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Stay connected with Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter for updates on destinations, aviation news, culinary delights, and accommodation tips.
This Week’s Theme
Discover a history-themed journey in our newsletter this week! From Istanbul’s Ottoman heritage to ancient footprints in New Mexico and a hidden Nazi fortress in Poland, we start with an inspiring survival story from the Vietnam War.
Wartime Tunnels and Bunkers
Before 1965, Vịnh Mốc was a peaceful fishing village in central Vietnam, surrounded by lush rice paddies and golden beaches. Its strategic position on the North-South Vietnam border turned it into one of the most bombed locations during the Vietnam War. Over eight years, American forces dropped around 9,000 tons of explosives on the village, forcing its residents underground for refuge.
In response to the relentless bombardment, villagers constructed an elaborate tunnel complex with arched ceilings, thick walls, and zigzag pathways that mitigated bomb damage. For six years, hundreds of residents sheltered underground, and at least 17 children were born in the maternity ward of this hidden refuge. Read the full story here.
For subscribers, explore the tale of Poland’s Wolin Island, which once hosted an underground Nazi fortress with an intricate network of bunkers and tunnels.
New Discoveries in the Americas
In 2009, what were thought to be mere marks in New Mexico’s White Sands National Park turned out to be ancient human footprints, revolutionizing theories about the first inhabitants of the Americas. Explore this remarkable discovery and its implications in this link.
Further afield, Kyrgyzstan’s Saimaluu Tash valley reveals 90,000 carvings etched into 10,000 rocks, making it one of the world’s largest petroglyph sites. Visiting requires a challenging trek through the Tian-Shan mountains, accessible for just six weeks each summer.
Istanbul’s Architectural Wonders
The city of Istanbul has a rich architectural heritage shaped by various empires. With recent restoration efforts, historical sites like Yedikule Fortress and Topkapi Palace are being revitalized, offering glimpses into the past.
Featured Video
Check out the CNN Original Series “The Wonder List with Bill Weir,” featuring LA’s Melody Ranch, a film location standing in for the American West for over a century.
Other Updates
- Thousands of Americans are renouncing their citizenship.
- The world’s best airline for 2026 has been named.
- Fifty travel destinations to inspire you for 2027, as highlighted by Lonely Planet.
Stay curious and keep exploring!
