Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — December 11, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of sustainable design, smart travel choices, emerging mobility, health breakthroughs, gear upgrades, and a marquee football fixture.
Freitag closes the loop in style: Zurich’s new repair kiosk takes circularity mainstream
Freitag’s compact repair kiosk beside its Zurich Flagship Store turns repair into a brand experience, reinforcing product longevity and the company’s circular ethos. With nearly 10,000 bags revived in 2024 and services ranging from zipper fixes to same‑day turnarounds, the kiosk extends access while showcasing upcycled materials in its build. It anchors a wider circular ecosystem of exchanges, rentals, customization, resale, and take‑back that designers can look to as a case study in service‑led sustainability.
World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at 15 African safari camps
Hyatt has added 15 Asilia Africa camps in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda via Mr & Mrs Smith, letting members earn and redeem on full‑board, game‑drive‑included stays. Redemptions may be poor value (around 0.99 cents per point vs TPG’s 1.7 cpp), so many travelers will be better off earning 5x Hyatt points (plus card bonuses). Watch the strict deposit and cancellation rules before booking.
Chinese, Ethiopian companies sign deal for sustainable Ethiopia–Djibouti railway operation
CCECC and the Ethio‑Djibouti Railway signed a five‑year technical consultancy beginning in January 2026 to boost efficiency and sustainability on Africa’s first electrified trans‑boundary rail. The plan emphasizes rigorous quality evaluations, workforce training, and links to key industrial parks. It’s a next step for the Belt and Road‑backed corridor inaugurated in 2018 to accelerate regional trade and travel.
BIT 2026: viaggiare per conoscere ed esplorare
BIT 2026 returns to Fiera Milano Feb 10–12 with a person‑first “Travel Makers” concept and six districts spanning Italy, World, Travel Expert, Hospitality, Innovation, and Transportation. The new Travel Makers Fest dives into discovery trends, behind‑the‑scenes operations, and the future of travel—from AI and data to payments and mobility—alongside major destinations, airlines, and partners. Expect actionable talk tracks on digital tourism 5.0, personalization, and flow management.
Elmira
Elmira is a free, multipurpose WordPress theme aimed at enterprise‑grade sites with a sleek dark aesthetic and Elementor compatibility. It supports WooCommerce, Yoast, Contact Form 7, and more—plus responsive design, advanced typography, and SEO‑minded code. A practical pick for businesses and creators who want a polished, flexible foundation without licensing fees.
Could flying taxis be launched in the near future?
Vertical Aerospace says its piloted, six‑seat electric Valo aircraft could launch services by 2028, flying up to 150 mph and about 100 miles—think Canary Wharf to Heathrow in 12 minutes. Fares are projected to start at around black‑cab prices and drop as scale improves, but certification from the UK CAA/EASA and further investment are essential. If approved, London could be an early proving ground for urban air mobility.
Valneva reports positive final Phase 2 antibody persistence and safety results in children for its chikungunya vaccine IXCHIQ®
Valneva’s single‑shot chikungunya vaccine showed strong 12‑month antibody persistence and a favorable safety profile in children aged 1–11, with results supporting the full dose. The company will gather additional real‑world data in adolescents before a Phase 3 pediatric study. With outbreaks expanding globally, IXCHIQ® could become a valuable tool for long‑term protection in endemic regions and for travelers.
Scapade AirPack travel backpack with Apple Find My
The 28L Scapade AirPack builds Apple Find My tracking directly into a water‑resistant, commuter‑friendly backpack with an integrated TSA‑approved lock. A padded 16‑inch laptop sleeve, dedicated tablet pocket, clamshell opening, and 18 pockets keep gear protected and organized. It’s a practical upgrade for travelers who want security and quick access without adding extra trackers.
Preview: Champions League holders Paris Saint‑Germain travel to point‑shy Athletic Club
PSG, the competition’s leading scorers despite defensive wobbles, visit Bilbao to face an injury‑hit Athletic Club battling near the bottom of the continental standings. Valverde’s side got a lift with a gritty win over Atlético Madrid, but suspensions and absences complicate selection against Luis Enrique’s in‑form champions. The match kicks off 20:00 GMT on TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK.
