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(CNN) – This week in travel, we look at innovative new transport concepts, the reopening of Thailand’s most famous beach and flight attendants open up about the airport chaos gripping Europe and America.
Thinking of the blue sky
Someone warn Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff: If NASA has its way, booms may soon no longer rock the room.
The agency is working on Quiet SuperSonic Technology to reduce the explosion-like noise traditionally produced when planes break the sound barrier, meaning craft like its X-59 supersonic jet will be able to fly above the ground. — something that is prohibited by regulation due to noise nuisance.
Other ambitious projects in the works include Spaceship Neptune, “the first carbon-neutral spacecraft,” according to its creators Space Perspective. They plan to begin taking passengers on flights to the edge of space by 2024, floating aloft in a pressurized ball suspended from a giant high-tech helium balloon. Take a look here.
This crazy travel summer
So, first, the good news. New Zealand, Samoa and Brunei have all reopened their borders and the Chinese gambling hub of Macau has eased its Covid restrictions. Malaysia and the Caribbean island of Martinique have also lifted all Covid-related travel restrictions.
However, as the summer of travel chaos continues in Europe and the United States, London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol have announced more air traffic restrictions and the Covid risk level has increased in a number of destinations, including Romania and Moldova.
Focus on Asia
Cannabis cafes are popping up all over Bangkok after the plant was decriminalized in Thailand in June. The crowds are pouring in, but not everyone is happy with the new spots.
Also a popular backpacking spot, Thailand’s Maya Bay was made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2000 film The Beach. Unwitting visitors were doing extensive damage to the bay’s coral reef and it was closed for four years for a massive rehabilitation project. It is now open again for beach lovers.
Keeping cool in Abu Dhabi
Countries around the world are bracing for extreme summer temperatures, but some cities are more successful in dealing with the heat than others. Temperatures in Abu Dhabi can soar to more than 120 F (over 50 C), and the city is still using an ancient Arab architectural cooling technique — with a modern twist.
And in the emirate’s Jubail Mangrove Park, a forest of resilient plants is thriving in the highly saline waters of the world’s hottest sea. It is a tranquil wildlife habitat and an offer of hope in an era of climate crisis.
And while Abu Dhabi may be known for its scorching temperatures, last year it was the first destination in the Middle East and Asia to be named an official “Bicycle City” by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the sport’s governing body. There has been huge investment in an exciting network of cycling circuits — although the best time to ride is before sunrise or after sunset.
Italian dream house
A couple from Maryland bought an abandoned Italian house for one euro and turned it into their European dream home — complete with an elevator. Here’s how they did it.
In case you missed it
A passenger was fined $1,874 for two undeclared McMuffins and a bacon croissant.
Imagine, as a 1980s teenager on holiday in London, having an outfit so snappy that you’re asked to be an extra in your favorite pop star’s music video.
Fake it until you get it
If you want a great glow all year round (and without the skin damage that comes with sunbathing), then you need a good self-tanner. According to the experts, our partners at CNN Underscored, a guide to product reviews and recommendations owned by CNN, have rounded up 15 of the best self-tanning products on the market.
