Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — November 8, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of travel innovation, climate policy, hospitality strategy, culture, and gear picks shaping how and where we explore next.
Ultramodern camper makes its own off-grid RV power with hybrid system
By Abhimanyu Ghoshal — November 7, 2025
Startup Evotrex raised $16 million to build a self-powering RV trailer that pairs a large battery with an integrated gas engine to quietly recharge on the go. The team, with roots at Anker and Geely, targets 4–5 day off-grid trips with better temperature control using reclaimed system heat. A first look comes at CES 2026, with initial shipments planned late next year, taking on tech-forward rivals like Pebble and Lightship.
At COP30, nations target the jet set with luxury flight tax
By AFP — November 7, 2025
France, Spain, Kenya and others are pushing a COP30 initiative to levy business- and first-class tickets and private jets, arguing high-emitting premium travel should contribute more to climate and development finance. Proposals include progressive surcharges and kerosene-linked taxes for private jets, with supporters noting premium demand is less price-sensitive. Expect airline pushback, even as backers cite examples like the Maldives’ robust departure taxes.
There’s nothing like fall in the Smokies: here’s where to start
By Lisa Blake — November 7, 2025
Haywood County, North Carolina, rolls out peak fall color, quiet Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, elk viewing in Cataloochee, and a resilient post-storm hospitality scene. The guide spotlights waterfall walks, local orchards, festivals, and standout eats from pancakes to foraged fare. Practical tips include where to stay, river activities, and how to navigate this “quiet side of the Smokies.”
4-star Lake District spa hotel with stunning lake views
By Grace — November 7, 2025
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa on Windermere is discounted up to 61% via Secret Escapes, with rates from £168 per night (two-night minimum), including breakfast, pool access, and a bottle of champagne. Deals run on select dates through March 2026, and availability is dynamic. It’s a strong value play for couples seeking wellness amenities and iconic lake views.
India’s consumption story finds a new rhythm: the weekend economy is replacing the festive surge
By Rajesh Shukla — November 7, 2025
PRICE’s ICE 360° Survey shows over 60% of urban discretionary spending now lands on weekends, driven by young adults, women, and multi-earner families. Retailers are shifting to Friday drops, Sunday events, and ongoing engagement beyond festival peaks, aided by credit proliferation and BNPL. The takeaway: weekends have become India’s new “festival,” delivering steadier, behavior-led growth.
Qantas announces 22-hour non-stop flights from Australia to London and New York: See Project Sunrise specs and images
By Jocelyn Fernandes — November 7, 2025
Qantas’ first Airbus A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise has completed key build milestones, paving the way for 22-hour nonstops from Australia’s east coast to London and New York. The 238-seat jets add a rear-center fuel tank, a Wellbeing Zone, and cabin designs informed by sleep science to cut up to four hours off total travel times. Deliveries start in late 2026 with inaugural services slated for the first half of 2027.
Hotel dynamic pricing: the complete guide for hoteliers
By Cvent Europe Ltd — November 7, 2025
This primer breaks down static vs. dynamic pricing, how algorithms factor in demand, LOS, segments, and comp sets, and the tools that make real-time rate moves possible. Benefits include competitive positioning and time savings, while risks span rate integrity and tech integration gaps. Actionable tips cover RMS/PMS integration, comp-set monitoring, and guardrails that protect ADR and RevPAR.
First look: Sámi-Swedish director Oskar Östergren Njajta on bringing Sámi culture to global audiences in ‘Saajve’
By Kévin Giraud — November 7, 2025
Saajve, an animated adventure inspired by Sámi fairy tales, follows siblings who must restore balance to a spirit realm, with designs rooted in Sámi landscapes, symbolism, and attire. The Swedish-Norwegian feature blends rigged and hand-drawn animation, targets a 2027 release, and aims to authentically represent Indigenous culture while resonating globally. Production is financed with a €2.3M budget; teams are now seeking international sales and distribution partners.
Ultralight backpacking gift guide (2025–2026)
By Philip Werner — November 7, 2025
A 20-item gear roundup highlights weight-saving standouts like the Zpacks Duplex Pro tent, Garmin inReach Mini 2, NEMO Tensor Elite pad, and Dyneema packing pods and food bags. Picks balance comfort, safety, and organization for hikers upgrading from heavier legacy kit. It’s a solid checklist for holiday shoppers eyeing practical, trail-tested gifts.
There’s Nothing Like Fall in the Smokies. Here’s Where to Start.
By Lisa Blake — November 7, 2025
This companion guide doubles down on the Smokies’ fall magic—Blue Ridge overlooks, Graveyard Fields waterfalls, elk at dawn, and apple-picking at beloved orchards. It also calls out community resilience post–Hurricane Helene and maps where to eat, sip, and stay across Haywood County. Expect practical addresses, seasonality notes, and transport tips for a seamless getaway.
Closing thought: From cleaner, smarter ways to roam (Evotrex and Project Sunrise) to a fairer climate tab for premium flyers, travel is evolving alongside consumer behavior and pricing strategy. Whether you’re booking a spa escape, plotting a fall road trip, optimizing revenue, or wrapping gear for the hiker in your life, these stories show how innovation, values, and weekend energy are steering the journeys ahead.
