Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — November 19, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Why your next vacation should be a “finding yourself” mission
By Elly Ayres — 2025-11-18
Travel is getting intentional, with Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report spotlighting the rise of “whycations” focused on self-discovery, connection, and purpose. Highlights include growing interest in silent retreats and solo trips, plus a “curiosity leave” mindset where 72% of travelers want time off to explore passions. Comforts matter too—brand loyalty, pet-first planning, and seamless digital check-ins—while family influence (“inheritourism”) continues to shape where and how people go.
The Maldives
By Unknown — 2025-11-18
A quick dive getaway to Lily Beach in South Ari Atoll delivered standout house-reef dives, whale shark encounters, and smooth seaplane logistics. The stay in a Sunset Water Suite balanced relaxation with variety—multiple restaurants, daily workouts, and two dives a day—easing concerns about a self-contained resort feeling limited. Clear maps, expert guiding, and exceptional visibility made the underwater experience the trip’s star.
How the rich world is fortifying itself against climate migration
By Andrea Rigon — 2025-11-18T17:50:00+01:00
Wealthy nations are funneling billions into border enforcement and deportations as climate pressures mount, rather than scaling up equitable adaptation support. Projections suggest hundreds of millions could be displaced in coming decades, blurring the line between “economic” and “climate” migration. The piece frames a pivotal choice: share resources and fund resilience, or double down on walls and deterrence.
W Hotels reimagines all-inclusive luxury with debut of W Punta Cana, its first adults-only resort
By Anna Tingley — 2025-11-18T09:23:00-08:00
W Hotels enters the all-inclusive space with a design-forward, choice-rich model in Punta Cana, trading wristbands and megabuffets for curated experiences. The adults-only resort brings 340 spacious rooms, 12 dining and lounge concepts, a full AWAY Spa, and 24/7 fitness—prioritizing wellness, variety, and freedom. The goal: let guests dial up or down the energy without feeling overstimulated.
A new travel show is exploring cannabis culture on ‘The Great American Dispensary Tour’
By Nickolaus Hines — 2025-11-18
Flowhub’s founder Kyle Sherman hits the road for a docuseries that maps America’s evolving cannabis scene, starting in Nevada from Vegas lounges to Winnemucca’s community-focused dispensaries. The show underscores state-by-state differences driven by federal restrictions—everything sold must be grown locally—shaping unique strains, terpene profiles, and experiences. It’s less checklist tourism, more human stories and local vibes.
Inside Economics: The real reason why economists are confident the recovery is coming
By Liam Dann — 2025-11-19T00:55:00+13:00
Westpac’s Satish Ranchhod points to falling household interest costs—accelerating as mortgages reprice—as the key engine for New Zealand’s recovery in 2026. With roughly 40% of rate cuts still to flow through and most fixed loans resetting in the next six months, billions could reach households even as recent activity data stay mixed. Another OCR cut is expected next week, supporting the recovery’s runway.
Groups condemn ‘exceptionally weak’ language on fossil fuel phaseout in COP30 draft text
By Julia Conley — 2025-11-18
Climate advocates say the COP30 draft nods to a “transition away from fossil fuels” but sidelines a concrete phaseout roadmap within the core 1.5°C response. Groups like 350.org are pushing for a balanced deal that couples a clear fossil fuel exit with scaled climate finance and stronger adaptation, noting current adaptation pledges still fall short. The message: symbolism won’t cut it—credible plans and funding must move to the center.
Where the Canadian passport ranks among the most powerful in the world
By Isabelle Docto — 2025-11-17T21:08:00
Canada climbs to eighth on the Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 183 destinations, while the U.S. slips to 11th—its lowest in two decades. Singapore, South Korea, and Japan hold the top spots, reflecting shifting geopolitical and policy dynamics that affect global mobility.
Why 5 states face a terrifying 2-foot snow disaster
By David Kesiena — 2025-11-18T11:30:00
A major winter storm is set to dump up to two feet of snow in parts of the Sierra and high ranges of Nevada and Utah, with Alaska facing severe winds and dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service warns of whiteouts, treacherous travel, and power outages; residents should delay trips, winterize vehicles, and prepare emergency supplies. Expect road closures at high passes and rapidly changing conditions through midweek.
