Sign up for Unlocking the World, NCS Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get information about locations, plus the newest in aviation, food and drinks, and the place to keep.
NCS
—
In our travel information roundup this week: the rise in solo eating, the place to lower your expenses at US ski resorts, plus the Californian hot-air balloon company providing a reasonably cheeky package deal.
Is it getting sizzling in right here, or is a gas-burner propelling a dirigible above our heads?
A California-based hot-air balloon company is providing mile-high flights – with amorous Mile-High Club privileges – over the Temecula countryside.
Guests can take pleasure in the views with an entire basket to themselves – and a privateness display separating the pilot compartment from the passenger cabin.
The pilot, who Magical Adventure Balloon Rides guarantees can be sporting protecting listening to gear and centered solely on flying, ascends the balloon to 5,280 ft (about 1,610 meters), which is about 2,000 ft increased than a typical leisure flight.
While intimate clinches are normally thoroughly discouraged in the skies, the company invitations you to deliver your individual bedding and music playlist. A complimentary Champagne breakfast is included to gas your frolics, of no matter type.
Pricing for 2 passengers begins at $1,400. If your mantra is “the more the merrier,” every extra grownup in the bigger 10-person basket is $159.
The Mile-High Club flight is only one of a number of packages on supply, from wine excursions to company picnics, the remainder of that are significantly extra family-friendly.

Sometimes it can seem to be the world is filled with lovers floating excessive on cloud 9, however don’t fret when you’re going it alone this Valentine’s season: You’re bang on development.
Millennials and Gen Z are breaking down the stigma hooked up to solo dining in an period when extra Americans dwell alone than ever earlier than. Some do it for comfort; some do it for freedom — both means, reservations for one are on the rise.
Once you’ve mastered eating alone, it’s time for larger challenges, akin to walking across Saudi Arabia. British explorer Alice Morrison, who has been known as “Indiana Jones for girls,” is in the center of her five-month trek of two,500 kilometers (about 1,550 miles).
Others are choosing a everlasting journey. Californian Jason Bennett gave up his life in San Francisco for a new home in Colombia. Today he says his happiness is “off the charts.”
North America’s highest peak is back in the news, and now a New Zealand peak has been granted personhood. It’s clear that mountains are having a second.
It’s additionally prime snowboarding season. If you’ve already learn our latest information on the place to save money at North America’s “extortionate” ski resorts, then you may want to subsequent check out the newest ski trend booming in the United States: “earning your turns” with an uphill climb.
For lesser-explored slopes, snow lovers ought to contemplate Turkey’s Kaçkar Mountains, an unspoiled land of alpine journey whose terrain creates perfect situations for heli-skiing.
In 2024, an 18-year-old Nepalese mountaineer turned the youngest person to summit the world’s highest peaks. Nima Rinji Sherpa now desires different Sherpas to understand their potential as athletes {and professional} mountaineers and never simply as assist employees for climbers.
If you’re hitting the powder this season, you’ll in fact be needing to wrap up heat. Our companions at NCS Underscored, a product evaluations and suggestions information owned by NCS, has this information to the best ski jackets of 2025.

Ballerina’s viral dance so visually beautiful, social media couldn’t imagine it wasn’t AI-generated
Ballerina Victoria Dauberville was filmed performing a dance on a ship’s bow in Antarctica that was so enchanting, social media customers had been satisfied it was AI. Here’s how she and filmmaker Mathieu Forget did it.
Some Canadians are boycotting travel to the United States due to President Donald Trump.
“We’re going to keep our money in our own country,” says one.
A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Santorini.
Around 11,000 individuals are thought to have fled the vacationer haven after earthquakes.
This snowy Japanese city is a sizzling spot for lovestruck film followers.
But overtourism is inflicting trouble in paradise.
They met on trip and have become finest buddies.
Then they recreated their favorite photo 30 years later.