And more of this week’s top news.
This week in travel, we have several stories that may have flown under your radar. Among them: a tourist has received backlash for scattering ashes into Venice’s lagoon; three hikers died in the Grand Canyon National Park due to heat; Japan has raised its visa fee for the first time in five decades; United Airlines painted 50 stars and red and white stripes on two planes to commemorate 250th anniversary.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
1 OF 5
Tourist Scatters Ashes into Venice
A French tourist has come under fire online after a video showing her scattering ashes near St. Mark’s Basin in Venice surfaced on social media. The middle-aged woman, wearing a striped top and sunglasses, was filmed by a friend as she emptied a bag of ashes into the lagoon near San Giorgio Maggiore Island.
Scattering ashes in the Venetian lagoon is prohibited. The city has designated areas for the practice, including cemeteries and gardens of remembrance. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the woman could face a fine.
Related: I’ve Lived in Venice for a Decade—Here’s What I Want Tourists to Know
2 OF 5
Three Hikers Die Due to Heat in Grand Canyon National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) said last week that three hikers died in Grand Canyon National Park in two separate heat-related incidents. On June 12, authorities found a 72-year-old man along the South Kaibab Trail. Four days later, on June 16, a 68-year-old woman and a 67-year-old man died on the North Kaibab Trail.
The NPS also reminded visitors that hiking in the Grand Canyon can be especially dangerous during the summer months. Temperatures in the Inner Canyon have reached hazardous levels, and officials are urging hikers to avoid the trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
3 OF 5
Tourist Dies in Resort Fire in Dominican Republic
An Italian tourist died in the Dominican Republic after a fire engulfed a luxury resort on Friday. Francesca Valentino, 46, was staying at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in Bayahibe when an early morning blaze spread rapidly through the property, fueled by strong winds and the resort’s thatched roofs.
About 1,700 people were evacuated, and three guests were taken to the hospital for treatment. Firefighters brought the blaze under control, and all guests were relocated to other hotels. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the resort has been closed until further notice.
4 OF 5
Japan Raises Visa Fee After Nearly Five Decades
Japan has raised its visa fees fivefold, with single-entry visas increasing from 3,000 yen ($18) to 15,000 yen ($93) and multi-entry visas rising from 6,000 yen ($37) to 30,000 yen ($186). The increase comes as the country continues to experience a tourism boom, welcoming nearly 43 million international visitors in 2025.
The new fees, which take effect July 1, mark the first revision to Japan’s visa charges since 1978 and apply to all foreign nationals. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday that the higher fees “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations,” adding that officials do not expect them to have an immediate impact on tourism.
5 OF 5
United Airlines Paints Planes with American Flag Colors
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, United Airlines is taking to the skies with a patriotic new look. Two aircraft in the carrier’s fleet—a Boeing 787-10 and a Boeing 737-800—have been painted in a special livery featuring a deep blue design with 50 white stars and seven red-and-white stripes. At the unveiling at Washington Dulles International Airport, United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline “plays a front and center role in spreading culture and those traditions around the globe.”
United is the third airline to unveil a commemorative design honoring the anniversary. Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have also introduced special red, white, and blue liveries on select aircraft.
Related: The 250th USA Birthday Parties We’re RSVPing ‘Yes’ To