Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-travel-daily/id1842162269
Travel Daily Podcast 12/26/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
The 5 vacation destinations that will be more expensive to visit in 2026 because of tourist taxes
By Joshua Nelken-Zitser | December 25, 2025
Several hotspots are rolling out or raising visitor levies in 2026, including Edinburgh (a 5% hotel levy), Kyoto (higher tiered overnight taxes), Barcelona (doubling the top-tier regional levy on luxury stays), Thailand (a proposed 300-baht entry fee), and parts of Norway (a 3% accommodation tax). The measures aim to manage overtourism and fund local services, so travelers should budget for higher on-the-ground costs. For destinations, the revenue is increasingly tied to infrastructure, preservation, and crowd control.
All about Al Hind: India’s newest airline and the man behind it
By Trending Desk | December 25, 2025
India granted NOCs to Al Hind Air, Shankh Air, and FlyExpress, with Al Hind Air targeting a regional launch using ATR 72-600 aircraft from a Kochi hub. The Kerala-backed carrier is now pursuing its Air Operator Certificate, positioning itself to expand regional connectivity under schemes like UDAN. Increased competition could ease capacity pressures and offer travelers more routes and fares beyond the current market leaders.
Testing times for India-Bangladesh ties amid deepening rifts
By Murali Krishnan | December 25, 2025
Reciprocal suspensions of visa services following protests and violence have disrupted medical travel and signaled a sharp downturn in India–Bangladesh relations. Analysts see the freeze as tactical and likely temporary, but expect tensions to linger until political stability returns in Dhaka. For travelers and patients, the uncertainty complicates cross-border plans, especially for time-sensitive care.
Greek farmers’ road blockades disrupt holiday travel, hoteliers call for immediate solution
By Nikos Krinis | December 23, 2025
Farmer blockades across major Greek routes are causing widespread cancellations—up to 50% in some mainland winter destinations—during a peak travel window. Hoteliers are urging authorities to restore safe road access quickly to limit escalating losses across hospitality, retail, and transport. The disruption highlights the fragility of road-dependent domestic tourism during the holidays.
7 ideias em alta para viajar mais e melhor em 2026
By Laura Hall | December 25, 2025
From quietcations and AI-powered trip planning to decision-free itineraries, road trips, hyper-personalized experiences, off-grid destinations, and literary travel, 2026’s trends blend wellness, tech, and niche interests. The key takeaway: travelers want meaningful, low-stress experiences tailored to life stages and curiosities, not just checklists. Brands that balance personalization with responsible recommendations can avoid fueling overtourism while adding real value.
Mountain biking Madeira: inside Portugal’s year-round trail riding paradise
By Willard Bruce | December 25, 2025
Madeira’s dramatic topography, UNESCO Laurisilva forests, and a growing network of sustainable, bike-optimized trails are putting the island on the global MTB map. With shuttle-supported descents, an official trail center at Fanal, and affordable on-island costs, riders can sample diverse zones year-round. The destination’s stewardship-first approach shows how adventure tourism and conservation can grow together.
Private capital reshapes Chennai’s public bus services in three years: World Bank
By T E Raja Simhan | December 25, 2025
Chennai’s shift to performance-based public transport contracts and gross cost models has attracted private capital, cut costs by up to 20%, and accelerated e-bus deployment. The city now carries 3.5 million passengers daily and is rolling out 1,000+ privately financed electric buses under bankable agreements. It’s an emerging blueprint for scaling clean, affordable urban mobility in India and beyond.
Turkish tour operators relaunch Montenegro routes as visa restrictions lift
By not specified | December 25, 2025
Montenegro has restored visa-free entry for Turkish citizens—now capped at 30 days—clearing the way for Turkish operators to reinstate Balkan itineraries in January. Industry leaders expect demand to rebound quickly, given the region’s popularity and the logistical ease of visa-free travel. The policy tweak aligns with EU norms while preserving a key tourism flow for both sides.
