Americans Abroad

The Rise of the Unstoppable American Tourist
https://www.wsj.com/economy/the-rise-of-the-unstoppable-american-tourist-485f025b
Once a nation of homebodies, Americans are now zealous international travelers, led by wealthy boomers and restless Gen Zers. 

Europe - A Museum or a Theme Park?

Dismissing Europe as a museum is glib. Think of it as a theme park.
https://www.economist.com/europe/2026/07/23/dismissing-europe-as-a-museum-is-glib-think-of-it-as-a-theme-park 

Boeing's Comeback Story

The return of Boeing
https://www.ft.com/content/229f215f-9be0-4afe-a4d7-378aadbf87c5
The US aviation giant has won back trust after a near-decade strewn with disasters. Now it needs to make money again.

After Repeated Crises, Boeing Looks to Turn a Corner
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/business/boeing-turnaround-737-max.html
The company recently opened a new production line to keep up with strong demand for its 737 Max, though orders for its new planes lag rival Airbus.  

A Witty Take on Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, I saw the coming Chinese century
https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2026/07/in-hong-kong-i-saw-the-coming-chinese-century
Is authoritarianism the price we will pay for social order? 

Related:

Hong Kong, once a great place to raise and spend money, is halfway back
https://www.economist.com/china/2026/06/29/hong-kong-once-a-great-place-to-raise-and-spend-money-is-halfway-back
Tighter ties with the mainland have not always helped.

The World's Most Livable Cities for (American) Expats

The World's Most Livable Cities for (American) Expats
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/the-world-s-most-livable-cities-for-expats-87176.html 

Dip in US Tourism

Staggering dip in US tourism is a troubling sign for the future
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/25/travel/analysis-tourism-fewer-international-visitors-2025-vis 

High-Income Households and US Consumption

The K-Shaped Economy's Defining Statistic Has Some Problems
https://www.fa-mag.com/news/the-k-shaped-economy-s-defining-statistic-has-some-problems-86570.html
 
More Americans Are Breaking into the Upper Middle Class
https://www.wsj.com/economy/more-americans-are-breaking-into-the-upper-middle-class-bf8b7cb2
 
First-Class Seats Drive Airline Profits. It Wasn’t Always This Way.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/10/business/airlines-first-class-seats-tickets-upgrades.html
Airlines used to give away most of their nicest seats, but they have increasingly found ways to persuade people to pay a lot for them. 

First-class airline bet is economically well-timed
https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/first-class-airline-bet-is-economically-well-timed-2026-04-02/
It’s also possible that sustained high oil prices could ​hit equity markets hard, leading to a negative “wealth effect” that dents animal spirits and therefore travel ​among the world’s richest ⁠fliers. Still, markets are not quite there yet. And higher fuel costs necessarily call for higher fares. Leaning on those better able to afford it simply makes financial sense. 

Airlines Bet on Premium Seats

First-class airline bet is economically well-timed
https://www.reuters.com/commentary/breakingviews/first-class-airline-bet-is-economically-well-timed-2026-04-02/
It’s also possible that sustained high oil prices could ​hit equity markets hard, leading to a negative “wealth effect” that dents animal spirits and therefore travel ​among the world’s richest ⁠fliers. Still, markets are not quite there yet. And higher fuel costs necessarily call for higher fares. Leaning on those better able to afford it simply makes financial sense. 

Shanghai

36 Hours in Shanghai 
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/19/travel/things-to-do-shanghai.html 

The Challenges of Emigration

How to Leave the U.S.A.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/12/15/how-to-leave-the-usa
Every four years, a group of Americans threatens to emigrate. No mass exodus occurs. Moving is hard; moving countries is harder. But with the reelection of President Trump, more people seem to be acting on their desires. The Netherlands offers one way out.   

Replacing Influencers with AI

These Travel Influencers Don’t Want Freebies. They’re A.I.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/09/travel/ai-influencers.html
Social media posts by A.I.-created travel avatars cost far less to produce, yet look and sound real. Human influencers worry they’re being elbowed out. 

US Consumer Spending: The Haves and the Have Nots

K-shaped economy: Why the wealthy are thriving as most Americans fall behind
https://youtu.be/xgQlAZ3uTYY

Wealthy Americans Are Spending. People With Less Are Struggling.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/19/business/economic-divide-spending-inflation-jobs.html
Data show a resilient economy. But that largely reflects spending by the rich, while others pull back amid high prices and a weakening labor market.

Lower-Income Americans Are Missing Car Payments, a Sign They Are Struggling
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/20/business/car-loans-missed-payments.html
Inflation and a tough job market are making it harder for some people to pay back the car loans they signed in better times.

America's wealthiest shoppers are boosting spending — and the US economy — while lower earners pull back

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/americas-wealthiest-shoppers-are-boosting-spending--and-the-us-economy--while-lower-earners-pull-back-090035895.html

Delta and United Are Leaving Other Airlines Behind
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/business/delta-united-airlines-profits.html
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have accounted for most of the industry’s profits since 2022. Their appeal to wealthy travelers could become a liability if the economy weakens.  

Mumbai during Diwali

24 Hours in Mumbai with Alia Bhatt
https://www.wsj.com/style/alia-bhatt-mumbai-diwali-9087cdba
Steal a day in Mumbai during Diwali festivities, with an itinerary inspired by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt’s favorite things in the bustling city. 

Fastest Scheduled Rail Services

Ranked: The 10 countries with the fastest trains
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/advice/countries-with-the-fastest-trains/ 

What Happens in Vegas ...

Trump chaos triggers decline of Las Vegas
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/08/15/the-slow-death-of-sin-city/
The slump in Sin City’s tourism industry raises fears over the health of America’s economy. 

Best Spots in Goa

The perfect holiday in Goa, India’s sun-soaked southern state
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/goa/goa-travel-guide-india/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/goa/goa-best-beaches/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/goa/goa-best-bars-nightlife/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/india/goa/goa-best-restaurants/ 

China's Hi-Speed Trains

Not sure anyone with a U.S. passport wants to visit China currently. Nevertheless, an interesting WSJ piece:

The Best Way to See China? On Futuristic, Punctual, Very Fast Trains
https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/the-best-way-to-see-china-on-futuristic-fast-trains-074f088f
China can be an intimidating place to visit for many Americans. But the country’s state-of-the-art rail network, efficient and a breeze to use, makes a multi-stop trip easier than ever. 

Travel: Best Countries to Visit

The 10 best countries on Earth

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/telegraph-travel-awards-2025-best-countries/

War and Peace

U.S. Military Is Pulled Back into Middle East Wars
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/21/us/politics/military-middle-east-wars.html
The strikes on Iran ushered in a period of high alert as the Pentagon braced for almost-certain retaliation against American forces in the region.
 
Why Countries Are Suddenly Broadcasting Their Spies’ Exploits
https://www.wsj.com/world/why-countries-are-suddenly-broadcasting-their-spies-exploits-f455a666
Commandos, secret operations and drones now offer action video that is effective for messaging on social media.
 
The world’s ‘most peaceful country’ is the perfect holiday destination for our turbulent times
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/iceland/iceland-worlds-most-peaceful-country-holiday-destination/

The World’s Most Livable Cities – 2025

The world’s most liveble cities in 2025
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/06/16/the-worlds-most-liveable-cities-in-2025

2025’s Global Liveability Index: The top 10
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/travel/worlds-most-liveable-cities-for-2025

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Vienna, Austria
2. Zurich, Switzerland
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. Geneva, Switzerland
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Osaka, Japan
7. Auckland, New Zealand
9. Adelaide, Australia
10. Vancouver, Canada 

Interesting: Not a single American city in the Top 20. Honolulu had the highest ranking #23.