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<ul class="summary-list"><li>I purchased a blow-up travel pillow for two long-haul flights between the US and East Africa.</li><li>I had seen the pillow across TikTok and thought its design was smart.</li></ul>I knew I would look ridiculous, but I was willing to sacrifice dignity for sleep on a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/long-haul-flight-mistakes-new-zealand-2022-7">long-haul flight</a>.So, on a 13-hour Ethiopian Airlines flight from Washington, DC, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I settled in my window seat and shamefully started blowing up my inflatable travel pillow.Three weeks later, I was boarding an even <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-business-class-qatar-airways-review-2024-9">longer Qatar Airways flight</a> between Doha, Qatar, and Dallas.Once again, the embarrassment of blowing up the giant contraption set in. I did catch some Zs, but I knew by the end of the flight I'd never fly with the travel pillow again.<div type="image" title="The Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow," height="2802" width="3736" msid="115361952" hostid="261" sizebytes="546448"></div><h2 id="50c93ed5-5668-4489-87fc-35c1b91fe5b7">I'd eyed the travel pillow for years</h2>I've spent the past few years watching TikTok videos, chatting with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-passenger-make-flights-airlines-airports-travel-2023-9">frequent flyers</a>, and reading <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/travel/best-travel-pillow">travel pillow roundups</a> — and one product always stood out.The $21 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=18c8269d592636d10fcf5ed0ad3e36727022d3312656c58d28d1f63b0fedbd86&amp;postID=67336555d057d3e5c5cfca5e&amp;postSlug=blow-up-travel-pillow-long-haul-economy-flight-review-2024-11&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FInflatable-Airplane-inflatable-Sleeping-Comfortably%2Fdp%2FB07VHPFK5B%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B07VHPFK5B%3Fmcid%3Dc41b597a02c53a7289a0162f2b9e51c6%26hvocijid%3D2962322877644595462-B07VHPFK5B-%26hvexpln%3D73%26tag%3Dhyprod-20%26linkCode%3Ddf0%26hvadid%3D692875362841%26hvpos%3D%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvrand%3D2962322877644595462%26hvpone%3D%26hvptwo%3D%26hvqmt%3D%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvdvcmdl%3D%26hvlocint%3D%26hvlocphy%3D9028782%26hvtargid%3Dpla-2281435179818%26psc%3D1">Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Pillow</a>, shaped like a cube, allows sleepers to lean forward. A hole on top creates a nook for the face, and two holes on the sides welcome the arms.I'm someone who hasn't had much luck with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/packing-mistake-long-haul-flight-neck-pillow-wasted-money-space-2023-8">traditional neck pillows</a>. I've never found one that sits high enough to support my head. Instead, I'm stuck bending my neck in uncomfortable positions or ditching the pillow altogether.I hoped the blow-up pillow's position might make it easier to sleep. Plus, I loved its packability. I'm far from a germaphobe, but most travel pillows give me the ick.Each time I go to the airport, I cringe as people throw their neck pillows onto security belts, set them down on airport floors (or worse, airport bathrooms), and prop them against unfamiliar walls.In just a few minutes, that same pillow will be pressed against a face.That thought is horrifying, so I know I need something that can be compressed and stored in a bag. That was the case with the inflatable pillow.<div type="image" title="A row of Ethiopian Airlines planes." height="1536" width="2048" msid="115361951" hostid="261" sizebytes="206774"></div><h2 id="2edf7d40-4dd2-4066-b379-abbfa49bf116">I did sleep with the pillow but ultimately found it too bulky</h2>Before leaving, I blew the pillow up to ensure there weren't any holes and to air out its plastic smell.It looked great when inflated in my bedroom. I tested it leaning forward and wondered if I could squish it into other shapes once I was on the plane.I did think that the compressed pillow was slightly larger than I imagined — about the size of a Nalgene water bottle and made of heavy plastic — but it was still easier to pack and carry than a traditional travel pillow.<div type="image" title="The pillow deflated and stored in its carrying case." height="1328" width="1770" msid="115361950" hostid="261" sizebytes="357866"></div>A few days later, I boarded my 13-hour flight and quickly realized I had forgotten just how tiny <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/comparing-front-back-economy-long-haul-flight-2024-6">economy seats</a> were. My knees pressed against the seat in front of me, and I stored a few belongings on the plane floor.Then, I braved the embarrassment and blew up my travel pillow. In my small economy seat, the pillow felt enormous.With other travel pillows, I've been able to leave them wrapped around my neck or squished near my legs for easy storage. But that wasn't the case with this one.The inflated pillow couldn't fit underneath my seat or near my feet, so there was no place to store it if I wanted to read or eat during the flight. Instead, I'd need to inflate and deflate the pillow each time.<div type="image" title="The pillow stored near the author's feet." height="1536" width="2048" msid="115361958" hostid="261" sizebytes="189852"></div>However, I was lucky. I had an empty middle seat for the flight, so I could store the pillow next to me when needed.As for the actual sleeping part, I did think the pillow was comfortable. I passed out, and thanks to the extra space in my row, I could also squeeze it against the plane wall and rest my head to the side.Fast-forward three weeks, and I was embarking home — this time, on an even longer 15-hour flight. I wanted to be excited to use the pillow, but instead, I dreaded pulling out the monstrous contraption.If someone were in the middle seat, I'd feel even more claustrophobic with the large inflatable on my lap. Plus, I didn't see a situation where my seatmate wouldn't be bumped or bothered by the pillow at least once during the flight as I maneuver around.Thankfully, I was once again lucky with another open middle seat.But I know my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-survive-long-haul-flights-to-new-zealand-photos-2022-8">long-haul flight</a> luck is bound to run out someday. So, before that happens, I hope to find a smaller pillow that won't risk bothering seatmates or creating embarrassment.

I thought the viral blow-up travel pillows were ingenious. Then, I traveled with one on a 15-hour economy flight.

<keyword id="24240143" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chennai-International-Airport" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Chennai International Airport" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Chennai International Airport">Chennai International Airport</keyword> has been temporarily shut down till 7 PM on Saturday in view of <keyword id="24172195" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cyclone-Fengal" source="keywords">cyclone Fengal</keyword> making landfall today evening. As heavy rainfall and strong winds intensified ahead of the cyclone, it is expected to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts, near Puducherry tonight. Multiple airlines companies already issued travel advisories and updates on their flight plans due to the continuing heavy rainfall in Chennai Tamilnadu. Earlier, <keyword id="19900374" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IndiGo-airlines" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="IndiGo airlines" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="IndiGo airlines">IndiGo airlines</keyword> diverted all flights scheduled to come to Chennai. "Due to the impact of CycloneFengal in Chennai, flights operating to the city are being diverted. Our crew and airport teams are dedicated to providing all possible support &amp; assistance during this time. We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding," the X post by IndiGo said. Meanwhile, security at the Puducherry coast has also increased as Puducherry Senior Superintendent of Police, Kalaivanan visited the beaches and the coastal roads in the region and inspected them for preparedness. The authorities have advised the public to not visit beaches in Puducherry as well as in Tamil Nadu's Chennai, including Marina Beach, Pattinapakkam and Edward Elliot Beach. The tourist spots in Puducherry have been closed as a precautionary measure, owing to the impending cyclone Fengal. <keyword id="24240138" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Puducherry-police" source="keywords">Puducherry Police</keyword> in a post on X advised citizens, "In view of Cyclone Fengal, we urge you to exercise extreme caution and avoid visiting beaches and coastal areas" The SSP said that 300 police personnel have been deployed on various coastal roads and beaches. "For the last four days, we have been deploying police personnel along the beaches and apart from that we are also informing the fishermen and people living in the low-lying areas to be careful. Fishermen are not venturing into the sea. Since last night, we have closed all beaches. We have deployed nearly 300 personnel across all the beaches of Puducherry and we are coordinating with the NDRF also," the SSP said. The coastal areas of Puducherry witnessed rough sea and gusty winds on Saturday morning due to the impact of the cyclone. Puducherry received moderate rain, as per IMD, in the morning today but the rough sea was seen more than usual.

Cyclone Fengal: Chennai airport shut till 7 PM

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="23944870" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonya-Moore" source="keywords">Sonya Moore</keyword> decided that if Trump won in 2016, she would leave the US.</li><li>She followed through and has been living abroad for seven years.</li></ul>"If Trump wins this election, I'm <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-reelected-americans-are-planning-to-flee-in-droves-2024-3">moving out of the country</a>." I said those words in November 2016. So did a lot of other Americans: so many, in fact, that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canadian-immigration-site-crash-election-2016-11">Canada's immigration website crashed</a> as votes were being tallied due to increased traffic. No joke. I don't know how many others <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/americans-who-left-us-because-of-trump-talk-biden-presidency-2020-12">followed through on that declaration</a>, but I did. Trump won the election, and 9 months later, I left the US. Full disclosure: Trump becoming president was not the only reason I left — it was also about being fed up with my corporate job, coupled with a strong desire to explore the world. I was 37, single, with no children or pets, so I was free to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-mom-quit-job-expat-move-abroad-qatar-singapore-2023-12">quit my job</a>, uproot myself, and take off. I did own a house at the time, which I sold a few months after I left. Upon my departure, I didn't have much of a plan other than the intention to spend some time slowly exploring Asia and teaching English when I needed to make money. This no-plan thing was out of character for me, but I was very comfortable with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/southeast-asia-travel-mistakes-packing-weather-clothing-traditions-medicine-2024-4">solo international travel</a>, thanks to previous study abroad experiences and 14 years of intensive overseas work-related travel. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore in Siem Reap, Cambodia" height="1280" width="1600" msid="115071450" hostid="261"></div><h2>The move opened a new chapter in my life</h2>As months unfolded, I discovered that when you leave space for it, life guides you to the places, people, and opportunities that are meant for you. Seven years later, I'm still living <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boomer-couldnt-afford-retirement-in-california-moved-abroad-travel-happy-2024-10">happily outside the US</a>. While my decision to leave opened up a horizon of experiences beyond my wildest dreams and led me to the man of my dreams, it hasn't all been a bed of roses. The first year, I lived off savings while traveling slowly through Asia. I started my travels in India, where I spent 10 days at a silent meditation retreat, attended teachings by the Dalai Lama, and took a <keyword id="20626363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yoga-teacher-training" source="keywords">yoga teacher training</keyword>. I promptly got hooked on teaching yoga. After four months in India, I continued <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-pack-traveling-in-southeast-asia-singapore-thailand-bali-2023-9">making my way through Asia</a> for eight more months. I swam in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives, visited healers in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-family-kids-bali-decompress-relocate-slow-life-work-remote-2024-10">Bali</a>, witnessed breathtaking sunrise views from mountaintops in Laos, went island-hopped through the Philippines, rode motorbikes around Thailand's islands, and discovered ancient pagodas in Myanmar The cost of living in much of Asia is so low that savings can stretch a long way. I have high standards for my accommodations, and while traveling, I usually spent around $20 to $25 per night on hotels. Lower-maintenance friends of mine found simpler places for $6 per night in India. Meals usually cost around $3. After six weeks in India, I considered a lunch bill of $5 to be expensive. <h2>There have been times along the way when I've felt lost </h2>From time to time, I experienced stretches of feeling <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/relocation-moved-to-milan-living-abroad-emotionally-exhausting-unspoken-truths-2023-9">unsettled and lacking a sense of purpose</a>. Over the years, I learned that those periods of doubt and uncertainty will continue to surface. But I also learned to just keep trusting, and the way forward would eventually reveal itself. People often ask me if I was ever afraid while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-women-need-to-know-traveling-solo-southeast-asia-tips-2022-12">traveling alone through Asia</a>. I never was — except a couple of times in India when riding on some precariously high Himalayan roads with no guardrails. But of people? I never had a reason to be. After a year away, I found an opportunity to teach yoga in a small mountain town in Myanmar. Life there was quiet, simple, and beautiful. I lived there for 9 months, and I was profoundly happy most of the time. But there were times <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/loneliness-how-to-make-friends-remote-worker-freelancer-new-city-2024-2">I felt lonely</a>. The locals were sweet and kind, with love in their eyes and actions, but I missed friends who spoke my language fluently, with whom I could have deep conversations over a glass of wine. And the dating scene? Nonexistent. <div type="image" title="Sonya Moore kissing a man at the airport" height="2118" width="1754" msid="115071453" hostid="261"></div><h2>I found love during my travels</h2>Another yoga teaching opportunity took me to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is not a big city, but after my small-town Myanmar life, it felt like Manhattan. There were so many restaurants, bars, social events, friends, and even some attractive single men. I fell in love with the town, the quality of life, and the locals. It was easy to get a tourist or work visa to live here long term, and it was almost as inexpensive as India and Myanmar. I was living in Siem Reap when COVID-19 hit. By that time, I was in a <keyword id="20752574" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="long-distance-relationship" source="keywords">long-distance relationship</keyword> with a French man I met during my travels. After the closed borders of the pandemic kept us apart for 7 months, I moved to France to be with him. Our story was long and winding, but it felt like destiny. He <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/my-partner-couple-travel-together-full-time-one-date-2024-5">loves global travel</a> like I do. We've been together for four years and are living together in Papua New Guinea. Our plan is to go back to a nomadic slow-travel lifestyle. My career has gradually evolved to encompass creative pursuits that light me up inside: retreats, writing, photography, and yoga. I am deeply grateful to my former self for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/live-abroad-cheap-low-cost-living-high-quality-life-2024-1">choosing to leave the US</a>. I sometimes miss family and friends, but thanks to technology, our connection stays alive across the distance, and I go back to visit once a year. I still love America and feel lucky to have been born and raised there. But there's a big world out there waiting to be discovered. Do you have a personal essay about relocating to Asia that you want to share? Get in touch with the editor at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:akarplus@businessinsider.com">akarplus@businessinsider.com</a>. November 11, 2024 — An earlier version of this story mentioned Trump becoming president was not the reason Moore left, it was not the only reason.

I swore I would leave the US if Trump won the 2016 election. Here's how that worked out for me.

If you're looking for some inspiration on how to spend the upcoming holiday season, it's time to take cues from fellow Indians. A recent study by American Express has highlighted that a staggering 97% of Indians have their travel plans set for the forthcoming festive season, and more than 30% have already made their bookings. What's more, around 93% won't shy away from spending a few extra bucks if it means making their trip more comfortable and fun. A recent <keyword id="23687478" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner-report" source="keywords">Skyscanner report</keyword> titled Travel Trends 2025 also underlined this growing preference for <keyword id="23687479" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="comfortable-travel" source="keywords">comfortable travel</keyword> among Indians. Per the report, 57% of Indians were okay spending a little extra to get a good quality in-flight meal. For 47%, good seats and hence, seat selection was a priority, and 42% of surveyed Indians preferred comfort right from the trip's start-valuing access to airport lounges. Per the <keyword id="23687477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="American-Express-study" source="keywords">American Express study</keyword>, while most people (63%) just want to let their hair down and relax, 54% want to don their explorer hats and see new places. About 27% just want to get away from the chaos of their daily lives and spend time with their near and dear ones. Most of us (around 88%) just have Bharat Darshan on our itinerary, while 61% felt like the world was calling us, which is why they plan to travel internationally. Irrespective of destinations, a staggering 91% of Indian travelers believe holidays can help build resilience and strength, so they’re better able to handle the stresses of everyday life. But even amidst all this traveling, Indians do not forget to be budget-conscious, which explains why 73% of Indians won't shy away from generously using their <keyword id="23687480" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="credit-card-points" source="keywords">credit card points</keyword>, <keyword id="23687481" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="airline-miles" source="keywords">airline miles</keyword>, or loyalty rewards. Soak in the festivities and experience The American Express study, which spanned Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, apart from India, only reinforced that pretty much everyone across the world is in a mood to travel and relax. Globally, 58% of respondents from these countries had plans to visit their family and friends. For those few who had no travel plans but rather wanted to lounge and laze in their homes, 40% had family or friends visiting them. But quality time with loved ones was not the only thing on the list, with 55% also taking trips outside of visiting family. Also, buying gifts during the season is seemingly passe. Every 1 in 3 respondents chose gifting their loved ones an experience rather than a material gift. Atop this gift list are entertainment-related experiences, preferred by 59% of respondents. Travel-related experiences come next, chosen by 54% of those surveyed, followed by food and drink-related experiences, which were opted for by 49% of respondents. The Skyscanner also highlighted that 66% of Indian travelers plan to travel more in 2025. As to the deciding factors for choosing the next travel destination, food, culture, and weather played a crucial role for 63%, 58%, and 57% of respondents, respectively. Skyscanner's report also highlighted this trend, noting that people were increasingly looking forward to having unique experiences. 53% of Indians surveyed wanted to travel to watch a live game or sporting event in 2025. At 54%, this number was slightly higher amongst the 25-34 age cohort.

Travel, Eat, and Have Fun: How Indians plan to spend their holidays

<keyword id="20017832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Skyscanner" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Skyscanner">Skyscanner</keyword> has recently launched its annual "<keyword id="23717519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Trends-2025" source="keywords">Travel Trends 2025</keyword> Report" and it shows that <keyword id="20183888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-travellers" source="keywords">Indian travellers</keyword> are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections. For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips. <h2>Spending for experiences</h2>No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals. While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable. <h2>The rise of <keyword id="23717520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lesser-known-destinations" source="keywords">lesser-known destinations</keyword></h2>The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations. Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year. Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase. <h2>Embracing nature and tangible experiences</h2>There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives. The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular. <h2>Rise of <keyword id="19984369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-tourism" source="keywords">sports tourism</keyword> and other adventures</h2>The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness. Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars. Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the <keyword id="20079917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="northern-lights" source="keywords">Northern Lights</keyword>. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences. Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular. Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before. This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.

Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Some luxury travel agencies say more travelers are vacationing in the fall instead of summer.</li><li>One company now sees more bookings for September than June, July, and August.</li></ul>Planning where to go for your next summer Euro trip?No need to stop by Portugal to try some sardines. Just head to cities like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-to-know-visiting-rome-busy-season-first-time-tips">Rome</a> and Athens to experience the next best option — being packed against other tourists like tinned fish.Summer is historically the most popular time to travel. The weather is warm, school is out, serotonin levels are high, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/venice-tourism-group-cap-overtourism-2024-8">vacation getaways are jam-packed</a>. So much so that many travelers are now opting instead for a fall respite.A growing number of vacationers have been replacing their summer vacations with ones during <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-shoulder-season-2017-8#:~:text=Shoulder%20season%20is%20the%20period,in%20Europe%20and%20the%20Caribbean.">shoulder season</a> (the time between high and low travel, such as autumn) — to the extent that luxury travel agency and consortia Virtuoso saw a 23% increase in bookings for fall 2024 compared to the year prior, Misty Belles, its vice president of global public relations, told BI.Forget asking <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vacation-destinations-popular-ultra-wealthy-unexpected-countries-travel-agents-2024-10">where your friends "summer"</a> — now, it's all about where you autumn.<h2 id="020bc067-5732-485a-9efa-4786c00798c6">Fall vacations are becoming trendy</h2><div type="image" title="acadia national park fall leaves" height="3327" width="4436" msid="114474003" hostid="261" sizebytes="1526938"></div>Autumn travel often goes hand-in-hand with leaf-peeping excursions. (That's still true — AirDNA, which tracks vacation rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, told BI that demand in October for the popular fall foliage hot spots of rural New York and the coast of Maine is up 19.7% from 2023.)Many of these offseason vacationers are also seeking out classic overseas summer destinations like Europe.Travel-booking company Hopper told BI that in 2023, 23% of European vacations reserved on the platform were for September and October of that year, up 5% from 2019.Jackie Roth — a travel manager for Scott Dunn Private, the invite-only subsidiary of travel agency Scott Dunn — told BI that all its clients have been requesting fall travel. And likely not for some quick, dirt-cheap getaways — Scott Dunn Private's members must spend a minimum of $100,000 on travel annually.<div type="image" title="Paris" height="1414" width="1885" msid="114474007" hostid="261" sizebytes="614860"></div>The ultra-luxury team now fields more requests for vacations in September than in the traditional ultra-peak travel months of June, July, and August, often to European countries like Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, Roth said.Italy, in particular, reported a 15.5% increase in foreign visitors between September and November 2023 compared to the previous year."People are willing to trade going to the beach for their umbrella so they can experience some of the popular destinations without quite the crowds," Julie Durso, a Scott Dunn Private travel manager, told BI, adding that the team works with several Tuscany properties that are now trying to stay open through November.<h2 id="2c2fe6f1-1b61-4115-aa8e-0def0e4b0fe7">Why they're falling for fall</h2><div type="image" title="Colorful buildings in Sardinia" height="1414" width="1885" msid="114474005" hostid="261" sizebytes="588208"></div>Autumn can be a great time to travel if you're looking to avoid peak-season crowds and costs. Most children are back in school. And <a target="_blank" href="https://news.airbnb.com/2024-fall-trends-revealed/">Airbnb said</a> its vacation rentals are generally the cheapest from September through November.According to data from travel booking platform Kayak, the average nightly cost of three- and four-star hotels in Italy dropped 3% from the summer to fall of 2024. In Cagliari, Sardinia, the dip was closer to 22%.It's easier for families who aren't beholden to a school calendar to globetrot during the week. Or, they could just skip class.Kelly Grumbach, senior vice president of travel for concierge service Quintessentially, told BI that about 20% to 25% of the company's clients pull their children out of school for a weeklong shoulder-season vacation to avoid being "surrounded by American tourists" and "ripped off" by peak-season rates.<div type="image" title="Boats in the water at a port in Nice, France. There are lots of colorful buildings on the coast." height="1414" width="1885" msid="114474013" hostid="261" sizebytes="490282"></div>She said the company books most of these trips to European destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, adding that trips to the latter at the end of September and early October are a "fraction" of July and August's prices.Plus, the weather is generally still great."Savvy travelers have realized that they can go to Capri, Italy, or the south of France in September and October and experience warmer waters, fewer crowds, and lower prices," Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO of luxury travel agency Indagare, told BI in an email. "Our clients are being more selective about when to splurge on a special property and when to save." (The company has two membership options, the priciest at $2,850 a year.)Melissa Krueger, CEO of luxury travel wholesaler Classic Vacations, is especially partial to October, calling it the "best time to travel worldwide." In late September, 20% of Classic Vacations' bookings were for the final three months of the year, 7% for October specifically.<h2 id="b38b1d9a-1b49-4e94-a1ce-ba78aef6f31f">Italy's Amalfi Coast has seen a late-season boost</h2><div type="image" title="pool of Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel" height="1366" width="2732" msid="114474014" hostid="261" sizebytes="723650"></div>According to Belles, of Virtuoso, some seasonal resorts have been extending their operating months to accommodate the growing number of late-season visitors.Estelle Vassallo, the general manager of Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, told BI that occupancy levels along the region have seen a "significant shift" in recent years, dipping in July and August while increasing in the traditional offseason months of May, June, September, and October.<div type="image" title="A view of Italy's Amalfi Coast cityscape on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea." height="3200" width="4267" msid="114474010" hostid="261" sizebytes="1441388"></div>Her hotel has seen a "consistent" number of travelers throughout the year, which she expects will continue into November.Many hotels in the region close for winter breaks from <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-amalfi-coast-hotels">November to March</a>. Anantara Convento di Amalfi has instead opted to break from mid-January to mid-March.In 2024, the nightly hotel costs along this slice of coastal Italian paradise dipped as much as 23% from summer to fall, according to Kayak — except for Positano, where hotel costs have increased "slightly."<div type="image" title="Positano, Italy" height="1200" width="1600" msid="114474009" hostid="261" sizebytes="241030"></div>Before the rise of shoulder-season vacations, travelers wanted to chase the best weather, Grumbach said.Now, she's hearing more say: "I am fine with clouds and maybe a little rain. I just want to be able to eat at this restaurant and not have to get on a waitlist or go to this nice hotel but not have to pay double the amount.""We have some of the wealthiest clients in the world, and they're still like, 'I don't want to be ripped off," she added.

For some wealthy travelers, fall is the new summer

Travelling across India is safer and easier for tourists, <keyword id="20130044" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-tourism" source="keywords">Indian tourism</keyword> industry leaders have said, promoting the country, especially <keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>, as a premier tourist destination for Singaporeans. Their remarks came as they participated in the <keyword id="23693812" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ITB-Asia" source="keywords">ITB Asia</keyword>, a travel trade show held in Singapore From October 23 to October 25. "We need to educate <keyword id="21866171" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-travellers" source="keywords">global travellers</keyword> about the attractions in Uttar Pradesh and make UP known more and above the iconic <keyword id="20045918" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Taj-Mahal" source="keywords">Taj Mahal</keyword> in Agra," said Rahul Wadhwa who leads CAL India Tours and Travel. He estimated a growth of 10 per cent across the UP travel agency business. Further, Wadhwa said his Agra-based travel business was seeking collaborations globally to tie up travel arrangements and promote the state as well as India as a tourist destination. There are a growing number of five-star hotels and continuing investments in highways that make travelling across India, including UP, as seamless as the tourists expect, said the <keyword id="20181038" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-industry" source="keywords">travel industry</keyword> veteran of 33 years. Technology-wise, the travel industry has also done well, moving away from the telex-based phone-call booked communications to speedier online-offline as well as mobile phone app-led bookings and arrangements for globe trotters. Travelling across India is also safer and easier, added Sushil Kumar Singh, managing director of Jatak Travels, dismissing all notions and misunderstandings about <keyword id="20415307" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="safety-and-security" source="keywords">safety and security</keyword> in India. "We have <keyword id="23693813" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourist-friendly" source="keywords">tourist-friendly</keyword> people and highly rated facilities across the country and in UP," assured the head of the Varanasi-based travel group. The destinations and facilities in India are world-class. "We are no less than any other tourist destination," he stressed. "International tourists are visiting India freely," underscored Singh, who reported 200 per cent growth for his business post-Covid.

Indian tourism industry leaders spotlight Uttar Pradesh as safe and diverse travel destination

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Portland airport is using llamas and alpacas for stress relief at its terminals.</li><li>Travel anxiety is common, and fears like missing boarding can worsen mental health conditions.</li></ul>An airport in Oregon is trying to ease nervous flyers' concerns by providing them with access to an unusual <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprising-therapy-and-emotional-support-animals-2020-4">animal therapy program.</a>Portland International Airport says it has partnered with Mountain Peaks Therapy to bring llamas and alpacas into its terminals every few weeks, hoping to alleviate some of the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airport-tips-travel-expert-samantha-brown-2024-6">stress associated with air travel</a>, according to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2024/11/03/nx-s1-5173755/therapy-animals-portland-airport-llama-alpaca">NPR</a>.The farm, based in Ridgefield, Washington, has five llamas and six alpacas, which it says are certified to interact with passengers in a calming manner. Its website <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://classycamelids.com/pricing">says</a> it costs about $650 an hour per animal.Studies have shown that animal therapy has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5504801/">minor to moderately positive effects</a> on those struggling with an array of mental illnesses, though academics say more research needs to be done on its efficacy.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/pac/about-us/animal-assisted-therapy-research">According to UCLA Health</a>, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/mental-health/emotional-support-animal">animal therapy</a> can promote the release of mood-boosting hormones, lower anxiety, and provide a "happy distraction."Most existing studies are focused on therapy dogs, which are increasingly being used in airports, such as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://mediacentre.stanstedairport.com/therapy-dogs-paws-itively-delight-passengers/">London Stansted</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cv205z3ndkjo">Istanbul Airport.</a>Although the use of llamas and alpacas is more unusual, Allison Ferre, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland, told NPR that it's just one initiative aimed at addressing the stress associated with air travel.Another involved redesigning the airport to include trees, according to NPR.The Port of Portland did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.Denver International Airport has the world's largest animal therapy program, for which it was awarded the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/687319-largest-airport-therapy-animal-programme">Guinness World Record in 2021</a>.A <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=eceac68b5e5b0722d58db39ac4e9495b2b7de9f74412fda029f1a6663a285a1d&amp;postID=6728b20c06a260ef18e8c1ca&amp;postSlug=portland-airport-uses-llamas-for-stress-relief-ease-travel-anxiety-2024-11&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.prioritypass.com%2Fblog%2F2019%2Fairport-stress-survey">2019 survey of UK passengers by Priority Pass</a>, a program that provides access to airport lounges, found that the biggest <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/flying-becoming-more-miserable-climate-crisis-delays-costs-turbulence-2024-8">anxieties about travel</a> are getting stuck on the way to the airport, losing baggage, missing boarding, or misplacing passports.According to Mintel, a market research company, nearly half (45%) of US airport travelers surveyed in 2022 reported that they found airport crowds to be a major source of stress, the company said in an email to BI.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/mental-health">The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> said that travel-related stress can be a trigger for those with pre-existing mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety.

An Oregon airport is trying to alleviate travel anxiety with llama therapy

Amid the severe pollution gripping the national capital, <keyword id="19948557" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-metro" source="keywords">Delhi Metro</keyword> recorded its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18, with a staggering 78.67 lakh passenger journeys, according to official data. This figure exceeded the previous high of 77.49 lakh passengers on August 20 of this year, the data said. On November 18, the Yellow Line, which connects Millennium City Centre in Gurugram to Samaypur Badli in Delhi, saw the highest passenger traffic, with a record 20.99 lakh commuters. The Blue Line followed closely with 20.80 lakh passengers, while the Red Line recorded 8.56 lakh commuters, 8.15 lakh in Pink Line and 7.93 lakh in Violet Line. The Magenta Line saw 6.19 lakh passengers, followed by the Green Line with 4.12 lakh commuters, 81,985 in Airport Line, 57,701 in Rapid Metro, and 50,128, in the Grey Line, as per the data. Thick grey haze continued to choke Delhi for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, with pollution levels remaining alarmingly high at 488 in the 'severe plus' category. To encourage more people to use the metro in this scenario, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is running 60 extra trips on weekdays, offering more capacity than usual, an official statement said. The DMRC has recorded its 25 highest passenger journeys since August this year, the statement added. It emphasised that the more people opt for the metro over private vehicles, the greater the reduction in vehicular emissions, which will help improve the air quality of the city and its surrounding areas. In addition, the DMRC has introduced several measures to make travel more convenient for passengers, the statement read. These include the ability to book single or multiple journey tickets through various digital platforms, allowing passengers to plan their journeys anytime and anywhere without the need to stand in queues at the station. Furthermore, partnerships with organisations such as IRCTC, NCRTC, ITPO, and others have made it easier for people to not only travel by metro but also access interconnected travel options, along with various offers and events, all with seamless ease, the statement said. The DMRC also stated that it is one of the most <keyword id="24050954" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="environmentally-friendly-transport" source="keywords">environmentally friendly transport</keyword> options and the first metro system in the world to be registered for carbon credits with the United Nations for its environmental measures.

Severe pollution pushes Delhi Metro to record its highest-ever daily ridership on November 18

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Europe's hottest summer on record didn't stop tourists from visiting en masse.</li><li>Some luxury travel agents say more vacationers are seeking summer trips to cooler climates.</li></ul>Few summertime Instagram posts are as FOMO-inducing as the perfectly posed candid in front of the Eiffel Tower or Sagrada Familia, complete with a perfectly dewy makeup look.But as global temperatures continue to rise, that glowy finish could more likely be from sweat than a shimmery highlight.The summer of 2024 was the <a target="_blank" href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/c3s-seasonal-lookback-summer-2024">hottest on record</a> in Europe. Heat waves soared beyond 100 degrees in countries like Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Spain — all while the tourist-beloved destinations contended with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/01/italy-braces-for-record-wave-of-tourists-but-is-having-trouble-handling-them.html">record levels of travelers</a>.<div type="image" title="crowds of tourists in Greece" height="3327" width="4436" msid="114705585" hostid="261" sizebytes="963708"></div>Likely, no vacationer wants to spend their precious summer break wading through sweltering heat waves and throngs of sweaty crowds.Thus, the growing preference for "coolcations" — a portmanteau of "cool" and "vacations" — is born. And with it, a 44% increase in bookings to the milder-weathered destinations of northern Europe and Canada from the summer of 2023 to 2024, according to luxury travel agency Virtuoso.Move aside, wet, hot American summer. Now, it's all about cold Finnish summers.<h2 id="daf5314f-2892-4288-b044-2afc61cd5241">Wealthy travelers are seeking out chill summers</h2><div type="image" title="Blue lagoon geothermal bath near Reykjavik, Iceland." height="1306" width="1741" msid="114705584" hostid="261" sizebytes="181436"></div>"The stifling hot places you don't think of as being really hot and muggy have become that way," Jackie Roth, a travel manager for Scott Dunn Private, told BI, calling out examples like Rome, Paris, and the UK.Roth has planned summer trips to the latter. But if the timing coincides with a heat wave and her client's hotel doesn't have air conditioning, they "absolutely panic," she said. "Americans are used to a bit more pampering."A growing number of travelers are pushing their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/summer-travel-vacation-now-fall-autumn-instead-2024-10">"Euro summer" trips to the fall</a> to beat peak summer crowds and temperatures.Others are opting for cooler-weather getaways to destinations like Scandinavia.<div type="image" title="Stock photo shows Helsinki, Finland." height="1414" width="1885" msid="114705587" hostid="261" sizebytes="449000"></div>Misty Belles, Virtuoso's vice president of global public relations, attributed the trend to two global warming-related factors: the increasing intensity of heat waves and recent wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, Greece, and Spain.The latter "really rattled" people," she told BI.Europe, as a whole, endured a sweltering summer. However, some western European countries — specifically Iceland, Ireland, and parts of the UK and Norway — experienced cooler-than-average summers.<div type="image" title="Oslo, Norway at night" height="3800" width="5700" msid="114705583" hostid="261" sizebytes="2595740"></div>Previously beloved for wintertime <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/holland-america-line-longest-133-day-pole-to-pole-cruise-2023-6">aurora borealis hunting</a>, more travelers (especially those who've already done classics like Italy and France) are realizing these destinations' midnight sun, crisper weather, and smaller crowds could make for a fun summer getaway, too."You get a lot of people saying, 'I went to Italy or Greece in the height of summer, and it was too hot, so where can I go now that's not so hot?'" Julie Durso, a Scott Dunn Private travel manager, told BI. "It's one thing to be in a place with that heat, but to have it with a lot of crowds as well."<h2 id="0fa2af76-edf1-44fd-8f5a-46ba30212781">Where coolcationers are headed</h2><div type="image" title="ice cream in front of colorful houses in copenhagen" height="1414" width="1885" msid="114705586" hostid="261" sizebytes="193006"></div>The "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.voguebusiness.com/story/fashion/what-is-scandi-style-today">Scandi style</a>" fashion aesthetic, inspired by Copenhagen and Stockholm's minimalist street style, has retained its grip on #FashionTok.Now, the public's love of Scandinavia is bleeding into travel, too.Melissa Biggs Bradley, CEO of luxury travel agency and media company Indagare, told BI in an email that more of the company's clients have been "gravitating north" to major Nordic cities.For those who prefer less urban trips, she called out the "great restaurants and beautiful beaches" of the Stockholm archipelago and the "dramatic landscapes" of the Faroe Islands and Norway's fjords.<div type="image" title="Streymoy Island of Faroe Islands" height="3420" width="4560" msid="114705589" hostid="261" sizebytes="2156128"></div>In the summer of 2024, Virtuoso saw an up to 17% uptick in vacations to Sweden and Denmark compared to the prior summer, it said. Looking westward, Belles said the company was "blown away" by the 62% and 89% growth in trips to Iceland and Norway, respectively.Like Virtuoso, luxury tour operator Abercombie and Kent told BI in an email that Norway has become a "top choice" for its customers.The company saw "immediate interest" when it launched its first summertime small-group tour of Norway and Denmark in 2023. Amid sustained demand, the itinerary is now annual. (The 10-day tour starts at $16,900 per person in 2025.)<div type="image" title="The village of Reine on the water of the fjord in the Lofoten Islands, Norway." height="853" width="1137" msid="114705588" hostid="261" sizebytes="114420"></div>Norway's upstairs neighbor, Finland, also piqued the interest of Virtuoso's clients this summer — to the tune of a 150% balloon in bookings. "That's not someplace we were typically sending clients," Belles said.The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moved-finland-happiest-place-on-earth-what-its-like-2024-1">world's happiest country</a> accommodated about 89,700 US travelers from June through August, a 7.7% increase from 2023.Even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/united-airlines-new-international-routes-2025-list-fifth-freedom-2024-10">United Airlines</a> is riding the coolcations trend, too. In October, the company announced it would launch its first summer route from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International to Nuuk, Greenland's soon-to-be-completed international airport, in June 2025."The savvy traveler has been to Paris, Rome, and Madrid so many times that they're looking for something different," Patrick Quayle, United Airlines' SVP of global network planning and alliances, told reporters at the time. "Our nonstop flights to Greenland will provide new access to the world's most northern capital and gateway to Arctic adventures and midnight sun."

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