(CNN) — One of the first things you’ll notice on entering the Mystery Hotel Budapest is the Aladdin-style magic carpet “floating” above the reception desk. This is the first indication there’s much more to this boutique hotel than meets the eye. Then there’s the countless light boxes on the walls displaying animated pictures that change…
(CNN) — There’s no denying that good wine comes with a price, but $40,000 seems rather steep. However, Hungarian winemakers Royal Tokaji say their limited edition Essencia 2008 decanter is worth every cent. Only 20 of the unique 1.5 liter magnums, designed by Hungarian-based artist James Carcass, exist, 18 of which were released last year….
(CNN) — Gaëlle Simon, a check-in and boarding agent at Brussels Airport, Belgium, used to feel lucky to work at an airport. “It’s such a big and loving family,” Simon tells CNN Travel. “Everyone feels connected with each other. Even with the passengers. Each day you come across so many beautiful people and stories in…
(CNN) — Driving through Brazil to Rio de Janeiro, you might spot an eerie sight on the side of the road: a derelict gang of Santas, lying abandoned surrounded by palm trees and greenery. Look closely and you’ll see these Father Christmas clones aren’t alone. There’s a sad looking sleigh and dilapidated reindeer nearby. Soon…
(CNN) — Ash Wednesday is just days away (Wednesday, March 6). So you know what that means. It’s Carnival time around the world as people, most particularly folks in areas with strong Roman Catholic traditions, get their party on before the more solemn, introspective days of Lent commence. Venice, Italy, draws huge crowds annually with…
(CNN) — Unfortunately, miracles are hard to come by in this thing we call life, but if the opening of a sea turtle nest doesn’t make you a believer, precious little ever will. Projeto Tamar, the Brazilian organization dedicated to the plight of the native sea turtle, usually tries to keep the opening of nests…
(CNN) — If watching a game at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã stadium has been on your bucket list since the 2014 FIFA World Cup, you can now do so without adding a trip to the consulate as part of your itinerary. Effective June 17, tourists from the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia will no…
(CNN) — There are no established roads, no cars. There’s not even a school bus; children are picked up and taken to school by boat. Electricity is generated by solar panels, and the generator shuts off at 10:30 each night. Ilha do Cardoso is a protected area in Brazil, and only those who are born…
(CNN) — The biggest city in Brazil justifiably hogs the superlatives — the biggest this! The most that! The tallest this! The longest that! — but São Paulo is not only about its headline-stealing concrete jungle of a capital. The state of the same name plays no second fiddle, clocking in at slightly bigger than…
(CNN) — A man with strawberry-blonde hair squats to face his dark-bearded, well-toned opponent. Both are wearing black loincloths, and stand in a meticulously groomed circle, surrounded by ceramic tiles that link together to form a perimeter. They’re about to engage in a sumo wrestling match. But this isn’t a tourist attraction in Japan. This…
