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TRAVELER SUPPORT

Alaska Cruise

At Sea with LT Navigating Truth, Hope, Faith, and Freedom Cruise

Aug 11 - 18, 2024.

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855 557 3042

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Join this exceptional Christian Cruise to Alaska with And We Know and LT

A note from lt.

Hello Patriots,

In January of 2023, we joined together in prayer, searching for a way to create an amazing gathering of like-minded folks in an intimate and wonderful setting. Just a few months later, that prayer was answered! I invite you to join me and the And We Know family on a cruise to majestic Alaska, August 11 – 18, 2024.

We will chart our adventure aboard the luxurious Holland America’s Westerdam, cruising us to historic Alaskan ports like Juneau and Ketchikan—destinations renowned for their scenery teeming with forests and wildlife, the freshest caught salmon and other delicious cuisine, and known for the locals’ friendly charm.

The Isaacs are coming too and we can’t wait to sing worship and patriotic songs by this renowned Southern gospel group. We’ll also enjoy powerful biblical messages and share life stories with my family and me, listen in on a LIVE podcast recording, and have Q&A time and interviews with special guests.

Join us next year as we explore God’s beautiful creation among glorious glaciers and lush forests. I look forward to bonding with you as we continue this journey together—exploring truth, hope, faith and freedom.

LT & Family

And We Know

Tim Lovelace

Kirk Elliot

The bluegrass Southern gospel group, The Isaacs, consists of Lily Isaacs and her children, Becky, Sonya and Ben. With roots dating back to 1971, their unique sound blends family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation. They have earned three Grammy nominations and nine Dove Awards and have collaborated with artists like Dolly Parton and Paul Simon. Their philanthropic work through The Isaacs Foundation supports Holocaust survivors and orphans in Israel. They became members of the Grand Ole Opry in 2021.

Dive into the world of Dr. Kirk Elliott, founder of Kirk Elliott PhD Private Advisors. With 30+ years in finance, he's guided 18,000+ clients, specializing in silver & gold assets. Holding two Ph.D.s, he simplifies complex economic theories into actionable insights. His book, Thriving in the Economic Tsunami, is a beacon during financial storms. Beyond accolades, his philosophy emphasizes informed decisions aligned with values. Attend his events for transformative experiences.

America’s Majestic Untamed Frontier

Alaska’s untamed wilderness greets you with a landscape of majestic mountains, rugged glaciers, and frontier history. The awe-inspiring scenery proclaims the Creator's glory in every direction from your stately cruise ship. You’ll glide by deep green forests, see abundant wildlife and visit quaint fishing villages as you get away with God. From Juneau to Ketchikan, a week of awe and wonder awaits along Alaska’s wild coast.

7 - DAY ITINERARY

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Glacier Bay

Snow-speckled mountains and stunning glaciers, like the 21-mile-long Margerie Glacier, provide some of the most awe-inspiring scenery.

This beautiful city boasts sport fishing, fresh seafood and rich Native Alaskan culture. See intricately carved totem poles and explore gold rush attractions.

Puget Sound

With miles of rocky shores, this is home to hundreds of fish species, birds and mammals. Tour the historic towns, breathtaking scenery and natural wonders.

Scenic Cruising Stephens Passage

The best shortcut in the world cuts through the stunning landscape of Southeast Alaska. The area is teeming with wildlife, majestic mountains and glaciers.

Explore this vibrant metropolis nestled in nature. Visit iconic sites like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the birthplaces of Amazon and Starbucks.

Learn about Alaska’s past and encounter wildlife in this port showcasing a blend of lush landscapes with Russian and Native American influences.

Victoria, B.C.

This charming port blends city life and nature. Have high tea in an English garden and go whale watching while absorbing the influence of First Nations culture.

REMARKABLE PLACES

There’s something special about Alaska that makes it a bucket-list destination for travelers from all over the world. Imagine all the unforgettable moments waiting for you.

READY TO BOOK THIS EXPERIENCE?

Accommodations, holland america's westerdam.

Embark on an exquisite journey aboard this remarkable ship that embodies luxury, convenience and incredible entertainment. A fascinating destination in her own right, Westerdam has won multiple Best Cruise Ship Awards with her sophisticated design, top-notch amenities and unparalleled service.

Enjoy panoramic views and take advantage of 24-hour room service. Savor an array of flavors at the Pinnacle Grill and the taste of Italy at Canaletto; there is something to satisfy every palate. Enrich your body at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Witness Broadway-caliber performances, captivating magicians and live music at the World Stage, Lincoln Center Stage or B.B. King’s Blues Club.

Step aboard and discover the wonders of the Westerdam on the voyage of a lifetime!

Ship's Registry: The Netherlands

Deck 1 - Main

Deck 2 - lower promenade, deck 3 - promenade, deck 4 - upper promenade, deck 5 - verandah, deck 6 - upper verandah, deck 7 - rotterdam, deck 8 - navigator, deck 9 - lido, deck 10 - observation, deck 11 - sports.

• Less ocean movement and proximity to Lower Promenade dining and entertainment.
• Conveniently close to Deck 2 entertainment. Head to Guest Services if you have any questions or concerns.
• World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display.
• The Atrium is a three-deck-high, open-floor-designed midship area that features a magnificent glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling. Experience smoother seas on this deck.

• Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, with an exceptional menu of prime steaks, seafood and wine.
• Visit the Art Gallery, an expansive onboard gallery space exhibiting works by emerging artists curated from the destinations visited by the ships.
• The Dining Room is the flagship dining experience and is a welcoming and sophisticated setting for an exquisite breakfast, lunch or superb multicourse dinner.
• Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the Billboard Onboard Room each night.

• Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping onboard at The Shops .
• Get lost in a good book at the Library .
• Tasman Room is a multipurpose room for meetings, events and entertainment.

• Ideal for entertainment lovers, the Tasman Room and The Dining Room await one deck down.
• Conveniently close to music venues.
• Get easy access to restaurants.

• Reach the whole ship easily from this peaceful middle deck.
• A variety of cabins are available on this deck plan; see accommodation descriptions for details.
• There are no amenities or public spaces on this deck.

• Get easy access to the Lido Market, Sea View Pool and Greenhouse Spa & Salon located two decks up.
• Exclusive to suite guests, Neptune Lounge is a private place to relax, socialize and enjoy personalized concierge service. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, a relaxing seating area and access to Wi-Fi for a small charge.
• Conveniently close to the Lido deck.

• The Bridge (command center) navigates the waters from here.
• You’re never far from R&R on this deck. Lido deck pools , the Fitness Center and Greenhouse Spa & Salon await above.

• Lido Market is a casual modern marketplace that offers the widest range of food options onboard for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack.
• Sea View Pool is an adults-only pool with the perfect spot to get some sun and watch the world sail by.
• Canaletto is a relaxed setting with authentic Italian cuisine that is best enjoyed when shared.
• Take a class in our professionally staffed Fitness Center.
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon is a heavenly retreat that nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world

• "Nothing but net" at our Sports Courts just one deck above.
• Club HAL's Kids Club offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by full-time, professionally trained staff.
• Sliding Dome Cover over the Lido deck pool is a fully retractable roof that can open or close to suit all climates.
• Enjoy cocktails and sunsets with panoramic views at Crow's Nest.
• Get creative at the Art Studio, with classes led by arts and crafts instructors.
• Bond over board games, Skee-Ball, air hockey and other arcade games in the Game Room.

• Take in the spectacular sites and capture the best photos from this deck.
• Enjoy complimentary lessons, tournaments and courts with amazing top-deck views at the Sports Courts.
• The Retreat is an outdoor area that is perfect for guests looking for a quieter, more luxurious place to rejuvenate during their cruise. Enjoy the wonderful views and take in the relaxing atmosphere in private cabanas, lounge chairs, sun beds and exclusive bar service.

ROOM OPTIONS

Interior Staterooms

Ocean View Staterooms

Verandah Staterooms

Signature Suites

Neptune Suites

A starter option for those wanting an interior cabin, these cozy staterooms include two luxurious twin beds (convertible to a queen-size), a sitting area, vanity area and private bathroom with approximately 151-233 square feet of space. All prices are based on double occupancy.

An optimal choice for passengers wanting to see the ocean. These comfortable cabins pack a surprising number of luxuries into 174-180 square feet of space, including twin beds (convertible to queen-size), a sitting area, vanity area and private bathroom.

**All H & HH cabins have a fully obstructed ocean view.

*All G cabins have a partially obstructed ocean view. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A wonderful selection for passengers desiring the views and extra space of a balcony, these beautiful cabins include luxurious twin beds (convertible to queen-size), bedside USB ports, a sitting area and vanity area, frameless glass shower doors in a private bathroom, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Total space is 212-359 square feet, including verandah. All prices are based on double occupancy.

An upscale option for cruisers desiring the views and extra space of a balcony, these beautiful cabins include luxurious twin beds (convertible to queen-size), bedside USB ports, a sitting area and vanity area, frameless glass shower doors in a private bathroom, a private balcony, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Total space is 372-384 square feet, including verandah. All prices are based on double occupancy.

A luxurious choice for passengers wanting extra space and spectacular views, these are among the largest staterooms on the ship, offering two lower beds that convert to a king-size bed, dual-sink bathroom vanities, and a full-size whirlpool bath and shower plus additional shower stall. These also feature a large sitting area, a refrigerator, a private balcony, and floor-to-ceiling windows in 500-712 square feet, including verandah. Also included is access to the exclusive Neptune Lounge, a private haven offering personal concierge service. All prices are based on double occupancy.

Signature Service Option

Travel in an exclusive class of luxury. Enjoy an exceptional experience with our Signature Service option of unique privileges and amenities. Curate your perfect Christian cruise by adding services that suit your travel style. A simple click ensures your comfort so you can completely relax while enjoying these first-class benefits.

• Personal Transfer to and from Airport or Hotel to Pier – Your driver meets you curbside at the airport, or at your hotel, for your personal luxury sedan transfer to the pier.
• Cruise Embarkation Assistance - An Inspiration travel coordinator greets you at the pier, arranges for stevedore (porter) assistance and guides you through the entire embarkation process.
• Expedited Luggage Service - Your luggage is marked for special delivery and is among the first bags on the ship.

Inspiration Branded Travel Gifts

• Exclusive Luggage Tag

Business Class Air - We can assist you in researching flight options and purchasing a business class air ticket from your home city to the port of embarkation.

Additional Excursion Option

Whale-Watching with LT

Step aboard a custom-designed boat and enjoy light refreshments in a warm enclosed cabin as you meet Auke Bay’s humpback whales. Pack your favorite binoculars to spot bald eagles, sea lions, grizzly bears and other wildlife along the way.

Please call our office 855 557 3042 to be placed on the waitlist. 

Book with Confidence

As christians we care that your travels are spiritually significant., top-ranked service with leading industry awards and accolades., over 1,500+ ministries have trusted us to manage their group events., every detail is triple-checked so you can enjoy each moment., alaska cruise faqs.

Please carefully review the details of the Cancellation Policy below, as well as the full Terms & Conditions prior to booking your travel event.

All prices, penalties and change fees are quoted per passenger based on selected occupancy.

If you’re already thinking about what to bring, summer in Alaska is beautiful with sunshine and possible showers. Below is a checklist to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience. Remember that your luggage will be delivered to your cabin at an unspecified time on the day of departure, so it’s a good idea to pack a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you need in a carry-on bag to bring with you.

Packing Checklist

• Casual clothes including pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses
• Light sweater or jacket
• Semi-formal clothes or dress clothes for 1-2 evenings, depending on the length of your cruise
• Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
• Light raincoat or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toiletries, in a sealed, clear bag inside your luggage
• Minor First Aid care items such as Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.
• Medications in their original containers
• Hair care appliances (see information on Using Electronics)
• Small bag or backpack for port days; large enough to carry your camera and other personal items
• Passport with separate photocopy

Dining Dress Code

On a typical seven-day cruise, you’ll have two nights of dressing up for dinner or other special events. We suggest a semi-formal dress or skirt and blouse for women and a dark suit for men. The remaining dinners on the cruise are informal—blouse and pants for women; collared shirt with trousers for men. Remember that T-shirts, shorts or tank tops are not permitted in the dining room.

Packing Tips

Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit. We also suggest keeping your essential toiletries and a one-day change of clothes in your carry-on. Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. It is suggested that you keep a color copy of the information page of your passport inside your luggage if your passport is lost.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:30pm, Pacific Time.

We know how nice it is to have the convenience of home when traveling on a cruise. Bringing your electronics and hair appliances can enhance your overall travel experience. Every cruise ship has plugs that accept U.S. and Continental European devices, and you do not need to bring plug adaptors. Here are some things to know about your electronics before you pack them:

Phones, MP3 Players, Laptops, Cameras & Video Cameras

Most small digital devices have chargers that will fit in the plugs on a cruise ship. One thing to be mindful of is the limited plugs in each cabin; you may want to bring a multi-plug extension cord.

Blow Dryers, Curling Irons & Straighteners

Each stateroom has a hair dryer for your personal convenience. If you prefer your hair appliances, you may want to consider purchasing or borrowing compact and travel-friendly appliances.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

The scenic beauty of Alaska can be enjoyed from onboard the ship and to make the most of your cruise vacation, you can also get out into the local ports. Shore excursions offer something for everyone. Choose from city tours, culinary explorations, shopping outings, cultural activities and more.

Because shore excursions have limited capacity and fill up quickly, we recommend you book early for the best selection on your cruise. Once you’ve booked your Inspiration cruise, check out the customized cruise line excursion list based on your itinerary. Using your cruise booking number, you can easily book shore excursions online as early as 60 days before your trip and up to 3 days before departure, depending on the cruise line.

Visit the cruise line’s website to find information on specific excursions:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Royal Caribbean International

You may also register for your Shore Excursions once onboard the ship. All shore excursion requests are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Waitlisted requests for sold-out shore excursions will be processed before requests made onboard.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 , Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

We want to help make your trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. We can book motorcoach transfers for you from the airport to your cruise departure port and on your return trip.

Hotel Stays

Remember that you always have the option of arriving earlier or staying later. For example, hotel reservations may be available if you want to arrive a few days early before boarding your cruise or stay a few days after the cruise returns.

As you plan for your upcoming Christian cruise with Inspiration, you may wonder about using money and credit cards during your travels. We’ve made the following recommendations to help you save money, avoid unnecessary fees and focus on an exceptional travel experience.

• Consider leaving all unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Once you determine which cards you’ll bring, remember to notify each credit card company of your intended travel dates and locations to ensure fraud alerts and holds are not placed on your accounts.
• For each card, you’ll want to store the bank’s contact information in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

Almost all businesses in Victoria or Vancouver, Canada accept U.S. credit or debit cards. If you plan to use your credit cards, you’ll want to check with each credit card company to determine the international exchange fee for each card. Because the difference of a few percentage points could cost you more (depending on your purchases), we recommend using cards with lower international exchange fees. Using your credit card for large purchases gives you more protection for the items you buy on your trip. You can review your credit card statement to verify all of your purchases.

The Canadian Dollar (C$) is the official currency when your cruise stops in Canada, however U.S. dollars are widely accepted. When paying in U.S. dollars expect change in Canadian Dollars so bring small bills. If traveling with currency other than the U.S. dollar you may exchange money onboard the ship, although we always recommend checking the exchange rate before traveling to a foreign country.

Today’s technology allows you to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable photo or message from your loved ones. On most ships, you should be able to use your cell phone or smartphone to do everything you’re used to doing at home. In addition, mobile phones provide convenient access for emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively and stay in touch.

Before you leave

Spending some time contacting your cell phone carrier before your trip will help ensure you can call friends and family back home and eliminate any surprises on your phone bill when you return. Let your phone carrier know your travel plans, including how you plan to use your phone on your cruise. You’ll want to make sure you understand all of the potential charges. Contact your carrier for specific information.

Check with your carrier for international dialing access

You will want to make sure international and cruise package dialing is active on your mobile phone plan so that you can use it in the Canadian ports and remember that international and maritime roaming rates will apply to calls placed onboard the ship (charges will appear on your phone bill). Because roaming rates can be high on cruises, checking with your carrier for specific cost details before you leave is a good idea.

Aboard your flight and cruise

Your cell phone’s battery life is the key to keeping you connected. Below are some tips for staying powered up on your trip:

• Remember to set your phone to Airplane Mode when you board your flight. You can also do this aboard the cruise when sailing to avoid roaming charges unless you have the cruise ship package with your carrier. This suspends all calling and texting functions but still allows you to play games, use your camera and listen to music, etc.
• On the cruise, you’ll want to charge your phone every night to ensure enough battery life for the next day.
• Try to turn off your phone when you’re not using it. Leaving your phone on all day drains the battery, so it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re on a shore excursion, eating or reading.

Smartphone tips

As one of the most popular communication devices today, smartphones have revolutionized how we connect and the world. We know leaving your smartphone behind for an hour, much less multiple days is difficult. The following tips will help you save your phone’s battery life and get the most out of your smartphone while on the cruise:

• Before your cruise, you’ll want to disable any applications that give you regular updates, such as sports reports and weather updates.
• Disable the Data Enabled or Data Roaming option on your phone and keep it off until you reach your destination. Turn off the function for “Automatic” checking of emails and change the email settings to “Manual” to reduce data roaming charges. During your trip, you can check for email messages when connected to a free, wireless Internet connection, such as in a hotel lobby or Internet cafe while in port.

In-room phones and phone cards

If you choose to not bring your mobile phone, you can stay in touch with others while on your cruise using the in-room phones. Please make sure you understand all of the charges associated with this before you place your call, as the rates can be expensive.

An Alaskan cruise vacation allows you to explore multiple locations without the hassle of checking in and out of hotels, packing and unpacking, and spending valuable time trying to find quality restaurants–all with excellent service dedicated to enhancing your exceptional travel experience.

Each cruise line makes rewarding the excellent service you’ll receive onboard easy. A gratuity of $16-$19 per day (depending on the cruise line and cabin category), per guest for dining and stateroom services will be automatically added daily to your shipboard account. The cruise line also will automatically add an 18% service charge to beverages purchased through your onboard account. Before the end of the cruise, the Cruise Director will address more specific questions regarding tipping procedures.

If you take a taxi to the pier, it’s common to simply round up to the next dollar when paying your tab. The cab drivers appreciate this, and it is considered part of their income. When you arrive at the ship on embarkation day, we suggest tipping the porters at the pier $1.25 per bag when they take your luggage to place it on the ship. When visiting restaurants off the ship and during shore excursions, a 15-20% tip for restaurant service workers is appreciated.

With its richly dense rainforests and towering glaciers, Alaska is a place unlike any other— anywhere you look is a stunning site. We recommend whale watching; Juneau is home to the majestic humpback whales. Alaska also offers some of the most incredible ports to visit: eat the freshest seafood, get your chocolate fix and stroll under a canopy of sweet-smelling spruce trees. Here are a few articles with the top experiences we recommend:

• Alaska's Glaciers: Your Questions Answered
• Top Alaska Hikes: Experience God in the Frontier
• Alaska's Glacier-Gazing Guide: The Best Glaciers
• Inspiration's Top 5 Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• Whale Watching: Juneau's Favorite Pastime
• Get to Know the Whales of Alaska...By Name
• The Best Chocolate Fix in Alaska
• Ketchikan: Green Gem of Alaska

Articles on how to pack and prepare for your Alaska Cruise

• 5 Travel-Friendly Fashion Finds
• Why an Alaska Cruise Is So Unique—and How to Plan for It
• 9 Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep…Anywhere
• How Not to Lose Things While Traveling—Including Your Passport

Articles with cruising advice

• Magnets on the Cabin Walls (and 10 Other Insider Cruise Tips)
• Pro Tips for Better Travel Photography
• Stay Flexible, Make Friends and Other Pro Tips
• Room Service Isn’t Extra (and Other Cruise Dining Tips)

We hope these suggestions and tips help answer your questions! If you have any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific Time.

WE CREATE EXCEPTIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

Call us to book your trip of a lifetime, 800 247 1899, traveler experiences, guest reviews.

“Alaska shows you God’s majesty. You can’t look at anything there and not see God’s hand in it.”

Scottsdale, AZ

“We had always dreamed of seeing Alaska on a cruise. Inspiration made this the experience of a lifetime. I can't imagine another cruise in the future to Alaska without them!”

Portland, ME

“The cruise was fabulous. It’s just amazing the closeness you feel toward people you’ve never met before. It’s like finding a family member you didn’t know you had and having an instant connection.”

Margaret H.

Memphis, tn, important information for your journey.

Packing Tips for Alaska

Using your Cell Phone in Alaska

Using Money & Credit Cards in Alaska

Help with Electronics in Alaska

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• THE BIG IDEA

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

In this aerial view from 1967, wall-to-wall seaside sunbathers relax under umbrellas or on beach towels in Ocean City, Maryland .

A 1967 fall festival in Guadalajara, Mexico , starred traditionally costumed musicians and dancers.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Related: Vintage photos of the glamour of travel

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

Landscape architects work in their Rio de Janeiro, Brazil , studio in 1955.

A tourist photographs a towering century plant in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1956.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

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13 things to know before you head to Puerto Rico

Nov 30, 2023 • 10 min read

Don't just dive right in! A little local knowledge can help you on your way to a perfect trip to Puerto Rico © Stephen Frink / Getty Images

With breathtaking oceanfront vistas, lush, breezy mountains, tropical rainforest, some pumping nightlife and one of the coolest food scenes in the Caribbean, a Puerto Rico vacation is all about enjoying the ride.

Learning a few of the island's unspoken social rules will go a long way to helping you enjoy the vibe and understanding what makes Puerto Rico such a memorable spot for your vacation.

So whether you're hiking, surfing, zip-lining, boogie boarding or heading to one of the island's many festivals, here are our top tips on planning, etiquette and health and safety in Puerto Rico.

1. Check the visa rules and passport requirements

While Puerto Rico is its own country, and local laws and customs differ from those of the United States, the island is still a Commonwealth of the USA. This means US citizens don’t require a passport or a visa for entry.

Flights from the US are considered domestic, so you won’t go through customs when you arrive on the island and you won’t need to present a visa or pay a departure tax when you leave.

However, visitors must still pay the local tax of 11.5% on goods and services and you’ll be required to pass through the US Department of Agriculture channel at the airport before you leave, just to make sure you don’t bring fruits or vegetables or open food packets back into the US.

Non-US citizens taking a trip to Puerto Rico may need to apply for a 90-day visa before arrival, but countries that are part of the US Visa Waiver Program won’t need a visa thanks to international agreements. Check out this list to see what countries are part of the program and which have visa requirements.

2. Rent a car for long-distance road trips when traveling in Puerto Rico

When planning a trip to Puerto Rico, it's necessary to know that public transportation often falls short. Keep this in mind when planning how long you want to stay.

The bulk of the San Juan metropolitan area – comprising the municipalities of San Juan, Bayamón, and some parts of Carolina – is served by buses run by Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses (AMA), but the routes and pick-up times are unreliable.

A road trip to the beautiful central mountain range, the beaches of the northwest, or the southwestern desert requires a rental car. 

Cars can go up or down in price depending on the season , but you’ll get more out of your trip if you’re driving as you can make all the stops you need to take photographs at the amazing miradores (lookout points) sprinkled along Expressway 22 in the north or Route 66 in the northwest.

3. Don’t expect to see the whole island in one trip

Puerto Rico is 100 miles long and 35 miles wide, but don't let that fool you – the geography is anything but small in scale and there are many things you'll want to do while you're there. The island has a surface area of 3515 sq miles, and white, sandy beaches are only one of the natural wonders you’ll experience in Puerto Rico.

Visitors can marvel at bioluminescent bays, caves that are thousands of years old and adorned with Taino hieroglyphics, and a wealth of rivers, canyons, high mountain peaks, and salt flats. 

While a lot of tourist attractions and popular bars are in San Juan, real Puerto Rican culture is often best encountered in places outside of the metropolitan area. It can take up to three hours to get from one side of the island to the other, and there are bound to be some roads that are either closed or temporarily closed for repairs.

Traveling from one end of the island to the other can be a breeze if you use the expressways, or it can be a long rollercoaster ride via the island’s beautiful backroads.

Expect delays due to construction and improvement work along major highways, and be prepared for epic traffic jams during the peak commuter hours, from 6am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm.

4. Pack bathing suits and your Sunday best

As a former Spanish colony, Puerto Rico was left with a legacy of Spanish colonial practices, including widespread Catholicism, also common in other nearby Latin American countries such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic . 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Puerto Ricans tend to be quite conservative when it comes to dress codes and the places where these apply. In Old San Juan – where the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza is located – it’s common to see workers in full suits or long shirts regardless of the tropical heat.

Flip flops are usually reserved for the beach or super-casual situations, such as trips to kiosks and beachside restaurants, or riverside walks. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you show up at the main mall, Plaza las Américas , in your swimsuit.

Some clubs have dress codes too, requiring men and women to wear smart shoes. Pack your bathing suit and flip flops, but also bring some dressy outfits for going out at night and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders if you plan to visit any religious sites. 

5. Buy tickets ahead for tours and attractions

If you’re planning to join a snorkeling trip, go on a catamaran tour, or eat at the 1919 Restaurant in the Vanderbilt Hotel , book your spot ahead of time. Trust us, planning ahead will be a game-changer.

6. Don’t expect everyone to speak English

Regardless of Puerto Rico’s modern political status, Spanish remains the language most widely spoken on the island. While you’ll find plenty of Puerto Ricans who speak near-perfect English, you're most likely to meet these people in the metropolitan area and peripheral cities such as Caguas, Bayamón, Guaynabo, Carolina, and Trujillo Alto.

Even in Old San Juan, where restaurant and tourism industry workers will speak to you in English without a problem, it’s considerate to ask someone if they speak English before continuing. If you're venturing outside of the main tourist zones, brush up on your Spanish, be patient and courteous and you’ll make fast friends with island residents.

7. Discuss politics with care   

Conversations about the island's political situation can get heated and emotional – the subject of the islands' status is a controversial one, and Puerto Ricans' views vary widely.

The best approach is to come to these conversations with an open mind and remember that Puerto Rican politics and US politics are incredibly different. There's much to be gained by just listening to Puerto Ricans' stories and hopes for what they want to see the island become in the future.

8. Be ready to sample the full range of Puerto Rican cuisine

Don’t let the tasty street snacks – pernil (roast pork), alcapurrias (stuffed, fried fritters), and bacalaitos (codfish fritters) – steal all your attention. While these traditional and delicious foods are prevalent, Puerto Rican cuisine is vast and complicated, with influences that range from West Africa to Spain and Asia.

You’ll find vegetarian-friendly restaurants such as vegan cafe El Grifo in Caguas and 100% HP in San Juan. Then there's the fine dining experience at the internationally renowned 1919 Restaurant inside the Vanderbilt Hotel in Condado or the French restaurant Trois Cent Onze .

Puerto Rico has a host of extraordinarily talented home-grown chefs and wonderful influences from other countries, such as the island's ubiquitous Puerto Rican-Chinese restaurants, which are typically family-run and cozy. Come for the mofongo (mashed fried plantains) and pernil , but stay for the surprising breadth of culinary experiences that await in Puerto Rico.

9. Be ready for the real “island time”

It’s tempting to think of Puerto Rico as a laid-back escape where the majority of the time is spent going to the beach or hanging around in the sun. The reality is that the island is centered on a busy, metropolitan city, with people rushing to work early in the morning, and traffic jams at the end of long workdays.

If you need to do any errands, plan ahead, because government offices, fast food restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets will almost always have long lines. Making a scene or looking exasperated because the cashier took a little bit more time than usual will most likely earn you some dirty looks. 

You’re on vacation; enjoy the slower pace and go with the flow. You’ll soon learn the art of Puerto Rican small talk and taking a breather while you wait.

10. Be aware of the hurricane season

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30, and while Puerto Rico isn’t typically hit by hurricanes, when they do hit, they can be devastating. When booking hotels and plane tickets during hurricane season, always check with your airline about their natural disaster policies.

If you get stuck in Puerto Rico during a hurricane, your hotel will likely have an emergency plan. Tourists are well taken care of on the island, so ask your lodging about contingency measures before you go.

This is not to say you can’t travel during the hurricane season – indeed, June to November is one of the most wonderful seasons on the island. Just keep an eye on the news and monitor your favorite weather app for warnings of approaching storms.

11. Exercise caution on Puerto Rico's beaches 

Beaches in Puerto Rico are beautiful, with crisp white sand and crystal clear waters for all to enjoy. However, there are usually no lifeguards on duty, and if you’re staying on the Atlantic coast in the north, the ocean tends to be choppier compared to the mild waves of the Caribbean in the south. 

You can usually spot rip currents and whirlpools by the appearance of the surface of the water, which will look different from the water where waves are moving towards the beach. 

Don’t panic if you do get caught in one – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends conserving your energy and swimming parallel to the shore until you get out of the current. While rip currents can be deadly, they rarely pull people under the water, just away from the shore.

Exercise caution when swimming with children and if you see a patch of water or a beach that’s completely empty, that’s usually for a reason. This could be jellyfish, spiky sea urchins, or strong undercurrents. 

When visiting the beach, don’t bring flashy jewelry, expensive cameras, or leave purses out in the open, as pickpockets can be an issue on high-traffic tourist beaches such as Ocean Park and Isla Verde.

12. Exercise the same caution you would use in a big city back home

Puerto Rico is generally safe for travelers but keep an eye out for risks such as dark, empty streets in Old San Juan and other San Juan neighborhoods . In particular, exercise caution when venturing out to clubs in Santurce – this is a high-crime area at night.

Some beaches in urban areas aren’t safe to hang out at night either. There’s no police presence and these beaches tend to be hidden behind hotels and residences with little to no lighting, providing an excellent opportunity for petty crime.

Research the area where you’re staying and try to speak to someone who already lives there or has visited to gauge safety levels.

13. Don’t skimp on sunblock and bug spray

Caribbean sunlight can hit hard if you’re not used to it. The islands are close to the equator and get hit directly by the sun, with noon to 4pm being the most punishing hours of the day. Don’t skimp on sunblock – aim for SPF50 or higher – and you'll avoid nasty burns.

Any local will tell you that bugs – especially mosquitoes – are a nuisance on summer nights. In the worst cases, they can also carry tropical diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya.

Your best protection against bugs is to wear a lot of DEET-based bug spray, especially in areas close to bodies of sitting water, such as mangroves, lagoons and lakes. 

This article was first published May 23, 2022 and updated Nov 30, 2023.

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We know hotels named forbes travel guide-endorsed agency.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - September 14, 2023) - Luxury travel firm, We Know Hotels, has been named among the first Forbes Travel Guide-endorsed travel agencies in the world.

Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG") recognized We Know Hotels for its leadership in the industry, dedication to elevating the role of travel advisors, support of hotels that have earned FTG Star Ratings and engagement with FTG as a trusted source for objective, third-party verification of exceptional hospitality experiences.

FTG is the only independent global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. Its 65th annual list in 2023 honors nearly 1,400 rated hotels in 81 countries. The coveted Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended awards are earned through incognito inspections on FTG's hundreds of exacting quality and service standards.

Sam Lieberman, CEO and Owner of We Know Hotels writes, "Our passion lies in the people we serve - the heart of our company - making it our top priority to ensure our clients' happiness every step of their journey. Meticulous in our selection of properties, we are experts in discovering the world's best hotels, guaranteeing nothing less than exceptional. Working with Forbes Travel Guide empowers us to elevate travel to new heights and discover exceptional experiences for our clients, making a lasting impact on their journeys."

"FTG acknowledges We Know Hotels's commitment to world-class service, which complements FTG's own principles," said Richard Lebowitz, Senior Vice President of Travel Industry Outreach for Forbes Travel Guide. "Through its endorsed relationship with FTG, We Know Hotels completed a range of dedicated training, communications and engagement across its advisor network that distinguishes FTG Star Ratings as a trusted source of hotels vetted for service and facility excellence. We are grateful and honored to collaborate with the We Know Hotels team."

To learn more about We Know Hotels, click here , and to learn more about Forbes Travel Guide, click here .

Welcome to We Know Hotels, a dedicated company offering expertly curated hotel options, catering to each client's unique needs and desires. Their teams unparalleled commitment to delivering personalized experiences lets travelers focus on making unforgettable memories.

About Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. FTG's anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through their independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com .

Media Contact: Name: Amber Rose Email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/180610

Better prices but additional requirements? What travelers should expect this year.

If you're planning to travel somewhere in 2024, you probably have lots of questions. Like, how much will it cost? Is it safe? Are there places I should avoid? Should I just stay home?

And chances are, you've probably heard a lot of answers in the last few days. It's hard to miss the talking heads on TV who sound so sure of themselves. But the truth is, no one has any idea what will really happen for the most part.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

So what do we know? We have a pretty good idea of travel prices (they'll be mixed, but generally affordable). We also know that some major new travel requirements have been delayed, but not for long. We know travel can be risky and that there are some places you should absolutely avoid in 2024.

The rest is pure conjecture – but oh boy, is it ever fun.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Airline mergers are not good for passengers. Here's how to stop them.

Blacklisted by a travel company? Here's how to avoid it – and what to do if you are banned

What we know about travel in 2024

Forecasts that are based on hard data like advance bookings or future contracts are fairly reliable. So here's what we know about travel prices in 2024:

◾ Domestic airfares will fall. Airfares will slide 16% this year compared to 2023 for U.S. flights, according to Kayak . The average round-trip ticket will cost $461. Internationally, fares will rise 10% from last year.

◾ Car rental rates will climb. American Express projects car rental prices will increase by 5% this year in the U.S. and Canada. But some destinations, such as Mexico and Chile, won't see any change in prices.

◾ Fuel prices will drop. Gas prices will slide almost 5%, to an average of $3.36 in 2024, according to projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration . That should make spring break and summer driving trips more affordable.

◾ Hotel rates will rise. Lodging rates will increase almost 7% on average in 2024, according to research by BCD Travel. But it will vary by city and time of year.

Overall, travel should be affordable in 2024, barring any big surprises. But it depends on where you go and when you go. 

If you're traveling to Europe, you could spend $8 a gallon on gas. And don't even think about getting an affordable hotel room in Paris this July. Average hotel rates during the Olympic Games are up from $187 a night to $764, according to the Paris Tourist Office.

Coming soon: new travel requirements

It looked like 2024 would be a big year for new travel requirements. But some of those have been postponed. 

◾ No Europe travel authorization for U.S. travelers. Europe's ETIAS travel authorization , a new entry requirement for visa-exempt people traveling Europe, was supposed to launch this year. Authorities have delayed it until 2025. Some observers say it won't be in place until mid-2025.

◾ But mind Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES). The new system , which collects biometric information on travelers, could slow down your next airport transit. You'll want to give yourself a little extra time when leaving from a European airport so you won't miss your flight.

◾ You can still fly domestically with your old ID. The TSA's requirement that your driver's license or other state photo ID meet the new REAL ID standards has been extended to mid-2025. But this may be the year to get one of the new IDs.

Still, some countries are implementing new travel requirements in 2024, so make sure you check before you leave. For example, you'll need a visa to enter Brazil after January 10 . There's an option for an e-visa for qualified applicants. Don't wait until the last minute to make arrangements. 

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Travel will be safer and cheaper – except here

The experts may want you to think that travel hasn't been this safe and affordable since the pandemic. But they probably say that because they want you to book more travel in 2024.

If you're traveling domestically, you'll probably want to steer clear of the political conventions this summer in Milwaukee and Chicago. Paris in summer is also a no-go (wait until fall for prices to come back down). Plus, there are big holidays around the world, like Diwali, Eid and Christmas, which reliably translate into huge crowds and high rates.

And as for safety – sure, visiting your closest national park in 2024 will be a pretty safe bet. But the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas-Israel conflict show no sign of ending any time soon, and it wouldn't surprise me to see another major conflict or two next year. 

All the more reason to study those State Department advisories before you book – and to consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy from a reputable company.

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Can I sleep on the airport floor? Survival strategies for very long delays

And here's what could happen to travel in 2024

Now comes the fun part, which is making informed predictions about next year. 

◾ Artificial intelligence will change the way you travel : I'm probably not the first person to say this, and I know I won't be the last. However, most of the travel industry has been focused on AI as a travel planning tool. Here's the space to watch: For years, travel companies have been using AI to squeeze the most money out of you using programs that predict demand and set prices. The latest AI promises to turn the tables on that equation. In 2024, travelers could use AI to help them find the lowest rates and the best times to book – and it could save them billions of dollars collectively.  

◾ More airlines will merge: The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, announced late last year, took almost everyone by surprise. I don't think we're done. There's still the pending merger between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, which will be decided by a court in early 2024. Something tells me there will be more airline mergers in 2024, if not in the United States, then abroad. Buying a competitor, laying off employees and raising prices is just too tempting for the average airline CEO to resist. Passengers have two choices. Either complain to government regulators and ask them to stop these anticompetitive mergers, or accept the higher fares and reduced service.

◾ Travel fees will increase : Alaska Airlines has already raised its checked baggage fees from $30 to $35, effective Jan. 2. A second bag will cost $45, a $5 increase. Other domestic airlines are certain to follow. And it's not just airlines. Hotels will quietly increase their mandatory "resort" fees this year unless the government adopts a new rule limiting these junk fees, which it is considering. Fees like these are found money for the hotel. The actual cost of providing the service is often close to zero. So it's all just a clever way of raising prices.

This is shaping up to be one of the most interesting years to travel, but let's not mince words. Despite the affordable prices, you'll find more fees, new rules – and danger. Now more than ever, you'll have to deploy the latest technology to stay safe and avoid rip-offs. 

Oh, and don't forget to have fun. I'll see you out there.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The way we travel now

What sorts of journeys do today’s travelers dream about? Where would they like to go? What do they hope to do when they get there? How much are they willing to spend on it all? And what should industry stakeholders do to adapt to the traveler psychology of the moment?

About the authors

To gauge what’s on the minds of current-day travelers, we surveyed more than 5,000 of them in February and March of this year. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is McKinsey State of Travel Survey, 5,061 participants, February 27 to March 11, 2024. Our universe of respondents included travelers from five major, representative source markets: China, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All respondents took at least one leisure trip in the past two years. We asked them more than 50 questions about their motivations, behavior, and expectations.

Results from this survey, supplemented with findings from focus groups and other additional research, suggest six vital trends that are shaping traveler sentiment now.

Travel has become a top priority, especially for younger generations

Sixty-six percent of the travelers we surveyed say they’re more interested in travel now than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. This pattern holds across all surveyed age groups and nationalities. Respondents also indicate that they’re planning more trips in 2024 than they did in 2023.

Travel isn’t merely an interest these days. It’s become a priority—even amid uncertain economic conditions that can make budgeting a challenge. Travel continues to be one of the fastest-growing consumer spending areas, rising 6 percent over a recent 12-month period in the United States, even when adjusted for inflation. Only 15 percent of our survey respondents say they’re trying to save money by reducing the number of trips they go on. And in the February 2024 McKinsey ConsumerWise Global Sentiment Survey of more than 4,000 participants, 33 percent of consumers said they planned to splurge on travel, ranking it the third-most-popular splurge category—trailing only eating at home and eating out at restaurants. 2 Christina Adams, Kari Alldredge, Lily Highman, and Sajal Kohli, “An update on US consumer sentiment: Consumers see a brighter future ahead,” McKinsey, February 29, 2024.

Younger generations appear to propel much of the rising interest in travel (Exhibit 1). In 2023, millennials and Gen Zers took, on average, nearly five trips, versus less than four for Gen Xers and baby boomers. Millennials and Gen Zers also say they devote, on average, 29 percent of their incomes to travel, compared with 26 percent for Gen Zers and 25 percent for baby boomers.

Younger travelers are the most keen to venture abroad

Younger travelers are particularly excited about international travel. Gen Zers and millennials who responded to our survey are planning a nearly equal number of international and domestic trips in 2024, no matter their country of origin, whereas older generations are planning to take roughly twice as many domestic trips (Exhibit 2).

Younger travelers’ thirst for novelty might be motivating their urge to cross borders. Gen Zers say their number-one consideration when selecting a destination is their desire to experience someplace new. For Gen Xers, visiting a new place comes in at number eight, behind factors such as cost, ease of getting around, and quality of accommodation.

There might be a mindset shift under way, with international travel feeling more within reach for younger travelers—in terms of both cost and convenience. Younger travelers have become adept at spotting international destinations that feature more affordable prices or comparatively weak currencies. Low-cost airlines have proliferated, carrying 35 percent of the world’s booked seats over a recent 12-month period. 3 “Low-cost carriers in the aviation industry: What are they?,” OAG Aviation Worldwide, September 13, 2023. Meanwhile, translation software is lowering language barriers, mobile connectivity overseas is becoming cheaper and more hassle free, and recent visa initiatives in various regions have made passport-related obstacles easier to overcome.

It remains to be seen whether this mindset shift will endure as younger generations get older. But early evidence from millennials suggests that they’ve retained their interest in international travel even as they’ve begun to age and form families. It could be that this is a lasting attitude adjustment, influenced as much by the changing dynamics of travel as it is by youth.

Baby boomers are willing to spend if they see value

Baby boomers are selective about their travel choices and travel spending. Enjoying time with family and friends is their number-one motivation for taking a trip. Experiencing a new destination is less important to them—by as much as 15 percentage points—than to any other demographic.

Although older travelers appreciate the convenience that technology can offer, they prefer human contact in many contexts (Exhibit 3). For example, 44 percent of baby boomers—versus only 30 percent of other respondents—say they value having a travel agent book an entire travel experience for them. And only 42 percent of baby boomers have used a mobile app to book transportation, versus 71 percent of other respondents.

While this generation typically has more accumulated savings than other generations, they remain thoughtful about how they choose to spend. Their top two cited reasons for not traveling more are “travel is becoming too expensive” and “not having enough money to travel.” They make up demographic most willing to visit a destination out of season, with 62 percent saying they’re open to off-peak travel to bring costs down.

Baby boomers might be willing to spend strategically, in ways that make travel more convenient and less burdensome. For example, whereas 37 percent of Gen Zers are willing to take a cheaper flight to lower their travel costs—even if it means flying at inconvenient times or with a stopover—only 22 percent of baby boomers say they’ll do the same. But these older travelers don’t splurge indiscriminately: only 7 percent describe their attitude toward spending as “I go out all the way when I travel.” They’re much more willing to forgo experiences to save money, identifying this as the first area where they cut spending. Gen Zers, on the other hand, will cut all other expense categories before they trim experiences.

Whatever baby boomers’ stated feelings and preferences, they still account for a substantial share of travel spending. And they still spend more than younger generations—three times more per traveler than Gen Zers in 2023, for example.

The adventure starts before the trip begins

Travelers are delighting in crafting their own trips. Only 17 percent of survey respondents say they used a travel agent to book a trip in the past year. When asked why, respondents’ top-cited reason is that they want full control over their itineraries. Their second-most-cited reason? They simply enjoy the planning process. In fact, studies have shown that the anticipation of a journey can lead to higher levels of happiness than the journey itself. 4 Jeroen Nawijn et al., “Vacationers happier, but most not happier after a holiday,” Applied Research in Quality of Life , March 2010, Volume 5, Number 1.

When seeking inspiration during the planning process, respondents are most likely to turn to friends and family—either directly or on social media (Exhibit 4). Advice from other travelers is also sought after. Fewer and fewer travelers rely on travel guidebooks for inspiration.

Today’s travelers tend to view the planning process, in part, as a treasure hunt. Seventy-seven percent of respondents describe the research phase as an effort to ensure that they’re finding good deals or saving money. And all demographics describe “value for money” as the most important factor when choosing a booking channel.

Unexpected traveler archetypes are emerging

When we analyzed our survey results, we identified seven clusters of travelers who express shared attitudes and motivations toward travel. While the distribution of these archetypes varies across source markets, respondents within each archetype exhibit strong similarities:

Seven clusters of travelers express shared attitudes and motivations toward travel. Each archetype’s distribution varies across source markets, but the travelers within them exhibit strong similarities.

• Sun and beach travelers (23 percent of respondents). These vacationers travel rarely and spend frugally, preferring sun and beach destinations that are easy to get to. They like to relax and visit with family. They’re relatively more likely to place significant value on nonstop flights (72 percent, versus 54 percent overall) and are less interested in authentic and immersive experiences (only 13 percent say these are main reasons why they travel).
• Culture and authenticity seekers (18 percent). These are active and high-budget travelers who typically spend more than $150 per day on holiday, love to sightsee, are willing to spend on experiences, and don’t want to settle for typical bucket-list destinations. Only 6 percent prioritize familiarity when choosing where to go—the lowest percentage of any traveler segment. This segment is also least likely (at 17 percent) to say they would shorten a holiday to save money.
• Strategic spenders (14 percent). These travelers are open to selectively splurging on authentic, carefully curated experiences. But they keep a watchful eye on total spending. They’re willing to sacrifice some conveniences, such as nonstop flights, in the interest of cost savings.
• Trend-conscious jet-setters (14 percent). Travelers in this high-budget group (they spend more than $150 per day when traveling) turn first to friends and family (79 percent) and then to social media (62 percent) when scouting destinations. Seventy-six percent say the popularity of a destination is an important factor, compared with 63 percent overall. And 75 percent say they focus on hotel brands when selecting accommodations.
• Cost-conscious travelers (11 percent). This travel segment is made up of predominantly older travelers who travel rarely and frequently return to the same destinations and activities. They’re relatively more likely to care about the familiarity of a destination (54 percent, versus 35 percent overall) and the cost of the trip (76 percent, versus 65 percent overall).
• Premium travelers (12 percent). This segment expects high-quality trappings when they travel, and only 20 percent say that cost is an important factor. These frequent travelers are especially selective about accommodation—they, on average, are more likely than travelers overall to care about brand, prestige, exclusivity, design, decor, amenities, and sustainability. Similarly to trend-conscious jet-setters, this traveler segment is, on average, more likely than travelers overall (at 27 percent, versus 18 percent) to be swayed by celebrities and influencers when choosing travel destinations.
• Adventure seekers (8 percent). This younger segment enjoys active holidays that present opportunities to encounter like-minded travelers. Nineteen percent say they’re motivated by adventure and physical activities, and 15 percent say meeting new people is a major reason why they travel. They aren’t after large-group events; instead, they prefer small-group adventures. This segment prizes remoteness, privacy, and sustainability.

What travelers want depends on where they’re from

When asked what trips survey respondents are planning next, 69 percent of Chinese respondents say they plan to visit a famous site—a marked difference from the 20 percent of North American and European travelers who say the same. Chinese travelers are particularly motivated by sightseeing: 50 percent cite visiting attractions as their main reason for traveling, versus an average of 33 percent for those from other countries.

Emirati travelers, like their Chinese counterparts, favor iconic destinations, with 43 percent saying they plan to visit a famous site. They also have a penchant for shopping and outdoor activities. Fifty-six percent of respondents from the United Arab Emirates describe the range of available shopping options as an important factor when selecting a destination—a far higher proportion than the 35 percent of other respondents. And respondents from the United Arab Emirates report going on a greater number of active vacations (involving, for instance, hiking or biking) than any other nationality.

Travelers from Europe and North America are especially keen to escape their daily routines. Respondents from Germany (45 percent), the United States (40 percent), and the United Kingdom (38 percent) place importance on “getting away from it all.” Only 17 percent of respondents from China and the Middle East feel the same way. European travelers are particularly fond of beach getaways: respondents from the United Kingdom and Germany cite “soaking in the sun” at twice the rate of American respondents as a main reason they travel.

Travel is a collective story, with destinations as the backdrop

Younger generations are prioritizing experiences over possessions. Fifty-two percent of Gen Zers in our survey say they splurge on experiences, compared with only 29 percent of baby boomers (Exhibit 5). Gen Z travelers will try to save money on flights, local transportation, shopping, and food before they’ll look to trim their spending on experiences. Even terminology used by younger generations to describe travel is experience oriented: “Never stop exploring” is tagged to nearly 30 million posts on Instagram.

The value of experiences is often realized in the stories people tell about them. Books and films have spurred tourists to flock to specific destinations (for instance, when droves of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia [Viking Penguin, 2006] readers visited Bali). And travel has always been a word-of-mouth business, in which travelers’ stories—crafted from their experiences—can inspire other travelers to follow in their footsteps.

Social media is the latest link in this chain: a technology-driven, collective storytelling platform. Ninety-two percent of younger travelers in our survey say their last trip was motivated in some way by social media. Their major sources of social inspiration, however, aren’t necessarily influencers or celebrities (30 percent) but rather friends and family (42 percent). Consumers’ real-life social networks are filled with extremely effective microinfluencers.

Posting vacation selfies is a popular way to share the story of a journey. But a growing number of social media users are searching for ways to present their travel narratives in a more detailed and more enduring fashion, and new apps and platforms are emerging to help them do so. The microblogging app Polarsteps, which more than nine million people have downloaded, helps travelers plan, track, and then share their travels—allowing journeys to be captured in hardcover books that document routes, travel statistics, and musings.

Giving today’s travelers what they need and want

From our survey findings, important takeaways emerge that can help tourism industry players engage with today’s travelers.

Know customer segments inside and out

Serving up a one-size-fits-all experience is no longer sufficient. Using data to segment customers by behavior can help tourism players identify opportunities to tailor their approaches more narrowly.

Cutting-edge data strategies aren’t always necessary to get started. Look-alike analysis and hypothesis-driven testing can go a long way. Even without having data about a specific family’s previous travel patterns, for example, an airline might be able to hypothesize that a family of four traveling from New York to Denver on a long weekend in February is going skiing—and therefore might be interested in a discounted offer that lets them check an additional piece of luggage.

The same philosophy applies to personalization, which doesn’t necessarily need to be focused on a single individual. Merely having a clearer sense of the specific segments that a provider is targeting can help it craft a more compelling offer. Instead of simply creating an offer geared toward families, for instance, providers might build an offer tailored to families who are likely to visit in the spring and will be primarily interested in outdoor activities. And instead of relying on standard tourist activities, providers might find ways to cater to more specific traveler interests—for example, facilitating a home-cooked meal with locals instead of serving up a fine-dining experience.

Help travelers share their journeys

Today’s travelers want to share their travel stories. And friends and family back home are more likely to be influenced by these stories than by anything else they see or hear. Providers should consider ways to tap into this underexploited marketing channel.

Hotels can install a photo booth that enables guests to share pictures from their journeys. Guests can be given small souvenirs to take home to their friends and family. Hotels might also send guests photos on the anniversary of a trip to help jog happy memories and prompt a future booking.

Given the right incentives, customers can act as a distributed team of marketers. Reposting guests’ social media photos and videos, for example, or spurring engagement with contests and shareable promo codes can encourage travelers to become evangelists across an array of different channels.

Recognize younger generations’ unquenchable thirst for travel

Younger travelers’ remarkable desire for experiences isn’t always in line with their budgets—or with providers’ standard offerings. A new generation of customers is ripe to be cultivated if providers can effectively meet their needs:

• Travel companies can better match lower-budget accommodations with younger travelers’ preferences by incorporating modern design into rooms and facilities, curating on-site social events, and locating properties in trendy neighborhoods.
• More affordable alternatives to classic tourist activities (for example, outdoor fitness classes instead of spas or street food crawls instead of fine dining) can be integrated into targeted packages.
• Familiar destinations can be reinvented for younger travelers by focusing on experiences (for instance, a street art tour of Paris) instead of more traditional attractions (such as the Eiffel Tower).

Cater to older travelers by using a human touch and featuring family-oriented activities

Older generations remain a major source of travel spending. Providers can look for ways to keep these travelers coming back by meeting their unique needs:

• While older travelers are growing more comfortable with technology, they continue to favor human interaction. Stakeholders can cater to this preference by maintaining in-person visitor centers and other touchpoints that emphasize a human touch.
• Older travelers are generally fond of returning to familiar destinations. Providers can look to maximize repeat business by keeping track of guest information that aids personalization (such as favorite meals or wedding anniversary dates). Identifying historical behavior patterns (for example, parents repeatedly visiting children in the same city) can help providers make targeted offers that could maximize spending (for example, a museum subscription in that city).
• The off-seasonal travel patterns that older travelers often exhibit might open opportunities for providers to create appealing experiences scheduled for lower-occupancy periods—for example, an autumn wellness retreat at a popular summer destination.
• Older travelers’ propensity to visit family and friends opens the door to offerings that appeal to a range of generations, such as small-group trips pairing activities for grandparents and grandchildren.

Travelers are more interested in travel—and more willing to spend on it—than ever before. But the familiar, one-size-fits-all tourism offerings of the past have grown outdated. Today’s travelers want to indulge in creative experiences that are tailored to their priorities and personal narratives. The good news for providers: new technology and new approaches, coupled with tried-and-true strengths such as managerial stamina and careful attention to service, are making it easier than ever to shape personalized offerings that can satisfy a traveler’s unique needs.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Sophia Wang, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

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Is Time Travel Possible?

We all travel in time! We travel one year in time between birthdays, for example. And we are all traveling in time at approximately the same speed: 1 second per second.

We typically experience time at one second per second. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

NASA's space telescopes also give us a way to look back in time. Telescopes help us see stars and galaxies that are very far away . It takes a long time for the light from faraway galaxies to reach us. So, when we look into the sky with a telescope, we are seeing what those stars and galaxies looked like a very long time ago.

However, when we think of the phrase "time travel," we are usually thinking of traveling faster than 1 second per second. That kind of time travel sounds like something you'd only see in movies or science fiction books. Could it be real? Science says yes!

This image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows galaxies that are very far away as they existed a very long time ago. Credit: NASA, ESA and R. Thompson (Univ. Arizona)

How do we know that time travel is possible?

More than 100 years ago, a famous scientist named Albert Einstein came up with an idea about how time works. He called it relativity. This theory says that time and space are linked together. Einstein also said our universe has a speed limit: nothing can travel faster than the speed of light (186,000 miles per second).

Einstein's theory of relativity says that space and time are linked together. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

What does this mean for time travel? Well, according to this theory, the faster you travel, the slower you experience time. Scientists have done some experiments to show that this is true.

For example, there was an experiment that used two clocks set to the exact same time. One clock stayed on Earth, while the other flew in an airplane (going in the same direction Earth rotates).

After the airplane flew around the world, scientists compared the two clocks. The clock on the fast-moving airplane was slightly behind the clock on the ground. So, the clock on the airplane was traveling slightly slower in time than 1 second per second.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Can we use time travel in everyday life?

We can't use a time machine to travel hundreds of years into the past or future. That kind of time travel only happens in books and movies. But the math of time travel does affect the things we use every day.

For example, we use GPS satellites to help us figure out how to get to new places. (Check out our video about how GPS satellites work .) NASA scientists also use a high-accuracy version of GPS to keep track of where satellites are in space. But did you know that GPS relies on time-travel calculations to help you get around town?

GPS satellites orbit around Earth very quickly at about 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) per hour. This slows down GPS satellite clocks by a small fraction of a second (similar to the airplane example above).

GPS satellites orbit around Earth at about 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) per hour. Credit: GPS.gov

However, the satellites are also orbiting Earth about 12,550 miles (20,200 km) above the surface. This actually speeds up GPS satellite clocks by a slighter larger fraction of a second.

Here's how: Einstein's theory also says that gravity curves space and time, causing the passage of time to slow down. High up where the satellites orbit, Earth's gravity is much weaker. This causes the clocks on GPS satellites to run faster than clocks on the ground.

The combined result is that the clocks on GPS satellites experience time at a rate slightly faster than 1 second per second. Luckily, scientists can use math to correct these differences in time.

If scientists didn't correct the GPS clocks, there would be big problems. GPS satellites wouldn't be able to correctly calculate their position or yours. The errors would add up to a few miles each day, which is a big deal. GPS maps might think your home is nowhere near where it actually is!

In Summary:

Yes, time travel is indeed a real thing. But it's not quite what you've probably seen in the movies. Under certain conditions, it is possible to experience time passing at a different rate than 1 second per second. And there are important reasons why we need to understand this real-world form of time travel.

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What we know about the young missionaries and religious leader killed in Haiti

The attack happened thursday evening in the community of lizon in northern port-au-prince, by jim salter and dánica coto | associated press • published may 25, 2024 • updated on may 25, 2024 at 1:12 am.

The local director of a mission group in Haiti and a missionary couple from the U.S. were attacked and fatally shot by gang members after leaving a youth group activity at a church, a family member told The Associated Press.

Thursday’s slayings of Jude Montis, the local director of Missions in Haiti Inc., and Davy and Natalie Lloyd, a young married couple from the U.S., happened in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince. They were killed as the capital crumbles under the relentless assault of violent gangs that control 80% of the capital city while authorities await the arrival of a police force from Kenya as part of a U.N.-backed deployment aimed at quelling gang violence in the troubled Caribbean country.

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Here are some things to know about the missionary work that focused on helping the children of Haiti, and the gang attack that took three lives.

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Missions in Haiti’s website says its goal is “to see the Gospel of Christ make a difference in the lives of Haiti’s young people.”

Davy Lloyd's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd of Oklahoma, started the organization in 2000 with the aim of focusing on the children of Haiti. David and Alicia Lloyd are full-time missionaries in Haiti.

Haiti's Prime Minister resigns amid growing violence in the country

DHS attempts to stop a steady stream of guns from America to Haiti

“Although the entire nation is steeped in poverty, the children suffer the worst,” they wrote on the website. “Thousands are malnourished, uneducated, and headed for hopeless lives apart from Christ.”

Hannah Cornett, Davy’s sister, told The Associated Press that they grew up in Haiti. Davy Lloyd went to the U.S. to attend a Bible college and married Natalie in June 2022. After the wedding, the couple wasted little time moving to Haiti to do humanitarian work.

Cornett said Montis, a Haitian, had worked at Missions in Haiti for 20 years.

The organization's efforts include House of Compassion, which provides housing for 36 children — 18 boys and 18 girls, the website said. “All are destined to stay at House of Compassion until they have finished school and are ready to be on their own.”

Good Hope Boys’ Home provides a home for 22 boys, the website said. The organization also built a church, a bakery and a school with more than 240 students, the website said.

A Facebook posting on the Missions in Haiti page stated that Davy Lloyd, 23, and Natalie Lloyd, 21, along with some children, were leaving a church when gang members in three trucks ambushed them.

Davy Lloyd later called his family to tell them that gang members hit him on the head with the barrel of a gun, forced him upstairs, stole their belongings and left him tied up, Cornett said.

As people were helping untie Davy Lloyd, another group of armed gunmen showed up, Cornett said.

“No one understood what they were doing, not sure what took place but one was shot and killed and now this gang went into full attack mode,” Missions in Haiti's posting said.

The couple and Montis fled to a house connected to the mission.

“They tried to take cover in there, but the gang shot up the house,” said Cornett.

Ben Baker, Natalie Lloyd's father and a Republican state representative in Missouri, posted on Facebook on Friday that the bodies of Davy and Natalie Lloyd were safely transported to the U.S. Embassy.

GRIEVING FAMILIES

Cornett said Montis left behind two children, ages 2 and 6.

Montis’ family could not immediately be reached for comment Friday. It’s unclear if he used social media and, if so, whether his profiles are public. Missions in Haiti did not immediately return the AP's request for comment Friday.

Baker wrote on Facebook that his heart was broken “in a thousand pieces.”

“I’ve never felt this kind of pain,” Baker wrote. “Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now.”

Associated Press writer Summer Ballentine in Columbia, Missouri, contributed.

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How cockroaches spread around the globe to become the pest we know today

This photo provided by Qian Tang shows a German cockroach, a specimen from Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Cambridge, Mass. A new study, published Monday, May 20, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tracks how cockroaches spread around the globe to become the survival experts we know today. (Qian Tang via AP)

This photo provided by Qian Tang shows a German cockroach and an Asian cockroach, specimens from Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Cambridge, Mass. A new study, published Monday, May 20, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tracks how cockroaches spread around the globe to become the survival experts we know today. (Qian Tang via AP)

FILE - A biologist shows examples of American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) and German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) at a lab in Monheim, Germany, March 5, 2001. A new study, published Monday, May 20, in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tracks how cockroaches spread around the globe to become the survival experts we know today. (AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz, File)

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DALLAS (AP) — They’re six-legged, hairy home invaders that just won’t die, no matter how hard you try.

Cockroaches are experts at surviving indoors, hiding in kitchen pipes or musty drawers. But they didn’t start out that way.

A new study uses genetics to chart cockroaches’ spread across the globe, from humble beginnings in southeast Asia to Europe and beyond. The findings span thousands of years of cockroach history and suggest the pests may have scuttled across the globe by hitching a ride with another species: people.

“It’s not just an insect story,” said Stephen Richards, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine who studies insect genes and was not involved with the study. “It’s an insect and humanity story.”

Researchers analyzed the genes of over 280 cockroaches from 17 countries and six continents. They confirmed that the German cockroach — a species found worldwide — actually originated in southeast Asia, likely evolving from the Asian cockroach around 2,100 years ago. Scientists have long suspected the German cockroach’s Asian origins since similar species still live there.

The research was published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The cockroaches then globe-trotted via two major routes. They traveled west to the Middle East about 1,200 years ago, perhaps hitchhiking in soldiers’ breadbaskets. And they may have stowed away on Dutch and British East India Company trade routes to get to Europe about 270 years ago, according to scientists’ reconstruction and historical records.

Once they arrived, inventions like the steam engine and indoor plumbing likely helped the insects travel further and get cozy living indoors, where they are most commonly found today.

Researchers said exploring how cockroaches conquered past environments may lead to better pest control.

Modern-day cockroaches are tough to keep at bay because they evolve quickly to resist pesticides, according to study author Qian Tang, a postdoctoral researcher studying insects at Harvard University.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Tourism is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Challenges Remain

World Economic Forum, [email protected]

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• High-income economies in Europe and Asia-Pacific continue to lead the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism Index, with the United States, Spain and Japan topping the rankings again.
• Despite post-pandemic growth, the global tourism sector still faces complex challenges, with recovery varied by region; only marginal overall score improvements since the 2021 edition.
• Developing economies are making strides – who account for 52 out of 71 economies improving since 2019 – but significant investment is needed to bridge gaps and increase market share.
• Read the report here .

New York, USA, 21 May 2024 – International tourist arrivals and the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to global GDP are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, driven by the lifting of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and strong pent-up demand, as per the new World Economic Forum travel and tourism study, released today.

Topping the 2024 list of economies are the United States, Spain, Japan, France and Australia. The Middle East had the highest recovery rates in international tourist arrivals (20% above the 2019 level), while Europe, Africa and the Americas all showed a strong recovery of around 90% in 2023.

These are some of the top findings of the Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI) , a biennial report published in collaboration with the University of Surrey, which analyses the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of factors and policies.

“This year marks a turning point for the travel and tourism sector, which we know has the capacity to unlock growth and serve communities through economic and social transformation,” said Francisco Betti, Head of the Global Industries team at the World Economic Forum. “The TTDI offers a forward-looking window into the current and future state of travel and tourism for leaders to navigate the latest trends in this complex sector and sustainably unlock its potential for communities and countries across the world.”

Post-pandemic recovery

The global tourism industry is expected to recover from the lows of the COVID-19 pandemic and surpass the levels seen before the crisis. This is largely being driven by a significant increase in demand worldwide, which has coincided with more available flights, better international openness, and increased interest and investment in natural and cultural attractions.

However, the global recovery has been mixed. While 71 of the 119 ranked economies increased their scores since 2019, the average index score is just 0.7% above pre-pandemic levels.

Although the sector has moved past the shock of the global health crisis, it continues to deal with other external challenges, from growing macroeconomic, geopolitical and environmental risks, to increased scrutiny of its sustainability practices and the impact of new digital technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence. In addition, labour shortages are ongoing, and air route capacity, capital investment, productivity and other sector supply factors have not kept up with the increase in demand. This imbalance, worsened by global inflation, has increased prices and service issues.

TTDI 2024 highlights Out of the top 30 index scorers in 2024, 26 are high-income economies, 19 are based in Europe, seven are in Asia-Pacific, three are in the Americas and one (the United Arab Emirates) is in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA). The top 10 countries in the 2024 edition are the United States, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Italy and Switzerland.

The results highlight that high-income economies generally continue to have more favourable conditions for travel and tourism development. This is helped by conducive business environments, dynamic labour markets, open travel policies, strong transport and tourism infrastructure, and well-developed natural, cultural and non-leisure attractions.

Nevertheless, developing countries have seen some of the greatest improvements in recent years. Among the upper-middle-income economies, China has cemented its ranking in the top 10; major emerging travel and tourism destinations of Indonesia, Brazil and Türkiye have joined China in the top quartile of the rankings. More broadly, low- to upper-middle-income economies account for over 70% of countries that have improved their scores since 2019, while MENA and sub-Saharan Africa are among the most improved regions. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only high-income economies to rank among the top 10 most improved economies between 2019 and 2024.

Despite these strides, the TTDI warns that significant investment is needed to close gaps in enabling conditions and market share between developing and high-income countries. One possible pathway to help achieve this would be sustainably leveraging natural and cultural assets – which are less correlated with country income level than other factors – and can offer developing economies an opportunity for tourism-led economic development.

“It’s essential to bridge the divide between differing economies’ ability to build a strong environment for their travel and tourism sector to thrive,” said Iis Tussyadiah, Professor and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Surrey. “The sector has big potential to foster prosperity and mitigate global risks, but that potential can only be fully realized through a strategic and inclusive approach.”

Mitigating future global challenges

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risks Report, the travel and tourism sector faces various complex risks , including geopolitical uncertainties, economic fluctuations, inflation and extreme weather. Balancing growth with sustainability also remains a major problem, due to high seasonality, overcrowding, and a likely return of pre-pandemic emissions levels. The report also analyses persistent concerns about equity and inclusion. While the tourism sector offers a major source of relatively high-wage jobs, particularly in developing countries, gender parity remains a major issue for regions such as MENA and South Asia.

Despite these challenges, the sector can play a significant role in addressing them. To achieve this, decision-makers should prioritize actions such as leveraging tourism for nature conservation efforts; investing in skilled, inclusive and resilient workforces; strategically managing visitor behaviour and infrastructure development; encouraging cultural exchange between visitors and local communities; and using the sector to bridge the digital divide, among other policies.

If managed strategically, the travel and tourism sector – which has historically represented 10% of global GDP and employment – has the potential to emerge as a key contributor to the well-being and prosperity of communities worldwide.

About the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024

The 2024 edition of the TTDI includes several improvements based on newly available data and recently developed indicators on the environmental and social impact of travel and tourism. The changes made to the 2024 Index limit its comparability to the previously published TTDI 2021. This year's report includes recalculated 2019 and 2021 results, using new adjustments. TTDI 2024 reflects the latest available data at the time of collection – end of 2023. The TTDI is part of the Forum’s broader work with industry communities actively working to build a better future enabled by sustainable, inclusive, and resilient industry ecosystems.

Notes to editors

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5 dead in Kentucky after tornadoes, severe weather. Here's what we know

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At least five people have died across Kentucky following two tornadoes and other severe weather on Sunday that damaged property and left tens of thousands without power.

At 12:12 a.m. Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency for the commonwealth. This declaration allows the state to bring in additional resources such as the National Guard.

Severe weather continues to move through the commonwealth with multiple reports of wind damage and tornadoes. I have issued a State of Emergency to ensure the communities impacted have the resources they need to respond. — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 27, 2024

Gov. Andy Beshear held an 11 a.m. press conference Monday — Memorial Day, to address the ongoing weather situation and provide an update on storm damage along with the state’s response plan.

"Last night many families and communities were not safe," Beshear said. "We had devastating storms that hit almost the entire state."

At least two confirmed F-1 tornadoes touched down in Kentucky, according to preliminary survey results from the National Weather Service in Louisville. One tornado with 90 mph winds hit eastern Meade and northern Hardin counties. A second tornado touched down in Butler and northern Warren counties with 85 mph winds.

In Louisville and other parts of the state there were tornado watches and severe thunderstorms that brought down trees and caused property damage.

The Memorial Day weekend storms weren't the state's first run in with tornadoes and storms this year. In April storms moved through Louisville and Southern Indiana leaving destruction, and in March three tornadoes that caused structural damage were confirmed in the area .

Now following yet another series of severe weather in Kentucky, here's what we know:

What part of the state was hit hardest?

Beshear said one tornado in Western Kentucky continued for about 40 miles. This tornado barely missed the prison in Eddyville and barely missed Mayfield, the site of the destructive 2021 tornadoes that the area is still recovering from .

"At least one family who lost their home in the 2021 tornado lost their home again last night," Beshear said.

He noted there were several other tornadoes that "spun down then spun back up." The state is still waiting for the National Weather Service to confirm the total number of tornadoes.

Kentucky Secretary of Transportation Jim Gray said it appears that Western Kentucky was hit the hardest by the storms, noting damages across state highways and roads.

Beshear said not only did the storms take out power for thousands of people, but many roads and interstates were temporarily closed due to the storms. Many businesses and residential areas also suffered "massive damage." Beshear urged individuals to report any and all levels of damage to the emergency management agencies in their county to help the state qualify for FEMA assistance and other resources.

"But like we always see after severe weather events, first responders and everyday Kentuckians rally to help each other in those toughest moments," Beshear said.

Were there any fatalities from the storms?

In the press conference, the governor confirmed at least four people have died and one individual is "fighting for their life" as a result of the Sunday storms.

In a statement sent on X just before 5 p.m. Monday, Beshear confirmed that a fifth person has died related to the severe weather.

"I’m sad to share we have another reported death as a result of yesterday’s storms," read the post. "A 54-year-old man died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County. His loved ones are in our prayers during this difficult time."

Confirmed fatalities also include a 67-year-old woman from Mercer County, a 62-year-old woman in Hardin County, a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County and a 34-year-old man in Jefferson County who was hit by a tree.

I’m sad to share we have another reported death as a result of yesterday’s storms. A 54-year-old man died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County. His loved ones are in our prayers during this difficult time. — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) May 27, 2024

Beshear said he is not aware of any unaccounted for Kentuckians.

How many people are without power?

Statewide, there were roughly 175,000 customers without power across the state, Beshear said. While large cities should expect to see power restored Monday, the governor said counties like Trigg and Todd may be without power for several days since there was significant destruction to the power infrastructure in the area.

How many states of emergency have been declared?

Across the state, 14 counties and five cities have declared states of emergency alongside the governors declaration.

Is there a storm shelter set up?

The Red Cross has opened a shelter in Clay County.

Beshear also said Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will be opened up as a shelter for those in need of rooms. This site is where victims of the 2021 tornado were sheltered.

Are there any environmental concerns from the storm?

On Dale Hollow Lake, a dock broke away, which was believed to have caused a significant fuel spill. The Energy and Environment Cabinet are in the area with a hazmat team but currently no further information is available regarding this potential environmental impact resulting from the storms.

"It's one of the most significant impacts of these storms," Beshear said.

Can I travel currently?

Gray said if you see water in the roads, "turn around, don't drown."

He also expressed other safety notes for people who need to travel in the midst of storm damage including:

Don't drive over downed power lines.

Don't touch live wires or downed power lines.

Beware of debris on roadways.

If traffic lights are out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at [email protected] or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_ .

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky storm damage: 5 killed in tornado, severe weather

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See Greece Differently Travel Somewhere We Know!

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We create unique experiential and cultural trips, food & wine experiences, hiking adventures and family trips all around Greece.

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"Travel to find grounds, new rooftops, hidden paths, forgotten wisdom, to meet interesting people, to stumble upon an ancient language, to taste a culture and understand it, to discover your roots, to collect moments!"

Somewhere We Know is a Cultural Travel Company and an Incoming Tour Operator based in Athens, Greece.

We are officially licensed by the Greek Ministry of Tourism and are specializing in unique cultural and experiential trips in the regions of the Peloponnese (South Greece), Mainland Greece, the Greek Islands and other unexplored regions of the country.

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We welcome to our cultural trips like minded people who travel with a purpose: To understand the history of Greece and the evolution of its culture as it reveals through ancient monuments, architecture, arts, customs and traditions either travelling in a small group or independently.

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We specialize in trips for the independent travelers who travel with their friends or family members. We follow the instructions of the Greek government so that we can ensure the safety of your trip. We choose hotels, transfers and restaurants with a certification of hygiene protocols. The plan of each day of the trip is made with the aim of low contact with crowds. We personally take care of every single detail of your trip, from the first day you arrive in Greece until you return home safely. We are available to assist you anytime 24/7 during your trip. We propose itineraries with relaxed rhythms and mild physical activity, where you can enjoy Greek nature, have a balanced Greek nutrition and get in contact with locals.

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"WE KNOW AFRICA" - the ultimate truth

We got home yesterday afternoon, tired but overjoyed. The safari was spectacular. Everyone had a great time and the kids and grandkids could not have been more effusive in their thanks to us for doing all we did.  The air travel worked perfectly.  The Serena hotels we stayed in were 5 star.  The 3 camps we stayed in were very comfortable and exciting.  Every night in our tents we heard lions, hyenas and other animals close by.  There is no better way to relax and drift into sleepiness than doing it within the sound of a lion's roar. The service from everyone at every location was great. Our 2 safari guides were extremely competent, knowledgeable and excellent drivers on some extremely difficult terrain. We saw a great many lions, elephants, hippos and the Great Migration of wildebeests.  There is no way that I had ever formed a mental picture of the incredible number of wildebeests and zebras that are concentrated together during this migration. On our last game drive in the final hour we saw 2 black rhinos; a mother and juvenile.  This was in the Serengeti where such sightings are extremely rare and 2 not just 1!  We had missed the rhinos in Ngorongoro and thought that was our best chance of seeing them, so to have seen them when we did was a huge surprise.  It completed the Big Five for us and left all of us feeling overwhelmed and fortunate.

Referring to African Travel's motto, "We know Africa" all I can say is it is not a marketing slogan it is the ultimate truth.  In the past 21 years you have planned 2 very different safaris for us.  The first in 1997 was an African adventure in Botswana and the canoe trip in Mana Pools.  This was exactly what my wife wanted and which I and our 2 daughters not only enjoyed, but still consider it to be the greatest trip we ever had.  Now, older and more desirous of luxury you put together the perfect trip again, which ranks with the 1st one.  Our grandkids couldn't believe the many wonderous things they saw. That was Phyllis' and my greatest hope for this safari and thanks to your understanding of us and your knowledge of Africa, you made it come true.  Kudos to you and everyone at African Travel who had a hand in arranging this safari.

Two weeks ago I thought this would be my final safari.  Now, after having had so much fun and such a great experience I can see myself calling you up in a couple of years and arranging something in Kenya or South Africa.  I have given your name and your company's name to a number of friends and clients who have asked about doing the same thing.  I know how important referrals are as that is the way I built my investment business.  I hope that my recommendations can bring you more business.

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6 things to know as Memorial Day kicks off ultra-busy summer of travel

Airports will be crowded for Memorial Day. But flying this summer might also be cheaper.

When it comes to summer travel this year, one word keeps coming up: busy.

“This will be the busiest summer travel season we have on record,” David Pekoske, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, said at a news conference last week.

The agency expects to screen more than 18 million people at airports between Thursday and May 29; Pekoske said he anticipates days later this summer on which security checkpoints will see a record 3.1 million or 3.2 million people.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release forecasting nearly 44 million travelers between Thursday and Monday. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Travel advisers say the numbers are bearing out the enthusiasm they’ve seen from clients. John Lovell, president of Travel Leaders Group , said families have been planning for this summer since last year — and already are booking trips for spring break and the summer of 2025. He said people realized early in the pandemic how much travel brought to their lives and have since made it a priority.

“What we’re hearing every single day is that people are just so joyful to get out into the world again,” said Mel Burton, coordinator at CruCon Cruise Outlet .

For the millions of people traveling over the upcoming weekend or months, there are some key tips to remember.

Airfare is giving us a break

It should cost less to fly over the holiday weekend (or throughout the summer) this year compared with last — and even compared with pre-covid times.

According to flight-booking app Hopper, the cost of domestic flights for Memorial Day weekend was averaging $260 as of last week, a decrease of 9.5 percent year over year.

“It’s a trend that’s going to continue through the summer,” said Hayley Berg, Hopper’s lead economist.

For June, July and August, domestic airfare is averaging $305 a ticket, a 6 percent drop, Hopper said in its summer outlook . Even flights to Europe are trending cheaper after last summer’s sticker shock. Berg said the average airfare for Europe flights of $950 for June through August was down 8 percent.

Still, that’s about 15 percent higher than the cost of flights in 2019.

More seats are available

Part of the reason behind the higher travel numbers and lower airfare is simple: There are more seats to fill.

According to Hopper, there are about a million more seats flying domestic routes over the Memorial Day weekend from Thursday until the following Tuesday — more than a 6 percent increase in capacity.

“We fully expect airlines are ready for it,” Berg said. “They’ve added back only capacity that they can maintain because of the disaster of cancellations and delays in 2022 coming out of the pandemic. We’re not expecting any major meltdowns barring any unexpected weather.”

Cirium , an aviation analytics company, said that there are over 15 million more seats flying domestically between June and August this year compared with last, an increase of 5.6 percent.

That all amounts to a little bit of potential relief for travelers, said Scott Keyes, founder of the cheap-flight alert service Going .

“Airlines just have more capacity and more flights on the schedule, which results in cheaper fares and more elbow room,” he said.

New refund rules won’t help you yet

Maybe this summer will be free of airline meltdowns, but it’s better to prepare for the worst. Passengers should be aware that they are entitled to their money back if their flight is canceled or significantly delayed and they end up not traveling.

By the winter holidays, new rules will be in place requiring airlines to automatically refund passengers in those cases. But that rule — which also covers refunds for significantly delayed bags and extra services that aren’t provided — won’t be in place for summer travelers.

To get a refund before the rules kick in, travelers will need to request it from their airline and be prepared to push for money back instead of vouchers or flight credits.

To find out what else they might be entitled to in case of delays or cancellations that are caused by airlines, travelers can turn to a Department of Transportation customer service dashboard . That will reveal which airlines will, for example, book passengers on an alternate carrier, provide meal vouchers, offer ground transportation or pay for a hotel if a traveler is stranded.

Bag fees are up

Alaska Airlines started a pricing trend in January when it raised its fee for a checked bag from $30 to $35. American Airlines did the same the next month, followed by price hikes from United, Delta and JetBlue . It was the first time some airlines had raised checked-bag prices in years.

Keyes, who predicted that multiple airlines would raise bag fees at the beginning of the year, said it will be interesting to see whether any bag pricing will change after the new DOT rule on fees goes into effect.

For now, he warned, “don’t be shocked when each bag costs $5 more than the last time you traveled.”

Deals in Florida, Mexico and Canada

Travel experts rounded up some of the most budget-friendly summer flights for The Washington Post: look to Colorado, the Caribbean, rural Europe and beach regions in Mexico.

In its summer forecast , booking site Kayak also has suggestions for the cheapest average airfare for the summer. Florida, Mexico and Canada are all at the top of the list.

The top cheap flights domestically include Minneapolis, Orlando and a handful of locations in Florida (Tampa, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale). Canada (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary) and Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City) top the list internationally.

Guns are not carry-ons

Pekoske reminded travelers that firearms aren’t allowed at security screening areas, in secure parts of an airport or in airplane cabins. Passengers who want to travel with a gun have to follow a list of rules that include keeping them unloaded, locked and stored in checked bags. People who bring a gun through security could be arrested or cited by local authorities and could be subject to a TSA fine and loss of PreCheck eligibility.

“As you can imagine, whenever there’s a firearm at a checkpoint, it slows down the process certainly for that individual, but for everybody else in that checkpoint,” he said.

So far this year, there have been 2,300 firearms detected at security checkpoints, Pekoske said; last year, the number was more than 6,700 .

“We’re not seeing that go down like we’d like to see it,” he said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has also warned travelers heading to the Turks and Caicos Islands to carefully check bags for weapons or ammunition. Five Americans have been arrested on ammunition charges while traveling in the Caribbean destination and face a sentence of 12 years in custody.

“If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody,” the embassy said.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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