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Discover Greece without draining your wallet: Budget travel hacks

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Tara Cannon's family has traveled to over 30 countries.</li><li>She books unique accommodations over all-inclusive resorts. She said they're cheaper and more fun for kids.</li></ul>Tara Cannon and her husband Rand have traveled with their two kids for 19 years — since they were babies.The Vancouver, Canada-based family has visited more than 30 countries. Cannon documents their experiences and provides tips and travel guides for parents on her blogs, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://pintsizepilot.com/">Pint Size Pilot</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://thebetterbeyond.com/">the Better Beyond</a>.When researching prospects for a trip, Cannon said she doesn't begin with selecting a destination."My process usually starts with trying to find an interesting place to stay," Cannon told BI of her trip-planning strategy. "I tend to start with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-should-book-airbnbs-instead-of-hotels-2023-9">unique accommodations</a> and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hermosa-inn-paradise-valley-arizona-hotel-review-photos-2024-5">boutique hotels</a>."Many families with young kids tend to book stays at <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/all-inclusive-resort-best-and-worst-parts-with-kid-mexico-2024-1">all-inclusive resorts</a>, and Cannon said she sees the appeal."They really make it easy for you. There are change tables, and everything is generally safe and set up for you," she said, "At that toddler stage, it is very rewarding. But it's all hands on deck."The accommodations Cannon has opted for instead of resorts have been larger than typical hotel rooms — giving parents a sense of privacy. Cannon added that it's crucial to ensure the safety features yourself when researching these types of accommodations."We could put the baby and toddler in a separate room for naps," she said, "or so they could go to bed early, and we could still enjoy our space."<div type="image" title="A large, brown tree house surrounded by trees" height="1500" width="2000" msid="112444388" hostid="261" sizebytes="414370"></div>Cannon found that atypical accommodations were more fun as the kids got older. They've stayed in places with farm animals, wildlife, and firepits on the property."We took our first jungle-type adventure to Panama when my daughter was 6," she said. "We stayed in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/treehouse-airbnb-canada-what-its-really-like-photos-2022-8">treehouse</a> lodge."In Cannon's experience, another perk of booking these stays over all-inclusive resorts is that they're usually cheaper."There is often little correlation between price and the experience our family has at any given accommodations," she said. "One of my niches through the years has been finding unique places to stay."For example, the family has since stayed in another treehouse in Oregon, a stationary <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/vintage-railroad-hotels-made-out-of-train-cars-to-book-photos">train caboose</a> in Nova Scotia, and a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/clare-island-lighthouse-ireland-transformed-into-hotel-photos-2023-2">lighthouse hotel</a> on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-places-canada-from-local-visited-every-province-2024">Prince Edward Island in Canada</a> — all cost less than $200 a night during their trips.<div type="image" title="A red train caboose accommodation parked in a grassy area with a tree on the left and blue, cloudy skies in the background" height="810" width="1080" msid="112444382" hostid="261" sizebytes="135790"></div>"They weren't very expensive, but they were adventures," she said.

A mom who's been traveling with her kids for 19 years opts for cheap, unique accommodations over all-inclusive resorts

<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

<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.

<keyword id="19988" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bali" source="Orion">Bali</keyword>, the <keyword id="43865" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indonesian" source="Orion">Indonesian</keyword> paradise known for its stunning <keyword id="6396451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Beaches" source="Orion">beaches</keyword>, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. While Bali is often perceived as a luxury getaway, it is entirely possible to experience its magic without breaking the bank. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to <keyword id="22030265" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visit-Bali-on-a-budget" source="keywords">visit Bali on a budget</keyword>, covering everything from flights and accommodation to food and activities. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="1. Plan Your Trip During the Off-Season" text="1. Plan Your Trip During the Off-Season">1. Plan Your Trip During the Off-Season</cmsannotation> The first step to saving money on your Bali trip is to plan your visit during the off-season. Bali’s peak <keyword id="494935" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tourist-season" source="Orion">tourist season</keyword> is from July to August and during the Christmas and New Year holidays. During these times, prices for flights, accommodations, and even activities skyrocket. Instead, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September) when the weather is still pleasant, but prices are significantly lower. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="2. Finding Affordable Flights" text="2. Finding Affordable Flights">2. Finding Affordable Flights</cmsannotation> Booking flights early can often get you the best deals. Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to monitor and compare prices. Be flexible with your travel dates and consider flying mid-week when fares are typically cheaper. Another cost-saving tip is to fly into Jakarta or another major Indonesian city and then take a budget airline, such as <keyword id="6358246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AirAsia" source="Orion">AirAsia</keyword> or Lion Air, to Bali. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="3. Budget Accommodation Options" text="3. Budget Accommodation Options">3. Budget Accommodation Options</cmsannotation> Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels. For the budget traveler, here are a few options: Hostels and Guesthouses: Websites like Hostelworld and Booking.com list numerous affordable hostels and guesthouses. Areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud have many budget-friendly options. Homestays: Staying in a homestay can be a more immersive experience, allowing you to live with local families. Homestays are often cheaper than hotels and provide a unique cultural experience. <keyword id="719382" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbnb" source="Orion">Airbnb</keyword>: Renting a room or an entire villa through Airbnb can sometimes be more economical, especially if you’re traveling in a group. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="4. Eat Like a Local" text="4. Eat Like a Local">4. Eat Like a Local</cmsannotation> Food is one of the easiest areas to save money in Bali. While there are plenty of high-end restaurants, you can enjoy delicious meals at local warungs (small family-owned eateries) for a fraction of the cost. Here are some budget-friendly food tips: Warungs: Try local dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), and Satay (grilled meat skewers) at warungs. Street Food: Bali’s street food is both cheap and tasty. Don’t miss out on trying local snacks like Martabak (stuffed pancake) and Pisang Goreng (fried banana). Supermarkets and Markets: Buy fresh fruits and snacks from local markets or supermarkets like Bintang or Carrefour. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="5. Affordable Transportation" text="5. Affordable Transportation">5. Affordable Transportation</cmsannotation> Getting around Bali on a budget is quite feasible. Here are a few transportation tips: Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is one of the most cost-effective ways to explore Bali. Daily rental rates are quite low, and scooters offer the freedom to travel at your own pace. Public Transport: Use local transportation like bemos (shared minibuses) for short trips. They are inexpensive and give you a more local experience. Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Grab and Gojek offer affordable rides and can be a cheaper alternative to taxis. They also provide bike taxis, which are even more budget friendly. Walking: In areas like Ubud or Seminyak, many attractions are within walking distance. Exploring on foot is not only free but also a great way to discover hidden gems. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="6. Free and Low-Cost Activities" text="6. Free and Low-Cost Activities">6. Free and Low-Cost Activities</cmsannotation> Bali is rich in natural beauty and cultural experiences that don’t require a hefty budget. Here are some affordable activities to consider: Beaches: Enjoy Bali’s stunning beaches such as Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua. Relaxing on the beach is free, and you can often find affordable beachside cafes for refreshments. Temples: Visit iconic temples like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Tirta Empul. Entrance fees are minimal, and the cultural experience is invaluable. Rice Terraces: Explore the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. A small donation is usually appreciated, but the experience is mostly free. Waterfalls: Discover Bali’s beautiful waterfalls like Tegenungan, Gitgit, and Sekumpul. Entry fees are usually low, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. Markets: Wander through local markets such as Ubud Market or Seminyak’s Flea Market. Browsing is free, and you can find affordable souvenirs and local crafts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="7. Money-Saving Tips" text="7. Money-Saving Tips">7. Money-Saving Tips</cmsannotation> Bargain: Bargaining is common in Bali, especially in markets and with street vendors. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price. Local SIM Card: Buy a local SIM card with data for affordable internet access. This can help you use ride-hailing apps and stay connected without high roaming charges. Avoid Tourist Traps: Be cautious of overpriced tourist attractions and tours. Do some research and opt for less commercialized experiences. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="8. Travel Insurance" text="8. Travel Insurance">8. Travel Insurance</cmsannotation> While it might seem like an added expense, travel insurance is a must, especially when traveling on a budget. It can save you a lot of money in case of unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Conclusion" text="Conclusion">Conclusion</cmsannotation> Visiting Bali on a budget is entirely achievable with some careful planning and smart choices. By traveling during the off-season, finding affordable flights and accommodation, eating like a local, and exploring the island’s natural and cultural attractions, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable trip to this beautiful island. Bali’s charm and beauty don’t have to come with a high price tag – with the right approach, you can experience its magic without breaking the bank.

How to Visit Bali on a Budget: A Comprehensive Guide

<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."

Some wealthy travelers are replacing their hot summer trips with 'coolcations'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The Orient Express is preparing for its first launch in decades — a luxury sleeper train in Italy.</li><li>Dubbed La Dolce Vita, the new Orient Express trains will start operating in Spring 2025.</li></ul>There's an old saying that goes, one person's loss is another's gain — and the same can be said for industries.As <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lvmh-luxury-louis-vuitton-struggles-china-slowdown-2024">luxury brands</a> struggle amid a downturn fueled by dwindling demand in regions like China, another luxury sector is thriving: travel.Brought to a standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic, as demand for luxury brands was nearing an all-time high, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/secrets-for-traveling-like-rich-from-luxury-travel-planner">luxury travel</a> is on the up and up as wealthy and aspirational consumers prioritize experiences over goods.The good times are expected to continue as McKinsey &amp; Company analysis estimates that global spending on luxury leisure hospitality will grow to $391 billion in 2028, a 10% jump from 2023."People are going overseas, and much more experiences are open to them," Amrita Banta, managing director of luxury insights firm Agility Research &amp; Strategy, told Business Insider. Ultra-high-net-worth Chinese consumers have also caught the travel bug, she said, and are increasingly spending in other countries like Singapore, Thailand, and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/japanese-shoppers-being-less-frugal-good-news-for-luxury-industry-2024-11">Japan</a>.Travel agent Julia Carter, founder of the luxury travel agency Craft Travel, said unique experiences are higher on the priority list of wealthy vacationers than ever."People want things that are curated to them," Carter said. "They don't want cookie-cutter experiences, they don't want to go somewhere where everything feels like it could be AI-generated."<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/whats-behind-china-luxury-goods-slowdown-economy-changing-consumer-tastes-2024-10">This shift in consumer spending habits may be hurting luxury brands</a>, but it's a means for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/surprises-luxury-overnight-train-venice-simplon-orient-express-2024-2">the Orient Express</a>, a once-defunct train service, to stage a comeback.<h2 id="d492a318-13a1-4cf2-a916-545ad301795f">Back from the dead</h2>Launched 140 years ago by Belgian engineer Georges Nagelmackers, the Orient Express was a luxury sleeper that, at its peak, had trains running from Paris to Istanbul.The brand became so embedded in popular culture that it inspired Agatha Christie novels and, in recent years, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/thor-ragnarok-orient-express-daddys-home-2-box-office-2017-11">Hollywood movies</a> starring <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/judi-dench-impossible-to-learn-lines-vision-loss-2023-2">Dame Judi Dench</a> and Kenneth Branagh.As the draw of slow train travel gave way to speedier options like planes and high-speed railways, Orient Express's golden era ended. It made its last direct trip between Paris and Istanbul in 1977 before a brief revival with pared-back service in the early 1980s.<div type="image" title="An Orient Express advertisement" height="3300" width="4613" msid="114980196" hostid="261" sizebytes="912570"></div>That was pretty much the end of the line for the Orient Express — until now.In partnership with Italian luxury hospitality group Arsenale, the Orient Express is poised for a comeback, opening two new hotels in Italy and six brand-new luxury sleeper trains dubbed La Dolce Vita.From spring 2025, La Dolce Vita trains, which accommodate up to 62 passengers in deluxe and suite cabins, will run across 10,000 miles of track around 14 regions of Italy, including Sicily.Ticket prices start at 3,500 euros ($3,800) for a one-night itinerary in a deluxe cabin.<h2 id="a1489af5-4b42-40ca-9d5a-f7be7c8b578b">The luxury of exclusivity</h2>The timing couldn't be more aligned with consumers prioritizing travel experiences over luxury goods and with the rise of what Samy Ghachem, general manager of La Dolce Vita, calls the "slow cruising" experiential travel trend."You saw a big uptick as soon as COVID was over, Japan exploded, and people were like, 'OK, now let's step out of our comfort zone. Let's go to Asia, let's go to Africa, let's start to do things,'" Ghachem said, adding that tapping into that curiosity and desire to slow down is what La Dolce Vita encapsulates.<div type="image" title="A bedroom on La Dolce Vita Orient Express." height="853" width="1280" msid="114980194" hostid="261" sizebytes="117970"></div>Unlike cruise travel, luxury train travel is also more exclusive, another top priority among wealthy travelers."People want the luxury of space and privacy," Craft, the luxury travel agent, said. "They don't want to be forced into lines and queues and having to take pictures with thousands of people around.""When you talk about luxury cruising, you're talking about 12,000 passengers," Ghachem said. "On our trains," he added, "it's much more intimate."While the company's short-term focus is primarily on Italy, it's also preparing to launch its first sailing superyacht in 2026 and luxury sleeper trains in other regions, including the Middle East.If anything, the Orient Express's revival supports what Ghachem says is one of the biggest trends in luxury travel: "People want to come back from vacation with a story."

The Orient Express is plotting a comeback as the ultra-rich ditch luxury brands for travel

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Airports are looking to private wireless networks to improve operations, execs said at MWC Las Vegas.</li><li>Passengers could see benefits like smoother baggage claim and check-ins, the panelists said.</li></ul>Private wireless networks are key to ushering in a better airport experience for both the travel hubs' operations and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/busiest-airport-world-atlanta-dubai-tokyo-heathrow-dallas-list-ranking-2023-12">the billions of passengers who pass through them</a>.That's according to airport executives who spoke on a panel about connected aviation Tuesday at the trade show <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mwc-las-vegas-2024-5g-ai-mobile-communications-conference-2024-10">Mobile World Congress Las Vegas</a>.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/las-vegas-private-5g-network-2023-9">Private networks</a> generally offer greater security and reliability, lower latency, and higher bandwidth compared with public networks. For these reasons, they can help airports with operations and communications, plane and baggage tracking, and security.California's Ontario International Airport, for example, is using a private wireless network to run its perimeter-intrusion detection system, Charles Miwa, the airport's chief information officer, said."As I think about a future with a lot of growth, private wireless is foundational. It's going to enable us to accommodate these ad hoc moves," he said, emphasizing the need for flexibility given how often many airports do some form of construction to update their infrastructure."We're trying to run more efficient airports, more customer-friendly airports," said Michael Youngs, the vice president of information technology at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which last year announced a $10 million deal with AT&amp;T for a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-frequency-is-5g">private 5G network</a>."We're not going to do it with people. We're not going to do it with brick and mortar. We're going to do it with technology, with IoT, but we need that base foundational level of connectivity, private wireless, that's going to enable it," he added, referring to the Internet of Things.Private wireless networks can also help enterprises with cost and mobility by reducing the expense of installing cables and by providing connectivity to areas that might be harder to reach with wires."We traditionally at the airport, especially, do not put anything very secure across wireless. We just don't do it," said Kyle Mobley, the director of information technology at the Port of Oakland, which operates the San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. "And it's not because we have any proof it's going to be less secure in the way we do it. It's the what you don't know."Mobley added: "Having this infrastructure wirelessly is huge." Mobley spoke of using private wireless for passenger traffic sensors, for example."It's tough to keep sending people out in the field to investigate things at 2 o'clock in the morning," he said. "And we cover such a wide area that getting these sensors — lidar, cameras, whatever it ends up being — in every corner of our property is huge to give that person working that desk the ability to know what's going on. Do I have a squirrel running up the fence, or is it somebody? The squirrel will sometimes send 10 cars out there, and that's not very efficient."Roughly 58% of airports worldwide that participated in the survey are investing in major development programs for a 5G communications network, and another 29% have research-and-development programs for the tech by 2026, said the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.sita.aero/globalassets/docs/surveys--reports/2023-air-transport-it-insights-v6.1.pdf">2023 Air Transport IT Insights</a> report from SITA, an IT and telecommunications service provider for the aviation industry, and Airports Council International.As for passengers, they might see benefits like quicker <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-to-do-when-an-airline-loses-your-luggage-2022-7">baggage claim</a> or smoother check-ins."I'm not really looking to be in the private-wireless business — I feel like I have to be in the private-wireless business," Youngs said. "I need to harness data to take our airport forward. That's really the end game."

Airports are investing in private wireless networks to improve operations and travelers' experience

<ul class="summary-list"><li>In a court filing Monday, Eric Adams argues his bribery charge should be dismissed.</li><li>The NYC mayor says it was legal for him to accept lavish travel accommodations from Turkey.</li></ul>In a court filing Monday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams asked a federal judge in Manhattan to dismiss the bribery charge against him, arguing that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travel-new-york-mayor-eric-adam-alleged-accepted-court-documents-2024-9">the lavish travel accommodations</a> he accepted from Turkish officials were gifts, not bribes."<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-charges-indicted-2024-9">The indictment</a> in this case alleges a 'bribery' scheme that does not meet the definition of bribery and indeed does not amount to a federal crime at all," Adams' lawyer argues in the filing.The first-class international flights and hotel stays he enjoyed over the past decade were not conditioned on any specific mayoral favors, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25178330-us-v-adams-mol-dismissal-20240930">the 25-page motion</a> says.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-legal-bill-nyc-taxpayers-alex-spiro-criminal-defense-2024-9">Alex Spiro</a>, Adams' lawyer in the criminal corruption case, asked the judge to dismiss just one of the five counts against him.He can still bring future motions to dismiss the charges, but the quick filing — less than a week after the indictment was unsealed — underscores how the lawyer, known for his hard-charging tactics, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eric-adams-court-appearance-criminal-case-indictment-2024-9">is seeking to get a quick win</a> for the embattled New York City mayor amid calls for him to resign from office and ahead of a brutal primary fight next summer.Monday's dismissal motion cites a recent Supreme Court decision allowing officials to accept gratuities meant to curry their favor in a general, non-specific way."The indictment does not allege that Mayor Adams agreed to perform any official act at the time that he received a benefit," Adams' motion argues."Rather, it alleges only that while serving as Brooklyn Borough President—not Mayor, or even Mayor-elect—he agreed generally to assist with the 'operation' or 'regulation' of a Turkish Consulate building in Manhattan, where he had no authority whatsoever, in exchange for travel benefits (e.g., upgrades to vacant business-class seats and a car ride to a restaurant)," the motion says.Adams is accused of accepting $100,000 in luxury international travel from wealthy foreign businesspeople, including at least one Turkish government official who was "seeking to gain influence over him" for nearly a decade, according to the indictment.Federal prosecutors said last week that in return for these gifts, Adams pressured city fire officials to approve the opening of Turkish House, a newly constructed Manhattan skyscraper housing Turkey's consulate and other diplomatic functions.Adams also agreed not to make statements critical of Turkey on the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, the indictment alleges.In a press conference following the mayor's arraignment in court Friday, Spiro mocked the charges as "the airline upgrade corruption case."The other charges in Adams' indictment allege he knowingly sought and accepted illegal campaign contributions from corporations and foreign nationals.Adams has pleaded not guilty. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of 45 years in prison.

Eric Adams says his lavish, Turkey-funded travels were legal 'gifts,' not bribes

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Travel tutors can earn six figures a year, but that price tag comes at a personal cost.</li><li>Tutors often have to contend with little to no social life while maintaining professional boundaries.</li></ul>When a missed flight left travel tutor Joanna Dunckley and her client stranded in a hotel, she wasted no time and turned the room into an impromptu classroom.Her job required the utmost flexibility: Some days, she'd teach math classes on a superyacht. Other days, she'd turn an ant bite into a science lesson on ant colonies and formic acid.Dunckley's role is anything but traditional. For the past 14 years, she's worked with Tutors International, a company offering private travel tutor services.Dunckley's lessons could take place anywhere — she taught marine biology on yachts on the Mediterranean and covered history while exploring the killing fields of Phnom Penh, Cambodia."It's the best way to teach because you can personalize your curriculum," Dunckley said. "If your student is a golf lover, you can tailor all your physics questions to how they relate to golf."Tutors International, a UK-based company offering these services, advertises <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tutors-international.net/currentpositions">positions</a> with salaries ranging from $150,000 to $380,000 annually.Founder and CEO <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tutor-rich-you-have-to-ignore-wealth-adam-caller-2024-8">Adam Caller</a> said this high price point is designed to "attract the absolute best out of the school system to work one-on-one with a family for several years.""We're basically paid like very good lawyers," said<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/travel-tutor-wealthy-help-special-needs-students-succeed-2024-8"> Nathaniel Hannan</a>, who has worked with Tutors International as a travel tutor for 18 years and has lived in 13 different countries.But the hefty <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-rich-spend-1000s-private-tuition-some-say-its-mistake-2024-5">paycheck</a> comes with significant caveats, said four current and former travel tutors who spoke with Business Insider.<div type="image" title="Nathaniel Hannan Notre Dame" height="960" width="1280" msid="114061776" hostid="261" sizebytes="130858"></div><h2 id="99ce504b-c57a-4631-aac1-303a43197341">Living someone else's life means compatibility is key</h2>Travel tutors become an essential and close-knit part of their client's world, which often means putting their own on hold."You are living their life and making yourself available for their life," Dunkley said.Tutors make much more than most teachers, but they leave their families, friends, and lives behind, said Ian Jones, the director of education at UK-based Beacon Education, which offers tutor<a target="_blank" href="https://beacon.education/tutors/current-vacancies/#"> positions</a> paying between $117,000 and $150,000 a year.The close relationship with the family is both a challenge and a reward."The relationship we develop with those families lasts many years after we finish tutoring their kid," said Tutors International's Hannan. "My professional obligations to a family expired four years ago, but I'm happy to fly across an ocean and spend time with them on my dime."Hannan said that candidates for Tutors International answer rigorous essay-style questions and undergo interviews before Caller shortlists two for a client.Ultimately, the choice often comes down to which tutor the client connects with best, which Tutors International's Dunckley likened to matchmaking.She said that while many tutors may have similar paper qualifications, their ability to meet the family's needs is usually the dealbreaker."One family might want to travel and use the locations as inspiration for learning, and another needs their child to get into Harvard," said Dunckley.The process of matching tutors with families goes beyond academic expertise. Dunckley says tutors and families must fit each other's personalities and lifestyles."You're not just showing up, teaching for a few hours, and then living your own life," she said. "You're spending time with them in airports and dragging bags through high-stress situations."<div type="image" title="Flight Cancellations Israel" height="2617" width="3818" msid="114061775" hostid="261" sizebytes="401412"></div><h2 id="a0b5bab2-79fd-4a3c-936a-0fa4d2d5a3d2">Professionalism is a non-negotiable</h2>Living so closely with the families they tutor presents professional boundary challenges. Caller told BI of one tutor who learned this the hard way after being filmed drunk at a private party."You can't just go and have a glass of wine with them at the end of the day," Caller said. "No matter how your clients might be behaving, the tutor shouldn't have done that, but it's difficult for a tutor to get right."While tutors work and live close to their clients, maintaining boundaries becomes paramount. For Hannan, keeping a professional distance means adhering to one cardinal rule: Not living with clients."It's hard to maintain a professional distance from your student if your bedroom is next to theirs," Hannan told BI. "You're there to do a job, and even though you might become friendly with the family, you're not their friend."Beacon Education's Jones told BI of a tutor assigned to a Canadian family who spent a month in Thailand. While the family stayed at a homestay, the tutor organized accommodations in a separate house.He said that his company's tutors typically do not live with the families they work for, as the arrangement can become overwhelming. Instead, tutors usually travel with the families and remain nearby, but are not responsible for nannying their students.<h2 id="5014fe5a-0a88-419b-9852-42fd1d2df1ec">Dating takes a pause</h2>With the constant travel, finding time for romance can be <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-private-jet-pilot-what-job-like-2023-11">difficult</a>."That's probably a big part of why I'm single," Hannan said of his busy traveling schedule for the past 18 years. "That's something that I have to accept if this is something that I want to do for my career. So it's just par for the course."Tutors International's Dunckley said that being a travel tutor is likely very difficult for tutors with "a very close social network" and becomes much less suitable for tutors looking to settle down.When Dunckley had her child, residential assignments became difficult."It is possible, but much less flexible, once you have a family," said Dunckley, who completed a two-year role with her husband and child traveling alongside her.Dunckley has since stopped travel tutoring and, after starting a family, took on a client account manager role at Tutors International from her home in Spain.<h2 id="de986c3c-bbe0-4fde-8272-b8d6d75ed24c">It's not all work and no play</h2>In addition to the usual school holidays, tutors are also given time off from their jobs to unwind and explore the cities they're in.Dunckley said tutors must weave their off-time into wherever they are, even out at sea."I remember in Tonga, I took a day off and dropped off the side of the boat in the kayak and disappeared into the day, the island, and just sort of chilled with a boat," said Dunckley. "It's not going to be where you can plan to be off on weekends."Dunckley also said tutors have to learn to balance their time and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-find-hobbies-connect-find-creativity-2023-6"> find hobbies</a> "that you can do to make sure you're not hyper-alert the whole time." Dunckley said that she relaxed by reading a book or visiting restaurants."It's no good if you burn out and are resentful or unhappy," Dunckley said. "For me, it was just making sure that when I did have the time, I made the most of it, and I didn't just sit and stew or worry."<div type="image" title="Tonga Sailboat" height="2953" width="4602" msid="114061778" hostid="261" sizebytes="762044"></div>While the constant traveling satisfied Dunckley's wanderlust, she said that the most fulfilling part of her job was being a part of her students' lives."It's not just the educational stuff. It's the life stuff too, like changing the tire on a car, figuring out where you're going, and getting laundry done in the middle of nowhere in China," Dunckley said. "Children benefit from having somebody on their side, building their confidence as role models and mentors."Do you have a story to share about working around or for high-net-worth individuals? Email this reporter at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:lwee@insider.com">lwee@insider.com</a>.

Inside the lives of travel tutors for the wealthy: big paychecks, yacht trips, and very little personal space

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Our family traveled to London, apprehensive of how the kids would eat there with food allergies.</li><li>We were pleasantly surprised by the precautions that London restaurants take — more than in the US.</li></ul>As a parent of kids with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/my-food-allergies-have-eased-but-eating-is-still-complicated-2023-4">food allergies</a>, traveling can be stressful. I worry about what they will eat and whether they will be safe when we are outside the comfort of our home.We typically avoid restaurants. Relying on staff about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/signs-of-allergic-reaction-food-environment-2019-12">allergens can be terrifying</a>, especially when they are misinformed.Yet, I love to travel and share that passion with them. I wanted to show them that we can have amazing adventures, despite our <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/life-threatening-food-allergies-daughter-future-live-2024-2">food allergies</a>.So I booked our family flights to London and prepared as much as I could.<h2 id="a3be05f7-2408-4039-92ea-46cbf00f82ea">I quickly realized London restaurants are more accommodating</h2>Armed with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-the-us-has-such-high-drug-prices-2016-9">EpiPens</a> and a suitcase full of foods free of the top eight allergens, we were off on our first London adventure.When we arrived at our hotel in London's West End, I quickly scanned the area for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-american-food-at-uk-grocery-store-2022-12">grocery stores</a> and discovered that there were none. The kids wanted hot food, so we went on a quest to find a good meal.We discovered a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-dog-pub-london-taylor-swift-matty-healy-joe-alwyn-2024-4">traditional UK pub </a>nearby. I hoped we could find at least one safe food they could eat. I was surprised as to what happened next.As soon as we sat down, the waiter greeted us. The first question he asked was, "Do you have any food allergies?" In my experience in the US, servers rarely initiate conversations about food allergies. When we ask, they often respond annoyed.Delighted that I didn't have to initiate this discussion, I listed their many allergies. He pointed out the separate fryers and work spaces to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-you-should-never-order-at-a-restaurant-2018-10">avoid cross-contamination</a>.He brought out an iPad with an app that listed the allergens for every item on the menu. We typed in our food allergies, and the app told us the foods my kids could eat.We were thrilled, and the kids devoured their meals safely and without worry.Could eating at a London restaurant with food allergies be this easy? It was too good to be true!I figured this was a fluke, so we went to another place. They took the same precautions, provided me with an allergen menu, and did their due diligence to avoid cross-contamination.<h2 id="3e27e093-4a60-4533-b658-45fbc2e03b67">My kids never ate so safely and so well as they did in London</h2>My kids have never eaten so well and safely as they did while on vacation in London. London is an ideal international destination for food allergy families.Curious as to why we were having such a different experience in London than in the US, I researched.There are more food allergy regulations in the UK than in the US. In the UK, Natasha's Law protects people with food allergies who rely on ingredient transparency. Restaurants <a target="_blank" href="https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/allergen-guidance-for-food-businesses#:~:text=You%20must%20provide%20allergen%20information,customers%20can%20obtain%20this%20information">must provide allergen information</a> in writing. There is no US federal regulation requiring allergen disclosure in restaurants.In the UK, restaurants are required to list 14 common allergens on food labels, while in the US, they list nine. In the UK, servers ask their customers about food allergies, while in the US, the customers ask.Traveling with kids brings unexpected surprises, sometimes good and sometimes bad. In our case, we unexpectedly ate like royalty. We will visit London again with hungry stomachs and a newly gained sense of safety.

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