Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society: Your news recap for December 15, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Early signs indicate busy summer season for Whanganui visitors
By Fin Ocheduszko Brown — December 14, 2025
Whanganui expects a bumper summer as bookings fill up and visitor spending outpaces the national trend, up 4.8% to nearly NZ$192 million. With 81.5% of spend from domestic travelers, marketing campaigns and marquee events are helping refresh the city’s image and draw new visitors. Heritage-focused initiatives like Tohu Whenua are set to deepen appeal into 2026.
Indian tourists travel closer home as rupee weakness pushes costs
By Aneesh Phadnis — December 14, 2025
With the rupee breaching 90 to the US dollar and travel costs up 8–12% year over year, Indian travelers are pivoting to short-haul, budget-friendly trips and trimming long-haul stays. Increased capacity to Thailand and Vietnam is stabilizing fares, while demand for destinations with easier visas is rising. Despite higher costs, outbound travel remains robust, with 30.89 million Indians heading overseas in 2024.
Rural communities taking action to stop population loss
By Eithne Dodd — December 15, 2025
Volunteer-run shops and community-owned pubs are helping rural Irish towns maintain essential services and social connection amid long-term population decline. Examples like Pullough’s seven-day community shop and Kilteely’s locally purchased pub show how social enterprise can preserve places to gather—and give youth a safe hangout—while working toward financial viability. Experts say accessible services are central to rural well-being and competitiveness.
All the travel vaccines you should consider before heading overseas
By Archana Koirala, Anthea Katelaris, Phoebe Williams — December 14, 2025
Doctors urge travelers to update routine vaccines and consider destination-specific shots—including measles, flu (timed for season), hepatitis A, typhoid, and pre-exposure rabies—well before departure. The right mix depends on where you’re going, what you’ll do, and your health status, with some vaccines required for entry. A quick consult with a GP or travel clinic can prevent illness and trip disruption.
Let’s visit a German castle… in Okinawa!
By Master Blaster — December 15, 2025
On Miyako Island, the Ueno German Cultural Village features a replica of Marksburg Castle filled with engaging exhibits on German history, food, and design—plus quirky highlights like a medieval castle toilet. The attraction commemorates an 1873 shipwreck and the island’s historical ties with Germany, later revived as a symbol of friendship. It’s a surprising cultural detour amid Okinawa’s beaches and sunshine.
Stronger ringgit welcomed
By Rahimy Rahim, Allison Lai, Ragananthini Vethasalam, Divya Theresa Ravi and Venesa Devi — December 15, 2025
A firmer ringgit is boosting Malaysians’ purchasing power for imports, travel, and overseas tuition, though exporters face tighter margins and competitiveness challenges. Retail impact is mixed and mostly marginal so far, with importers benefiting first while other costs, like service taxes, blunt price drops. Economists note the stronger currency could nudge more year-end spending abroad.
How to watch Raiders vs. Eagles without cable this Sunday
By Tega Egwabor — December 14, 2025
Sunday’s Raiders–Eagles game (1:00 p.m. ET, FOX) is streamable via Fubo, which offers a free trial and access to local broadcasts and NFL RedZone, subject to regional availability. Philadelphia (8–5) is chasing playoff positioning against a struggling Las Vegas squad (2–11), with the Eagles’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense favored to control the day. It’s a low-risk chance to test streaming before the postseason.
Winter storm descending upon N.S., P.E.I., expected to last into Monday
By Ryan Snoddon — December 14, 2025
A rapidly intensifying coastal storm—likely a weather bomb—will bring 20–40 cm of snow (locally 50 cm in higher terrain), strong winds, and frigid wind chills to eastern Maritimes through Monday. Expect hazardous travel, ferry cancellations, and blowing/drifting snow, especially across northeastern Nova Scotia and P.E.I. Conditions gradually improve Monday afternoon, with colder air settling in afterward.
Who knew watching ‘Home Alone’ could pay off at the airport?
By Robin Burks — December 14, 2025
To celebrate Home Alone’s 35th anniversary, Disney+ and CLEAR are offering limited-edition ornaments to CLEAR+ members at nine major airports Dec. 17–21—plus a free concierge code if your name is Kevin. Disney+ subscribers can also snag a free three-month CLEAR+ trial via Perks. Extra festivities include a massive gingerbread McCallister house and a Little Nero’s Pizzeria pop-up with Prince St. Pizza.
First phase of Ireland’s Pro-League campaign ends in two 2-1 defeats
By Mary Hannigan — December 14, 2025
Ireland’s women closed their Pro League opening block with 2–1 losses to Belgium and England in Dublin, despite spirited late goals and Katie Mullan’s 250th cap. They depart this phase with two points from a draw and shoot-out win over England. Next up: February fixtures in Tasmania against Australia and Argentina.
