5 Value-Packed, Under-the-Radar Vacations to Take This Summer
Bloomberg News
It may be an American holiday, but Memorial Day weekend seems to kick off summer travel everywhere, unleashing the highest-spending tourists on their annual sprees to the Greek Isles, Italy, and beyond.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
This Is the Most Expensive Country to Visit in 2025
With high inflation and daily costs, travelers can expect to spend more than $400 per day at this gorgeous Points Iceland is the most expensive destination for U.S. tourists in 2025, according to a study. Iceland's high daily costs and high inflation rate contributed to the expense. Australia and Mexico rounded out the top three most expensive tourist destinations for internationally can be pricey, but one European destination in particular tops the list for the most expensive in the world for Americans. Iceland was named the most expensive popular tourism destination for 2025, according to a recent study by The Forex Complex shared with Travel + Leisure. The financial trading company evaluated 19 international destinations and found the average vacation cost in Iceland totaled more than $400 per day, the highest of any country included in the study. In addition, the report noted Iceland's inflation rate is 5.5 percent, adding to the overall costs of hotels, food, and transport. 'Currency fluctuations can significantly reshape travel costs, even in countries with stable local prices. While daily expenses tend to dominate perceptions of affordability, shifts in exchange rates can quietly make or break a vacation budget for American tourists,' a spokesperson for The Forex Complex said in a statement shared with T+L. 'In 2025, travelers who overlook currency trends might be in for a costlier summer than expected.' The second most-expensive destination was Australia where daily vacation expenses came in at around $280 per day. Inflation in Australia is relatively low—just 2.4 percent—but costs remain high. Mexico came in third on the list in part due to a strong 6.4 percent increase in its currency (the Mexican peso) against the dollar. This adds to costs for American tourists and may offset the relatively inexpensive prices that would otherwise make Mexico a more budget-friendly destination. Popular destinations for American tourists in Europe—like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy— now cost less thanks to more favorable exchange rates, but high daily prices still keep them in the top 10. (The UK came in at No. 8, Germany came in at No. 9, and Italy came in at No. 10.) The least expensive destination included in the study was Thailand, which boasts an average per-day spend of just $81.87 and a weakened currency (the Thai baht) compared to the U.S. dollar. Indonesia was the second most-affordable thanks to a daily average cost of just $70.23, but hindered by its inflation rate of 1.95 percent. To determine the results, the Forex Complex weighed three factors: the average daily tourism-related costs in U.S. dollars, the local inflation rate, and the year-to-year change in the destination's currency strength compared to the dollar. The study took into account several common expenses, including the cost of accommodations, transportation options, and the price of meals. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Fast Company
6 hours ago
- Fast Company
From Lincoln's dream to an $85 billion merger, the transcontinental railroad is back
Between 1863 and 1869, the first transcontinental line, known as the Pacific Railroad was built in the United States. The line ran from Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California, and carried passengers and goods alike. It was built mostly by the Central Pacific Railroad Company of California and Union Pacific, and marked a turning point in the Industrial Revolution and America's economy when it came to shipping goods from the west coast. Now Union Pacific looks to expand upon history. Pending approval by the Surface Transportation Board (STB), it says it hopes to acquire Norfolk Southern through a 'stock and cash transaction' by 2027, and create the 'Union Pacific Transcontinental Railroad'. Which according to a press release, will involve Norfolk Southern shareholders receiving 'one Union Pacific common share, and $88.82 in cash for each share of Norfolk Southern.' Both combining to represent a $320 value per share, based on Union Pacific's July 16, 2025, closing stock price. Ultimately, allowing them to 'buy' Norfolk Southern for $85 billion. Norfolk Southern shareholders would represent 27% of ownership in the combined company. If the merger is not approved, the agreement reflects a $2.5 billion termination fee. Their end goal is to connect the west and east coasts across 43 states and link around 100 shipment ports throughout North America. They say it would be the first transcontinental railroad in America, but in reality, it would just be the first line to carry freight (not passengers), without needing to transfer shipments between rail lines. 'This combination is transformational, enhancing the best freight transportation system in the world – it's a win for the American economy, it's a win for our customers, and it's a win for our people,' Union Pacific CEO, Jim Vena said in a statement. 'It builds on President Abraham Lincoln's vision of a transcontinental railroad from nearly 165 years ago and advances our Safety, Service and Operational Excellence Strategy.' Who does a transcontinental railroad benefit? Currently, there are seven class 1 freight railroads operating in the U.S. including BNSF Railway Co., Canadian National Railway (Grand Trunk Corporation), Canadian Pacific (Soo Line Corporation), CSX Transportation, Kansas City Southern Railway Co., Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific Railroad. Echoing the sentiment of the Trump administration's 'America First' strategy, the statement announcing the merger says this venture would 'transform the U.S. supply chain, unleash the industrial strength of American manufacturing, and create new sources of economic growth and workforce opportunity that preserves union jobs.' Additionally, Union Pacific claims the merging of routes would improve transit times, enhance rail competition—-specifically against the Canadian lines that operate in the states—and move more freight via train for a lower consumer and manufacturer cost. The company cites the pros of rail shipping over highway truckers as 'more cost effective on a per-ton mile basis, faster due to a lack of traffic concerns, and more environmentally fuel efficient.' On the flipside, the cons of rail include it being less cost efficient for smaller shipments, and the shipping mode's inability to reach specific locations all the time, and those truckers are likely to have something to say about any transportation that moves from truck to rail. Linking America's coasts According to the Federal Railroad Administration, 52% of rail freight consists of 'bulk' commodities. These widely include agriculture, energy products, hazardous materials and chemicals, automobiles, food, and other various materials. The other 48% consist of consumer goods and miscellaneous items like clothes, electronics, and produce—most of which are considered 'intermodal', meaning they are small enough to be transferred for the 'last mile' of shipment via plane, truck, or other transportation mode. And per Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, these goods equal around 1.5 billion tons currently moved via freight railroads every year. What happens next? The STB will review the agreement after the companies file their application to merge—something they say they plan to do within the next six months. A merging of this capacity will likely raise questions regarding rail regulations and ethics behind competition in America, as more and more freight rail mergers have taken place over the past few years.
Business Wire
7 hours ago
- Business Wire
STARLUX Airlines Launches Phoenix's First Nonstop Flight to Asia Starting January 15, 2026
TAIPEI, Taiwan & PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of the recent inauguration of its fourth U.S. destination--Ontario, CA--Taiwan-based luxury carrier STARLUX Airlines today announced nonstop service from Phoenix, Arizona to Taipei, beginning January 15, 2026. This marks Phoenix's first nonstop connection to Asia, establishing a new transpacific link from the state of Arizona. Reservations for the new Phoenix–Taipei route are now open. Fueled by strong tourism and business demand—including accelerated growth in Phoenix's tech sector following TSMC's landmark investment—STARLUX is seizing this opportunity to expand its North American network and strengthen its hub network between Asia and North America. The Phoenix-Taipei route will be served by the new-generation Airbus A350, with three weekly flights at launch, increasing to four weekly flights starting March 2026. Full schedule details are outlined below: Note: Please refer to the STARLUX Airlines official website for the latest schedule and related information. 'We are honored to launch the first nonstop flight connecting Arizona and Asia,' said STARLUX CEO Glenn Chai. 'As the fifth largest city in the U.S., Phoenix presents tremendous potential for both business and leisure travel. From its rich tourism offerings to its emergence as a hub for innovation and technology, the city continues to attract global attention--especially with the influx of leading tech companies. TSMC's presence has further encouraged the development of surrounding industries and deepened the exchange between Taiwan and Phoenix. This new route will meet the growing travel demand between the two regions and reinforces STARLUX commitment to fostering meaningful connections across the Pacific.' "Phoenix's place as a premier American city is further cemented today with STARLUX Airline's new Phoenix to Taipei nonstop service now being available for purchase," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "This a testament to our market's international business growth and Phoenix Sky Harbor being one of the most well-run airports in the world." For travelers across the Southwest, the new nonstop Phoenix–Taipei route eliminates lengthy layovers in Los Angeles or San Francisco, offering a more direct, comfortable connection to Asia. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or family visits, passengers can now enjoy a seamless long-haul experience aboard STARLUX's signature luxury service. For inbound travelers from Asia, Phoenix serves as a vibrant gateway to the American Southwest—renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes, year-round sunshine, and proximity to iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend. As a growing hub for innovation, culture, and hospitality, Phoenix offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. STARLUX Airlines currently operates 10 weekly flights between Los Angeles and Taipei, alongside daily service connecting Taipei with both San Francisco and Seattle. For Ontario, California, STARLUX offers four weekly departures. As STARLUX continues to expand its North American network, passengers will enjoy more seamless connections to major Asian cities via Taipei. STARLUX Tickets Open for Booking Airline ticket reservations for the new departure schedule for Phoenix can now be booked through travel agents and on About STARLUX Airlines Founded on the philosophy that luxury should be available to everyone, not just the elite, Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines is a boutique international airline serving a total of 29 routes from Taiwan to the US, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. STARLUX passengers traveling between North America and Asia are able to enjoy an easy transfer in Taipei with its four US routes: Los Angeles-Taipei, San Francisco-Taipei, Seattle-Taipei, Ontario, California-Taipei. STARLUX prioritizes safety and offers unparalleled service with the goal of making flying a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. For more information, visit or on our US social channels Facebook and Instagram.
