Welcome to my Vacation Views - Black Friday edition. This week in my Horizon Scan I examine a top travel trend that is both fun and sustainable, share a Traveller Tip on avoiding overweight luggage charges, and offer a suggestion to help you rummage through all the great Black Friday deals in Sail Savings. So, let’s get started!

Horizon Scan Top Travel Trend: Thrift Shopping for Souvenirs and Luxury Finds 

As we approach 2025, sustainability and conscious consumerism are driving a shift in travel trends. One standout movement is the growing popularity of thrift shopping for souvenirs and second-hand clothing—both during vacations and before you travel. My wife, Amanda, has long been a champion of the circular economy, regularly finding beautiful luxury and vintage items for her wardrobe. For us, stepping into a vintage store is as much a part of the vacation experience as visiting famous landmarks. It’s no surprise that thrifting has become a go-to activity for modern travellers—offering both eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional shopping.

Sustainable Souvenirs: A New Twist on Travel Mementos

In years past, tourists often picked up mass-produced trinkets as souvenirs, items that might sit forgotten on a shelf or be discarded later. Today, savvy travellers are turning to thrift shops for authentic, meaningful alternatives. Second-hand stores offer a wealth of unique, vintage finds—from antique jewelry and rare artwork to retro postcards and collectible garments. These items carry a deeper story than the usual touristy souvenirs.

As Ben Harrell, U.S. Managing Director at Booking.com, whose company listed thrifting among the top travel trends in 2025 notes, "Thrifted treasures become personal mementos of the travel experience, rooted in culture and authenticity." Thrift shopping allows travellers to find locally-sourced items with unique histories, such as vintage records from a local music shop or hand-embroidered scarves from a boutique. These items aren’t just souvenirs; they are authentic pieces of a destination’s culture and story—both environmentally responsible and personally meaningful.

Thrift Shopping Meets High Fashion

One of the most exciting aspects of the thrift shopping trend is its intersection with luxury fashion. Designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Chanel are renowned for their craftsmanship, but what many don’t realize is that second-hand shops often carry pre-loved versions of these high-end pieces at a fraction of the cost. The luxury fashion industry is increasingly embracing the concept of circular fashion—buying, selling, and trading gently used items.

In fashion-forward cities like New York, Paris, and London, second-hand designer stores are often located near popular tourist areas. Travellers can find vintage Louis Vuitton luggage, bespoke suits, and other high-end items in excellent condition. Not only do these pieces often come with a fascinating backstory, but they also offer a unique fashion statement that you’re unlikely to see on anyone else during your travels. For more inspiration, Vogue has curated a list of both online and brick-and-mortar stores where travellers can discover these luxury gems.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The environmental benefits of second-hand shopping are clear. By buying used items, travellers help reduce waste and extend the life of perfectly good products. This shift contrasts sharply with the wasteful practices of fast fashion, which significantly contributes to pollution. Thrift shopping reduces the demand for new production, conserves resources, and keeps items out of landfills.

From an economic perspective, buying second-hand allows you to snag high-quality goods for a fraction of the original price. This is particularly appealing for travellers on a budget who still want to enjoy the thrill of finding stylish, unique pieces. Whether it’s a vintage necklace or a designer leather jacket, you can find stunning items that reflect your personal style without the hefty price tag.

Thrift Shopping for Vacation Wear

In late 2023, Cunard launched an initiative with pre-loved styling consultant Bay Garnett and Circle of Style to promote sustainable cruise wear through a capsule collection. This collaboration encouraged travellers to embrace the circular economy and create stylish, eco-friendly wardrobes for their voyages. My beautiful wife Amanda’s own experience aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria was a perfect example—she wore gorgeous outfits, all purchased second-hand through local stores like Bellwethers Vintage and online platforms like Poshmark and Etsy.

Thrift shopping has become more than just a way to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs; it’s now a key part of sustainable travel. Whether you are exploring local markets, visiting vintage shops in a bustling city, or preparing your cruise wear packing list, thrifting allows you to bring home not just memories, but tangible pieces of history. It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to enjoy luxury and fashion while reducing your environmental footprint—and in 2025, it’s set to be the travel trend to watch.

When packing for a cruise, it’s easy to overpack—multiple outfits for different occasions, plus extra shoes and accessories. While most cruise lines don’t impose strict luggage limits, airlines certainly do, and their weight restrictions can lead to expensive penalties if you’re not careful. Nothing’s worse than arriving at the airport only to discover your suitcase is over the weight limit, forcing you to scramble to redistribute items with a long line of impatient travelers behind you.

To avoid this stressful scenario, a portable digital luggage scale is a game-changer. This simple, affordable device lets you weigh your suitcase before you even leave for the airport, ensuring you stay within the limits and avoid costly overweight fees. Plus, it’s handy for your return trip—you’ll want to weigh your luggage again after filling it with all those wonderful thrifted souvenirs you picked up on your travels. A portable scale is a small investment that can save you both time and money, making it an essential travel accessory.

Sail Savings: Rummaging Through All The Black Friday Deals

With so many Black Friday deals flooding the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which offers are truly worth your time and money. Nearly every cruise line and tour operator is running promotions, and many of these deals are significant—offering everything from deeply discounted package prices to perks like free drinks, waived gratuities, onboard credits, and reduced deposits. But here's the catch: not every sailing date or holiday week is included in these offers.

Sorting through all the fine print, qualifying offers, and terms and conditions can make the hunt for the best deal feel like a daunting task. That's where I come in! There are so many great deals to choose from, but finding the ones that are the perfect fit for you can be tricky. Reach out to me, and let me help you navigate the options to secure the best Black Friday deals tailored to your travel needs. I’ll ensure you don’t miss out on the best offers!

That concludes this edition of my Vacation Views. The next edition will be sent on December 8.  Please reach out to allow me to provide a quote for your next dream vacation and feel free to share this with colleagues and friends!

 Bon Voyage!