Imagine traveling between New York and London in just an hour. It may sound like science fiction, but plans for a $20 trillion transatlantic tunnel have resurfaced, promising a high-speed journey using vacuum tube technology. However, with estimates suggesting construction could take nearly a millennium, this project remains a distant dream.
Digging into the Future
Infrastructure megaprojects continue to push boundaries. Newsweek estimates that constructing the transatlantic tunnel at the same rate as Europe’s Channel Tunnel could take over 1,000 years. This ambitious plan would require 3,000 miles of advanced burrowing, making it one of the most expensive and extensive projects ever proposed.
Norway and Denmark’s Tunnel Ambitions
While the transatlantic tunnel remains hypothetical, other major tunneling projects are making progress. Norway recently broke ground on the Rogfast project, which will be the world’s longest and deepest undersea road tunnel. Meanwhile, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, connecting Denmark and Germany, is set to open in 2029, making it the longest combined road and rail tunnel in the world.
Europe’s Expensive Railway Projects
The UK is currently building one of the most expensive railway projects globally, the HS2 (High Speed 2), costing a staggering $416 million per mile. While intended to revolutionize travel, many critics argue it is a waste of resources. In a similar vein, plans for a bridge connecting Britain and Ireland were abandoned due to deep waters and the presence of radioactive waste and unexploded munitions.
Baggage Woes for Travelers
Travel disruptions don’t stop at ambitious tunnel projects. British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, had to cancel a concert after Air Canada refused to accommodate his multi-million-dollar cello. Meanwhile, United Airlines is rolling out new AirTag tracking for lost luggage, a move expected to be followed by Delta, Lufthansa, and Qantas. Japan Airlines is also introducing a hotel baggage delivery service to ease congestion on Tokyo’s public transport.
Smuggling Christmas Gifts? Think Again
Holiday travel can be stressful, but one traveler in New Zealand took it to the extreme by attempting to smuggle 10 kilos of methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas gifts. Authorities quickly intercepted the illicit presents, highlighting why wrapped gifts are scrutinized by airport security. “This Christmas, we hope that your holidays are not felonious, but felicitous,” joked CNN’s travel correspondent.
Love in Unexpected Places
Not all travel stories end in misfortune. American traveler Jennea missed her train in London due to a flight delay from Mozambique. While stranded, she met Dutchman Arthur, and the two fell in love. “A delayed train led to my future husband,” she said, proving that sometimes missed connections can lead to unexpected romance.
Hong Kong’s High-Speed Adventure
Beyond Europe, Hong Kong has introduced high-speed sleeper trains, reaching speeds of 155 mph. CNN recently took a trip on the service from Beijing, praising its efficiency and comfort.
Strange Travel Tales from Around the Globe
From amusing to astonishing, the travel world never ceases to surprise. A squirrel stuck in a tree won the 2024 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards, while a Bitcoin millionaire buried $2 million in treasure across the U.S. Meanwhile, in Venice, an older woman has taken it upon herself to hunt down pickpockets emboldened by a 2022 law change.
With travel continuously evolving, whether through futuristic tunnels, luxurious train rides, or unexpected encounters, one thing is certain—there’s never a dull moment in the world of transit.