Frantisek Jungr’s Post

Later today, we will be publishing our flagship Travel Report 2024, but to get you in a travel mood, check out our new “Did you know?” blog covering the “hottest” European destinations this summer: the most luxurious, the biggest bargains, and the top places for nightlife: 🏖 More than half of the priciest destinations are in Italy, but places on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, France’s Cote d’Azur and the Greek Islands also rank high. 🏝 The more affordable beach destinations are in Spain, Cyprus and Greece, while cities such as Madrid, Dublin, Helsinki, Brussels or others in Central and Eastern Europe also offer good value for money. 💃 The best nightlife is in the big the cities, led by London, Paris, Barcelona, Dublin and Amsterdam; if you prefer beach parties, head out to Marbella, Mallorca, Ibiza or Mykonos. Spain occupies six of the top 20 nightlife destinations! Finally, we look at who travels where. London, Paris and Rome are the most popular destinations for travelers outside Europe, except for Latin Americans who love Madrid the most. While Dublin gets the highest share of US tourists, Palma de Mallorca is almost exclusively visited by Europeans   So where will you be going? https://lnkd.in/d4d8JBq7 Kriti Sareen Divya Shree Vikas Tiwari Maximilien Lambertson

What are your plans for the summer? In our latest “Did you know?” blog, you can discover where tourists splurge, save or party;). According to the #MastercardEconomicsInstitute , consumers are enjoying higher purchasing power as inflation has fallen below elevated wage growth across many countries, resulting in higher discretionary spend. Spending on experiences, like summer holidays, is likely to remain strong. Wherever you head this summer, stay safe and enjoy! #mastercarddataandservices #summer2024 #leisuretravel

Just in time for the summer holidays, Prateek Sanghi, Head of Visa Consulting and Analytics Asia Pacific, joined Monica Pitrelli on CNBC Squawk Box Asia to chat on the exciting rebound of international travel. This season, we expected to see a surge in travel spending, the rise of 'bleisure' travel (where business travellers combine elements of leisure on the same trip), and the shift towards digital payments. The Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA) team, Visa’s payments advisory arm, uses payments data to predict such travel and spend trends that can help businesses anticipate opportunities. For the complete insights, catch the full interview below. #TravelTrends #DigitalPayments #Bleisure #DataInsights #VisaInsights #VisaConsultingAnalytics #VisaEconomicInsights

✈️ The June holiday season is officially here, and the world awaits! But managing international payments can add unnecessary stress to your travel plans 😮💨. We've compiled expert advice from seasoned travelers to create a visual guide on navigating international payments with ease. Swipe through ➡️ our post to discover these valuable tips and test your knowledge – how many did you already know? 😉 Share your best international payment 💵 hacks in the comments! We're all ears👂(and wallets!) 📣 Follow us for more insightful tips to navigate the world of payments! #TravelHacks #InternationalPayments #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyManagement #TravelEssentials #AletaPlanet

As travel continues to be among priorities for Croatians, our latest MasterIndex study reveals some fascinating trends shaping the way we explore the world. On average, Croatians take 4.6 trips a year, with spending on international travel reaching a record €1,443 per trip – more than double the amount in 2019. This winter, nearly half of respondents plan to travel abroad, with advent trips to European cities being the top choice, while almost a quarter are heading for skiing. The growth in travel is coupled with a clear shift towards cashless payments. Today, 94% of travelers carry their payment cards abroad, with card transactions accounting for 62% of all payments – a significant rise from just 41% in 2019. At Mastercard, we’re not just following these trends; we’re helping shape them. Our Priceless.com enables us to connect people with unique, curated experiences that elevate travel and highlight the best of what Croatia has to offer. Read more at https://lnkd.in/dJEs3UNi #mastercardemployee #masterindex #traveltrends #cashless #priceless

As the global travel industry returns to pre-pandemic levels, the increase in international travel brings the complexities of currency conversion - a critical concern for cardholders as they prefer to engage and transact in the 'currency language' they understand. In our most recent blog, we outline how Dynamic Currency Conversion simplifies the conversion complexity for international travelers and provides unique benefits to financial institutions as well. #currencyconversion #globaltravel #DCC https://lnkd.in/gRz2ZD54

Unveiling the Secrets of Mobile Payments Abroad! 📱 Our latest study dives deep into how Chinese tourists use mobile payments while traveling. Discover the reasons behind their usage patterns and find out how service providers can enhance their experiences. #MobilePayments #ChineseTourists 🌍🔍 Chan, S. H. J., Wan, Y. K. P., Lee, C. B. P., & Zhang, Q. Y. C. (2024). Understanding mobile payment through the lens of continuity theory. Anatolia, 1-14. https://lnkd.in/gRzrVXb7

#China announced a visa-exemption scheme for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg on Thursday, taking the total number of European countries whose citizens can enter China visa-free to 12. #2024ChinaAgenda   As China expects more international travelers, many first-time visitors have also asked about how to make their trip to China as comfortable as possible. One of the regularly asked questions on this matter through CGTN's #AskChina2024 social media campaign is whether they can settle bills via the ubiquitous Chinese e-payment applications during their stay.   The simple answer is yes. The major mobile-payment service providers in China have plans for inbound travelers. Users can download the apps and link their bank cards to access the payment facilities. There are, however, some contingent requirements. For example, you may need to check if your credit card issuer is on the list of those accepted by the app. If your ID information is required, the details should match those you submitted to your card issuer. Moreover, some apps have time limits on their policies.    Payment with credit cards is widely accepted in China, barring some small vendors or in some rural areas where cash use remains dominant. Travel agencies would advise carrying some cash with you as a last resort. For shops or restaurants, refusal to take cash is a violation punishable by a fine. 

Planning a European Celebra-cation? Don't let currency confusion hold you back! My team at Travel Concepts has your back with these savvy money-prep tips: 1. Know Your Euros! The Euro (€) is the main currency in most European countries. Familiarize yourself with denominations (coins & bills) before you go. Pro tip: Download a currency converter app for easy on-the-go conversions! 2. Cash vs. Card? A mix is ideal! Carry some Euros for smaller purchases and emergencies. Debit cards are often accepted, but check with your bank about foreign transaction fees. Consider a travel credit card with travel rewards and good exchange rates. 3. ATM Savvy! ATMs are widely available, but fees can add up. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid blocked cards. Look for ATMs affiliated with your bank for potentially lower fees. 4. Tipping in Europe Tipping customs vary greatly! Research tipping etiquette for each country you visit. Some countries don't expect tipping, while others have a small standard percentage. 5. Budget Like a Pro! Plan your daily spending for meals, transportation, and attractions. Factor in hidden costs like museum entry fees or public transportation passes. This will help you avoid overspending and make the most of your Euros! Ready to explore Europe with confidence? Travel Concepts can help you craft the perfect itinerary and answer any money-related questions. Contact us today to start planning your dream European adventure! #travelagents #travelagentlife #travelteam #travelpros #travelindustry #mentor #speaker #travelconcepts #travelconceptskc #travelagent #womanowned #womanownedbusiness #kansascity #kansascitytravelagent #pivotandprosper #professionalgrowth #travelagentmentor #travelindustryretreat

🚀 Exciting times in urban mobility! Mastercard is leading the way with innovative solutions that are reshaping how we move in cities. Here’s what sets us apart: 1. **Cutting-Edge Payment Solutions**: We’ve developed technologies like contactless payments and mobile wallets that simplify the commuter experience, making it easier to access various transportation options. 2. **Strategic Partnerships**: By collaborating with public transit agencies and private mobility providers, we’re integrating our payment solutions into existing infrastructures to enhance the overall travel experience. 3. **Data-Driven Insights**: Our advanced analytics capabilities help cities understand travel patterns and user behavior, enabling optimized transportation networks and better urban planning. 4. **Commitment to Sustainability**: We’re actively promoting eco-friendly transportation options, from supporting electric vehicle infrastructure to encouraging shared mobility solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals. 5. **Global Expertise**: With operations in multiple countries, we bring a wealth of experience to tailor solutions for diverse urban environments. 6. **User-Centric Design**: We prioritize user experience in our urban mobility solutions, ensuring they are intuitive and accessible, driving adoption among commuters. Through these initiatives, Mastercard is not only enhancing the efficiency of urban transportation but also contributing to the development of smarter, more connected cities. We’re committed to innovation, partnership, and sustainability in urban mobility! 🌍💳 #UrbanMobility #Innovation #Sustainability #Mastercard