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Travel Daily Podcast 12/24/2025
Welcome back to the show. Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Montenegro restores visa-free travel for Turkish nationals
Source: Read the full story | Author: Not specified | Date: December 23, 2025
Montenegro has reinstated visa-free entry for Turkish citizens nearly two months after suspending the policy following a widely reported knife attack. The reinstatement reportedly comes with a shorter allowed stay—30 days instead of 90—and authorities may reimpose restrictions if security risks rise. Turkish travelers and the sizable diaspora in Montenegro should watch for the effective date later this week and confirm stay limits before traveling.
Viva and Volaris propose a merger of equals to dominate Mexico
Source: Read the full story | Author: Brett | Date: December 23, 2025
Mexico’s two largest ULCCs proposed forming a holding company that would oversee both carriers while keeping separate operating certificates. The move aims to harness scale in fleet and procurement and could reshape competition domestically and on cross-border routes, but significant network overlap raises antitrust hurdles in Mexico and potentially the U.S. For travelers, the airlines tout more options and potential perk alignment, though regulators will scrutinize any impact on fares and choice.
Ryanair fined €255.8m by Italian watchdog for abuse of position in travel agent dealings
Source: Read the full story | Author: Joe Brennan | Date: December 23, 2025
Italy’s antitrust authority fined Ryanair €255.8 million for allegedly abusing its dominance by hindering travel agencies’ ability to sell its flights and bundles. The watchdog cited measures from facial recognition to payment blocks and restrictive partnerships; Ryanair called the ruling “unsound” and will appeal, pointing to a separate Milan court decision favoring its direct-sales model. The outcome could influence how budget carriers distribute fares and ancillary services through OTAs in Europe.
Tabelog, Japan’s largest restaurant search and reservation service, launches multilingual app for international visitors
Source: Read the full story | Author: Business Wire | Date: December 23, 2025
Tabelog launched a multilingual app (English, Traditional Chinese, Korean) to help international visitors search and reserve Japan’s most locally rated restaurants without phone calls. With a vast database and instant online booking, the app aims to bridge language gaps, reduce crowding at tourist traps, and spread spend to neighborhood eateries. It’s a timely tool for travelers planning authentic dining across Japan’s regions.
Anatolia oriental: el último secreto del invierno turco entre palacios otomanos y ciudades de seda
Source: Read the full story | Author: Not specified | Date: December 23, 2025
Europa Press spotlights Eastern Turkey’s winter gems—from the medieval ruins of Ani near Kars and the Ishak Pasha Palace under Mount Ararat to the slow-travel calm of Bitlis/Ahlat and lakeside Van. The piece emphasizes local cuisine, heritage rail journeys, and quieter cultural experiences away from typical tourist circuits. It’s an invitation to consider Anatolia’s east as a crowd-free, history-rich winter alternative.
Le mete alternative che stanno rubando la scena alle destinazioni famose
Source: Read the full story | Author: Redazione Travel | Date: December 23, 2025
The Wom promotes “dupe destinations”—less crowded, more affordable alternatives that deliver similar vibes to marquee spots. Examples include Paros for Santorini, Taipei for Seoul, Liverpool for London, Perth for Sydney, and Curaçao for St. Martin, aligning with budget- and sustainability-minded travel trends. The takeaway: comparable experiences at lower cost with fewer crowds.
Trends and strategies shaping the $222 billion yoga tourism market, 2025–2030
Source: Read the full story | Author: Research and Markets | Date: December 23, 2025
Research and Markets projects yoga tourism to grow from $177.1B (2024) to $222.5B by 2030 (3.9% CAGR), propelled by wellness demand, corporate retreats, solo female travel, and social media. The report highlights strong momentum in the women’s segment and faster growth in men, with notable expansion in the U.S., China, and Asia-Pacific. Operators and destinations can capture share by blending yoga with culture, nature, and sustainable, small-group retreats.
Europe to Asia without flight: how a train journey can make it possible in around 21 days
Source: Read the full story | Author: TOI Lifestyle Desk | Date: December 23, 2025
A Times of India guide lays out a Lisbon–Singapore rail odyssey—about 18,755 km across 13 countries in roughly 21 days by stitching together multiple rail networks. The journey hinges on meticulous visa planning (notably Russia, Belarus, China), flexible connections, overnight trains, and shoulder-season timing. It’s a quintessential slow-travel experience, trading speed for immersion as landscapes and cultures change gradually from Europe to Southeast Asia.
If you’re traveling to Mexico, beware of the camera tax at the border
Source: Read the full story | Author: Matt Growcoot | Date: December 23, 2025
PetaPixel warns photographers about Mexico’s little-known customs rule that can trigger a 16–19% tax when entering with more than two cameras or extra lenses. Enforcement is inconsistent, but travelers have been charged substantial sums; an ATA Carnet offers a compliant workaround, while thoughtful packing strategies may reduce scrutiny. If carrying pro gear, plan documentation and budgets accordingly.
