News tagged trends

August Travel Bookings Surge: What U.S. Travelers Can Expect This Summer

As we approach August 2025, travel in the U.S. is heating up. After a slow start to the year, major airlines and hotel chains are reporting a surge in bookings—especially from those looking for deals and sticking close to home. While this bounce-back brings fresh choices and promos, travelers might face higher prices and bigger crowds. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the summer rebound.

July 29, 2025

Cruising Thrown Off Course: A Troubling Incident Aboard Icon of the Seas Leaves Travelers Concerned

On July 24, 2025, a violent incident on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas shocked both crew and travelers when an alleged stabbing among crew members led to one death and raised fresh questions around cruise safety. While the immediate impact is a renewed sense of caution, experts believe it could spark industry-wide improvements in how passenger and crew wellbeing is managed at sea.

July 27, 2025

Goodbye, Open Seating: Southwest’s Big Change for 2026 Could Change How You Fly!

Southwest Airlines is making waves by announcing a switch from their famous “open seating” to assigned seats starting in January 2026. Here’s what this big change could mean for all types of travelers—and how it might affect your next trip.

July 25, 2025

Singapore Oceanarium Set to Make Waves: What Travelers Can Expect

The Singapore Oceanarium, opening July 23, 2025, will transform Sentosa’s marine attraction landscape. As a much-anticipated future event, this massive upgrade promises dazzling marine encounters, educational initiatives, and a tourism boom—though, naturally, there are concerns to consider. Here’s what savvy travelers and hotel guests should know before planning their visit!

July 23, 2025

Thailand Presses “Pause” on Tourist Entry Fee: What It Means for Your Holiday Plans

If you’re thinking about a trip to Thailand soon, there’s some good news: that extra entry fee for foreign tourists is on hold until mid-2026! Here’s what the delay could mean for your travel budget and why the decision came about.

July 17, 2025

Thailand’s Tourist Slowdown in 2025: What It Means for Your Next Adventure

Recent news highlights a notable dip in Thailand’s international arrivals for 2025. What does this mean if you’re planning a trip? From emptier beaches to better hotel deals, here’s how the evolving travel landscape could shape your next journey to the Land of Smiles.

July 15, 2025

Ducks on Deck: Why Royal Caribbean Says No to Duck Hunts in Central Park

Starting July 13, 2025, Royal Caribbean will ban hiding rubber ducks in its shipboard Central Park areas. While meant to protect the lush plant life and ensure passenger safety, this change might put a damper on a quirky cruise tradition. Here’s how this new policy could affect your next adventure at sea.

July 13, 2025

Ritz-Carlton San Francisco Crowned City’s Top Hotel: What It Means for Your Next Stay

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco just nabbed the No. 1 spot as the city’s top hotel, according to the 2025 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Here’s a traveler-friendly breakdown of what this well-deserved recognition might mean for your adventures—whether you’re eyeing luxury or traveling on a budget.

July 11, 2025

Why Paris Luxury Hotels Didn't Pack Out Before the 2024 Olympics

In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, expectations were sky-high for Paris’s luxury hotels. But rather than a mad dash for reservations, many plush Parisian pads found themselves with more empty suites than anticipated. Why? Affluent travelers changed course, heading to quieter spots like the French Riviera and London instead. Here’s a quick look at the upsides and downsides—and what it means for future travel to Paris.

July 10, 2025

When Flights Turn Back: How July 8, 2025 Became a Day of Detours in the Sky

On July 8, 2025, several prominent airlines—United, Allegiant, Delta, Lufthansa, and IndiGo—had to turn their planes around due to different safety concerns. While no one was hurt, the day’s disruptions highlighted both the dedication to passenger safety and the frustrations that come with unexpected travel hiccups. Here’s why these events matter, and what travelers might expect in the future.

July 8, 2025