This week’s travel roundup brings you everything from record-breaking feats to quirky new attractions. Let’s dive in.

Breaking Records Around the World

The World’s Tallest Bridge – Coming Soon in China

China’s Guizhou province, already home to nearly half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges, is about to claim another title. This June, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge will officially open. So, what makes this bridge stand out? At 2,051 feet (625 meters) above the river, it will surpass France’s iconic Millau Viaduct by an impressive 947 feet. This new marvel will not only make waves for its height but will also drastically reduce travel time across the canyon, slashing it from two hours down to just one minute.

A Record-Breaking Brewery in the Sky

In Singapore, a unique title has been claimed by LeVel33, the world’s highest microbrewery located inside a building. Perched on the 33rd floor of the Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower, the brewery boasts 12 brewing tanks, two copper kettles, and even a cooling machine—all lifted up by crane. For beer lovers, the stunning views over the Singapore skyline make it a must-visit spot.

The World’s Largest Chicken-Shaped Building? In the Philippines!

Now for something a little more unusual: a Guinness World Record for the largest building shaped like a chicken. Located in the Philippines, this quirky hotel stands 114 feet tall and is fully air-conditioned. While it may not offer traditional windows, it’s certainly an eye-catching landmark.

Disney’s Biggest Cruise Ship Sets Sail

Later this year, Disney will launch its biggest cruise ship ever, the 6,000-passenger Disney Adventure. This massive vessel will be the cruise line’s first ship based in Asia, marking a significant milestone in Disney’s global expansion.

The World’s Tiniest Park

In a more modest feat, the world’s smallest park has been recognized in the Japanese town of Nagaizumi, about 68 miles southwest of Tokyo. At just 2.6 square feet, the park features a tiny stool and a patch of greenery. Sometimes, small is mighty!

Epic Adventures

A Solo Trek Across the Empty Quarter

Saudi explorer Badr Al Shaibani made headlines by completing a 600-kilometer (370-mile) solo journey across the Empty Quarter, the largest continuous sand desert in the world. It’s an adventure that pushes the limits of endurance and exploration.

One Irishman’s Quest to Visit Every Irish Pub

Meanwhile, Irishman Colm Dalton has taken on the challenge of visiting every Irish pub worldwide. So far, he’s made it to 47 countries, all in the name of enjoying a pint and celebrating Irish culture.

New Lives, New Ventures

A Canadian Couple’s Leap to Mexico

After losing her job, Brooke Gazer convinced her husband, Rick, to take the plunge and move to Mexico, where they opened a bed-and-breakfast. Despite warnings from friends and family, their new life proved successful—and they’ve never looked back.

Ontario Sisters Take Over a Century-Old Inn

In Ontario, sisters Kristen and Kathryn Groom—aged 27 and 35—bought a century-old inn with no prior experience in the hospitality industry. Fast forward three years, and their business is thriving, partly thanks to their international social media presence.

Home Swaps as a Solution to Overtourism

Finally, many travelers are now opting for home swaps instead of using traditional hotels or Airbnbs. This innovative approach helps combat the overtourism problem while providing a more authentic, affordable experience for visitors. Whether it’s for a vacation rental or an exchange, people are finding new ways to travel and make the most of their homes.

If you’re looking to upgrade your own vacation rental, check out these tips from our partners at CNN Underscored, featuring everything from candles to white noise machines—your ultimate guide to making any space feel like home.

Source: CNN – Nearly half of the world’s 100 tallest bridges are in this Chinese province. Now it’s building one to top them all

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A Vacation That Sparked a Lifelong Bond

In 1994, three friends—Scott Behringer, George Gilbert, and Tim Korber—posed for a now-iconic photo on a beach in Cabo San Lucas. With their arms crossed, baseball caps worn backward, and vibrant ‘90s beachwear, the image captured more than just a fun moment—it represented a bond that would last for decades.

But their story began years before that.

Tim and Patty Korber, both doctors from California, first met fellow American travelers Scott and Cheree Behringer in Cancun, Mexico, during the summer of 1986. From strangers to fast friends, the two couples instantly connected.

“We just had this instant bond,” recalls Patty. Their friendship quickly turned into a shared passion for travel, and they soon planned more trips together.

A couple of years later, on another adventure, they met George and Debbie Gilbert on a flight. Another connection was made, and before they knew it, the six of them became inseparable travel companions.

By coincidence, all three couples lived in California, making it easy to nurture their friendship beyond vacations. Over the years, they became more than just travel buddies—they became family.

The ‘Iconic Photo’ That Defined Their Friendship

Among the countless pictures taken on their travels, the 1994 Cabo beach photo stood out.

“It was Scott who pulled it out from the pile, had it blown up, and put it on his desk,” says Tim. “He said, ‘This is just such a cool photo of the three of us.’”

The image, full of ‘90s charm and brotherly camaraderie, became a symbol of their enduring friendship. So much so that, over the years, the trio often recreated the same arms-crossed pose on different vacations.

“They could pretty much just spontaneously recreate it at any moment,” laughs Patty.

Then, in late 2024, the perfect opportunity arose for an official recreation. George and Debbie’s son was getting married in Cabo—right where the original picture was taken.

Recreating a Moment, Preserving a Legacy

Determined to match the original as closely as possible, the three friends quickly started planning.

“The guys were like, ‘Let’s grow a goatee,’” Tim remembers, laughing. “And I’m like, ‘You needed to give me six months’ notice for that!’”

Facial hair aside, they nailed the look. Tim found a ‘90s-style belt bag, bright swim trunks, and a tank top. Scott and George scoured their closets for their best retro outfits, packing them alongside wedding attire.

Once in Cabo, they set out to find the exact spot from 30 years ago. With Patty behind the camera and Cheree and Debbie comparing details, they walked up and down the beach until they found it—though time had changed the backdrop.

“There was a hurricane in between the two photos,” Patty notes. “It wiped out all the palapas that were in the background of the first picture.”

Still, the moment was perfect. As they posed, George’s son spotted them and asked what they were doing. When they explained the history, he and his best friends decided to continue the tradition, striking the same pose for their own photo.

“It’s become an iconic pose not just for us, but for future generations,” says George.

Tim jokes, “We copyrighted it—so they’ll have to pay us royalties.”

More Than Friends—A Chosen Family

Seeing the original and recreated photos side by side was more than just a fun comparison—it was a testament to their enduring bond.

“The odds of this happening—meeting someone on vacation and becoming lifelong friends—are one in ten million,” says George.

Over the years, they’ve celebrated each other’s weddings, become godparents to each other’s children, and stood by one another through life’s ups and downs. Now, as grandparents, they continue to make memories together.

“When something happens and I need advice, I look to this group before I even look to my family,” says Scott.

Their adventures have taken them from Cabo to California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, from snorkeling in Hawaii to an unforgettable South African safari. They’ve even survived mishaps—like the time they shared a tiny houseboat that unexpectedly slipped its mooring.

“You’ve got to have a good sense of humor, especially when houseboats break loose in the middle of the night,” laughs Cheree.

And humor is something they never run short on.

“Tim doesn’t have an off switch—he’s always on and funny, and Scott and George are right there behind him,” says Patty.

A Friendship That Travels Through Time

As they continue their journeys together, Cabo remains a special place—where it all began and where new memories are still being made.

“It’s where we became friends,” says Debbie. “It’s full of special memories.”

Through decades of adventures, laughter, and unwavering support, their friendship has stood the test of time. And just like their iconic pose, their story is one they’ll keep recreating—again and again.

Source

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Su Min, a 60-year-old Chinese grandmother, never intended to become a feminist icon. She simply sought an escape from her abusive marriage when, in 2020, she hit the road in her white Volkswagen hatchback with a rooftop tent and her pension. What started as a journey for freedom has since turned into a movement, as her story has resonated with millions of women across China.

“I felt like I could finally catch my breath,” Su Min recalls, reflecting on the moment she drove away from her old life. “I felt like I could survive and find a way of life that I wanted.” Over the next four years, Su Min traveled over 180,000 miles across China, documenting her adventures and the pain of her past. Her video diaries have earned her legions of online supporters, who affectionately call her the “road-tripping auntie.”

Su Min’s story became a hit film, Like a Rolling Stone, released in September 2024. Her inspiring journey even earned her a spot on the BBC’s list of 100 most inspiring and influential women of 2024. Reflecting on this monumental year, Su Min describes 2024 with one word: “freedom.”

A Road to Freedom

The moment Su Min began driving, she felt an immense sense of freedom. Speaking to the BBC from Shenyang, she explained that her journey on the road was the beginning of something transformative. “It wasn’t until 2024, when I filed for divorce, that I experienced another kind of freedom,” she says. The divorce process has been complicated, as her husband refused to grant the divorce unless she paid him a hefty sum. However, Su Min remains resolute: “I’m saying goodbye to him.”

Her life on the road is centered around her own needs and desires. Despite traveling solo, she never feels lonely. Su Min films her daily experiences, sharing everything from her cooking to her plans for the next day. Along the way, her followers travel with her to stunning locations like Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, Yunnan’s ancient river towns, and vast deserts.

Her candid storytelling has inspired many, especially women who feel trapped in their own lives. “You’re so brave! You chose to break free!” wrote one follower. Another commented, “Live the rest of your life well for yourself!”

For others, Su Min’s videos are more than just inspirational – they offer practical lessons. One follower shared, “After watching your videos, I’ve learned that as women, we must own our own homes, work for financial independence, and invest in unemployment insurance!”

Through her travels, Su Min also processes her own painful past. A stray cat she encounters reminds her of her own struggles and resilience. A visit to the market, where she smells chili peppers, evokes “the smell of freedom” because spicy food was once forbidden by her husband.

Enduring Abuse

For years, Su Min lived as a dutiful daughter, wife, and mother, enduring repeated abuse from her husband. “I was a traditional woman and I wanted to stay in my marriage for life,” she reflects. “But eventually, I saw that I got nothing in return for all my energy and effort – only beatings, violence, emotional abuse, and gaslighting.”

Her husband, Du Zhoucheng, has admitted to hitting her, though he downplays it as something “ordinary” in marriage. “In a family, how can there not be some bangs and crashes?” he said, justifying his actions in a recent video shared by Su Min on TikTok’s Chinese platform, Douyin.

A Marriage Made Under Pressure

Su Min’s marriage was arranged by a matchmaker, a common practice in the 1980s. Raised in Tibet, she had moved to Henan with her family when she was just out of high school. At the time, many of her female colleagues were already married. “I wanted to change my life,” she explains.

Her marriage to Du was not born out of love, but rather a desire to escape her father’s control. They met only twice before marrying, and while she hoped love would grow after the wedding, it never did. She had a daughter, but felt duty-bound to stay in the relationship for her sake.

Su Min endured the abuse for years, convincing herself that she needed to stay for the sake of her child. But as time passed, she realized her daughter did not want her to endure this pain. “The child really doesn’t want you to endure, they want you to stand up bravely,” she says, reflecting on the impact her situation had on her daughter.

Finding the Strength to Leave

In 2019, while browsing social media, Su Min stumbled upon a video of someone living in a van while traveling. It sparked an idea: this could be her way out. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Su Min left her home in Zhengzhou in September 2020, beginning her journey through more than 400 cities and 20 provinces across China.

Her story has inspired countless women across China, many of whom feel trapped in their own marriages. “We women are not just someone’s wife or mother… Let’s live for ourselves!” wrote one of her followers. Many others have shared that Su Min’s journey gave them the courage to leave their own abusive relationships.

“You are a hero to thousands of women,” one follower commented, while another said, “When I turn 60, I hope I can be as free as you.”

Living for Herself

Su Min’s journey isn’t just about escaping abuse – it’s about finding herself. She hopes to inspire women everywhere to pursue their dreams, no matter their age. “I want to tell you that no matter how old you are, as long as you work hard, you will definitely find your answer,” she says. “Even though I’m 60 now, I found what I was looking for.”

Although her divorce is still pending, Su Min continues to plan new adventures, hoping to travel abroad someday. Despite concerns about language barriers, she is confident that her story will resonate with women worldwide.

“I want to say that no matter what environment you are in, you must be good to yourself. Learn to love yourself, because only when you love yourself can the world be full of sunshine,” she says.

Su Min’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom, offering a powerful message to women everywhere: never be afraid to live for yourself.

Source

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