A remote hiking refuge in Italy’s Val di Fassa valley has become an unexpected hotspot for travelers, as social media influencers drive crowds to seek out the local krapfen or bombolone—a filled, donut-like pastry. The sudden influx of visitors to the Dolomites has overwhelmed the quiet mountain hut, turning a traditional snack into a major travel trend.
In South Korea, a significant cultural milestone has been reached on Jeju Island. Kylie Genter has become the first foreigner to earn a license as a haenyeo, the traditional female divers who harvest seafood without breathing equipment. Living in the coastal village of Youngrak-ri, Genter has integrated into the tight-knit community of divers who support and protect one another. Reflecting on her achievement, she told reporters, “As a foreigner doing this, especially as a person who is not a Korean citizen, it’s a big responsibility.”
Meanwhile, political tensions are impacting North American tourism. Following an executive order from President Trump that renamed Lake Ontario to Lake America amid trade disputes with Canada, industry experts fear a decline in Canadian visitors. This follows a previous downturn in the Florida region known as “Little Quebec,” where tourism suffered due to ongoing political friction and tariffs between the two nations.
As part of the ongoing countdown for America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2026, New Haven, Connecticut, has secured the No. 2 spot. Known for its historic grid, Yale University, and a vibrant culinary scene featuring everything from Ethiopian cuisine to iconic pizza, the city is being highlighted as an urban destination for walkers. The rest of the top-ten list includes Roanoke, Virginia (No. 10); Lawrence, Kansas (No. 9); Iowa City, Iowa (No. 8); Juneau, Alaska (No. 7); Burlington, Vermont (No. 6); Fort Collins, Colorado (No. 5); Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (No. 4); and Greenville, South Carolina (No. 3). The No. 1 pick is scheduled to be revealed next week.
Global travel habits are also shifting in other ways. In the United Kingdom, younger generations are increasingly moving away from the traditional pub culture in favor of fitness activities like running. In Taiwan, a volunteer known as the “Beast Runner” continues to search remote mountains for missing hikers, often pursuing leads long after official search efforts have concluded. Additionally, a celebrity chef in Bangkok is challenging modern dining habits by encouraging customers to put away their phones and focus entirely on their meals.
These developments come alongside a week marked by a mix of historical reflections, public health concerns regarding a measles surge, and reports of tragic flooding. As travel trends continue to evolve, the search for the top destination for 2027 is already underway, with organizers inviting public suggestions for next year’s rankings. The report also notes that a college town serves up serious pizza, plus younger Brits are shunning the traditional night at the pub, this week in travel news: A frenzy erupts over Italian pastries. The report also notes that known for its sumptuous cuisine and delicious desserts, Italy has tourists lining up for gelato all over the peninsula. The report also notes that but what about an Italian treat that’s sometimes overlooked – the pastry. The report also notes that well, some travelers have put one particular doughy delight at the center of their itineraries, much to the chagrin of unassuming locals. The report also notes that can you imagine diving into the sea without breathing gear to catch fresh seafood. The report also notes that most villages have their own groups of haenyeo. The report also notes that dive, bathe and relax together — while also keeping each other safe, and their bond is strong: They eat. The report also notes that the announcement is spurring fears of a fresh wave of Canadian travelers steering clear of the US.
