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This week's roundup of travel stories features a life-changing DNA test, an unexpectedly challenging road trip from Georgia to Mongolia, and a new report revealing the cleanest swimming spots in Europe.
Good news for wild sea bathers: the majority of Europe's swimming beaches have “excellent” water quality, according to a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).
When it comes to swimming, Croatia has the best waters, followed by Cyprus, Greece and Slovenia. Belgium and Bulgaria are tied for fifth place.
On the inland water front, Bulgaria, Greece, Ireland and Romania are tied for first place, followed by Austria and Finland.
For the cleanest waters, Cyprus won the gold medal, with Austria in second place and Croatia in third.
The water quality of Paris' Seine River has been under scrutiny after the city spent $1.5 billion to clean it up in preparation for the Olympics, but will locals take the plunge? Watch here.
College lecturer John Portman was adopted by nuns in Arizona as a baby and knew nothing about his family history until a DNA test revealed his surprising origins and he got a new passport.
American Jews who can prove their ancestry and gather the paperwork have a path to German and even European Union citizenship, and while it means connecting with a painful history for those who choose it, some told CNN it's empowering, opening up options their ancestors never had.
Here are three stories of epic road trips by SUV, motorcycle and campervan. Because it's not the mode of transportation that counts, it's the dream.
An American woman drove 5,350 miles (7,000 km) solo from Georgia to Mongolia through Russia. It wasn't the fun adventure she expected. Here's how she feels about the challenges of overlanding.
The European couple met while working on a farm in Australia and then set off on a motorbike trip around the world, falling off “many times”. They now hold the record for being the youngest couple to ever do so around the world on the same motorbike.
Finally, a CNN staffer fell in love with campervans when she and her husband drove across America on Route 66. Here's how campervans gave her a whole new perspective on life.
Destruction and Regeneration
One year after an out-of-control wildfire ravaged the historic town of Lahaina on Maui's west coast, killing at least 100 people and destroying more than 2,200 structures, here are ways visitors can help.
After Canada's Jasper National Park was recently hit by the most devastating wildfires in over a century, outdoor guides James Gilles and Ryan Tichenor, both of whom lost their homes, share their feelings and why they believe the town will bounce back.
With changing weather patterns and Debby impacting the Gulf Coast and East Coast of the U.S. this week, having emergency preparedness supplies on hand can help. Our partners at CNN Underscored, a CNN-owned product review and recommendation guide, have tested and reviewed the best products on the market.
Why this city is one of the country's most underrated music meccas
CNN Travel recently released its top 10 US cities to visit in 2024. Number 7 Heaven is Macon, Georgia.
Not long ago, this hill city in central Georgia was struggling, but this former “ghost town” is thriving again.
The city values its musical heritage and has been opening a number of attractions highlighting its ties to music legends such as Little Richard and Otis Redding.
There's plenty of other ancient history to explore: Macon may be on the verge of creating Georgia's first national park at the Ocmulgee Mounds, a prehistoric Native American site.
Tourists have once again been caught tampering with priceless ancient artefacts.
A man poured water over ancient cave paintings, and in another incident, a father carved his family's initials into a house in Pompeii.
All their friends saw this picture and thought they were a couple.
Here's what actually happened.
They spent years researching overseas migration.
One place changed everything.
It is the most dangerous animal in Australia.
And it doesn't even exist.
