India boycott of Maldives may cost country millions in tourism dollars

India boycott of Maldives may cost country millions in tourism dollars

Social media posts by Maldivian officials may cost the country millions in tourism revenue, as calls by Indian travelers to boycott the island nation intensify.   “We are seeing a 40% drop in bookings over the last two days,” Ankit Chaturvedi, vice president and global head of marketing at the India-based travel software company Rategain, … Read more

Japan Rail Passes are much pricier, but the Kyun Pass may save money

Japan Rail Passes are much pricier, but the Kyun Pass may save money

A post-pandemic surge in international travelers, coupled with weak exchange rates, may have indirectly ended one of Japan’s most beloved travel deals: the Japan Rail Pass. Prices for the JR Pass, as it’s known, increased roughly 65%-75%, in October 2023. But there are still rail deals to be found — especially for those going beyond … Read more

Will airfares come down this year? Yes, but just slightly say reports

Will airfares come down this year? Yes, but just slightly say reports

The airline industry’s dramatic climb from the depths of the pandemic may be ending soon. A review of multiple reports shows stabilization across several key metrics, as rapid growth ends and a new era of normalcy begins. “2024 is expected to mark the end of the dramatic year-on-year increases that have been characteristic of the … Read more

Where to travel in 2024? Here are five spots to avoid crowds

Where to travel in 2024? Here are five spots to avoid crowds

Tired of the usual sights or craving a break from the travel herd? These five travel spots may be the getaway you’re looking for. Adventure travel company Intrepid Travel’s new “Not Hot” list is out — spotlighting overlooked travel spots around the world. The company’s annual list attempts to combat overtourism by helping travelers “beat … Read more

Cabbing in Italy can be a gnarly affair. Here’s how to navigate it

Cabbing in Italy can be a gnarly affair. Here’s how to navigate it

I knew something was amiss when the taxi meter read 10.50 euros as we pulled away from the Roma Termini train station. While negotiating the evening rush hour traffic and typing into a translation app on his cell phone, the cab driver suggested the starting fare included a surcharge for all rides from Rome’s main … Read more

How much does it cost to Aman’s new brand Janu hotels?

How much does it cost to Aman’s new brand Janu hotels?

Few names exude “quiet luxury” like the ultra-luxe Aman Resorts. Its hotels bear its moniker: from Amanoi in Vietnam, to Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro and the hotel that started it all — Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand. Fans of the brands — known as ‘Aman Junkies’ — are accustomed to paying its top-dollar rates, which … Read more

Booking, Agoda, Expedia or Priceline?

Booking, Agoda, Expedia or Priceline?

Vacations can be fabulously relaxing. But booking one is another story. The average traveler views 141 pages of travel content in the 45 days prior to booking a trip, according to an Expedia Group report. The most popular site to visit was an OTA — or “online travel agency” — which is an industry term … Read more

Travelers want deals — here’s where to find them, says HotelPlanner CEO

Travelers want deals — here’s where to find them, says HotelPlanner CEO

It’s been a stellar year for the travel industry, according to Morning Consult. The market research company, in a new report entitled “2023 Holiday Travel Trends,” summarized the year by stating: “leisure volume soared, airplanes were packed, and hotel bookings were high.” But heading into the year-end peak travel season, consumers are showing increased price … Read more

A new holiday cruise brings you to 20 Christmas markets in one trip

A new holiday cruise brings you to 20 Christmas markets in one trip

Rows of twinkling lights and the sweet aroma of mulled wine — ’tis the season that Christmas markets come alive. But if visiting one Christmas market isn’t enough, a new cruise explores 20 markets in a single trip. Luxury river cruising company European Waterways‘ new “Christmas Markets Cruise” departs from Strasbourg, France and sails through … Read more

See the top 20 list

See the top 20 list

Paris is, once again, the best city to visit in the world, according to Euromonitor International. The city topped the market research company’s annual list of the “Top 100 City Destinations” which compares cities using 55 metrics across six categories: economic and business performance, tourism performance, tourism infrastructure, tourism policy and attractiveness, health and safety, … Read more