Travel Trends
The Biggest Travel Trends Of 2024 You Need To Know About
This new trend began with internet posts from folks who decided to forgo all forms of in-flight entertainment and simply gaze out the window or reflect on their thoughts for the duration of their flight. This approach means no films, music, sleep, headphones, snacks, or distractions once seated. Alternative names for this meditative experience include “bareback” and “flying raw.” The trend started in May 2024 when a TikTok user went viral for sharing his decision to spend a seven-hour flight watching the flight map instead of indulging in entertainment. He asked, “Anyone else bareback flights?” Other users soon followed suit, boasting about their experiences travelling on long flights without headphones, sleep, or other comforts. This sparked a wave of TikToks showcasing “rawdogging” flights. You can read more about it here.
Eurostat data shows that package holiday prices in the European Union rose in June 2025 compared with the previous year, with variations between countries and markets. While the EU’s overall inflation rate stood at around 2.5% annually, package holidays registered a slightly higher increase of 2.8% for consumers. International holiday packages, which take travelers outside their home countries, saw prices climb by 2.7%.
The data also highlights significant differences between individual countries. In Germany, a key source market for Mediterranean tourism including Turkey, package holiday prices increased by 1.6%. France recorded a rise of 1%, while Italy saw a much sharper increase of 5.4%. Poland, considered a growing market for outbound travel, reported an annual rise of around 5.1% in package holiday prices.
Understanding EU Package Holiday Prices
Package holidays include a combination of travel, accommodation, meals, guides, and other services. They often come in the form of all-inclusive vacations or tours and can also cover half-day and one-day excursions or religious pilgrimages. International packages involve travel to a destination outside the traveler’s home country, while domestic packages are confined to destinations within national borders.
The overall 2.8% increase in EU package holiday prices is slightly above the general inflation rate, indicating that travel costs are rising faster than average consumer prices. These increases vary greatly by country, influenced by demand trends, seasonal patterns, and destination-specific factors.
Package Holiday Price Changes in Key Markets
| Country | Annual Change (%) |
|---|---|
| EU average | +2.8 |
| International packages (EU) | +2.7 |
| Germany | +1.6 |
| France | +1.0 |
| Italy | +5.4 |
| Poland | +5.1 |
Turkey Leads in Tourism Inflation
In June 2025, tourism-related inflation—covering hotel and restaurant spending—was highest in Turkey, reaching 35.6%. This figure places Turkey well above all other European destinations. Data compiled by Turizmdatabank from Eurostat shows that North Macedonia followed with a 10.6% increase.
Among Turkey’s main competitors in the tourism sector, the rate of tourism inflation was considerably lower. Spain recorded 4.2%, France 2.8%, and Italy 3.6%. The EU’s overall tourism inflation rate, combining hotel and restaurant costs, stood at around 4.1%.
Tourism Inflation Rates in Selected Countries
- Turkey: 35.6%
- North Macedonia: 10.6%
- Spain: 4.2%
- France: 2.8%
- Italy: 3.6%
- EU average: 4.1%
Why Turkey’s Prices Stand Out
For European travelers, Turkey is often considered a relatively affordable destination due to currency exchange rates. However, the data shows that in local terms, costs for accommodation and dining have risen significantly. This trend suggests that while Turkey may still appear inexpensive for visitors paying in euros or other strong currencies, domestic price increases are outpacing those in competing destinations.
The rise in tourism inflation may be linked to high demand, changes in supply conditions, and broader economic pressures. Seasonal peaks, increased operating costs for hotels and restaurants, and global market shifts can all contribute to these price trends.
Outlook for the Travel Industry
As 2025 progresses, the travel industry in Europe faces a mix of opportunities and challenges. Rising package holiday prices and tourism inflation may influence traveler decisions, potentially shifting demand toward less expensive destinations or alternative travel formats. At the same time, strong demand in many markets suggests that consumers remain willing to spend on travel experiences despite broader economic concerns.
Industry stakeholders—from tour operators to hoteliers—will be watching pricing trends closely. Balancing affordability with profitability will be key to sustaining growth, especially in competitive markets. For destinations like Turkey, managing rapid price increases while maintaining appeal to international travelers will be an important consideration moving forward.
SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) announces a strengthened partnership with the Dominican Republic to enhance cruise tourism and generate long-term benefits for the country’s economy, communities, and cruise guests.
During a series of high-level meetings between FCCA leadership and the Dominican Republic’s tourism and port authorities, both parties committed to a shared vision: to position the Dominican Republic as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean by delivering exceptional guest experiences, supporting local communities, and driving sustainable growth.
FCCA President Adam Ceserano.
“This partnership goes far beyond cruise calls,” said Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA. “It’s about creating long-term opportunities for the people of the Dominican Republic. Together, we’re identifying actionable ways to improve the guest experience, increase economic benefits, and support infrastructure development that will position the country as a regional leader.”
The collaboration includes plans for improving the quality and consistency of shore excursions, integrating more locally made products and cultural experiences into the cruise offering, enhancing workforce training, and addressing key port and operational improvements.
FCCA also emphasized the importance of cost containment to ensure continued growth, including competitive port pricing and sustainable tourism development strategies that will encourage more cruise lines to invest in long-term deployment.
“This alliance will help the Dominican Republic harness the full economic potential of cruise tourism,” added Paige. “By working hand-in-hand with the government, ports, and private sector, we are building a model of collaboration that benefits everyone – from cruise lines and passengers to local vendors and communities.”
Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism David Collado.
The strengthened partnership forms part of the FCCA’s Strategic Partnership Program, which works with destinations to identify needs, match opportunities, and build long-term relationships between the cruise industry and local stakeholders.
With this strengthened alliance, the Dominican Republic is clearly emerging as a powerhouse in cruise tourism. By partnering with FCCA, the country now has a strategic path forward to achieve its goals – from enhancing the visitor experience to maximizing economic opportunities and promoting sustainable tourism development.
As a testament to this growing relationship, the Dominican Republic will also host FCCA’s prestigious PAMAC Destination Summit, which will take place in June 2026 and join key cruise executives with destination and tourism leaders to further strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for growth.
The article FCCA and Dominican Republic strengthen partnership to boost cruise tourism first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
WASHINGTON – Starting Thursday, Aug. 28, customers can travel on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela – America’s high-speed train – connecting the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.
This historic launch introduces:
- More trains: 28 brand-new trains entering service through 2027
- More seats: 27% more seats per departure
- More service: Expanded weekday and weekend schedules
“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we launch a new standard for American train travel.”
What to expect
- How to book your seat: Amtrak offers a simple and flexible approach to booking, seat selection, itinerary management, and even changes in the event of disruptions through the Amtrak mobile app, Amtrak website, and at station kiosks. As the official launch date approaches, customers should look for more information from Amtrak about how to locate and select the NextGen Acela train options. In the coming months, Amtrak will be operating both the current Acela equipment and the NextGen Acela trains as the new trains transition into the fleet.
- Premium onboard features: The new NextGen Acela offers an elevated experience, with features and amenities that today’s savvy travelers expect, plus everything they need to be productive along the way: free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, as well as individual power outlets and reading lights.
- More trains on the way: Five sleek new trainsets will be in service initially, with more trains joining the fleet through 2027.
Built in America, for America
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The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY by skilled Machinists Union workers, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states – creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs.*
Part of a bigger transformation
-
NextGen Acela is a key component of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization plan, which includes:
– New Amtrak Airo trains debuting on the Amtrak Cascades, Northeast Regional, and East Coast routes
– New, more efficient Long Distance locomotives
– Upgraded interiors in Coaches, Dining Cars, Sleepers, and Sightseer Lounges—featuring new seat cushions, upholstery, lighting, and finishes
Amtrak plans to introduce all 28 new NextGen Acela trains by 2027 – broadening travel opportunities throughout the Northeast Corridor.
*Calculation based on the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2020 analysis, “Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment” which estimates that $1 billion of public transportation spending creates 12,600 jobs. Total estimate adjusted for inflation and provides general scale of impact.
The article Amtrak NextGen Acela debuts on August 28 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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