This Week's Travel Buzz: Abandoned Motor Hotels, Busiest Airports, and Moving Abroad Smoothly
A century has passed since the inauguration of the world's initial motel, leaving behind nothing but remnants.
Get your travel fix with the latest news! Discover the forgotten birthplace of the motor hotel, learn which airports are ruling the skies, and find out how to make your relocation seamless.
The Motor Hotel Pioneer: The Milestone Mo-Tel
Dating back to 1925, the Milestone Mo-Tel was the first of its kind - the world's original motor hotel - originating in San Luis Obispo, California [1][2]. Inventively fusing "motor" and "hotel," this grand concept caters to travelers on the go, offering roadside lodging as its centerpiece [2].
Hotelier Arthur Heineman's creation revolutionized American travel culture, with the Mo-Tel concept creating a template for motels that would rise throughout the decades ahead [2]. The building itself, later known as Motel Inn, closed its doors in 1991, but the legacy of the Milestone Mo-Tel and its groundbreaking design ethos lives on [1][3].
Fly High: World's Busiest Airports
Heading somewhere far? Get the inside scoop on the world's busiest airports! Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has held the top spot for 26 of the past 27 years, with only 2020 (a pandemic-induced year) being the exception [4].
Joining the top 10 are Dallas, Denver, Dubai, and Delhi. Looking for more details? Indulge your curiosity and check out the full list[4]. But air travel's about more than just numbers—let's embark on a special journey aboard Qantas' revamped Kangaroo route!
Journey of a Lifetime: The Qantas Kangaroo Route
Gear up for a 14-day escapade, punctuated with exciting stopovers! Begin in Sydney, with layovers in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse, and Rome. Count on luxury amenities including all meals, accommodations, and tours!
The epic itinerary culminates in a private Vatican Museums walkthrough, before concluding in London. Think it's wallet-busting? At $32,000, it's an investment in a journey of a lifetime[4].
Souvenirs Aplenty: More Than Just Mementos
Souvenirs serve as cherished reminders of past adventures. Consider the enigmatic Daruma doll from Japan, an essential gift often found at temples around the country. Create a personalized goal, paint one of its eyes, and fill the second only upon achieving said objective [5].
In contrast, oddly enough, Trader Joe's grocery stores have become a magnet for travelers globally! Venturing across the globe for branded tote bags, bagged products, and Instagram fodder seems strangely appealing [5]. Just remember—be wary of products containing poppy seeds (like the infamous “everything but the bagel” seasoning), as South Korea has banned it due to the seeds' resemblance to opium poppy seeds [5].
Need to pack smarter? Check out our favorite luggage organizers, as recommended by CNN Underscored, to help you neatly store your prized souvenirs for the return journey home!
Crossing Borders: Relocating to the Old World
Keith Richardson, dreaming of warmer horizons, found his perfect seaside sanctuary in the quaint Italian town of Nardo[6]. He's just one example of the growing number of Americans seeking new experiences abroad.
With help from professional relocation experts, learn how to make your transition across the pond as smooth as possible[6].
Bonus: Travel News Worth Sharing
- UNESCO's newest Global Geopark is nestled in the heart of North Korea: Mount Paektu
- The Eiffel Tower was the backdrop to a real-life love story between two strangers
- Discover the magical film locations of The White Lotus in Thailand
- Residents of the least-visited nation of Tuvalu can now use ATMs, making travel a tad easier!
- Arthur Heineman's pioneering Milestone Mo-Tel, the first motor hotel in San Luis Obispo, California, revolutionized travel culture in 1925.
- In 2023, travelers can journey on a 14-day escapade via Qantas' revamped Kangaroo route, featuring luxurious amenities and exciting stopovers.
- To make your transition smooth when relocating to the old world, consider seeking help from professional relocation experts.
- This year, UNESCO's newest Global Geopark, Mount Paektu, can be found nestled in the heart of North Korea.
