Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — November 27, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of policy shifts shaping where and how we travel, on-the-ground weather impacts, inspiring community moments, and time-sensitive deals worth a closer look.
Cool: Stranded Tourists Assist with Hurricane Melissa Clean Up (Video)
In Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, stranded visitors joined resort staff to pick up debris in Montego Bay—an uplifting snapshot of solidarity after a storm that caused at least 102 deaths and billions in damage. With tourism making up over 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, every bit of help matters as the industry fast-tracks its rebuild.
National parks to raise fees for millions of international tourists to popular U.S. parks
The U.S. Interior Department will add a $100 surcharge for international visitors at 11 marquee national parks and raise the annual pass for non-residents to $250 starting Jan. 1; U.S. residents keep the $80 pass and access to resident-only fee-free days. Officials say the revenue will support maintenance after budget cuts and a shutdown, while conservation groups question implementation and potential impacts on visitation.
U.S. to charge international tourists $100 to visit national parks
Skift reports the same policy shift: a $100 surcharge at 11 top parks for non-U.S. residents, plus a $250 annual pass for international visitors, with proceeds reinvested in park upkeep. While framed as ensuring foreign visitors contribute more, travel stakeholders warn of possible declines in inbound tourism and spillover effects on gateway communities.
Man was set to travel for the holidays with his wife and daughter to Italy, but his fear of flying makes him consider backing out of the trip
A father wrestling with flight anxiety considers skipping a long-awaited family trip to Italy, prompting strong reactions online. The debate highlights the tension between mental health and family commitments, with many urging professional support, honest communication, and planning to manage fear rather than cancel outright.
Electric vehicle owners face new pay-per-mile tax – what could be the environmental costs?
The UK will introduce a 3p-per-mile charge for EVs (1.5p for hybrids), which could add roughly £300 per year for 10,000 miles, aiming to offset falling fuel duty. Analysis outlines three behavioral scenarios—from eco-minded drivers reducing trips to cost-conscious owners delaying EV adoption—warning that slower uptake could mean hundreds of thousands more internal combustion cars and higher annual CO2, particulate, and NOx emissions.
AAA warning for millions of Americans on busiest travel day of year
AAA projects that nearly 82 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday period this year. Expect packed roads and terminals, and build in extra time if you’re heading out.
Winter wallop with snow and high winds expected to hit parts of Ontario and Quebec
A powerful system is bringing 10–60 cm of snow and wind gusts up to 90 km/h across parts of Ontario and Quebec, prompting storm warnings, school and highway closures, and hazardous travel advisories. Environment and Climate Change Canada is also rolling out a new color-coded alert system to clarify severity levels. Drivers are urged to check conditions, expect poor visibility, and plan for delays from Wednesday into Friday.
Guía para ver las auroras boreales en Noruega y los mejores sitios para ir en su búsqueda (comienza la mejor temporada)
This practical guide explains why Norway’s location under the auroral oval makes it ideal for northern lights chasers, with peak season from November to February and good shoulder months in September–October and March–early April. Top spots include Tromsø, Alta, the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, and Svalbard, with tips to book multi-night stays, use aurora/cloud apps, seek dark skies, and dress for Arctic cold.
Cruise lines unveil Black Friday, Cyber Monday deals
From mass-market to luxury, cruise brands are rolling out limited-time offers: examples include up to 50% off fares (Princess, Norwegian, Oceania select sailings), kids sail free and onboard credits (MSC), and deep discounts plus perks like Wi-Fi, drinks, and reduced deposits across multiple lines. Deadlines vary from Nov. 28 to early December, so checking dates, inclusions, and cabin categories now can lock in the best value.
Critics worry about Liberal plan to fast-track high-speed rail
Canada’s Budget 2025 Implementation Act would streamline land acquisition for the Quebec City–Toronto high-speed rail line by removing mandatory hearings on expropriation objections and imposing temporary prohibitions on property improvements, plus a right of first refusal. Government says compensation protections remain and timelines will improve; legal experts and advocates warn that removing safeguards risks errors and undermines property rights, even as public consultations ramp up.
Taken together, these stories show a travel landscape in motion: policies reshaping access and costs, weather driving real-time decisions, communities rallying in recovery, and timely deals tempting would-be travelers. As you plan your next trip, keep an eye on changing rules, seasonal conditions, and your own comfort—then seize the opportunities that align with your values and timing.
