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October 5th, 2012 A study conducted at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has found that people who live in cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from depression. The study looked at data from cities across the United States and found that living in cities with higher air pollution levels was linked to an increased risk of depression. The study also found that the effects of air pollution on mental health were greater in women than in men. The researchers believe that this could be due to the fact that women are more likely to be exposed to air pollution than men, as they are more likely to spend time outdoors. The findings suggest that improved air quality could help to reduce the prevalence of depression in cities.
Planning any trip way in advance is always the best option, but life has a way of not always going according to plan. Sometimes the best memories come from spontaneous decisions. If you’re craving beach holidays, city cultural trips or a return to nature, planning last-minute travel to one of the world’s most popular tourist countries is more possible—and affordable—than ever. In fact, last-minute travel has been on the rise in recent years. A report by Expedia Group indicates that almost 44% of American travellers made bookings for their trips within less than a month of their trip date in 2023. With airlines and hotels offering flexible work options and dynamic pricing, taking advantage of last-minute opportunities is no longer exclusive to the risk-takers. Here’s how to enjoy the most of an impromptu escape—stress-free. Why The Most Popular Holiday Spots Are Perfect for Spur-of-the-Moment Breaks Conveniently positioned, heavily visited countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, the U.S. and Japan benefit from the heavy traffic and established tourism industry already in place, which heightens the prospect of last-minute travel deals on airfare, accommodation, and outings. Their reasonable prices, made possible through heavy traffic and offered promotions, are always good tidings for low-budget travellers. For example, cities like Paris, Rome, and Bangkok have numerous international flights every day, so the travellers benefit from being able to arrive and leave at short notice. With so many hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, even last-minute reservations the same week are able to get travellers excellent options for low costs. To receive the best prices, use sites specifically designed for spontaneous travelling. One of the easiest ways to find great deals is to book a spontaneous escape with Voyage Privé, which curates luxury last-minute deals in top destinations around the world. With privileged prices and top-shelf properties for specially selected discounts, it’s an ideally suited helper to users who would wish to turn sudden ideas into true retreats. Smart Booking Strategies for Last-Minute Travellers 1. Be Flexible about Destinations and Dates The more flexible you are, the better your odds of getting a deal. Avoid being fixated on a single country or departure date. Instead, use tools that allow you to compare several destinations and match what you have to offer and how much time you have against them. For instance, if you want to go to Europe but you don’t mind where, you might find that a last-minute trip to Lisbon or Prague is much cheaper than to Paris or London. Open-ended searching is a basic tactic for last-minute travellers. 2. Leverage Apps and Alerts for Real-Time Offers Flights, such as those provided by Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights, allow you to follow price declines and buy quickly when prices are lowest. Set alerts on entire regions or days, and be ready to move quickly when you notice a deal. 3. Travel Off-Peak Even the most travelled tourist countries have off-seasons or midweek lulls. Departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday, say, is generally cheaper than weekends. Likewise, shoulder seasons like late spring or early autumn in Europe offer the destination’s character without the overabundance of tourists and prices. 4. Package Flights and Hotels Travel packages have the potential to save money as well as time. Most travel websites offer packages with flights, accommodations, and even meals or tours sometimes. These are often discounted even further than individual bookings, especially when there is unsold inventory at the last minute. Best Spontaneous Travel Destinations You can also check out this handy list of top last-minute destinations to see where else people are traveling to these days. Pack Smart and Stay Ready For last-minute travel, an essential carry-kit is vital. Pack a checklist of travelling essentials in advance, including toiletries in miniature form, electronics, and items of clothing for the weather. In case you’re on the hunt to fly carry-on only (saving time and money), pack an extreme capsule wardrobe that converts to multiple outfits. Also, keep digital copies of important documents like your passport, insurance, and itinerary stored safely in the cloud or a travel app. Impromptu travel is no longer reserved for adventure seekers alone. With the proper tools and techniques, anyone can take advantage of a last-minute trip to the world’s most in-demand tourist spots. From affordable escapes to high-end getaways, reserving a trip at the last minute has never been simpler or more thrilling.
For the fourth year in a row, U.S. summer travel to Europe will increase, according to new data from travel insurance and assistance company Allianz Partners USA’s Top Summer European Destinations Report. U.S. summer travel to Europe will increase by 10% in 2025. London, England (#1), Paris, France (#2), and Dublin, Ireland (#3) continue to be the top European destinations for U.S. travelers*.
Article - STR Weekly Insights: U.S. Hotel Industry Sees Strong Week; Strong RevPAR Growth Returns Globally - The U.S. hotel industry experienced a 4.1% growth in RevPAR for the week ending 3 May 2025, with a strong start due to an easy year-over-year comparison to Passover.