"Harsh Slapping": The nagging public transportation trend that is pushing commuters to the edge of frustration
❗️Frustratingly loud audio assaulted passengers worldwide❗️
Welcome to our roundup of the week's travel stories! This week, we explore the chaotic world of noise pollution, Alexander the Great's epic conquest, and the quest for peace and quiet.
🔊🔊 Noise Pollution
Remember when "rawdogging" and "barebacking" were all the rage? Now there's a new trend that's left folks aggravated: "bare beating." Yep, you guess it! It's just another catchy, unnecessary term for the aggravating act of blaring music or video without using headphones.
You've probably faced its annoyance more than once—and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. This escalating nuisance on trains, planes, and buses worldwide has led to outrage from commuters everywhere.
In the UK, where maintaining an air of quiet respect is sacrosanct, particularly in London, the opposition Liberal Democrats are taking a stand. They've issued a call for the government to impose fines of up to £1,000 for noise offenders [1][2][3].
According to a poll, around 40% of Brits have encountered people playing loud music often or sometimes, but over half feel uneasy about asking another passenger to lower the volume [1].
On a different front, London's Leicester Square has seen a ban on busking due to complaints about the disturbingly loud performance of Ed Sheeran renditions by street musicians [1]. They've been deemed a form of "psychological torture" for office workers by a judge [1].
😌😌 Peace and Quiet
Craving a respite from urban chatter and chaos? Independent bookstores like New York's iconic Strand bookstore could be your ticket to calmness! CNN's Erin Burnett visited the beloved store and spoke with the Strand's third-generation owner, Nancy Wyden [1].
Once you've picked up a good book, there's no better place to sit back and relax than a coffee shop. These oases of tranquility not only offer caffeinated delight but also function as a mental health resource, making our daily grinds a little more bearable [1].
Our partners at CNN Underscored have some affordable tips to help you create a spa-like experience at home, from cozy waffle bathrobes to soothing facial steamers. Check them out!
🤼🤼 Historical Travel
Feeling unaccomplished? Comparing yourself to Alexander the Great takes the cake! The Macedonian conqueror managed to conquer lands across three continents, leaving the map of the world forever changed, all before kicking the bucket at 32. Learn how he rewrote history [1].
The ancient Lycians, who once ruled modern-day Turkey's southwestern corner, have left behind a magnificent legacy of cities carved into cliffs [1]. These elaborate tombs offer breathtaking views over towns, valleys, and shorelines. The struggle to reach them can add to the adventure [1].
🤝🤝 Making Amigos
Cynthia Wilson and Craig Bjork, both in their 50s, moved from Kansas to Portugal to experience retirement in a new country. They aimed to immerse themselves in the local community as immigrants rather than insular expats. "People never pegged us as Americans," says Wilson. "We're fine with that" [1].
💭💭 In Case You Missed It
A unique Japanese rail spectacle captivates trainspotters from around the world [1]. The spectacular "Shinkansen kiss" occurs 17 times a day [1]. Is a TikTok seatbelt hack worth the risk? Passengers claim it helps with sleep, but experts warn it's extremely dangerous [1].
Airlines are making desperate moves to compensate for delayed or canceled flights. The launch of luxurious A380 superjumbo jets, initially promised, is no exception [1]. Everest's first female climber was told to focus on motherhood, but she rose above the naysayers to conquer the mountain [1].
Now, for more insights, read on about the current and proposed regulations to combat noise pollution on public transportation in the UK:
Current Regulations:- Railway Bylaws: Existing bylaws prohibit passengers from singing or using equipment that could annoy others on trains and at stations. Offenders can be removed and fined up to £1,000.- General Noise Nuisance Laws: For buses, general noise nuisance laws can be enforced, although specific bylaws aren't always used.
Proposed Measures:- Liberal Democrats' Proposal: An amendment to the Bus Services Bill to explicitly ban loud music on public transportation in England, with fines of up to £1,000 for offenders.- Calls for Fines: A call for fines of up to $1,300 for "headphone dodgers" who play loud music and videos on public transportation.
Sources:[1] CNN, [2] The Telegraph, [3] The Independent, [4] BBC, [5] Independent.co.uk
"If you're seeking a peaceful escape from the noise pollution that plagues public transportation, consider visiting an independent bookstore like New York's Strand, where the tranquility of turning pages can provide a welcome respite. Alternatively, creating a spa-like environment at home, as suggested by CNN Underscored, could help transform your home-and-garden lifestyle into a peaceful haven."
"In contrast to the chaotic world of noise pollution, travel offers opportunities to explore historical sites that transport us to different eras. For instance, the ancient Lycian cities carved into cliffs in modern-day Turkey showcase a rich legacy that could make for an intriguing travel itinerary, offering a charming blend of travel and history."
