This week in travel news: the original “motor hotel” sits abandoned, the world’s busiest airports are ranked, and how to move abroad without messing it up. Birth of the motel Hotels and guesthouses have existed for centuries. But the motel was born in 1925 when an architect named Arthur Heineman came up with the idea for a “motor hotel,” shortened to “motel.” The concept was simple but effective: Now that more and more people had cars and were going on road trips, they needed places where they could stop and stay the night along the way. Thus Heineman paired low-cost rooms with small garages where guests could safely park their cars — all for $1.25 a night. The Milestone Mo-Tel was located in San Luis Obispo, California, which CNN Travel named one of the best towns to visit in America last year. It’s located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, and rooms at the motel had modern-for-the-time conveniences like hot showers and indoor carpeting. The design was inspired by the nearby Spanish mission. The original Milestone Mo-Tel, later called the Motel Inn, closed in 1991 and has been abandoned, but Heineman’s idea still lives on 100 years later. All about airports Ahead of the big summer travel season, Airports Council International (ACI) World released its annual roundup of the world’s busiest airports based on the number of people served. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has been in the No. 1 spot for 26 of the last 27 years, with 2020 (when the pandemic threw the travel industry for a loop) being the only exception. Dallas, Denver, Dubai and Delhi also landed in the top 10. Check out the full list for more. But flying is about more than just lists and rankings. Australian airline Qantas is bringing back a version of its famous “Kangaroo route,” which traveled from Sydney to London with some fun layovers along the way. The new itinerary lasts 14 days, with stops in Darwin, Singapore, Kolkata, Colombo, Cairo, Toulouse and Rome. It includes all meals, hotels, transfers and tours, which include perks like a private walkthrough at the Vatican Museums. The cost? A cool 49,950 Australian dollars (about $32,000) per person. Exit through the gift shop Souvenirs can remind us of previous trips and help re-create the inspiring feeling of seeing the Great Wall of China or the Eiffel Tower for the first time. Besides being cute, some souvenirs have deep meaning. In Japan, one of the most popular gifts is a Daruma. These round red dolls are ubiquitous at temples around the country, but they actually serve a very special purpose: People who buy Darumas are supposed to set a goal for themselves, paint one of the doll’s eyes, and then only fill in the second when the goal is achieved. Over in the United States, an unexpected place has become a souvenir hot spot: the Trader Joe’s grocery store chain. Although shoppers can get the usual fresh produce, the brand known as TJ’s has become “the Disneyland of American grocery stores,” with travelers from around the world heading here for branded tote bags and Instagrammable treats. One of the most popular products is the “everything but the bagel” seasoning blend, but be careful — South Korea has banned the item because of the presence of poppy seeds. Overdid it while shopping on vacation and worried you won’t be able to fit all your purchases in your suitcase? Our friends at CNN Underscored, a product reviews and recommendations guide owned by CNN, have rounded up the best luggage organizers. Americans on the move When California resident Keith Richardson started thinking about where he wanted to move, he had some interesting requirements — his new home had to be near the sea and not near a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Richardson found his dream house in the small town of Nardò, Italy, where he plans to spend as much time as possible post-retirement. He’s one of many Americans who are considering relocating to Europe for a different kind of life. If the whole process seems overwhelming, these relocation experts have some advice for you. In case you missed it UNESCO’s latest Global Geopark is in … North Korea. Mount Paektu is where Kim Jong Il said he was born. The White Lotus season 3 is over. But you can still visit all the filming locations in Thailand. Two strangers met at the Eiffel Tower and fell in love. No, not a romcom — this is real life. Tuvalu is one of the world’s least-visited countries. And as of last week it has its first ATMs.
The world’s first motel opened 100 years ago, but now only ruins remain
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Birth of the Motel: Reflecting on 100 Years Since the First Motor Hotel"
CNN
7.0
TruthLens AI Summary
The concept of the motel, a revolutionary accommodation designed for travelers with automobiles, was introduced by architect Arthur Heineman in 1925 with the opening of the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo, California. At a modest price of $1.25 per night, Heineman's motor hotel offered low-cost rooms combined with small garages where guests could park their cars securely. This innovative idea emerged in response to the growing trend of road trips, as more people began using cars for travel. The Milestone Mo-Tel featured modern amenities for its time, including hot showers and indoor carpeting, and was designed with inspiration from the nearby Spanish mission architecture. Although the original motel closed its doors in 1991 and now stands abandoned, its legacy endures as the motel concept has proliferated across the United States and beyond, catering to the needs of travelers for nearly a century.
In addition to the historical significance of the motel, recent travel news highlights the rankings of the world’s busiest airports, with Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport holding the top position for 26 out of the last 27 years. Other airports such as Dallas, Denver, Dubai, and Delhi also made it into the top ten. Meanwhile, Australian airline Qantas is reviving its famous “Kangaroo route,” which connects Sydney to London with several exciting layovers, including stops in cities like Singapore and Rome, for a comprehensive travel experience. As travel trends evolve, Americans are increasingly considering relocating abroad, with many seeking a different lifestyle in Europe. These developments reflect a broader interest in travel and relocation, highlighting the ongoing changes in how people engage with the world around them.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reflects on the historical significance of the first motel, the Milestone Mo-Tel, which opened 100 years ago, and its eventual decline into ruins. It also briefly touches on current travel topics, including airport rankings and the revival of a popular airline route. This juxtaposition of past and present travel culture may aim to evoke nostalgia while highlighting contemporary travel trends.
Historical Context
The narrative begins by recounting the inception of the motel concept by Arthur Heineman in 1925, highlighting its innovation in catering to the needs of travelers in the automotive age. This historical context serves to establish the motel as a cornerstone of American travel culture. By emphasizing the motel as an invention that provided affordable lodging with convenient parking, the article seeks to remind readers of the significant shifts in travel habits over the last century.
Contemporary Travel Trends
Following the historical account, the article transitions to modern travel news, particularly focusing on airport rankings and Qantas's new itinerary. This shift may be intended to draw a parallel between the evolution of travel accommodations and current travel practices, suggesting that while the forms of travel have changed, the underlying need for convenience remains. This could also serve to engage readers who are interested in travel logistics and tips for vacation planning.
Public Sentiment and Nostalgia
By reflecting on the abandoned state of the original motel, the article could be seen as instilling a sense of loss or nostalgia. It may provoke feelings about the impermanence of once-thriving establishments in the face of evolving travel norms. This emotional appeal might resonate particularly with those who value historical landmarks and the stories they hold.
Potential Omissions
While the article provides an intriguing glimpse into the past and present, it could be perceived as glossing over the broader implications of the travel industry’s evolution. The challenges faced by motels and hotels in the modern era, such as competition from alternative lodging platforms like Airbnb, are not discussed. This omission could lead to a one-dimensional understanding of the travel landscape and the factors that contribute to the decline of traditional accommodations.
Manipulative Potential
There is a subtle manipulation in the nostalgia invoked by the article, as it may encourage readers to romanticize the past while overlooking the complexities of current travel issues. The language used is descriptive and sentimental, which may lead readers to feel a certain fondness for the bygone era of motels without critically assessing the implications of such changes in the industry.
Trustworthiness of the Article
The article appears to be largely factual, recounting historical events and current statistics about airports. However, the emotional framing could influence readers' perceptions more than the facts themselves. It is important to approach the narrative with an understanding of its potential biases in evoking nostalgia.
The analysis of the article reveals that while it serves to commemorate the past, it also highlights the ongoing evolution of the travel industry in a way that may leave out critical discussions about current challenges. This approach may not fully prepare readers for the realities of contemporary travel.