Travel

Scenic Rail Adventure Offers Stress-Free Journey Through Switzerland’s Highlights

Published

11 months ago

June 7, 2025

With its world-class rail network and breathtaking alpine landscapes, Switzerland has long been considered a top destination for scenic train travel. For time-pressed travelers, however, the logistics of planning routes, connections, and accommodations can be daunting. That’s where guided rail tours, such as Intrepid Travel’s Best of Switzerland trip, are proving to be a popular solution.

Joining a small group of fellow travelers, writer Vicky Smith recently experienced the benefits of such a trip firsthand. Over eight days, she and her group journeyed by train from Zurich to Lucerne, through the Jungfrau region, and on to the cheese capital of Gruyères and the historic city of Bern—all under the expert leadership of Silvia, an Italian guide based in Central Europe.

The adventure began with a short stay in Zurich, where travelers were encouraged to arrive early and explore the city’s vibrant Old Town, museums, and lakeside promenades. The following day, the group boarded their first train to Lucerne, a city known for its medieval charm and iconic wooden bridges. A scenic “golden round trip” to Mount Pilatus—including a lake cruise, cogwheel railway, and gondola—offered panoramic views, though mountain fog occasionally obscured the vistas.

Next came the highlight of the journey: the Jungfrau region. Traveling by the Eiger Express and Jungfrau Railway, the group reached Jungfraujoch—nicknamed the “Top of Europe”—where wintry conditions and indoor attractions like an ice palace made for a memorable visit. Free time in the region allowed for side trips to stunning natural sites like Trümmelbach Falls, nestled among alpine meadows.

The itinerary continued to the French-speaking canton of Fribourg, where travelers stopped in the town of Bulle and the storybook village of Gruyères. Here, visits to a cheese factory and an artisanal chocolatier provided rich cultural and culinary experiences. A final stop in Bern, Switzerland’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, capped off the trip with a behind-the-scenes tour of its famous medieval clock tower.

Priced from €3,050, the tour offers convenience and camaraderie in one package. While the group skewed older, participants bonded over shared experiences—and the advantage of skipping the travel planning was clear.

“I saved days of research,” Smith said, adding that the balance of guided activities and free time made it “a relaxed, well-paced introduction to Switzerland’s beauty and culture.”

For those seeking a seamless, scenic rail adventure, tours like Intrepid’s may indeed be just the ticket.

Travel

Frankfurt Airport Opens Major New Terminal to Boost Capacity and Passenger Experience

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2026

Web Reporter

Frankfurt Airport is set to expand its capacity significantly with the opening of its new Terminal 3, a major development aimed at accommodating growing international travel demand. The facility, which officially opens on April 23, is designed to handle up to 19 million passengers annually, adding to the airport’s already substantial traffic of more than 57.5 million travellers recorded last year.

The new terminal complex includes a main building and two piers, known as H and J, and will be integrated with existing terminals through the airport’s Sky Line people mover system. Passengers will be able to transfer between terminals in approximately eight minutes, improving connectivity across the airport.

Over the next three months, airlines currently operating from Terminal 2 will gradually shift to Terminal 3. Among the first carriers scheduled to relocate are Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, and Korean Air. Airlines based in Terminal 1, including Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners such as Air Canada and United Airlines, will remain in their current location.

The terminal has been designed by German architect Christoph Mäckler, who envisioned the space as more than a transit hub. The layout is intended to resemble a city environment, with gates, lounges, and corridors functioning like streets and public squares. The seven-level structure features a distinctive outward-curving façade and a central marketplace area with a reflective steel ceiling.

Art also plays a central role in the terminal’s identity. Frankfurt-based artist Tobias Rehberger has been appointed “Artist in Residence,” contributing installations themed around travel and transition, with additional works expected over the coming year.

Terminal 3 will offer a wide range of dining and retail options. Food outlets include international brands and concepts such as EL&N London, Sophia Loren Restaurant, and Burger King, alongside local and regional offerings. Retail spaces will feature global brands including BOSS, Montblanc, LONGCHAMP, and Victoria’s Secret.

Additional amenities include napcabs for resting passengers and a variety of convenience stores, catering to both short-haul and long-haul travellers.

The opening of Terminal 3 marks a significant milestone in Frankfurt Airport’s expansion strategy, positioning it to handle rising passenger volumes while offering an upgraded travel experience.

Travel

Title: From Private Jets to Spaceflights: Ultra-Luxury Travel Redefines Exclusive Exploration

Published

2 weeks ago

April 12, 2026

Web Reporter

High-net-worth travellers are increasingly turning away from traditional luxury holidays and toward highly exclusive, hyper-personalised experiences that prioritise access, privacy and rarity over ownership. According to the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Travel Trends Report, the global elite are reshaping tourism by seeking out destinations and journeys far removed from mass travel and crowded hotspots.

One of the most visible expressions of this shift is the rise of curated private jet expeditions. Companies such as Four Seasons now offer fully planned around-the-world itineraries lasting up to 24 days. These trips, operated on customised Airbus A321neo-LR aircraft with fewer than 52 seats, include flatbed leather seating, onboard fine dining prepared by a private chef, and dedicated concierge services. Destinations span Bora Bora, Kyoto, the Serengeti, Easter Island and the Maldives, with immersive experiences ranging from cultural workshops to guided expeditions. Packages start at around $219,000 (€187,000) per person and include accommodation, meals and ground transport.

At the highest end of exclusivity, private island rentals continue to attract ultra-wealthy travellers seeking complete seclusion. Islands such as Banwa Private Island in the Philippines, Laucala Island in Fiji, and Calivigny Island in Grenada offer full privacy with luxury villas, infinity pools and personalised staff. Richard Branson’s Necker Island and Musha Cay in the Bahamas also remain popular, offering tailored experiences including private dining on sandbars and bespoke entertainment. Nightly rates range from $46,000 (€39,000) to over $100,000 (€85,000), depending on the destination.

Adventure tourism has also reached new extremes with the emergence of space travel for civilians. Companies such as Blue Origin and SpaceX now offer suborbital and orbital flights. Blue Origin’s brief missions provide minutes of weightlessness above the Kármán line, while SpaceX’s Crew Dragon offers multi-day orbital stays with luxury interiors and panoramic views of Earth. Ticket prices can reach $55 million (€46.9 million) per passenger.

Polar tourism is another fast-growing segment, with ultra-luxury expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic gaining popularity. Operators like White Desert fly guests directly from Cape Town to remote camps inside Antarctica, where high-end pods, gourmet dining and guided exploration replace traditional cruise infrastructure. Experiences include visits to emperor penguin colonies and the South Pole, with prices starting around $16,000 (€13,600) for short trips and exceeding $70,000 (€60,000) for extended journeys.

In the cruise sector, multi-month global voyages are drawing increasing interest. Regent Seven Seas and similar operators offer itineraries lasting over 140 days, combining all-suite accommodation, fine dining, wellness facilities and curated excursions across dozens of countries.

The evolution of luxury travel reflects a broader shift in elite tourism, where exclusivity, privacy and once-in-a-lifetime access define the new standard of global exploration.

Travel

SAS to Cancel Over 1,000 Flights as Fuel Costs Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

Published

1 month ago

March 18, 2026

Web Reporter

Scandinavian airline SAS has announced plans to cancel at least 1,000 flights in April as soaring fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict continue to strain the aviation sector. The carrier said further cancellations are likely after the Easter period, when travel demand typically declines.

Chief executive Anko van der Werff said the rapid rise in jet fuel costs has created significant pressure on operations. Speaking to Swedish business daily Dagens Industri, he noted that fuel prices had doubled within ten days, describing the increase as a major shock for airlines already managing tight margins.

The airline said it had already begun scaling back services in March, with several hundred flights cancelled while attempting to minimise disruption to passengers. Most of these cancellations affected domestic routes in Norway, with only limited impact on services in Sweden and Denmark.

SAS operates roughly 800 flights per day, and the company stressed that the planned reductions represent a relatively small share of its total operations. Even so, executives said the measures are necessary to manage rising costs and maintain financial stability in an increasingly uncertain environment.

The surge in fuel prices follows a sharp increase in global oil markets. Brent crude oil has climbed to around $100 per barrel after tensions escalated following military action involving Iran. The situation has disrupted key supply routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil supplies normally passes.

SAS said it had already introduced fare increases to offset the rising cost of jet fuel, joining other international carriers taking similar steps. Airlines including Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific, Air India and Qantas have also raised ticket prices in response to higher operating costs.

In addition to pricing adjustments, many airlines have reduced or suspended services to parts of the Middle East due to security concerns, while rerouting flights to avoid affected airspace. These changes have increased travel times and operational expenses, adding further pressure on ticket prices.

Industry analysts say passengers may continue to face higher fares in the coming months, even if tensions ease. Increased demand for alternative routes that bypass the Middle East is also contributing to rising costs.

SAS said it is taking steps to strengthen its resilience, including short-term schedule adjustments, as it navigates the ongoing volatility in global energy markets and the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on the aviation industry.