Cuba wanderlust thwarted
As U.S. airlines began flights last week to Havana, the long-awaited travel surge to Cuba was already in doubt. Citing weak demand, American Airlines trimmed plans for almost a quarter of its flights to Cuba early next year. And in a potentially crippling blow, President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to rescind new relaxed policies with the island nation, leaving the future of travel there in limbo. Already, Trump's comments have prompted some travelers to accelerate plans to visit Cuba before his inauguration or to delay them until he makes his policies clear. "People are afraid Trump is going to close the border again, and then it will be impossible to go there," said Alexandre Chemla, founder of U.S. travel agency Altour. "It's a wait-and-see situation because of Trump and everything he said."
Bloomberg
But there's always Slovenia
One potential winner in the U.S. presidential election? The tiny country of Slovenia, Melania Trump's native land. The official tourist site slovenia.info has already added a link on its home page to information about the city of Sevnica, "birthplace of USA's future first lady." Trump will be the first foreign-born first lady in 191 years. A stunning nation of mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls, Slovenia is anticipating new interest from travelers who want to learn more. The capital is Ljubljana, with its famous Ljubljana Castle. Lake Bled and the Alps provide the most scenic wonders. The Postojna Cave, and other caves, dot the landscape. Slovenia is slightly larger than Connecticut, and is a few hours' drive or train ride from Vienna, Venice and Zagreb (Croatia). It is often on the itinerary of Central and Eastern European tours.
Detroit Free Press
Warplane art in Oshkosh
Artwork on World War II combat planes is the subject of a new exhibit in Oshkosh, Wis. Large aluminum panels, cut from their original warplanes, show colorful cartoons, clever names and pinup girls in the temporary display at the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture Museum. The collection of 34 pieces of "nose art," the largest of its kind, is on loan at the hangar-turned-museum until at least August 2017. While the Army Air Forces initially frowned on it, the plane graffiti became accepted as a morale booster during the war. A few of the creations deemed too risqué are sequestered in a separate area. The double entendres, bravado and pride reflected in the nose art speak to the intimate bond the crews had with their planes. It's a veteran-based art show that tells a story. ($12.50 admission; 1-920-426-4800; eaa.org/eaa-museum.)
Chicago Tribune
Christmas in Colorado
If you hunger for a traditional white Christmas, the Home Ranch in Clark, Colo., is just the place. Whether you opt for the Christmas package (Dec. 20-27) or the New Year's package (Dec. 27-Jan. 3), you'll find a winter wonderland filled with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing and horseback riding across 15 miles of accessible trails. Warm up inside with evening hors d'oeuvres and live music before tucking into the ranch's signature "haute mountain cuisine." The staff can arrange to have a live tree placed in your room or cabin. All meals, activities and transportation are included. Take a picture of yourself in this pristine paradise and use it for next year's Christmas card. (Info: homeranch.com.)
Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader
