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AIRLINES / REPORTS
Most Punctual Airlines of 2023

Want your planes to be on time ? Cirium just spilled the beans on the most punctual players in the airline game, by releasing its annual on-time performance report ranking & guess who’s the MVP ? It’s Delta, snagging Cirium’s Platinum Award 3 Years in a row.

The most punctual North American airlines

1. Delta Air Lines: 84.72% on-time arrival; 1,635,486 total flights

2. Alaska Airlines: 82.25% on-time arrival; 404,925 total flights

3. American Airlines: 80.61% on-time arrival; 1,998,844 total flights

4. United Airlines: 80.04% on-time arrival; 1,513,432 total flights

5. Southwest Airlines: 76.26% on-time arrival; 1,459,926 total flights

The most punctual airlines in Europe

1. Iberia Express: 84.58% on-time arrival; 40,985 total flights

2. Iberia: 84.38% on-time arrival; 170,750 total flights

3. Austrian Airlines: 82.99% on-time arrival; 113,587 total flights

4. LOT Polish Airlines: 82.83% on-time arrival; 96,112 total flights

5. Norwegian Air Shuttle: 82.75% on-time arrival; 82,791 total flights

The most punctual airlines in the Asia-Pacific

1. All Nippon Airways: 82.75% on-time arrival; 302,279 total flights

2. Japan Airlines: 82.58% on-time arrival; 308,302 total flights

3. Thai AirAsia: 82.52% on-time arrival; 113,871 total flights

4. IndiGo: 82.12% on-time arrival; 678,446 total flights

5. Air New Zealand: 79.68% on-time arrival; 175,876 total flights

So if you’re tired of waiting on airports, for hours on end, consider this list, next time you book a flight.

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Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. Travelers might be thinking twice now before boarding Alaska Airlines or Boeing 737 after a side panel unexpectedly blew off 7 mins. into takeoff from Portland, Oregan, due to which they had to ground their entire fleet impacting 171 airplanes mostly in US.

2. If you’re looking for budget-friendly flight deals, January is the sweet spot says hopper & if you're aiming for a bargain, circle Wednesdays on your calendar – that's the golden day for affordable flights. Pro tip: avoid Sundays, as they hit you with pricier options.

3. Bad news for those going to Colombia & using dating apps: the U.S. State Department issued a safety warning after 8 Americans died in recent months. Criminals are tricking tourists by exploiting dating apps for assaults, druggings, & even deaths. This trend is happening outside of Medellin as well; for more details click link.

4. Good News: Brazil will permit visa-free entry for American, Canadian, & Australian tourists until April 10, 2024.

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Adventures & Experiences

Things to do, see, experience

👑 LIKE A KING - Like a giant throwback thursday, the Greek government just reopened the newly restored ancient Palace of Aigai, where Alexander the Great sat on the throne as King of Macedonia roughly 2,400 years ago.
This architectural marvel, was the largest structure in classical Greece, sprawling across an expansive 15,000 square meters (over 161,000 sq. ft.), as per Greek Cultural Ministry.
Restoration efforts included excavation of the site, documentation & conservation of artefacts discovered. Here’s what it looks like.

❄️ IT’S SNOW TIME - Heavy snow has returned to Europe’s ski resorts - here’s where to hit the slopes.
Italy - Make a beeline for La Thuile in the Aosta Valley, Livigno in the Alps or Val Gardena in the Dolomites to cash in on over half a metre of snow above 1,000 metres this week.
Switzerland - Verbier ski resort opened 3 weeks early after major snowfall in Nov. Some resorts have snow depths of 2 metres & over, including Davos Klosters in Graubünden, Melchsee-Frutt in Obwalden & Engadin in St Moritz.
France - A metre of snow has fallen in some of the region's top resorts. Courchevel has seen 140 cm of snow in the last 72 hours, while Val Thorens has seen 117 cm.

🍲 TASTE OF SPAIN - After bagging 6 spots on the 2023 list of the planet's best restaurants, traveling to Spain to satiate your appetite might become a priority.
It might even give Italy & France a run for their money. This ain't Spain's first rodeo; they've been rocking the "world's best" title for ages, with El Bulli, the culinary legend that closed shop in 2011, snagging the No. 1 spot five times!
Here’s more about all 6 restaurants in Spain that are ranked among the world’s top 50. Tables are highly coveted, so plan well in advance if you’re looking to visit.

Deals

To Grab, before its too late..

• Under $25 Travel Items To Make Your Travels Easier

• Save up to 40% on Southwest flights, from Jan. 30 to May 22.

📰 Read - Feeling Lonely On Your Travels ? - Here’s how to make friends..

👁️‍🗨️ Watch - Why #boycottmaldives was trending

😲 React - The World's Largest Cruiseship - is about to set sail

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST
Getting Lost In Historic Charms

📍 Alfama, 🇵🇹 Portugal
Over 13,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Picture this: winding cobblestone streets, vibrant azulejo tiles, & the haunting melodies of Fado music echoing through narrow alleyways. With roots tracing back over a 1000 years, Alfama invites you to explore the hidden viewpoints, lose yourself in its medieval charm, and uncover the soulful secrets that make Alfama an irresistible gem in Portugal's crown.

In 2021 alone, over 1.9 million international tourists flocked to the city. This number rose in the first 8 months of 2022 with pandemic restrictions lifted.

Wander Through Narrow Streets: Lose yourself in the charming maze of narrow streets in Alfama. Every turn reveals something new, from colorful houses and hidden gems.

Visit São Jorge Castle: It’s like a postcard brought to life. The panoramic views of Lisbon from the castle's hilltop perch are absolutely breathtaking & worth the climb, and the medieval vibes make for a unique experience.

Ride the Historic Tram 28: Hop on Tram 28 for a charming ride through Alfama's streets. It's like a moving time capsule, passing by historic sites and offering a convenient way to see the neighborhood.

Listen to Fado Music: Alfama is the heart of Fado, Portugal's soulful music genre. Find a local Fado bar, sit back, and let the haunting melodies and emotional lyrics transport you to the soul of Lisbon.

Shop at the Feira da Ladra: Explore the famous Feira da Ladra flea market. You never know what unique treasures you might discover, from vintage finds to handmade crafts.

Attend a Street Festival: If your visit aligns with a local festival, dive into the festivities. Alfama comes alive with energy during events, featuring parades, live music, and a lively atmosphere.

Engage with Locals at Alfama's Cafés: Join the locals at a traditional Alfama café. Strike up a conversation over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and soak in the friendly atmosphere.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your Alfama, experience:

• Belém: Maritime Marvels and Sweet Delights

  Just a short tram or boat ride away, Belém offers a maritime escape with its iconic landmarks. Marvel at the impressive Belém Tower and discover the monumental Monument to the Discoveries. Don't forget to savor the famous Pastéis de Belém – custard tarts that have become a sweet symbol of Lisbon.

• Chiado: Cultural Haven and Artistic Vibes

  For a dose of culture and artistic flair, venture into the Chiado district. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its theaters, bookstores, and trendy boutiques. Enjoy a coffee in the historic A Brasileira café, explore the art scene at the Chiado Museum, and feel the artistic pulse of Lisbon.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Alfama Adventure - Morning: Explore São Jorge Castle, Afternoon: Wander through Alfama's narrow streets, Evening: Experience Fado music in a local bar

• Day 2: Chic Discoveries in Chiado - Morning: Visit the Chiado Museum, Afternoon: Enjoy coffee at A Brasileira, Evening: Shop along Rua Garrett

• Day 3: Belém's Maritime Delights - Morning: Discover Belém Tower, Afternoon: Indulge in Pastéis de Belém, Evening: Explore the Monument to the Discoveries

Recent Review - Recommend staying in Alfama. In the old town, beautiful views and historic charm. The Tram allows easy access everywhere.

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Gunmen Caught Live Storming TV Station In Ecuador

2. Drug Lord Escapes From Jail, National Emergency Gets Declared In Ecuador

3. Deadly Winter Storm Sweeps Across USA

GUESS THE PLACE

Which Country Has The Most Number Of Airports

- - E - I - -

Last week’s answer to:
This Place has the Largest botanical Collection In The World - London

• Kew Gardens is a botanic garden in southwest London that houses the "largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world".

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