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In this edition, we recount a string of unruly tourist moments from March, but redeem the narrative with heartwarming travel tales and a spark of romance to lift your spirits.

Air travel continues to face widespread obstacles due to a blaze near London’s Heathrow Airport. Passengers caught in Friday’s chaos shared their stressful stories. If your trip has been affected, here’s what to know about flight cancellations and delays.

March Mayhem

The month is shaping up to be a colorful one for all the wrong reasons when it comes to traveler behavior.

Mid-March, an American traveler caused global backlash after a video surfaced showing her grabbing a young wombat from its mother and sprinting away.

On March 7, a man from Pennsylvania was found attempting to smuggle a live turtle through airport security in New Jersey—hiding it in his trousers.

A disturbing video from a restaurant in China showed customers urinating in their shared hotpot, prompting the chain to reimburse patrons.

Meanwhile, in Dublin, an activist is raising concerns over tourists inappropriately touching the iconic Molly Malone statue's chest.

Bad behavior has always been part of airplane lore, but March has been something else entirely.

Just in the past weeks, flights have seen incidents ranging from in-flight biting and fighting to passengers swallowing rosaries and demanding to speak with President Trump. One plane even had to return mid-journey due to severely blocked toilets.

New Chapters

Now, let’s pivot to uplifting stories of personal transformation and relocation.

A retired luxury real estate agent from Los Angeles vacationed in Puglia, Italy, in her 60s—and never looked back. She now calls the sunny southern region home.

In another inspiring turn, a Pittsburgh native answered a higher calling in Calabria, Italy, becoming the nation’s first female rabbi. “It was beshert—meant to be,” she reflects.

A Californian academic planned a short trip to Japan, but 30 years later he’s still there and loving every moment. “It’s still unbelievable fun,” he shares with CNN.

After enduring a family tragedy, a mother from Chicago and her teenage son moved to Spain. Relocating wasn’t simple, she says, but “Valencia brought us peace.”

Adventure Awaits

China’s Li Dongju embarked on her first trip abroad at age 56. Now 66, she’s pedaled solo across 12 nations in three continents, embracing the open road from her bike seat.

When hikers Trish Salazar and Aaron Toro crossed paths in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, sparks flew immediately. Within days, they were formulating plans for a future—then life took another unexpected twist. Catch their story on the Chance Encounters podcast.

Angola might be surfing’s best hidden gem. With flawless waves and no heavy crowds, it’s mainly drawn bold early adopters—though the scene is quietly gaining momentum.

You don’t need to be an athlete to stay active while traveling. Our colleagues at CNN Underscored have rounded up expert-recommended travel-friendly fitness gear under $25 to help keep your workout routine going strong, wherever you are.

Canada to US: “No, Thanks”

A Canadian couple shared with CNN that they used to spend tens of thousands annually touring the U.S. But due to tensions sparked by trade policies and President Trump’s comments, they are now staying away.

They’re not the only ones. With Canadians traditionally contributing up to 40% of revenue for attractions in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, many local businesses are bracing for a significant drop. One innkeeper fears he won’t make it through the season. Watch more here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

A man left the corporate grind to photograph dogs around the world—and now he's nearly broke.

The latest ranking of the world’s happiest nations for 2025 is out.

Also surprising: People are far kinder than we often imagine.

One wildlife experience in Uganda will run you $800 per hour.

But those who've tried it say it’s worth every penny.

Meanwhile, an Italian coastal town is under siege—by swarms of midges.

Locals are pushing for emergency assistance.