CNN Travel recently released its weekly newsletter, “Unlocking the World,” featuring the latest news in aviation, food and drink, and travel developments. In this edition, the newsletter covers a range of topics from the best party spots around the world to impressive engineering projects and heartwarming animal stories.
Starting with travel news, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has been named the best place in the world to party right now. According to Time Out’s survey, Rio’s live music, dance halls, and bohemian bars have received rave reviews from partygoers. The city ranked high on affordability, but the title of the place that’s hardest on the partying but easy on the wallet goes to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. With its late-night food markets, Manila is a must-visit for nightlife enthusiasts. In Europe, Berlin takes the crown as the best place to party, with outdoor raves making a comeback and the iconic Berghain club unveiling a new sound system.
Moving on to grand designs, Switzerland is offering a reward for the best ideas to remove munitions dumped in its lakes during the 20th century. Meanwhile, France’s Millau Viaduct, the world’s tallest bridge, has transformed the face of Europe with its impressive engineering. For travelers facing the challenge of packing a suitcase to fit airline requirements, CNN Underscored provides a roundup of the best luggage scales for precision packing.
In heartwarming animal news, the passing of Sphen, one half of Sydney’s famous gay penguin couple, has touched hearts worldwide. His partner, Magic, expressed his grief through song, with the entire penguin colony joining in. On a different note, a woman’s risky decision to climb over a zoo fence to touch a Bengal tiger at a New Jersey zoo highlights the importance of respecting wildlife.
The newsletter also features Knoxville, Tennessee, which has been named one of the top 10 best towns to visit in 2024. Known for its rough-edged charm and vibrant music scene, Knoxville has become a hub for live music and excellent dining options, including the award-winning J.C. Holdway and Cruze Farm’s renowned soft-serve ice cream.
Lastly, the newsletter touches on intriguing stories such as the discovery of a Titanic newspaper article in a wardrobe after 112 years, nude beach etiquette, and the efforts made to ensure the safety of Harry Styles fans in their village.
Overall, “Unlocking the World” provides a diverse range of travel-related news and stories, catering to a wide audience interested in exploring the world’s wonders and quirks.