Rare breed: This is what it takes to be an American Traveller*

It is not easy being a traveller from the US nowadays.

Not only do Americans potentially face disdain and ridicule in Canada, Mexico and across Europe, but those wearing MAGA caps can attract outright hostility as far away as Australia.

Now Americans are having to factor rising prices into their travel planning, as well as safety concerns.

Many US travellers expect travel costs to be either more expensive (42%) or remain the same (41%) over the next year, the latest American Travel Sentiment Study by tourism researchers Longwoods International shows.

This will lead to continued value-seeking and deal hunting, it says.

Politics is also influencing an increasing number of trips taken by American travellers. No surprise there.

“Politics in America is playing an ever larger role in the nation’s tourism economy,” said Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International.

“Political considerations are driving both a growing number of domestic travel choices and the desirability of the US as a potential travel destination for international visitors from around the world.”

More than 40% of those polled said that the political climate of destinations greatly impacts their travel decisions, up from 24% last September.

Conversely, only 20% reported that a destination’s political climate had no impact on their destination choices.

Travellers are increasingly adjusting their US travel plans based on political factors, news portal Travel Mole reports.

Since November 2024, the percentage of people avoiding specific cities, states or countries has increased from 12% to 20%, and those altering itineraries to avoid certain areas increased from 10% to 15%.

* With respect to Lt. Joe Kenda  

Which Asian destinations fit the bill for romance on Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is one of the most romantic dates on the calendar, so which destinations are searched for and booked in the lead-up to a big day for lovers?

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top 10 most searched international destinations for Valentine's Day and Asia's eclectic cities seem to be getting the most love from travellers this Valentine's Day with eight out of the top 10 Asian destinations being a cosmopolitan hub.

Bangkok (above) wins most hearts, with Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, and Hong Kong making up the rest of the top five.

Bali and Phuket are the only two beach destinations feeling the love and making it to the top 10. 

The list reveals a significant trending interest in Japan and Thailand, with three Japanese cities - Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka - making the top 10, and two Thai destinations - Bangkok and Phuket - also in the mix.

"Valentine's Day is a special time for couples to explore and create new memories together," says Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply (really silly job title), at Agoda.

"The diversity in this year's top searched destinations highlights the broad spectrum of experiences couples are seeking, from the bustling streets of Tokyo and Bangkok to the rejuvenating beauty of Bali and Phuket.

"At Agoda, we're excited to help lovebirds see the world for less by facilitating memorable romantic journeys with our extensive range of accommodations and travel options."

The inclusion of cities like Seoul, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur certainly reflects interest in exploring dynamic urban environments, while the presence of Bali underscores the enduring appeal of tropical getaways.

This trend suggests that quality time can come in many forms, with couples looking for a mix of adventure, culture, relaxation, and culinary delights.

Top 10 searched international destinations for couples checking in on Valentine's Day 2024: 1. Bangkok, 2. Tokyo, 3. Osaka, 4. Seoul, 5. Hong Kong, 6. Bali, 7. Phuket, 8. Singapore, 9. Fukuoka, 10. Kuala Lumpur.

The dirty secret the cruise industry would rather you did not know about

It is the little secret that cruise lines would rather passengers did not know.

Your cruise ship can change its itinerary at any time - with little or no recourse for customers.

You may recall last month when cruise passengers on board the P&O ship Pacific Adventure had booked for a cruise to some of the best ports in New Zealand - only to find themselves visiting Hobart and Eden in Australia after their ship was denied entry to New Zealand.

And also had a proposed docking in Port Arthur scrapped due to bad weather.

Some the guests from Hobart were less than pleased to find themselves back in their home city rather than exploring New Zealand.

Cruise schedules are created by cruise lines many months in advance - but passengers are never certain of actually visiting the ports advertised.

Guests sailing on board Regal Princess (above) on January 21 out of Galveston, Texas, will be missing out on a highlight destination: the island of Roatan off Honduras.

Princess Cruises announced that instead of sailing to the tropical island paradise of Roatan, guests will spend the day at Belize City, Belize, instead.

The change in itinerary was made by Princess Cruises in light of congestion in Roatan. The small island has a limited number of berths and can only accommodate three cruise ships at the same time.

In a statement sent to guests booked onboard, Princess Cruises said: “Itinerary Change, please be advised that due to cruise ship congestion in Roatan, Honduras, Regal Princess will no longer call on Roatan on Thursday, January 25, 2024. Instead, we will now visit Belize City, Belize from 7am to 5pm on the same day."

If you booked because you wanted to visit Roatan: tough luck.

It is a fact that cruise lines are fully within their rights to make changes to itineraries for a wide variety of reasons.

This can include port congestion, as is the case with Regal Princess, but also adverse weather conditions, or even to make an itinerary more fuel effective. 

Like it or lump it. Check the terms and conditions before you pay. Caveat emptor.

Bali still beckons for Australian tourists

Indonesia, and Bali in particular, remains the favourite vacation destination for Australians, followed by the USA and New Zealand, the latest Bupa Travel Insurance data reveals.

Long-haul flights to the UK, along with closer destinations Thailand and Fiji, are also popular.

The travel insurance data, based on Bupa customers' travel cover, also reveals lost luggage and lost or stolen personal items are among most frequently claimed items, followed by medical and hospital expenses and claims associated with interrupted travels plans including travel delays, alternative transport, cancellation fees and lost deposits.

Affordability and the party islands in Indonesia, like Bali, make it a top holiday hotspot for those aged under 20 while those aged between 40 and 50 are opting to relax in Fiji and Thailand.

But the data also shows Aussies continue to enjoy exploring their own backyard with Australia coming in fifth of countries visited.

The 21-25 age group are the most frequent flyers to the US for its bright lights and Hollywood appeal, while Japan and the Philippines are most popular for those aged 56-65. I'm amazed more Australians are visiting the Philippines than France. 

Bupa General Insurance general manager Shannon Orbons said the data showed Aussies of all ages were keen to explore the world and travel, especially after not being able to do so during the pandemic.

“When you’re on holidays sunning yourself on a beach, walking through New York City or skiing your way through New Zealand, your travel insurance can be just as important as your passport as it can cover you for those unexpected moments,” he said.

“While we often think ‘that won’t happen to me’, holidays don’t always go according to plan with cancelled or delayed flights, lost baggage, or even a car or motorbike accident that may put you in an international hospital.”

Orbons said medical cover was one of the main reasons people took out travel insurance as the Federal Government does not cover overseas medical bills.

“When you’re on holiday, you want peace of mind you’re covered when something goes wrong, and not left with a hospital bill of up to tens of thousands of dollars,” he said.

The travel data also shows that currently, holidays between six to 10 days were most common followed by two-week vacations, and most people took out travel insurance two weeks before flying out or even just the day before.

The top 10 holiday spots are: Indonesia, US, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Thailand, Fiji, Singapore, Japan, Philippines.

The most frequently claimed items: luggage and personal items, medical/hospital expenses, cancellation fees/lost deposits, travel delays, alternative transport expenses.