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The Rock of Gibraltar seen from a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar.
CNN
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This week's travel news: When wildlife encounters people on the go, Europe's best long-distance hike, and a dramatic emergency plane landing.
It's bad enough when travelers have to deal with badly behaved crowds and unruly passengers. But sometimes the animal kingdom seems to have it for those on the go, too.
Let's start with the ocean. Earlier this week, an unknown number of killer whales rammed and sank a sailing yacht in Moroccan waters in the Strait of Gibraltar. The boat at the mercy of the killer whales was no small vessel, measuring 15 meters (49 feet) long. And this is not the first incident of assault in this area.
And let's talk about rivers. British traveler Georgia Rowley was recently awarded the King's Medal of Bravery for her bravery after helping her twin sister fight off a crocodile attack in a Mexican river a few years ago. Awarded. Alligator attacks on people are much more common around the world than alligator attacks in the United States. But just in case, here's some sage advice if you encounter a crocodile.
Finally, there are athletics concerns. While bears get a lot of attention when encounters with humans go awry, it's actually deer-vehicle collisions that road trippers need to be wary of. Find out how to avoid becoming an accidental victim of Bambi.
Beware of wildfires and weapons
Continuing the safety theme a little further, Canadian wildfires are in the news again. Canada is a large country and conditions can change rapidly. Travelers planning to travel to potential fire areas, particularly hard-hit British Columbia and Alberta, can get the latest information from Destination Canada. To prepare for the worst-case scenario, it pays to brush up on CNN Travel's wildfire safety tips.
There are also costs for cross-border travelers to ensure they understand local laws before departing. For example, the Turks and Caicos Islands, a tropical getaway in the Atlantic Ocean, strictly prohibit firearms and ammunition from being brought onto the islands. Five American tourists have been arrested on ammunition charges in recent months. If convicted, he could be sentenced to several years in prison overseas.
Even in the US, it pays to abide by gun laws and carefully check your carry-on baggage. Atlanta police this week loaded bullets into bags at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world's busiest airport, after years of allowing many people to leave without being arrested, according to an Atlanta newspaper. It was announced that people caught with loaded firearms would be arrested. Journal Constitution.
Now, let's turn to the happier, escapist side of travel, with plenty of dreamy destinations.
First up is Cancun, Mexico. It's the epitome of a primo-filled beach party, and for good reason. But it's also a great destination if you're looking for culture, history, delicious food, and stunning natural scenery.
Next is Italy. There are tourist attractions such as Lake Como, which attracts many tourists. But did you know that Italy has dozens of small secret lakes? Bellissimo) Do locals gather for day trips and enjoy picnics? Here's where to find them.
Finally, we've rounded up the best long-distance hiking trails in Europe, from the well-trodden pilgrimage of the Camino Francis in France and Spain to the coast-to-coast John Muir Way in Scotland.
No matter where you go hiking, make sure you have the best pants. Our partners at CNN Underscored, the CNN-owned product reviews and recommendation guide, are here to help you by providing our top 20 suggestions, so to speak.
Silvana Flores/AFP/Getty Images
Chef Arturo Rivera Martinez prepares tacos at Taqueria El Califa de Leon restaurant in Mexico City on May 15.
Who doesn't love delicious food while traveling? Who doesn't love bargains? Travelers to Mexico City can get both. A small, no-frills taco stand in the San Rafael neighborhood with just four items on the menu has been awarded a coveted star in the Michelin Guide.
In Thailand, Bangkok's undisputed queen of mango sticky rice, Valee Jensuwan, tells CNN Travel why the sweet sensation is the perfect summer dessert.
And if you want half the fun of going there, check out these off-the-beaten-path restaurants on Turkey's Mediterranean coast that serve up some of the country's most exciting cuisine. Flavorful eclairs with shrimp cream, anyone?
How she met Boo.
Amelia Showalter was moved by the spirit and asked the stranger to join her on a ghost tour.
Emergency landing in Australia!
Watch dramatic footage of a small plane forced to land without wheels.
A plane passenger was found dead in the overhead bin.
Here's why it's a terrible idea:
An interesting offer for history buffs of the American Civil War.
The National Park Service is leasing two historic homes on the Gettysburg battlefield for overnight stays.