Social Bathhouses Redefine Wellness in North America
Forget the quiet, steam-filled rooms of traditional Nordic saunas. A new wave of social bathhouses is taking root in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and New York, blending relaxation with nightclub energy. Patrons don only towels and gather for DJ sets, dancing, and a communal wellness experience that’s a far cry from European norms. Upcoming locations in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia suggest this trend is only gaining momentum.
From Russia with Ice
Meanwhile, in Russia, a different cold-weather practice is emerging: ice floating. Participants spend 20 to 40 minutes in freezing water while wearing thermal suits that maintain body temperature for up to six hours, even in -20°C conditions.
A Tricky Ski Season in the U.S.
This winter has been challenging for American ski resorts. A significant drop in Canadian visitors, combined with one of the worst early-season snowfalls in the West in over 30 years, has created a tough season. The East Coast fared better thanks to plentiful powder.
Middle East Conflict Grounds Flights and Strands Travelers
Escalating conflict in the Middle East led to thousands of flight cancellations this week, carving a literal hole in aviation maps. Airlines rerouted planes on longer, costlier paths, while tens of thousands of passengers were stranded. Repatriation flights are underway, including for cruise ship passengers trapped in UAE and Qatari ports. The UAE’s reputation as a luxury travel safe haven has been shaken after retaliatory strikes hit the country, prompting influencers in Dubai to project a brave front as uncertainty looms.
Lisbon’s Secret Chicken Shop Draws Chinese Tourists
Behind an unmarked door on a Lisbon side street, a tiny charcoal-grill chicken shop run by 66-year-old António Silva has become an unlikely pilgrimage site. After a Chinese influencer praised the spot online, Silva’s no-frills store now sees a daily stream of visitors from China. Unfazed, he remains focused on fresh chickens and his secret seasoning.
Pint-Sized Pub Books Up Through 2027
In Bristol, England, the Bank Tavern has become a hotter ticket than Glastonbury. All reservations for the next year sold out in just 11 minutes, making its award-winning Sunday roasts a near-impossible booking.
‘Eat, Pray, Love’ at 20
Elizabeth Gilbert’s travel memoir turns 20 this year. The book, set in Italy, India, and Indonesia, sparked a solo travel movement whose complex impact continues to resonate.
In Case You Missed It
- Ancient ruins in Turkey may reveal humanity’s earliest villages.
- An American town celebrates Pluto each year to bring back a ‘lost’ planet.
- A 77-year-old heart attack survivor attempts a motorcycle trip around the world.
