Planes, Trains—and Policy Shifts

Good Friday morning from Salzburg. I’m back after a couple days of meetings in Vienna.

The tourist season has arrived—on time, and approaching capacity. City squares are full. Museum lines are forming. The shops are Christmas crowded. Waitstaff at cafes and restaurants have switched back to English (which doesn’t help when I’m practicing my German). But it does tell you something else: confidence, on the surface, is up.

That may soon change. You’re headed into your Memorial Day weekend with President Trump stating on his Truth Social platform, “Our discussions with them are going nowhere! Therefore I am recommending a straight 50% Tariff on the European Union, starting on June 1, 2025.”

Brussels has presented its latest offer yesterday, which had been reported as being less diplomatic and more defensive. Consumer brands like Adidas and Puma are now weighing price hikes in response to U.S. tariffs—a signal that this negotiation is no longer abstract. With today’s announcement, it’s difficult to determine which foot the shoe is on.

Alas, travel is trade too.

As Europe heads into its peak summer tourist season, planes, trains, cruise ships and tour groups are on the move. If you plan to be one of those making the trip over, I’ve curated a couple of articles to help find some “off the beaten path” spots. Places where you likely won’t notice the political tension taking place in Brussels.

Have a great weekend, friends.

Leigh Fatzinger, Editor
Salzburg, Austria / 23 May 2025