Economic anxiety or not, Americans are still prioritizing Euro summer travel
On the agenda:
Cancer doctors say exercise is better at preventing colon cancer recurrence than drugs.
Sunglasses are the "it" accessory of the summer. Seven men shared their favorites.
The millennial obsession with longevity is making compression socks cool.
A top chef shares red flags to watch out for at seafood restaurants.
But first: Vive la Europe!
If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.
This week's dispatch
The American Euro summer dream
Despite very real economic anxiety, some American travelers aren't giving up their dreams of climbing the Eiffel Tower, sitting on the Spanish Steps, or sipping an Aperol spritz in the Italian sunlight.
"Traveling is very important to me," Jimin Shim, a millennial living in Denver, told BI's senior reporter Kelsey Vlamis. "And because I know that that is a priority for me, it's something that I budget for and am saving up for all year round."
Shim plans to travel with her mom to Portugal later this month. She's part of a larger trend of Americans who are still traveling to Europe despite a laundry list of potential issues: an uncertain economy, a weakened US dollar, and a changing perception of America partly due to Trump's tariff policies.
In fact, Vlamis reports that Allianz Partners, a travel insurance and assistance company, found that summer travel from the US to Europe is set to increase by 10% this year, according to a recent data analysis.
Still, many travelers are waiting longer to book to score the best deals. They're also choosing budget-friendly accommodations once they arrive. Others are swapping their itineraries altogether to save money.
Travel content creator Meredith Pierce said she's noticed that travelers who intended to take trips to Italy and Paris are now opting to travel to Albania or Poland, countries with similar climates and vistas.
Despite rising costs, Shim said her trip to Portugal is worth it for the reprieve alone. "Traveling and spending quality time with family who loves you is a great way to just take care of your mental and emotional health too," she added.
Exercise is actually a drug
A randomized controlled trial of exercise as a cancer treatment found brisk walking prevented recurrent colon cancer. Eight years out, 90% of patients in the exercise program were alive compared to 83% in the control group.
Results of the study were presented at the biggest annual cancer conference. It shows that exercise is more than just a way to boost quality of life — it's a treatment.
.
Four grocery store items colon cancer doctors avoid — and three they love
I attended the world's biggest cancer conference. Doctors gave standing ovations to two major breakthroughs.
Throwing shades
Sunglasses are the go-to accessory this summer, more for fashion than functionality. (Want to wear them at night? Go for it.)
Seven men shared their favorite pairs with BI, from luxe brands like Cartier and Gentle Monster to the Gen Z-forward Crap Eyewear.
Tinted lenses are also trending.
Sock it to 'em
Millennials can still dictate cool. They're a big reason why compression socks are becoming increasingly popular among young people, including their Gen Z counterparts.
Compression socks are designed to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, making them a great fit for millennials' love for products that boost longevity. They can also be a game changer for people who are pregnant or do a lot of exercise.
Plus, there are some pretty cute designs.
Seafood red flags
Aidan Owens is the executive chef at Herb & Sea, a top restaurant in Encinitas, California. His menus exclusively feature ingredients sourced by local farms and independent fishermen, so he knows how to find good seafood. That said, Owens also knows how to spot when a restaurant may not have good seafood.
Do the oysters smell like the ocean? Does your server know where the fish came from? If no, it might be a sign the restaurant isn't sourcing its ingredients sustainably.
What to watch out for.
What we're watching this weekend
"Snow White": See what all the fuss is about as the live-action version of Disney's beloved classic is now available on Disney+.
"Echo Valley": In this new thriller on Apple TV+, Julianne Moore plays a Pennsylvania farmer whose life turns upside down when her daughter (Sydney Sweeney) comes home in an alarming state.
"Titan: The Oceangate Submersible Disaster": This chilling documentary on Netflix delves into what led to the horrific 2023 implosion of the Titan submersible during its voyage to the Titanic wreckage.
Deals we love
Men's dress shoes: Step up your style game in and out of the office with these expert-approved dress shoes for men that are polished, comfortable, and actually worth the investment.
Tangled necklaces? Not on our watch: These travel jewelry cases tested by a pro travel writer will keep your favorite pieces safe, organized, and knot-free.
Swimsuits that won't let you down: Supportive, stylish, and made to move — we tested tons of styles to find the swimsuits that actually work for bigger busts (and still look amazing).
More of this week's top reads:
Danny Boyle made sure "28 Years Later" was worth the wait.
The sneaky new friendship divide between millennials and Gen Z.
This summer, people aren't just eating hot dogs — they're wearing them.
The Labubus got me — and I learned a trick to finally buy one.
Millennials who don't want kids explain their choice to be child-free, prioritize travel, and pursue their "dream life."
I love weddings, but I leave them early — even if I adore the couple. It's not so wrong, especially if you do it right.
A man proposed to his partner with a stunning engagement ring. She returned the favor with his dream Rolex.
A 41-year-old longevity doctor says his "biological age" is 24. He takes three supplements daily.
Want a baby this year? Brace yourself.
How Patrick Schwarzenegger spends his 5 to 9 — from getting 10,000 steps to eating Japanese sweet potatoes.
The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City. Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Axios
7 hours ago
- Axios
Your ultimate guide to Russian River this summer
It wouldn't be a San Francisco summer without a Russian River trip. State of play: The Russian River is a scenic getaway and winds through towering Redwoods and rolling hills, with many great beaches perfect for cooling off. Guerneville is the hub, with charming restaurants, rustic log cabins and LGBTQ+ friendly vibes. The latest: Here's how to make the most of your time there during your next visit. Best river spots Many of the best beaches are within a 20-minute drive from Guerneville, are dog-friendly and have low parking fees. Here are some favorites. 🛶 Johnson's Beach: One of the most popular known for sunbathing, swimming and paddling. 🛟 Steelhead Beach: Great starting point for the 2-mile tubing trip toward Sunset Beach. 🏝️ Monte Rio Beach: A favorite among locals. 🌊 : Known as "Mom's Beach," its shallow waters make it ideal for families with kids. 🌅 Sunset Beach: Quiet and surrounded by trees — great for a late-afternoon swim. 🗺️ Plus: To find hidden access points, switch to satellite mode and look for gravel banks, sandbars, or informal trails leading to the river. Zoom in around river bends near Guerneville, Monte Rio, Forestville and the Hacienda Bridge. Pro tip: Remember to leave no trace, use dry bags to keep valuables safe, and download offline maps or drop a pin — cell service can be spotty. Where to rent supplies Summer activities like kayaking, canoeing or tubing require gear. These shops can help: Burke's Canoe Trips: 8600 River Road, Forestville King's Sport & Tackle: 16258 Main St., Guerneville Where to eat and drink: 🍺 Stumptown Brewery: Dog-friendly, laid-back eatery with BBQ and local brews. 🌮 Guerneville Taco Truck: This beloved fixture is a must-stop if you need a quick bite on the go. 🌈 Rainbow Cattle Company: As quirky as its name sounds, this friendly gay bar is a great place to unwind after being out in the sun all day. 🍔 Rio Nido Roadhouse: A true gem serving American fare. Offers pool access, live music and recreational activities. Where to stay in Guerneville 🛎️ The Stavrand: Upscale boutique hotel with luxurious amenities. ⛺ Johnson's Beach Cabins and Campground: Low-cost option for a more affordable stay.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why are Dutch kids the world's happiest? A teenager weighs in
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mary Frances Ruskell graduated from high school last month in Columbia, South Carolina. She will be attending Dartmouth College in the fall. The summer before sixth grade, my friend Lou and I discovered an empty lot with an abandoned dock on the lake in her neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina. It was always magical there. We only went in the late afternoon to avoid the heat, when the light was sliding into evening and the cicadas and frogs were sit on the dock eating candy and drinking slushees for hours. Those are some of my favorite summer memories from elementary and middle school. My parents gave me a long leash as a kid, provided I was home before the streetlamps turned on. I walked long distances, especially in the summer when I had more time. I'd wander down to the neighborhood drugstore for gummy candies, or all the way to a main shopping street to try on clothes I couldn't afford. I'd walk to restaurants, coffee shops and far-flung friends' houses. It was fun, and it taught me how to be on my own in the world, in its own small way. But I was a rare free-range child among my peers. Dozens of kids my age lived in the neighborhood, but only three were allowed to walk to my house to ask if I wanted to play when we were in elementary school. The other parents didn't let their kids go off in the neighborhood on their own. Instead, they called my mom to set up playdates in what felt like the far-off future. I appreciate how much effort and organization that took, but when you're a little kid, the desire to play was immediate. It was frustrating. When I visited friends in the Netherlands in March, the Dutch kids I encountered reminded me of my own childhood roaming my neighborhood. I was staying in Haarlem, a small storybook city outside of Amsterdam, with Tracy, a family friend and American expat now living in the Netherlands. Her three kids were born there and are being raised Dutch. They were always in and out of the apartment, headed to school, restaurants and friends' houses. These kinds of comings and goings aren't unique to their family. Many Dutch children enjoy a freedom of movement that most American kids don't, which might be the key to why Dutch kids are the happiest kids in the world, according to a 2025 UNICEF report. The agency measured childhood well-being in 43 countries that are members of the European Union and/or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The US was not fully ranked in mental health because researchers were missing relevant data. Even without a definitive mental health ranking for American children, I still think Dutch kids are far happier than American kids like me. Articles discussing the report offer lots of different answers as to why this happiness gap exists: better health care, high-trust culture, less pressure to excel academically. But when I asked parents and children in the Netherlands why they thought their children were so happy, they all had one answer: Dutch parents value giving their children independence, possibly above all else. American parents say they value independence, too. Nearly three-quarters of American parents with children ages 5 to 8 say 'they make it a point to have their child do things themselves, when possible,' according to the 2023 C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. The poll also found that among parents of children ages 9 to 11, '84% agree that children benefit from having free time without adult supervision.' So, if both American and Dutch parents value independence, why do Dutch kids seem so much happier? I wonder if the key difference lies in how both sets of parents understand what freedom for kids looks like. 'Dutch parenting is all about raising self-sufficient kids,' Tracy told me. 'My older two (ages 12 and 14) bike more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) daily to school since there are no school buses. 'If a teacher cancels a class, students just have free time instead of a substitute. My 14-year-old had two canceled classes this morning and simply stayed home until noon. This would be a logistical nightmare for schools and parents if we didn't just expect our kids to sort it out.' Dutch parenting, according to the close to a dozen parents in the Netherlands I spoke with, emphasizes allowing children a freedom of movement that many American kids don't have. When I was in Haarlem and Amsterdam, bikes and little kids on bikes were everywhere. Dutch kids get bicycles at an early age, Tracy told me, and that gives them the ability to move around their towns and cities by themselves. I also saw plenty of kids walking with their friends to stores and restaurants. Generally speaking, Dutch children and teens are allowed to move freely through the world. Most American kids don't have anything close to this degree of freedom. Only 33% of American children between the ages of 9 and 11 are allowed to bike or walk to a friend's house alone, according to the Mott survey. One-half are allowed to find an item at a store while a parent is in another aisle, and 15% may trick-or-treat with friends on their own. They cannot move through the world without their parents there. There may be many reasons why American parents are limiting their kids' physical independence, but the main reason seems to be concern for children's safety. American parents are afraid for their children's well-being, and that makes them anxious. In fact, 40% of parents report being extremely worried about their children struggling with depression or anxiety, and 36% report being 'somewhat' concerned, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey of American parenting. More than 4 in 10 parents describe themselves as overprotective, the survey noted. That may be why they limit their child's freedom of movement. That lack of freedom of movement might be undermining what parents say they actually want for their children: well-being. After all, don't parents protect their kids so they'll be happy and healthy? A team of researchers concluded in a 2023 study that 'a primary cause of the rise in mental disorders is a decline over decades in opportunities for children and teens to play, roam, and engage in other activities independent of direct oversight and control by adults.' The study's researchers argue that independent activity in adolescents leads to the well-being that parents want. Independent activities require young people to make their own decisions and find their own solutions, leading to the development of a strong 'internal locus of control,' the researchers noted. That locus refers to a person's tendency to believe they have control over their life and can solve problems as they arise. A weak internal locus of control, stemming from less independence in adolescence, often leads to anxiety or depression. My high school classmate Cal commented on this anxiety once when we were talking about how Gen Z apparently parties less. 'People are too scared for their kids to go and do stuff, and I think, as a result (we) as a generation are too scared to do stuff now.' I'm not a parent, and I'm not trying to tell anyone how to raise their children. But I did just graduate from high school, so I know what modern childhood is like. I remember how wonderful and rare it was being able to wander in elementary and middle school, so I hope my perspective might be helpful to some anxious parents. This summer, consider letting your kids walk to the neighborhood park without you. Or give them money to buy an ice cream cone without your supervision. Encourage them to invite a friend. Let them have some physical freedom, and the memories that come with it. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.


USA Today
13 hours ago
- USA Today
Bison stampede footage shows Yellowstone critters that are ‘born to run'
Bison jams are an exciting part of the Yellowstone National Park experience, but as Yellowstone Safari Company pointed out Tuesday, 'There are Bison Jams and there are Bison STAMPEDES.' The accompanying footage shows a long line of bison, including calves, running down a highway as idle motorists marvel at the spectacle. (Viewers can spot even more bison on the landscape adjacent to the highway.) "Today we found ourselves in the [stampede] as hundreds of Bison rushed past our safari vehicle, completely surrounding us!" Yellowstone Safari Company stated via Instagram. "There is simply no other place where you can step back in time and experience such an authentically American wild scenario like this!" While motorists were able to enjoy the sound of the gargantuan beasts clomping atop pavement, viewers can enjoy footage accompanied by Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run.'