Adventure Awaits, But First…

Here’s some of the latest

• It’s no secret the impact social media has had on the travel industry with more travel companies joining TikTok to connect with potential customers. And it turns out, these new advertising tactics are working. In a recent survey, 60 percent of users said they would consider visiting a location they saw on TikTok. 35 percent actually visited a new destination after seeing it on the app. With the latest TikTok shop, some experts predict a move to allow users to book travel directly on the app.

• 3.8 billion merger down the drain. If you’re like me, you have been following the potential merger between Spirit Airlines and JetBlue Airways very closely as it could really shake up the travel industry. This ruling came in January but the airlines have appealed, extending this battle. Meanwhile, the struggling Spirit’s first quarter projected revenue earnings are set to exceed projections from analysts. What are your thoughts on this merger?

• Many US airlines thought they were slick and could raise checked baggage fees without us noticing. Alaska Airlines started the trend raising the first bag price 5 dollars. Other airlines including Delta, United, JetBlue, and American followed suit raising prices by 5 and 10 dollars. Many airlines blamed rising operational costs like fuel for the move. Reasonable I guess, except when you find out Airlines made 33 billion dollars in baggage related fees last year.

Global Trivia!

Which airport was recently named the most luxurious?

Try this, Not that

Overtourism is really becoming a problem for many sites around the world. Here are some suggestions for sites that I think are worth visiting so we can give their counterpart a break

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth with many coveting the site for its cultural heritage and history. The site hosts almost 4,000 visitors a day which is bound to wear on the 15th century sanctuary. There really is only one Machu Picchu, so it’s important to be respectful when visiting. There have been reports of visitors littering and damaging the ancient ruins. If you are flexible, there are numerous other sites that are worth considering.

It’s actually astounding the mark the Inca’s left on the landscape. There are ruins all throughout the valleys and mountainous regions of Peru. Turns out Machu Picchu has its own sister city making it the ideal alternative! Choquequirao is actually estimated to be three times larger than its sister and with far less tourist foot traffic. The caveat for Choquequirao is getting there. It involves a four day trek so travelers really have to be committed. For an extensive list of alternatives check out this list here. It has 17 total sites fit for any travelers on any schedule.

Time is a Cultural Construct?

If you’re like me and live in a country that follows daylight saving time, we’re probably still a little groggy from the the most recent time change. If you don’t know what daylight saving time is, basically every fall and spring we change our clock one hour. In the spring, you “spring forward” losing one hour. This year’s time change led me to the question of why do we do this and who else around the world shares this experience?

Turns out, only about a third of the world’s countries follow these time change practices. The majority of practicing countries lie within Europe. Egypt is the only country that follows the time change in Africa. Countries like the US, Canada, Brazil, and Australia practice in some fashion but not entirely.

A country’s adoption of the time change really depends but most of them are either economic or political. The initial change came back in 1916 when Germany started the trend stating they would save millions limiting the use of artificial lighting. Other European countries and the US followed along. Egypt actually started the practice back up last year after a seven year gap hoping it would help cut down on energy usage. Seems daylight saving time is not so cultural, more so about the money 🤷‍♂️

Travel Trends

Gen Z take on average 3 leisure trips a year, with 73% also stating they feel vacation deprived. I hear you…It’s never enough.

90% of Americans plan on traveling in 2024. Who says Americans aren’t well traveled?

Solo travelers account for 17% of global travel. A sizable impact for all of those headstrong individuals.

Trivia Answer:

D) Dubai International Airport. Now, luxury doesn’t necessarily mean the best overall quality as London Heathrow Airport (LHR) came in second 😬

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