The world of tourism is no stranger to bizarre headlines, but 2025 has taken things to a whole other level.From rumors of airlines turning passengers into standing sardines to couches about a golden ticket to U.S. citizenship, here's a selection of the weirdest travel industry gossip that's been circulating through airport waiting rooms and Reddit threads.
1. The $5,000 Gold Card That “Gives You U.S. Citizenship”
One of the craziest rumors circulating online this year claims that a $5,000 Gold Travel Card gives you U.S. citizenship in an emergency. Supposedly available through a mysterious travel club based “somewhere in the Caribbean,” this card would guarantee a green card, a free iPad, and even “instant voting rights in the U.S.”
Of course, the US immigration authorities have firmly denied the existence of such a program. But that hasn't stopped dozens of TikTok users from flaunting their fake cards and sharing their “inside secrets.” Moral of the story? If it sounds too good to be true and comes with a free iPad — then it's definitely not real.
2. Flights on hold from 2026?
In an attempt to “revolutionise economy class”, rumours are circulating that several low-cost airlines are planning to introduce standing seats on short-haul flights starting in 2026. Yes — standing up. Imagine a combination of a bar stool and a rollercoaster harness and you're already halfway there.
Although low-cost companies such as Ryanair and VivaColombia have flirted with the idea for years, new patents for “vertical seat designs” filed this year have once again put a straw on the fire. It remains to be seen whether this is the future of ultra-low-cost travel or just a crude April 1 prototype. But we keep our belts coupled—preferably standing down.
3. “Emotional support frogs” in France — a real thing?
A viral news story in rural France claimed that a small airline briefly allowed passengers to bring emotional support frogs on board, citing “a lack of therapy dogs.” The company would have issued miniature boarding tickets for frogs and would have served jellyfish in the shape of flies as part of the onboard service.
Although no airline has officially confirmed the policy, and the alleged photos of the frogs appear to come from skilled Photoshop pranksters, the internet is still buzzing about the subject.
4. Fly low cost to the edge of space?
A company that claims to offer “edge of space experiences” for as little as $300 has sparked controversy — and more than a few raised eyebrows — on social media. The offer includes a “stratospheric hot air balloon”, a pressurized helmet and “light snacks”.
Scientists and aviation authorities are skeptical. The altitude required to be considered truly “close to space” requires special aircraft or serious space technology—not something improvised with a balloon and a cereal bar. But if nothing else, it's a new marketing frontier, and Katy Perry was an “astronaut” for a few minutes, so what's new?
5. Airbnb for castles that don't exist
Scammers recently hit the headlines after listing several story castles in Europe on Airbnb — castles that, it turns out, don't exist. Travellers who booked “a weekend in an enchanted medieval tower” in Germany ended up in an empty field or, in one case, a goat farm.
Airbnb has taken action against fraudulent listings, but the trend of fake castles has given a new meaning to the phrase “sleeping like royalty.”
Last Call: Don't believe everything you read (even if you want to)
As the tourism industry evolves and social media continues to blur the line between reality and satire, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction. While many of these stories are nothing more than elaborate pranks, viral hoaxes, or ingenious PR stunts, they reveal something important: we all look for shortcuts, perks, and a dash of magic when we travel.
Just be careful not to exchange your passport for a gilded frog along the way.
