Unspoiled Paradise: Islands Beyond the Tourist Trail
In a world where popular destinations often become overwhelmed by tourism, there are still hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These are the places that offer a unique and authentic experience, untouched by the masses. From Italy to Indonesia, we're about to uncover some of these secret islands and the stories they hold.
A Day Trip to Paradise: Palmarola, Italy
Imagine a place so close to Rome yet so far from its hustle and bustle. Palmarola, an Italian island, is a true paradise with a twist. No roads, no phone signal, and remarkably, almost no tourists. It's a day trip that feels like an escape to another world. Discover how you can visit this hidden haven (https://cnn.com/travel/palmarola-italy-island-no-tourists).
The Cat Island of Spain: Tabarca
Some 500 miles away from Palmarola, Tabarca, Spain's smallest inhabited island, boasts a unique charm. With more cats than people, this Mediterranean gem is part of the Balearic archipelago. Unlike its famous neighbors, Tabarca has remained off the radar, preserving its magic (https://cnn.com/2025/10/07/travel/tabarca-spain-smallest-inhabited-island).
Indonesia's Spice Islands: A Luxury Adventure
In Asia, the Maluku Islands, once known as the Spice Islands, were virtually unknown to global travelers until recently. Now, luxury expeditions to this region are offering travelers a chance to explore the sea and its wonders, all while enjoying modern amenities. It's an adventure like no other (https://cnn.com/travel/east-indonesia-spice-islands-raja-ampat-luxury-expeditions).
But here's where it gets controversial... Should we support the development of these once-pristine places, or is it better to leave them untouched?
Aviation News: From Supersonic Flights to Fraudulent Schemes
This week, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Concorde's first commercial flight, a true milestone in aviation history. Pilots who flew this legendary aircraft share their stories and secrets (https://cnn.com/travel/what-it-was-like-concorde-pilot). However, not all news is glorious. A former flight attendant faces accusations of posing as a pilot to obtain free tickets, leaving industry experts baffled. How could such a scheme go unnoticed (https://cnn.com/2026/01/21/travel/flight-attendant-fraud-free-tickets-intl-hnk)?
In other news, tech billionaire Elon Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary are locked in a feud over satellite Wi-Fi technology. Musk's insults and O'Leary's response have sparked a heated debate (https://cnn.com/2026/01/21/tech/ryanair-oleary-musk-spat-scli-intl). And for budget travelers, Southwest Airlines is saying goodbye to free-for-all seating, marking an end to an era (https://cnn.com/2025/07/21/travel/southwest-airlines-assigned-seats-start).
Great Escapes: When Plans Go Awry
Our new series, Great Escapes, explores the unexpected twists and turns of travel. This week, we bring you the story of Madalin Cristea, who witnessed a hiker slip on Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. Roped to his son, both were in danger. Cristea's quick thinking and bravery saved two lives. Read the full account of this daring rescue (https://cnn.com/travel/man-saved-two-lives-mountain-madalin-cristea-great-escapes).
Next week, we'll uncover the tale of a stranded woman who shared a motel room with two nuns after her bus broke down. Stay tuned!
A Culinary Adventure: The Art of Xiaolongbao
CNN's Will Ripley takes us to Taiwan to learn the art of making Din Tai Fung's iconic soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao. With precise pleats and a perfect weight, these dumplings are a delicacy. Ripley shares his experience and the secrets behind these plump little treats (https://cnn.com/travel/will-ripley-taiwan-xiaolongbao).
And finally, a fun fact to end on: Did you know that Europeans and Americans hold their forks differently? It's a small detail that can reveal a lot about dining cultures (https://cnn.com/2025/12/20/travel/dining-styles-american-continental).
Join us next time for more travel tales and unique insights!
