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 UNESCO has added 42 World Heritage Sites to its list of the planet’s natural and cultural sights worth special protection — the biggest group of new entries in more than two decades. The European listings include Eisinga Planetarium, inthe Netherlands that's best for astronomers. Others:

Best for: classic good looks

Best for: beer-drinkers

Best for: cave explorers

Best for: hiking

Orient Express La Dolce Vita will start operating in 2024 with 6 itineraries.

Guests will travel in luxury on leisurely-paced tours throughout Italy, across 14 regions and for 1, 2 or more nights onboard. Each itinerary is enriched with off-board explorations of hidden gems of Italy.

One of Japan's landmark historical properties from the Meiji era, the Former Nara Prison, is undergoing extensive renovations to become HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, a luxury hotel. It's scheduled to open in the spring of 2026.

Renowned for its free-roaming deer and three World Heritage sites, Nara is an ancient city in south-central Honshu. It features temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan's capital. 

 World Heritage Sydney Opera House has long been a gleaming centrepiece, bringing theatre, music and dance to the people since 1973. Now, the icon continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary. See what's on its program -  What’s on | Sydney Opera House 

 Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has launched a new jungle explorer package.  Panti Forest Reserve covers nearly 275 square kilometres of lowland rainforest. It is home to over 25 species of mammals, including the White-handed Gibbons, Pig-tailed Macaques and Banded Langurs, and over 100 species of birds. Images are available here: https://we.tl/t-Cv628ktEF3 

 Trafalgar celebrates its 75th anniversary this year with new travel experiences to meet the needs of today’s traveller.  

 Some newly added itineraries include:  11 Colorado Active Adventure ;  Journey Along the Civil Rights Trail  ;  National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas  

 Setsu Niseko is the proud winner of the title ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’ 2023 in the prestigious World Ski Awards competition. Location is a top draw for this hotel. The ski resort is flanked between Mount Yotei (affectionately called by locals as ‘little Fuji’) and the slopes of Mount Annupuri.  

Try Arrack in Sri Lanka - powerful liquor distilled from coconuts. Harvest sea grapes in Krabi - ocean's caviar. Milk buffalos and plant sticky rice in Luang Prabang. Source: Avani Hotels

 ‘The Land of Smiles’, Thailand is making its long-awaited comeback with the removal of all travel restrictions to the Kingdom.  From July 1st the Thai government has removed the final restrictions for international travellers, including the 'Thailand Pass' and US$10,000 health insurance requirements to enter the country. Vaccinated travelers will only need to show proof of vaccination to enter. Unvaccinated travelers will still need proof of a negative PCR or professionally administered rapid test taken within 72 hours of arrival.
 

 Andamanda Phuket is a brand-new multi-million-dollar water park and leisure complex that will immerse international travelers in a world of Thai mythology and legend
 

 AirlineRatings.com's safest airlines for 2022: · 1. Air New Zealand · 2. Etihad Airways · 3. Qatar Airways · 4. Singapore Airlines · 5. TAP Air ...
 

Tourism Australia's October 2023 collection of fresh openings and tourism news from Down Under includes:

• The epic 27km Tomaree Coastal Walk on Worimi Country in New South Wales;
• Esperance's new tiny home offering, created by HeyScape;
• The addition of the 'Gold Premium' experience to Journey Beyond's iconic The Ghan;
• South Australia's upcoming luxury stays, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island (opening December 2023) and Rumi on Louth on Louth Island in the Eyre Peninsula (slated to open in 2024).
   

Fancy a day with manta rays? Hanifaru Bay, the largest manta ray feeding spot known in the world is located a few boat miles away from Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, and the resort is launching the first Manta Retreat of its kind in October 2022 - a curated program to educate, explore and raise awareness for manta rays in their natural habitat.