Travel Dispatch: Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You.

Plus: 36 Hours in Cape Town

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 23, 2024 SUPPORTED BY CHOOSE CHICAGO The Rio Grande in a section of the Temple Canyon route, outside Big Bend National Park in Texas. Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times Dear Travel Fan, Many years ago, I visited Big Bend National Park in Texas and took a float trip through the Santa Elena Canyon, that I remember as magical. This week we have an article from the writer Daniel Modlin, who wanted to do the same thing. But, as he discovered, there is so little water in the Rio Grande these days that a trip through the canyon is often impossible. He took a different route, but still faced stretches where there was not enough water for a canoe to float. I recommend his eye-opening article. Speaking of our changing planet, a growing number of companies concerned about their environmental impact are becoming B Corps, including travel operators. We look at what that means. In travel news this week, United Airlines has had a spate of incidents involving maintenance issues with its planes. We talk to experts about how concerned to be. And, following on Airnb's announcement that it was banning cameras in its rentals, we lay out what your privacy rights are in a hotel or rental — and how to check if there might be a hidden camera on the premises. Our Frugal Traveler, Elaine Glusac, took a trip to the beautiful — and pricey — seaside town of Monterey, Calif., to see whether she could see it on the cheap. There's a new wave of chefs revolutionizing dining in Brussels, and we've got recommendations for the hottest new restaurants there. There is also change happening in the South African city of Cape Town, which is emerging as a culturally rich African hub. Our 36 Hours column helps you explore. And finally, Ceylan Yeginsu, who covers cruises for us, put together a list of things you might find onboard that may surprise you, whether you're a first-time cruiser or a dedicated cruise fan. It's a lot of fun. Wishing you safe and happy journeys, Amy Virshup OPEN UP YOUR WORLD Jason Henry for The New York Times Frugal Traveler A Cheapskate in Monterey We put the California county, known for its exclusive towns and fancy golf courses, to the frugal test, combining a hefty dose of stunning nature with affordable restaurants, budget lodgings and a few splurges. By Elaine Glusac Samantha Reinders for The New York Times 36 Hours 36 Hours in Cape Town The spectacular South African city is shedding its Eurocentric identity and emerging as a culturally rich African hub. By John Eligon Joann Pai for The New York Times Belgium or Brooklyn? 5 Bold New Places to Eat in Brussels. Exciting young chefs wielding a palette of spices from places like Korea, Latin America and Morocco are turning the capital of Europe into a culinary upstart. By Alexander Lobrano Continue reading the main story A MESSAGE FROM CHOOSE CHICAGO Plan an Exciting Chicago Getaway! Start planning your next trip with the free Chicago Visitors Guide, filled with great tips on the city's hottest neighborhoods, events, dining, attractions, and more. Get the guide! THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL Ivan Pierre Aguirre for The New York Times How Do You Paddle a Disappearing River? Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it's getting harder to find where a boat will actually float. By Daniel Modlin Getty Hidden Cameras: What Travelers Need to Know We talked to security and privacy experts about Airbnb's new ban on surveillance cameras, your privacy rights and how to find a hidden camera. By Elaine Glusac Fazry Ismail/EPA, via Shutterstock Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You. Here are five unexpected features on ships, some of which you hopefully won't discover on your own. By Ceylan Yeğinsu David J. Phillip/Associated Press 8 Incidents in 2 Weeks: What's Going on With United's Planes? While no one was injured, most of the mishaps required emergency landings or diversions. One safety expert said the incidents were not the result of "systemic problems." By Christine Chung Simone Noronha My Tour Operator Is a B Corp. What Does That Mean? Should I Care? A growing number of travel operators are undergoing the B Corp certification process, which can offer insight into a company's environmental and social initiatives. By Sophie Stuber 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. 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