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This week’s travel highlights include the surprising reason behind different fork techniques in Europe and the U.S., a Mediterranean island where cats outnumber humans, and a dramatic rescue on the tallest Alpine peak.

Destination Highlights

The island of Palmarola, not far from Rome, offers a remarkable escape. Though it’s close enough for a day trip, its remoteness, lack of roads, and absence of cell service make it feel like an untouched paradise far from modern distractions. Discover how to make your way to this hidden oasis.

Roughly 500 miles southwest, the tranquil island of Tabarca stands as Spain’s tiniest inhabited island. Adorned with more felines than residents, this peaceful spot in the Balearic chain offers a quiet charm that sets it apart from the likes of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

On the other side of the world, Indonesia’s Maluku Islands—once known simply as the “Spice Islands”—were largely unexplored by foreign travelers until recently. These days, luxury sea voyages offer visitors a blend of adventure and comfort across these remote, tropical waters.

Flight Patrol

This week marks half a century since Concorde first made supersonic travel possible. Former pilots share their memories and insights on what it was like to fly the fastest passenger plane in aviation history.

In less heroic news, a former airline staffer denies allegations that he pretended to be a pilot, convincing three U.S. airlines to issue him hundreds of free tickets. The supposed scam has left many in the industry wondering how he managed to remain under the radar for so long.

Meanwhile, a clash between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has heated up. The disagreement stems from Musk’s SpaceX satellite Wi-Fi technology, which Ryanair declined to adopt. The spat reached a peak with public insults and a cheeky Ryanair promotion nicknamed the "Big Idiot Seat Sale" aimed at Musk.

Also in airline updates: Southwest Airlines plans to phase out its open seating policy beginning January 27, signaling a big shift for the Dallas-based carrier. Flying this weekend? Be sure to grab your preferred seat early.

Adventure Unfolded

“Great Escapes” is CNN Travel’s new series exploring the twists and turns of travel when things go unexpectedly. You can read or listen to the first stories in this ongoing feature.

The premier piece recounts a courageous rescue atop Mont Blanc. Climber Madalin Cristea, caught in a snowstorm during his descent, witnessed a fellow mountaineer fall — tied by rope to his son, both suddenly in grave danger.

“He just vanished right ahead of me,” Cristea recalls. Trusting his instincts, he acted fast. Read the full account of this tense alpine rescue.

Stay tuned next week for the strange tale of a woman whose Greyhound bus broke down, leading her to share a motel room with two nuns under unusual circumstances.

Dumpling Perfection

The ideal xiaolongbao dumpling weighs just 21 grams, features 18 precise folds, and contains a savory pork filling. Reporter Will Ripley traveled to Taiwan to uncover the secret techniques behind crafting this iconic dish from Din Tai Fung.

Weekly Rewind

From headline meetings and gripping films to celestial sights — how well do you recall the standout moments of the past week?

A beach was coated with a layer of French fries and onions after a shipping mishap.

This wasn’t your typical fish-and-chips spread by the sea.

The way Americans and Europeans hold their forks isn’t the same — and it tells us more than you think.

And in Japan, some of the most fascinating attractions aren’t ancient shrines — they’re the charming corner shops brimming with culture and curiosity.