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Why We're Traveling More Than Ever: The "Revenge Travel" Trend Explained
James Brown delves into the phenomenon of "revenge travel," where many, having promised never to take travel for granted again post-COVID-19, are now jet-setting more than before. Despite a surge in international flights and tourism nearing pre-pandemic levels, companies like Airbnb and Ryanair are noticing a slowdown. This contradiction raises questions about the disparity between social media's vacation highlights and the underlying economic realities. Brown explores the broader societal context, noting that while travel interest spikes, financial instability and reliance on credit are at an all-time high. He offers theories on this paradox, suggesting it's a reflection of the turbulent times and a collective yearning for escape.
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James Brown delves into the concept of 'revenge travel,' a term that has gained popularity as people embark on trips with a renewed vigor post-pandemic. He reflects on his own experiences and observations, noting how the urge to explore has been rekindled in many who once took travel for granted. Despite high travel numbers and increased passport ownership among Americans, there are signs of a slowdown, as companies like Airbnb, Ryanair, and Expedia experience a dip in bookings. Brown examines this paradox, where social media tells of thriving travel adventures, yet statistics suggest a different narrative. Through this lens, he questions the sustainability of this travel frenzy amid economic instability, rising costs, and growing debt, suggesting that the escapism travel offers might be a symptom of deeper societal issues.
Takeaways:
- Revenge travel refers to the surge in travel as people reclaim missed opportunities post-COVID.
- Despite a slowdown in travel, international flights from the U.S. increased by 10% this year.
- Tourism globally is nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, reaching 97% in early 2023.
- There's a growing disparity between travel enthusiasm and economic stability, raising questions about societal priorities.
- The rise in travel is happening even as economic instability and credit card debt increase.
- James Brown suggests that travel serves as an escape from the instability and challenges of modern life.
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Airbnb
- Ryanair
- Expedia
Transcript
Revenge travel.
James Brown:This is commentary from James Brown like a lot of us during Covid-19 I swore I'd never take travel for granted again.
James Brown:And I've traveled, like many Americans, more than I used to.
James Brown:It's often called revenge travel, but some say the party's over.
James Brown:Airbnb, Ryanair and Expedia are singing the blues about a travel slowdown.
James Brown:Odd, right?
James Brown:Especially when your Instagram feed is bursting with vacation pics.
James Brown:The numbers tell a different story.
James Brown:Over 44 million Americans flew internationally from January to July this year.
James Brown:That's up 10% from last year.
James Brown:And globally tourism hit 97% of pre pandemic levels in q one.
James Brown: In fact, in: James Brown:Today its nearly 50%.
James Brown:Thats 160 million passports in circulation.
James Brown:All this happening, the trips, the passports, the wanderlust, when the gap between the wealthy and the rest of us is wider than ever, makes me wonder what the hell is going on.
James Brown:I have a theory.
James Brown:Or a few.
James Brown:This is yet another symptom of the mutual fever dream that our society has been engulfed in.
James Brown:Since at least Covid-19 things have been odd, to say the least.
James Brown:Our money is buying less, but some of us are spending more of it.
James Brown:And those who are keeping up with the Joneses are likely doing so on credit.
James Brown:As we've discussed here before, american credit card spending is through the roof, as is our debt load as consumers in our motivation.
James Brown:Honestly, I think it's quite simple.
James Brown:America has not felt this unstable in my lifetime, and likely yours too.
James Brown:Everyone needs an escape from their lives here or there, even if it's just with airline peanuts.
James Brown:What do you think?
James Brown:Am I onto something?
James Brown:Are you traveling abroad?
James Brown:And why is all this happening?
James Brown:Let me know in the comments and support my work at jamesbrowntv substech.com.
James Brown:on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.
