Travel Dispatch: Greenland’s Tourism Boom

Plus: How to Spend 36 Hours in Marseille

View in browser|nytimes.com May 31, 2025 A street scene in the Cours Julien, the North Star of Marseille nightlife. Jonathan Stokes for The New York Times Dear Travel Fan, Why do we travel? Often, it's to explore different places and have new experiences. But the writer Alexander Lobrano journeyed to the Gulf Coast of the United States to meet a cousin who had contacted him on Instagram. Though they shared a common ancestor, he is white and she is Black. It was a journey of discovery and connection. Greenland was one of our 52 Places to Go this year, well before controversy broke out over President Trump's desire to take over the island. With the first direct flights by a U.S. airline about to start, we look at how Greenlanders are feeling about the possible tourism boom. We also take a road trip through northern Michigan in search of delicious things to eat and drink. What's going on with the cost of travel? With the dollar losing strength, our Frugal Traveler has the latest. We also have an update on Southwest's new fees for checked baggage. Here's what it will cost you to check luggage on the carrier. Have you heard of "townsizing?" What about "land snorkeling?" To get you ready for summer travel, we've got a lexicon of the latest terms being thrown around. Ever since the pandemic, hiking has been growing in popularity, as people head outdoors to get away from it all. But before going into the wilderness, you need to be prepared. Here's what you need to know. Finally, our 36 Hours column visits the raffish French city of Marseille. It has become a magnet for young, creative people and has a growing restaurant scene. But it's essential nature hasn't changed: C'est Marseille, bébé — it's Marseille, baby. Wishing you safe and happy travels, Amy Virshup OPEN UP YOUR WORLD A Sweet and Savory Road Trip in Northern Michigan After a drive through this bountiful area of Grand Traverse Bay, your car will overflow with organic fruit and vegetables, freshly caught whitefish, baked goods and more. Just don't forget to bring a cooler. By Christine Chitnis and Lindsey Makuwatsine Sigga Ella for The New York Times Greenland Says Visit. But Step Lightly and Speak Softly. Already in the geopolitical spotlight, Greenland prepares for new direct flights from the United States. In the capital of Nuuk, the expected tourism influx is both exciting and worrying. By Lisa Abend and Sigga Ella Confronting History, Family and Race on a Road Trip to New Orleans After a cousin he never knew contacted him, a writer set out on a journey along the Gulf Coast to learn more about her, and himself. By Alexander Lobrano and Camille Farrah Lenain Jonathan Stokes for The New York Times 36 Hours 36 Hours in Marseille Marseille is a port city, constantly in motion. But the city's wild streak remains. By Lily Radziemski THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL Chanelle Nibbelink Land Snorkeling? Townsizing? A User's Guide to the Latest Travel Lingo. Here are eight terms, some brand-new, others recently resurfaced, that match today's travel trends. By Elaine Glusac Erin Hooley/Associated Press Southwest Airlines Sets Baggage Fees Until now, it was the only major U.S. airline that allowed passengers to check two bags at no extra cost. On May 28, most passengers will start paying $35 for their first bag. By Ceylan Yeğinsu Weston Wei Travel 101 How to Stay Safe While Enjoying the Backcountry This Summer Planning a trip into the wilderness? Here's what to know before you go. By Amanda Loudin Giorgio Viera/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Frugal Traveler Is It Cheaper, or More Expensive, to Travel Now? Both, It Turns Out. How falling airfares and foreign exchange rates influence where to look for deals this summer. By Elaine Glusac Feedback, thoughts, tips? Email the Travel desk at travel@nytimes.com. Make a friend's day: Forward this email. Did you get this from a friend? Sign up for the Travel Dispatch here. You can always find our latest stories here. We have more newsletters you might like! Sign up for The Morning newsletter to make sense of the day's news and ideas with David Leonhardt and Times journalists. See all newsletters here. If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Travel Dispatch from The New York Times. To stop receiving Travel Dispatch, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018