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Travel
The Independent Travel team are firm believers in the power of travel, whether that’s to explore new landscapes, delve into other cultures or simply to bring joy with a really great vacation. Our features, guides and reviews aim to inspire your travel, as well as provide you with all the key information to ensure your trip runs smoothly – from picking the best hotel to finding the cheapest flight and discovering the most authentic experiences.
Is Chicago on course to become the world’s busiest airport?
The number of scheduled flights at Chicago O’Hare Airport has surged by 13 percent year-over-year
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Some airlines charge to speak to a human — and the idea could catch on
Over 90 percent of consumers prefer talking to a human customer service agent, and some travel operators say that charging to do so is reasonable
8 of the most impressive domestic seats in the US skies
Flying city to city in the U.S. doesn’t have to be stressful, says US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill, who reveals the airplane seats that will make the journey a joy, from the back of the plane to the front
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My Charleston escape in the city’s less-crowded secret season
With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, January can be the perfect time to visit South Carolina’s historic port city, as Rhian Lubin discovers
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Atari reveals designs for video-game-themed hotel
Atari originally planned to open hotels in eight cities, but is now moving forward only with a development in Phoenix, Arizona, which will contain ‘subtle references to classic games’
‘Fly London-New York in 3h30m for £4,000 return’ vows Boom Supersonic
Exclusive: Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of the aircraft maker, says Concorde successor Overture could fly by end of decade
Andaz Miami Beach hotel review
In the sophisticated Mid-Beach neighborhood, US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill checks in to a location with chic vibes and a stunning outlook
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I stayed in the new White Lotus hotel for season 4 — and it’s stunning
The Independent's travel team shared their predictions for the location of the next White Lotus hotel last year — and US Travel Editor Ted Thornhill correctly prophesied Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez. Here he recalls his blissful family stay at the property
The lesser known Rocky Mountain ski resorts without the lift lines
Skiing in the Rockies doesn’t have to mean gridlock at the chairlift and chockablock trails. Less stressful but spectacular resorts await, if you know where to look
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North America’s top 10 most turbulent airports and routes revealed
The new lists are courtesy of a website that monitors turbulence using the same sources that pilots turn to when planning flight routes
When vacations go wrong: Inside three unforgettable travel disasters
The tales of nightmare vacations came courtesy of an annual contest to find the ‘world’s unluckiest travelers’
Major US airline to introduce premium economy cabin for first time
Premium economy seats will be retrofitted to Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul Airbus A330-200 aircraft
The best and worst US airlines for drinking water safety
The study was carried out by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity, which analyzed the results of 35,674 water tests taken over a period of three years
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Best and worst airlines for long-haul flights revealed
The index has been compiled by an analysis of ratings from Skytrax, AirlineQuality, Tripadvisor, Trustpilot and consumer advocacy group Which?
Seven remote luxury hotels in America
Some of the most extraordinary hotels in the U.S. are hidden far off the beaten track — these are some exciting ones to discover in 2026
Six US airports that are so good you won’t mind experiencing a delay
With impressive architecture, food and drink outlets that rival city-center hotspots, and relaxation spaces fit for luxury hotels, these are the flight hubs worth lingering at
Seven European Unesco sites that are worth the hype
These landmarks all deliver genuine awe in real life — no matter how many times you’ve seen them on social media
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Eight lesser-known Mexican beach towns you need to visit
They used to be seen as detours – now these beach towns are the main destination for savvy travelers
12 free state parks that are just as beautiful as national parks
The unsung heroes of the U.S.’s natural landscapes offer up everything from miles of hiking trails to rare wildlife and fairytale-worthy castles — and you don’t have to stand in line to enjoy them
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Alaska Airlines launches new transatlantic route direct to London
Next year marks the first time in Alaska Airlines’ history that it will operate transatlantic flights of any kind
The best Northern Lights photos of 2025 revealed
They feature in this year’s Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition, run by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas
Six of the warmest places in the US for a winter sun escape
From an island in Texas to a desert oasis, and a gem at the southernmost tip of the US
Ten European road trips you must do at least once in your life
In Europe, road-tripping drivers are brought face to face with jaw-dropping views that change at every turn
Skip London for one of these 10 great British cities
While the capital is a travel hub for overseas visitors, it’s possible to have the trip of a lifetime in the UK without staying there a single night. Here’s where to spend your vacation instead
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