My son’s travel duffel sports the flag mementos of many nations, but may be taking an unfortunate break since travel now means taking off into increasingly unfriendly skies.

This story is everywhere, but deserves a serious look—albeit short, because it’s depressing and takes a tailspin into politics that are even more depressing. But brace yourself: The US is destroying a solid and previously evergreen tourism business worth $180 billion annually and supporting 1 million American jobs. Hmmm, I wonder why?

Because we ridicule other nations while raising chaotic tariffs that make routine business nearly impossible?

Because we break deals, shun NATO, pull aid funding, and have gone totally No More Mr. Nice Guy?

Because we threaten to take over Greenland, never mind that their steward nation of Denmark loyally fights alongside our military in wars; 43 Danish soldiers died in Afghanistan alone.

Because we tease and piss off Canada? That especially hurts in Minnesota, as Canadians are our #1 tourism source—representing 55% of our international guests—and spending around $150 million in 2024, which was a 24% decrease from 2023.

Because we may soon require visitors to provide up to 5 years of social media history, among other bizarre and intimidating steps to entry?

Because major markets like Germany and France have updated their travel advisories to include America while warning of risks that include political violence and immigration enforcement?

Well, those are SOME of the reasons. And there are so many more. Meanwhile, America hosts the FIFA soccer tournament in 11 cities this year and celebrates a 250th anniversary. In the olden days—which now feel like golden days—those events would have brought countless guests and dignitaries from all over the world, all spending lavishly.

Instead, people like the former president of FIFA have called for an international boycott of the FIFA tournament because of violence by ICE…who may be prowling the games with guns in tow, no?

Oh yeah, and then there’s that invasion of Iran. Our nation goes relatively unscathed (besides ratcheting gas prices and related inflation that will arrive soon). But in much of the world, the effects of this “war” are much worse, and hitting people’s pocketbooks, if not schoolyards.

When you piss off most of the world’s people, they stop liking and visiting you.

If that’s the tone for travel for the time being, I don’t much feel like flying anywhere. Folks I know who are traveling abroad describe receiving nearly-violent receptions upon mere introductions. Others retell the common tale of international hosts routinely asking, “What the f*ck is going on over there?”

Who knows? But please wake me when it’s over. And the TSA is funded and functioning again. And the Ugly American goes to the bathroom and we lock him in there. And… And… And…

This could take a while.

So if BreakAway shifts to highlighting other forms of escapism—think saunas, live music, nature breaks, nearby diversions—please play along. Such rather fits my aging carcass and slower, simpler lifestyle, anyway…verklempt though it may feel be to admit that.

The world is still a beautiful place. But sometimes one’s world must get smaller to stay saner.

Dude needs to learn to chill out someday…

Pardon us for being late to rave, er, reflect on International Relaxation Day. IRD (that’s right) happened last Friday, August 15. I hope you were so chilled out you missed it too. Wait until you see what happens here for Universal Procrastination Day!

BreakAway supports this, and preaches the gospel of chill the h*ck out, which ain’t as easy as it used to be. All the more reason to ignore the noise and grab whatever (or whoever) pleases you, which may be Heavy Metal festivals, mammoth hikes, or yoga. Regardless:

Just                              un                                plug.

How do you relax? I like watching water, sipping something, and blasting music—for starters. However you unwind, we hope you get to do it almost as much as whatever is keeping you from that higher priority. St*ff can wait. Relaxing won’t. Keep the faith.

BREAKAWAY TAKEAWAY: Relaxing happens now, not later.

Flying is becoming evermore messy…

What goes up…must come down. And so it also goes with travel trends. Of late, flying away from it all keeps getting unpleasant press. And as one who’s flown some lately, that doesn’t help the already hectic and uncomfortable experience that most of us encounter. Let us count some ways…

• Airlines wedge solo flyers

As a frequent solo traveler, this one really chafes my ass, even when not in a tiny airline seat. Yep, the jerks running the airlines (or A.I. CEOs, who knows?) have often been charging solo travelers twice (or more) than the cost of buying 2 tickets. Why? Because they can—and even admit to intentionally bilking the business traveler. As I attempt to avoid profanity: It ain’t right!

• Airline crashes smashing all records

Depending on your source (and date, as the numbers keeps rising), there have been, hmmm, ~100 crashes so far, and ~200 deaths. Oh sure, they keep saying that flight is safe! And one can still make that case. Nonetheless, this is already the worst year ever. And we’re not even halfway there.

• Newark flight systems go way dark

Miraculously, there have been no catastrophes in Newark or the area. But the airport has experienced several systems crashes. That means NO COMMUNICATION between the pilots and the towers—in one of the busiest airports and most dense populations in America. Meanwhile, Trump & Co keep firing the very people responsible for our safety. As one who has used that airport dozens of times, yeah, I’m scared.

• Flight delays are going up, up, up

Again, sources vary (especially when you define countries/regions). But one source puts the delays increase at 54% this year. They blame weather, overcrowded everything, staff shortages, and (again) the USA government funding chain-sawing allegedly wasteful jobs. My advice: Travel heavy—bring extra snacks, water, entertainment, and anti-anxiety meds.

• Euros and Canadians are boycotting America 

Gosh, they’re really mad at us. The good news is that might mean fewer travelers! The bad news is others are hating on us. And we’ll miss the bazillions they spend visiting the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, and hospitality businesses.

• Americans are often scorned when abroad

The media is all over this (except some, like FOX). But I have heard personally from MANY people that you WILL be shamed, insulted, and possibly attacked as an American visiting other lands. One friend had to make a hasty exit from a bar in Canada or risk getting beat up. So think twice about where you vacation. And maybe leave the MAGA hat at home.

We could also discuss the economy, the inflation that is making going anywhere (and doing anything) cost more, and the train wreck of options (like lack of train travel in many places) that force flying to be your only option. But really, this is enough ranting for today.

So in parting, may we all be patient and hope for clearer skies ahead. Meanwhile, enjoy your staycation!