‘Golden Week’ bookings show changes in how Chinese are traveling

‘Golden Week’ bookings show changes in how Chinese are traveling

Outbound travel from China is set to receive a much-anticipated jolt as “Golden Week” bookings show changes in where and why Chinese people are traveling. Buoyed by falling airfares, Chinese travelers are booking more overseas trips for the National Day holiday period, which extends from Oct. 1 to 7, according to Fliggy, a major travel … Read more

Coolcations had another big summer. Here are the places travelers went

Coolcations had another big summer. Here are the places travelers went

Extreme temperatures are driving travelers to seek cooler destinations. And there’s a term for the trend: “coolcations.” Heat waves — which are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — are affecting where people are choosing to vacation, especially during the hot summer months. “Often, when we think of vacation, … Read more

Couple mad about reclined seat are banned from flying Cathay Pacific

Couple mad about reclined seat are banned from flying Cathay Pacific

A couple, who argued with a passenger who reclined her seat, won’t be flying with Cathay Pacific ever again. The Hong Kong-based airline banned the pair after video footage emerged showing the couple taunting, using vulgar hand gestures, and jostling the chair of a female passenger who reclined her seat on a 14-hour flight from … Read more

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel on how AI will change trip planning

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel on how AI will change trip planning

Most people like traveling. But far fewer enjoy booking it. A survey of more than 2,400 people who book their own travel arrangements found that 71% say the process is at least somewhat stressful for them, according to a 2024 survey by the consumer data company CivicScience. The percentage is even higher among parents of kids … Read more

Why Disney vacation may be getting too pricey for average American family

Why Disney vacation may be getting too pricey for average American family

The U.S. travel sector has been surprisingly resilient when it comes to travel. Domestic travel numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels and air travel has surged even as more than a third of travelers planned to take on debt for summer trips. However, inflation-weary consumers might be taking their money elsewhere when it comes to … Read more

A new MIT study shows flying gets safer by the decade

A new MIT study shows flying gets safer by the decade

Airfare, departure times, flight length — these are the usual considerations for travelers who want to book a flight. But now, more are looking at a new factor: the aircraft itself.    One in five travelers said they are doing more research into the plane they may be flying on before they book, while slightly … Read more

Why travel demand to visit China is low, but interest in Japan is high

Why travel demand to visit China is low, but interest in Japan is high

With a plum position atop many “Best Places to Travel” lists, Japan is on track to welcome a record-breaking number of travelers in 2024. But China faces a different reality: a far slower return of international visitors. Both countries dropped Covid-related border restrictions relatively late — Japan in October 2022, and China in January 2023 … Read more

A robot that gives massages — this is what it looks and feels like

A robot that gives massages — this is what it looks and feels like

One step inside a spa’s dimly lit room, and I’m already anticipating a serene, therapeutic experience: an hour-long full-body massage that leaves me relaxed and revitalized. But a recent appointment at ila Only Spa at the luxurious Lotte New York Palace hotel didn’t resemble past spa experiences.  Although a human escorted me into the room, … Read more

Ship that travels the world full time — here’s how much it costs

Ship that travels the world full time — here’s how much it costs

A floating apartment. A residential yacht. A holiday home that travels the globe. The World, a luxury liner, has many descriptions, but “cruise ship” is not one of them, said resident Jim Minarik. “The only thing that’s similar between the world and a cruise ship is they float on the water,” he said. “If our … Read more

Travel is too expensive now — travel demand falls under cost concerns

Travel is too expensive now — travel demand falls under cost concerns

Travelers may have finally had enough. With revenge travel over and pandemic savings depleted, travelers say they’re planning fewer trips this summer, or skipping their vacations altogether. “After two straight years of strong gains, the number of Americans planning to take leisure trips is taking a dip,” states a summer travel report from Deloitte Insights. … Read more