Our grumpy group organiser discusses Trump introducing frustrating barriers to travelling, smart tourism, and trends that seem as dubious as they are silly.
Land of the free, home of the social media background check
There was a time when visiting the United States required a passport, a plane ticket and the ability to answer “business or pleasure?” without sweating. Now it may also require five years of your social media history, every phone number you’ve had, and a family tree.
Under a new proposal, tourists from dozens of countries, including Britain, could be asked to hand over their online lives as part of the ESTA system. This is all, naturally, in the name of security. Analysts worry this could deter visitors or harm digital rights but officials insist “nothing has changed”, which is reassuring in a similar way to when a smoke alarm goes off.
So, if you plan on visiting America don’t slag off the President on Facebook and stick to bad jokes, pictures of lunch, and arguments about television.
Why are the Finns so smart?
I consider myself a reasonably informed person, but I was surprised to learn that Tampere in Finland has been named the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2026. Surprised because it’s a title I’ve never heard of, despite it sounding like something I should have an opinion on.
Smart tourism, it turns out, is not about smug apps or QR codes that don’t work, it’s about sustainability, accessibility and making travel less of a chore.
Tampere won because it tries to make holidays both enjoyable and sensible, which feels almost radical. This is a city wedged between two lakes, where urban culture quickly gives way to nature, and where public saunas enjoy the reverence other countries reserve for cathedrals. You can also add music competitions, art festivals, major sports events, Moomins, opera and even a new rollercoaster for people under one metre tall.
Why should we care? Because smart tourism quietly asks how to welcome visitors without annoying locals or wrecking the place - and Tampere seems to have an answer.
Dubious trends and more ‘cations’ to annoy me
I read something that said global travel trends were shifting toward ‘deeper relaxation, mindful experiences, and intentional escapes from noise and digital overload’. Isn’t this kind of thing just made-up bunkum to help sell holidays?
This time it was Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate jumping on a bandwagon that probably doesn’t exist as they unveiled a portfolio of what they’re calling “quietcations” focused on offering a silent, comfort, and stress-free travel experience. Well I like the sound of stressfree but our group is many things… and quiet is not one of them.
And as for everyone and their aunt making up words that end with ‘cations’ to fit their marketing spiel, I’m going to need a dark room to lie down in if I see many more. And at this time of year I may need one because recent research from Booking.com reaches a whole new level. Its 2026 Travel Predictions apparently reveals a shift towards what’s described as “destined-ations” because it says that ‘travellers are increasingly consulting the cosmos before booking a holiday’. Didn’t you know?
The research stated that nearly half of Brits (48%) say they would rethink a trip if the stars advised against it, while 49% would do the same based on guidance from a spiritual adviser. Sounds like those who took part in this ‘research’ need a stiff drink and a slap in the face to me.
The views expressed in this column are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
