The Board of Directors of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) is pleased to announce that Larry Quinlan, former Global Chief Information Officer for Deloitte, joined the Board effective October 13, 2022.

Mr. Quinlan has over 35 years of experience as a technology leader. He most recently served as Global Chief Information Officer for Deloitte, responsible for all facets of technology strategy and operations and leading over 10,000 IT professionals in 175 countries. During his time at Deloitte, Mr. Quinlan oversaw major client relationships and advised company boards and CEOs on a wide range of IT, cybersecurity, and digital strategic priorities.

Mr. Quinlan currently serves on the boards of ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) and Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL). He holds an MBA from Baruch College, City University of New York and a BSc degree (Hons) from the University of the West Indies, as well as an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies.

"Larry's extensive global leadership experience across digital and technology strategy and transformation, complex enterprise systems, emerging technologies and cybersecurity will bring immense value to our Board and the Holdings leadership team. We are pleased to welcome him to the Board," said Robert J. Mylod, Jr., Chair of Booking Holdings.

"Technology innovation and transformation is foundational to Booking Holdings' continued global success and expansion," said Quinlan. "It's an honor to join a company and its Board that is shaping the future of travel through digital technology."

Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG) is the world's leading provider of online travel and related services, provided to consumers and local partners in more than 220 countries and territories through six primary consumer-facing brands: Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, Rentalcars.com, KAYAK and OpenTable. The mission of Booking Holdings is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

On December 17th, 1903, history was made- in that year, the Wright brothers flew the first plane amid thunderous applause and much excitement. Interestingly, the first documented flight lasted only 12 seconds- it covered a mere 37 metres, doing an impressive 50 km per hour speed. Much has since happened in the world of planes and flights. As some might remember, sometimes back, certain passenger planes pierced across the sky, cruising at twice the speed of sound.

Years later, during the famous space race, at the height of the Cold War, other exciting things happened; interestingly, the great rivalry between the Eastern and Western powers created another race-each side wanted to outdo the other in designing the fastest passenger plane in the world. This happened during the time some call the "peak of the supersonic era."

Today, however, the cruising speeds of most passenger jets average at a little over 1,000 km per hour. Nevertheless, researchers working at one of the world's leading airlines expect things to be fascinating by 2050; they suggest that many passenger planes will be able to cover the distance between London and New York inonly two hours. Consider these top examples of the world's fastest aircraft in 2022:

TU-144: There's some argument about which supersonic commercial aircraft should be classified as the fastest. However, there seems to be agreement about the Soviet-built TU-144's ranking as the fastest plane of its kind. Many put this aircraft significantly ahead of the fancied Concorde. Many also consider the TU-144 as ranking ahead of its British-French sister model.

The TU-144 first flew out in 1968 on New Year's Eve. This was just months before the Western version flew cruised out. The Soviet plane cruised at a remarkable top speed of Mach 2.299(or 2,430km per hour); it, however, averaged at Mach 1.6. But the TU-144's glory was ultimately short-lived.

Thus, in 1978, the TU-144 was retired from passenger service. This happened only a year after Aeroflot inaugurated its first passenger flight. By that time, TU- 144 had only done 55 passenger flights. Unfortunately, the TU-144 had also been involved in several fatal accidents during this time. The first accident occurred during the famous Paris Air Show in 1973- the cause of the accident was never determined. Another accident occurred in Russia during a 1978 test flight. It was traced to a ruptured fuel line. As a result of the flaw that caused the fatal accident, the authorities declared the aircraft unsafe for use in passenger travel.

BA Concorde: Like many other British Airways Concorde model, the BA Concorde is set to become a veritable museum piece that will keep attracting many visiting tourists. However, the BA Concorde has remained active for a long time after its inception. It served as a Buran Space Shuttle Pilots training aircraft. It was also used as NASA's research aircraft, especially in radiological and high altitude conditions. Eventually, in June 1999 the TU-144 made its final flight.

The British French Concorde, the BA Concorde's supersonic rival, enjoyed a much longer lifespan while serving as a commercial passenger plane. The aircraft version made its first passenger flight in January 1976. At that time, it made a top speed, cruising at Mach 2.04 (2,180 km per hour).The aircraft slid off the passenger service in 2003. This was after the Concorde had had a fatal accident three years earlier (in 2000); at that time, the fleet's Air France ( flight 4590) had crashed soon after taking off from Charles de Gaulle airport.

Lufthansa 747-8i: Pundits recognize this model of the Lufthansa as the fastest passenger plane that remains in active service. The two supersonic Lufthansa aircraft, which were once available for passenger service, are no longer in use. Interestingly, the fastest aircraft (of the pair) crashed off the service after a relatively short stint in the air.

Boeing 747-8i (the 747-8 Intercontinental): Boeing 747-8i, also known as the 747-8 Intercontinental, is the fastest passenger aircraft in service. The Queen of the Skies cruises at a maximum speed of Mach 0.86. But, having a ride aboard the glorified Queen may not be possible for many. Why? Only a few select airlines own the coveted aircraft: Air China, Lufthansa, and Korean Air. However, the 747-8 Intercontinental has a sibling- the 747-400; cruising at Mach 0.855, the latter ranks as the second-fastest passenger plane in service.

Things have really changed in Australia these days. Indeed, even family holidays are no longer the same. Happily, the change mentioned here is positive. Things have become better. These days, an entire family can share in the enjoyment of new experiences abroad without hassles. Rather than leave the children at some kids club or with grandparents at home, nowadays parents can travel along with their children abroad without a problem. Indeed there are more health checks we'll need to deal with due to COVID but that will pass and things will get back to a new normal at some stage.

Tim Winkworth is the product manager of the Intrepid Family Travel Company. He says that the company has progressively experienced a 60% increase in Australian family trips every year. He says that many families have discovered the new secret. Now, instead of taking the children to huddle in some faraway children's club, more and more families are deciding to travel along with their children on holiday. The result is an enhanced travel experience. Family members end up enjoying themselves much more when they travel together.

Tim says that, this is becoming a common trend for most families. Tim's ideas are supported by many experts. For example, Caroline Makepiece, who is a travel blogger, admits that those who do this get the opportunity to marvel at the world's natural wonders together, as a family. She says that families don't want to experience these thrills through a mere quick snap that says they once visited some place. Instead, families love to take their time to absorb the whole experience, one step at a time.

So that you won't miss out on any of these fantastic experiences, consider using some useful, tried, suggestions to enhance your holiday travel with the whole family. Here are some suggested destinations:

California, USA

While in this large US state, visit the Sequoia National Park and Yellowstone. Sequioa happens to be among the most famous US National parks. With its high-rise trees and easy access, this is one of the hottest favorites for most American families. Yellowstone, on its part, is the best camping place in the US. It is a real joy for toddlers and adults. Yellowstone has an enchanting 300 geysers. This is America's most famous geyser. It is as reliable as the name suggests. The Yellowstone geyser usually erupts 17 times in a day. It is unlikely that you will miss one of these exciting eruptions. You just need to sign up for the Junior Ranger programme. The programme has guides for children who are older than 4. It offers visitors a wonderful way to navigate the park together.

India

India is one of the most desirable destinations for family holidays. The gigantic country has an interesting heritage, ranging from beautiful wildlife, a unique culinary richness and a most interesting culture. While visiting, you may use the services of the Experience Travel Group. This group specializes in the organization of tailor-made holidays specifically aimed at for the Asian continent. You can get much -needed guidance from this respected travel agent. The consultants are UK-based and knowledgeable about their field of work. Indeed, many members serving in the agency have extensive travel experience in the targeted countries. The consultants can give you the best advice relating to the best destinations to travel with the family. They are specialists in the art of crafting the perfect Indian holiday which affords visitors opportunity to engage positively with locals.

Dubai

You can go for an action-packed holiday in sunny Dubai. Visiting here, one of the most exciting perks is that you are guaranteed to enjoy the sun throughout the duration of your visit. With such a warm weather, the entire family can enjoy Dubai's multiple-themed parks. One of the best experiences comes when you visit the water parks. You will find that these are scatted all over. Your thrill-seeking children will certainly be joyfully blown off-so to speak- with the beautiful exciting park experience. Parents who love thrilling action will come in for a real treat. Think about this for a moment: Legoland's water park features a gallon- wave- pool of approximately half- a -million. The Dragon roller-coaster found here is made to operate with speeds of a maximum 60 km per hour. After you are done with the extensive roller-coasters and the thrilling slides you can chill out next to the beautiful pools and even sunbathe most of the day if that is what you want.

Costa Rica

The country of Costa-Rica has a rich variety of adventures centered on her wildlife. Everything seems to be crammed into one small geographical space. You can enjoy a highly interesting and most exciting holiday with the whole family in Costa- Rica. Visiting Costa Rica, you will discover that a holiday here is tailored to cater for the entire family. The needs and wants of everyone- from the children to adults- are well catered for. The adults can always crane into the sloths canopy, enjoying the monkeys and macaws. Your children will be kept busy exploring the poison-arrow frogs and a host of other bizarre mini- beasts. They can always do this while at ground level. If you want more excitement, you can go zip-lining or river-rafting. You are even free to steam and relax in the volcano slopes' natural hot springs any day.

Many travelers usually prefer to take insurance despite the fact that the odds of a medical emergency or a natural disaster striking is quite minimal. The coronavirus illness has completely affected all our lives and traveling is a small part of that but you can still get travel insurance covering covid 19, so it's a good idea to do that before visiting any destinations. We're following the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and making changes and recommendations where necessary.

Most of the time, when you visit several places in the world, such unexpected events are not likely to dampen the party, your vacation or the festive spirit. As noted, most travelers generally opt to take insurance, just in case. This assures of them of having peace of mind throughout the journey. They know that they are covered should anything untoward befall them. The two most popular categories of travel insurance are domestic and international insurance.

People who usually travel without insurance will likely tell you something to this effect: ‘Oh, it doesn't matter if your luggage is lost, just carry the stuff you can replace.' Others of the same ilk might say: ‘It is cheap to afford medical care in South East Asia, if ever such a need arose.' Or:'You know, we know the travel insurance companies well. They tell these horror stories just to make you buy travel insurance. That's all.'

Well, to be fair, this last charge might be valid. You may hear statements like: ‘It is crucial for you to know that insurance companies deal with thousands of evacuations and emergencies every year. You should know that, without travel insurance you are absolutely doomed. It usually costs more than $100,000 to deal with emergency evacuation. Take note of these facts.'

Often, the true picture is this: You are unlikely to deal with the nightmare of getting injured in a foreign country or tackling a serious illness. Of course, in the unlikely event that this happens, you can get financially hurt. The last thing you want, in such a situation, is to lack the financial means or support needed to access treatment and travel back home. In case the unexpected occurs, travel insurance is your best bet for security and safety. Yes, the truth is: Travel insurance can protect both your pocket and your life.

Travel insurance is more of a legal contract that explains everything it covers. You should know that there are five main parts of such insurance. The first is medical emergencies and evacuation insurance. If you travel to the US, hospital costs can run up to $10,000 in a day. Emergency transportation back to your home to receive treatment could cost you more than $100,000. When taking an insurance cover, read the details carefully. Scrutinize the facts. Focus on the areas of emergency evacuation, medical expense limits and emergency dental services. Note the details dealing with general exclusions.

In case you are unable to go on with your trip for any reason, you can be protected by the trip- cancelation cover. Some of these reasons-leading to the cancellation- may include an accident, sudden illness or the death of a close relative.

In case you are doing your booking a week before the journey, you may not need to take such a cover. The reason is: There are minimal chances that the above risks will be dealt with. It is important to read the details of the cover that are specifically relevant to you. You may sign the contract only to discover that travel insurance or aspects of it, like emergency evacuation or cancellation services, were never part of the deal. This would certainly be regrettable.

In case you accidentally cause some damage and cannot account for it, an aspect of the insurance cover can come to your rescue. This would fall into the personal liability segment of insurance. Indeed, such insurance can cover your legal expenses and liability in one cover. Regardless, you always need to check and scrutinize every detail of the contract to ensure these elements are included.

Check also whether the cover allows you to come home early before resuming the trip. This will help in case you have to cut your trip short. If this is missing, you will not be entitled to a refund. It will not matter that you may have traveled for only one month in the trip yet you paid for 12 months. This would mean you are the loser.