In our latest episode, we explore how the recent surge in worldwide tariffs is reshaping the travel landscape in unexpected ways. From pricier flights due to aircraft manufacturing costs to higher hotel rates caused by imported furniture and electronics taxes, these trade policies are driving up vacation expenses across the board. The impact varies significantly by destination, with import-dependent islands and countries caught in trade disputes seeing the steepest increases. However, savvy travelers can still find value by targeting countries with favorable exchange rates, booking well in advance, traveling during shoulder seasons, and considering locally-sourced accommodations. Perhaps most notably, this complex economic environment has dramatically increased the value proposition of professional travel agents, whose industry relationships, buying power, and destination expertise can help counteract these rising costs while saving travelers countless hours of increasingly complicated research. Read more: How to Travel Smart in a High-Tariff World. Note: We use AI voices in our podcast.