I've traveled to over 90 countries and been fortunate to take my kids with me to 19 of them.
04.02.2025 - 18:57 / travelpulse.com / Rich Thomaselli
The battle of the wallet has touched travel.
It’s one sector where they feel they have some options, despite up and down pricing in the industry.
That includes cheaper flights, flights with more connections, and even travel by bus. Or just skipping vacation altogether and staying home.
Demand fell in the second half of last year. Hotel room occupancy dropped. It’s just one of the few places in their respective budgets where consumers feel like they have some control.
People feel like they don’t have much negotiating ability with things like electric and Internet and rent. With travel they do.
“All the additional costs associated with traveling — eating out, airfare, gas costs, items to be bought before the trip — are causing more consumers to walk away instead of making the purchase,” said Deni Koenhemsi, head of economic analysis at Morning Consult, according to NBC.
Those who aren’t walking away are increasingly tweaking their plans.
If a trip is three hours or less some travelers are sticking with basic economy seats, often on buses or trains.
“Going around the Northeast, there are many more options for travel outside of flying, and when booked in advance, tickets are pretty reasonably priced,” one traveler told NBC.
The study did find that level of income obviously has an effect on consumer decisions about travel. For instance, those making $28,000 a year or less expect to take fewer leisure trips in the next year. Many travel outlets, including hotels, are cutting expenses accordingly.
Those with the income continue to seek out luxury travel experiences, while others find ways to save and potentially cut vacations out.
Whether it's luxury or budget focused, the best way to book all travel though is through a travel advisor.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
I've traveled to over 90 countries and been fortunate to take my kids with me to 19 of them.
Stepping inside the Viceroy in Snowmass, Colorado, feels exactly like what you'd expect from a luxury hotel.
Denise Godreau knew next to nothing about Eswatini before 2022.
Most people commute in and out of New York City by train, ferry, or car. But some in the upper echelons of society can afford to fly above the chaos.
For over 30 years, I helped companies ranging from startups to giants like Shell and Chevron navigate strategic change. As a consultant, I focused on guiding organizations through uncertainty — always with a servant leadership mindset.
We've officially entered February, which means romance is in the air. But if you haven't planned the perfect Valentine's Day adventure for you and your sweetheart, Vio, the travel deals website, has a few ideas. In January, the website revealed its list of the most romantic getaway destinations for couples. It came to its conclusion after surveying 1,007 Americans who identified as «in a relationship» about their past and future couple trips, along with their «disagreements, their budgets, destinations, and golden rules for traveling together.» After examining all the data, it named Yosemite the spot that helps couples «feel the most romantically connected.»
Like a lot of us, I often find myself fried from days spent staring at my computer screen and nights circling back to emails I haven't answered. So when I heard that the Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, California, offered a package known as the Burnout Recovery Journey, I had to try it. When I arrived, I was happy to find the kinds of treatments on the spa menu I've been seeing more and more of lately: science-based offerings like infrared light therapy, IV drips, and electromagnetic pulse therapy. My outstanding massage took place on something called a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field mat. I was grateful that the hotel offered signal-blocking phone bags for the ultimate unplugging experience. Then I realized the irony: I was treating my burnout with…more tech. One has to wonder: How did we get here?
Extra nights in cushy hotel suites, free premium air travel and even stays on private islands. Loyalty points and frequent flier miles, when strategically collected, can fund trips well beyond a traveler’s usual expectations and budget.
Touchdown! The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, a bonanza for special flights to New Orleans.
I've traveled all over the world on ships, from small river cruises to mega-ships with thousands of passengers.
Diapers, wipes, formula or breastmilk, medications—some items are essential while traveling with babies and young children. After that, the stuff you “need” while flying, road-tripping, or simply venturing into your city for the day varies. (If parenthood has taught me anything, it’s that no two caregivers or children are alike; what works for your family might not work for another—and the other way around.)
Happy Saturday! Are you in the throes of planning your Spring Break trip? Learn from one mother who planned an epic family vacation for 18 family members that ended up being a "nightmare." Ouch!