What We’re Reading: Could UFO Sightings Affect Your Flight?

A story from U.S. News and World Report examines the possibility that UFOs could impact aviation. Are they serious? Find out in our weekly roundup of travel news and stories.

World’s Tallest Hotel Opens

The most sky-scraping hotel on the planet has opened in the most obvious of places: Dubai. Budget Travel reports that the 72-story JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, which is 1,164 feet tall, opened this week. But there’s some fine print to keep in mind: The high-rise isn’t the tallest building to house a hotel. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Kalifa, contains a hotel—but the Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is the tallest building that is used soley as a hotel. Still a pretty legit claim, we think.

Could UFO Sightings Affect Your Flight?

Could UFO sightings really pose a threat to aviation? According to U.S. News and World Report, “Many experts are more concerned about the hazards these sightings pose to aviation than about the potential for alien involvement.” Former senior NASA scientist Richard Haines told the publication that flight crews could get dangerously distracted by unidentified flying objects that appear near flights—a phenomenon that seems to happen quite often (that is, if you watch the History channel at all). The story references “researchers and public officials” who think it’s time to start taking UFO reports seriously. The non-believing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) tends to dismiss them as weather anomalies.

Awesome Travel Blog: Designtripper

Seeking travel inspiration? We suggest a peek at Designtripper, a blog that highlights special, visually delightful properties with big, slick photos. The blog focuses on unique places to stay, from castles to pretty boutique hotels, and claims “We put authenticity, character, and thoughtful design before [high-definition] plasma TVs, iPod docking stations and in-room Jacuzzis.” A recent post about a stay at a 15th-century castle in Ireland reinforces this point.

Which do you prefer: highbrow design or high-tech amenities?

(Photo: UFO via Shutterstock)