Wondering how Winter Storm Fern could affect your upcoming flight? Airlines are already loosening the rules as snow and ice sweep across much of the U.S. Curious how far cities are willing to go to rein in overtourism? Amsterdam is openly weighing a future without ocean cruise ships. And dreaming a little bigger while planning your next incentive? A new report highlights the growing demand for safari tourism.
All of this and more awaits in this week’s Smart Travel, where we cover the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
Winter Storm Fern Triggers Airline Travel Waivers Across U.S.
As Winter Storm Fern barrels across the central and eastern U.S., airlines are issuing widespread travel waivers to accommodate what’s expected to be a multi-day stretch of snow, ice and hazardous travel conditions. According to Reuters, major carriers including American, Delta, United, JetBlue and Southwest have proactively relaxed change fees and fare differences for travelers rebooking flights in affected regions.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings from New Mexico to Maine, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions threatening to snarl both air and ground travel through midweek. Airlines are encouraging passengers with upcoming travel plans to check their flight status and take advantage of flexible rebooking options.
Fern is the second major winter storm to sweep across the U.S. this January, underscoring what forecasters warn could be an especially active cold-weather season. As of early Tuesday, hundreds of flights had already been delayed or canceled. Airline operations teams are working around the clock to adjust flight schedules and keep travelers informed.
Ontario International Surpasses 7.1 million Passengers in 2025, Led by International Travel Surge
Ontario International Airport (ONT) continued its five-year streak of post-pandemic growth in 2025, welcoming more than 7.1 million passengers including a record 566,923 international travelers, a 29.2% increase over the prior year. The milestone reflects rising demand for global service and expanded nonstop routes to Latin America and Asia.
“As a vital gateway for Southern California, Ontario International Airport marked another milestone year in 2025, demonstrating our capacity to meet growing air travel demand while many California airports continued to work toward full recovery,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “We are particularly gratified by the growth in international travel.”
Read More: Southern California: Open for Business
ONT’s domestic passenger count topped 6.5 million, and daily flight departures grew to 90. The airport has also nearly doubled its nonstop destinations since 2016, rising from 13 to 31.
Infrastructure upgrades accompanied the growth, including two new passenger lounges, a duty-free store and refreshed dining and retail options. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also designated ONT a Landing Rights Airport in 2025, streamlining federal support and operations.
Amsterdam Considers Phasing Out Ocean Cruise Ships by 2035
Amsterdam’s city government is weighing a significant shift in its tourism and sustainability policies by proposing a full phase‑out of ocean‑going cruise ships by 2035, according to Dutch News. The move would go beyond current limits, cutting annual ship calls from 190 to 100 by 2026 to potentially eliminate large cruise vessels from the city’s historic waterways entirely.
Officials said relocating the existing cruise terminal to a less central location would cost roughly €85 million with uncertain returns, leading the coalition government to explore a ban instead. Alderman Hester van Buren described the proposed approach as a way to deliver “clear sustainability and environmental gains” by reducing emissions and overtourism in the city center.
River cruise ships would still be permitted under tighter limits, but eliminating ocean cruises could cost Amsterdam an estimated €46 million in port and tourism taxes over 30 years, which the city hopes to offset through waterfront redevelopment. Final decisions will be made by the next municipal administration after local elections in March 2026.
Starwood Hotels Unveils 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley
Starwood Hotels has announced plans for 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley, a new eco-luxury resort and residential community set in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Located on 775 acres in Ulster County, the development will feature a blend of sustainably designed hotel accommodations and private branded residences, offering immersive nature-forward experiences just under two hours from Manhattan.
Scheduled to open in 2028, the resort will include approximately 100 guest rooms and suites, while residential sales are set to begin in summer 2026. More than 500 acres of the property will be preserved as a protected nature reserve.
“At 1 Hotels, we believe that true luxury is living in harmony with nature,” said Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and chairman of Starwood Hotels. “With 1 Hotel & Homes Hudson Valley, we are creating a place where people will slow down, reconnect with what matters and discover the beauty of the natural world all over again.”
The property will also feature wellness spaces, nature-inspired dining, outdoor adventure access, flexible meeting venues and programming tailored to the Hudson Valley’s agricultural and artisanal communities.
Luxury Safari Travel Sees Resurgence, New Report Shows
Safari Frank has released a comprehensive new industry report, Luxury Safari Tourism Statistics, Market Trends & Insights, highlighting a renewed surge in demand for high‑end safari experiences as international travel rebounds and access to African destinations improves. The report emphasizes that luxury safaris are increasingly defined by exclusivity and low‑density tourism, with private conservancies and concessions enhancing wildlife viewing and privacy for travelers.
The research also points to smoother travel logistics, including easier visa processes and better flight connectivity, making multi-country safari itineraries more accessible for long‑haul visitors. With top lodges operating at limited capacity, early planning and flexibility are key to securing peak‑season dates and the best wildlife sightings, the report notes.
Cost factors such as remoteness, guide quality and lodge experience are broken down to help travelers compare value beyond headline prices, while conservation and community impact are underscored as integral components of responsible luxury safari travel. “Our report is designed to empower travelers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their safari journeys,” said Safari Frank co‑founder Frank Steenhuisen.
