Travel

The United States could see a hemorrhaging hospitality industry lose up to $12.5 billion in international travel tourism dollars this year, collapsing to $169 billion from $181 billion in 2024, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. That would be a 22.5 percent decline from the U.S. international spending peak of $217.4 billion in 2019, per the trade group’s latest Economic Impact Research. The projection comes after months of Trump administration policies that have spooked travelers. Trade publication Travel and Tour World notes that the loss of international income...

Airbnb has announced a major revamp of its app and services, introducing features that allow users to book experiences and services alongside their accommodation. The update, described as "transformational" by Airbnb chief business officer Dave Stephenson, marks a significant expansion for the company. Inspired by Amazon's evolution beyond its online bookstore origins, Airbnb now enables users to book add-on services such as private chefs or personal trainers.

Spirit Airlines, long known for its low prices and no-frills airfare, is suddenly leaning into passenger comfort. The airline announced Tuesday that it will begin offering two premium options. They include, perhaps most surprisingly, seating with extra legroom. The new seats will be available on May 15 for flights taking off July 9 and later, and will roll out across the majority of Spirit’s fleet sometime that month, the company said in a press release. They’ll offer 32 inches of space between seat backs, compared with the usual 28 inches....

Southwest Airlines Co. has filed with the US Transportation Department for authority to fly to any country with which the US has an Open Skies aviation agreement, signaling the carrier intends to expand its small international route network. Approval of the request could allow Southwest to fly to countries in Europe, the UK, much of Latin America and parts of Asia and Africa. The Dallas-based airline also sought the ability to transport “persons, property and mail” to countries that enter aviation agreements with the US in the future, according to...

Police dramatically marched onto a Ryanair plane after a hoax bomb threat forced Belgium's second largest airport to suspend a number of flights today. Shocking footage shows officers storming onto the jet as panicked passengers dart their gaze in several directions amid the commotion. As police hurried towards the back of the aircraft at Charleroi Airport, worried travellers stood from their seats whilst others raised their phones. A series of flights were suspended at Belgium's second largest airport after 'a bomb threat was triggered' on a landed jet at around...

You may not recognize Spirit Airlines. The Broward-based carrier is introducing four extra inches of legroom to an enhanced premium section and new loyalty program benefits, including upgrades. Yes, the same discount airline with bright yellow colors that travelers love to hate, is making it a bit more comfortable and fun to fly. On Tuesday, Spirit announced that it would “re-imagine” its Go Comfy section, turning it into a more traditional premium option, a sign that it intends to compete with bigger airlines. Spirit says it will reconfigure seating to...

Staying at an Airbnb is a tough sell for hotel diehards. It’s not always the more affordable option anymore. Check-in can be a chore. And with added cleaning fees alongside an unpredictable standard of service, booking an Airbnb comes with more risk than an established hotel brand. However, the company that mainstreamed short-term rentals is trying to change that narrative. A new feature called Airbnb Services allows users to buy 10 categories of amenities straight to their stay. Starting Tuesday, customers can buy services like chef-cooked meals, spa treatments and...

If you've recently been to a U.S. airport, you might have seen posters depicting an attractive, unsmiling young person. These posters are accompanied by sensationalist, hyperbolic claims that young people are at risk of predation from human traffickers. They include a contact number to report suspected trafficking.

Slovenia, at 7,827 square miles, is small enough for visitors to explore in a week. But because of its diverse geography no two days will look the same. Expect to weave your way through tall mountain passes, hike around glacial lakes, descend deep into caves and hit the beach. The Julian Alps, Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Karawanks Alps are Slovenia's three main mountain ranges, and the Julian Alps are especially stunning, offering the "Slovenia of tourist posters: mountain peaks, picture-perfect lakes and blue-green rivers," said Lonely Planet. For skiers, snowboarders and...