Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports are gearing up for one of the busiest Independence Day weekends on record, with airport authorities expecting more than 1.86 million travelers to pass through their terminals between July 1 and July 6. This figure marks an 11 percent increase over July 4th weekend in 2024, indicating a continued surge in domestic and international travel through the Windy City. O’Hare International Airport

As summer rolls in and school halls fall silent, families across Illinois are seeking affordable and enriching ways to spend time together. Whether it’s a day in the park, a movie outing, or a refreshing swim, the season offers many leisure options. But for those looking to make the most of summer without stretching their budget, Illinois libraries have something unique in store. The Explore More Illinois program is quietly transforming how residents experience the state&

Columbus, Ohio – With airfare prices trending downward in 2025, travelers departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport are finding more opportunities to save money, especially if they plan their trips smartly. According to travel industry experts, average fares are down 7 percent compared to last year, and this year could be the most affordable time in recent memory for both domestic and international travel. Flexible planning, strategic timing, and the willingness to fly on

Summer is the perfect time to get away from it all, and you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a quick, stress-free escape from Livermore. If you're craving a spontaneous weekend adventure but want to keep it low-key, check out these five nearby destinations that offer a refreshing change of scenery without the hassle of long trips. Each location is just a short drive away and offers a variety of activities, from beach strolls to scenic hikes and char

Sports tourism is rapidly becoming one of the hottest travel trends of 2025. With global events like Wimbledon and Formula 1 drawing significant crowds, fans are now opting for immersive travel experiences, combining their passion for sports with multi-city itineraries. This trend has led to a noticeable surge in visa applications for countries hosting such events, with the UK seeing a 28% increase in visa queries for Wimbledon 2025.

The United States government has taken urgent steps to safeguard its citizens and diplomatic personnel in response to rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly following its recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In anticipation of potential retaliation from Iran, the State Department has doubled the number of emergency evacuation flights available for American citizens wishing to depart from Israel. This move reflects growing concern over the rapidly deteriorating secu

Vacations are meant to refresh and recharge, but for many, they bring a financial hangover that lasts long after the tan fades. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious looking at your bank account or credit card bill once you return. The root of the problem? Most people budget for the vacation itself but forget to account for life after the trip. Chartered Accountant Abhishek Walia highlights that the real mistake is

Air India has announced a 15% cut in its international widebody operations, calling the move “painful but necessary” in the aftermath of the tragic crash of flight AI171 that killed 241 people. The airline is undergoing a period of intense scrutiny and operational stress, citing both internal safety concerns and external geopolitical disruptions. The decision follows a series of enhanced safety inspection

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a major expansion of its travel ban, potentially adding 36 countries to the list of those restricted from entering the United States. This move comes amid President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which began in earnest during his second term. Earlier this month, Trump signed a proclamation banning travelers from 12 countries, citing national security concerns and threats posed by foreign t

When you think of mountains, snow-capped peaks or dense green forests may come to mind. But around the world, there are extraordinary mountain landscapes that break the mold—known for their strikingly vibrant colours. These “rainbow mountains” are geological masterpieces, shaped by volcanic activity, sediment layering, and natural mineral deposits over millennia. Here are five of the most uniquely colourful mountain destinations that should t

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment for Jammu and Kashmir by inaugurating the first-ever railway connection between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India on June 6. At an event in Katra, the Prime Minister launched the much-awaited Vande Bharat train service between Katra and Srinagar, dramatically reducing travel time between the regions to just around three hours. This milestone also marks the opening of the world’s highest railway

Washington: In a major policy move reminiscent of his earlier presidency, US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order placing fresh travel restrictions on citizens of 12 countries and partial limitations on seven others. The directive, which the White House confirmed will go into effect on Monday, targets nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan. A separate but related

If you're dreaming of open skies, dramatic mountain landscapes, and the kind of silence that makes you forget your phone, Ladakh is calling. Tucked in India’s northernmost corner, this high-altitude desert is where timeless tradition meets rugged adventure. From exploring ancient monasteries and lakes that change color with the light, to sipping butter tea in a stranger’s kitchen, Ladakh is not just a destination it's a state of mind.

In a significant move to strengthen international relations and improve connectivity, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that efforts are underway to establish a direct flight route between Hyderabad and Kitakyushu, a prominent city in Japan. The proposal came during a high-level meeting in Hyderabad on June 2, when Kitakyushu Mayor Kazuhisa Takeuchi and his delegation visited the state to attend the Telangana Formation Day celebrations.

A breathtaking display of northern lights may be visible across parts of the United States tonight, May 31, as space weather experts forecast heightened geomagnetic storm activity that could push auroras much farther south than usual. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Earth is currently being impacted by high-speed solar wind, which is increasing geomagnetic pressure and fueling storm conditions in Earth’s upper atmosphere—an ideal scenario for auro

Travelers flying in and out of New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport may soon experience smoother skies, as the Department of Transportation announces key improvements to communication systems that have recently caused flight issues. For weeks, Newark has dealt with a string of disruptions caused by communication breakdowns between air traffic controllers and pilots. These problems have raised concerns about traveler safety and the efficiency

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, originally identified in China, has now reached the United States, prompting concern among health officials due to its rapid spread and high transmissibility. Detected first in travelers arriving between March and April in states including California, New York, Washington, Virginia, and Hawaii, the variant has since appeared in Ohio and Rhode Island, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant has become dominant i

Many American travelers are rethinking their summer travel plans in 2025 as political tensions and global perceptions shift. Traditionally enthusiastic about overseas travel, one Georgia-based couple had intended to visit South Korea this August, even finalizing their hotel reservations. However, rising unease surrounding U.S. international policies and increasingly strained relations with other nations prompted them to cancel their plans. Instead of jetting off to Seoul, they opted for a dom

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now emerging in the United States after becoming dominant in China and causing a significant rise in cases across Asia. U.S. health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are monitoring the variant closely as scientists continue to analyze whether NB.1.8.1 poses greater risks in terms of transmission, severity, and resistance to existing vaccines. The variant was initially identified in Asia, particularly in Ch

Memorial Day 2025, observed on Monday, May 26, is not only a time for honoring fallen U.S. military heroes but also a cherished moment for Americans to gather, reflect, and travel. With the long weekend offering a perfect break from routine, Urban Express presents this travel guide featuring top destinations, practical travel tips, and exclusive offers to make your journey smooth and meaningful. Best Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S. Whether