World’s worst airport in 2014 is…

Good news for air travelers passing through Manila: the city’s international airport isn’t quite as bad as it used to be.

That’s the only slightly uplifting word from The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, a travel website that produces an annual survey to identify the world’s worst and best aviation terminals.

After being crowned worst three years in a row, Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport has this year lost its place at the bottom of the heap to Pakistan’s Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International.

It’s now climbed to the heady position of fourth worst.

Despite the website’s name, airports weren’t just rated according to how easy it is to catch some shuteye.

Readers were asked to judge facilities in four categories: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.

Is Islamabad’s Benazir Bhutto International really so bad?

Airport officials didn’t reply to CNN’s requests for a comment, but survey respondents were less than complimentary.

“This airport is [like] a central prison,” said one who complained of touts and aggressive taxi drivers.

The survey ranked Saudi Arabia’s busiest airport, Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International as second worst, followed by Nepal’s Kathmandu Tribhuvan International.

Manila’s climb to fourth follows what many respondents said was a “slight improvement” created by the recent opening of its Terminal 3.

Three European airports frequented by low-cost carriers were next in line.

Paris Beauvais-Tille International Airport and “not-in-Frankfurt” Frankfurt Hahn International Airport tied for sixth. Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport near Milan was listed as eighth worst.

New York City’s LaGuardia International Airport, ranked 10th, was the only U.S. entry to make top 10 list.

The rooftop pool at Singapore Changi Airport.

Airport with a spa

There were no surprises when it came to naming the best airport, with Singapore’s Changi International taking the title it’s held every year since the survey began 18 years ago.

It’s success is credited to the spa, pool, gym, four-story slide and movie theaters that make the airport a destination in itself.

Offering almost as many cool perks as its Singapore counterpart, South Korean’s Seoul Incheon International was named second best.

Amsterdam Schiphol and Hong Kong International Airport (last year’s third and fourth best airports) dropped out from the top five to ninth and seventh spots, respectively.

Helsinki International Airport, Munich International Airport and Vancouver International Airport wrapped up the top five.

Worst Airports of 2014

1. Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad, Pakistan

2. King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

3. Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal

4. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines

5. Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan

=6. Paris Beauvais-Tille Airport, France

=6. Frankfurt Hahn Airport, Germany

8. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, Italy

9. Tegel Airport, Berlin, Germany

10. LaGuardia Airport, New York City

Best Airports of 2014

1. Changi Airport, Singapore

2. Incheon International Airport, South Korea

3. Helsinki Airport, Finland

4. Munich Airport, Germany

5. Vancouver International Airport, Canada

6. Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia

7. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong

8. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

9. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands

10. Zurich Airport, Switzerland

The world’s friendliest cities

A warm smile on the street, a happy “hello” in a public park or the cheery sound of your name at the neighbourhood bar – it doesn’t take much to feel at home in a busy metropolis. And in the world’s 10 friendliest cities – as ranked by Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Survey – these gestures are second nature, with locals who are quick to welcome visitors and neighbours alike.

Location, political perception and size were among the factors that played in readers’ responses – but since the evaluation of a place’s friendliness can admittedly vary, we went to the source and talked to residents in five of the top 10 cities to find out what living there is really like. Whether rural or urban, big or small, these destinations have one thing in common: the people who live there cultivate a community-wide sense of happiness, hospitality and openness.

Dublin, Ireland
As any traveller who has joined in an Irish sing-along knows, Dublin is home to some of the warmest people on the planet. “I think a major part of [our] friendliness [comes] down to an inferiority complex,” said Martina Skelly, a native of the Irish capital. “We constantly want to make sure that visitors like us and are having a good time.”

One of Europe’s smaller capital cities, Dublin also benefits from a low crime rate and a widespread feeling of security, so residents are more likely to lend a stranger a helping hand. That said, locals speak in hushed tones in public and are quick to notice foreigners who talk too loudly on trains, buses or in coffee shops; doing so comes across as being careless at best, and rude at worst.

While friendly Dubliners are easy to find almost everywhere in the city, those who love nightlife often live in the city centre; families seeking good schools tend to live in the suburbs. Either way, most people live in houses, not high-rises. “Dublin is a very flat and wide city,” Skelly said. “We grew out rather than up, so apartments are much less common than in our European neighbours.”

Siem Reap, Cambodia
With its year-round mild weather, relatively small size and peace-loving Buddhist residents, Siem Reap cultivates a friendly and welcoming environment. “There’s a real sense of revitalisation,” said John McDermott, a photographer who moved to Siem Reap from the United States in 2004. “Cambodians have come out of the dark days of war and chaos. Now there is peace, and money coming in, and everything is interesting and new.”

The community tends to be quiet and retiring. In other words, this is not a city for expats who crave nightlife. But for those looking to escape noise and pollution without sacrificing the creative energy often found in urban centres, Siem Reap can be a viable option.

McDermott lives in a “chilled out” area called Wat Damnak. “Even though we’re close to the centre of town, cows graze by the side of the road,” he said. “It feels completely rural compared to Bangkok or Singapore.” But not all neighbourhoods in Siem Reap are sleepy. Christian de Boer, an ex-pat from the Netherlands who moved to Siem Reap six years ago, suggested Wat Bo as an “up and coming area” for its plethora of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars.

Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s biggest city is also the country’s friendliest, perhaps because many of its residents are immigrants. “People have come from all over the world and understand what it is like to have relocated, so it is welcoming for tourists and new residents,” said Elle Armon-Jones, who moved from England in 2003.

Brad Kirner, a New Zealand native from Golden Bay on the South Island, credited Auckland’s range of outdoor activities. “The city is surrounded by amazing scenery and things to do,” he said. “That’s got to make people a bit happier, and therefore friendlier.”

Both Armon-Jones and Kirner said Auckland has a reputation for “hustle-and-bustle” compared to the rest of New Zealand, but the city is still laid-back in comparison to London, Los Angeles or Sydney.

In terms of neighbourhoods, Auckland has a wide range to choose from. The North Shore on the Pacific Ocean is surrounded by parks and is popular with families. Hikers should consider living in West Auckland, where it is easy to hit the trail and see abundant wildlife. Those looking for a more urban experience should consider Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Parnell or Mt Eden, where bars, boutiques and restaurants give the neighbourhoods a hip vibe. Kirner also suggested Kingsland, just over the motorway from Grey Lynn. “It’s one of the up-and-coming little villages, has some great night spots and is still reasonably affordable,” he said.

Charleston, United States
With oceans, marshes and rivers at every turn, this South Carolina city has a tranquil outdoor environment that helps keep residents in good spirits. “In some cities, rudeness is contagious,” said Michael Shemtov, originally from Israel, who has lived in the city on and off since 1996. “You have to fight for everything, no one smiles, and it just rubs off on you. In Charleston, it’s the opposite. Even when you go to the department of motor vehicles, you get a smile.”

Like many southern US cities, Charleston moves at a slower pace. People take time to sit outside, talk to neighbours and walk to dinner. Many people from bigger US cities are moving to Charleston, Shemtov said, transforming the city into a creative town with strong support for the arts.

These new arrivals often buy houses in the expensive and exclusive “South of Broad” district, known for its antebellum mansions. “Many people will sell a house in a bigger city and find that they can purchase a much bigger property in Charleston,” Shemtov said. People seeking a neighbourhood close to downtown with shops and restaurants might consider Elliotborough. Those looking for a yard and more outdoor space should look farther out in Hampton Park or Wagener Terrace.

Victoria, Canada
A popular tourist destination with a busy cruise port, the capital of British Columbia is known for top-notch customer service and gracious hosts. “Even the post men and women are super friendly and often say, ‘good morning’,” said L Farrah Furtado, a writer, yoga teacher and Victoria native. “It’s got a small town and big city feel all at the same time.”

The city is also an old one—the British first settled here in 1843, and English roots persist today. “From the English pubs to the tutor houses and high tea at the Empress, English culture is alive and influences many aspects of life,” Furtado said.

Though winter months can feel a bit sleepy without the influx of tourists, the university district ensures year-round nightlife with a concentrated collection of nightclubs and bars. The neighbourhoods of James Bay and Fernwood have a “funky vibe”, Furtado said, and are close to downtown. Those who want a bit more privacy and ocean views should consider living in the Uplands, where hiking and biking routes offer coastal views.

Baby zoo animals: Where to find them this fall

While springtime births seem to get the most buzz, fall is an equally opportune time to spot adorable newcomers at zoos nationwide. From elephant calves to mountain lion kittens and baby baboons, there are plenty of cute new faces to visit this season.

YOUR TAKE: Share your adorable zoo pics

In early September, four African lion cubs made their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo. Mali, Kataba, Sabi and Msinga were born in June to mom Tajiri and dad Makini. The first lion cubs born at the Philadelphia Zoo since 1996, the cubs are now on exhibit at the Zoo’s First Niagara Big Cat Falls.

Oakland’s two baboon troops always draw a large crowd to their viewing deck, and this May they welcomed a new addition: Mimi. The baby hamdryas baboon, named after the Swahili word for “I am,” is the third to be born at the Oakland Zoo within a year and a half. Siblings Kodee and Mocha are curious about their little sister, who they welcomed into the family along with parents Martjin and Maya. The baboons can be seen daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Baboon Cliffs exhibit.

On Aug. 20, the city of Tucson, Ariz., celebrated both its own 239th birthday and the birth of a brand new African Elephant calf at the Reid Park Zoo. The 245 lb calf, born to mom Semba, is the first ever to be born at the zoo. Newly named Nandi made her public debut on Sept. 19, and she is happily fitting in with the rest of her herd, including her dad, Mabu, and siblings Punga and Sundzu. The calf is allowed access to the public-facing side of the elephant exhibit daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The newest resident at Hershey, Penn.’s ZooAmerica has a slightly different background story than most zoo babies. Rainier, a mountain lion kitten, was found abandoned and malnourished on a porch near Spokane, Wash. After the Department of Fish and Wildlife made unsuccessful attempts to reunite the kitten with his mother, he was taken into veterinary care and transferred to ZooAmerica. Though he weighed less than five pounds upon arrival, he was named for the tallest mountain peak in Washington State in hopes that he’ll grow big and strong.

On Aug. 23, mother Dhati and father Madhu welcomed a baby Indian pygmy gosling into the world at Palm Beach Zoo. While most of the species’ hatchlings born in zoos over the past few decades didn’t make it to adulthood, zookeepers are optimistic about this little one who loves to swim and paddle. Visitors can spot the gosling in the Beuttenmuller Asian Aviary.

Archibald the red panda cub was born in June, and unfortunately, as the runt of the litter, he was rejected by his mother. Mill Mountain Zoo staff stepped in to hand-rear him, bottle feeding the little guy, and taking him home at night. Now they are setting up a panda nursery for him and another orphaned red panda cub that will be arriving soon so he can learn to socialize with his own species. Archie will only remain in Roanake until he is 9 months old, and then he will be placed in another zoo via the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan. While he probably won’t be on public display at the Mill Mountain Zoo, his sister has made her debut in the panda den and has been spending a few hours a day in full view.

Kya, a Chinese muntjac fawn, was born on Sept. 19 at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, N.Y. Muntjacs are the oldest known deer, with fossilized remains from 15-35 million years ago recorded. Native to the forests of southeastern China and Taiwan, they feed on low-growing vegetation, fruit and nuts and are predominantly solitary by nature. Muntjacs stand no more than 20 inches tall and can weigh up to 30 pounds, and they’re often referred to as “barking deer” for the sharp, bark-like call they produce. Kya and the other muntjacs can be found at the Rosamund Gifford Zoo’s Wildlife Trails across from white-lipped deer and adjacent to the red pandas. Kya is on exhibit with her mother, father and brother, Fang, who was born in 2013.

The zoo is also welcoming an adorable baby snow leopard, Asa. This is a very special addition considering there are less than 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild and only about 144 in zoos across the nation. Head on over to watch a hand feeding.

Born on Sept. 5 to first-time mom Grace and dad Travis at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, giraffe calf Jabari was named after the Swahili word for brave and strong. Since giraffes give birth standing up, newborns get an abrupt introduction to the world by dropping up to 6 feet to the ground. Jabari weighed in at about 140 pounds and was 6 feet tall when he was born. He joined half sibling Adia, who is 3 months old, in the African Savanna exhibit where they can both be seen now. The Zoo participates in the Masai giraffe Species Survival Plan of the AZA, working to successfully breed this species that is native to Kenya and Tanzania.