Meet the airport where you are most likely to miss your connection

Ever had to make a tight connecting flight at Sydney Airport, where the international and domestic terminals are a public train or bus ride apart? It can be stressful. 

Well Sydney is not even close to being the worst airport at which to make a connecting flight, the results of a new travel survey reveal. 

  
Travel-tech company AirHelp analysed which airports pose the greatest risk for travellers in fear of missing their connecting flights, news hub Travel Mole reported.

The analysis examined internal data on missed flight connections at 196 airports with Italy’s Milan/Bergamo Orio al Serio (Carravagio) Airport recording the highest risk and Brazil’s Florianópolis Hercílio Luz International Airport achieved the highest score of 9, making it the airport offering the best chances for a smooth transfer.

The 15 best airports for connections: 1. Florianópolis Hercílio Luz, Brazil; 2. Tallinn, Estonia; 3. Goiânia Santa Genoveva, Brazil; 4. Indianapolis, US; 5. Florence Peretola, Italy; 6. Newcastle, UK; 7. Columbus John Glenn, US; 

8. Genoa Cristoforo Colombo, Italy; 9. Kansas City, US; 10. Brindisi Papola Casale; 11. Jacksonville, US; 12. Cluj-Napoca, Romania; 13. Billund, Denmark; 14. Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 15. Quebec Jean Lessage, Canada. 

And the riskiest: 1. Milan Bergamo, Italy; 2. Dallas Fort Worth, US;  3. Frankfurt, Germany; 4. São Paulo Guarulhos, Brazil; 5. Philadelphia, US; 6. Atlanta Hartfield, US, 7. Chicago O’Hare, US;  8. Chicago Midway, US; 9. Warsaw Chopin, Poland; 10. Madrid Bajaras, Spain; 11. Charlotte Douglas, US; 12. Denver, US; 13. London Stansted, UK; 14. Munich, Germany; 15. Paris CDG, France. 

 So lots of major US airports with warning lights. 

“One of the most important factors in whether travellers miss their connecting flight is the available transfer time,” says Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO at AirHelp. 

“The more time passengers have between arrival and departure, the lower the risk of missing their next flight.”

Recommended connection times generally range between 30 and 60 minutes for domestic transfers, 60 to 90 minutes for transfers between domestic and international flights, and up to 120 minutes for international connections.

If you are going to miss a connection, it is best to do so in Europe. 

If passengers miss a connecting flight because of a delay, airlines are required under EU passenger rights regulation EC261 to arrange alternative transportation to the final destination.

If the journey must continue the following day, travellers are also entitled to care services such as hotel accommodation, meals and transportation between the airport and hotel.

Under certain conditions, passengers may additionally be entitled to compensation of up to €600, for example if they arrive at their final destination more than three hours late, barring "extraordinary circumstances". 

Source: AirHelp’s May 2026 analysis of 196 airports.

Tourists baffled: Is it summer, or winter, here?

It is one of the oldest adages of travel: Do your homework. 

No one wants to stay in a hotel next to a building site, next to the toilet on a plane, or in a hotel room directly above a night club. 

Amazingly, though, one in five tourists arriving in Australia does not know what season it is. 

Thousands arrive thinking it is winter when it as actually the middle of summer, and vice versa, new research from Casinos Analyzer Australia shows.

The survey of 1,500 US and UK adults who have visited or plan to visit Australia found that confusion over the country's seasons is widespread and costly. 

And Americans get it wrong noticeably more often than Brits - a pattern that runs through almost every question in the survey.

Key findings included:

* 19% of travellers packed for entirely the wrong season: 22% of Americans vs 16% of Brits

* 44% have assumed Australia is "always hot and sunny"

* 22% had to buy replacement clothes on arrival, spending an average of $95

Only 58% correctly knew that it is winter in Australia right now - 52% of Americans vs 64% of Brits. 

Yep. The fact Australia's seasons run backwards to the northern hemisphere is a mystery to many. 

No further comment needed.

* Alongside its review work, Casinos Analyzer conducts original consumer research on lifestyle, behaviour, and cultural trends.

Image: Scopio.

Tourism continues to boom in Europe

Travel is booming in Europe despite headwinds including rising prices, geopolitical tensions, airport delays and climate concerns. 

The latest European Travel Commission (ETC) Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel shows 81% of Europeans intended to travel between June and November 2026 - up four percentage points from the same period last year.

The findings underline the resilience of travel demand while highlighting a growing focus on safety, value for money and climate resilience when choosing destinations.

The survey also shows that Europeans continue to favour multiple vacations, with 55% planning at least two trips over the next six months. Nearly two-thirds (64%) expected to travel within Europe, reinforcing the region’s position as the preferred destination for its own residents.

Travel enthusiasm has strengthened across nearly every age group, reaching its highest level among travellers aged 45 to 54, where 86% are planning a trip.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe remained the continent’s most sought-after vacation region, attracting 61% of intended travellers, four percentage points higher than a year ago.

Spain tops the list of preferred destinations, chosen by 14% of respondents, followed by Italy (12%), France (8%) and Greece (7%). The enduring appeal of sunshine, beaches, cultural attractions and city breaks continues to drive demand for these destinations.

The report also points to a growing desire for more authentic and less crowded experiences.

While interest in Europe’s iconic tourist destinations has edged up to 48%, a slight majority of travellers (52%) now say they prefer exploring lesser-known locations or destinations off the traditional tourist trail.

Crowding is also becoming a more significant consideration with 11% of respondents say avoiding busy destinations. 

One in five Europeans (20%) cite safety as their top consideration, ahead of pleasant weather (15%) and attractive travel deals (14%).

Financial pressures continue to weigh on travellers’ minds, even though demand remains robust. Rising travel costs are now the biggest concern for 22% of respondents, while 17% are worried about their personal financial situation.

Geopolitical instability is also having a greater impact on travel planning than in previous years. Concerns related to the conflict in the Middle East have doubled over the past year, rising from 7% to 14%, while 11% of Europeans remain concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Despite higher fuel prices and increasing airfare costs, flying remains the preferred mode of transportation, with 53% planning to travel by air.

Commenting on the findings, Miguel Sanz, president of the ETC, said Europeans continue to place a high value on travel despite an increasingly complex global environment.

Image: Madrid

Are AI images misleading travellers?

Are you being lied to by accommodation operators using Artificial Intelligence? 

One in five hotel photos on major booking platforms show indicators of being AI-generated or AI-enhanced, a new survey in Europe shows.

An analysis of 25,550 images used by hotels to advertise their rooms, facilities, restaurants and amenities reveals mass deception.

The study was conducted by Berlin-based marketing agency ABCD Agency in partnership with German forensic AI verification provider ContentGuard.me.

Hotel photos are one of the most decisive factors when booking accommodation online. But the report indicates  that the imagery travellers rely on is no longer just traditionally retouched but increasingly created or altered using artificial intelligence.

In a sample of 100 randomly selected hotels each across seven destinations a total of 25,550 hotel photos were analysed in May 2026. Among those popular European summer holiday destinations like Crete, Mallorca, Sicily and Alanya.

The result: approximately 19% of all images - a total of 4,778 photos - contained at least one signal typically associated with AI generation or AI editing.

These signals can appear in technical markers such as file metadata, or as visual anomalies within the image itself - including inconsistencies, irregular pixel patterns or detail errors.

When hotel photos are AI-optimised or AI-generated, expectations can be distorted in critical ways: including room size, furnishings and views. 

These enhanced images set expectations that reality often cannot meet. The result: disappointment on arrival, complaints and a long-term erosion of trust in both platforms and hotels that depend on credible visual content.

Jens Kramosch, deepfake expert and founder of ContentGuard.me explains: “Hotel photos have always been retouched to some degree. But AI takes this to a completely different level. When images are no longer just polished but fundamentally altered, it risks crossing the line from marketing into deception. Travellers need to look more closely and platforms need to start labeling AI-edited content transparently.”

Robin Wilfert, founder of ABCD Agency, warns: “When you book a trip, you're buying a promise. The photos that travelleds use to choose a hotel are the most important part of that promise. AI must not be allowed to create a gap between what's shown and what's real.”

What infuriates travellers the most

From flyers who recline their seats immediately after take-off to people who cough and sneeze without using a tissue, there are many travel habits that are infuriating. 

Now a new survey, commissioned by travel eSIM company Saily, has revealed the travel habits that are most annoying. 

Coughing or sneezing without covering up and leaving litter on the beach annoy Australians the most (52% of travellers find these annoying).

Then there are loud talkers in public places, and people who fly barefooted. 

Two offences tied for first place: coughing or sneezing without covering up and leaving litter on the beach: both hated by 52% of travellers across the country. Over‑reclined seats took third place (50%).

Noise dominates the rest of the list: loud arguments (47%), talking too loudly on a train, bus or plane (46%), speakerphone calls (43%) and music or videos without headphones (42%). 

Rounding out the top 10 were idle chatter in quiet spaces (42%), smelly snacks (40%) and playing loud music in public spaces (39%).

Classic holiday irritations - like guests reserving pool chairs for hours or showing up late for excursions - didn’t make the top 10. 

But many travellers admit their own sins. 

No fewer than 25% confessed to standing up the moment the plane lands, and one in four (24%) admitted to peeing in the sea, or a lake. 

“We wanted to take an honest look at travel habits,” says Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily, the company that commissioned the survey. 

“The holiday season is one of the busiest times to travel, and with so many people in motion at once, it’s the perfect moment to see what really annoys us on the road – and how often we’re the ones doing it.”

A total of 57% of travellers said they’ve asked someone to stop doing something irritating, suggesting that even though many admit to their own bad habits, they’re still willing to speak up when others cross the line.

Maknickas notes that there are ways that can help smooth out traveling experience. “Nobody wants to start their trip by becoming somebody else’s travel horror story. Being mindful, putting in a little preparation and packing some technology items can help.”

The survey was conducted by the external companies Cint and Norstat on November 17–December 2, 2025. The survey’s target group were residents of the US, the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Japan aged 18-74. 

For more info see https://saily.com/blog/annoying-tourist-behaviors/

Image: Tiago Gomes, Scop.io

Its OK to go NoLo: No one feels guilty any more

It is OK to go alcohol free.

No guilt.

The team at Heineken 0.0, which is the best-selling non-alcoholic beer, has revealed that almost three-quarters (72%) of people are confident enough to skip alcohol over the holidays without fear of being judged or excluded. 

A recent study, carried out in five countries in partnership with the author of Sober Curious, Ruby Warrington, shows attitudes are changing fast.

It revealed over two-thirds (67%) of people surveyed now say it's outdated and inappropriate to ask why someone isn't drinking alcohol in 2025.

Also, 81% agree it's acceptable to say "no" to alcohol at festive events - with no explanation required.

"The question 'why aren't you drinking?' belongs firmly in the past," Warrington says.

"People everywhere now feel free to choose if and when they drink alcohol without fearing social pressure or awkwardness. When I coined the term 'sober curious' nearly 10 years ago, the goal was to normalise the choice not to drink – and we're finally here."

It was the second survey in 12 months recording positive attitudes.

Heineken’s partner in its original January study, Charles Spence, Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, said: "These two studies show how quickly attitudes shift. Alcohol has been central to social life for generations, but the data now proves moderation is for everyone."

How people plan to celebrate this season also tells a story. 

At least 37% will moderate their intake, 27% plan to abstain altogether, and 1 in 5 will raise a 0.0 beer instead. Gen Z are leading the charge for balance with 30% planning to 'zebra stripe' their drinks, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic all night.

Fear of missing out has finally gone out of fashion with 86% saying they are comfortable drinking low or no-alcohol options at festive events, and 76% say they don't need alcohol to feel included.

In fact, 90% say they'd support a friend choosing to drink low or no-alcohol versions this festive season - showing social pressure has given way to social acceptance.

# The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 10,001 adults aged 18+ in the UK, US, Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Asia leading the way in the changing tourism space

Asia is at the forefront of emerging travel trends for 2026 and beyond, leading travel platform Agoda reports. 

“The travel landscape is transforming at an unprecedented pace – and Asia is at the forefront of emerging trends," says the Agoda 2026 Travel Outlook report.

"Our research finds that change is fuelled by emerging markets, new destinations, tech innovations, streamlined visa processes, expanded flight routes, improved tourism infrastructure, and more," says Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern. 

"With so many moving parts, 2026 feels like the beginning of  a new era in travel."

Based on survey and industry insights, the report identifies key insights poised to shape the travel industry in 2026. 

Efforts to reduce friction in travel are evident across Asia, in air travel infrastructure, visa policies, and digital finance, paving the way for increased intra-regional and international tourism. 

Airlines in the Asia Pacific region are scheduled to take delivery of an estimated 615 new aircraft in 2026. Additionally, AI innovation is driving the convergence of travel services, with travellers increasingly expecting the technology to provide travel inspiration and enhance the booking process.

Respondents in Agoda's survey stated that price remains a crucial factor for travelers when selecting accommodation, with savvy consumers seeking great deals that enable them to enjoy more experiences and visit more destinations. 

Secondary destinations continue to gain popularity as travellers look for authentic and immersive cultural experiences. 

Experiential travel, including concerts and food trips, is becoming mainstream, with travellers prioritising memorable experiences over simply visiting destinations.

The 2026 Travel Outlook Report by Agoda can be downloaded via https://ago-da.co/2026-report.

Image: Priyanka Juneja, Scop.io 

New report show travellers are taking new directions

What direction is travel headed in 2026?

Booming hotel group Minor Hotels says travellers are re-thinking how they move through the world, seeking multi-dimensional experiences that resonate emotionally, relationally and spiritually.

The new report released this week, the inaugural Minor Hotels Travel Trends Report, explores various dimensions of connection that illustrate the shift for hotels from simply delivering service to helping guests find meaning through their journeys.

“Today’s travellers want more than destinations, they want stories, connections and meaning," says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels.

"Our trend report reveals a growing appetite for authentic engagement and conscious travel choices.

"For Minor Hotels, this is an invitation to continue shaping experiences that prioritise wellbeing and cultural depth, ensuring every journey offers something truly memorable.

"Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the report finds that people continue to prioritise travel in the year ahead. The outlook for 2026 is overwhelmingly positive, with 94% of respondents expecting to travel as much or more in the coming year, with one-third planning more trips than in 2025.

"Ninety-four % plan to spend the same or more on travel in 2026, with almost half (47%) intending to increase their travel budgets. Luxury travellers are nearly twice as likely to travel more in 2026 compared to all respondents, with 61% expecting an increase in frequency."

The report says travellers are prioritising quality over quantity, seeking experiences that deliver personal value rather than simply more trips. While travellers remain optimistic for the year ahead, affordability remains a leading factor shaping plans for 53% of respondents, followed by seasonality (42%), ease of travel (40%) and time (40%).

Over half of respondents (53%) book their travel within three months of departure, showing a willingness to clear their schedule at short notice or to wait for greater clarity amidst ongoing uncertainty.

Hotel websites dominate as the most utilised planning tool for 80% of travellers, ahead of personal recommendations (35%) and online travel agents (29%). At the same time, emerging technologies, such as generative AI chatbots, are now used by 12%. Heaven help us all.

Even on group journeys, travellers are carving out space for solitude and nature to recharge with 71% of respondents agree that taking a break from technology, social media or work during their travel is important for their personal wellbeing.

"Forty-four percent plan to integrate more wellness or mindfulness - although I'm betting some of them have no idea what mindfulness is - rising to 73% among those already engaged in wellness practices. Spa treatments lead as the top-choice activity (75%), followed by nature-based experiences (59%) and fitness (49%).

Culture is discovered through flavour, with food the primary gateway for 85% of travellers, followed by historic architecture (71%) and nature (65%). Not so sure about all that love of architecture, either. 

# Read the full report and the trends shaping travel in the year of connection here:
https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/258457-minor-hotels-travel-trends-report-reveals-optimism-and-travellers-search-for-connection-in-20

Young cocktail drinkers are bigger thinkers

Gen Z aren't drinking less, they're drinking differently, a new survey has revealed.

Bacardi VP Sean Kerry says Gen Z are drinking "earlier, lighter, and with more intention."

They are prioritising meaningful connections, micro-indulgence, and storytelling experiences over traditional consumption.

The seventh annual Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, released by Bacardi Limited, in partnership with The Future Laboratory (TFL), draws on data from Bacardi-led and third-party research, consumer surveys, bartender interviews and TFL’s trend forecasting.

The report also reveals the cocktails which are set to be the most popular in 2026 and trends for younger consumers.

“Gen Z isn’t drinking less, they’re simply drinking earlier, lighter, and with more intention,” says Kerry.

“Around the world, we’re seeing a move towards more meaningful drinking moments whether that means in-person get-togethers with friends, discovering flavours rooted in local culture, or embracing new forms of creative expression through cocktails."

Martin Raymond, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, says: "Consumers are moving from curating experiences to cultivating connections. The pendulum has swung from digital convenience to human creativity, and the drinks industry sits at the centre of that shift.

“In 2026, value will be defined not by scarcity or status, but by depth: the provenance of ingredients, the stories behind serves, and the ability to transform a moment into meaning.”

Globally, the survey suggests the top 10 cocktails in 2026 will be:

1. Margarita

2. Mojito

3. Piña Colada

4. Rum and Coke

5. Whisky and Coke

6. Spritz

7. Vodka Lemonade

8. Vodka Soda

9. Gin and Tonic

10. Dry Martini Cocktail

Hotel shame: Worst of the worst 12 years in a row

Imagine being named the worst hotel chain in Britain 12 years in a row.

That's what happened this week to Britannia Hotels.

Every year, consumer choice site Which? undertakes an audit of all of Britain’s major hotel providers.

It asks a panel of customer reviewers to rate each company on eight different criteria, ranging from cleanliness to quality of bathrooms to value for money, then adds in how likely people were to recommend the hotel to give each an overall score out of 100.

The best of the bunch? The Coaching Inn Group 81%; Hotel Indigo 79%, J D Wetherspoon Hotels 76%.

Britannia didn’t get more than two out of five stars in any category, achieving the loathed one-star rating for both cleanliness and bedrooms.

Overall, it had a 44% approval rating, making it the only company to have the majority of customers say they wouldn’t recommend it to a friend Cleanliness and reliability were the two most common complaints; Time Out London reported. 

One person claimed that they found chewing gum stuck in their carpet, and several people noted that their reservations were cancelled at the last minute.

Britannia Hotels is a British budget hotel group with 64 hotels across Great Britain. The company also owns Pontins Holiday Parks. A large cluster of the company's hotels are located in and around Manchester

You can find Which?’s study in full here. The serious message: Do your research before booking at any hotel you have not stayed in before.

Image: Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool 

Australian travellers gamble on skipping insurance

Just about every time I open a newspaper there is a sob story.

Someone fell out of a raft and suffered head injuries. Or slipped on the pavement and broke a leg. Or suffered a heart attack somewhere remote. Or missed their flight. 

And, invariably, someone has opened a Go Fund Me campaign for these unfortunate folk, who were too stupid - or too cocky - to take out travel insurance.

A new survey has revealed that one in seven Australian travellers (14%) went on their most recent overseas trip without any travel insurance coverage – a trend that is particularly pronounced among younger travellers, with 23% of under-30s gambling on going uninsured.

The survey of 1001 travellers, conducted by Quantum Market Research on behalf of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller, found that two-thirds (65%) of those who travelled without insurance gave it some thought before deciding to go without. 

Almost a third of those travellers (31%) deciding to forgo insurance due to travelling to a destination they perceived as safe.

"Travelling anywhere, whether it’s overseas or domestically, is the highlight of many people’s years, but even when travelling to destinations perceived to be safe the unexpected can still happen," said ICA CEO Andrew Hall. 

"Understanding your policy and assessing what kinds of activities you plan on undertaking while you’re travelling is the best way to make sure you’re protected.

"We encourage any travellers to understand their exclusions and assess whether they need additional cover for any risky behaviours they're considering. Check Product Disclosure Statements and speak directly to insurers with any questions."  

Other findings of the survey include: 

Willingness to take risks: A large portion of travellers (45%) were willing to take risks in pursuit of unique or memorable experiences, such as trying unfamiliar foods and visiting challenging environments. 

Medical tourism: Close to half (46%) of travellers had, or would personally consider, travelling overseas for a medical procedure - most commonly dental care (30%). The most common motivation was the lower cost of treatment. 

Alcohol-related risks: While 70% of Australian travellers consumed alcohol while overseas, well under half (43%) understood that travel insurance policies vary significantly in their coverage of those affected by alcohol. 

The current global political environment: Over half (56%) of travellers agreed that the current global political environment has meant that there are countries they had planned to visit but they will now avoid. 

Full survey results can be found on the Smartraveller website.

Image: Kaitlyn Thurlow, Scop.io

Travel trends for 2025 revealed

Relaxation, travelling with the family and exploring new destinations are three key pillars of travel intent for 2025, travel booking website Agoda says 

Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. 

The survey revealed a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.

Agoda's findings indicate that travellers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines.

The survey also underscored the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Seven key insights from Agoda's 2025 Travel Trends survey:

1. The more the merrier: Travelling with family tops the list
For many travellers family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers questioned (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. 

2. Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far
Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation.

3. Computer says 'yes': Tech assisting in travel planning
Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of travellers (80%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (12%) are interested in virtual reality tours. 

4. Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart
Budget considerations remain a key factor, with a significant portion of travellers (65%) planning to spend less than $250 per night on accommodation. But price is not a barrier to international travel - 87% of travellers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024. 

5. In and Out of Office: Travelling on and off the clock
In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. 

6. Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations
A whopping 84% of travellers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. 

7. Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel
Asia's many theme parks: Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi will attract 20% of those surveyed.

Image: Hesham Osama, Scop.io

Wine industry looks to boost gender equality/diversity

The Australian wine industry is launching a new survey to investigate the state of gender equality, and to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for progress in the grape and wine sector.

The collaborative effort is being run by Australian Grape & Wine’s Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Wine (DEIW) committee and is funded by Wine Australia.

Research will be undertaken by Charles Sturt University and the University of New South Wales.

The research team will engage wine and grape sector stakeholders to identify recommendations and develop a practical toolkit for businesses and sector organisations, translating best practices and innovative ideas for gender equality, into actionable steps.

There's a whole lot of politically correct jargon in that one sentence, but hopefully the sentiment is serious.

Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Martin Cole said the study will help the sector tap the depth of diversity across the breadth of the sector’s value chain. Yikes.

“Achieving long-term sector profitability, resilience and sustainability means we must have the best people at the table," Cole said. "A vibrant future demands we look to broaden the expertise, experience and perspectives of those at decision-making tables across the value chain.

Gender equality and diversity were identified by the sector as a priority through recent consultation for the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan.

“This research project will build on efforts made by the sector in recent years, recognising the need to progress these, providing evidence-based support for ongoing improvement,” Cole said.

“Our goal is to equip the sector with practical resources to be more inclusive, fostering equality and diversity to strengthen business and sector performance.”

Australian Grape & Wine DEIW committee chair Ali Laslett said the grape and wine sector was a significant employer in regional areas and had shown commitment to increasing gender equality.

“Promoting gender equality aligns with the strategic priorities of many primary industries," she said.

"The DEIW committee identified several initiatives in our workplan, and we are delighted that our recommendation to provide practical resources for all businesses within the sector will be realised through this project.

"Our sector’s future success is built on practices that support and retain a diverse workforce.”

Be ultra-vigilant: these are the pickpocketing hotspots of Europe

Anyone who has spent time in Europe know that you need to be vigilant 100% of the time in major cities.

From opportunists to well-organised gangs, pickpockets and bag snatchers are ready to ruin your holiday.

Put a bag by your feet for moment and it can be gone. Leave you wallet on a café table for a second and some fleet-footed cretin will be running away from you at top speed.

Someone bumps into you on the Metro and you can be minus your money. Leave your handbag dangling carelessly and someone riding a motor scooter will swoop in seconds.

New research has found that some of the most popular tourist spots in Europe go hand-in-hand with some of the worst pickpocketing statistics on the continent, Euronews reports.

The study by UK-based travel insurance company QuoteZone has created a league table of pickpocketing capitals around the continent, looking at each country’s top five tourist attractions.

I'm not sure how scientific the research was, but Italy came out on top, with the highest proportion of victims in any country across the continent, followed by France and Spain.

Although many cities and towns across Italy attract hordes of visitors year-round, Rome was found to be the worst for pickpockets - many of whom, it so happens, are not Italians at all.

Overall, QuoteZone found that there are 478 pickpocketing mentions for every million British visitors to Italy’s top tourist attractions.

The capital’s iconic Trevi Fountain (top image) came out on top in that country-specific ranking. Also in Rome, the ancient Colosseum and the Pantheon were found to be particular hotspots for pickpockets.

Outside of Rime, the Duomo di Milano in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence were also reported as having the highest numbers of stolen personal items on online travel reviews in Italy. From experience, Naples is also a place to be on your toes. 

All five of the top attractions monitored are in Paris - and the Eiffel Tower was, perhaps unsurprisingly, found to be the most risky for tourist theft. Other places in the French capital to be extra vigilant are the Arc de Triomphe, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Musée d’Orsay and Louvre Museums.

Next came Spain and Germany with Las Ramblas in Barcelona a thoroughfare where you need to beware.

In Germany, the worst pickpocketing spot is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone, says that while it’s unfortunate that so many attractions in Europe pose a risk, there are steps you can take to lessen the worry.

“It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt,” he advises.

“Try never to leave personal belongings unattended because travel insurance companies require travellers to take ‘reasonable care’ and could reject insurance claims for theft if items have been left alone.

"It is also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item if you’ve been pickpocketed, as this will support the insurance claim.”

The top 10 European countries to be mega-aware, according to this survey: 1. Italy, 2. France, 3. Spain, 4. Germany, 5. Netherlands, 6. Portugal, 7. Turkey, 8. Greece, 9. Poland, 10. Republic of Ireland.

Image: Irish Grace Jimenez, Scop.io 

Do you get confused between Sweden and Switzerland?

You would think that only a moron in a hurry would struggle to tell the difference between Switzerland and Sweden.

Other than the fact that both countries are in Europe and have names that begin with the same letter, they are fairly easy to tell apart.

But they are apparently being mixed up all the time, perhaps by the same folks who cannot get their heads around the fact that Australia and Austria are different countries.

Incredibly, about 120,000 people each year Google the question: “Are Sweden and Switzerland the same?”.

Now tourism officials in Sweden want to end the confusion, Travel Mole reports.

The Visit Sweden tourist board wants to make the distinction between the two clear and the first draft of a proposed  agreement between Sweden and Switzerland has been drafted.

Research from Visit Sweden suggests that over two-thirds of British people were unable to locate Sweden on a map. But that is not really a surprise. I suspect many could not find London on a map either.

The survey found 13% of Britons thought Sweden and Switzerland were the same place and that 50% of American respondents confessed to a lack of confidence in distinguishing between Swedish and Swiss cultures.

A number of Brits also wrongly highlighted Ikea (15%) and Abba (13%) as things they loved about Switzerland.

“If people struggle to separate our two countries, we need to help them," said Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.

"We can’t change the names of our nations, but we can become more distinct.

“It’s time to decide who promotes what, and hopefully we can reach an agreement.”

Check out https://visitsweden.com/sweden-not-switzerland/

Image: Stockholm Old Town in Sweden, not Switzerland. Credit: Visit Sweden  

Why a Japanese passport is the most useful in the world

A Japanese passport is the most useful travel document you could be carrying in 2023.

Japanese passports are the most accepted globally for the fifth straight year, says the Henley Passport Index, which ranks all the world's 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Japanese citizens can visit 193 destinations out of 227 visa-free, while those of South Korea and Singapore, which are tied in second place, enjoy a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 192.

Germany and Spain are joint third, with visa-free access to 190 destinations worldwide. The UK and the US remain in sixth and seventh places, with scores of 187 and 186.

Australia comes in eighth at 185, maintaining the top 10 spot it has held for the almost two decades the index has been in existence.  

The passport you would least like to hold is that of Afghanistan with a score of just 27.

On a macro level, latest study by Henley & Partners reveals that just 6% of passports worldwide give their holders visa-free access to more than 70% of the global economy.

And only 17% of countries give their passport holders visa-free access to more than four-fifths of the world's 227 destinations.

The Japanese passport gives visa-free access to 85% of the world and, collectively, these countries account for a whopping 98% of the global economy.

India has the world's fifth-largest economy, but its passport holders can access just 59 destinations worldwide visa free. 

For full details see https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index 

Christmas just got even more materialistic

Christmas is supposed to be a time for caring and sharing but for a whole lot of people - particularly in the UK and US -it is all about the cash.

With the cost of living crisis affecting many, the people at MoneyTransfers.com ​did a survey of the most-wanted gifts this Christmas in several different countries.

The key message: Forget your thoughtful presents. Give me money. 

Major findings included:

# 44% of UK and 40% of US respondents reported wanting money as a gift this Christmas.

# Over a third of Polish respondents wanted money or gift vouchers and over two-fifths of Germans said the same.

# The most desired gifts in Italy at 44% are clothing, shoes and accessories.

#Cosmetics, perfume and body care items were the most desired among UK women at 55%.

#33% of US respondents reported gaming consoles to be the hardest gift to find this year.

# Plants (42.4%), beauty items (40%) and liquor (34%) were found to be the least-desired gifts for Christmas this year.

"Clearly, there has been a shift this year from material possessions, with more people placing value on either the independence to buy what they want – or, a need for cash to hand in a world of rising costs across the board,” says Jonathan Merry, CEO of MoneyTransfers.com.

Australia was not among the nations surveyed. 

Here is the link to the full report should you wish to depress yourself: 

https://moneytransfers.com/news/content/cash-takes-the-top-spot-as-most-wanted-christmas-gift-worldwide

Younger travellers know what they want; what they really, really want

What are younger travellers across Australia and New Zealand looking for when they head off on holiday?

Research undertaken by Concrete Playground shows exploring their own backyards is of paramount importance with 50% of New Zealanders and 53% of Australians surveyed planning on doing more domestic trips this year compared to pre-pandemic.

Chilling out is also important with 31% of Gen Z (born 1997-2012) and 30% of millennials (born 1981- 1996) surveyed apparently booking trips for the sole purpose to de-stress.

The traditional bucket list has changed with 70% of those surveyed preferring to go off the beaten track, with 74% wanting to “live like a local” rather than seeing the more popular tourist spots.

Tasmania topped the list as the go-to destination for Aussie travellers while a whopping 40% say they are planning on spending more on travel than their pre-Covid spend.

Based on these results, Concrete Playground has extended its offering to include an e-commerce platform - Concrete Playground Trips (CP Trips) - which will curate "money-can’t-buy" travel experiences across Australia and New Zealand.

Frances Deighton, head of strategy and insights for Concrete Playground Trips said: “Now, more than ever, it’s important we all listen to what travellers want because their desires, interests and expectations are significantly different to what we were seeing pre-pandemic.

"It’s an exciting opportunity to provide this new traveller with an experience that will set the standard for their future travel.”

With five initial itineraries now live, the hero event is a VIP experience at the Spring City Festival in Auckland (above) to be headlined by Groove Armada, which includes VIP festival tickets, a three-night stay in the luxury Hotel Britomart - New Zealand’s only five-star green hotel - as well as a private sommelier and chef lunch at Ahi restaurant hosted by chef Ben Bayly; a helicopter flight to Waiheke Island for wine tasting at Stonyridge Vineyard with the winery owner, or a helicopter flight to Waiheke Distilling Company for a bespoke tour with the head Distiller. From $3,295 per person, bookings are available until October 26 for departure on November 26.

In Australia, The Five Days of Hobart’s Finest trip from $1,739 per person includes a four-night stay at Henry Jones Art Hotel; full-day Wineglass Bay and Maria Island scenic flight; Moorilla’s Posh-as day at MONA - a fancy day out at MONA and Moorilla, MONA’s on-site winery and vineyard, including a guided wine tasting, restaurant lunch with matched wines and return ferry tickets from Hobart.

To learn more about CP trips, visit https://trips.concreteplayground.com/

Dogs make travel more difficult - but we love them anyway

We certainly love our dogs - but they can make travel very difficult.

Only a handful or hotels and B&Bs welcome furry friends and taking them on public transport is often a no no. 

Some pets are not happy in doggy accommodation, which means employing a dog/house-sitter. If you can find one 

Respondents to a recent survey cited the biggest difficulty of dog ownership as finding a dog-sitter when going away (37%), and 83% said their dogs make it harder for them to go holiday.

Two in three dog owners surveyed (66%) would like the opportunity to be able to take their dog on an overseas holiday with them - completely impractical in my opinion - while 95% of owners would pay the costs to move their furry friends overseas with them should they move abroad.

The majority (76%) of dog owners believe the time has come for dogs to be allowed on planes (40% unmuzzled/uncaged; 36% with a muzzle and/or cage). Again, hugely impractical in most cases. 

Aussies want their dogs to play a part in their social lives, too. 

A total of 71% of respondents are in favour of dogs being allowed inside cafes and pubs, and 66% of dogs have dog friends they go to visit.

The 2022 Great Australian Dog Survey was conducted by Scratch, an Australian dog food company. It surveyed the owners of over 12,700 Aussie dogs. 

Here are the details: https://www.scratchpetfood.com.au/australian-dog-survey/

Image: Scratch co-founder Mike Halligan with a furry friend. Supplied.    

To recline or not to recline when flying?

Some airline passengers lack even the most basic regard for their fellow passengers.

You know the type. The seatbelt sign is switched off and they slam their seats into full recline mode within seconds.

They have to be told multiple times to bring their seats back up straight during meal service. And then slam it back again, sometimes sending drinks flying.

Surprisingly, a recent survey has found that 54.2% of Australian travellers claim that they wouldn’t recline their own seat, while 41.1% have a problem with the seat in front of them being reclined.

A sizeable 29.2% of travellers say they have no problem reclining their seats - and the real number is probably a lot higher.

Compare the Market surveyed Australians to find out what they think the general rules and considerations are when flying.

Among the key findings: 

# 13.36% of Australian flyers would hold going to the bathroom when flying, while another 29.96% would try to squeeze past other passengers without asking them to stand and be let out.

# In Australia, 18-24-year-olds are the least likely to declare that middle passengers should have both armrests.

# 67.7% of flyers say passengers in the middle seat should get one armrest.

For the full survey results visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/travel-insurance/features/flight-etiquette/