Travel Economics: A “boomcession” is squeezing Americans’ vacation confidence: only 45% plan trips with paid lodging this summer, yet the people who do book are spending more—about 17% extra on their biggest trip, pushing average budgets past $4,000. Storm Disruption: Tropical Storm Bertha is moving west after Louisiana landfall, with flood risk and life-threatening surf/rip currents prompting warnings across the Gulf Coast and into Texas. Cruise & Pop Culture: Sixthman’s fan-to-cruise model keeps expanding, while Sixthman-style celebrity cruises also highlight how music and fandom are driving new onboard experiences. Local Travel Ideas: Oklahoma’s Great Salt Plains offers a rare salt-flat landscape and wildlife refuge; Mississippi Coast travelers are also being pointed to locals’ favorite inland eats. EV Charging Politics (UK): York councillors are debating how to expand on-street charging for residents without driveways, including trials for pavement channels and lamppost options. Travel Safety & Health: Macmillan Cancer Support is partnering with Lighthouse Travel Insurance to improve access to specialist cover. Ocean & Wildlife: Researchers document a new orca hunting behavior in the Gulf of California, including coordinated sunfish shattering. Adventure Tourism: Wade House in Wisconsin is rolling out summer “goat yoga” and horse-drawn stagecoach events. Tech for Travel: Sleepypod unveils a safety-focused rebrand aimed at better crash-tested pet protection education.