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USA Today
04-08-2025
- USA Today
No trip, no shame: Why skipping summer travel might be smart
Is the thought of going on summer vacation too much for you? Too much money, too much hassle, too much everything? Well, you've got company. Americans are having second thoughts about their summer vacations, according to Stephen Day, director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Economic Education. "People think their vacation dollars won't take them very far," he said. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! A new survey finds that more than half of Americans are cutting back their summer travel plans, spurred by economic worries and price increases. Should they? The answer is yes – and no. There's no requirement to take a summer vacation. But there are also good – and not so good – reasons to cancel this year's summer vacation. Should air conditioning cost extra? Why some hotels say yes You don't have to take a vacation this summer You may feel some pressure to go somewhere this summer, but experts say that's nonsense. "There's nothing wrong with staying home," said Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips. "I respect a client who says, 'We just can't afford a trip this year.' I appreciate that kind of honesty. Financial stress can spoil a vacation." The best reason to postpone or cancel a summer vacation is your personal circumstances – health issues, job loss, or personal crises. Friends and family can put a lot of pressure on you to go somewhere. Maybe there's that moment next to the water cooler after Labor Day where you're comparing your vacation stories with your colleagues, and maybe it fills you with dread. So I'll let you off the hook. If someone gives you an eye roll when you admit you stayed home this summer, show them this column. Read Sherren's quote. Hold your head high, my friend. Summer vacation is not mandatory. Here's why you should cancel your summer vacation There are legitimate reasons to call off your summer vacation. It's the busiest travel season ever! How to avoid lines, stay ahead of the crowds Bad reasons to cancel your summer vacation But there are also reasons people are calling off their summer vacation that don't really hold up. Those include: Warning: If you cancel your vacation, you will have to deal with this If you decide to cancel your summer vacation plans, be prepared for a few things. First, there will be fallout from the rest of your family or travel companions, who were really looking forward to seeing Rome or Lisbon this summer. You may have to promise them a do-over during the fall, when travel will be less expensive and crowded, so that's a real win-win. But second, and equally important, is that you could face some steep cancellation penalties. If you've already prepaid for airfare and hotels, you may lose some money. (That's one reason I sometimes recommend travel insurance, especially "cancel for any reason" travel insurance. Because stuff happens.) I'm having second thoughts about my summer travels, too. I'm currently in Germany and headed to Greece next week. I'm trying to avoid the popular places, and I'm staying flexible just in case things take a turn for the worse. You never know. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
08-07-2025
- USA Today
How to avoid tourist hate this summer and feel welcome abroad
Chloe Bennet said she felt unwelcome during her recent visit to Venice. And she had a decision to make. "It was a combination of the high visitor taxes, signage prohibiting certain actions, such as sitting on steps or eating outdoors, and critical looks when I used English," said Bennet, an editor who works for an academic publisher based in Tampa, Florida. "The unspoken message was: My presence wasn't welcome." Bennet didn't know what to do. It turns out that many visitors may be in a similar situation this summer. The most popular tourist attractions are expected to be more crowded than ever, experts say. In fact, the Louvre – the world's most visited museum – shut down earlier this month after its staff went on strike, with employees protesting unmanageable crowds brought about by mass tourism and chronic understaffing. Meanwhile, across southern Europe, there have been coordinated anti-tourism protests in Venice, Barcelona and Lisbon. "Popular destinations have a love-hate relationship with tourists, especially this summer," explained Susan Sherren, who runs the travel design company Couture Trips. "They can't live without tourists funding their economy. But at the same time, local affordability concerns and overcrowding have skyrocketed, making the locals quite upset. I really can't blame them and would not wish that influx of humanity in my city." Should you turn around and go home? So what should you do if you feel like people don't want you there? Turn around and go home? No. As it turns out, there are proven ways to defuse these hostilities and set your trip on the right track. I know because I'm on the road almost every day of the year, and I've had to deal with nearly every place I go. In a minute, I'll share my secrets with you. But first, let's get back to Bennet's story. She could allow the unfriendly looks and the high taxes to ruin her trip – or she could do something about it. She decided to do something. "I had wanted to explore Venice for many years and hoped to bond with the city without feeling like I was disrupting its rhythm," she said. "I decided to modify my behavior to improve the situation. Even basic Italian phrases like 'Buongiorno' and 'Grazie' made a noticeable difference when I used them." Bennet also decided to support local businesses instead of visiting well-known tourist spots, and she stayed away from attractions during peak times. "I noticed that locals became more welcoming when they saw my efforts to honor their cultural norms," she adds. Could it be that simple? Just stop acting like a tourist? Maybe. How to deal with feeling unwelcome when you travel Experts say you can avoid a chilly reception on your next vacation. But the time to start thinking about it is now. "Feeling welcome as a traveler starts long before your plane lands," said Jessica Flores, chief experience officer for Tourism Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability in the travel and tourism industry. "The best way to ensure a positive experience is to do your homework before arriving." In other words, get some local advice – and take it. And don't act like the place belongs to you (because it doesn't). And how do I know that's true? Well, I've had some experience with this. What I do when they tell me to get lost You might find this hard to believe, but even journalists like me are often unwelcome in places we visit. (OK, that was a joke.) I've always felt welcome in places like Turkey and the Middle Eastern Gulf states or the American South, which have long traditions of welcoming strangers. I've felt less wanted – which is a polite way of saying I've felt unwelcome – in places like Australia, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean. The first thing I always try to do is understand why they dislike tourists. And usually, there's a pretty good reason, ranging from silly ("You drive on the wrong side of the road") to serious ("You've exploited my island for generations"). Rachel McCaffery, a sustainable tourism expert, recalls stepping off a cruise ship in Corsica only to be greeted by protesters. But instead of walking past them, she stopped and asked them why they were demonstrating. "There were five or six enormous cruise ships that docked in their small town harbor every day," she said. "Turns out the continual churning of giant engines means smoke regularly billows into nearby homes, affecting people's health." That was a classy move. You don't want to be grouped with all the annoying tourists – you know, the ones that crowd the town square snapping selfies. It's the best way to set yourself apart with good manners and respect for local culture. So that's what I try to do. My final strategy is the hardest: I try to return their rage with kindness. When they grimace, I smile. And when they ignore me, I lean into my politeness. And it usually works. Thanks to these strategies, I have friends in some of the least hospitable places on Earth. And you can, too. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
27-06-2025
- USA Today
The biggest travel worries this summer and how to handle them like a pro
Jan Howell is afraid of the water levels this summer. She's booked on a Danube riverboat cruise, and she's concerned that the water won't be high enough for the ship. That could turn her cruise into a bus tour – or even cancel it. Months of careful planning would go down the drain. "That's my biggest worry," said Howell, a nurse from Spokane, Washington. This summer, travelers are afraid of a lot of things. A recent survey by Aon Affinity Travel Practice suggests travelers are concerned about getting sick and not being able to travel (28%), having a cancellation or delay because of bad weather or a natural disaster (26%) and concerns about the impact of global conflicts (19%). Half of the respondents have purchased travel insurance to protect their trip. "The excitement of summer travel comes with a heightened awareness of potential risks," explained Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice. "For many, it's not just about making memories but also helping ensure their financial investment, health and belongings are protected while they're on vacation.' So, what are you afraid of this summer? What should you be afraid of? And how do you allay those fears? Travelers have a lot to fear this summer These fears are not irrational. A recent study commissioned by AXA Partners found that 7 in 10 Americans experienced travel mishaps in the past year. "It can shake a traveler's confidence," said Susan Sherren, who runs the travel design company Couture Trips. "When my clients leave home, they embark on a risky journey, and many unpredictable scenarios can lead to anticipatory anxiety. Safety concerns, loss of control, and travel complexities may make someone think twice about leaving home." Howell, the nurse from Spokane, had heard about the low river levels and researched the problem. Usually, the Danube's levels are fine in late spring, with the runoff from melting snow, but they can sometimes drop quickly during the summer. Her solution was to self-book her hotels through her credit card, which offers cancellation insurance. To address any potential illnesses or injuries, she also ensured her medical insurance covered her for international travel and subsequently purchased a medical evacuation policy through Medjet. "Being stuck alone in a foreign hospital wouldn't be great," she added. Put it all together, and Howell said she feels reasonably confident that her river cruise will go off without a hitch. What to be afraid of this summer and what to do about it How about you? What are you afraid of, and what should you be afraid of? Let's do a lightning round of travel phobias. Are you afraid of the wrong thing this summer? My greatest travel fear this summer is ending up in a crowd with no way out. I'm headed back to Europe on assignment and may be in places that are overrun with tourists. I've been hearing about the crowding problem, and I'm not sure there's anything more I can do than worry. But experts say there is. "What should really worry people is lack of preparation," said James Shaffer, managing director with the website "Choosing nonrefundable tickets. Ignoring insurance. Or booking through a third-party site without researching their policies. These choices can trap you." In other words, instead of worrying about your summer trip, do something about it before you leave. Find a flexible ticket. Get a travel insurance policy. Book through a reliable agent, or do your research and then book the trip yourself. "I expect the unexpected," Shaffer told me. "I only buy refundable airfare. Of course, it costs a little more – but it does give you peace of mind." Ah, peace of mind. Couldn't we use a little more of that this summer? Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
