Editor’s Note – Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news on when destinations open and close, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments.
(CNN) — The summer solstice is almost here, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
CNN Travel is here with ideas on how best to spend those daylight hours, from America’s most amazing train trips and the best restaurants to attractions and theme parks named the greatest for 2022.
Cross continents
This is the year to make epic travel plans.
Scottish adventurer Louis Hall takes a 2,800 kilometer (1,740 mile) journey across Europe, from Italy to Spain, and it’s all on horseback. (Big up to Sasha, her current equine companion).
And last month, Nigerian Kunle Adeyanju rode a 41-day motorbike ride from London to Lagos to raise funds for polio eradication in Africa.
And to find out which sights and experiences other travelers enjoy the most, take a look at Tripadvisor’s Top Attractions of 2022. A Spanish landmark has been named the best in the world – and they’re not even done yet. build it.
The best of North America
Attaboy’s cocktails have been delighting Manhattanites for a decade.
attaboy
But for America’s most exciting cocktail scene, head to Mexico City. The Mexican capital has three bars in the top 10 of the list: Handshake Speakeasy, hidden behind a cigar shop in Colonia Juarez (No. 2); pioneer of local craft cocktails Licorería Limantour (No. 3); and Baltra Bar, renowned for its Tuesday martini nights (No. 7).
The dining scene just brightened up in the Sunshine State, with the Michelin Guide coming to Florida for the first time. A total of 15 restaurants received these coveted stars – L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Miami even got two.
Aircraft cabins of the future
CNN Travel’s Francesca Street visited the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany this week and was the first journalist to try out a new prototype double-decker airplane seat, which has since gone viral.
The provocative design has drawn a lot of comments, both positive and negative (they already describe it on Reddit as the “human centipede” of the trip). We found it comfortable with plenty of leg room, but more than a little claustrophobic.
The seat was nominated last year for the Crystal Cabin Awards, which recognize the most innovative and creative new aircraft interior concepts. 2022 winners include “floating” cabin furniture and seats that come with their own personal fridge.
What’s new in Italy
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most glamorous road trip destinations in the world, but its popularity has led to huge traffic jams in high season. Authorities are now limiting tourist access by introducing an innovative new entry system based on license plates.
The United States has lifted its Covid testing rule for inbound travelers just as the already chaotic summer season is really heating up. Experts predict that Europe will soon be “inundated with American travellers”.
An extreme way to get some space for yourself in the Bel Paese is to simply buy your own Italian village. So did Scottish businessman Cesidio Di Ciacca, taking over the hamlet historically named after his family.
40 years in nine photos
A group of five friends have staged the same photo at the same California lake every five years for the past four decades. Despite a man’s recent cancer scare, this week they captured the snap of 2022. Here’s their story.
In case you missed it
It was once the largest floating restaurant in the world and housed everyone from Bruce Lee to Queen Elizabeth II.
In Sweden, garbage cans now tell you about rubbish.
Hip to be square
If only everything in life was as simple and streamlined a force for good as the packing cube. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a CNN-owned guide to product reviews and recommendations, have selected 22 of the best travel packing cubes so your suitcase can be so deliciously organized you’ll want to Instagram it.
