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<ul><li>Most Indian couples book their honeymoon packages within 30 days of departure.</li><li>Beaches are a preferred destination for the post-marriage trips of Indian newlyweds.</li><li>Couples are ready to spend more on comfort and luxury than ever before.</li></ul>In India, weddings are more than just events—they are grand festivals that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indian-weddings-expected-to-generate-6-lakh-crore-in-two-months-cait-says/articleshow/114934657.cms">fuel business opportunities</a> across multiple industries. With the wedding season approaching, many soon-to-be-married couples have already planned their first post-wedding trip, while others are in the midst of booking their honeymoon getaways. Newlyweds aren’t just looking for a vacation; they’re seeking unique and meaningful experiences that will leave lasting memories. Additionally, they also want to spend some time getting to know each other better. This is even better in case of an arranged marriage setup. From unwinding on exotic beaches to discovering peaceful hill stations, the honeymoon preferences of Indian couples are as diverse as the regions they call home. To gain insights into Indian couples’ honeymoon preferences and planning styles, <keyword id="54613" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MakeMyTrip" source="Orion">MakeMyTrip</keyword> has analysed its booking data, releasing a report titled ‘How India Travels for Honeymoon’. The report highlights the travel trends and behaviours of couples embarking on this special journey. <h2>Beaches are a favourite for Indian couples</h2>Be it for domestic or international destinations, beaches have consistently been the top choice for newlyweds planning their first post-wedding trip, as per the report. This year’s data reflects the same trend. Internationally, <keyword id="11905404" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Thailand" source="Orion">Thailand</keyword> has emerged as the leading honeymoon destination for Indian couples in 2023-24, topping honeymoon package bookings on MakeMyTrip. With a notable 5.2% year-on-year (YoY) increase, Thailand has surpassed the Maldives, last year’s favourite, which saw a 16.2% YoY decline in bookings. Meanwhile, the other top international destinations—Indonesia, Mauritius, and Vietnam—also experienced growth in their booking shares this year. Domestically, the Andamans have overtaken Kerala as the most popular honeymoon destination, with a 6.9% year-on-year increase in honeymoon package bookings. Kashmir also rose in popularity, gaining 3.6% in bookings and moving into third place. Bookings for Goa remained steady compared to last year, while Himachal Pradesh experienced a 4% decline. Other regions, including the Northeast, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra, also attracted Indian couples looking for memorable honeymoon experiences within the country. <h2>Couples going far</h2>Indian honeymooners are exploring far places increasingly drawn to new and diverse destinations. While international spots like Bhutan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Seychelles have seen significant year-on-year growth in honeymoon package bookings, this trend extends beyond just short-haul destinations. Because of Easy Visa, Japan has seen the highest YoY growth of 388% in honeymoon package booking. Other long-haul destinations that have seen maximum growth for honeymoon package bookings include Scandinavia, the United States, South Africa, and Australia and New Zealand. <h2>Honeymooners from Metro cities going all out to create Insta-worthy memories</h2>Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are driving the demand for premium honeymoon packages, contributing to more than two-thirds of all honeymoon package bookings. However, cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune are also seeing a notable shift from budget to premium travel. Couples are ready to spend more on luxury and pampering during their honeymoon. The average spending per couple has gone up by 13% compared to last year. In fact, 68% of newlyweds booked 4-star or 5-star hotels for their stay. One in every five honeymoon bookings was for a 5-star property in 2023-24, showing a 10% increase from the previous year. Newlyweds are not only spending more on comfort and luxury but are also increasingly choosing to visit multiple destinations during their honeymoon. Domestically, the number of couples visiting four or more cities increased from 35% in 2022-23 to 39% in 2023-24. Internationally, while more than half of honeymooners still prefer visiting just one city, the percentage of couples choosing to explore two or more cities grew from 32% to 47%. <h2>Personalised experiences demand all-time high</h2>Couples are seeking more personalised and romantic experiences than ever before. Honeymoon package bookings have grown by 25% compared to last year, showing that many couples want a fully planned, curated experience. Over 95% of honeymoon bookings this year included special activities. As a result, MMT saw a 56% increase in bookings for premium romantic activities like couples' photoshoots, romantic dinners, cruises (sunset, dinner, or catamaran), spa sessions, and floating breakfasts. <h2>Couples booking packages last minute</h2>The report also adds that Indian couples are booking their honeymoons closer to their travel dates. For domestic packages, 56% were booked within 30 days of departure, and 38% were booked the same way for international packages. This matches the overall trend of Indian travellers, who usually book closer to their travel dates. However, 31% of couples travelling internationally booked their honeymoon more than two months in advance, compared to just 18% for domestic trips. To gain more insights, MakeMyTrip also surveyed over 200 people who booked their honeymoon packages through the platform. The survey revealed that 70% of couples went on their honeymoon within 10 days of their wedding, 10% travelled between 10 days to a month later, and 20% waited more than a month to go.

Indian couples prefer Thailand and Andamans for honeymoon, says MakeMyTrip

<ul class="summary-list"><li>While the world has been on lockdown, travelers have been dreaming of their future adventures. </li><li><keyword id="769752" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Solo">Solo</keyword> <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword>ers often travel to meet new people and learn about new cultures.</li><li>Travelers shared with Insider how their trips might change now that lockdowns are beginning to ease. </li><li>Most travelers agreed that they'll focus on domestic trips in nature for the foreseeable future. </li></ul>Colorful mosaics from Uzbekistan fill Ciara Johnson's Instagram page.Brooke Saward recently posted a photograph in Barcelona, Spain, even though she hasn't left her home in South Africa for months.Looking at Dan James' Instagram, it'd be impossible to know that he canceled six trips and hasn't traveled since mid-March. His page is still teeming with pictures of past trips to New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. Thousands of people like Johnson, Saward, and James spend their lives traveling — whether for fun or work — but for some, the current pandemic has left them stationary for the first time in years. Insider spoke to five solo travelers about how their trips might look different in the future. <h2>Solo travelers said they plan to escape to nature for the time being</h2><div type="image" title="Geckospromo 141" height="800" width="1067" msid="76823906" hostid="261"></div>Road trips, beaches, campouts, hikes, and backpacking excursions all filled the solo travelers' itineraries. Social distancing has become a priority when entering a public space, whether that be on an <a href="https://www.insider.com/flight-attendants-reveal-mistakes-passengers-risk-flying-2020-6">airplane</a>, in a restaurant, or visiting a museum. These regulations, paired with higher risks of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-risk-higher-tight-indoor-spaces-with-little-air-flow-2020-5">contracting the virus indoors</a>, left travelers opting for adventure in nature. Johnson discovered her passion for traveling after studying abroad in college. She graduated and immediately got a job. But when the job wasn't enough, Johnson decided to travel the world. She saved up for two years, quit her job, sold everything, and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico.So far she's visited 65 countries, but her list won't be growing anytime soon. She's stationed with her family in Houston, Texas, and plans to search for outdoor destinations that have activities that allow for social distancing. "Whether that be stand-up paddleboarding or going for a run in the city, there are a lot of outdoorsy things that you can still do while social distancing," the 27-year-old told Insider. Kristin Addis is also on the hunt for outdoor spaces to explore. Fortunately, the 34-year-old was already in love with the <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-plan-perfect-american-road-trip-across-southwest-region">American Southwest</a> before lockdown. As stay-at-home orders relax where she lives in Reno, Nevada, her love for nature has only grown."I've done a lot of solo road trips out here," she told Insider. "I'm really excited to go do more of that. We have so much natural space in the US that you can be far away from people if you want and still have an amazing experience."<h2>The travelers are also embracing opportunities to explore domestic destinations</h2><div type="image" title="danieljames_solotraveler" height="675" width="900" msid="76823908" hostid="261"></div>No matter where the travelers were located, they each mentioned staying within their current borders for the time being. James, a solo traveler from Bournemouth, England, planned an 18-month sabbatical to travel the world in 2014. Eighteen months quickly turned into six years. Now he's explored 67 countries, and many of them on his own. James had to cancel his plans to travel to six different countries, so he's now sticking to exploring his home and surrounding cities in Lisbon, Portugal. He said he expects to see a shift and refocus on <keyword id="6367391" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="domestic-travel">domestic travel</keyword>. "I think we're all guilty of this, you go abroad before you explore where you live," James told Insider.After seven weeks of full lockdown in Portugal, James was finally free to explore the country. For the past month, he's gone on road trips and explored new cities with his friend. "I've had a bit of wanderlust by exploring a bit closer to home," he said. "It's nice to be able to get out of the house again." Sara Straw said she also has seen a shift toward domestic travel. The 34-year-old from New York City has been to 14 countries in the last four years. She recently became a travel adviser to help other solo travelers plan and book trips around the world. Now, many of Straw's clients aren't looking to her for help with booking international vacations. Instead, they want her guidance on planning trips in nearby states and cities. "I have a lot of people who want to do road trips, rather than fly somewhere," she told Insider. "I have a lot of people who want to go on camping trips, so they're in charge of their own area." She's currently helping 13 clients book trips, and they're all destinations in the US or Caribbean, she said. "Especially in the US, we're so inclined to go to Europe or go to the Caribbean to get away," Straw said. "I think we forget how insanely beautiful America is."Addis wasn't as concerned about flying as she was about the rules and regulations when she lands. Many governments and tourism boards have announced <a href="https://www.insider.com/countries-open-to-american-tourists-for-travel-2020-6">requirements for tourists when they visit</a>. For example, Cambodia recently announced that travelers are required to pay a <a href="https://www.insider.com/cambodia-travel-coronavirus-deposit-fees-2020-6">$3,000 deposit</a> if they visit the country. The deposit is meant to cover COVID-19 costs if the traveler was to get infected in the country. "I take that as, 'Please don't come,'" she said, referring to the policy. Addis said she's always had an interest in domestic travel, so she plans to focus on that and book trips to countries with fewer regulations for the time being.<h2>Some worry that the magic of forming new friendships on a trip will be lost, but other solo travelers are optimistic for the future</h2><div type="image" title="Screen Shot 2020 06 30 at 5.29.29 PM" height="812" width="1082" msid="76823911" hostid="261"></div>Many solo travelers embark on a journey alone, but they hope to build friendships along the way. For example, when Johnson shares stories about her solo adventures, they often involve strangers who become friends.Straw's adventures are similar — in fact, she met two of her best friends while traveling alone.James believes in the sentiment so much, you'll see the phrase "meeting new faces" mentioned across his website."If you strip everything back on what travel is, 1000% it's the people you met, the connections you have," Saward said. As travel starts up again, some people expressed concerns about the ability to casually meet strangers. Hotels, hostels, restaurants, and bars are advertising social-distancing measures to help keep people safe. <a href="https://www.insider.com/ways-restaurants-are-getting-social-distancing-right-2020-5">Restaurants are placing partitions</a> between customers and resorts are advertising contact-free experiences. While these safety precautions are necessary, Johnson — who started her travels on a budget, which often meant staying with strangers — worried that meaningful friendships might be harder to develop. "I think that's my biggest fear of all," she said. "That is what makes travel for me. Whether that be staying in a hostel, couch surfing, staying in an Airbnb with a local in their home, those have been the most meaningful travel experiences to me."She added that some "people may go and travel, but they'll social distance and miss out on the magic of travel, which comes with meeting people from different backgrounds and speaking to people with different perspectives." James agreed. "I think it's that kind of interaction that will be lost for now in travel," he said. "It's really sad, but it's really necessary."James has already noticed it on his recent trips throughout Portugal. He described how in restaurants, waiters were there for efficiency, but not to make conversation."There's no chat, there are no local recommendations, there's this wary distance in everything," James said. Neither James nor Johnson think that those interactions will be gone forever, but they do expect to see people cautious of strangers and the potential of spreading the virus. Saward, a 28-year-old solo traveler from Tasmania, Australia, mentioned finding the positive things that the "new normal" of travel might bring. "You won't have those classic experiences that you once had, but maybe you'll be making the most of empty streets in Rome or Venice where it's normally overrun by millions of tourists every year."<h2>For now, some travelers are abandoning solo trips and opting to explore with friends and family</h2><div type="image" title="IMG_8259" height="719" width="959" msid="76823913" hostid="261"></div>"After having such a long period of isolation, the idea of traveling solo is not as appealing at all," James said. "Now I want to be around friends. I want to be creating memories with people."After having a cousin contract COVID-19, he said it made him consider the trips he could've taken with her. "Now I'm realizing, 'Wow, I wish I invested more time traveling with my friends and family,'" he said. So he's bringing along friends while he explores Portugal and planning a trip back home to the UK when it's safe. Johnson has been traveling constantly for three years, and the coronavirus has been the first time she's stopped.Now, she's home in Houston, Texas, and is spending time with family. "There's the simple joy of travel that I miss, but in some ways, it's nice to not be on-the-go constantly," Johnson said. For Saward, the thought of traveling hasn't even crossed her mind. In fact, now's one of the first times she's hit the pause button, and she doesn't plan to press play anytime soon.<div type="image" title="Q Japan 7.JPEG" height="1600" width="1200" msid="76823914" hostid="261"></div>Saward's first international trip was a school adventure to Hong Kong when she was 13 years old. She started working odd jobs and saving money for traveling. When she was 20, she went on a three-week trip across Europe, went to graduate school, and traveled for the next eight years."I was just so enamored with the idea of running away to different countries and having these experiences so foreign to what I grew up with in Australia," she said. Now, she's in no rush to book a flight or get on a plane."It hasn't even dawned on my yet to start planning a trip," Saward said. Instead, she's spending the lockdown in South Africa working on her travel memoir. <h2>Most travelers plan to do more research before picking a destination</h2><h2><div type="image" title="sarastraw_solotraveler2.JPG" height="900" width="1200" msid="76823918" hostid="261"></div></h2>Straw said the biggest thing she'll be looking for when she books trips for both herself and others is what protections there are for the traveler. She's looking into different travel insurance plans, what refund policies airlines have, and what visitors can expect when they reach a destination.Straw, who started advising travelers this year, expected to see a large drop-off of clients because of the pandemic. Instead, she has a full portfolio of people she's working with."I thought it really would affect it, but people still need hope, and they still need something to look forward to," she said. "Although they're not traveling right now, I have clients booking groups of 30 to Jamaica and honeymoons and December trips."Each traveler shared different things they'll consider before booking their next big international trip. Many are considering what rules countries are adopting to protect their residents and incoming travelers. "The biggest thing right now is looking at the requirements to travel to a country and return to the US," Johnson said. Will they need to bring a negative coronavirus test? Will travelers need to quarantine upon arrival? Is medical insurance required to travel to a destination?James said he plans to only book direct flights to avoid spending unnecessary time in new airports and additional rules. "It's really changed the planning process," he said. "My process used to be book a flight and turn up, and now any trip is going to be planned to the hour."James also doesn't plan to go to remote destinations anytime soon. This decision comes both out of concern about his ability to seek medical help, but also, the fear of bringing it to remote destinations that might not have the hospital capacity."No one wants to be responsible for taking a virus to a community that doesn't have it," he said. <h2>Some solo travelers plan to take longer, more meaningful trips</h2><div type="image" title="brooke saward solo traveler" height="719" width="958" msid="76823921" hostid="261"></div>"If I'm going to take the risk of traveling this year, I should go somewhere that really matters to me," James said.Saward, who has explored 74 countries, said she'll be looking for the places that "shock you."In the future, she said she'll pass on another trip to Paris or top tourist destinations and opt for under-the-radar locations."The rise of Instagram's popularity has changed the narrative of why we go travel," she said. "It's really moved so far away from what travel is, or should be, which is a connection with people and cultures and food and whole sensory experience."She described how people often travel for the photographs, and she hopes that once travel reemerges, people will pick places based on their interests and not what's trending. Johnson has heard similar sentiments throughout her online community. She said her friends and followers have made it clear they plan to use their vacation time and stop postponing their <a href="https://www.insider.com/bucket-list-trips-to-book-a-year-in-advance">dream trips</a>. "People will actually be more eager to say like, 'Hey, life is short,'" she said. "This pandemic has shown us what is important, more than anything."And when they go, Johnson said she hopes travelers, herself included, continue to focus on supporting local businesses."Hopefully people are giving back to locals and prioritizing frequenting these local businesses when they're traveling, as opposed to these bigger, well-known hotels, and restaurants," she said. "We're seeing that a lot right now locally, but I hope that expands globally."<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/flight-attendants-reveal-mistakes-passengers-risk-flying-2020-6">Flight attendants reveal the 5 things they wish passengers would stop doing when flying right now</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/amsterdam-restaurant-greenhouses-mediamatic-eten-review-2020-6">A restaurant in Amsterdam is now serving meals in private greenhouses, and 2 guests say it's the 'most comfortable dining experience' they've had since lockdown</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/nudists-naturists-adapting-lockdowns-virtual-2020-6">From naked gardening to Zoom yoga sessions, here's how nudists managed to stay connected during lockdowns</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/russian-lockdown-thailand-monk-build-mud-houses-2020-6">A Russian man chose to spend lockdown in Thailand helping a monk build mud houses</a></li></ul>

Solo travelers share how they'll explore the world after lockdown, and it involves more nature adventures and bucket-list trips

<div type="image" title="Doing It Right Series: Shot of a young couple having an argument at home on red background with hearts" height="600" width="1200" msid="101467565" hostid="261" sizebytes="75480"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>It's normal to see more of your partner's flaw when you exit the honeymoon stage, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should end things.</li><li>Understand your past relationship wounds and your potential fears about being alone to break out of the flaw-fixation-to-breakup loop.</li></ul>Dear Julia,When I go on dates, I never really feel attracted to the other person. But I still choose to keep seeing that person because they have some good qualities and there's no obvious reason why I shouldn't see them. But when we hit the two- to three-year mark, I start to fixate on my partner's flaws until I can no longer continue in the relationship. At this rate, I worry that I'll end up a lonely old lady.Why do I act this way? Do I need some sort of therapy to stop this behavior so I don't end up alone?- Australia Dear Australia,It takes a lot of self-awareness to notice your own relationship patterns, and even more bravery to admit you might need to change them to live the life you want. I'm proud of you for doing that, Australia. Your relationship pattern isn't set in stone, and learning more about yourself can help you move past the hangups you mentioned, <a href="https://www.therapywithgayane.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gayane Aramayan</a>, a Los Angeles-based therapist who works with singles and couples, told me. According to Aramayan, working to understand your past relationship wounds, plus your motivations for being in a relationship now, can help you create healthier and more sustainable connections.Aramayan said that she often notices her clients will have a "honeymoon" stage of their relationship where they focus on all of the amazing things about their partner because of the <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-good-sex-matters/202102/the-rise-and-inevitable-fall-new-relationship-energy">rush of feel-good chemicals a new relationship spurs</a>. But as time passes and hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin start to level out in your body, it can feel like you're seeing certain parts of your partner, like their flaws, for the first time.According to Aramayan, the honeymoon phase usually ends after a year, but one 2015 study suggests that the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24643282/">love-dovey period can last up to two and a half years.</a> Regardless of when the honeymoon phase ends, it doesn't mean that you should ditch the relationship, Aramayan said.Instead, she suggested digging deeper into your reactions to a partner's particular "flaws."<h2>Your partner's 'flaws' could be reminders of past hurt from someone else</h2>Aramayan said that a lot of the time, our negative reactions to a partner's actions or words have nothing to do with them. Rather, we're reacting to unresolved events from our past, when our partner's behavior subconsciously reminds us of that pain or trauma."We all have different triggers and wounds, so I might react to something because it's a an open wound for me. But you might not react to it the same way because it's not a wound for you," Aramayan told me.If, for example, you grew up often feeling unheard by your parents because they cut you off while you were speaking, you could have a strong emotional reaction to a partner cutting you off during a conversation.Learning how your past is still affecting you today can help you realize when your partner's "flaw" is actually a trigger for a past wound, not a sign you're incompatible, said Aramayan.So, as you continue to get to know yourself in relationships, try to take it a step further than naming your partner's flaws. When you fixate on one, challenge yourself to pay attention to how that flaw makes you feel, Aramayan suggested. Then, share those feelings with your partner so you can come up with a solution together. Sometimes, all it takes is feeling heard, Aramayan said.She said that most people aren't taught how to handle negative emotions that come up because of their partners, so they hide their true feelings until they pile up and feel like they have to exit the relationship. But learning to face conflict with a partner head-on can create more trust and connection long-term, so it's worth the uncomfortable feelings.If, however, the flaws you mentioned are things like name-calling, yelling, or physical violence, it means your partner is being abusive, which is never OK and you should leave the relationship if you can safely, or contact the <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/">Domestic Violence Hotline.</a><h2>Ask yourself why you want a relationship</h2>You also mentioned that you never feel attracted to the people you date, but you recognize their goodness so you keep things going. Attraction doesn't have to be the instant fireworks mainstream entertainment suggests it should be. But if you're dating from a place of fear, rather than a place of security and excitement, you could be overlooking major incompatibilities until you're a year or two into a committed relationship, Aramayan said.That's why she suggested seeing a therapist, or taking time to journal or chat with a friend, about your values and true motivations for dating. If you want a lasting relationship that includes the values that are important to you — like stability, humor, family, pleasure, learning, or something else — you have to know what yours are, then date with the intention of finding someone who aligns with some of those values, Aramayan told me.If you're unsure what your values are, she suggested searching for an online list of values (there are tons, like <a href="https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/">this one</a>) and then narrowing it down to 20, then 10, then a solid three to five values."Once you get through that elimination process and really focus on your top values, it makes it easier to approach a lot of life decisions and relationships," Aramyan said. "When you have a choice to make or need clarity, ask yourself, if it's in alignment with your values. And if it's not, what can you do to improve it?"As Insider's resident sex and relationships reporter, <a href="https://www.insider.com/author/julia-naftulin" rel="">Julia Naftulin</a> is here to answer all of your questions about dating, love, and doing it — no question is too weird or taboo. Julia regularly consults a panel of health experts including relationship therapists, gynecologists, and urologists to get science-backed answers to your burning questions, with a personal twist.Have a question? <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSlh45U5pW6c4FpCh5mFutInQj6tJ5oxXrioAYmSzbQ/viewform?edit_requested=true" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fill out this anonymous form</a>. All questions will be published anonymously.<ul class="read-more-links"><li><h3>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/doing-it-right" rel="">Doing It Right</a>:</h3></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-tell-girlfriend-frustrated-over-lack-of-sex-therapist-advice2023-3" rel="">My girlfriend never wants to have sex anymore and I'm starting to feel unwanted. How can I bring this up without making the situation worse?</a><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-tell-girlfriend-frustrated-over-lack-of-sex-therapist-advice2023-3" rel=""></a><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-tell-girlfriend-frustrated-over-lack-of-sex-therapist-advice2023-3" rel=""></a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-tell-girlfriend-frustrated-over-lack-of-sex-therapist-advice2023-3" rel=""></a><a href="https://www.insider.com/boyfriend-proposed-fiance-doesnt-believe-in-marriage-therapist-advice-2022-1" rel="">My boyfriend proposed, then told me he doesn't care about marriage. Should I call off the wedding?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/toxic-ex-changed-behavior-new-relationship-with-someone-else-advice-2022-1" rel="">I left my toxic ex — then he changed his behavior for another woman. How do I stop feeling like the problem was me?</a></li></ul>

A therapist offers advice to a woman who's dating loop involves ignoring flaws and then fixating on them until a breakup

<div type="image" title="puppet with hand controlling strings" height="1500" width="2100" msid="97898182" hostid="261" sizebytes="28288"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>As a victim of abuse, it's normal to feel guilt and shame. But abuse is never deserved, a therapist said.</li><li>Abusers often use words, fights, and isolation to keep a victim in the unhealthy dynamic.</li><li>Understanding how the cycle happens and the resources available can help a victim move forward.</li></ul>Dear Julia, I've tried ending my relationship with my boyfriend many times, but he always finds a way back into my life. We've known each other for six years. For awhile, I thought he was loving and caring but misunderstood. But now I see that he's an alcoholic and verbally and emotionally abusive. I can get really scared of him because he's a big guy, although he hasn't physically abused me yet. We've lived in my apartment together since February. He's retired and stays in bed until 2 pm most days, then spends the rest of the day watching television. He's emotionally unstable, so I have to tiptoe around him, act patient, and keep listening to his promises that he will quit drinking and get healthy. But he's getting worse. He's so smooth and manipulative. He blames me for not taking care of his needs and requests and shames me for how I take care of my handicapped grandchild. I'm also in debt for over $30,000 after I opened a credit card under my name for our shared expenses, which he suggested. We maxed it out, and he refuses to help pay off the debt.Over email, I finally told him to leave my house and said I don't want to see him. He claims that he's been paying rent and I can't kick him out, and also tells me he has nowhere to go. One moment he says he loves me, then the next he says he's my tenant and I'm the one who is crazy. What am I supposed to do?- CaliforniaDear California,I'm sorry you're experiencing verbal and emotional abuse from someone you love. You shouldn't have to worry about your safety in your own home.There are certainly legal steps you can take to get your abusive boyfriend out of your home. But before we get into logistics, it's important to check in on your mental health and find ways for you to feel supported outside of your romantic relationship.Victims of abuse often harbor feelings of guilt and shame over their situations, which can prevent them from leaving their abusive relationships for good, <a href="https://www.healhaus.com/practitioners/naiylah-m-warren-lmft/">Naiylah Warren</a>, a licensed therapist and clinical content manager for mental health support app <a href="http://ec2-52-33-3-241.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/x/d?c=27619478&amp;l=2a923f7f-1916-4c8e-8ca5-1cc33bf56eb5&amp;r=78453386-94c6-4f3c-8ce8-868b20f0be88" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Real,</a> told me. These feelings, or the idea that a victim of abuse deserves and should endure that unacceptable treatment, can pop up for multiple reasons, according to Warren.First, a partner experiencing abuse may feel stuck because they're isolated from their circle of loved ones. If a victim of abuse spends less time with their family and friends, and more time with the person who they love but who abuses them, the victim may begin to believe they deserve the situation.This can happen slowly, as many abusive relationships start on good terms but devolve when one partner takes control of a living situation, finances, or other aspect of your day-to-day life, Warren said. And if a victim feels like their abuser has become their closest emotional support, it can feel impossible to find a new confidante.She added that substance abuse is another common reason a relationship can start as loving then become abusive.You mentioned how your boyfriend has manipulated you with his words and made you feel poorly for not taking care of him and your family. According to Warren, when an abuser uses this type of shaming rhetoric, it's a way to make a victim feel like they deserve unacceptable treatment so that they stay around.If the abuse has been going on for awhile, a victim might also brace for big arguments, leading an abuser to incite a fight. Often, they'll end the fight by begging that they'll change or by making excuses for their behavior, Warren said. This cycle can make a victim feel like if they can just endure the bad parts of the relationship, they can get back to the "honeymoon phase," but that isn't a healthy dynamic, said Warren.Finally, if a victim is concerned the abuse could turn from verbal to physical, they may decide it's easier to stay an appease their abusive partner than leave with the fear of their safety, according to Warren.All of this to say, you don't deserve any of what you're experiencing. I'm sure you know that, but knowing is easier than getting out and moving forward.When Warren works with victims of abuse, she first makes sure their physical safety isn't in imminent danger. If it is, they create an action plan, which includes a trusted person the victim can call when they feel unsafe and a place they can go for safety their abuser doesn't know about.According to Warren, local domestic violence centers, which you can find through the <a href="https://www.thehotline.org/">National Domestic Violence Hotline</a>, often provide legal assistance for abuse situations, plus housing options if a victim's home is no longer safe for them. If your boyfriend won't leave, your local center can provide you with options for next steps.No matter the course of action you decide to take, please remember you're not alone and none of this is your fault. You need and deserve help and love. I hope you take care of yourself and find it.As Insider's resident sex and relationships reporter, <a href="https://www.insider.com/author/julia-naftulin" rel="">Julia Naftulin</a> is here to answer all of your questions about dating, love, and doing it — no question is too weird or taboo. Julia regularly consults a panel of health experts including relationship therapists, gynecologists, and urologists to get science-backed answers to your burning questions, with a personal twist.Have a question? <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zSlh45U5pW6c4FpCh5mFutInQj6tJ5oxXrioAYmSzbQ/viewform?edit_requested=true" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fill out this anonymous form</a>. All questions will be published anonymously.<ul class="read-more-links"><li><h3>Related coverage from <a href="https://www.insider.com/category/doing-it-right" rel="">Doing It Right</a>:</h3></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-find-love-without-dating-apps-2019-6" rel="">I've used dating apps for years and still can't find the long-term relationship I want. Is it possible to find love offline?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-to-do-if-you-dont-like-in-laws-2019-5" rel="">My in-laws drive me up a wall, but my partner loves spending time with them. How can I make the experience bearable?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/bipolar-diagnosis-in-relationship-how-to-cope-2019-6" rel="">My partner was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. How can I be supportive of them without getting sucked into their lows?</a></li></ul>

My boyfriend is manipulative and verbally abusive, but I can't get him to move out. What can I do?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After staying home for nearly 2 years, many people are ready to take a long-awaited vacation.</li><li>Pent-up demand has travelers eager to book, but flights and hotels are often expensive or booked up.</li></ul>After spending two years at home, Los Angeles-based event producer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bespokeboheme/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Kate Mazzuca</a> was vaccinated, vacation-starved, and ready to <keyword id="11896628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="travel" source="Orion">travel</keyword> again. But even though she started searching months ahead of her proposed travel dates this winter, she was shocked by the results."I set my sights on a sunny locale and thought <keyword id="11940260" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hawaii" source="Orion">Hawaii</keyword> would be ideal, but it was unbelievably cost-prohibitive," she told Insider. "It was $1,000 a night for a hotel 10 minutes from the beach." She next looked into the <keyword id="11922283" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="caribbean" source="Orion">Caribbean</keyword>, but found prices also in the thousands. If you've tried to book a trip recently, you might recognize your own experience in Mazzuca's search, either from a lack of availability or eye-popping prices that translate to total nonstarters.Here's why and where travel and hospitality experts say that's happening, and what you can do to get around it.<div type="image" title="St. Petersburg, Florida." height="724" width="965" msid="88321656" hostid="261"></div><h2>Travel demand is highly concentrated right now around domestic, warm-weather destinations</h2><a href="https://www.allianzworldwidepartners.com/usa/media-room/2021/holiday-travel-increases-more-than-a-third" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Recent research</a> from travel insurance company <a href="https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Allianz Partners</a>, which reviewed four million round-trip itineraries from US airports for a period in December, found that 87 percent of them were for domestic travel, compared with just 13 percent for international travel.It's a trend that Willis Orlando, the senior product operations specialist at <a href="https://scottscheapflights.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Scott's Cheap Flights</a>, is seeing as well. Orlando spends his days analyzing flight prices and told Insider that domestic airfare is still <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2021/11/11/flight-prices-take-off-as-us-air-travel-nears-pre-pandemic-levels/?sh=413ba7e91eec" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored">down slightly in price</a> from pre-pandemic levels overall, even in the face of rising inflation. But he acknowledges that for the most popular destinations, airfare can feel very expensive."Demand is highly concentrated at the moment," he said. "It has surged on domestic and short-haul international leisure routes. If you're traveling at a peak time [such as the holiday season], you're going to be fighting with a lot of other folks for those tickets, which can result in higher prices."<div type="image" title="disney world" height="1353" width="1803" msid="88321658" hostid="261"></div><h2>Specifically, travelers are very interested in places like Miami, Maui, Disney, or the Caribbean, and are prepared to pay for it</h2>Brandon Berkson helms the trip-planning service <a href="https://hotelsabovepar.com/book-your-trip-with-hap-concierge/">HAP Concierge</a>, which customizes boutique and unique travel itineraries for generally affluent Americans between ages 25 and 44. He told Insider many of his clients want to travel to New York City, Miami, Maui, Sedona, and Disney parks."Domestic destinations with year-round appeal for families who are not ready for international travel, or have kids who are unable to get vaccinated, are seeing the highest rates," he said. "The focus is on outdoor or beach destinations, Disney, and a high desire for escapism." Additionally, many popular, close-to-home locations in the Caribbean and <keyword id="11933000" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mexico" source="Orion">Mexico</keyword> that are easily accessible by nonstop flights are seeing high prices and low availability."Anything that's less than a five-hour flight from major US metros, in particular, places with a beach, will be particularly challenging this winter," warned Henley Vazquez, travel advisor and co-founder of <a href="https://www.foratravel.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Fora</a>, a tech-driven startup travel agency.<div type="image" title="Mexico wedding" height="1001" width="1334" msid="88321660" hostid="261"></div><h2>Deferred major life milestones like weddings and honeymoons are driving an uptick in luxury leisure travel</h2>Another factor is all the once-in-a-lifetime events that were deferred due to the pandemic, like destination weddings and honeymoons. These types of trips are expensive, and often in desirable areas like Hawaii, Mexico, or the Caribbean. And yet, so many people are waiting for their turn."We've seen incredible demand for stays centered around delayed celebrations, primarily weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, and babymoons," explained Brad Packer, director of PR and communications for the <a href="https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora</a>.Anastasia Stevenson, a destination wedding planner with <a href="https://www.coastalcreativeweddings.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Coastal Creative Event Design</a>, told Insider that couples are traveling in large numbers both as a way to finally execute on plans postponed earlier in the pandemic and also as part of an industry trend toward destination events."Destination weddings have become more popular than ever and couples are traveling either to cut costs by keeping their guest counts smaller, or to have an elaborate celebration in a beautiful locale with family and friends," she said. "After two years on lockdown, everyone is ready to travel."This trend is impacting hotel bookings, and, correspondingly, rates."To stay safely distanced from strangers during the pandemic, couples are choosing a destination hotel venue. This way they can have their wedding and reception and guests take over a hotel and have limited interaction with others for the event," Stevenson said. "So many couples are traveling to destination wedding spots and not only are we seeing complete weekends booked, we are seeing bookings for destination weddings in the morning hours and even mid-week at hotel venues."HAP Concierge's John Beeler's experience dovetails with Stevenson's assessment of the wedding business, as well as Packer's observations in Bora Bora."We have seen a huge increase in clients seeking private accommodation — villa bookings have grown 350 percent since the travel recovery began," he said. "Most often, clients are looking for villas operated by Four Seasons, Rosewood, or similar high-touch operators. They want the option to go to the beach, or head to dinner at the restaurant, but then retreat back to their own world where they can attend remote work/school sessions, and otherwise be safely ensconced."<div type="image" title="Family wearing masks travels through the airport." height="2157" width="2876" msid="88321662" hostid="261"></div><h2>The Omicron variant is a concern, but it isn't crashing demand for travel ... yet</h2>Industry insiders we spoke to said that although the Omicron variant raises the specter of another potential COVID travel crisis, many remain undeterred, at least for the time being. Indeed, a <a href="https://scottscheapflights.com/guides/christmas-travel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">new survey among 2 million Scott's Cheap Flights members</a> found as many as 87 percent planned to go ahead with travel plans. "The vast majority of our clients are proceeding with confidence," said Beeler. "They are vaccinated, often boostered, have stayed at home long enough, and are taking necessary precautions."If that's you too, you might want to follow Beeler's advice to his clients, which includes purchasing newly expansive travel insurance policies and booking hotels with on-site testing.Just be sure to first understand what your travel insurance does and does not cover if you're going to buy it."Travel insurance, like all insurance, is very situational and buyers need to understand what is and is not covered before purchasing," said Rob DelliBovi, luxury travel advisor and founder of <a href="https://www.rdbvip..com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">RDB Hospitality</a>. "The new COVID policies on the market are treated much like other health-related travel insurance in the past. They will cover you should you get, and more importantly prove, that you have COVID-19."But these policies won't cover you if you simply choose not to travel due to concern over COVID risk. "There must be either official regulation in place, or you must have a doctor's note and positive test saying you cannot go," he told Insider. That's why many people are now seeking what's known as, cancel for any reason insurance. "This insurance is more expensive, only covers a portion of the traveler expense (usually half), and has limitations on when you can cancel," he said.DelliBovi underscored that policies that offer coverage if you get sick while traveling will require testing from a reputable company (home testing does not count), and, if positive, can assist with alternate arrangements required regarding travel.<div type="image" title="Female traveler Europe face mask" height="1414" width="1885" msid="88321665" hostid="261"></div><h2>If you still want to travel now, here's how to make it happen</h2>As daunting as current conditions might feel, it's possible to book an affordable trip.First, be as flexible as possible with the calendar. "Flexibility is your best friend, particularly when flying on a super-popular domestic or short-haul international route," Orlando said.For the best prices, Orlando advises flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, rather than a Monday or Friday. If you're looking to travel around the winter holidays, consider either flying on Christmas Day or in early January, when prices fall substantially.If your ideal destination is out of reach, consider nearby cities.For instance, if you're having trouble finding cheap flights or hotels in popular Caribbean locales, "take a look at Belize or Panama," Orlando said. "Airlines have added capacity there, but crowds are generally smaller and prices can be lower than Cancun or the Dominican Republic. Similarly, instead of Cabo, try Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, or even Liberia, Costa Rica, which are all great beach destinations that are likely to be less crowded and expensive than Cabo."Vazquez also suggests if you're willing to make longer, less convenient journeys, you might find better deals."I prefer a nonstop like anyone else, but I'll do an easy layover if it brings down the cost of my flight significantly," she said. "That and early-morning flights, which may help you avoid delays on a busy travel day."When it comes to lodging, Vazquez says to try new hotels. "Resorts that have just opened face stiff competition, and may offer free nights or promotions to secure business while they aren't as well-known," she said. She further suggested properties with residential-style accommodations that come with full kitchens and laundry to offset the costs "For families, a two-bedroom apartment set-up usually comes out cheaper than the suites or connecting rooms."Vazquez's biggest piece of advice? Things probably aren't going to change anytime soon. "Don't expect the rollercoaster of a news cycle to change anything for the cheaper, since everyone is now busy rebooking their international trips in favor of spots closer to home," she said.So, no, it's not just you. Planning a trip right now is likely to induce sticker shock. But it's doable with some finesse, flexibility, and a loosening of the purse strings.

It's basically impossible to book a vacation right now

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12154119" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="johnny-depp" source="Orion">Johnny Depp</keyword>'s house manager described finding the actor's severed finger in a bloody paper towel.</li><li>The fate of Depp's right middle finger is a matter of dispute in his trial against ex-wife <keyword id="12154120" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="amber-heard" source="Orion">Amber Heard</keyword>.</li></ul>Johnny Depp's house manager testified at the actor's defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard on Monday, testifying about finding his finger wrapped in a bloody paper towel on the floor of his house in Australia."There was a scrunched-up piece of kitchen paper with lots of blood on it," Ben King, the manager, testified using a British term for paper towels. "So I thought that was probably a pretty good place to look."The fateful <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-medical-testifies-finger-cut-off-amber-heard-trial-2022-4">night that part of Depp's right middle finger got chopped off</a> has become a focal point of the trial. It happened on March 7, 2015, while Depp and Heard were living in a house on an island in Australia during the filming of the fifth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie.The two had gotten into an argument — and it got violent.How part of the finger ended up separated from the rest of the hand, exactly, is a point of dispute.In court documents, Heard <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-testifies-wouldnt-cut-finger-off-as-guitar-player-2022-4">alleged Depp cut it off himself</a> by "slamming a hard plastic phone against the wall." King testified on Monday that he didn't see any damaged phones the night he found the finger.According to Depp, Heard threw a glass vodka bottle at him, which shattered on his hand and did the severing.<h2>'I felt as if something were dripping down my hand'</h2>Depp sued Heard in March 2019, <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-amber-heard-domestic-abuse-defamation-trial-virginia-2022-4">alleging she defamed him by describing herself as a victim of domestic violence</a> in a Washington Post op-ed. The truth, according to Depp, is that Heard frequently physically and verbally abused him throughout their relationship up until their divorce in 2016.Heard has denied the claims and countersued, alleging Depp often abused her while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. She also alleged that the damage to Depp's finger came at the tail of a three-day bender where he beat her multiple times.Earlier in the trial, David Kipper, a doctor, and Debbie Lloyd, a nurse, <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-medical-testifies-finger-cut-off-amber-heard-trial-2022-4">both testified about the night of the missing finger</a>. Depp hired the two to treat him for what he described as an opioid addiction he developed after being prescribed painkillers to deal with a leg injury.After his finger was cut off, Depp texted Kipper."I cut the top of my middle finger off. What should I do? Except of course go to a hospital," he wrote. "I'm so embarrassed for jumping into anything with her."<div type="image" title="johnny depp amber heard trial" height="1666" width="2222" msid="91086162" hostid="261"></div>Depp testified later in the trial that the text — as well as the stories Depp told other doctors about getting the finger cut on an accordion door — was told <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-amber-heard-in-trouble-after-finger-sliced-off-2022-4">to avoid getting Heard into trouble</a>. Other text messages suggesting he cut it off himself were jokes or exaggerations, he said. He also testified that <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-testifies-wouldnt-cut-finger-off-as-guitar-player-2022-4">he would never cut his own finger off because he loves playing the guitar too much</a>."I honestly didn't feel the pain at first, what I felt was heat, and I felt as if something were dripping down my hand," Depp testified earlier in the trial, describing the experience. "Then I looked down and realized that the tip of my finger had been severed, and I was looking directly at my bones sticking out and the meaty portion of the inside of your finger."<h2>A bloody paper towel</h2>King, testifying on Monday after Depp finished his own four-day stint on the stand, said he worked for Depp in 2015 and 2016. He said that he — like other members of Depp's entourage — was staying at other houses a short distance away during the Australia trip. He arrived on the scene after <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-medical-testifies-finger-cut-off-amber-heard-trial-2022-4">Kipper had already sent Depp to the hospital</a>."I spoke to David Kipper, who was in the kitchen area, seemingly rummaging through a bin," King testified. "He said Mr. Depp had sustained an injury to his finger, one of his fingers, and he was looking for the fingertip that had been severed."King offered his help to find the finger and went downstairs to look for it. He observed the damage to the house — a chunk taken out of the marble staircase, a smashed potted plant, a collapsed ping pong table, and a lot of broken glass on the floor.By the house's "bar area," he said, he found a bloody paper towel. Inside it was the tip of the middle finger from Depp's right hand."It was within that scrunched-up piece of paper on the tiled floor at the end of the bar, the base of the bar, by one of the bar stools," King testified.<div type="image" title="Ben King johnny depp amber heard trial" height="1666" width="2223" msid="91086163" hostid="261"></div>Around the bar, King saw cans and art supplies strewn about and more wreckage, including another chunk taken out of the marble bar, broken mirrors everywhere, a cracked TV, and a perfectly good cream couch ruined by streaks of blood."On the floor, around the area, there were puddles of what smelled like alcohol to me," King said. "There were seemed like several drinking glasses, and a couple of bottles, one was a Stolichnaya vodka bottle."King also said he found "other bodily fluids" in the mess but did not elaborate.King said he shouted "I found it!" after finding the finger and went upstairs with the finger and put it in a plastic bag with ice. He handed the container to Kipper and one of Depp's bodyguards, who drove it to the hospital to see if it could be reattached, he said.Heard, King said, was "hysterical" that night. He volunteered to fly with her back to her home in Los Angeles, and the two left Australia the next day, he said.King then flew back to the house in Australia where he led the cleanup operation and worked with contractors to "get the house back to what it was originally," he said.Depp, meanwhile, saw a specialist in Australia who helped reassemble his finger. Since his hand was bandaged, <a href="https://www.insider.com/johnny-depp-cgi-finger-pirates-of-the-caribbean-amber-heard-2022-4">Disney visual effects artists used computer-generated imagery</a> to make it look like he had a "normal finger" in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales," which was released in 2017, he testified.Eventually, both Depp and Heard returned to the house as Depp continued filming the movie. The couple was "pleasant, almost honeymoon-like," King said.And then, he said, they started arguing again.

'I found it!': Johnny Depp's house manager described discovering the actor's severed finger on the floor of his trashed house

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-travel-ban-americans-coronavirus-2020-6">European Union is said to be planning to bar American travelers</a> because of the large numbers of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in the US.</li><li>The travel restrictions, which could be the first of many as countries begin to emerge from <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/covid-19">COVID-19</a> lockdowns, would reportedly be reevaluated every two weeks.</li><li>While US <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/airlines">airlines</a> are seeing a small <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-airlines-july-domestic-admirals-club-lounges-interview-2020-6">improvement in domestic travel demand</a>, additional delays for international travel would compound troubles for some of the nation's biggest <keyword id="44023" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="airlines">airlines</keyword>.</li></ul>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/europe-travel-ban-americans-coronavirus-2020-6">European Union's reported plans to bar American travelers</a> would certainly come as a disappointment to quarantine-weary globetrotters looking to get back out into the world.The plans are expected to be announced next week and reviewed every two weeks after that. For some US airlines, the ban could portend a slower, more painful slog as they try to recover from their pandemic woes.With much of the world still in the early phases of reopening from lockdowns, the most robust travel activity is happening domestically in the US. Despite a resurgence of the virus in parts of the country, that stateside demand has come from leisure travelers and people looking to visit friends and relatives after months spent quarantining apart.For some airlines, this has been easy to capitalize on.Southwest, for example, is primarily a domestic airline, and its few international destinations are largely within the greater region, such as Central America or Mexico.<keyword id="1702946" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Allegiant-Air">Allegiant Air</keyword>, similarly, flies mostly within the US. It operates with a point-to-point model, eschewing hubs, which allows it to adjust quickly as demand pops up in new places during the recovery — or as demand drops for certain areas because of spikes in cases.For the so-called big three — American, Delta, and United — the situation is bleaker.The airlines all operate substantial domestic networks and have been adjusting their plans and business models to focus on maximizing those.Those airlines are still largely reliant on revenue from international flying, however, and often use those domestic networks to feed into international hubs."The domestic and international businesses have diverged meaningfully," Vasu Raja, who heads network and route planning for American, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-airlines-july-domestic-admirals-club-lounges-interview-2020-6">said in an earlier interview with Business Insider</a>. "Though we're increasingly more optimistic about the sustainability of domestic, international looks like a much different proposition.""While we're still early in our planning, we are planning for a much different and much more reimagined international network for <keyword id="88011" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="american-airlines">American Airlines</keyword>," he said.Based on rising domestic demand, American plans to operate 55% of its domestic capacity in July, compared with the same month in 2019. In April, the airline flew about 20% of its domestic capacity, and in May it flew about 25%, according to Raja.However, American expects to fly only 20% of its international capacity, and load factors are expected to be low.While the airlines can certainly continue to court domestic flyers, a true recovery would be impossible without international travel.One reason is that airlines see their highest margins of any ticket type with premium-cabin seats on international flights. Ticket sales in premium cabins like business class on international flights offer significantly higher returns than economy seats, whether domestic or international.Additionally, upsells and other ancillary fees generate significant revenue for airlines, and more opportunities exist on the longer international flights, which are usually flown with bigger planes. For instance, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-2019-performance-insights-us-airlines-2020-1">Delta earned $15 billion</a> for premium products and upgrades in 2019, while the big three made almost $3.4 billion in checked-bag fees in 2019, according to the Bureau of <keyword id="34991" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="transportation">Transportation</keyword> Statistics.Business travel is crucial for the bigger airlines. Even though business travelers make up just 15% to 20% of the airlines' traffic, they account for about half of their revenue, analysts say.A major reason is that people traveling on the company dime tend to be less sensitive to price than leisure travelers. They'll often buy tickets closer to the travel date, when fares go up, if an in-person meeting or appearance is essential.Unlike the relative handful of wealthy leisure travelers and honeymooners splurging on a special treat, most business-class passengers are business travelers, whose companies are willing to pay for them to be more comfortable and better rested after a flight. It's an effort to keep worker productivity high.So far, corporate travel has not begun to meaningfully return, and is not expected to for some time, according to Andrew Didora, an airline analyst with Bank of America, in a recent research note.Business travel has been slow to return in China, which entered lockdown about two months ahead of the US and is much further along in its recovery.Additionally, concerns about exposure or liability are likely to continue holding back business travel until there's a vaccine for <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword>. Even a partial return is unlikely before offices fully reopen, Didora wrote.To all this, the possibility of additional travel bans, or an escalating tit-for-tat between countries, has industry insiders concerned."The public health is still the number one concern around the world right now," Tori Emerson Barnes, the executive vice president of public affairs and policy for the trade group US Travel, told Business Insider in an emailed statement. "But bans like these have a tendency to devolve into cycles of political retaliation, which is the last thing the global economy needs as we're trying to start a recovery."Representatives for American, Delta, and United referred to Airlines for America, an industry trade and lobbying group representing most major airlines, for comment.In a statement, a representative for the trade group stressed that carriers were eager to return to their normal schedules."The US airline industry is anxious to resume service to Europe and internationally at large," Katherine Estep, a representative for the group, said in an emailed statement. "We will continue to work with governments globally to restore service in a manner that prioritizes the wellbeing of our passengers and employees."Experts have predicted that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airline-industry-after-coronvirus-when-will-it-recover-bankruptcy-layoffs-2020-4">it will take up to five years for airlines to fully recover</a> to 2019 levels of flying and demand.Ultimately, airlines that have built their business models around international travel will continue to struggle, even as domestic travel returns."While the recovery is good, we are far away from anything that can sustain the business over a long time," Raja, the head of network planning at American, said in the earlier interview.

A European travel ban on Americans could be a sign of disastrous things to come for US airlines

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/koreanet/5983298210">Republic of Korea / Flickr</a>Jeju Island, South Korea.</div></div></div>What would you think was the most popular air route in the world?New York to LA? London to Paris? Beijing to Shanghai?Chances are your first guess wasn't the domestic from Seoul to Jeju, the capital of Jejudo island in South Korea. Last year saw over 11 million people make the trip between the two cities - the next busiest air route, Tokyo to Sapporo, didn't even come close with just under eight million passengers.South Korean domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju are so popular that you can board one <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jeju-do/planning-a-trip/getting-there">every 15 minutes</a>. According to <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/jeju/seoul/@35.5070017,124.4948281,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x350ce3544cc84045:0x66bc36d2981ebf31!2m2!1d126.4983023!2d33.4890113!1m5!1m1!1s0x357ca28b61c565cd:0x858aedb4e4ea83eb!2m2!1d126.9779692!2d37.566535">Google</a>, there are around 200 flights that make the journey in either direction every day.So - why? What's drawing absurd numbers of Koreans to this mysterious island? First of all, it's not just Koreans that can't resist the lure of Jejudo - in 2014, Chinese travel giant <a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-07/13/c_133480707.htm">Ctrip</a> announced that Jeju was behind the spike in Chinese tourists visiting the Republic of Korea.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/koreanet/5983290258/">Republic of Korea / Flickr</a></div></div></div>The Chinese, in particular, are flocking to the island because of its <a href="http://qz.com/233985/south-korea-visa-free-jeju-island-has-become-a-chinese-tourism-gold-mine/">visa-free entry requirements</a> and abundance of casinos (which are banned in China).Most of the tourism, however, is domestic. Jeju is often touted as the <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2014/04/16/travel/jeju-island-introduction/">"Hawaii of South Korea,"</a> and honeymooners and holidaymakers come here by the bucket/plane load to bask in Jeju's natural beauty.<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/south-koreas-jeju-island-paradise-with-a-dark-side/2012/04/19/gIQAVlFaVT_story.html?utm_term=.8883c97bbf70">According to locals</a>, though, Jeju has a dark side.In 1948, an uprising led by communist sympathisers was violently repressed by the Korean government and US military. 30,000 islanders died and many more were subject to atrocities due to the uprising. Today, many people arrive under the umbrella of "dark tourism" - to experience the harrowing history of the island via places like the 4.3 Peace Park memorial.These pictures offer at look at why Jeju welcomes millions of visitors every year, whatever their intention:

The world's busiest air route is between Seoul and an island you've probably never heard of

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Trump-Aide-Resigns/76ba4bd62f4545aaa131d9c0e761a00b/117/0">AP Photo/Evan Vucci</a>White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, left, walks with former White House staff secretary Rob Porter on Nov. 29, 2017.</div></div></div><ul><li>White House chief of staff John Kelly has come under fire for his defense of Rob Porter, who resigned as White House staff secretary Wednesday after his two ex-wives publicly accused him of domestic abuse.</li><li>Trump administration officials are reportedly "in disbelief" at Kelly's defense of the staffer, and lawmakers are demanding he explain himself or resign.</li><li>Kelly, along with the FBI, apparently knew of the allegations against Porter months ago.</li><li>Once a respected voice of reason in the White House, the credibility Kelly once held in the administration has plunged.</li></ul> In the wake of White House staff secretary Rob Porter's resignation on Wednesday amid <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rob-porter-resigns-abuse-wives-white-house-2018-2">multiple accusations</a> of domestic abuse, White House chief of staff John Kelly has found himself ensnared in the mounting scandal.A growing chorus of West Wing staffers and Republicans have begun to question why he came out to bat for Porter - and whether Kelly had known about the allegations against him.At first, Kelly defended Porter after his second ex-wife Jennifer Willoughby <a href="https://www.axios.com/white-house-staff-secetary-rob-porter-resigns-abuse-allegations-9bf97afb-a59f-409f-ba74-8fb7aee20b65.html">accused him</a> of emotional and physical abuse.Kelly called Porter "a man of true integrity and honor and I can't say enough good things about him. He is a friend, a confidante and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him."On Wednesday, Porter's first ex-wife Colbie Holderness came out with <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5362823/Ex-wife-WH-aide-dating-Hope-Hicks-says-choked-her.html">accusations of her own</a> against Porter that included domestic battery and verbal abuse on their honeymoon. She backed up her claims with a photo of a black eye she said Porter gave her.Kelly, who had worked closely with Porter for several months, then issued a statement speaking out against domestic abuse in general without specifically condemning Porter himself."I was shocked by the new allegations released today against Rob Porter," Kelly <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rob-porter-resigns-abuse-allegations-john-kelly-white-house-2018-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>. "There is no place for domestic violence in our society."But several White House officials are reportedly doubting Kelly's judgment in the case, and questioning why Kelly has emerged as a defender of some of the administration's most controversial issues."It's beyond disbelief," one former White House official <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/02/john-kelly-defense-of-rob-porter-roils-the-west-wing">told Vanity Fair</a>. "Everyone is trying to figure out why Kelly is leading the charge to save him."A Republican close to the administration was also confused."How many times has Kelly put out a statement defending Trump?" that person told the magazine.<h2>Kelly was reportedly aware of a protective order against Porter</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Evan Vucci/APPorter (center) in the Oval Office with Trump and former chief of staff Reince Priebus.</div></div></div>Although Porter was not someone who was widely recognized outside the White House, he had become an increasingly powerful figure in the West Wing.He was responsible for controlling all the documents that got to President Donald Trump's desk, including classified information.But Porter never got a permanent security clearance to handle this sort of information, and the reason was <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/john-kelly-rob-porter/552704/">directly related</a> to his alleged abuse, The Atlantic reported.During a press conference on Thursday, White House Principal Deputy Secretary Raj Shah, who called the allegations against Porter "serious and disturbing," said Porter's background check had not yet been finished while he was serving in the Oval Office."[Porter's] background investigation was ongoing he was operating on a limited security clearance. His clearance was never denied, and he resigned," Shah said.In 2010, Porter was handed a protection order against him as a result of his wives' allegations, which Kelly was well aware of, one senior member of the administration told <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/07/white-house-aide-rob-porter-resigns-after-allegations-from-ex-wives-397407">Politico</a>. Although Kelly had considered pressuring Porter to leave his role, according to that official, he never did.<h2>A muddled White House response</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image">Alex Brandon/APRob Porter with White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who was on vacation Thursday.</div></div></div>Shah told reporters that Kelly had only become "fully aware" of the allegations against Porter on Wednesday, and that he had chosen to defend Porter on Tuesday based on his personal interactions with the staff secretary.He also implied that Kelly and Trump were unconvinced by the claims about Porter's misconduct until photographic evidence emerged corroborating it on Wednesday, because they believed Porter when he denied the accusations.Shah did admit that the White House could have been handled the situation better."I think it's fair to say that we all could have done better over the last few days in dealing with the situation," he said, "but this was a Rob Porter that many of us dealt with, and the emerging reports were not reflective of the individual we had come to know."The FBI, which vetted Porter before he took on his White House role, was also aware of the abuse allegations after both Willoughby and Holderness informed them of Porter's behavior, according to <a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/02/07/rob-porter-wives-abuse-trump-aide/">The Intercept</a>.Despite Shah's insistence the Trump "maintains full confidence" in Kelly, a report by <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2018/02/trump-rob-porter-hope-hicks-john-kelly">Vanity Fair</a> indicates that Trump had become furious with members of his staff after the severity of the Porter allegations became clear.Kelly <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hope-hicks-trump-under-scrutiny-rob-porter-2018-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">isn't the only one in hot water</a>, according to the report - his advisers Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and communications director <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hope-hicks-bio-trump-spokeswoman-2017-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hope Hicks</a>, who is <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/hope-hicks-boyfriend-and-white-house-romances-2018-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly dating Porter</a>, have also drawn the president's ire.<h2>Calls are growing for Kelly to resign</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_left"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://pictures.reuters.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&amp;VBID=2C0BXZM8L4HQ0&amp;SMLS=1&amp;RW=1921&amp;RH=877#/SearchResult&amp;VBID=2C0BXZM8L4HQ0&amp;SMLS=1&amp;RW=1921&amp;RH=877&amp;POPUPPN=6&amp;POPUPIID=2C0BF1XO6OGX3">Jonathan Ernst/Reuters</a>Kelly walks with Porter on November 29, 2017.</div></div></div>Soon after the revelations about Kelly's knowledge of Porter's alleged abuse surfaced, numerous lawmakers have stepped forward to call on the retired general to resign.Democratic Sen. John Tester said if Kelly can't explain his inaction on the issue, he does not deserve to serve in the White House."If John Kelly is covering this up, he needs to be held accountable," Tester <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/08/politics/jon-tester-rob-porter-cnntv/index.html?sr=twCNNp020818jon-tester-rob-porter-cnntv0925AMVODtop&amp;CNNPolitics=Tw">told</a> CNN on Thursday. "He better have a really good reason. Otherwise, he's gone, too."Four House Democrats <a href="https://twitter.com/funder/status/961685371133349888">penned a letter</a> to Kelly on Thursday, saying they were "troubled" by the media reports about his lack of action on Porter, and demanded that he explain how much he knew about Porter, and when."Everything about these troubling reports violates American moral values, ethical principles, and core tenants of national security," the letter read. "It is imperative that Congress and the American people construct a clear timeline of events in order to preserve the integrity of the Office of the President."Republican Sen. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, meanwhile, said he thought Kelly's job was safe for now."I don't see the confidence in Gen. Kelly being diminished within the West Wing," he <a href="https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/08/rob-porter-resignation-mark-meadows-reaction-398191" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Politico</a>. "But we can have zero tolerance for this kind of behavior."<h2>General under fire</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Trump/c322763dac0b49d48ee7dc366b3ecc4b/26/0">AP Photo/Andrew Harnikhttp://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Trump/c322763dac0b49d48ee7dc366b3ecc4b/26/0</a>Kelly, left, White House chief economic adviser Gary Cohn, center, and Porter arrive at Andrews Air Force Base on Feb. 1, 2018.</div></div></div>Kelly's response to the Porter allegations came on the heels of another slip-up.On Tuesday, Kelly argued against an extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, saying children of undocumented immigrants should have registered during the Obama administration were "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/john-kelly-trump-not-extend-daca-deadline-march-2018-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">too lazy to get off their asses</a>."He repeated the comments to the press even after Democrats berated him for the statement in a private session, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/06/politics/kelly-confronted-immigration-meeting-lazy-comments/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN reported</a>. Some have gone as far to <a href="https://twitter.com/maggieNYT/status/961281256083349504">accuse</a> Kelly of playing on derogatory stereotypes about immigrants in his statement.In January, Trump <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tweets-john-kelly-fantastic-job-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tamped down rumors</a> that he was <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-john-kelly-replacement-white-house-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">looking for a new chief of staff</a> after Kelly told Fox <keyword id="6355005" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="News">News</keyword> that Trump "changed his attitude" toward his long-promised wall after being told by experts that there were places along the US-Mexico border where "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-hated-john-kelly-saying-border-wall-views-evolved-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a wall would not be realistic</a>."Kelly became Trump's chief of staff in July, following a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/who-has-trump-fired-so-far-james-comey-sean-spicer-michael-flynn-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chaotic series of staff departures</a> that included the ousting of Kelly's predecessor Reince Priebus, the resignation of press secretary Sean Spicer, and the firing of communications director Anthony Scaramucci.Some in the White House have even given him the nickname "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-nickname-john-kelly-the-church-lady-2017-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Church lady</a>" because of how strict the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/who-is-john-kelly-marine-general-homeland-security-white-house-chief-of-staff-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired four-star Marine general</a> is.Kelly routes the president's calls through him first, and Trump's friends have to make official appointments to visit the Oval Office.His move from homeland security secretary to White House chief of staff was part of a push to enact order in the West Wing, where Trump was accustomed to accepting spontaneous, freewheeling meetings and phone calls. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/black-lives-matter-cofounder-on-how-to-really-make-america-great-patrisse-cullors-trayvon-martin-2018-2">How to make America great - according to one of the three cofounders of Black Lives Matter</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

A firestorm is engulfing John Kelly in the wake of the mounting Rob Porter scandal

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">APTesla CEO Elon Musk walks onto the stage to introduce the Model Y at the company's design studio Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Hawthorne, Calif.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>During the last few months, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/tesla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tesla</a> CEO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/elon-musk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elon Musk</a> has shut down stores, lowered prices, had layoffs, pivoted the business, and raised billions but none of it seems to be able to restore investor faith in Tesla.</li><li>The company's stock is down by around a quarter since the start of 2019.</li><li>What's more, it doesn't look like any of Tesla's lines of business are going to provide the revenue to grow it out of its financial troubles, and there may be more legal troubles on the horizon.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul> Tesla just raised $2.7 billion and it still looks desperate as - once again - financial and legal questions surrounding its survival mount.This is in large part because it seems the market could not care less about this $2.7 billion - or $2.3 billion net of hedging and fees to be precise. Over the last month, Tesla's stock has fallen by around a quarter while analysts up and down Wall Street have been chopping stock price targets and forward-looking estimates at a steady clip. Wedbush Securities called it a <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tesla-stock-price-tumbles-after-wedbush-says-facing-code-red-situaiton-2019-5-1028214731">"code red."</a> Evercore said Tesla can only justify its current valuation with "supernatural growth."This is all to say that Tesla should be enjoying a post capital raise honeymoon with Wall Street, but it's not. According to the company this capital raise was merely supposed to shore up Tesla's balance sheet during an "air pocket" in sales. In the first quarter, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-q1-2019-production-and-delivery-numbers-2019-4">Tesla delivered only 63,000</a> cars, a roughly 31% drop from the quarter before. And most devastatingly, Tesla was hit the hardest on its most lucrative cars, the luxury Model S and Model X, which saw their sales cut in more than half. As of March 31, its <a href="https://twitter.com/CGrantWSJ/status/1123918923974549505">working capital deficit alone was $2.2</a> billion.This after the two previous quarters had been the first consecutive profitable ones in Tesla's 16-year history. Those gains would be completely wiped out by Tesla's Q1 loss of roughly $900 million.<h1>Spartan diet</h1>Nine hundred million dollars isn't "air pocket" money, and according to experts had Tesla tried to raise capital last year instead of going on what CEO Elon Musk called a "Spartan diet," things might look different."Tesla could've more easily gotten money last year when the stock price was high," former SEC Economist and Carnegie Mellon Professor Chester Spatt told Business Insider. It also could've gotten more money without raising as many eyebrows, Spatt said. But in its weakened state asking for more "would've been an adverse signal."Tesla's financials are not the only thing ailing the company either. Tesla has stopped pushing its <a href="https://t.co/wIdeTtt7Sh">$35,000 Model 3 - the margins just don't work.</a> <a href="https://t.co/L6voqEo157" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reports</a> of changes at Tesla's Giagfactory 2 in Buffalo, New York also indicate that Tesla is having issues with its solar business. Reuters reported that most of the solar cells produced there will be <a href="https://t.co/L6voqEo157">sold overseas</a> - not used to make Tesla's solar rooftops - and that the factory would be used to make other <a href="https://kfgo.com/news/articles/2019/may/15/tesla-says-solar-factory-will-now-make-ev-chargers-and-other-products/">products for Tesla's cars.</a>Then there's China. Tesla is building a third Giagfactory in Shanghai to produce and sell Model 3s and Model Y cars to the Chinese market - but it's a market under extreme stress. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-auto-sales-fall-177-in-april-extending-slump-2019-5">In April car sales fell 17.7%</a> from the same time a year before. And according to <a href="http://autonews.gasgoo.com/new_energy/70015941.html">researcher Gasgoo</a>, Tesla's Model 3 didn't break into the top 10 new energy vehicles sold in China for the month. That means it sold less than 3,000 cars. Tesla did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment on that figure.In the past, the Chinese government has come to the rescue when auto sales turned down, but this time any relief is likely to come in the form of a more general tax cut meant to speed up the domestic economy. If that's the case, some analysts fear that relief wouldn't translate to more car sales."I don't think buying a car will likely be something that [Chinese consumers] would do with the money," said Tu Le founder consultancy of <a href="https://www.sinoautoinsights.com/">Sino Auto Insights.</a>"Remember that the average salary is still low when compared to the United States."On top of all of that Tesla has had some major technical scares. Over the last few months, there have been multiple reports of Tesla <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-s-fire-explosion-shanghai-parking-garage-2019-4">Model S's spontaneously combusting</a> while parked. One incident took place in Shanghai, another in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-car-catches-fire-in-hong-kong-parking-lot-media-2019-5">Hong Kong</a>, and yet another in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-model-s-catches-fire-in-san-francisco-garage-2019-5">San Francisco</a>. And last week, the National Highway <keyword id="34991" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="transportation">Transportation</keyword> Safety Agency determined that when one Tesla owner died after crashing into a semi-truck, the car's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-autopilot-engaged-fatal-model-3-crash-ntsb-says-2019-5">Autopilot function</a> was engaged.<h1>What is it all for?</h1>Autopilot's function will be critical for the destiny of the company. In a private call with investors earlier this month CEO Elon Musk said that robotaxis are the future of the company. He said they would turn <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/02/elon-musk-on-investor-call-autonomy-will-make-tesla-a-500b-company.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tesla into a half trillion dollar company</a> and that Tesla would have a million of them on the road by spring 2020.Everything else in Tesla's business, he said - solar roofs, $35,000 Model 3s, the China build out - takes a back seat to that.The idea that Tesla's Autopilot technology - or even AutoPilot technology in general - is ready for wide use has been met with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/teslas-autopilot-faces-scrutiny-after-accidents-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skepticism from almost all of Tesla's competitors</a>. But on the call Musk claimed that getting regulatory approval for the robotaxis would be "relatively easy."That was just on the call, though. None of the public documents Tesla produced to the SEC or investors mention Autopilot, or this robotaxi plan. The plan received just a passing mention on Tesla's first quarter earnings call and some discussion <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-takes-direct-aim-uber-lyft-with-robotaxi-plan-2019-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during the company's Autonomy Investor Day</a> in April. Neither of those instances firmly attach Musk's grand and detailed robotaxi vision to the $2.7 billion offering.Underwriters Citigroup and Morgan Stanley declined to comment on the difference between the private call and the offering documents. Tesla's law firm, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich &amp; Rosati, and its auditor PriceWaterhouse Cooper declined to comment as well. Goldman Sachs and Tesla did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this matter.Legal experts have found the investor call's departure from the offering documents strange. As attorney Tom Gorman, a partner at Dorsey and Whitney LLP and specialist in securities fraud, told Business Insider: "If you go out to people and say you're going to use the money for something and then you use it for something else, that's a big no-no."That is why, he said, "this deal looks weird."What Gorman said was even weirder is that a company of Tesla's size and resources would have a discrepancy like this. Investors bring charges against companies that spend money on purposes outside of what executives stated all the time, but usually, those companies are much smaller than Tesla's $50 billion market cap."If it was some microcap company created out of a reverse merger you'd say 'probably a fraud,' but that doesn't make sense for a company like Tesla," Gorman explained. "You're asking to get sued into oblivion... there must be some logical reason for this. I can't imagine what that is, but it's just silly."Musk seemed to further depart from that stated purpose when he told employees <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/05/17/elon-musk-calls-for-cost-control-in-memo-to-employees.html">in an email</a> that the money the company raised was only enough to get Tesla through 10 months of operations at its first quarter capital burn rate.That contradicted what Musk said on the investor call. There he said that Tesla didn't "expect to spend this capital. We expect to fund our activity out of our growing cash flow, but we think it's probably wise to have at least some buffer here, some cash buffer between now and say summer next year <a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_M_Huettner">(h/t @Paul_M_Huettner).</a>"To short sellers, this kind of behavior reeks of desperation, and they think the stench will only become more odorous after Tesla reports its second-quarter numbers in August."Tesla is grabbing as much cash as they possibly can before the stock tanks," said Gabe Hoffman of Accipiter Capital, an outspoken short. "They're still projecting 90,000-100,000 deliveries in Q2 and they'll be lucky to get closer to 70,000. Then there's a cliff in Q2 because of the tax credit phasing out and cash will be burned in Q2, Q3, and Q4. This company was almost functionally bankrupt on March 31st and this raise will barely get them through the year."If that's the way you look at it, the headwinds are coming for Tesla. And there doesn't seem to be a tailwind in sight.Get the latest Tesla stock price<a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/stock/TSLA-Quote"> here.</a> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bmw-x7-suv-review-tech-cruise-control-voice-command-parking-assistant-2019-5">We tested BMW's largest SUV to see if its tech features are helpful or gimmicky - here's the verdict</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

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