by Here are the other of CNN Travel’s biggest stories right now.
On the rails
Spain has cemented its place as Europe’s high-speed rail capital with the launch of iryo, the fourth competing brand in the country’s expanding high-speed train market. With wider options for travelers, it should hopefully lower prices as well.
The Southeast Asian country of Laos is now more accessible than ever thanks to a new semi-bullet train, cutting overland travel times by up to 75%. Not only is it a godsend for citizens, it also opens up tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang, the country’s scenic former royal capital, and Luang Namtha, a trekking region of densely forested mountains.
Finally, passengers enjoy a ride on a “floating train” in Thailand that seems to float across the surface of one of the country’s largest reservoirs. This seasonal route is available on weekends from November to February.
Spectacular Greek projects
When the Corinth Canal was built in Greece in the 19th century, it was one of the greatest feats of infrastructure the world had ever seen and the realization of a vision that took 2,500 years to come. Now there are plans for a new museum on the site in 2024.
Athens’ Ellinikon International Airport was also once a busy gateway to Greece, welcoming high-profile visitors from around the world during the glamorous jet age. Abandoned for almost two decades, it is now set to be revived as a massive 1,400-acre coastal park with numerous sports venues, dining options and outdoor theaters.
Fisherman’s friends
A British fisherman recently caught a 67-pound goldfish on a trip to France: that’s about 67 times the size of an average domestic splash. The carrot – as the fish was called – was released back into the water to continue living big.
If you like your fish with a bit more bite, bull sharks are considered by some to be the most aggressive sharks in the world. If you’re brave enough, you can now swim with them in Cuba. Without a cage to protect.
Bull shark attacks on humans are rare, but it wouldn’t hurt to watch our video on how to avoid an unwanted shark encounter beforehand.
Our changing world
A 40 year love story
Annie McDonald and Steven Berger felt an instant bond when they met briefly while on vacation in Mexico in 1981. Four months later, Annie was diagnosed with cancer — and Steven was by her side.
In case you missed it
Why buy a Pacific island when you can buy over 100 archipelagos?
The darkest of all dark tourism: Singapore has a Hell’s Museum.
Fly Atlantic is based in Northern Ireland and hopes to start operations in 2024.
Naughty Traveler of the Week
A red-haired cat named Smells has apparently stowed unseen in the suitcase of a traveler bound for a flight from New York to Florida. Luckily, TSA spotted the suspicious cat-shaped outline when the bag went through the X-ray machine and the kitten was released unharmed.
If you’re purposely planning a vacation with your cat or dog in tow, our partners at CNN Underscored, a CNN product ratings and endorsements guide, put together this guide, which, according to the experts, tells you what you need to know.
