Sri Lanka and Australia Launch Initiatives to Attract Indian Tourists

Travel

By: Staff Writer

November 24, Colombo (LNW): As the number of outbound Indian tourists rises, Sri Lanka and Australia are introducing new initiatives to draw in more visitors from India.

SriLankan Airlines recently unveiled the “Ramayana Trail,” a unique travel package targeting Indian tourists.

This trail highlights 50 key locations in Sri Lanka linked to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Among these sites are the Seeta Amman Temple, associated with Sita’s prayers during her captivity, and Rumassala Hill, believed to be a fragment of the Himalayas dropped by Hanuman.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner launched the trail in Delhi, emphasizing the Ramayana’s deep cultural and spiritual ties between India and Sri Lanka.

The initiative aligns with the extension of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Sri Lanka, easing digital transactions for Indian tourists.

It was extended to the country, which enhances digital financial connectivity. It not only facilitates cross-border transactions, and digital connectivity but also helps the Indian tourists travelling to the country. 

Sri Lankan Airlines’ CEO, Richard Nuttall, expressed pride in promoting the Ramayana Trail, aiming to elevate Indian tourism to new heights. In October 2024, Indian visitors accounted for 26.8% of all foreign tourists in Sri Lanka, with the trend continuing strong in November.

Meanwhile, Australia is also targeting Indian tourists with its “Howzat for a holiday?” campaign, coinciding with the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins leads the campaign, aiming to capitalize on India’s massive cricket viewership.

According to Senator Don Farrell, the cricket series presents a unique opportunity to showcase Australia as a prime travel destination.

Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, noted that Indian tourism to Australia is expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, with a forecasted doubling by 2028. Indian tourists are known for their high spending abroad, making them a valuable demographic for global tourism.

Overall, both Sri Lanka and Australia are tapping into India’s growing travel market, seeing it as a significant opportunity to boost their tourism industries.

Senator Don Farrell, Australia”s Minister for Trade and Tourism in a statement said, “With tens of millions of people across India tuning in to watch the Test cricket series here in Australia, we have an opportunity to showcase to a huge audience why there is no place like Australia for a holiday.”

The number of Indian travellers visiting Australia already exceeds 2019 levels and, according to Tourism Research Australia, arrivals from India are forecast to double pre-pandemic levels by 2028.

Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison pointed out, “With a population of more than 1.4 billion people and more Indians looking to travel, the potential in the Indian market is endless and we see the Test series as our chance to get on the front foot and promote our country to a captive TV audience.”

According to a report by the International Trade Administration (ITA), Indian tourists are one of the highest spenders per visit abroad, which contributes to the economies of the countries they visit. The number of Indian travellers is not only increasing in numbers but is expected to overtake Chinese travellers in the coming years.

Indian scientists discover method for precise detection of mpox, could be used for antiviral therapy

Science and Health

New Delhi: Scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR)—an institute under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT)—have come up with a novel way to detect mpox strains that is specific, avoids false positives and can possibly open pathways for therapeutic potential. 
A DBT statement explains how mpox is a double-stranded DNA virus like SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2) or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and the most common method used to detect it is PCR (polymerase chain reaction). 
The technique replicates the virus multiple times to study it better. However, a drawback is that it often yields false positives due to non-specific signals received from the replicated DNA. 

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The JNCASR scientists detected a structure within mpox DNA known as G-quadruplex or GQ, a very stable and specific component of the virus. They found that instead of amplifying the entire DNA sequence, one can simply look for and identify a GQ structure to detect mpox. It is highly specific, reduces the chances of false positives and once studied further, can also be a target for antiviral therapy against mpox. Read more here.
Also Read: US biologists win Nobel in Medicine for microRNA discovery. Here’s how it prevents diseases like cancer

Oldest known alphabetic script found in Syrian clay cylinders 
In what could be a new development in the study of written languages in the world, archaeologists from John Hopkins University have found interesting details about clay cylinders with writings in Syria dating back to 2400 BCE. These are supposedly evidence of a form of the oldest ever alphabetic writing in the world. Found in western Syria’s Umm el-Marra region in 2004 alongside some skeletons, gold and silver jewellery and cookware, these small cylinders are at least 500 years older than when scientists originally thought alphabetic writing began in ancient Egypt—between 1800 and 1900 BC. The findings were presented at the American Society of Overseas Research meeting Thursday.While the archaeologists have yet to decipher the script, it does indicate positive connotations on the development of language and an alphabet-based writing system, which is different from hieroglyphs and cuneiforms where the shapes do not necessarily represent a particular sound. Can human hearts repair themselves? Study says yes
Scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have found that the human heart has a regenerative potential, which can increase substantially with a surgically installed heart pump. The study, published in the journal Circulation Thursday, looks at the endogenous cardiomyocyte regeneration in a human heart, which means that every heart can regenerate its muscle cells throughout the lifetime of an individual but at a very slow rate. 
The Swedish scientists found that this regeneration rate becomes even slower in case of a heart attack or an injury.However, when patients have a surgically implanted heart pump known as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the regeneration capacity of the muscle cells increases by six times. This study is a good starting point to look at the possibility of naturally boosting the heart’s own repair mechanism, by understanding how LVAD assists in increasing regenerative potential of hearts. Read more here.Utah scientists sent blood cells to space to study effects on clots 
Scientists from the University of Utah have sent blood cells to the International Space Station (ISS). The blood cells will be studied by a team of NASA astronauts and a ground crew of Utah scientists to analyse how being in space leads to the prevalence of blood clots in humans. It is a known fact that as astronauts spend longer time periods in space, their chances of developing blood clots are higher. This may be linked with microgravity and cosmic radiation, scientists presume. Since treating blood clots is difficult on the ISS, scientists want to gain more knowledge about why they occur and how, and if they can be prevented.On the ISS, scientists intend to study platelets—blood cells directly involved in clotting—and analyse their gene activity and proteins to see if being exposed to space has any effect. Simultaneously, a group of on-ground scientists will be mirroring the ISS scientists’ actions. This is to ensure that any change in the space-bound blood cells is immediately noticed. Read more here. 
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Also Read: 2024 Physics Nobel for AI scientists. How they pioneered machine learning modelled on human brain

New Orleans author Jeff Hockenheimer has written 12 books. Next up: an Elizabethan mystery.

Arts & Culture, Books

For someone who loves the movies so much that he once watched seven in one day, Jeff Hockenheimer spends a lot of time writing. The 72-year-old New Orleanian is about to publish his 12th book, a work of historical fiction based on the life of Robert Dudley, first Earl of Leicester, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I.Hockenheimer’s previous books include a memoir of his childhood in a tiny town in Mississippi, reminiscences of life working in neighborhood movie theaters and a couple of books that summarize, with tongue in cheek, the works of William Shakespeare.

Hockenheimer grew up in Panola, Mississippi, about 50 miles south of Memphis where, they say, “the hills meet the Delta.” He went on to graduate from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where he majored in history.

After a stint in Memphis he moved to New Orleans, where he became a familiar  presence behind concession stands at the Prytania Theatre and other local movie houses while auditioning for work in the growing local film industry. And of course, he continued to write.

Hockenheimer’s self-published books fill several pages on Amazon. He writes the manuscripts in the cursive script he learned at Panola Elementary School. A natural storyteller with a quip always ready, the author claims his typist, Lauralyn Rose, doesn’t charge him to type the books, “she charges me to read my handwriting.”

The following conversation has been lightly edited for space and clarity.What brought you to New Orleans?I moved to New Orleans because they filmed a lot of movies here, and when I moved here in the ‘80s, they were hiring extras out of the employment office. And I got a lot of work, but the only problem is you can’t get (speaking parts in large-budget) movies unless you’re in the Screen Actors Guild, and you can’t get in the SAG unless you have a speaking part in a movie.

What are some of your film roles?

I’ve been in some independent movies. They had everything they needed to make the movies, except the money to pay anybody. Which is OK, I don’t do it for the money.  I played the Catholic priest in “Lucinda’s Spell.” And I played the preacher in “Zombies vs. Mardi Gras.” Those were my biggies.

“Zombies vs. Mardi Gras”? What was that about?It was about a zombie who comes to New Orleans and chases people around the French Quarter. “Lucinda’s Spell” is about a bunch of witches who come to New Orleans and chase people around the Faubourg Marigny. And I was in a movie called “Samurai Steel,” and it’s about how gas leaks out of something, like a train, and a lot of people get gassed, and they chase people around the CBD.

A lot of chasing people around.Yes.Are you a person who can watch two or three movies a day?When I worked at the movie theaters, back in the ’80s, when you worked at one theater all the other theaters would let you in free. And one day, I went to a trade screening at 10 o’clock in the morning. It was “Dune.” Then I watched three movies in the afternoon. I watched two movies that night, and I went to a midnight movie. And I guess the midnight movie was “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Is that a record, do you think?I think so. And then I went home and watched one on TV.Tell us about some of your books.My first book was “The Secrets of the Bell Witch.” It’s about a famous legend from Tennessee and it is also well-known in the part of Mississippi I’m from. My co-writer was John Howell. He was the editor of the Panola paper, and he’s the one who really taught me how to write.

Another one is “An Invisible Star.” It’s about my fourth-grade teacher, Dorothy Langhofer. She was probably the most influential person in my life. She died at the age of 96, but she was still living when the book came out. 

What is the story of Robert Dudley, from your latest novel?

Robert Dudley was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. There was a lot of gossip about them. His wife, Amy Dudley, died mysteriously. She was found at the bottom of (a flight of) stairs with her neck broken. Some people thought she fell; that was the official coroner’s report. Some people thought Dudley had her pushed. Historians have been arguing about that ever since.

The book is called “The Haunting of Cumnor Manor.” I tried to be historically accurate, more historically accurate than Sir Walter Scott was in his book about it, “Kenilworth,” but I had to make up some things. I couldn’t get the exact quotes.  

Do you have a favorite among your works?If I’m going to give someone one of my books, it’s probably going to be “Drive-in Matinee.” It’s a story about teenagers hanging out at the drive-in movie theater. We had a drive-in movie theater out on Highway 51. 

And if I see a kids’ birthday party, sometimes I’ll give them a copy of “Uncle Jeff’s Fairytale Storybook for Good Little Kiddies, Etc.” The stories are both classic fairy tales and some I made up. Well, most I made up. My favorite story in that book is about the “big, bad wolf.” You know how so many fairy tales have a big, bad wolf in them? In my story, the wolf has an agent, who gets him all these fairy tales to be in.

Anything coming after the Dudley book?Well, a while ago I wrote “A Free Pass to the Movies,” about a guy who works at a movie theater. When everyone gets fired, he disappears and no one knows where he is. I figured I’d write a sequel, “Arf Arf Broadway.” And after that, “Please Don’t Kill Me, I Want To Be In a Sequel.” Then they all go to Europe, and that one is called “The Fourth Part of the Trilogy.”

Oman’s North Sharqiyah Governorate is ready to welcome winter tourists with 51 hotel facilities

Travel

Muscat – The winter season, which spans from October to April, sees a significant influx of tourists, both from within Oman and abroad. The region’s unique terrain, which includes Al Sharqiyah Sands, wadis, oases, and sulfur springs, attracts visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.Samia bint Hamad Al Busaidi, Director of the Department of Heritage and Tourism in North Al Sharqiyah, highlighted the area’s diverse tourist offerings, from mountain climbing and camping to sand sports, paragliding, and sand biking. The region’s moderate climate during the winter months makes it an ideal location for these activities, which draw both thrill-seekers and nature lovers.To accommodate the growing number of tourists, North Al Sharqiyah boasts 51 hotel facilities, offering a total of 1,100 rooms. These facilities include 10 hotels, 4 hotel apartments, 11 green lodges, 10 guest houses, 14 tourist camps, and 2 rest houses. The variety of accommodations caters to different preferences, from luxurious stays to more rustic, Bedouin-style experiences in the desert camps.According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the past winter season showed promising growth, with hotel occupancy rates reaching between 70 percent and 100 percent in some establishments. This increase in tourism has led to higher revenues for local businesses. Samia Al Busaidi added that the government has been promoting the region through social media campaigns, working with the local community and relevant authorities to highlight the diverse tourism experiences available.

The Department of Heritage and Tourism is focused on ensuring that accommodation and tourist facilities meet the Ministry’s quality standards. This includes monitoring cleanliness, safety, and compliance with tourism licensing regulations. The department has also introduced a ‘Quality Begins with Licensing’ campaign to ensure all establishments are properly licensed and adhere to the necessary regulations.In addition to its outdoor adventures, North Al Sharqiyah is known for its many cultural and historical sites, such as the Bait Al Yahmadi Fort, Al Rawdah Fort, and the archaeological villages of Al Mudhirib and Al Sawafah. The region also boasts numerous parks and natural sites, including Wadi Andam Natural Park, Ain Al Zam, and the famous Al Sharqiya Sands, where visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes and wildlife.North Al Sharqiyah’s traditional markets also offer a unique cultural experience, especially during holidays. Notable markets include the Wednesday Market for Women and the Sanaw Market, which are popular with both locals and tourists. These markets provide visitors with the chance to experience Omani handicrafts, traditional clothing, and local food.With 44 travel and tourism offices and 38 authorized tourist tour operators in the governorate, North Al Sharqiyah offers ample resources to help tourists explore the region’s attractions. These offices play a key role in facilitating travel, providing tour guides, and ensuring tourists have everything they need during their stay.

Himachal CM Sukhu releases book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life

Arts & Culture, Books

 24 Nov-2024 14:54 PM

By:  FirstIndia
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released the book ‘Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ka Jeevanvrit’ based on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life on Sunday.The book authored by Rakesh Kumar Sharma was released at an event held at the Chief Minister’s official residence, Oak Over in Shimla.The Chief Minister lauded the author’s efforts and stated that the book offers readers an in-depth understanding of Sardar Patel’s personality, his role in India’s freedom struggle, and his significant contributions to nation-building.Rakesh Kumar Sharma, a resident of Hamirpur district, currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Sardar Patel University, Mandi. A former research fellow at the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi.Sharma has authored several notable books, including Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Jeevan Darshan aur Rashtra Nirman ki Bhumika (2022), Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Swaraj Sangharsh evam Rashtra Eikikaran Mein Bhumika (2023), Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ka Jeevan Parichay (2024), and Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Role in Swaraj Struggle and National Integration (2023).MLA Chander Shekhar, Former Minister Kaul Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University Mandi, Lalit Kumar Awasthi, Sharma’s wife, Reena Sharma and daughters, Swastika and Arjika were also present on the occasion.

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Indonesia invites UAE to boost investments in tourism sector

Travel

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has invited investors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to increase investment in Indonesia’s tourism sector.During her meeting with UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri in Abu Dhabi, Wardhana said that she saw the great potential for UAE tourist visits to Indonesia.”In 2023, UAE investments in Indonesia’s tourism sector saw a substantial increase,” she said in a statement on Sunday.In that year, UAE investments in Indonesia’s tourism sector increased sixfold compared to 2022. The top investment sectors were restaurants, travel agency activities, and star hotels.So far this year, UAE investments have reached US$1.8 million. In the last three years, the figure has reached US$5.66 million.”This provides further opportunities for UAE investors to expand their portfolios,” Wardhana stated.During her visit, she also promoted some tourist destinations in Indonesia. She invited UAE investors to invest more in Indonesia’s tourism sector, which is becoming more promising.”I am optimistic that this will further strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector between Indonesia and the UAE in the future,” she said.Wardhana said that tourism is a top sector of the Indonesian economy. It is also the main contributor to the 2023 national investment target.She added that investors should not be hesitant to invest in Indonesia’s five super-priority destinations and 10 tourism special economic zones (SEZs).Related news: RI seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to national economyRelated news: Tourism Ministry eyes increase in budget ceiling to Rp2.25 tlnTranslator: Vinny, KenzuEditor: Anton SantosoCopyright © ANTARA 2024

The Broligarchy Goes to Washington

Technology

After Donald Trump won this month’s election, one of the first things he did was to name two unelected male plutocrats, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, to run a new Department of Government Efficiency. The yet-to-be-created entity’s acronym, DOGE, is something of a joke—a reference to a cryptocurrency named for an internet meme involving a Shiba Inu. But its appointed task of reorganizing the federal bureaucracy and slashing its spending heralds a new political arrangement in Washington: a broligarchy, in which tremendous power is flowing to tech and finance magnates, some of whom appear indifferent or even overtly hostile to democratic tradition.The broligarchs’ ranks also include the PayPal and Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel—Vice President–Elect J. D. Vance’s mentor, former employer, and primary financial backer—as well as venture capitalists like Marc Andreessen and David Sacks, both of whom added millions of dollars to Trump’s campaign. Musk, to be sure, is the archetype. The world’s richest man has reportedly been sitting in on the president-elect’s calls with at least three heads of foreign states: Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić, and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Musk joined Trump in welcoming Argentine President Javier Milei at Mar-a-Lago and, according to The New York Times, met privately in New York with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in a bid to “defuse tensions” between that country and the United States. Recently, after Musk publicly endorsed the financier Howard Lutnick for secretary of the Treasury, some in Trump’s camp were concerned that Musk was acting as a “co-president,” The Washington Post reported.Musk doesn’t always get what he wants; Trump picked Lutnick to be secretary of commerce instead. Even so, the broligarchs’ ascendancy on both the foreign- and domestic-policy fronts has taken many observers by surprise—including me, even though I wrote last August about the broligarchs’ deepening political alignment with Trump. Though some of them have previously opposed Trump because of his immigration or tariff policies, the broligarchs share his politics of impunity: the idea that some men should be above the law. This defiant rejection of all constraint by and obligation to the societies that made them wealthy is common among the world’s ultrarich, a group whose practices and norms I have studied for nearly two decades. Trump has exemplified this ethos, up to the present moment: He is currently in violation of a law—which he signed into effect during his first term—requiring incoming presidents to agree to an ethics pledge.Trump—who infamously said of sexual assault, “When you’re a star, they let you do it”—cites his celebrity as a basis for his elevation above the law. Many broligarchs also see themselves as exceptional beings, but arrived at that view through a different path: via science fiction, fantasy literature, and comic books. Ideas from these genres have long pervaded Silicon Valley culture; last year, Andreessen published a manifesto calling for “Becoming Technological Supermen,” defined by embarking on a “Hero’s Journey” and “conquering dragons.”Superhero narratives also appear to inform many of Musk’s more eccentric political views, including his reported belief that the superintelligent have a duty to reproduce, and may help explain why in September he reposted a claim that “a Republic of high status males” would be superior to our current democracy. Last week, Musk likened Matt Gaetz, Trump’s then-nominee for attorney general, to Judge Dredd, a dystopian comic-book character authorized to conduct summary executions. Musk seems to have meant this as a compliment. He described Gaetz—who, until his resignation from the House, was under a congressional investigation in connection with an alleged sex-trafficking scheme—as “our Hammer of Justice.”Whatever its source, the broligarchs’ sense of their innate superiority has led many of them to positions on taxation quite similar to Trump’s. In 2016, the Republican presidential nominee bragged about avoiding tax payments for years—“That makes me smart,” he crowed from the debate stage. The broligarchs have quietly liberated themselves from one of the only certainties in life. As ProPublica reported in 2021, Musk paid zero federal income taxes in 2018 and a de facto tax rate of 3.3 percent from 2014 to 2018, during which his wealth grew $13.9 billion. Thiel used a government program intended to expand retirement savings by middle-class Americans to amass $5 billion in capital-gains income, completely tax-free. The Trump-friendly broligarchs’ political ascendancy turns the rallying cry of the Boston Tea Party on its head, achieving representation with minimal taxation.In their hostility to taxation and regulation, the men who rule Wall Street and Silicon Valley resemble earlier generations of wealthy capitalists who enjoyed outsize influence on American politics. Even some tech barons who supported Kamala Harris clamored for the firing of Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, who favors vigorous antitrust enforcement. But the broligarchs are distinct from old-school American oligarchs in one key respect: Their political vision seeks to undermine the nation-state system globally. Musk, among others, has set his sights on the privatization and colonization of space with little or no government involvement. Thiel and Andreessen have invested heavily in creating alternatives to the nation-state here on Earth, including libertarian colonies with minimal taxation. One such colony is up and running in Honduras; Thiel has also invested in efforts to create artificial islands and other autonomous communities to serve as new outposts for private governance. “The nature of government is about to change at a very fundamental level,” Thiel said of these initiatives in 2008.Cryptocurrency is the financial engine of the broligarchs’ political project. For centuries, states have been defined by two monopolies: first, on the legitimate use of coercive force (as by the military and the police); and second, on control of the money supply. Today’s broligarchs have long sought to weaken government control of global finance. Thiel notes in his 2014 book, Zero to One, that when he, Musk, and others started PayPal, it “had a suitably grand mission … We wanted to create a new internet currency to replace the U.S. dollar.” If broligarchs succeed in making cryptocurrency a major competitor to or replacement for the dollar, the effects could be enormous. The American currency is also the world’s reserve currency—a global medium of exchange. This has contributed to U.S. economic dominance in the world for 80 years and gives Washington greater latitude to use financial and economic pressure as an alternative to military action.Undercutting the dollar could enrich broligarchs who hold considerable amounts of wealth in cryptocurrencies, but would also weaken the United States and likely destabilize the world economy. Yet Trump—despite his pledge to “Make America great again” and his previous claims that crypto was a “scam” against the dollar—now seems fully on board with the broligarchs’ agenda. Signaling this alignment during his campaign, Trump gave the keynote speech at a crypto conference last July; he later pledged to make crypto a centerpiece of American monetary policy via purchase of a strategic bitcoin reserve. The day after the election, one crypto advocate posted on X, “We have a #Bitcoin president.” The incoming administration is reportedly vetting candidates for the role of “crypto czar.”If American economic and political dominance recedes, the country’s wealthiest men may be well positioned to fill and profit from the power vacuum that results. But is a weakened country, greater global instability, and rule by a wealthy few really what voters wanted when they chose Trump?Musk spent millions of dollars to support Trump’s campaign and promoted it on X. He’s now doing everything he can to capitalize on Trump’s victory and maximize his own power—to the point of siccing his X followers on obscure individual government officials. Some evidence, including Axios’s recent focus-group study of swing voters, suggests that Americans may already feel queasy about the influence of the broligarchs. “I didn’t vote for him,” one participant said of Musk. “I don’t know what his ultimate agenda would be for having that type of access.” Another voter added, “There’s nothing, in my opinion, in Elon Musk’s history that shows that he’s got the best interest of the country or its citizens in mind.” Even so, we can expect him and his fellow broligarchs to extend their influence as far as they can for as long as Trump lets them.About the AuthorBrooke Harrington, a Dartmouth College sociology professor, is the author of Capital Without Borders: Wealth Management and the One Percent and the forthcoming Offshore: Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism.More StoriesThe American Con Man Who Pioneered Offshore FinanceThe Broligarchs Are Trying to Have Their WayExplore More TopicsDonald Trump, Elon Musk

‘It fills our cup’: Why more travelers are turning to road trips

Travel

AI-assisted summaryRoad trips and camping offer a retreat from the overwhelming nature of modern life and a chance to reconnect with simpler times.These trips provide an opportunity to disconnect from technology and be present in the moment, especially for those feeling burnt out.For families, road trips and camping offer quality time together, free from distractions, and a chance to bond over shared experiences in nature.Whenever Renate Rutkovskis gets behind the driver’s seat to embark on a road trip, she’s transported back in time to when she was a kid, sitting in the backseat of her parents’ car with her headphones plugged into her Walkman and watching the world go by.Born and raised in California’s Bay Area, Rutkovskis grew up taking frequent road trips to her family’s cabin in Tahoe. As an adult, she continues the tradition on her own as a solo traveler going on almost monthly road trips. “It’s always had a special place in my heart,” she told USA TODAY. “I love being on the road.”In her Subaru sedan, Rutkovskis explores the West Coast, from Los Angeles, to see friends, Mammoth for ski trips, and the coastline in Monterey. Usually staying in Airbnbs, she also enjoys the flexibility of stopping in little towns along the way.”Being in the car, I listen to music, I zone out and not have to hear the noise of discussion or news,” Rutkovskis said. “I have this very uninterrupted time to be with my thoughts and with my surroundings, which I really enjoy and cherish.”Rutkovskis isn’t the only traveler finding solace in the easygoing trips reminiscent of her childhood, such as road-tripping or camping. From exhausting news cycles to always being attached to our phones, 72% of travelers say a “desire for simpler times” is influencing their travels, according to a new 2025 trends report by Campspot. Of the 2,594 survey respondents, 94% see trips like camping as a form of stress relief.Enjoy your worry-free vacation: Best travel insurance policies”It’s just comforting. It’s a way to escape to simpler and happier times,” Jeff Bettin, Campspot’s vice president of commercial strategy and performance, told USA TODAY. “There’s a real sense of people wanting to connect with things that feel authentic and familiar in a world that seems pretty chaotic.”What should I prepare for a family trip?The Bucket List Family knows better than most.A digital detoxThe survey found that 82% of respondents feel like camping offers a retreat from being “overwhelmed by modern life.” Often immersing travelers in nature, camping and road-tripping provide the digital detox many seek.”People need a break from the everyday, and road trips and camping give them just that space to unplug, breathe and focus on being present,” said Bettin, adding that Gen Z and Millennials are the demographics feeling the most burnout from technology.Rutkovskis nearly always seeks out nature on her trips, often hiking or skiing in scenic landscapes like the Eastern Sierras. “The mountains are where I’m most drawn to, and generally, there’s not service out there,” she said. “I like being out in the force, in nature, and not being connected to anyone. That ability to be present is so healing and so self-soothing.”For some campers, getting off their phones is done more intentionally. Elisa and Lance Bubak go on camping road trips in their RV with their nine-year-old and nine-month-old sons about once a month, choosing not to pack tablets or Kindles and leaving their phones behind in the camper.”I love watching my boys engage in nature… (camping for us is) a play-outside kind of thing,” Elisa Bubak told USA TODAY.Connecting with familyMany campers use these types of trips as an opportunity to spend quality time with their family, free from distractions. With two small kids and a husband who works as a police officer, daily life for the Bubaks “feels like you’re go, go, go,” Elisa Bubak said.Like the 80% of survey respondents, the Bubaks find their camping road trips as a chance to slow down and reconnect as a family. “It’s a really wonderful experience as a family, it’s been very bonding,” she said.Both Elisa and Lance grew up camping with their families and seek to instill the tradition in their children. Each year, she and her family pile into their RV camper and meet up with her parents in their own RV camper at Avila Beach in Pismo, California.While there, the multi-generational family goes on hikes together, hangs out at the beach, flies kites, and lets the kids run around and play. “We look forward to it every year, waking up and looking right at the ocean,” she said. “We find it so peaceful. Your worries kind of dissipate when you’re staring at the sunset.”She said she loves watching her sons enjoy the little things, like marveling at new flowers they discover. “It reinvigorates you,” she said. “It fills our cup.”