This week in travel news, there’s plenty of exciting developments in global infrastructure, challenges with air travel, and some festive surprises.
Digging into Infrastructure Projects
Major infrastructure projects around the world have been in the spotlight, particularly those involving significant digging efforts. One of the most talked-about ideas is a massive transatlantic tunnel connecting London and New York, which could use vacuum tube technology to travel the 3,000 miles in just an hour. However, the construction of this $20 trillion project could take up to a thousand years, based on the slow pace of the Channel Tunnel’s construction.
In more immediate news, Norway has officially started the Rogfast project, which will be the world’s deepest and longest undersea road tunnel once complete. Not to be outdone, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, connecting Denmark and Germany, is set to open by 2029, marking the world’s longest road and rail tunnel.
Southern Europe is also making strides, with Greece and Turkey’s long-discussed bridge project nearing construction. In the UK, the ongoing High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project continues to attract attention, though some argue it’s a costly venture, now at $416 million per mile, with critics questioning its necessity.
And let’s not forget the ambitious plan for a bridge linking Britain and Ireland. Although the project, which would span just 12 miles, was shelved due to the complexity of deep waters, radioactive waste, and unexploded ordnance, it remains a fascinating what-if.
Baggage Woes in Air Travel
In air travel news, a well-known musician who had performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was forced to cancel a performance when Air Canada refused to accommodate his multi-million-dollar cello on board. This isn’t the only travel issue making headlines.
Baggage handling has become a major pain point for travelers, but there’s some hope on the horizon. United Airlines has rolled out a system to track lost luggage using AirTags, which allows passengers to share real-time location data with the airline. Other airlines like Delta, Lufthansa, and Qantas are expected to follow suit.
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Meanwhile, Japan Airlines is offering a new service allowing passengers to have their luggage delivered directly to hotels, helping to reduce congestion on public transportation in Tokyo.
Holiday Trouble: Wrapped Gifts and Unexpected Surprises
While it’s always a bad idea to pack wrapped presents in your luggage (they might get unwrapped if they raise concerns with security), it’s even worse when the gifts turn out to be illegal substances. This week in New Zealand, a holiday traveler learned that lesson the hard way when airport authorities uncovered 10 kilograms of methamphetamine disguised as Christmas presents in his bags.
On a lighter note, we also have a heartwarming story about a couple who met under rather unexpected circumstances. Jennea, whose flight was delayed, missed her train out of London, but while waiting at the platform, she met Arthur from the Netherlands. The two struck up a conversation, and Jennea ended up finding love in the most unlikely of places.
For those braving the winter chill without a warm companion, there’s always the option of heated gloves, as recommended by CNN Underscored, the product review arm of CNN.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season, free from travel mishaps or criminal baggage!