Travel Dispatch: All the Charm of Amsterdam, Minus the Crowds
Plus: How to Spend 36 Hours on Cozumel
Travel Dispatch
November 15, 2025
Leiden, a city in the Netherlands, features museums, gardens and plenty of ways to stretch your mind. Desiré van den Berg for The New York Times

Dear Travel Fan,

On Wednesday, President Trump signed a bill ending the federal government shutdown, but air traffic at some airports is still subject to restrictions. Throughout the shutdown, we, along with our Times colleagues on other desks, kept you abreast of the impact on travel. One thing our airlines reporter Christine Chung noted was the boom in private flying during the shutdown. She also has the latest on the Trump administration’s plans to do away with some consumer protections proposed by President Biden.

Also in the news this week: Sonder, a company that offered short-term rentals and boutique hotels, abruptly went out of business, stranding many guests. And Apple said its users could start adding digital passports to the wallets on their phones. We explain how you can use one for travel.

Perhaps you’re feeling that you’d like an escape from the news. Luckily, we’ve got plenty to offer, from a roundup of floating hotels in idyllic spots to a Thai island escape with no “White Lotus” crowds. Or perhaps you’re looking for a luxurious lodge stay on New Zealand’s South Island or a Dutch city with all the charm of Amsterdam (plus a rich scientific history) but with an easier pace. And if you still want more, our 36 Hours column visits the Mexican resort island of Cozumel, a wonderful place to swim, snorkel and stroll.

If you haven’t caught up with our new City Guide series yet, here are our best tips for London and Rome.

We’re getting close to Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel times of the year. You can look to us next week for suggestions on surviving holiday travel and more.

Wishing you safe and happy journeys,
Amy Virshup

OPEN UP YOUR WORLD

THE CHANGING WORLD OF TRAVEL

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. 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 Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

LiveIntent LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018