The Great Era of Metro Railways Is Just Beginning

On a winter's morning in 1863, a revolution in urban living began. A group of dignitaries boarded a train in Paddington on the growing northwestern fringes of London, and traveled by tunnel six stops to Farringdon, just north of the old heart of the city.
The Metropolitan Railway, which you can still ride today as part of the London Underground, was the first to put regular trains on dedicated tracks, cutting through the gridlock that would otherwise plague modern cities. Over the years, networks sprouted in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Moscow, Hong Kong, Cairo, and elsewhere. By 2013, they encompassed more than 130 cities, stretching 10,922 kilometers (6,787 miles) — sufficient to get you from the equator to the North Pole.

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Yahoo

31 minutes ago

• Yahoo

British Airways flights to Doha and Dubai cancelled after US strikes Iran

British Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai and Doha after Donald Trump ordered a US attack on Iran's nuclear sites. It comes after a British Airways (BA) flight from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich on Saturday night (June 21). The BA109 flight departed from the UK at 9.53pm on Saturday and reached Saudi Arabia before the Boeing 787 Dreamliner changed its course, landing in Switzerland, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. All of the airline's flights to Dubai and Doha that were scheduled to depart from Heathrow on Sunday have been cancelled, including return flights, the company said. Dubai: 1,000-plus British Airways passengers waiting in the UAE to be flown home after BA cancelled 4 flights from Heathrow to DXB. 1 BA plane on Saturday reached Saudi Arabia before turning around, but had to divert to Zurich. Emirates operating — Simon Calder (@SimonCalder) June 22, 2025 Israel announced on Sunday (June 22) that it had closed its airspace to both inbound and outbound flights in the wake of the US attacks. The US struck three nuclear test sites in Iran overnight, prompting Tehran to launch a retaliatory ballistic missile barrage against Israel. Recommended reading: How does parking work at Heathrow Airport - All to know Can you still use a red passport for travelling in 2025? Furious Ryanair customer abandons holiday over 'ridiculous' £55 charge In a statement, British Airways said: 'As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. 'We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.' BA is offering a flexible booking policy for customers already booked onto flights to Dubai and Doha between Sunday and Tuesday who wish to change their dates of travel.

Travel + Leisure

2 hours ago

• Travel + Leisure

This Stunning Village Is the ‘Sleeping Beauty' of the Swiss Alps—and You Can Only Reach It by Train

Stay at the Grand Hotel Belvedere or the renovated Braunbär Hotel & Spa, two exciting additions to Wengen's hospitality scene. Venture to the 'Top of Europe,' otherwise known as the Jungfraujoch; it's one of the highest railway stations in the world (and the highest in all of Europe). Indulge in a traditional Swiss fondue at the aptly named La Fondue restaurant. Visit in either the spring or fall if you want to avoid the crowds that descend upon the tiny village during its two peak seasons: summer and winter. Forgo skis for a velogemel, a wooden ski bike with roots in neighboring Grindelwald. The 'storybook' descriptor is frequently tossed into conversations around various mountain villages in Switzerland, yet the repetitive nature of the word doesn't make it any less accurate. The traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings—defined by their gabled roofs, wide eaves, and decorative wood banding—are photogenic in every season, and the snow-capped peaks create a dramatic view nearly everywhere you look. After a day trip to the Jungfrau region last fall, where I came face to face with this fairy-tale-like scenery, I immediately began to plot out an extended trip over the winter. My research resulted in a long list of destinations I wanted to explore, but the 1,300-person village of Wengen quickly became my top priority. Completely car-free, Wengen can only reached by train, hike, or bike. It also hosts the annual International Lauberhorn Race, where tens of thousands of viewers watch athletes attempt the nearly three-mile course, the world's longest World Cup downhill run. Wengen's location in the greater Lauterbrunnen Valley also caught my attention; it's a popular base for travelers venturing into other villages in the area and those taking day trips to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe. Still, Wengen isn't quite a household name to American travelers. It doesn't have the same recognition as St. Moritz, Gstaad, or Zermatt—but that might be about to change. In the past year, Wengen welcomed its first five-star hotel, Grand Hotel Belvedere, and it's well on its way to becoming the next big tourist destination in the Bernese Alps. During my visit in early March, I heard it described as the 'sleeping beauty' of the Swiss Alps, a moniker the hotel's area general manager, Lorenz Maurer, also used in an interview with the Financial Times. 'Wengen is like stepping into a postcard—car-free streets, flower-draped chalets, and the towering presence of the Jungfrau above it all,' Maurer tells Travel + Leisure . 'It's peaceful, timeless, and somehow feels both untouched and welcoming.' While he says many travelers see Wengen as a quick stop, he advises against it. 'It's a place to slow down, breathe in, and stay a while. And yes, it's small, but that's exactly the point.' Guest room in Grand Hotel Belvedere. Since its partial opening in December 2024, Grand Hotel Belvedere, owned by the French Beaumier group, has been marketed as Wengen's only five-star hotel. But this spring marks its official grand opening and the completion of its large-scale renovation. Made up of two historic buildings, the property offers the perfect mix of Swiss charm and modern design; there's mid-century-inspired furnishings, alpine maps, and ski memorabilia throughout the guest rooms and common areas. Select accommodations look out onto the Alps, and the new wellness facilities, inspired by the hot springs in Japan, include a sauna, a hamman, an ice bath, a heated indoor-outdoor pool, and views of the Jungfrau. Following a recent renovation, Braunbär Hotel & Spa welcomed back guests earlier this year. This new era brings a fresh look to the property's 80 rooms, pool area, bistro-style restaurant, and spa (complete with a hamman and sauna). There's even a cozy 'barbecue hut,' where you can gather around the fire for some fondue or raclette. Maurer describes Hotel Alpenrose as a family-run hotel that's 'full of personality.' Built in 1881, it's also the oldest hotel in Wengen. He calls out its 'cozy rooms' and the property's 'perfect location for early morning hikes.' Those aforementioned guest rooms are in the classic alpine style (read: lots of light-colored wood), but they've been renovated to feel modern and fresh. A skier in Wengen, Switzerland. After arriving in Wengen, the first thing on my to-do list was snapping a photo from the Wengen Viewpoint, where you can get an unobstructed view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. I then proceeded to tour Wengen, popping in and out of stores and admiring the sheer walkability of the destination. 'Wengen isn't about flashy shopping, but that's part of its charm,' explains Maurer. 'There's a small local shop called Central Sport that carries quality outdoor gear, and Alpia Sport has some beautifully crafted souvenirs and regional specialties. Also, check out the little Coop grocery store—it has surprisingly good local products and mountain cheese.' Hikers come from near and far to take advantage of the incredible hiking around Wengen—and Maurer recommends starting with the Panorama Trail. 'It's relatively easy and rewards you with sweeping alpine views that feel straight out of a fantasy novel,' he says. The route, under three miles, starts from Männlichen and takes you to Kleine Scheidegg. It might be 'touristy,' according to Maurer, but he also calls the Jungfraujoch an 'iconic experience' that's 'stunning all the way up.' To reach Europe's highest-altitude railway station, which sits at more than 11,000 feet above sea level, you'll take the Wengernalpbahn to Kleine Scheidegg, then switch to the historic Jungfrau Railway to reach the Jungfraujoch. Depending on the weather—it was a complete whiteout when I went—you'll be able to see jaw-dropping views of the Aletsch Glacier (the largest glacier in the Alps) and the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch peaks. There's also an Ice Palace, a series of tunnels and caves is carved into glacier ice. Given Wengen's proximity to the slopes, it should come as no surprise athletes of all skill levels make their way to the village during the winter. Start your day by taking the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg—where you can also rent a sledge or velogemel (a wooden snow bike that was invented in nearby Grindelwald)—or board the Wengen-Männlichen aerial cableway. The well-groomed pistes are wide and the scenery is unmatched. If you're lucky, you'll get a bluebird day with views of the surrounding peaks. View of Wengen from a restaurant window. Whether you're looking for your first fondue or you can't get enough of the comforting dish, Maurer recommends dining at La Fondue, which he deems the 'best fondue restaurant in the village.' Served with baby potatoes, bread, and mixed pickles, a fondue is the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes or hiking through the valley. If you're not a fan of melted cheese, you also can't go wrong with the homemade rösti . Fondue is also on the menu at Ristorante Da Sina, but the family-fun Swiss and Italian establishment mainly serves up an impressive selection of pastas and pizzas. 'The pizza is a surprise hit, and the vibe is relaxed,' says Maurer. Even if you're not a guest of Alpenkräuter Hotel Bären, you'll still want to set aside one night during your trip to enjoy dinner at the Alpenkräuter (or 'Alpine Herbs') restaurant. As the name implies, the restaurant leans into seasonal and local ingredients and believes in the power of herbs and other wild plants in the area. The menu leans heavily into salads, fish dishes, and a variety of vegetable-forward entrees. Wengen has appeal all year-round, but it's especially popular in the summer and winter. 'Peak summer and ski season are vibrant, but can be a bit packed,' says Maurer. If you prefer peace and quiet, Maurer suggests visiting during the shoulder seasons: 'Late spring and early autumn are my personal favorites—fewer crowds, crisp mountain air, and a gentler kind of beauty.' I'd also recommend coming toward the end of winter; I found early March to be the perfect time for skiing (there was only a bit of slush), and the slopes in the Männlichen area were relatively uncrowded. The Jungfrau train going through a village. You can't drive to Wengen, so you'll need to rely on the famously efficient Swiss transportation system to get you to the village (the SBB Mobile app couldn't be easier to use). If you're traveling from Interlaken, you'll take the train to Lauterbrunnen and transfer to the Wengernalp Railway, the world's longest continuous cog railroad. If you're driving, you can park in Lauterbrunnen. The final leg of the journey, which overlooks the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley and the towering Jungfrau peak, only takes about 12 minutes. A person walking through Wengen, Switzerland. Privately owned cars aren't allowed in Wengen, so you'll need to get around on foot or by bicycle. The village is tiny, though, and it doesn't take long to explore it in its entirety. That said, some hotels, like Grand Hotel Belvedere, have electric vehicles that can assist with getting you to and from the transportation or around Wengen as needed.

Yahoo

3 hours ago

• Yahoo

British nationals urged to register for evacuation flights from Israel

The Government has urged Britons seeking to be evacuated from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register their interest as it prepares for a flight early next week. It comes after the US attacked three nuclear sites in Iran overnight and Tehran then launched a ballistic missile barrage against Israel. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said on Sunday morning this is 'a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East', and it continued to urge British nationals to register their details and interest in the flight. It said further flights 'will be considered depending on demand and the latest security situation'. The UK is preparing a flight to transport vulnerable British nationals and their dependants out of Israel and the OPTs early next week. British nationals in Israel and the OPTs should register their presence to receive the latest updates and register their interest in the… — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 According to the Israeli Government, some 22,000 tourists are seeking to board evacuation flights. It is unclear how many of these are UK citizens. British nationals who have already registered will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal, the FCDO said. Those eligible for the flight will be expected to pay for their seat – and payment will be taken on registration on the flight booking form. The FCDO added that those with 'greatest need' will be prioritised, and British nationals plus their non-British immediate family members travelling with them are eligible. All passengers must hold a valid travel document, and those non-British immediate family members will require valid visas/permission to enter or remain that was granted for more than six months, the FCDO said. The UK has been working on charter flights for Britons in Israel but none have so far taken off as the country's airspace has been closed. Business Secretary Jonathon Reynolds told Sky News on Sunday morning: 'We are in active conversations about chartering aircraft to get people out.' Asked if that will happen imminently, Mr Reynolds said: 'I believe our intention would be to do that as soon as possible… hours, not days.' Meanwhile, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel told Times Radio the UK 'must not be behind the curve' in evacuating its nationals. 'The Government's got to start moving fast now in terms of British nationals in Israel,' Dame Priti said. 'They've been talking about this for days… Israeli airspace is shut down. 'The Americans are ready to evacuate 25,000 US nationals — we must not be behind the curve.' The FCDO has warned British nationals not to make their way to the airport unless they are contacted. Register your presence: — Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) June 22, 2025 A spokesperson said: 'This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East. 'The safety of British nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that's why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave. 'Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.' Commercial flights remain in operation from Egypt and Jordan to the UK, and international land border crossings to these countries remain open. The FCDO said the situation 'remains volatile' and the Government's ability to run flights out of Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories 'could change at short notice'. The portal to register presence in Israel as a Briton is available at: