Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-travel-daily/id1842162269
Travel Daily Podcast 11/28/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of big-picture policy shifts, airline and airport updates, destination inspiration, and a few smart ways to make your next trip smoother.
How rail journeys across Europe could be made faster in the coming years
By: Michael Barrett | Published: November 27, 2025
The European Commission unveiled a strategy to accelerate high-speed rail across the EU, aiming to cut cross-border journey times while advancing 2050 climate goals. Flagship examples include Athens–Sofia in six hours and Copenhagen–Berlin in four hours via the Fehmarn Belt connection, with binding timetables to reduce bottlenecks by 2027 and a financing plan to follow. For travelers, the promise is faster, more reliable international rail that competes with short-haul flights.
All Signature “Experiências Absolute” 3 per year (worth $$$!)
By: John Ollila | Published: November 27, 2025
Accor’s ALL Signature Absolute tier quietly includes three annual “Experiences” unlocked at 4, 8, and 12 months—ranging from food outings to, at the top tier, actual hotel stays with extras. A recent example in Rio offered a weekday night at an MGallery with breakfast for two and a 50-minute couples massage, underscoring the potential value if you travel in Brazil. Availability can be limited (weekends often blocked), so planning ahead is key.
Tourism spend drops in October despite rise in numbers
By: Hugh Dooley | Published: November 27, 2025
Ireland saw a 4% year-over-year rise in October visitors (568,900) but a 1% dip in spending to €529 million, with year-to-date visitor spend down 12.7% to €4.7 billion. US travelers represented 22% of visitors yet 38% of spend, while average stays held at 7.1 nights. Industry leaders question the scale of the decline, citing on-the-ground strength despite the CSO’s reported softness.
Tom Doxey on Southwest’s big bets for a smoother, roomier future
By: Kanchi Jain | Published: November 27, 2025
Southwest’s EVP and CFO Tom Doxey outlines upgrades rolling out in January, including assigned and premium seating, alongside free Wi‑Fi via T‑Mobile and five new destinations. The airline is also investing in operational tools to keep reliability near the top of the industry. Early feedback on extra-legroom seats is strong, with Southwest positioning comfort and digital ease as core to its value proposition.
7 unspoken rules about flying out of the Orlando Airport
By: Jasmine Kocon | Published: November 27, 2025
Orlando International (MCO) is exceptionally busy—use TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, or free MCO Reserve to save time at security. Arrive three hours early, especially during the two-year tram replacement project affecting access to gates for several major airlines; shuttle buses may substitute at times. Pro tip: Terminal C offers stronger dining and shopping, while Disney and Universal stores in all terminals handle last-minute souvenirs.
Chinese airlines asked to cut Japan flights through March 2026 & Cathay offers flexible cancellations
By: John Ollila | Published: November 27, 2025
Following political tensions over comments on Taiwan, China issued a travel warning for Japan and asked airlines to cut capacity through March 2026; mainland carriers and Cathay are allowing flexible changes and cancellations. Travelers to Japan on affected airlines should monitor itineraries for schedule shifts and aircraft downgrades. Reduced capacity could ease overtourism pressures in Japan’s hottest destinations.
Un borgo di tufo tra basiliche segrete e cioccolato da sogno
By: Redazione Travel | Published: November 27, 2025
Tuscania, near Viterbo in Lazio, charms with its tufa-stone skyline, Etruscan heritage, and two standout basilicas—San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore—set amid sweeping views. The local chocolate scene adds a sweet twist, from artisanal pralines to the classic, velvety cioccolata a squajo. Visit in spring or fall for gentler weather; pair basilica time with a belvedere stroll and a tasting stop.
Sul Garda c’è una città fortificata che sembra uscita da un racconto
By: Redazione Travel | Published: November 28, 2025
Peschiera del Garda is a UNESCO-recognized, pentagonal fortress city crisscrossed by canals—think “small Venice” with bastions and lake views. Stroll the ramparts, cross the 16th-century Ponte dei Voltoni, and cycle the scenic Peschiera–Mantova path along the Mincio. Beaches, boat trips to Sirmione and Lazise, and nearby parks (like Gardaland) round out a versatile lake getaway.
The best bookshops in Utrecht, Netherlands
By: Egor Bronnikov, Jannes Vleming | Published: November 27, 2025
Utrecht, a UNESCO City of Literature, brims with characterful bookstores—from the expansive Broese on the Oudegracht to the boutique De Utrechtse Boekenbar and antiquarian gem Aleph. Paper Moon caters to English-reading families, while Bijleveld offers a curated escape near the Janskerk. It’s a walkable, canal-side book hunt where coffee, community events, and great finds go hand-in-hand.
Netherlands Buy Now Pay Later Business Report 2025: A $16.4 billion market by 2030 with Klarna, Afterpay, Paypal, Riverty, Alfa, Aplazame, and Snoop at the forefront
By: Research and Markets | Published: November 27, 2025
BNPL in the Netherlands is set to grow from about $9.0B (2024) to $16.4B by 2030, led by Klarna, Riverty, and PayPal amid tighter regulations on transparency and affordability. Expansion is moving beyond retail into travel and lifestyle, including vacation packages and even rail ticket pilots for flexible payments. Expect more AI-driven personalization, bank partnerships, and omnichannel options as providers balance growth with consumer protection.
