beautiful sailboats in the world, will take place here from June 6 to 16, 2019.

Is Scotland the most beautiful place on the planet?

Slide 1 of 12: Voted the most beautiful country in the world by Rough Guides, Scotland is sure to have you falling in love at first sight. Here are some of the most scenic places to see while exploring this magical country.

 

Slide 2 of 12: Take a trip to the Isle of Skye and with any luck you'll come across the island's Fairy Pools, a group of shimmering waterfalls and deep turquoise rockpools. Make sure to visit during summertime when the weather allows for incredible pictures, and you can even dip your toes in! There's nowhere more magical or enchanting.
Slide 3 of 12: The landscapes of Scotland's Cairngorms National Park are the epitome of natural Scottish beauty. Looming hills are covered in vast stretches of purple heather and are home to a vast array of flora and fauna. From skiing in winter to hiking in summer, there's always something to do in this fantastic national park.

Slide 4 of 12: Few clifftop castles are as majestic as that of Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire.  A visit here will have you trembling at the sheer drop of the craggy rocks and the immense beauty of the surrounding environment. These centuries-old buildings are bound to amaze you as you walk up to the striking headland overlooking the North Sea.

Slide 5 of 12: Loch Lomond is an iconic lake located in southern Scotland, within the stunning area of Scotland's Trossachs National Park. You can expect gorgeous and inspiring scenery, especially come sunset and sunrise. Take a walk up Conic Hill for panoramic views of the loch and a fantastic spot for a picnic if the weather permits!
Slide 6 of 12: The Isle of Arran is often referred to as Scotland in miniature due to its abundance of beautiful and diverse landscapes. One of the island's coastal villages, Blackwaterfoot, offers quaint pebble beaches and is home to Robert the Bruce's famous King's Cave.

Slide 8 of 12: The area of Weser Ross has been named a National Scenic Area, so of course, it had to be featured in this list of scenic locations in Scotland. Located up in the north west mainland Scotland, the epic Wester Ross Mountains overlooking Loch Torridon are staggeringly impressive. Here you will find the most majestic of mountainous scenery as well as an array of fascinating and elusive native wildlife.

Slide 9 of 12: The most iconic of Scotland's mysterious and intriguing lochs, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in the whole of the British Isles. Located just a 20 minute drive from Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness offers hauntingly beautiful scenery for those visiting, who are often hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster.
Slide 10 of 12: The scenic landscapes surrounding Glencoe are legendary in Scotland. The Highlands' steep-sided valley in particular is an iconic location, frequently photographed by those in awe of its vast and epic beauty. This stunning valley is particularly popular in winter when the ski routes are open, the perfect way to explore the area and have fun at the same time!
Slide 11 of 12: Not only is Neist Point one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland, but it is also a famed location for its undisturbed beauty and unprecedented views. We can promise you'll be truly amazed by the sheer tranquility and exceptional ambiance of these cliffs, tucked away in the far west of the island.

Slide 12 of 12: Scotland's wonderful capital city of Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From classic locations like the castle and Holyrood Palace, to hidden gems like this street leading down to the bustling Grassmarket, you'll never cease to be amazed by Edinburgh. Visit in August during the famous International Festival for the best experience!

The Cheapest European Cities to Fly to This Summer

Slide 7 of 11: Summer median of $747 round-trip If you're booking a flight to Oslo, you may want to make a single dinner reservation first—for a restaurant that's not even in the city. That's for Under, Norway's underwater restaurant designed to look like a periscope that puts diners 16 feet under sea level. It's a five-hour drive from the Norwegian capital, but that mini road trip hugs a gorgeous stretch of coastline—well worth it, if you ask us. Once you've eaten your fill of seafood at Under, head back to Oslo to sweat it out at SALT's saunas, drink natural wines at Brutus, with the help of former Noma sommelier John Sonnichsen, and rest your head at the Thief Hotel, a Readers' Choice Award winner we keep going back to. If you need more inspo, these 19 photos that will make you want to visit Norway should do the trick.

Slide 8 of 11: Summer median of $760 round-trip Thanks to Delta opening up new flights to the Azores last year, it's easier than ever to go visit this adventurer's paradise. There's everything from mountain biking, waterfall-chasing, canyoning hiking, whale-watching, and volcanic crater wandering to be done—and that's just on day one. Follow our footsteps on your first trip to the Azores with this itinerary that hits all of Ponta Delgada's hot spots (and hot springs). Get an even better glimpse at the Azores in this video that heads to the most underrated spot in the Atlantic.

Slide 9 of 11: Summer median of $766 round-trip If Shannon didn't pique your interest, you're in luck: Dublin's also on Kayak's list for lowest median airfare. In Ireland's capital, you'll have plenty to do, from seeing live music in some of the city's best dive bars to finding preserved Bog Bodies from the Iron Age at National Museum of Ireland—Archaeology. There's also, of course, the Guinness Storehouse, too. (Be sure to check out the secret bar at the Storehouse that puts the brewery's more experimental options on tap.) *We have hotel, bar, restaurant, and coffee shop recommendations, too, all in our Dublin destination guide. *

 

Slide 10 of 11: Summer median of $767 round-trip The key here is when not to visit Stockholm in the summer: July. Yes, the weather is at its most perfect, but it's when locals are taking their own PTO in their summer houses on the archipelago, so many restaurants and shops are closed. If you go in June or August, though, there's plenty to fill your day. Start with fika, an afternoon break over coffee with cinnamon and cardamom buns—we've got a whole list of places to find fika in Stockholm. Then, with the kids in tow, visit Skansen, the world's first open-air museum, and the Junibacken, a train that takes you through the worlds of the Moomins and Pippi Longstocking. Stockholm's public library is also easily one of the most beautiful in the world. Want to explore the rest of the country? We've got 10 favorites Swedish destinations that aren't Stockholm.

 

How to Have it All on a Trip to Los Cabos

a close up of a rock with Arch of Cabo San Lucas in the background: Los Arcos, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico,

With all the exciting destinations to visit, it’s hard to pick which one is just right for your next vacation. You want to be sure it has enough activities to keep everyone busy, but also plenty of areas to kick back and relax.

From a gorgeous mountain range and beach area to outdoor shopping and nightlife, the city of Los Cabos checks off everything you might need for your vacation. Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, this resort city caters to both adult groups and adults traveling with children.

It’s a destination that has fun for all ages. Take a look at a few of the key activities to take part in during a trip to Los Cabos in order to have it all during your vacation.

Make a Splash

Los Cabos is a wonderful destination for water lovers, as the weather is pleasant year-round. Most of the resorts in the area will have plenty of pool space to enjoy. Whether you prefer to dip your toes in on the edge or float around, the pools are a great way to cool off.

Also, most resorts will have beachfront access, allowing visitors to splash around in the ocean or jump the waves that come in on shore. Since the currents can be strong in this area, guests can choose to take a water taxi from the marina over to Lover’s Beach. This area is more protected and has a safe place for swimming and snorkeling.

Shop ‘til You Drop

The marina boardwalk is lined with several stores and restaurants. Visitors can spend hours walking around checking out the various stores. From swimsuits and sunglasses to jewelry and arts and crafts, there’s not much you can’t find here.

In addition to the shops along the marina, there are a handful of indoor shopping malls as well, such as the Luxury Avenue Boutique shopping mall. Here visitors can find all of the latest fashions in clothes, jewelry, shoes, makeup and more.

Enjoy a Night Out

Once the sun sinks over the water and the stars pop out, Los Cabos becomes even livelier than it is throughout the day. The downtown marina area is lined with fun bars and nightclubs. Whether it’s a casual drink out or an evening of dancing, Los Cabos does not disappoint in the evening entertainment department.

Enjoy dinner at your resort and then hit the town for an evening of fun. Some of the popular places to go include Cabo Wabo Cantina, El Squid Roe and La Vaquita.

Take an Excursion

Travelers looking for a destination with excursions will find several in Los Cabos. Many of the excursions take place in or near the water. For example, there is the option for whale watching, snorkeling, kayaking, glass bottom boat rides and swimming with the dolphins.

Those who prefer to stay on land can try zip lining, hiking, off-road quad runners, a city tour or a horseback riding adventure.

There are plenty of things to see and do for all ages in Los Cabos. Book a trip to visit this exciting destination, and see for yourself.

48 Times Black Women Thanked Mom For Teaching Them to Love Travel

THIS MOTHER’S DAY ESSENCE SPREADS LOVE TO ALL THE FLY, GLOBETROTTING MAMAS CATCHING FLIGHTS WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS.
48 Times Black Women Thanked Mom For Teaching Them to Love Travel

For many of us, our moms were our original travel buddies. Whether it was a day trip to the amusement park or taking us on summer vacations as kids, our moms were the ones encouraging us to be brave, explore and see some world.

As adults, it’s a blessing to be able to travel the globe with the woman who sacrificed so much for you. This Mother’s Day, ESSENCE is giving a few women the chance to share why they love their jetsetting mommas, and say thank you for being dope, built-in besties who literally gave them the world.

From us to you – HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!