The rebound of global travel in 2024 has been accompanied by the demand for seamless, cashless transactions. Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalization service, has seen its transaction volumes triple this year.
19.10.2024 - 14:29 / insider.com
At 20, my parents were not thrilled about me studying abroad. They encouraged personal growth but were aware of the potential consequences of traveling alone. I believed that growth required stepping out of my comfort zone, and my naive ambition couldn't be deterred.
I thought my parents would be proud of me for following a dream I knew was right. But my father was primarily worried about my safety and jokingly told me to take notes while we watched "Taken," as he didn't have any special skills to find me if I got kidnapped.
My mother, however, expressed concerns about the risks I might face traveling through countries where I didn't speak the language. She worried about how I would finance the semester and said there was a possibility of ending up in a situation like Amanda Knox. I realized that part of my decision's tension stemmed from her unfulfilled dreams. After all, Italy is on everyone's bucket list.
Our mother-daughter relationship was challenged when I finally headed overseas.
At 20, I was pursuing a teaching degree, and this was my chance to experience life firsthand rather than through primary sources.
When my mother was in her early 20s, she worked in Manhattan. Despite being just over the bridge, family members discouraged her from working in the city, considering it dangerous for a young woman. Port Authority was a hub for drug users, the homeless, and prostitutes, they told her.
While most of my mother's fears were beyond my control, I focused on what I could manage and spent the summer working three jobs to fund my semester abroad. Ultimately, studying abroad was cheaper than returning to campus, which eased some of the tension and alleviated some of her worries.
She jokingly commented, "My daughter isn't going to Italy before I do." It was playful, but it did feel like she was jealous of me for chasing this dream. All of this led to normal mother-daughter fighting, but it did challenge our relationship.
She even told me I couldn't go, but I fought back because I was in my early 20s.
When I finally moved to Italy, she didn't come to visit me.
The fact that she couldn't visit while I was there was a missed opportunity we both regretted.
Years later, when I was 24, I decided to return to Italy for my master's degree and moved there permanently. My mother finally seized the chance to visit.
It was a blessing to share this experience with my mother. It was her first time traveling to Europe, and we found ourselves in completely different roles, with me now being the teacher. I made sure to take her to all my favorite places. We explored Rome, ate gelato at the Pantheon, and threw coins in the Trevi Fountain, hoping for her return. We took a weekend trip to Florence, where I showed her my
The rebound of global travel in 2024 has been accompanied by the demand for seamless, cashless transactions. Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalization service, has seen its transaction volumes triple this year.
Whenever I visit a new place, I like to seek out advice from those who have visited before.
When I booked a one-on-one intensive language program in France, I envisioned a dreamy getaway, where I could practice French while getting to know Provence through the eyes of a local.
It’s full steam ahead for Disney Cruise Line as it’s experiencing an exciting period of rapid growth.
Low-cost airline Norse Atlantic Airways is making it easier to get to Europe from the West Coast with a new flight to Rome launching next summer.
For travelers who are as passionate about food as they are about exploring new destinations, planning a vacation around a Michelin-starred dining experience can be the ultimate culinary adventure. It's the perfect excuse to catch a glimpse of high-profile chefs, discover unique ingredients and taste new techniques — and doing so may even give you a better appreciation for the culture and region you are visiting.
Many people travel to escape the daily grind but I love nothing more than a holiday routine. Call me boring, but I fully let go when I know how the day will unfold and all the little bits I can look forward to.
Did you know that 63 per cent of travellers say they are likely to visit a lesser-known, less crowded destination on their next trip?
Norse Atlantic Airways is putting flights to Europe on sale for up to 15 percent off just in time for Halloween.
Oct 17, 2024 • 5 min read
A report in the Financial Times Wednesday that Uber was exploring a purchase of Expedia has everyone in the travel industry talking. If Uber were to acquire Expedia Group, it would be the biggest shakeup the travel industry has seen in years.
An upgraded travel experience just got cheaper. Delta Air Lines recently released hundreds of flight deals in their premium cabins, such as Delta Comfort+ and Delta One for travel throughout the fall and winter. Many of the tickets are priced under $1,000, and travelers can also redeem miles from Delta's SkyMiles program for seats at a discounted rate as well. Some of the lowest-priced flight deals to Europe include New York-JFK to London-Heathrow for only $703 round-trip in Comfort+, or 59,000 Miles, valid on travel from January 7, 2025 through March 6, 2025.