The World's Greatest Vacations

Is demand for air travel falling? Depends who you ask

2023-09-18

U.S. airlines have presented widely divergent perspectives this week on the demand environment, with discount carriers reporting a recent plunge and full-service carriers asserting that demand remains in line with earlier expectations. “Over the last couple weeks, things have changed and sequentially gotten worse,” Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said at the Morgan Stanley Laguna conference […]

Exploring the Horizon: Future Travel Trends Shaping the Way We Journey

2023-09-11

Richard Shane Founder and CEO The World’s Greatest Vacations The world of travel is on the brink of transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing awareness of sustainable practices. As we peer into the future, a tapestry of exciting travel trends emerges, promising to redefine the way we explore the […]

Venice will give day-tripper fee a test run

2023-09-11

ROME (AP) — Tourist-flooded Venice approved guidelines for testing a new fee for day-trippers on peak visitor weekends next year. The city council gave the go-ahead for the guidelines, tweaking earlier plans for a fee that was announced a year ago. Final approval of the plan will come up for consideration on Sept. 12. The […]

East Coast to Europe, the fall teems with possibilities

2023-09-05

Whether clients are looking for an immersive food-and-wine-focused itinerary on the Douro, an intimate experience in France’s Champagne region or a leaf-peeping sailing in the Northeast, they’ll have no shortage of options as they transition from the hustle of summer vacation and a fall slowdown. Here are a few to consider: Emerald Cruises is extending […]

Cruise demand grows for the Caribbean, and lines answer the call

2023-08-28

A combination of new cruise lines and bigger ships drove cruise capacity growth in the Caribbean this year beyond prepandemic levels, with more vessels on the way. Several cruise lines plan to deploy additional tonnage to the region in 2024 and beyond, potentially boosting passenger volumes in an area that already sails almost half of […]

Europe’s travel authorization system (not a visa) is coming soon. Maybe.

2023-08-21

After years of delays and no firm start date, travel advisors and tour operators are taking a measured approach to the EU’s upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS, which consumer media often erroneously call a visa, is actually a travel authorization. Obtained via an online application that costs around $8, it screens […]

Feeding the appetite for private experiences

2023-08-11

It’s no secret that revenge travel is filling up airplanes, restaurants and resorts. But sometimes, travelers don’t necessarily want to feel cramped, or be next to fellow tourists when they reach their destination. As a result, more travelers have been seeking private experiences. “When the pandemic happened, [private experiences] kind of grew organically,” said Ron […]

Travel agents adjust trips as record heat wilts Southern Europe

2023-08-04

The heat waves in Southern Europe this summer have been so intense, news outlets there have embraced names for them taken from the mythological underworld. Another used the quote “a giant pizza oven” to describe the sweltering region. In parts of Greece, Spain and Italy this month, the mercury drove up to 113 degrees, just […]

Unveiling the Wonders of Ancient Civilizations: Must-Visit Historical Sites

2023-07-29

Step back in time and embark on a journey of wonder as we explore the enigmatic remnants of ancient civilizations. From the mystical pyramids of Egypt to the awe-inspiring temples of Machu Picchu, these historical sites offer a captivating glimpse into the past and the achievements of ancient cultures. Join us as we unveil these […]

Land tours and river cruises are thriving in Eastern Europe

2023-07-29

Demand for travel to Eastern Europe is at its strongest in three years, according to tour operators and river cruise lines, some of whom say the region could see a full recovery in 2024. To be sure, bookings have yet to surpass 2019 levels — a year many companies say was the region’s best, before […]