Six decades ago, on the morning of October 1, 1964, a sleek blue and white train glided smoothly through the Tokyo skyline, heading south on its elevated tracks towards Osaka. This marked the beginning of Japan's "bullet train" era, an era that has become a defining symbol of the country's remarkable recovery from the devastation of World War II. Alongside the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, this technological marvel of the 1960s signified Japan's resurgence on the international stage. Over the past sixty years, the term Shinkansen, meaning "new trunk line," has become globally recognized, synonymous with speed, efficiency, and modernity. Japan continues to lead the world in rail technology, with major corporations such as Hitachi and Toshiba exporting billions of dollars' worth of trains and equipment annually.

For those in the United States who have procrastinated on their travel plans and are now eager to venture abroad, there's some good news. The U.S. Department of State has recently announced a reduction in the standard processing time for U.S. passports. Previously, applicants could expect to wait anywhere from six to eight weeks for their documents. Now, the waiting period has been shortened to a more manageable four to six weeks. This improvement comes as a welcome relief after the significant delays caused by the pandemic, which at one point saw waiting times peak at up to 18 weeks during the summer of 2021.

Beyond Paradise: The Complex Reality of Life in Fiji

Just a stone's throw from Moab, Utah, Red Cliffs Lodge typically hands out complimentary goodies such as maps to patrons. But in the fall of 2023, they spiced things up with a chilling addition: a ghost-chasing kit. This set comes complete with a recording device, an EMF detector, a spirit-communicating radio known as a ghost box, and a compendium of local spectral tales and the lodge's own ghostly chronicles. "Our visitors frequently come across odd occurrences, and there are three apparitions often spotted: the cigarette-smoking wrangler, the decapitated dame, and the submerged figure strolling by the Colorado River," remarks Brian Hunnings, the lodge's General Manager. "If you're prone to sensing such phenomena, chances are you'll cross paths with them. We aim to equip you for that adventure."

On an early Wednesday morning, fans of Disneyland were greeted with the news of a significant price adjustment. The cost of the majority of park entry tickets saw an approximate 6% increase, while the prices of annual passes, known as Magic Keys, at Disney's California flagship resort experienced a rise ranging from 6% to 20%. For instance, during peak seasons like the late December holidays, the single-day ticket price for Disneyland climbed from $194 to $206. Moreover, the privilege of park-hopping on the same day now incurs an additional fee that varies from $65 to $75, depending on the season's demand.

Nima Rinji Sherpa's ears still carry the dark hue of windburn, a testament to his daring ascents to altitudes where oxygen is scarce and weather can turn treacherous in a heartbeat. This month, the 18-year-old Nepalese mountaineer etched his name in history as the youngest individual to conquer all 14 of the world's loftiest summits. Yet, Nima is not one to rest on his laurels; he is already gearing up for his next monumental challenge. In a recent video call from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Nima revealed that after a brief respite, he will prepare to scale Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, alongside Italian climber Simone Moro—during the winter, in true alpine style. "It entails climbing an 8,000-meter peak in the depths of winter... devoid of fixed ropes, supplemental oxygen, and support. It's a true test of human endurance," Nima explained. "Such a feat has never been accomplished in the annals of mountaineering." He jested that after this, he would indeed take some well-deserved rest.

Raised in modest conditions in the bustling heart of Macao, Simon Sio's childhood home was nestled in an antiquated edifice, directly facing the city's most opulent lodging at the time, the illustrious Hotel Central. This establishment, which first welcomed guests in 1928, swiftly evolved into a distinguished hub for the elite, including celebrities and dignitaries, throughout the subsequent decades. During the 1960s, the youthful Sio would sneak into this sanctuary of cool air, a luxury not commonly found in the sweltering tenements that encircled it. However, his adventures were cut short when he was ejected one day. "In my naivety, I didn't understand the rules," Sio reminisces. "I pointed at the hotel and vowed to one day make it mine." While countless youngsters globally have uttered such defiant promises, Sio is among the rare few who have actually fulfilled such a pledge. The entrepreneur, now in his 65th year, established his real estate development firm, Lek Hang Group, in 1991. Leaping forward to 2024, Sio could be seen inaugurating the reopening of the venerable Hotel Central, now under his ownership. His acquisition was not driven by animosity but by a desire to revive a fragment of Macao's vanishing heritage, a cause dear to his heart.

Over a century ago, during his travels across the United States, British theatrical entrepreneur Richard D’Oyly Carte was captivated by the contemporary American hotels he frequented. This admiration led him to establish the United Kingdom's inaugural dedicated luxury hotel, the Savoy, in 1889. Like any premier hotel, it was imperative to have an exceptional food and beverage service. Thus, the American Bar was introduced. Intentionally created for American guests, it became a haunt for notable figures such as Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe over the years. Today, with the abundance of culinary accolades, guidebooks, and television programs, experiencing local gastronomy has become an integral, if not the primary, aspect of travel. However, akin to the patrons of the American Bar, seeking familiar comforts while abroad remains a common practice. There is a compelling rationale behind this.

Navigating the Skies of Bhutan: Where Pilots Need Zen and Steel Nerves

It's that time of year again when the air is filled with the aroma of roasting turkeys and the sound of laughter around the dinner table. Yes, it's Thanksgiving in Canada, a holiday that precedes its American counterpart by a month. While the United States observes Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, Canadians gather to give thanks on the second Monday of October, which this year is October 14th. To delve deeper into the traditions and history of this festive occasion, we consulted with Andrew McIntosh, a senior subject editor at the Canadian Encyclopedia. He shed light on the often-asked question by our neighbors to the south: why does Canada celebrate Thanksgiving in October?

Fall Equinox 2024: The Day the World Isn't Quite in Balance

The powers that be in Venice have decided to stick with the charge for drop-in tourists, a choice that's gotten a mix of cheers and jeers from both visitors and locals. Dropped on October 24, the 2025 blueprint will expand the number of days the fee is active, climbing from 29 in 2024 to 54. There's also a revamp of the fee structure, transitioning from a set fee of 5 euros (around $5.40) in 2024 to a variable rate. Early birds, those booking more than four days in advance, will keep the lower fee of 5 euros, while those booking at the last minute, within three days of showing up, will have to fork out double at 10 euros (about $11).

For those captivated by the vastness of arid landscapes, Africa is a dream destination. The continent is home to nine distinct deserts, each with its own unique story of how the forces of nature sculpted their extraordinary terrain. From the expansive Sahara in the north to the rusty hues of the Kalahari and the mysterious Turkana Basin, these landscapes have been home to resilient communities for millennia. Today, they offer visitors a romantic allure, dramatic scenery, and a plethora of adventures that reflect the distinctive character of each locale.

When considering the title of Earth's loftiest peak, the answer isn't as straightforward as one might expect. By traditional standards, which measure height above sea level, Mount Everest reigns supreme at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters), standing proudly on the border between Tibet and Nepal. However, if we were to consider the distance from a mountain's base to its summit, then Mauna Kea, a dormant shield volcano on the Hawaiian island, would take the crown at 33,500 feet (10,211 meters). Yet, there's another contender for the title of the world's highest mountain: Mount Chimborazo, an extinct stratovolcano in the Cordillera Occidental range of the Ecuadorian Andes.

On a radiant, sunlit afternoon amidst the recent summer in Antarctica, the Seabourn Pursuit cruise liner collided with a vast expanse of sea ice in the pristine Hanusse Bay. The vessel advanced steadily, the ice shattering beneath its prow, until it was firmly lodged hundreds of meters into the icy waters. The 250 voyagers aboard the Pursuit gathered on their balconies and peered over the ship's railings to witness the spectacle. However, there was no frantic dash for the lifeboats. Instead, the passengers descended to the gangplank and began disembarking to explore the icy terrain. This encounter was not a mishap but a deliberate adventure, replete with a table adorned with flutes of champagne to celebrate their Antarctic arrival. Among those strolling on the ice floe were Greg and Susana McCurdy, retired Las Vegas law enforcement officers. Susana, now a part-time travel consultant, and her husband are spending their golden years visiting as many exotic destinations as possible. After securing their champagne, the McCurdys unfurled a small banner proclaiming “7th Continent Antarctica 2024,” and posed for a commemorative photograph. With this journey, they became part of an exclusive group who have set foot on every continent. Susana noted a shift among her clientele recently: “They seek more genuine, more bucket-list destinations, particularly post-Covid. They’re no longer waiting… And Antarctica is high on everyone’s wish list.”

Pittsburgh, a city nestled in the heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania where three rivers converge, continues to astonish newcomers with its charm and warmth. Once known as the "Steel City" with its industrial haze, Pittsburgh has shed its old image, and locals take pride in debunking the outdated stereotypes. The city, with its 163 parks and stunning Gilded Age architecture, remains somewhat under the radar but is a hidden gem for those who know its true value. Politicians from both sides of the aisle have recently visited, recognizing Pennsylvania's pivotal role in upcoming elections, and visitors are encouraged to engage in open conversations with the locals. Pittsburghers, with their blend of East Coast frankness and Midwestern friendliness, are eager to share their favorite spots and may even introduce you to the unique "Pittsburghese" dialect, which has its roots in the region's Scots-Irish immigrants. The Heinz History Center in the Strip District offers insights into this dialect, as well as exhibitions on Mister Rogers and Western Pennsylvania sports legends.

Facing the challenge of diminishing snowfall, a prominent French ski resort in the Alps has been forced to cease operations after it was unable to secure funding for a transformation into a year-round attraction. The Alpe du Grand Serre, nestled in the Isère department of southeastern France, will remain closed for the upcoming season following a decision by the local council to cease financial support for the project aimed at diversifying the resort's offerings beyond winter sports. The council's president communicated this resolution to the radio station France Bleu.

A significant portion of the renowned and meandering Blue Ridge Parkway has been reopened, allowing for secure travel and the enjoyment of the picturesque autumn landscape following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. According to an announcement by the National Park Service (NPS), the parkway has been reopened from milepost 0 to milepost 198 in Virginia. Previously, the entire stretch of the parkway was inaccessible due to the extensive damage inflicted by Helene, which has been linked to 238 fatalities and caused substantial destruction in the Southeastern United States.

Japanese whiskies, nihonshu (sake), and beers have garnered global acclaim. However, a Tokyo-based bar is on a mission to revive interest in doburoku, an ancient and controversial beverage steeped in Japanese history. Heiwa Doburoku Kabutocho Brewery, nestled in the Nihombashi district of eastern Tokyo, is part of this revival. During the Edo era (1603-1868), this area bustled with activity as boats laden with sake shipments docked here. With this historical significance in mind, Heiwa Shuzou, a brewery established in 1928 in Wakayama prefecture known for its sake production, chose to open this unique doburoku-focused bar in one of Tokyo's most affluent neighborhoods. Before delving into the bar to sample this drink, it's essential to understand the rich and contentious history of doburoku.

As the colder months draw near, Mount Fuji, Japan's famous peak, is missing its usual snowy cap, marking a rare event in the mountain's long history. Normally, by this time of year, the top of Japan's highest mountain would be covered in snow. But as of recently, the peak is still bare, which has people worried about how climate change is affecting this national icon. The first snow is usually a sign that winter is coming after the summer climbing season wraps up, which happened a while ago this year. On average, snow starts to cover Mount Fuji around early October, and last year's first snow was noted a few days into the month, according to Japan's weather experts. But most of the snow melted away quickly last November because of unusually warm weather, as reported by a major news outlet. This year, the weather office, which has been announcing the first snow on Fuji every year since the 1800s, hasn't made that announcement yet, blaming the delay on the warm weather. "The high temperatures in Japan since the summer, along with the rain, have stopped the snow from falling," explained a weather expert from the weather office recently. The lack of snow by late October breaks the previous record set in the mid-20th century.