Vacation Archives - Com Namibia

Vacation Departures: A Look at Ordinary French People [ABO]

October 31, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Vacation departure rates, more or less variable

Partir seul rend enfin difficile l’idée de voyager pour 62% des Français - DepositPhotos.com, serezniy

PONANT

All due respect: where do French holidaymakers stand?

According to the latest figures from Credoc, 57% of French people aged 15 to 69 go on vacation at least once a year and 14% of them never go — notably among precarious groups — while couples with children and residents of the Paris metropolitan area go away more often.

In a country like ours, where departure aid has not completely disappeared (aid provided by employers, the CAF, town halls or other bodies), a quarter of the population benefited from at least one of these aids. In particular, young people and economically disadvantaged groups.

Remember also the special case of holiday vouchers, pure products of the 1980s and the Mauroy government, which can also be used for leisure, the arts and culture, or dining, and which benefit 29% of the 15-69 age group and 36% of working professionals.

See also: Departures on vacation: a major indicator of social inequalities

Barriers to departure

If the lack of financial means explains the absence of vacation departures for 47% of the 15-69 age group, they are nevertheless a good third who restrict spending on essential expenses (health, food) to maintain a budget for vacations.

It should also be noted that 33% of respondents say they prefer to take their children on trips, even if it means not going themselves.

But beyond finances, other situations can be cited by non-participants :

– 23% prefer to stay at home

– 14% mention family and health problems

– 12%, for their part, highlight professional reasons.

Organizational difficulties around departure and, above all, social aspects also make departures difficult or impossible for some respondents :

– traveling alone finally makes the idea of traveling difficult for 62% of French people

– traveling with family also poses a problem for 53% of our fellow citizens

– the stress related to departure affects 42% of French people, notably in terms of organization, planning, and online payments, which people are increasingly reluctant to do.

See also: Solitude, desperately seeking friendship

A slight improvement in terms of aid

Globally, however, according to a study conducted for the ANCV *, things are moving in the right direction: since 2008, CAF assistance has risen from 5% to 12%; municipal aid has risen from 1% to 7%; employer aid over the same period reaches 15% of the French population, up from 10%.

In 2025, these aids reduced the rate of non-departures among those aged 15-69 to 14% versus 18% in 2009.

13% report traveling “every two years” versus 9% in 2009.

The French people who travel once a year are also somewhat more numerous.

* In 2024, according to the ANCV annual report: 23% of holiday vouchers were used for vacations and transportation, 24% for accommodation, 9% for cultural leisure.

Eco-anxiety is rising, especially among the young

Not surprisingly, especially after summer heatwaves and other fires and droughts, it is worth confirming that the climate issue is becoming more and more entrenched in people’s minds.

According to Credoc, six in ten French people believe that climate change will bring major changes to their lifestyles, and nearly half believe that climate disruption adds to their anxiety.

On these issues, young people are more worried than older generations given the time they have left to live and their awareness of these questions at school.

However, two-thirds of French people think they can protect themselves at an individual level from the consequences of climatic disruptions.

A figure all the more meaningful since today 42% of residents in France have already faced the consequences of warming where they live, compared with 24% in 2015.

Cultural outings say a lot as well, but they change little

Journalist, consultant, lecturer, Josette Sicsic has been observing for over 25 years the changes in the world in order to analyze their consequences for the tourism sector.

After leading for more than 20 years the Touriscopie journal, she remains at the forefront of current events where she decodes the present to forecast the future. On the site www.tourmag.com, in the Futuroscopie section, she publishes several times a week prospective and analytical articles.

Contact: 06 14 47 99 04

Mail: [email protected]

Where Do Dictators Vacation? From Kim Jong-un to Stalin

October 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Yacht valued at 90 million euros, a villa hidden in the heart of a forest, or a private lodge in a national park… dictators have sometimes had extraordinary vacation spots. Kim Jong-un, Joseph Stalin, Idi Amin, to name a few, thus enjoyed residences laid out for their leisure, far from prying eyes. Some favored beaches and pools, while others preferred mountains or safaris. Several of these properties still exist, transformed into hotels or abandoned after their owners fell from power.

Secret Residences to Escape Scrutiny

Secrecy was at the heart of Stalin’s vacation homes. The Soviet leader owned five holiday residences, notably along the shores of the Black Sea. His dacha at Lake Ritsa, in Abkhazia, was built in 1947 to welcome the leader and his family during the summer months. Nestled in a dense forest, it was painted green to blend into the landscape and become difficult to spot from the air. According to the account detailing these properties, Stalin did not inform Soviet officials in advance which residence he intended to join. The five dwellings were thus kept ready to receive him.

In Romania, Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena also had several refuges. The couple, who ruled from 1965 to 1989, frequented notably a private residence in Neptun, on the Black Sea coast, where he spent a month each year. The leader also organized chamois-hunting parties in the Carpathians at Villa Paltinu. But it was at Snagov Palace, by a lake, that he stayed for much of the year. The couple took refuge there in 1989, shortly before his capture and execution following the Romanian Revolution.

In Uganda, Idi Amin had Pakuba Lodge, in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, as one of his favorite residences. Built in the early 1970s, this establishment overlooked the Albert Nile and could accommodate up to 160 people in a two-story building, with the rooms each featuring a balcony. The Ugandan ruler, who was in power from 1971 to 1979, had made it a state residence where he hosted close aides and foreign guests. According to the Ugandan daily Daily Monitor, he stayed there more often than at his official Kampala residence. After his fall, the lodge was left abandoned. Its buildings gradually deteriorated, eventually becoming a sanctuary for wild animals, including leopards.

In Russia, Vladimir Putin’s private getaways are difficult to document, but a residence located in the Altai Republic, in Siberia, has been the subject of journalistic investigations. Named the “Altai Courtyard,” this isolated complex would include, among other features, facilities for baths using deer blood, a practice presented by its promoters as beneficial for health, though no scientific evidence has been established. According to investigations reported by several media outlets, the site would host a herd of maral deer, whose antlers are used for these preparations. In May 2024, a fire destroyed a large part of a building at this supposed Russian president’s residence. The identification of the site rests notably on comparing photographs and images of the place; details of its personal use by Vladimir Putin thus remain to be presented with caution.

Yachts, Beaches and Residences to Entertain

But not all of these leaders were necessarily seeking absolute isolation. In Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito particularly enjoyed Lake Bled in Slovenia. His summer residence, Vila Bled, is now a luxury hotel. The head of state hosted foreign dignitaries there, among them Nikita Khrushchev, King Hussein of Jordan, and Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Egyptian president. The surrounding national parks also allowed hunting parties with his guests.

In North Korea, satellite images have recently shed light on leisure facilities associated with Kim Jong-un, while the country’s population continues to face severe economic hardships. According to the Telegraph, four large ships were spotted this year in the coastal city of Wonsan, a destination favored by North Korea’s elites. One of them is said to be 80 meters long and would feature a 50-meter pool as well as several water slides. The BBC estimates its value at around 86 million euros. Another yacht of the leader, 29 meters long, would be worth about 6.2 million euros.

Benito Mussolini, for his part, favored Italian destinations. On the Adriatic coast, the seaside town of Riccione and Villa Mussolini were among his vacation spots. In winter, he would head to Monte Terminillo to practice snow sports. It was there that his famous photograph of him skiing shirtless was taken. The Grand Hotel Feltrinelli, on Lake Garda, and the Campo Imperatore hotel in the Apennines were also among his favorite destinations.

The escapades of Saddam Hussein sometimes led him to France. The Iraqi leader owned a stone villa above Grasse, near Cannes, named Mas de Sainte-Croix. The property is now abandoned and deteriorating. Another spot on the Côte d’Azur, a residence belonging to his half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti on the heights of Cannes, is said to have been frequented by men from his entourage, though a personal visit by Saddam Hussein has not been confirmed.

Travel in 2027: Seven Trends That Could Transform Your Next Vacation

October 16, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

What destinations and experiences will inspire travel in 2027? In its new annual report, Expedia Group identifies seven trends that could shape vacationers’ choices, from short escapes to stays inspired by films and TV series. The study draws on responses from 26,000 travelers across 16 countries, as well as search data and social media analysis. Here are the key developments to watch as you plan your next getaway.

Rising Destinations and Indulgent Getaways

Destinations of the Year

Some destinations are seeing a marked uptick in traveler interest. According to Expedia’s flight and accommodation search data, South Lake Tahoe, California, tops the 2027 list, up 195% from the previous period. This American mountain region is followed by Hyogo, Japan (+95%), then Punta del Este, Uruguay (+65%). Sedona, Arizona, rises 55%, while Busan, South Korea, gains 50%. In total, ten destinations make the ranking, including Holbox, Mexico; Perugia, Italy; and Chichester, United Kingdom. Six of them also meet the Smart Travel Health Check criteria, a framework that distinguishes destinations offering rich cultural and natural experiences along with responsible tourism management.

Micro-breaks

Why wait for the main holidays to travel? Micro-breaks, those one-night stays or brief getaways, are expected to appeal to more travelers in 2027. According to Expedia Group’s survey, 79% of respondents plan to book a one-night stay, compared with 83% among Gen Z and millennials. In France, one-night stay searches on Hotels.com rose by nearly 10% in a year. These short trips allow, among other things, celebrating an important event for 34% of respondents, attending a concert, show, or sports competition for 32%, or recharging between two longer journeys for 28%. For 45% of travelers, the main criterion remains finding a good deal.

A Return to Childhood

Adults also crave the carefree spirit of holidays gone by. This trend involves planning trips centered on play, playful activities, and moments shared with loved ones, away from everyday constraints. In total, 57% of travelers say they are likely to book this type of trip in 2027, a share that climbs to 71% among Gen Z and millennials. Motivations are varied: 69% want to experience a day without obligations, 64% want to spend more time with loved ones, and 56% seek a temporary escape from responsibilities. Mentions of carefree adult getaways on social media have also risen by 41% year over year.

Shared Hobbies

Personal passions are also becoming travel determinants. Photography, board games, creative workshops, or antiquing can now shape the choice of vacation rental. According to the study, 68% of travelers plan to travel in 2027 to pursue a hobby or activity they care about. This share reaches 79% among younger generations. For 41% of those interested, the aim is to practice their hobby in a new environment. The same proportion wants to meet or reconnect with people who share their interests. Board games top the activities cited for family or friends’ trips, ahead of photography, antiquing, and creative hobbies.

Unconventional Accommodations and Pop-Culture-Inspired Travel

The Set-Jetting

Films and TV series continue to shape destination choices. This phenomenon, known as set-jetting, involves traveling to a location discovered on screen. Nearly one in five travelers worldwide has already booked a destination after seeing it in a movie or series, according to Expedia Group. In France, the share reaches 30%. For 2027, several productions could reinforce this trend, notably The White Lotus season 4, tied to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, the upcoming season of Emily in Paris, which is slated to pass through Greece and Monaco, or The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, linked to Wellington, New Zealand. Nearly half of the travelers surveyed are already seeking or booking stays in destinations shown in productions that have not yet been released. This share rises to 58% among Gen Z and millennials.

Gothic Getaways

Hotels are no longer merely places to sleep; they can become attractions in their own right. In 2027, Gothic-style properties, castles, and historic buildings are expected to draw travelers seeking a distinctive atmosphere. According to Hotels.com, 65% of those surveyed want to book a Gothic-style hotel, compared with 71% among Gen Z and millennials. More than half of travelers, 56%, already choose an accommodation solely for its aesthetics or ambiance. Searches for castles on Hotels.com rose by 20% in a year. Interest in these stays aligns with a broader appeal for historic places, legends, and dark fantasy worlds.

The Allure of the Hinterland

Today’s latest trend identified by Expedia Group is the appeal of inland destinations, away from the most frequented coastal resorts. Nearly 58% of travelers who stayed in a vacation rental say they visited an inland destination in the past twelve months. Characterful small towns, valued for their historic heritage by 65% of those surveyed, are especially popular. Travelers also seek culture, cuisine, and local arts scenes (32%), want to venture off the beaten path (31%), or avoid crowds (29%). For 27%, more affordable prices than on the coast are also a factor. This trend highlights another way to discover a territory, prioritizing its villages, rural landscapes, and local life over its most famous tourist sites.

These seven trends, presented in Expedia Group’s Horizons 2027 report, reflect a range of travel desires, from new destinations to themed stays and shorter getaways. They are based on an online survey conducted from August 4 to September 1, 2026, with 26,000 adults across 16 countries, complemented by search data and analysis of social media conversations.

Unknown Summits and Extreme Diving: How the Ultra-Wealthy Vacation

October 5, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

What to do when you’ve already tried everything? The question is, of course, framed by every possible privilege. But for extremely rich people, it comes up regularly. When they want to travel, to embark on new adventures, they must ask themselves what they have never done. But more than that: the ultra-rich want experiences that no one else on Earth has yet tested. Bloomberg presents companies specializing in these adventures to meet almost any demand (or almost).

Whimsical requests are multiplying among the wealthiest individuals. The London-based company Cookson Adventures has already helped clients surf on a lake in Iceland, release leopard sharks into Indonesian waters, or be dropped onto the flank of a volcano by helicopter to camp there. “The ultra-rich and highly successful people have become numb to some of the luxuries that exist in the world”, notes Nick Davies, the director of Cookson Adventures. It is therefore necessary to find them unique experiences.

What are the places on the planet that have never been visited?

Finding something that has never been done isn’t that hard. There are still dozens of places in the world that humans have never explored, notably in the oceans. This includes shipwrecks lost at the bottom of the seas or little-known ocean trenches. Some wealthy adventurers also want to break records by visiting the most unusual locations, such as all the points of inaccessibility — the eight places farthest from the sea or a coastline according to World Atlas — for example.

But having a remarkable place in mind is not enough to go there. You need money – the ultra-rich have it – and expert contacts to guide you – they can obtain them. That’s what luxury-experience-producing companies are for. Eyos Expeditions, an American company, has already led clients to the depths of the five oceans, offered heliskiing – a helicopter drops clients outside marked pistes so they can ski there – in Antarctica or traversed the Northwest Passage by yacht.

Expeditions that can also contribute to advancing science

Of course, none of these experiences would be complete if they were not accompanied by a Michelin-starred chef on board and staff attending to guests around the clock. But in these extreme expeditions there are also people tasked with ensuring the safety, even survival, of the vacationers. And the companies organizing these trips sometimes reject certain ideas due to danger. Eyos declined to partner with OceanGate in 2023 for its voyage aboard the Titan submarine to the Titanic wreck. The submarine had imploded, killing all the passengers, including OceanGate’s CEO.

To organize these incredible expeditions, luxury clients must shell out between $500,000 and $2.5 million. To make the voyage profitable and add a useful dimension, some agree to allow scientists to join them on board. A way to fund, by proxy, essential research projects that enhance our understanding of our planet.

Top Vacation Destinations to Watch in 2027

September 25, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

L'été 2026 confirme l’évolution des habitudes de voyage des Français - Depositphotos.com, janoka82

Climats du Monde

The economic context continues to weigh on travellers’ choices.

According to data observed by Petit Futé, travel agencies registered 8% fewer bookings in July and August, while the average basket rose slightly to 2,098 euros (+1.2%).

Nevertheless, the French do not give up on traveling: after a 30% drop in reservations between March and May, those made between June and August rose by 56%. For the season overall, reservations show a 6% increase.

The short-haul segment also grows by 8%, while France holds firm with a decline limited to 0.8%.

“23°C rather than 39°C”: coolness becomes a criterion of choice

Beyond the budget, the question of temperatures could permanently reshape the geography of summer holidays.

The traditional sun-soaked getaway no longer necessarily means seeking the highest temperatures. Brittany and Normandy record a 10% growth in the market data cited by Petit Futé.

Searches on petitfute.com notably rise by 11% in Finistère, 5.2% in Côtes-d’Armor, 4.5% in Calvados and 4% in Manche.

This pursuit of coolness also crosses borders. The Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country emerge as alternatives to the more southern Spanish destinations, combining coast, mountains and milder temperatures.

Further north, Norway, Scotland and Ireland also benefit from this trend, sometimes referred to as a “coolcation.”

The mountains also take center stage in summer

Another shift noted by Petit Futé: the mountains confirm their appeal during the summer period. 30% of French people took a mountain holiday between spring and autumn.

This dynamic is reflected in petitfute.com’s audiences, with notable increases of 11% in Ardèche and 3.4% in Savoie.

Nature, outdoor activities and more moderate temperatures contribute to making the mountains an alternative to coastal destinations that are highly exposed to extreme heat. For Petit Futé, this trend could now become a lasting part of summer habits.

Albania and Montenegro among the destinations to watch

Abroad, Albania and Montenegro show a 10% increase in bookings in 2026. Two destinations that could continue to gain ground in 2027.

In Montenegro, Petit Futé particularly bets on Kotor and Perast, but also on the combination of Adriatic coastline and mountainous landscapes.

In Albania, the enthusiasm for Ksamil could give way to a new phase of discovery of the country. Himarë, Berat, Theth or Valbona could thus benefit from a shift of demand toward less frequented territories.

This search for alternatives does not necessarily mean travelers are abandoning major destinations. Another logic seems to be emerging: continue traveling in well-known countries, but favoring their less-touristed regions.

Which destinations for 2027?

Based on the trends observed this summer, Petit Futé identifies several territories likely to gain in attractiveness next year. Scandinavia could especially benefit from the search for coolness, while Poland aims to go beyond the image of a simple city-break thanks to its Baltic coast, its lake region and mountainous ranges.

The same dynamic is seen in Northern Spain, where Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and the Basque Country bring together several of the expectations observed in 2026: nature, ocean, gastronomy and milder temperatures.

Romania, with Transylvania and the Danube Delta, as well as Slovenia, with its lakes and the Julian Alps, are also among destinations to watch.

In France, Brittany, Normandy and the Cotentin, but also the Jura and the Vercors, could continue to benefit from this shift in travelers’ behaviors.

Summer 2026: Vacation Spending Boosts Retail Activity

September 18, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

La consommation des Français affiche une dynamique soutenue durant l'été 2026 selon SumUp - Depositphotos.com @Kitzcorner

MSC Croisières

As the summer season 2026 comes to a close, French consumer spending displays sustained momentum.

This emerges from an analysis conducted by SumUp based on the transactions recorded across thousands of merchants in July and August 2026, compared with the same periods in 2025.

The fintech data notably highlight the weight of the dining sector, but also a solid performance in tourism and accommodation.

Regionally, Île-de-France stands out particularly for the growth of its business volume.

In July 2026, the activity of the merchants analyzed by SumUp rose by 17.4%, while turnover increased by 35.5% compared to July 2025.

The trend continued in August, with a rise of 11.1% in activity and 25.5% in turnover year over year. An evolution that aligns with the summer of 2025, when SumUp had already observed a growth of 35.1% in activity and 27.3% in turnover compared with summer 2024.

The restaurant sector remains the engine of activity

As in the previous summer season, cafes and restaurants are among the sectors showing the strongest gains.

In July, the sector records a rise of 24.3% in activity and a 45.5% increase in turnover compared with July 2025. The food trucks also benefit from this momentum, with +20% activity and +24% turnover.

The momentum continues in August. Cafes and restaurants show a rise of 13.6% in activity and 31.1% in turnover.

This performance extends the trend observed in 2025, when cafes and restaurants recorded a turnover growth of 31.4% and an activity growth of 45.8% over the studied period.

Tourism and accommodation benefit from the summer season

Professionals directly linked to holidays also profit from this consumption dynamic.

In July, activity in the accommodation and hospitality sector rises by 10.6%, while its turnover soars by 62.3% year on year. The tourism sector shows a turnover increase of 44.7%.

The trend remains positive in August, with tourism turnover up by 20.5% year on year. Accommodation and hospitality likewise register an increase of 36.5%.

For SumUp, these results illustrate the dynamism of the entire tourism ecosystem, supported by holiday and leisure spending during the departure and return periods of vacationers.

The analysis also highlights several peak periods during the season. Nationally, the week of 20 to 26 July 2026 constitutes the main consumption peak of the month. Activity then rises by 17% and turnover by 37% compared with the same week in 2025.

In August, the peak occurs during the week of 16 to 23 August, with a rise of 17% in activity and 35% in turnover year on year.

Île-de-France stands out in August

The performances vary across territories.

In July, the Pays de la Loire register a 31% rise in activity and a 48% increase in turnover. Bourgogne-Franche-Comté shows +18% and +40%, Bretagne +19% and +38%, while Nouvelle-Aquitaine progresses by 18% in activity and 32% in turnover.

The Île-de-France also ranks among the most dynamic regions in July, with +24% activity and +48% turnover.

In August, the Centre-Val de Loire confirms its progression, with +24% activity and +31% turnover. Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine continue their growth as well, with +15% and +14% activity respectively.

The Île-de-France nevertheless retains a special place with a 44% increase in turnover, the strongest regional growth observed by SumUp on this indicator in August.

According to the fintech, this territorial distribution extends certain trends already seen in 2025, notably in several Western regions such as Brittany, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Normandy.

A summer season favorable to merchants

For SumUp, these results reflect a solid performance of consumption in France despite the episodes of extreme heat recorded during the summer.

“Summer 2026 confirms the solid state of consumption in France despite the heatwaves“, analyzes the fintech. The dining sector remains, according to it, the main driver of this momentum, while accommodation and tourism directly benefit from the summer season.

Beyond Île-de-France, the performances recorded in Pays de la Loire and the Centre-Val de Loire also testify to a momentum that goes beyond the main economic hubs. Expenditures related to holidays and leisure will thus have contributed to supporting merchants’ activity throughout the season.

Vacation 2026: Heatwaves Shake French Travel Plans

September 1, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Vacances d'été 2026 : budget et canicule bousculent les choix des Français, photo by VVF

Costa Rica

For their summer holidays, the French now apply the “four-hour drive rule” and prefer cooler destinations.

According to data published by VVF and IFOP, the cost and duration of travel, as well as climate comfort, have become decisive criteria, directly benefiting regions such as Brittany or the Hautes-Alpes.

The tight economic context and rising fuel prices are forcing families to reassess their entire vacation budget.

Transportation costs push them to limit the distance traveled, while stays within a four-hour drive from home are drawing a growing share of bookings.

To read: Tourism: Serge Papin expresses confidence for the summer season

According to the IFOP study, budget is the main obstacle to departure for 57% of 18-40-year-olds, prompting vacationers to prioritize proximity rather than forgoing their getaways.

Holidays: seeking cooler weather and nature

Comme le souligne Stéphane Le Bihan, directeur général de VVF : “les arbitrages ne portent plus uniquement sur le prix de l’hébergement.

Le coût du trajet devient un critère de choix à part entière. Les destinations accessibles rapidement, offrant un environnement plus tempéré, gagnent en attractivité.

Cette évolution traduit une nouvelle manière de choisir ses vacances d’été.

Parallèlement aux enjeux financiers, le facteur climatique transforme les critères de sélection. Les territoires offrant des températures plus clémentes ou des environnements naturels adaptés enregistrent une hausse nette d’attractivité.

Pour l’été 2026, les données de réservation de VVF font état d’une progression de 5 points pour la Bretagne et de 8 points pour les Hautes-Alpes par rapport à l’année précédente, portée par la recherche de moyenne montagne, de lacs ou de littoraux tempérés.

A lire : VVF takes a new direction and will open a holiday village right in the middle of… the city!

Pour répondre à cette demande d’adaptation aux fortes chaleurs, VVF propose une garantie de flexibilité permettant de modifier sans frais le lieu de séjour jusqu’à deux jours avant le départ en cas d’épisode caniculaire.

L’étude souligne également qu’au-delà de l’aspect financier, 62 % des jeunes actifs et familles aspirent à des vacances davantage tournées vers la nature et le bien-être.

What If the Annoying Tourist Is You? Habits That Annoy Everyone on Vacation

August 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Vacations are supposed to be synonymous with relaxation. “Supposed”, because it takes so little to dull a jovial and invigorating mood. A disruptive neighbor on a sun lounger, a passenger on an airplane or a cruise ship, or an inattentive tourist in a guided tour group. A new Booking.com survey reveals that 84% of travelers say they are annoyed by the behavior of other vacationers, and sometimes even before they reach their destination.

At the airport, stubborn bad habits can try the patience of more than one traveler. Forgetting to prepare their passport or boarding pass, arriving with luggage that is too heavy or too bulky, and slowing down the queues are all small things that irritate.

Barefoot Passengers or Phone Addicts

Although 89% of travelers believe that behavior aboard an airplane should be “like in any other form of public transportation”, one in ten admits to removing their shoes and traveling barefoot during the flight. Some film their neighbors deliberately or unintentionally for social media when they are not attempting a manicure at 10,000 meters above ground. Such freedoms are called out by the respondents. Etiquette rules do not reappear on land, where other frictions arise.

Music, Screams, and Swimsuits at the Restaurant…

Another survey conducted by Tiger, a travel insurance specialist, and reported by the DailyMail, finds that 84% of holidaymakers are bothered by others once they arrive at their destination. Those who make crude remarks in the presence of children, especially by the pool or during a family activity, those who make noise or play music at full volume, those who smoke or vape near others, such as on the beach, those who jostle for sun loungers or umbrellas, or those who stroll around in swimsuits or bare-chested in town or in shops are the ones most singled out.

Even though it may seem minor, listening to or playing music at excessively loud volumes can incur hefty fines in certain destinations, such as Portugal. Far from the crowds spread across the warm sand, visitors also encounter some conflicts with their peers. There, it is mainly noisy, intoxicated individuals or those who stroll with large umbrellas, for example in the narrow streets of Venice, who annoy people the most.

How to Protect Your Camera on Vacation

August 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Holidays, and a fortiori travel, are among the moments when we take the most photographs. If you’re lucky enough to own a real camera to capture moments beyond your smartphone, you may be looking for tips to take care of it during the summer. MPB, the platform specializing in buying and selling used photographic gear, offers advice to prevent damaging your camera.

Keeping the Camera Safe

Whether you’re hiking, driving, cycling, or even on the beach, there are times when you need to snap a shot on the spur of the moment, without pulling the camera from a pouch. If it seems easier to let your gear roam in a bag without a case, that is actually the worst idea for preserving its lifespan and quality. Dust and sand can slip into the grooves of the lens and scratch it! Without a case, you also risk finding your camera switched on, with the lens extended and blocked by another item in your bag.

Sand is a real foe to photographic equipment. Even outside of your bag, it can sneak into several parts of the device and cause damage. If you plan to shoot in the sand, make sure to adjust your settings beforehand so you won’t have to touch dials or open compartments once you’re on site – thereby limiting entry points for sand. After the moment has passed, you can also use a soft brush to remove grains from the lens. But do not blow on it! That would introduce moisture as well.

Keep it in the shade and dry

In addition to giving it a prime place in a dedicated pouch, you’d better avoid exposing your camera too much to direct sunlight. It’s fine to take beach shots, but don’t let the case heat up in full sun afterward. The sensors would take a hit. The battery as well. Lithium-based ones can even swell, or leak.

Be mindful of water as well. The camera hates it. It isn’t fond of humidity in the air either, especially when it’s salty. Too much moisture can lead to connectivity problems, charging issues, or even mold inside the lens. To prevent this, professionals recommend silica gel sachets to absorb moisture. Also wipe the lens daily with a soft cloth.

Air conditioning can also be your foe due to abrupt temperature changes. Always allow time for the temperature to acclimate before going outside and turning your device on in a new location.

Want to share your view on climate change in France? Join the Climate Eye photo contest!

This Platform Lets You Buy Someone Else’s Vacation at a Discount

August 8, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Have you ever heard of the “Travel Vinted”? It involves booking a discounted trip without going through a traditional promotion, a principle offered by a platform that relies on reselling reservations that have become unnecessary. The concept is attracting more and more travelers in search of bargains, but also those who want to recover part of their spend when an unforeseen event prevents them from leaving. With discounts that can exceed 60%, this second-hand market applied to tourism is gaining momentum. A trend that accompanies rising travel costs and the growth of flexible bookings.

A platform that gives travel bookings a second life

When a trip can no longer be undertaken, refund options are sometimes limited, or even nonexistent. This is the realization that led to the development of Transfer Travel, a platform specialized in the resale of travel reservations, whether for stays, cruises, train tickets, or accommodations.

The mechanism is simple: a traveler posts a booking that they will ultimately not be able to use. A buyer can then purchase it immediately or try to negotiate the price. Once the transaction is completed, the seller has 72 hours to make the name change and transmit the updated documents so that the booking is officially transferred.

The phenomenon is gaining ground. The platform claims more than 162,000 users spread across more than 170 countries. According to its data, the number of listings published rose by 185% in one year. Since the beginning of the year, around seven million pounds (nearly 8.2 million euros) of travel bookings have been put up for sale there.

The savings can be substantial. According to Maisie Blewitt, Commercial Manager of Transfer Travel, “we have always said that we were like Vinted or eBay for travel. If you can no longer go on holiday, you can simply put them on our platform and resell them,” she told the Daily Mail. She adds that “in general, we see savings between 40 and 70%, but in the last month the average discount was around 62%.”

Certaines offres sont particulièrement attractives. La responsable cite notamment un séjour à Malte vendu initialement 90 livres sterling (105 euros) puis revendu 45 livres (52 euros), soit un peu plus de 20 livres (23 euros) par personne pour deux voyageurs.

Significant savings, with a few caveats to know

This reselling of trips can also help avoid substantial financial losses. The Daily Mail reports the case of a Welsh couple who risked losing nearly 9,000 pounds sterling (10,500 euros) after having to cancel a cruise, with neither the company refund nor coverage by their insurer following a heart-related issue. Their son, Owen Basset, turned to the platform to try to limit the damage. The cruise, priced at around 9,000 pounds, was ultimately sold to a buyer for 3,000 pounds (3,500 euros) a few days before the transfer deadline.

“At this stage, we already thought the money was lost, so recovering even a portion of the amount was a real victory and that made a huge difference”, recounts Owen Basset to the Daily Mail. He also notes that “once everything was agreed with the buyer, the sale proceeded quickly and the entire process felt really safe and secure. There was no worry that everything would fall through at the last moment”.

The platform also attracts travelers looking for last-minute opportunities. An American woman bought two first-class train tickets between London and Glasgow, originally sold for £240 (€280), for only £150 (€175), after discovering this service on social media.

However, the system does have a few drawbacks. The information available depends entirely on the seller, which can make some listings less detailed than a booking made directly with a tour operator or a lodging site. Furthermore, the platform does not yet offer a dedicated feature for family searches with children. Despite these limitations, travel resales seem to be gradually establishing themselves as a new way to travel cheaper while reducing the financial waste associated with unused bookings.