The Best Weekend Getaways In Europe, Japan's Cruise Boom And More Travel News

Europe’s weekend crowd has a new shortlist, while cruise and travel planning headlines keep rolling. European Best Destinations picked 10 European cities for short getaways, led by Sofia, Bulgaria, noted for its contemporary art scene, cafes and restaurants, outdoor concerts and local wines; Lisbon and Copenhagen complete the top three. Forbes Travel Guide also highlighted 10 hotel sauna experiences worth traveling for, from Alpine heat rituals to a floating option off the Washington coast. For pet owners, the piece notes that more semi-private carriers and charter services may let pets stay in-cabin for a premium, though routes and schedules can be limited. Separately, Royal Caribbean and MSC are launching an Okinawa terminal for 2028, betting on Japan’s cruise boom.