Travel spending trends among American households have shown a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by a growing interest in international vacations. According to economists Taylor Bowley and Joe Wadford from the Bank of America Institute, vacationing abroad has become a key aspect of the surge in travel momentum. While overall travel spending
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In the past, travelers primarily focused on factors such as airfare, departure times, and flight lengths when booking flights. However, there has been a noticeable shift in trends where travelers are now paying more attention to the type of aircraft they will be flying on. According to a survey conducted by Quantum Metric in June,
Thailand is considering a radical new approach to revitalize its tourism sector by legalizing casinos. This strategy has proven successful in places like Macao and Singapore, propelling these destinations to the forefront of the global gambling industry. If Thailand follows suit and allows casinos to operate within its borders, it could emerge as a formidable
In recent years, many hotel chains have been racing to replace the traditional plastic room key with digital options. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in accelerating touchless trends, leading to a shift away from physical key cards. Security concerns surrounding hotel key technology have also prompted the industry to explore more secure and
The airline industry, which was once eager to expand their fleets with new aircraft, is now facing a new reality. Cash-strapped and low-cost airlines are deferring billions of dollars worth of plane deliveries in a bid to save money and restore profitability. This shift in strategy comes at a time when engine repairs and increased
Manhattan, New York is notorious for its sky-high real estate prices, with the median cost per square foot being $1,500. In comparison, purchasing a 500-square-foot condo in NYC could set you back $750,000. However, for the same amount, you could own a sprawling 7,000 square foot mansion in Sicily, Italy. Sicily is renowned for its
Japan has found itself struggling under the weight of its own popularity as a top travel destination. Since March, over 3 million international travelers have visited Japan each month, surpassing 2019 levels. The country’s current status as an “it” destination can be attributed in part to initiatives put in place by the Japanese government to
Travelers around the world are being faced with a harsh reality: the federal government has the authority to revoke their passport if they fail to address a significant tax bill. This form of punishment has become increasingly common in recent years, as federal law mandates the IRS and Treasury Department to report individuals with “seriously
The world of spa treatments has taken a notably high-tech turn with the introduction of AI-powered massage robots. Aescape, the brainchild of entrepreneur Eric Litman, was born out of a personal need for daily massages due to a bulging disc in his neck. Litman’s vision was to provide a customizable and convenient massage option for
The wine harvest in Santorini, Greece is facing significant challenges due to extreme temperatures threatening the production of the indigenous Assyrtiko grape. Local winemaker Yiannis Paraskevopoulos has expressed concerns about the diminishing prospects for this year’s harvest, with projections indicating a substantial reduction compared to previous years. The situation has escalated to the point where
The recent shift towards hybrid and remote work has opened up new possibilities for individuals to combine work with travel. According to a report by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, 40% of U.S. employees currently work remotely at least one day a week. This trend has paved the way for the concept of
The World, a luxury liner with 167 privately owned apartments, offers a unique residential experience that is unlike traditional cruise ships. Residents like Jim Minarik highlight the differences by pointing out that the ship only accommodates between 200 and 300 people, as opposed to the thousands on a typical cruise ship. This creates a sense
Boeing announced on Monday that it has suspended flight tests of its 777X aircraft following the discovery of damage in the structure of one of the wide-body planes. The company found the damage in a custom part located between the engine and the airplane structure during routine maintenance. As a result, Boeing has grounded the
Alaska Airlines has received clearance from the U.S. Justice Department for its plan to acquire Hawaiian Airlines. This comes after the antitrust regulators concluded their investigation without filing a lawsuit to block the $1.9 billion deal. The next step is to seek approval from the U.S. Transportation Department before the deal can be finalized. The
As the world emerges from the grips of the pandemic, travelers are facing a new reality when it comes to their vacation plans. The era of revenge travel, where people sought to make up for lost time by embarking on extravagant trips, seems to be coming to an end. According to a report by Deloitte
Singapore is a city known for its luxury living, where visitors can find a range of top-tier accommodations to suit their tastes. From the exclusive Chairman Suite at Marina Bay Sands to the tranquil Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, there are options for those looking for the ultimate stay. For history lovers, the iconic Raffles
When it comes to luxury yacht charters, the price tag can be quite hefty. Take for example the 255-foot superyacht Malia, which was sold in 2023 for a staggering $120 million. However, if you want to experience the opulence of this vessel, you can rent it for $930,000 per week. But don’t be fooled by
After an upbeat meeting with Boeing’s new CEO, Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, has expressed optimism about Boeing’s recovery. This is a significant change in tone from United, which has been one of Boeing’s top customers and has publicly expressed frustration over the manufacturer’s issues. Kirby had lunch with Boeing’s new CEO, Robert
