Is the US in a Travel Slump? Reports Diverge

Headlines cover a vast gamut when it comes to the state of US travel and tourism.

Publications have covered US tourism from a range of angles, from analyzing Las Vegas’s summer slump to forecasting how new visa fees might change tourist outlook.

But what does that data actually say about travel to and from the United States throughout 2025? Even statistical breakdowns look a little murky depending on which data sets and yearly reports are compared. Are we in a slump? And what, exactly, defines a slump?

In short, the US is in an unprecedented situation with many possibilities ahead.

Let’s take a look at differing viewpoints from three major publications on whether or not the US is in a travel slump. (To clarify: this ‘slump’ refers to travel to/throughout the US from both domestic and international visitors.)

Take #1: Business trips are showing resilience in the tourism sector

According to Monica Pitrelli, reporting for CNBC, business trips to and from the United States have shown steady numbers throughout 2025. According to data from SAP Concur, the US was the top global destination for businesspeople this year.

That’s worth noting when it comes to Canada. Though the US and Canada are facing intensifying tensions, around 80% of outbound flights from Canada for business were heading to the US.

In short, corporate interests haven’t been tarnished by geopolitical topics.

Take #2: Overall visitor numbers are down this summer—but not for all states

According to some of the anonymous minds behind The Economist, not all publicity is good publicity when it comes to tourism. Taking a fine-tooth comb to the travel data available—such as daily passenger arrivals into the US—there’s been a sharp decline in the number of travelers visiting the US compared to 2024.

Between May and July, tourist visits to the US dropped by 5.5% compared to the previous year. Canadian visits are down 13.2% during that time for flights, with a whopping 30% decline for visits by car.

On a brighter note, while tourist visits to New York, Chicago, and Boston all dropped, they increased slightly in Florida hotspots like Orlando and Tampa. Other reports hint that some domestic travelers have been spending even more during trips, which has helped soften the financial blow of lower visitor numbers for some hospitality groups.

Take #3: US travel slump is intensifying for leisure travelers

Sarah Barltop of The Express has reported that tourism and aviation stats from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have shown sharp declines in US travel. According to figures from the US, inbound visits dropped by 3.4% compared to last June, except for flights to/from Mexico and Canada.

The total figure from 2025 is only about 80% of pre-pandemic travel numbers from 2019. Travelers from countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Spain, and Ireland have dropped from 24-33% from previous years.

According to Barltrop, main issues concerning the travel drop are related to geopolitical tensions, economic fears, and US reputation amongst travelers.

The Top 12 Venice Hidden Gems According to its Tourism Board

A while back, I covered how to research locations (from attractions to restaurants to spas) when visiting a country that uses another alphabet.

One tip I offered was relying on the local tourism board.

As a travel writer, I regularly rely on local tourism authorities to learn about specific regulations, new openings, and—the Holy Grail—recommendations on what to do.

Those recommendations can be incredibly insightful in busy tourist hubs where tourists have a lot to dig into in a short amount of time, meaning they stick to the ‘tourist track’.

In a city like Venice, that’s doubly true.

First, because Venice is usually very busy, meaning you’re more likely to miss hidden gems and alluring side streets thanks to the hustle. Second, Venice is a complex city to navigate thanks to its unique canals, making it even more likely that you’ll miss out on a secret find.

But the Citta di Venezia’s tourism authority wants you to enjoy your time in the city. They want you to slow down, meander, eat, observe, and, overall, invest on a mental and emotional level in the city.

Most importantly, they want to educate you on the ‘art of getting lost in Venice’. To do so, the Citta di Venezia has rolled out a list of Venice’s hidden gems that too many tourists miss out on. They’re divided into four sections, covering churches, gardens, bridges, and the famous squeri.

Best Venice hidden gems according to the Citta di Venezia

Secret Venice spots: Churches

Colorful Crucifix Cross Basilica Church of San Sebastian Chiesa San Sebastiano Venice Italy (Getty)

In the Cannaregio district, don’t miss out on the hidden Church of Maddona dell’Orto. It’s the final resting place of the famous Venetian-style Renaissance painter named Jacopo Robusti, referred to in Venice as Tintoretto.

In the same district, you can explore the Church of San Giobbe. This church is one of five votive churches that were built post-plague, along with the Church of San Sebastian, below. It’s one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 14^th century.

In the Dorsoduro district, you can find the Church of San Sebastian. Most visitors head there in the hopes of hearing the choir sing, along with exploring Renaissance works.

In the Santa Croce district, you can explore the Church of San Giacomo dall’Orio, one of the oldest churches still standing in the city. Its roof dates back to the 13^th century, but it was likely founded as early as the 9^th century.

Secret Venice spots: Gardens

Inner Courtyard of the Church of San Francesco della Vigna Venice with ancient cemetery (Getty)

When you’re reading to escape the noise and hustle, head to the Castello district and enjoy the greenery in San Francesco della Vigna convent gardens, set inside the church courtyard.

In Connaregio, you can visit the famous Scalzi Church, which is located near the Santa Lucio station for easy access. Again, you can find gardens in the interior.

In Santa Croce, a visit to the Palazzo Soranzo Cappello will also give you access to a quaint green space where you can soak up Venice’s quieter, more introspective side.

The Dorsoduro district also hides a gorgeous interior garden as part of the Ca’ Zenobio degli Armeni. As you head into the gardens, you can stop to enjoy the gorgeous Baroque art… and you might recognize a few spots from Madonna’s famously controversial music video for Like a Virgin, which was filmed inside.

Lastly, don’t forget about the Giardini Reali in the San Marco district and Castello Gardens or Giardini della Biennale in the Castello district.

Secret Venice spots: Bridges

Nearby the famous Rialto Bridge in the San Polo district waits Ponte delle Tette, which (roughly translated) means Tit Bridge in English. (Should we go with Breast Bridge? Or, if we’re feeling playful, Booby Bridge? Just a thought.)

The name isn’t gratuitous, either; this is where courtesans once met their clientele back in the day, and were ‘allowed’ to show their breasts to attract clients. The idea behind decriminalizing the act was to discourage homosexual affairs.

In the Dorsoduro district, don’t forget about the Ponte dei Pugni, which (again, roughly translated) means Fist Bridge in English. Similar to Florence’s Calcio Storico, this bridge is where two rival clans (the Castellani and Nicolotti) used to meet up for a casual fistfight.

Venice’s best hidden gem: the Squeri

VENICE, VENETO, ITALY – 2015/09/06: The squero di San Trovaso gondola boatyard. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)

If you’ve got a thing for Venice’s gondolas, don’t miss out on the Squeri. This spot in the Dorsoduro district is home to multiple workshops where Venice’s most skilled craftsmen repair and build gondolas according to centuries-old traditions. Look for Squero Domenico Tramontin & Figli, along with Squero San Trovaso.

The World Tour of Oopsies – Chapter 13: The Recap

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Three years in…

My world tour of travel stories started with a scorpion sting in rural Cambodia (see: Ch. 1) and ended with a horse bite in rural Costa Rica (see: Ch. 12).

The tales in between mark a very action-packed start to my travel initiation. At their start, I was sixteen and thirsty for culture, especially in the realm of spirituality. By the end, I was nineteen, and falling in love with people at festivals.

These three years were important to my life’s trajectory; I was young enough not to be changed by what I saw and learned, but to be shaped. As a malleable teenager, I was actively molded by these experiences.

The Recap

In case you’re joining my world tour of travel stories now, here’s a little rundown of what happened in my first years of travel, from ages 16-18, as a very ordinary Midwesterner.

At age sixteen, I traveled to rural Cambodia and went on a homestay on a small island near Kratie. I was stung by a scorpion in the middle of the night at one point, then had my first taste of communal bathing via bucket shower.

At age seventeen, I traveled to India’s provinces of West Bengal and Sikkim. I visited one of Kali Ma’s most famous temples, where I witnessed a goat sacrifice—and the slap of the century. My group later forged into the Himalayan Foothills (which were the biggest mountains I’d ever seen) before getting booted out of a village for not passing the vibe check, and then doing a silent retreat at a famous gompa.

I learned about true compassion, true wisdom, and how to have a full-on spiritual vision with breathwork. Shout-out to the ujjayi breath (see: Ch. 8).

At eighteen, I headed off to a hippie-ish, alternative learning college (now LIU Global) where freshmen were shipped off to Costa Rica to study environmentalism, foreign investment, and more. There, I learned the secret of the universe, about the spirituality of surfing, about Burner festivals, and why talking trash to horses never pans out.

As my first year of college came to an end, I had a choice: head to my college’s campus in Guangzhou, China, or Bengaluru, India.

Tune in next week to see where I go on my ongoing world tour of travel stories, and what sort of misadventures I get myself into next.

9 Popular European Countries Without Air Conditioning

Historically, AC in Europe hasn’t been par for the course.

In fact, it’s one of the more pressing topics that Americans flying across the Atlantic in summer think about.

Will their hotel or rental have AC? What about cafes and restaurants? And is there a straightforward list of European countries without AC?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer.

Traditionally, Europeans have foregone AC in their residences and in many commercial spaces, from offices to shops to bars. But rising temperatures across the Mediterranean and summer heat waves that last more than a week have changed the game.

Today, even Europeans who grew up without AC are grappling with heat exhaustion and sickness, meaning the number of European countries without AC is lessening.

Still, while many of Europe’s formerly no-AC zones are starting to adopt cooling technology, the process is slow. According to one source from 2018, there are around 20 AC units per 1,000 inhabitants across Europe. That’s still a pretty low number compared to other regions, and especially the US.

If you’re looking for reliable information about European countries without air conditioning, start here. These are the most popular destinations where you may or may not find AC. Plan accordingly.

Popular European countries without air conditioning and high heat

Scenic view of the city of Porto in Portugal (Getty)

First, I’m covering countries without air conditioning across the board that regularly have temperatures in the 80s, 90s, and even 100s. (Looking at you, Greece and Spain!)

Croatia

Croatia is a newer tourist hotspot compared to the other Mediterranean countries on this list, but it’s been quick to adopt AC. You’ll find it in the vast majority of rentals, homes, restaurants, and more. That being said, Croatia also has many establishments that are partly in open air, making the coastal cities and towns more accommodating for heat in general.

Greece

Given its reliance on tourism and its steadily rising average temperatures, many locations in Greece that are open to visitors have AC. That includes private rentals and hotels, along with hospitality-facing spots like museums, restaurants, and clubs. Just make sure to look for reviews on how well the unit works if you’re paying for a private rental.

Italy

Compared to Greece and Spain, Italy has been a bit slower to adopt AC units. The vast majority of hotels have them, but not all private rentals come with units. Check the reviews to look at whether the AC unit worked and how well. Similar to Spain, you’ll notice more establishments have them in the south and around the coast. In areas further north, like Veneto and Lombardy, they aren’t yet standardized.

Portugal

Similar to Italy, Portugal has been a bit slower to adopt AC. However, you can usually rely on tourist establishments to offer solid AC, especially inland and further down south. That being said, not all units are as powerful as what we’re used to in the United States. If you’re heading off the beaten track, plan to skip out on AC.

Spain

Spain relies heavily on tourism, meaning the vast majority of rentals, hotels, and shops that are hospitality-facing likely have AC. That’s particularly true in southern and coastal areas. However, if you’re heading to the north (like Basque Country or the Pyrenees), don’t expect to have AC in every private rental, restaurant, or hotel. In short, it’s used where needed, but usually only where temperatures hover above 85.

Popular European countries without air conditioning and lower temperatures

Wondering what countries don’t have AC when you may or may not need it? These European countries don’t have many AC units, but it’s less likely to be a problem.

France

Heat waves in France have surged over the last decade, causing a sharp uptick in AC purchases. However, most are in residences compared to hotels and private rentals. If you’re visiting France in the summertime, you need to ask your hotel or hosts whether you can rely on AC. Remember that it’s still new to the country, meaning some rentals that have it might not make it available to you unless they feel its actually hot enough to warrant usage.

Germany

Germany skimps big time on AC thanks to many buildings having natural ventilation and the country’s historically low temperatures. That’s changing slightly thanks to rising temperatures, but the vast majority of hotels and private rentals come with heating—not cooling.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has even fewer AC units than in Germany, thanks to its low average temperatures. Don’t expect to have AC in your private rental or hotel, in many cases.

United Kingdom

Some newer buildings might have AC, but the vast majority of homes and commercial shops in the UK don’t have units. It’s uncommon in residential settings, along with hotels and private rentals. It shouldn’t be a problem thanks to the UK’s low temperatures, aside from those increasingly common summer heatwaves.

Hotels in Downtown Seattle Close to the Pier: 11 Picks for Non-Stop Fun

Seattle’s downtown isn’t quite like other major cities.

It’s home to more than just commercial skyscrapers, out-of-place sculptures, and historic landmarks or placards. If you want to delve into the heart of the city, you’ll be spending a lot of time in downtown Seattle.

It’s home to Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, the Seattle Center (home to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit), and the Museum of Pop Culture—just to name a few.

The Seattle Pier (Pier 62) is also one of the best waterfronts in any major city in the US. Similar to San Antonio’s River Walk, it’s become a defining point in downtown Seattle, letting you escape the hustle without actually leaving the city center.

Ready to check out the best hotels in downtown Seattle close to the pier? I’ve got picks for every budget and mood.

Hotels in downtown Seattle close to the pier

Hotels in downtown Seattle near the pier

The Paramount Hotel

This three-and-a-half-star hotel offers ‘simple luxury’ thanks to its service-oriented staff and its unbeatable downtown location. While the rooms are a little dated and its list of amenities is modest, you’ll have everything you need for non-stop fun in downtown Seattle. It’s one of the most popular pre-cruise lodgings in the city, too, which makes it ideal for shorter trips.

Hotel Sorrento

Looking for a storied boutique hotel for your downtown Seattle adventure? Hotel Sorrento first opened its doors in 1909 and has been painstakingly maintained since then. Expect modern amenities with tons of historic charm. Plus, you can eat or drink at the onsite STELLA, known for its local wines and professional mixology.

Palihotel Seattle

Located across the street from Pike Place Market and Seattle’s famous waterfront, Palihotel is one of the coolest boutique hotels in the city—and with an unmatched location, too. The Hart and The Hunter is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before wandering out into the action. Despite its location, Palihotel Seattle maintains its quaint, intimate vibe.

The Alexic Royal Sonesta

This four-star location oozes charm despite its place in the fast-paced West Edge area of downtown Seattle. It’s got a Peloton bike fitness center, full-service Chroma Spa, and a restaurant serving up contemporary American food and drinks. As an added perk, the hotel is a historic designation that dates back to 1901. Like Hotel Sorrento, it’s been carefully renovated and maintained.

W Seattle

Who doesn’t love a W Hotel? This four-and-a-half-star hotel brings you all the glitz of a luxury stay while incorporating the hype of downtown Seattle. Head into the Living Room Bar for a tasteful DJ set while you lounge by an oversized fireplace, then spoil yourself by heading back to your room to enjoy some of the best views in the city.

Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle

This boutique stay from Kimpton takes you into the heart of downtown Seattle with its perfect Fifth Avenue location. On the grounds, you can enjoy the popular Italian restaurant, Tulio, along with a daily wine hour. Just make sure the prices are right for you—room rates don’t come with too many amenities.

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Located directly across from the Space Needle, this no-frills Hyatt stay lets you take on downtown Seattle at your own pace—and without breaking the bank. Whether you want a straightforward double room or a family-friendly suite with a kitchenette, there’s a room (and a great rate) for you. There’s even a basic on-site H-Bar with drinks and small bites.

Crown Plaza Seattle – Downtown by IHG

This award-winning four-star selection is geared toward large conventions but works for solo travelers and families passing through town, too. If you’re on the hunt for great views, you can even book a suite with panoramic views. The hotel also includes a fitness center, on-site dining at Regatta Bar and Grille, and natural toiletries.

Hotel 1000, LXR Hotel & Resorts

Welcome to one of the most stylish hotels in downtown Seattle, where the décor, views, and experiences are all fittingly imaginative and stylish. You’ve got unparalleled downtown views, along with unique amenities like pet services and something called a Topgolf Swing Suite. Plus, a bar called Rosebay and a restaurant called All Water Seafood. So long as you’ve got a bit extra to spend, you’ll enjoy splurging at Hotel 1000.

Mediterranean Inn

If you’re a little worried about staying smack in the middle of downtown Seattle, head to the Mediterranean Inn. You’re still within walking distance of the main attractions, but you’ll have a little more space to breathe in the Queen Anne neighborhood. Plus, the hotel offers a stunning rooftop deck for you to soak up the sights, along with tasteful and simple décor.

Southwest Airlines Has a New ‘Customer of Size’ Policy for Plus-Sized Flyers

Throughout the summer, Southwest Airlines has announced a series of major updates to its operations.

The most recent change isn’t related to their historic choose-your-own-seat arrangement, nor their new approach to those coveted companion passes.

Instead, Southwest made a critical update to its ‘customer of size policy’, which affects plus-sized passengers who normally travel with the budget carrier. In the past, Southwest has offered plus-sized travelers who need more than one seat to purchase two when booking the flight, then apply for a refund later on.

However, starting January 27^th, 2026—the same day that Southwest Airlines will end its open-seating policy—passengers won’t automatically be provided that refund.

Let’s take a look at the changes.

The new policy from Southwest Airlines affecting plus-sized passengers

Starting on January 27 of the coming year, plus-sized passengers who purchase two seats when booking their flight will only be eligible for a refund if they meet three new requirements.

These requirements are:

The flight must depart with at least one open seat. If the flight is fully booked, passengers aren’t able to apply for a refund later on.
Both seats must be within the same fare class.
Refund requests must be filed within 90 days of the flight.

I think those last two requirements are fairly par for the course, but the first requirement has raised eyebrows considering the vast majority of Southwest Airlines flights are fully booked—or even overbooked.

Some advocates for plus-sized rights in air travel have also pointed out that charging for two seats brings up the question—do you pay airlines for ‘butt space’ (aka one seat) or for passage between two locations?

Think of it like charging tall passengers for added leg room when, for them, it’s a necessity instead of a luxury. In other words, some believe that passengers are being nickel-and-dimed to pay extra for basic accommodations.

For many, being mindful of plus-sized passengers is an important part of modern plane etiquette. If you notice someone is uncomfortable on the flight (whether or not they’re plus-sized), it can make a world of difference if you make an effort to be accommodating.

Choosing not to recline your seat, for example, can have a positive impact—even if it’s small. That’s doubly true if some passengers are being double-charged for flights based on their size.