And other travel stories you may have missed last week.
This week in travel, we’ve uncovered several stories that might have flown under your radar. Among them: an unexploded World War II bomb near Paris disrupts train service; a woman inexplicably strips down on a Southwest flight; and Bali kicks out a tourist for seemingly innocuous behavior.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
NO.1
WORLD WAR II BOMB NEAR PARIS DISRUPTS TRAIN SERVICE
A 500-kilogram unexploded bomb disrupted train travel near Paris last week. Found on Friday, the World War II bomb was discovered along the railway tracks in Saint-Denis, about six miles from the capital, resulting in 500 train cancellations. In addition to halting services from Gare du Nord—one of the world’s busiest train stations—police evacuated 200 people from Saint-Denis.
The bomb was located two meters deep while rail workers were constructing a new bridge. Eurostar, which operates services to London, Brussels, and Amsterdam, canceled all trains and apologized to its customers. Services resumed on Saturday after the threat was neutralized.
NO.2
NAKED PASSENGER RUNS DOWN THE AISLE BEFORE TAKEOFF
Passengers on a Southwest flight from Houston to Phoenix experienced a chaotic incident before takeoff. A female passenger moved to the front of the plane while it was taxiing, undressed completely, and yelled at the staff. Witnesses said she wanted to get off the plane and claimed she was bipolar. A video of her walking down the aisle naked has since gone viral.
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The plane returned to the gate, and the Houston Police Department removed her from the aircraft. She was taken for a medical evaluation, but no charges have been filed.
NO.3
NORTH KOREA SUSPENDS FOREIGN TOURS WEEKS AFTER INITIATING THE PROGRAM
After five years of being closed to Western travelers, North Korea briefly reopened to foreign tourists in February, only to halt the program again.
The highly isolated country sealed its borders in 2020 due to the pandemic and began loosening restrictions in 2023. Russian travelers were allowed in 2024, and this year, the reclusive nation welcomed Western tourists to Rason, a northeastern city near the Chinese border. Tour operators organizing these visits reported even stricter restrictions than before, with limited opportunities to walk freely or interact with locals. However, these tours have now been canceled without explanation, according to tour operators.
Note: The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for North Korea. “All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State.”
NO.4
PLANE DIVERTS DUE TO HOAX BY YOUNG CHILDREN
A threatening note reading, “You are all going to die, help me,” was found on a plane heading to Mexico from Minneapolis last week. The Sun Country Airlines flight, carrying 150 passengers and six crew members, was diverted to El Paso, Texas, where all passengers exited safely.
The FBI investigated the incident and determined the threat was a hoax by two young children on the flight. FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge John Morales thanked passengers and crew for their patience as authorities “conducted interviews to determine the circumstances behind the reported security concern.”
The state attorney’s office will not pursue criminal charges in this case.
NO.5
BALI DEPORTS TOURIST FOR HIKING WITHOUT GUIDE
A Norwegian tourist, identified by his initials BG, was deported from Bali for hiking a sacred volcano without a guide, violating local laws. The 41-year-old climbed Mount Agung, a dangerous trek where many tourists have been injured or killed. Despite being advised not to hike alone—illegal for both local and international tourists—he proceeded, leading to the revocation of his visa.
Related: What Happens If Your Vacation Coincides With a Religious Day of Silence?
